Hello, and welcome back! With the hot weather hovering over our area, staying inside with a cool drink and the a/c cranked up and a book in hand seems like the thing to do. Too bad I'm out of July books after this week's. Although I have read through a couple August releases already, as well as an October book from an old favorite.

Just a reminder to join us in the forum for our July Book Club discussion of LaVyrle Spencer's
Hummingbird, a great, classic romance.

If you're an Eileen Goudge fan, you may want to know that her latest is out now (Viking),
Wish Come True.

Also available now is "Legally Blonde" author Amanda Brown's new book,
Family Trust (Dutton). Becca Reinhart is on the fast-track career-wise. Edward Kirkland is doing his best at donating lots of his family's money to worthy charities and dating a whirlwind of women. When they're suddenly forced to share custody of their friends' orphaned four-year-old, both must make some difficult life choices. I had a very hard time relating to or feeling any sympathy for Becca, whose life is so perfect few real women could possibly relate. And Edward lets himself be corralled into an engagement to a woman he doesn't love. This read to me, quite frankly, like a script for a movie, which I'm certain it will become, and I didn't like it. I wouldn't recommend it.

Next up is Emily Carmichael's new historical,
Becoming Georgia (Berkley). Georgie Kennedy is none too happy when she finds out that the mine she sold to fellow prospector Cougar Barnes wasn't hers to sell, and is really unhappy when she finds out what her wealthy grandfather wants her to do to make good on it. Nonetheless, she travels from Arizona to Chicago to do her best to become a real lady. Things seem to be settling down nicely when Cougar turns up to find out what's taking so long with his claim. If you're in the mood for a western, this should fit the bill. I wasn't, though, so although it's cute, it wasn't a keeper for me. I'm giving it only three of Cupid's five arrows.

Finally this week is Patricia Potter's
Dancing with a Rogue (Berkley). Merry Anders is on a mission, and her mission happens to coincide with that of Gabriel Manning, though neither of them can trust the other with their secrets, despite their attraction to one another. With enemies to thwart, and pasts to hide, how on earth can this couple possibly find their way to a happy ending? It's quite an enjoyable ride, and one I savored. This one's earned four arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!