To kick that off, I have two new historicals this time out, both available now, and the first is by Sylvia McDaniel, 
Starlight Surrender (Zebra). Layla DuChampe has been married to a miserable man who's cheated her of her inheritance from her father, so she feels no great sorrow when he dies. Until she finds out that she's not his only wife, and now there's no way to get back what's hers. Oh, yes, and the police believe she poisoned him. Drew Soulier remembers Layla well from their long-ago school days. But the woman he meets now is bitter and blames him for much of what's gone wrong for her. And he's not sure she didn't kill her husband. What a great basis for a romance. Maybe. Layla has some real trust issues, but at times, they seem highly exaggerated. And Drew isn't entirely honest with her, which doesn't help matters. This was a fun way to while away an afternoon inside with a nice cup of tea--while the wind outside made the house shake. I'm borrowing three of Cupid's five arrows for this one.
Next is Gabriella Anderson's 
Yours Always (Zebra). Lady Anthea Fortesque is willing to sacrifice herself for her penniless family--by marrying a much older man. Colin Savernake's arrival at her betrothed's home is a trifle odd, but the squire announces that Colin is his new secretary. Colin, though, is there on another mission, a secret quest to find out who's been stealing from the squire's estate. He can't help wondering why Anthea would agree to this betrothal, either, so it also becomes his mission. A charming story, with delightful secondary characters, some of whom beg for their own stories to be told. I loved this one, so it's earned four and a half arrows. Definitely a keeper.
Don't forget to pop into the forum to check out the ongoing book giveaways! And until next time, happy reading!
