My best reads from October are:
Jen Black - Fair Border Bride
Set in Tudor times in the borders between England and Scotland, this is an enjoyable historical romance. Alina is the daughter of a border nobleman, and it is her duty to marry well to form a beneficial alliance for her family. But a chance encounter at a nearby market town, when young Harry Scott saves her from an escaped bull, opens Alina's mind to another future. He's on a secret mission for his father, and can't reveal his true name, so she believes he's from one of the local reiving families. These are outlaws steal cattle and horses, and make life difficult for the wealthy of the area. Harry too is smitten by Alina, and his reckless trip to spy on her home leads him to imprisonment by her father. Harry and Alina must overcome separation, rivalry, and family hostility if they want to be together. This novel is full of adventure as hero and heroine struggle against the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart.
Barbara Davis - The Echo of Old Books
Bookshop owner Ashlyn has a rare ability - she can feel the emotions of the people who previously owned the books she holds in her hands. When two anonymous books come into her possession from a house clearance, the intensity of the emotions associated with them takes her breath away. It's the same story in each book, written from two different points of view. Somehow the stories within them ring true, and she begins a journey to discover the identities of the authors. As she makes a connection with Ethan, who donated the books after his father's death, the novel dips in and out of the two mysterious books, and we begin to follow the love affair of the two unnamed protagonists. A fascinating novel, pulling the reader into this mystery and the intensity of the love, hurt and loss of the two authors of the old books, as well as Ashlyn's own story. Excellent.
Soraya M. Lane - The Last Correspondent
This World War II novel about the trials and adventures of women news correspondents is exciting and detailed. In1943, American Danni is convinced she's as good as any male news photographer, and keeps up with her English writing partner Andy as they join soldiers at the front line. Ella, meanwhile, reports in the USA under a male pseudonym until her identity is discovered and she loses her job. Despite her trepidation, this spurs her to head to London to make a name for herself. Andy's sister Chloe also aspires to follow her own dream, to rekindle her love affair with Gabriel, who she met during a pre-war modelling assignment in Paris. She's determined to find a way to join him in occupied France, but is unaware of the dangers she might face and how the War may have changed him. As D-Day approaches and both Danni and Ella defy the stunting rules about female correspondents staying away from the action, the three women's stories gradually become entwined. The horrors of war and the courage of women like them is brought vividly to life in this fast-paced story of love, loss and fortitude. The author reveals that the three heroines were inspired by the real women who went to war in those challenging times. Riveting.
