Hello, and welcome back! The weather here is hot and sticky, and perfect for finding a cool corner to settle in with a good book. The weeds in my garden have gotten a reprieve this week, so I'll have lots of time to read some of the new books hitting the stores this month.

I have two of those new books to share with you this week, both historicals, and both peopled with believable characters and plots. Then again, one of those is from May McGoldrick, and I don't expect any less from this wonderful author.

The Rebel (Signet Historical Romance) finds Sir Nicholas Spencer on a trip to Ireland to meet with the youngest Purefoy sister, Clara, a young woman suitable to be his bride. But it is her sister Jane who snares his attention and attraction. But Jane has lived through her own scandal and has no notions of becoming involved with any man, particularly one who's come to court her sister. But as they say about the best laid plans.... Jane has rather a lot of hurdles to overcome before she will be able to listen to her heart, not to mention a rather large secret that could endanger not only her but many others. Jane's family is rather unsympathetic, but they're meant to be, just as Nicholas's mother and sister are exceedingly likable. We've come to expect excellence when we read May McGoldrick books, and no one will be disappointed with this one. Of Cupid's five arrows, this one's earned four and a half. Plus there's an excerpt in the back of this one for the first book in a new trilogy, so we have that to look forward to!

The other book I have to share with you this week is Glynnis Campbell's
My Hero (Jove Historical Romance). This time out we get Garth de Ware's story. Garth chose not to follow his brothers in their path of warring, instead turning to the church. Lady Cynthia le Wyte is a healer who idealized Garth when she was younger and is thrilled that he'll be coming to her home as the new chaplain. Garth hadn't realized how tempted he would be with Cynthia nearby all the time, but he's determined to stick to his vows. But Garth and Cynthia have a common enemy, one who'll stop at nothing to reach his goals. For lovers of a heaping helping of history with their romance, this story is ideal. Plus you'll get the benefit of revisiting the other de Ware brothers and their families. I'm giving this one four arrows. Can't wait to see what Ms. Campbell has in store for us next.

Until next week, happy reading!