Blackmoore

Title: Blackmoore

Author: Julianne Donaldson

Pages: 320

Genre: Romance

Grade: A-

Synopsis: Kate Worthington has told her closest friends for years that she will never marry. Her best friend Henry Delafield is a very eligible bachelor, but he has his sights set on somebody else, of whom his mother approves.  Kate's mother is pushing her to accept a marriage proposal that she has helped to obtain, but Kate consistently refuses.  When Kate asks her mother if she can visit Blackmoore, a large estate on the edge of the moors, they strike a deal where Kate must obtain and reject three marriage proposals from the  men at Blackmoore or else she will be bound to follow her mother's wishes.

My Review: I really enjoyed this book.  I found myself sitting in my car a little longer when I arrived at my destination and looking forward to my drives in the anticipation of the book.  There were parts that were funny, sad and frustrating and I enjoyed the picture the book painted in my mind.

Edenbrooke

Title: Edenbrooke

Author: Julianne Donaldson

Pages: 264 pages

Genre: Romance

Grade: A-

Synopsis: Marianne Daventry is thrilled to receive an unexpected invitation to join her sister for a visit to the sprawling estate of Edenbrooke in the British countryside. Her sister has the hots for the rich heir of the estate and Marianne expects to help her woo the object of her desires.  As Marianne's carriage travels to Edenbrooke the carriage is attacked and robbed, which dramatically changes the course of her visit.

My Review: This book took me completely by surprise.  I had heard good things about it, so I expected the book to be good, but I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed the story and found myself laughing while I read.  The author is a neighbor of ours so we were excited to have her sign our book at the City Creek Deseret Book.  I believe that her intent was to pen a proper romance in the Victorian era and she certainly delivered.

Don't Throw Rocks at His Window

Title: Don't Throw Rocks at His Window: Real Advice to Mend a Broken Heart

Author: Julie C. Donaldson

Pages: 97

Genre: Young Adult, Religion

Grade: B+

Synopsis: Broken hearts are a crucial part of growing up. This book is chock-full of advice and stories to help teenagers deal with their broken hearts and to rely on the Savior for support and strength.

My Review: Full disclosure - This book was written by a friend in our ward and the cover design was done by a neighbor from when I was growing up. Obviously I'm not in the target audience for the book, but I found that I quite enjoyed the book. The personal experiences were relevant and funny and the advice (if followed) would certainly help mend a newly dumped (or broken-up) ex-girlfriend's heart. If I ever find myself having to comfort a young lady in this circumstance, this book would make a great gift.