Hello, and welcome back! I'm diving into the first of the September releases, with lots more to come, and getting the boys ready to go back to school. And once the house is quiet during the day, that means more reading and writing time for me. I'll refrain from doing my happy dance, but I've seriously considered it this summer. Ah, well. At least our baseball season isn't still going on as it is for the folks at the Little League World Series this week.

First up this time is Donna Birdsell's
Painted Rose (Berkley). Lady Sarah Essington hides behind veils, believing herself too scarred for others to look upon. The veils also hide her feelings of guilt. Lucien Delacourte arrives to tutor Lady Sarah in painting, unaware of her past and fighting his own demons. Interesting concept, falling in love without actually seeing the face of your loved one, and more probable set in a historical place than in the present, where the person hiding would be sent off to a good shrink. This is an emotional tale, but I had a very hard time believing her family would go along with her choices, which made this one so-so for me. It's earned three of Cupid's five arrows.

Next is Connie Lane's
The Duke's Scandalous Secret (Pocket). Lynnette Overton has set herself a task--to discover what secret the Duke of Ravensfield is keeping when he secretes himself away at his country home instead of staying in the city for the season. Lynnette has her own secret, of course, which would be quite harmful to her chances of making a suitable match if it were to come out, but learning the duke's secret seems more important. This was a fun way to while away a few hours, watching Ravensfield try to keep his secret while falling for the determined Lynnette. I'm giving this one three and a half arrows.

Finally, we have Patricia Potter's
Beloved Impostor (Berkley), the first in a new trilogy. Rory Maclean's Scottish clan is set on him having a third bride, and when they come across Felicia Campbell, escaping from her own horrid groom-to-be, they believe she is someone else and bring her home to him. Felicia knows if they learn who she is, her life will be in danger, for their clans have been enemies for generations. But something about the wary Rory calls to her, and even when he knows her true identity, he knows he'll risk anything to keep her safe. I can hardly wait to read the stories of his brothers, not just for the wonderful setting, but the great characters. Believable and strong. Truly a well-told tale. This one's earned four arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!