I read this as a 2-in1 reissue of this 1981 title and the first thing I noticed was how much richer NR's more recent works have become. Of course, I read the 'Dear Reader' letter after I'd finished both books and found out this was her first published title. That would have been reason enough for me to read it. I've read a couple of her other really early romances and I liked this one better; 'Song of the West', I think it's called was a dud for me.
Adelia, orphaned in Ireland, comes to America to make a life for herself and in the process ends up with ruggedly handsome, proud, powerful owner of Royal Meadows horse farm, Travis Grant. I rather liked Adelia as a heroine, particularly when she's dealing with the upper class people in Travis' life. Travis wasn't an obnoxious hero either. A nice romance. (4.5/6)
22. Roberts, Nora "Irish Rose" pb romance, my copy, 295 pages (6,159pgs)
The second in the 2-in-1 reissue (as 'Irish Hearts') and sequel to 'Irish Thoroughbred' was first published in 1988. Adelia and Travis have four children, including twins, and she's expecting another at the start of this book. They go back to Ireland for a visit and Adelia's cousin, Erin McKinnon, returns with them. She wants security and enters into a loveless marriage with Burke Logan, and we all know what happens next!
I really enjoy romances where we meet characters from a previous book a few years after their own adventure, especially if they've had children. Erin and Burke's path to happiness is quite rocky, culminating in a kidnapping and rescue. An entertaining read.
(4.5/6)
23. Eichler, Selma "Murder Can Depress Your Dachshund" pb crime, my copy, 260 pages (6,419pgs)
This is a Desiree Shapiro mystery. Are you tired of glamorous PIs? Then Desiree is the girl for you. She's been described as fat, fun and late to everything.
Jordy Mills was a saint. He was scheduled to donate a kidney to the brother he didn't like, but was murdered the night before. His brother Cornell couldn't get another transplant and ended up dying as well. So was Cornell the intended victim all along?
The dachshund of the title is Tootsie, but don't expect Tootsie to feature much in the story. The clues are all there and an astute reader will certainly work out the killer along with Desiree. Not bad to while away a few hours. I'd probably give other titles in this series a go. (4/6)
