After many requests to share some book recommendations, I am finally getting off my lazy behind to post something for all you loyal readers. (By the way, my behind is not lazy. It is busier than evah. Book deadline, four kids, husband never home, crazy dog who gets out of the yard, etc. But enough about me.)
Without further ado, here are my book recommendations for romantic, clean(ish), sweep-you-off-your-feet books.
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| Eva Ibbotson's books are all set around the same time as Downton Abbey--around the end of World War I in England. This is my favorite of hers. But she has many other great ones. Her books are so clean that they have been shelved as YA in the U.S., although her characters are adults. |
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| Martine Leavitt is a brilliant author, and I believe it is only her natural shyness that has kept her from being as celebrated as she deserves. This book is so beautiful that I cried at the end, and read the ending over and over. You must read the acknowledgements if you pick this up. |
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| Mary Stewart was very popular in the 1950's, and luckily her books have been reprinted for us to enjoy as well. The suspense in this book is so well done, without any actual violence, that my heart was pounding during the entire last half of the book. The romance is great too. |
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| If you haven't read this book yet, slap yourself and then go get it immediately. This is the book that made me write the (ish) part on cleanish, because it has some very harrowing, violent scenes in it. Reading it as an adult, I was simply in awe of the rough living the early settlers of the west had to endure. I don't think I would recommend it to a young adult, though. But it has one of the most romantic stories I have ever read, and this is the book that inspired me to include a love letter in Edenbrooke. |
Oooh! Thanks for posting! I am excited to check these out! A Countess Below Stairs has been on my list for awhile! : )
ReplyDeleteApril
I've read A Countess Below Stairs and absolutely loved it! The romance is sweet and the characters and their individual struggles are so gripping.
ReplyDeleteJust finished your wonderful book, read it through the night and then reread my favorite parts the next day while ignoring the dishes that were glaring at me from the sink. (P.S. Still waiting for a cleaning fairy to appear when I'm wrapped up in a book. I'll keep you posted.) I absolutely LOVED Phillip's love letter and am so grateful you included it in the book. I swooned and still do each time I think of it. Thanks for the recommendations. I'm adding them all to my list.
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck on your deadline, crazy dog and busy family!
I've read and loved them all except the one by Martine Leavitt, so of course I immediately put it on hold at the library!!! I'll bet I can add it to my loved books list by this weekend!! (These Is My Words is just one of my favorites, ever.)
ReplyDeleteAdding all of these to my goodreads que! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeletesmiles, always looking for good books. thank you.
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ReplyDeletePicked up a signed copy off your book (because I loved the cover & regency). Love it! Can't wait to read the next one!
ReplyDeleteSo, I just read A Countess Below Stairs, and . . . wow. What fantastic writing! I loved it . . . smiling, giggling, laughing out loud at the crazy, delightful images and language. Two pretty housemaids hired with an eye to Uncle Sebastian, indeed! lol I could feel the cool curve of the statuary Anna dusted, and see the magical rose. Lovely! Now, to work my way through a few more of these . . .
ReplyDeleteSo, I just read A Countess Below Stairs, and . . . wow. What fantastic writing! I loved it . . . smiling, giggling, laughing out loud at the crazy, delightful images and language. Two pretty housemaids hired with an eye to Uncle Sebastian, indeed! lol I could feel the cool curve of the statuary Anna dusted, and see the magical rose. Lovely! Now, to work my way through a few more of these . . .
ReplyDeleteThese is my word is one of my all time favorites. I just finished nine coaches waiting...and while I did enjoy the story and the writing, I really didn't get the chemistry between raoul and linda. that is one thing I loved about edenbrooke...you totally get the chemistry. now on to a countless below stairs :)
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