Need a book where you don’t have to think or analyze what you’re reading? Need a good beach read? Romance novels are good for that. They are stories with happy endings, set in just about any time period, with or without sex and with a little mystery and intrigue or not. Yes, they are often formulaic and predictable but in this crazy, fast-paced world, sometimes that is just what is needed.
‘A Week from Sunday’
By Dorothy Garlock
Following the funeral of her father, Adrianna Moore learns he left everything to his attorney, Richard Pope. Richard has always had an eye for Adrianna and upon informing her he is the executor of the estate and therefore he has control over all her father’s wealth, he informs her she is now his and they will wed “a week from Sunday.”
Adrianna has never cared for, let alone loved Richard and is appalled by this pronouncement. She knows there is no way she would ever marry him so she makes plans to leave her Shreveport home and head to an aunt’s home in Mississippi.
On her way to Mississippi in a horrible rain storm, Adrianna is involved in a car accident in which she hits a truck, causing the truck driver, Quinn, to lose all the liquor he is transporting to his tavern and injuring the passenger, who not only bartends at the tavern, but plays the piano there.
The next thing Adrianna knows, she’s agreed to play piano in the tavern and tutor Quinn‘s younger brother while he’s recovering from his own car accident. She agrees to this as it is the only way she can pay off what she owes Quinn for the lost liquor.
Little does Adrianna know there’s more to Quinn than meets the eye.
Set in the 1930s, the prolific Garlock writes a strong novel filled with realistic conversations, emotion, love and enough suspense to keep the engrossing story moving right along. Highly recommended.
‘Wife for Hire’
By Janet Evanovich
Hank Mallone needs a bank loan. The problem is his father owns the bank and is refusing to loan Hank any money until he proves he’s changed his ways. This means proving Hank has settled down and has stopped his wild ways.
Hank believes that if he can hire someone to play his wife for six months, that’ll be enough time to prove to his father he has changed and he’ll get the loan.
Maggie Toone is looking for a quiet place to write a book based on her great aunt’s diaries, so the employment agency sends her out to meet Hank.
Neither saw the other coming. Maggie is the only applicant and Hank’s not sure she fits the bill but has no choice. Little do they know just how much they need each other.
Before Stephanie Plum, Janet Evanovich wrote romance novels. This is the latest one to be reprinted and it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon on the beach or in your own back yard.
‘The Black Sheet and the Princess’
By Donna Kauffman
As a teenager, Donovan MacLeod spent his summers at Winnimoca, a very exclusive summer camp for rich kids. Donovan never actually stayed there as he was from the wrong side of the tracks and was the kid of the town drunk, but he met two of his best friends and eyed the owner’s daughter, Kate Sutherland, nonetheless.
Fast forward 18 years. Donovan and his friends run the Unholy Trinity, a business in which they help those in need and set right the law, even if their methods aren’t always lawful. While reading the paper one day, he finds that Kate has returned to the camp and intends to refurbish it for challenged children. Kate has run into some trouble, though, and it seems only natural for Donovan to get to the bottom of the issues.
Kate and Donovan never acted on their feelings as teenagers. It doesn’t take long for the two of them to find they still feel the same about each other and they grow closer to each other while resolving Kate’s problems.
A sexy, predictable romance with enough mystery to keep the story moving.
Susan Wray is the director of the Joplin Public Library.
Globe Life
Related Photos
Discussion
Book review: Formulaic and predictable? Yes, but romance novels have their place
- Globe Life
-
-
Balloons become everything from giraffes to gateways in Joplin man's hands
Ronald Metz’s fingers fold pinched-off portions of a skinny, blue balloon, wrapping and squeezing them until the balloon ends up looking like a tail-wagging pooch.
-
Frankie Meyer: Tornado stories should be recorded
The Joplin tornado was one of the worst disasters to ever hit our area. Thousands of families were forever changed.
-
Phyllis Seesengood: Minor character in series gets major role
Nate Romanowski has been a minor player in most of the novels in the series, but he takes center stage in this thriller. Previous novels have teased us with bits and pieces of Nate’s past, but in this latest entry we learn more about Nate’s background -- why he has gone underground and shied away from society, and why he lives as an isolationist in the Wyoming wilderness.
-
Frankie Meyer: Medical histories hold important details
Details about family health patterns can help a doctor in diagnosing problems, and it can also help each person recognize his or her increased health risks. Armed with that knowledge, patients may need to change to a healthier life style and add new medical tests to regular checkups.
-
Close-knit quarters: Guests at hotel become new neighborhood after tornado
“Someone from Chicago asked us the reason for this, why we would all want to get together,” Stanley said. “When he found out the reason, he said that this doesn’t happen in Chicago. If something happens, everyone goes their separate ways, and they don’t try to bond.”
-
Frankie Meyer: Historical societies need volunteers
Even with the tough economic times, dedicated volunteers at genealogy societies, historical societies and museums continue to help their communities. Please show your support by contacting your local groups and asking how you can help.
-
Jacque Gage: Relationships between animals, kids subject of heartwarming book
Until just recently, I was unaware the phrase “A dog is man’s best friend” has its origins in Missouri.
-
Tornado victim builds place where she, others can begin recovery
For the past year, Ann Leach has been making lemonade out of lemons. Last May, she was looking forward to expanding her grief and loss counseling business, Life Preservers, and attending a fall conference in Hawaii.
-
Danya Walker: Authors star in historical mystery series
I am a huge fan of mysteries, especially historical ones, reading a wide variety and always on the lookout for a new author. So I was delighted to discover a new series featuring Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle and a cast of other historical figures by Gyles Brandreth.
-
Frankie Meyer: Fort Smith’s vast history creates family destination
The best way to get relatives and descendants interested in their family history is to organize trips to sites where ancestors lived, and to also visit historic sites that significantly affected their lives.
- More Globe Life Headlines
-
Spelling Bee's Youngest Ever Doesn't Advance
Police: Seattle Cafe Gunman May Have Shot Self
No Limits for Disabled Hunters at Mich. Base
Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Radioactive Bluefin Tuna Crossed the Pacific
90 Guns Seized, Dozens Arrested in Oakland
Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Judge's Ruling Halts Tenn. Mosque Construction
Romney in Las Vegas on Texas Primary Day
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
