Dear Serena Bell: Despite the fact that the United States is experiencing its highest levels of immigration since the turn of the 19th/20th century, I rarely come across contemporary romance novels that feature immigrant protagonists. And given the controversial nature of immigration policy today, especially with respect to undocumented immigrants, ... more >
It is a time of celebration in the Pingkang li, where imperial scholars and bureaucrats mingle with beautiful courtesans. At the center is the Lotus Palace, home of the most exquisite courtesans in China… Maidservant Yue-ying is not one of those beauties. Street-smart and practical, she’s content to live ... more >
“Yan Ling tries hard to be servile–it’s what’s expected of a girl of her class. Being intelligent and strong-minded, she finds it a constant battle. Proud Fei Long is unimpressed by her spirit–until he realizes she’s the answer to his problems. He has to deliver the emperor a “princess.” In ... more >
My Best Girl (1927) Genre: Romance/Comedy/Silent Film Grade: B+ This movie is so cute I just want to scoop it up and hug it. Mary Pickford’s last silent film, it showcases her charm and talent and proves why she was America’s sweetheart. The plot is nothing new or exciting. Maggie ... more >
Dear Ms. Phillips, I wanted to read this book because of the Tudor time period and the fact that the hero is not only a commoner but a bastard as well. Also, I had heard good things about your Harlequin Historicals of the 90s. It’s slightly bawdy for the time ... more >
Dear Ms. Hunter, I picked up this book after Jane mentioned it in passing in an email with…some sort of positive connotation. I hadn’t read your work before, but whatever it was Jane said, it was enough for me to want to check this book out. Unfortunately, the fact that ... more >