What do You think about The Further Observations Of Lady Whistledown (2003)?
Four novellas linked by Lady Whistledown´s Society Papers (first introduced by Julia Quinn in her Bridgeton series):- 'One True Love' by Suzanne Enoch (3 stars): The heroine, Anne, ruined the story for me. Even though the hero, Maximilian, came to think she was not as spoiled as he previously though, her actions throughout the story didn´t support his way of thinking. If Maximilian had decided to leave Anne in London and go back to Yorkshire without her, I wouldn´t have been unhappy. That´s how much I "liked" her!- 'Two Hearts' by Karen Hawkins (3 stars): This time around, it was the hero, Royce, who ruined the story for me. He was too shallow and, at some point, even his sister said he didn´t have any purpose in life. The heroine, Liza, was a bit better but didn´t have much depth either. In the end, one could say they suited each other.- 'A Dozen Kisses' by Mia Ryan (2 stars): The premise was interesting - a hero who, due to a war injury, had some trouble speaking and comunicating. Unfortunately, the author failed to turn this idea into an engaging story and I ended up skimming through several scenes.- 'Thirty-Six Valentines' by Julia Quinn (4 stars): The best story in this anthology and, to be honest, the only one that´s worth reading. I loved David and Susannah, and their falling in love was believable even within the short period of time allowed by the constraints of a novella.
—Dina
I wish it were possible to give half stars, for I would much prefer to give this a 3.5 rating. However, simply for the presence of Lady Whistledown I have given it a four. Lady Whistledown is one of my favorite characters of all of Quinn's, and I will most likely be rereading Romancing Mister Bridgerton, the book that reveals Lady Whistledown's true identity, in the next few days. I really enjoyed the way she tied each of the four stories together, even making her own surprise appearance. I also really enjoyed the way the stories paralleled each other, taking the same events and showing them from the point of view of four different couple. Definitely an interesting way of experiencing a season! I really enjoyed the premise in all of them, though the storyline behind Mia Ryan's novella was by far my favorite. Best execution, however, would either go to the first story, Suzaanne Enoch's, or Julia Quinn's. My biggest problem with this anthology is that a novella is not really enough time to really establish a true "I love you" moment. All of the romances felt a little rushed, and what were, at first, fun, enjoyable stories, ended too quickly. Not sure yet if I want to read the second Lady Whistledown anthology.
—Brianne
- fave: two hearts by Karen Hawkins a dozen kisses by Mia Ryantwo hearts bec. [hero] and heroine were best friends 1sta dozen kisses bec. of the disability of the hero. It makes for an interesting situationLyndon Sisters- I like the 2nd bk better. It was a laugh trip all through out [the book]1st book was ok but I'm not partial to love at 1st sight stories. Hmm maybe that's why I like the 2nd bk better bec I like love marriage of convenience *erased word* stories. (By 1st bk I meant [Everything] and the moon; 2nd Brighter than the sun)
—suzanne
