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I'm a fast reader. I average somewhere between five and seven books a week, depending on how busy the week is. Generally, it's a good thing: I get to read more books. If there's a drawback to it, it's that I have less time to live inside the pages when a book delights me. They're often simply over too soon.
Last week I read The Last Letter from Your Lover, by Jojo Moyes. This is a book that laments lost things: love, opportunities, and language. The bulk of the book takes place in 1960 and 1964, when beautiful, heart-felt love letters were written between the mysterious "B" and the elegant Jennifer Stirling, a society wife who resembled Grace Kelly. There's a striking disconnect between these scenes and those telling the more harried modern day tale of Ellie, a journalist who tries to uncover the secrets behind these letter, which she's found. Nearly everything that was delightfully sophisticated and languid about the early stories disappears in the modern story, which serves to cleverly illustrate Moyes' elegy to the lost language of love. There is a bittersweet atmosphere to the book; in fact, if you liked Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, this would be a good one to try next.
The Last Letter from Your Lover was the rare book that slowed me down. It took me a full three days to read it. It has an elegiac quality that somehow translated into slowing me down. It was wonderful -- I felt like I got to live in that time and place, and let me tell you: 1960 in London and Southern France wasn't a bad place to spend a few days.
Here are the remaining RITA Award finalists and winners the Washington-Centerville Public library owns. You can find the complete listing of winners and finalists at http://www.rwanational.org/cs/2010_rita_finalists.
For Historical Romance
Not Quite A Husband (Winner) by Caitlin Alexander
This novel will make you laugh, cry and fall in love time and again.
Wicked All Day by Liz Carlyle
Reserved man meets a spoiled,yet charming woman, who consistently requires him to save her from herself.
With Seduction In Mind by Laura Lee Gurhke
This story has well-developed characters. The characters are set opposite each other and get on each others nerves until the sparks fly.
To beguile a beast by Elizabeth Hoyt
A blend of fantasy, reality and a sensual romance story.
Knight Of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory
A romance adventure story that shouldn't be missed!
For Inspirational Romance
Entertaining Angels / Judy Duarte
This is an uplifting inspirational novel that teaches readers to accept others for who they are and not what they look like.
An eye for an eye / Irene Hannon. Irene Hannon.
This novel is a story of personal growth filled with romance, suspense and a strong christian message.
The Silent Governess / Julie Klassen
The Silent Governess is an interesting and satisfying soujourn into 19th century England.
For Paranormal Romance
Kiss Of A Demon King (Winner) by Kresley Cole
A dark paranormal romance in an urban setting filled with hot scenes where the evil queen plays with the handsome righteous king.
For Best Regency Historical Romance
What Happens In London by Julia Quinn
A fun light-hearted historical romance.
A View To A Kiss by Caroline Linden
A sweet historical romance filled with intrigue and suspense.
Surrender Of A Siren by Tessa Dare
A passionate tale of a runaway bride and a dark, dangerous privateer.
For Young Adult Romance
Perfect Chemistry (Winner) by Simone Elkeles
A story of forbidden love, acceptance and courage.
