I'm rather in two minds about Charlotte Bingham's writing. I have really enjoyed some of her books, but find others trite and rather dull. Still, I often find her novels available inexpensively at second-hand shops, so I keep buying them, and enjoy the ones that do suit my tastes.
'Stardust' features the beautiful and selfish Elizabeth, and the very handsome Jerome. Both are superb actors.
Elizabeth wants Jerome, but he loves - and marries - Pippa. Elizabeth does what she can to come between them and, predictably, eventually succeeds.
On the whole I thought this was an exciting novel, set as it was in the drama/film world. It seemed authentic, and although the main characters were slightly caricatured, I could believe in them and found myself caring about them.
Well-written and fast-paced, with a satisfactory conclusion all round - much to my relief. Recommended.
Not currently in print, but often found second-hand, including online.
I find Mary Stewart a fascinating author. She has written some excellent suspenseful romances, which I have very much enjoyed. She also wrote some more straightforward historical fiction intended for teenagers. Her style is excellent, and her characters come to life easily.
I read 'The Prince and the Pilgrim' aloud to my sons, aged 15 and 13. Reading aloud introduces them to books they might not otherwise read for themselves, and is something we hope to continue until they leave home.
There are two separate plots in the opening chapters of this book, making it a little confusing at first. It's set in mediaeval times in the UK.
One thread is about a young man called Alexander, who is in exile with his mother after his father was murdered by King March of Cornwall. The other thread features Alice, a girl who accompanies her father on pilgrimages each year.
Eventually - unsurprisingly - Alexander and Alice meet, and fall in love. They must then overcome Madoc, an unpleasant relative of Alice's, who had been expecting to marry her. In their absence, he has established himself in her father's home.
I found this realistic and very well-written, and we all enjoyed it. Definitely recommended, for teenagers or adults. Sometimes in print in the UK, and widely available second-hand. The link above is to the ebook edition.
When I had read all of Georgette Heyer's Regency novels for the first time, I hoped I would find another author of similar quality. I came across Clare Darcy, who wrote books with the same kind of plot ideas, set in the same period.
Unfortunately she didn't have the same brilliant flair as Georgette Heyer, nor the wonderfully ironic humour and conversation style. But her books are still much better than the majority who write or wrote in this genre.
'Georgina' is about a young woman who refuses to marry Mr Smallwoods, her family's choice for her. So her grandmother sends her to Ireland in disgrace.
There she meets Mr Shannon, who - she learns - had eloped with her cousin (now deceased), and who owns the family estates.
The two find themselves mutually attracted, and a fast-paced book results. Don't expect Heyer's quality, but it's a pleasant enough light read.
Now out of print, but sometimes available second-hand.
