A Proper Façade Esther Hatch book review

A Proper Façade

Esther Hatch 

 

 

 

 My review: 4/10

 I should start by saying Esther Hatch is one of my favorite authors in this genre, so it pains me to rate it so low. This comes on the heels of having just read the extended version/rewrite of There Goes The Groom. I noticed some similar things.

SPOILERS

The whole premise of the book is that Nicholas is a very physical, passionate man who made a devastating mistake at 17, so now he keeps those passions firmly bridled. Lady Mercy is chosen as his bride for practical reasons (which were quite flimsy). She wants a love match - strike that - a passion match, because everyone around her has had them, and successful ones at that. She doesn't believe Nicholas is capable of passion, at least toward her, so she is determined to break him or foist him off on someone else. That's it. The entire book. There is a -very- little bit thrown in about the starving Irish, which is supposed to testify that these characters have substance and morals and will fight for a cause. But really, it's only about passion.

Because Nicholas and Mercy spend the entire book pushing each other away, there was very little conversation or charm, very few opportunities for humor or connection. So I did not connect with them with either.

I found Nicholas' obsession with Mercy's skin and freckles weird and his constant struggle with general lust painful to read. Mercy was not any better. She's naive, shallow, and reckless, taking strangers into her confidence and setting up compromising situations for OTHER PEOPLE nonstop, instead of just facing her problems with intelligence and grace. She does eventually realize she was foolish (about 75% of the way through the book), but it is too little, too late, in my opinion. And then, she pushes him away -because- she loves him. -_-

I did appreciate that Nicholas had learned propriety, respect and integrity the hard way. But Mercy was determined to break him of all that when it came to her, as if that proved something. Terribly disappointing and an awful message to send. It felt very similar to the situation in There Goes The Groom. I don't like this theme the author appears stuck on, of finding rare men who are strong in their convictions and destroying it in the name of "love" and passion.

So on the whole, I found this story and characters lacking in substance. Would make a lethal drinking game ("passion"). I couldn't recommend this book, but I am not ready to give up on this author yet.  I will eagerly await her next novel, hoping for a return to the humor and wit that made her stories so great.

The Lady Glass by Anneka R. Walker book review

The Lady Glass

Anneka R. Walker

Nothing shapes glass like fire.

Theresia Dvorak has nothing left of her parents—nothing save her dowry, a priceless crystal vase stolen and sold by her own stepmother. Theresia will do anything to secure what is rightfully hers—even assume a false identity and steal her future back. When she gains entrance to a house party and has a memorable run-in with the handsome naval captain Rolland Reese, her mission is compromised. She swore never to trust an Englishman again, but when he makes a daring proposal she cannot refuse, she must work side by side with him if either of them is to achieve their aim.

Rolland is stunned when his homecoming from the war takes a decidedly deadly turn. The quickest solution is to throw a house party and invite all the suspects. With the stakes incredibly high, Rolland must root out the killer before they turn their sights to the next potential victim: his own father. The mysterious Theresia is undoubtedly the most suspicious of his guests, but against all odds, he finds himself risking everything to protect her. As Rolland unravels a tangle of clues, he faces the greatest threats of all: a heart of fire and a future as fragile as glass.

 

 

 

My Review: 6/10

I am always excited when I see a new book by Anneka Walker. I enjoy fairy tale retellings and Cinderella is my favorite, so I was really looking forward to this one.

The romance was up and down for me
- it started well, quickly became an insta love connection and eventually finished strong. it was a bit much to go from virtual strangers (while he’s on the lookout for a murderer no less) to being so obsessed and possessive of one another. Honestly, that’s usually the best part - the initial spark of interest and watching it grow. We seem to have skipped it entirely.

The catalyst appeared to be the visit to the fortune teller, which I wasn’t a fan of either. Christians are warned against engaging in such things and it was just casually slipped in and seemingly used to take things from 0-60 in 5 seconds with our two MCs.

Theresia fits right in with and is thoroughly embraced by Tansy and Andalin. This bothers me because 1) none of them seem to have any flaws 2) they are nothing like the ton / what society values at that time which 3) makes them all feel kind of cookie cutter- ish. To be fair, I have this similar complaint with a lot of fairy tale retellings (too perfect), so it could just be sticking to the style. And 4) it feels like another kind of insta love. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like people are slower to connect and bond, to embrace and trust. No one is skeptical or jealous or just shy. No, the women see and determine they are smitten and meant to be so they just embrace her like family. I can’t relate to this, and certainly not over and over again. (Tandy, andalin, his mother, etc).

I liked the “godfather” - his history, how he was worked in, his role.

It was an interesting backdrop. I loved the attention to historical detail. I liked the murder mystery spin (she got me)! It was a good blend of familiar story elements and fresh, creative (Cinderella) ideas.