Hi everyone!
Yeah, it's been a while since I've blogged. I've been busy reading craft books, making notes about an idea I'm working on and marking contest entries. I've also been enjoying my life and family, and taking the time to read as much as I can.
Previously, I wrote a blog post about the best romance novels of all time. I've made it my mission to get my hands on the books people rate as they best of the genre, and so far I've accumulated about ten books from the 'best of' lists I've found on the web. I'm still waiting for some book orders to arrive, and I'm so excited to read them to see if there's something the writer in me can learn from these treasured novels.
Last time I talked about Outlander. I'm up to book five in the series, and I now understand why people love Diana Gabaldon. But today I'm looking at a different time-travel novel that appears to be adored by readers, and that's Jude Deveraux's A Knight in Shining Armor.
I'm a fan of Jude's, and have read her books before. I've never read this book, though, and I will admit it was a struggle to read this initially as the heroine appeared to be a bit of a doormat (I won't ruin the story, but her boyfriend isn't nice, to put it mildly). It's not until she cries on the tomb of the hero, who is from the sixteenth-century, and brings him to the twentieth century, that she develops some backbone.
When you read the letter from Jude at the back of the book explaining why she wrote the heroine the way she did it becomes clearer. Essentially, the heroine is supposed to rise up against an abusive relationship, and through her love of the hero, discover her strength. It all makes sense, and once you get to know the hero and the heroine, you learn to love them. The heroine redeems herself, and the the hero is just so sexy, I'd happily travel through time for him!
I had some issues with the way the book was written early on. It seemed a little clunky, but it gets better/smoother as it progresses. The twists will keep you hooked, and you will either be a bit sad or thoroughly delighted by the end. I'm teetering between the two. Either way, I can completely understand why readers love this book, and it'll be one of my keepers. I already miss reading about the hero!
I'll be back again with the next book in my search for the best romance novels of all time. Not sure when, but hopefully soon.
Bye for now,
:-) Mon
Mon's random thoughts on writing, life and anything else that catches her attention
4 comments:
Hi Mon,
I admire your perseverance. If I can't get into a book early on, I tend to give up.
And it's interesting that you had to read the author's explanation of the heroine's motivation to really understand where the heroine was coming from.
Cheers! Good luck with the writing.
Hey Mon, have missed seeing you around. Glad you have started the Outlander series!! One word: Jamie :))
Hey Shayne, The reason I kept reading was I like the author, and there must have been a reason other people liked the book so much. I'm glad I did continue to read on as it was a great book (which I think you'll love).
Hey EK, yep, Jamie is fantastic. A born leader, and worth travelling through time for. I really like Roger as well - he has the tall, dark and handsome thing happenin'!
Oh, and I've missed you too! ;-)
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