Reviews
RT Rating:
Category: HISTORICAL
Setting:
1866, New York
Publisher:
Zebra
Published:
January
2004
| During
the Civil War, Billie D'Angelo dresses as a boy to
work as a Confederate spy. Union Captain Grayson
Vanderlyn has commandeered her beautiful Morgan
horse, Destiny, and Billie wants it back.
Destiny is all that stands between her and abject poverty. The horse is the pivotal element in Billie's plan to start a horse farm on her uncle's run-down Texas property. If successful, she can eventually buy back her ancestral home in Tennessee. Disguised as a lad, Billie travels to Grayson's home in New York. But before she can steal the horse back, Billie encounters Grayson's sister Lina, who decides to help the "boy" by making him her foster son. Gray and Billie each fight to keep Destiny and struggle with the feelings they arouse within each other. Hanson crafts a fast-paced book, rich in detail. Her judicious use of Southern dialect adds a ring of authenticity. Put this on your to-buy list. Fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' rare debut historical, The Copeland Bride, will be especially delighted. SENSUAL (Jan., 256 pp., $5.99) —Deborah Brent, Romantic Times Bookclub www.romantictimes.com/books_review.php?book=21352 |
|
To keep herself unharmed and alive, Billie D’Angelo spends much of her time dressed as a young boy. When a Yankee colonel steals her prized possession, a horse with impeccable bloodlines, Billie vows to travel north, as soon as it is safe, and reclaim him.
When a young boy attempts to steal his horse, Grayson Vanderlyn, captures the boy and winds up housing him. It seems Grayson’s sister figures this poor young orphan needs a new mother and a new home. Something about the boy troubles Grayson, his pulse picks up every time the boy is near.
When Billie’s secret is revealed, Grayson knows he wants to make this woman his wife. However, feelings between the north and the south are still tenuous at best. How can he prove he is not the blood thirsty Yankee she believes him to be?
I adore Civil War settings, and sadly they are not commonly used. TENNESSEE WALTZ is the first book by Ginger Hanson that has connected characters. Ginger, a former history teacher, knows her stuff! She captures the feel of the times beautifully. You feel as though you are traveling right along side Grayson and Billie.
I am eager to become lost in the next book, RANSOM’S BRIDE, which comes out this month. The review, as well as an interview, will be up in a couple of weeks.
Tracy Farnsworth of Roundtable Reviews (www.roundtablereviews.com
RT Rating:
Category: HISTORICAL
Setting: Post-Civil War South
Publisher: Zebra
Published: April 2004
The war is over and Confederate officer Ransom Champion comes home to find his fiancée, Sabrina, dead, his dreams ruined and life in tatters. In his grief, he finds comfort in the arms of Angela, Sabrina's sister. Angela can hardly believe that Ransom is alive. How can she tell him the circumstances of Sabrina's betrayal and death—how can she hide the love she has felt for him for so long? When Angela is accused of being a Confederate spy, Ransom marries her and they leave for Texas before she can be arrested. The supposed marriage of convenience erupts into passion. As the newlyweds stand side by side on a trail drive and survive a stampede and a vicious enemy's schemes, they forge a love strong enough to surmount anything. With a strong plot, plenty of action and a well-drawn backdrop, Hanson's latest is a find for readers who like their romances fast-paced and sensual but not heavy on character development or deep emotions. A light, fast, entertaining read. SENSUAL (Apr., 300 pp., $5.99) —Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Bookclub |
When her deceased sister's fiancé returns from the war, Angela Stapleton is shocked. They had assumed that Ransom Champion was dead. His smoldering kiss is enough to knock her off her feet; after all, Angela has loved Ransom for what seems an eternity. He doesn't know that her sister lost interest long ago and that the letters he did receive from his fiancée were actually written by Angela.
Caught up in his joyous return, Ransom doesn't realize he has kissed the wrong sister at first. After a quick apology, Ransom learns that the woman he loves is dead. Ransom stays that night with Angela and her family, and awakens the next morning in Angela's arms.
Angela knew making love to Ransom in his state was wrong, but she didn't have the strength to walk away. Now she finds herself forced to marry Ransom, not only because their union could have resulted in pregnancy, but also because an old enemy is nearing and has no intentions on leaving without Angela as a prize. Ransom and Angela set off to Texas hoping to find a safe haven where they can start a new life.
RANSOM'S BRIDE is a fast paced, tender romance. I enjoyed Angela and Ransom's characters, though the kiss that started their fiery romance off seemed unusual. As Angela had straight, black hair and her sister's was blonde and curly, I found it hard to believe that Ransom didn't know who he was kissing from the very start. I was able to overlook this, however, as I watched them come to terms with their burgeoning love.
I did want to thank the author for her honesty about Angela's virginal state. I can't name how many books I have read where the woman's "maidenhood" is torn during her first sexual encounter, though we all know that most women's hymen can be broken much earlier just by heavy activity. Ginger Hanson goes against the norm by mentioning how horse riding was responsible. I found myself cheering for this honest approach! One can only hope that more authors start to break away from the age old misconception! Thanks, Ginger!
Tracy Farnsworth of Roundtable Reviews (www.roundtablereviews.com)
