Comments on: REVIEW: From Waif to Gentleman’s Wife by Julia Justiss

By: Estate Taxes

Estate Taxes — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:07:28 +0000

I think that’s a great book to read. When can I buy something like that? I’m very interested about books for relationship. Can you tell me where can I buy those?

By: Jayne

Jayne — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:14:40 +0000

@Sunita: I'd forgotten about the Balogh books you mentioned (haven't read either one of them) but those aren't the ones I'm thinking of. Will have to dig back through my old notes to see if I can remember the title/author.

By: Jayne

Jayne — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:13:32 +0000

@Patricia Briggs: Now that would be funny to see. Any good "stories" you remember?

By: Sunita

Sunita — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:14:37 +0000

@Jayne: Mary Balogh has a couple of books that are set against the backdrop of social conflict in Wales. Truly is mid-19th century, set in the context of the Rebecca riots, and Longing is earlier and features the Chartists.

By: Patricia Briggs

Patricia Briggs — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:37:26 +0000

One of the saleswomen at my local used bookstore likes to take the Harlequin titles in their “just arrived” shelves and organize them so they tell a story. It’s really, really funny.

By: DS

DS — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:29:59 +0000

@Jayne: Thanks. It's much appreciated.

By: Jayne

Jayne — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:45:20 +0000

@Lizzy: LOLOL. I admit to a love/hate relationship with Harlequin titles. I just finished reading a book called "Bedding the Secret Heiress." So, one guess as to what happens during the book and the first one doesn't count.

By: Jayne

Jayne — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:38:38 +0000

@DS: Sorry. I try to add them for my reviews but admit that I'm better at remembering it for epublishers. Will try and do better in the future.

By: Jayne

Jayne — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:37:44 +0000

@orannia: It's out in print or ebook format. All new Harlequin releases are so no worries abou that. I've never heard of "The Two Farms" but will check out your link. Thanks!

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:28:25 +0000

OK, look, full disclosure, didn’t read this review. Know the review will be great because it’s on DA.

But I have to get off on a honk about Harlequin and the connect-the-dot titles. Is there any book line they don’t do this in? I know this is not new bitching. But seriously and sometimes, especially when you get one of these Put Tab A to Slot B titles, I just wonder, do they even think I know how a plot works? Of course she’s a waif and will become a gentleman’s wife. Even if I wasn’t edumacated, I still pay for my cable every month, people. Or, in other words, if I’m old enough to read about sex, I’m probably also old enough to have seen enough plotlines in which absolutely every underdog (waif) triumphs (totally lands the rich dude).

Some mystery would be nice, is all I’m saying. Would it kill them to call this something more subtle?

By: DS

DS — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:00:43 +0000

Something I just noticed. Dear Author has a tag for Harlequin, but no other publishers I’ve noticed– I usually end up clicking through to Amazon to see who the publisher is on certain books.

I know too many tags are the very devil, but would it be possible to add publisher tags? The obsessive among us (I) would be grateful.

By: orannia

orannia — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:39:47 +0000

Thank you Jayne! I love book such as this – set in the country with estate management at the forefront. Is it only available as an eBook? Hmmm….I wonder if there are geographical restrictions on this book? I’ll found out, as I’d love to read it.

Oh, and have you ever read a book called The Two Farms by Mary Pearce?

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:59:00 +0000

I liked this book (I’m a big Julia Justiss / Harlequin Historical fan)… but the one thing that got to me was how both of the characters (particularly Ned) kept doubting themselves. It seemed like Ned was always admiring Joanna but at the same time thinking “She won’t ever like me” and Joanna is always thinking Ned isn’t attracted to her. While this tactic can be endearing as a plot, in this instance it felt overdone. However, as I said, big Justiss fan as a whole (esp A Most Unconventional Match).

By: Jayne

Jayne — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:25:24 +0000

That aspect of the book was used in one other Regency I’ve read but it’s been years since I read it and I honestly can’t remember the title or author. But Ned’s a sweetheart of a beta hero.

By: Karla

Karla — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:56:54 +0000

Great review. I haven’t read many Regencies, but enough so that I was getting sick of the cliches. The whole Luddite backdrop was a breath of fresh air.