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It Happened One Night; Balogh, Laurens, et al.
« Broken Wing by Judith James | Home | A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold »  Several weeks ago I read about and subsequently bought a new anthology titled It Happened One Night. There are four well known romance authors contributing stories: Mary Balogh, Stephanie Laurens, Jacquie D’Alessandro and Candice Hern. Three of whom I’ve read and enjoyed and one new to me author in the person of Jacquie D’Alessandro. Writing novellas can be a different art form separate from full length novels not simply due to the shortened format. I find that not all authors are able to write convincingly in the shorter format, as well as the opposite being true, ie: not all authors who write excellent novellas translate so well into a longer format. Novellas and novels and short stories are different art forms, I think. Anyhow, I prefer to read anthologies or short story compilations over the winter holiday season because of the hectic pace and cramped schedules and general holiday related mania. I want something I can easily pick up and put down again without feeling I’ve lost the narrative or emotional threads of the couple in the story. What sets It Happened One Night apart from the other anthologies I’ve read in the recent past is the fact that all four of the stories have the same setting and a common characteristic. Each story has a long separated couple, at least ten years, stranded together in an inn for twenty four hours. TBH, this both appealed to me and put me off a little. I love cabin romances: couples stuck in a given location together for long periods of time without being separated. However, couples who are apart for long periods of time, for whatever reason, often read hot or cold for me, never lukewarm. I love them or I hate them. So in a way reading this book was both comfort to me and a deliberate challenge to my ‘comfort zone’ so to speak. So how did they work out? Quite well, as a matter of fact. Two of the stories made me cry, earning the book an automatic berth on the keeper shelves since I’m totally a sucker for books that make me cry. Despite the outward similarities, each story and its voice was unique to each author. Each in its own way managed to showcase the characters’ depth and roundness by showing not telling, if you know what I mean. Thereby gifting the reader with action not expostition. In a novella I want more action and less introspection. The Fall of the Rogue Gerrard~ Is Stephanie Laurens’ story. I only read Ms. Laurens’ Bastion Club series, so I can’t tell you if either Lydia or Robert are in any way related to the infamous Cynsters. I know there are readers out there who have intense feelings about the Cynsters and their numerous friends, so I apologize for being unable to answer this question. Robert Gerrard and Lydia Makepeace have known each other since childhood, but have not been romantically involved. Temporarily stranded together due to the rain, Lydia confides to ‘Ro’ her secret mission in the hopes that he will aid her. Ro (can I just say that the nickname was annoying and childish?) tries to take over, but our girl Lydia stands up to him and forces him to include her- much to his annoyance, I might add. Sometimes, time and the clarity and maturity that hopefully comes with it are all that a couple needs to come together romantically. Both hero and heroine are in their mid twenties to early thirtes, certainly old enough to know their own minds better than many younger couples often paired in historical romances. Lydia is a typical Laurens heroine: strong willed and sure enough of herself not to allow the hero to push her around in areas she considers important. Yet she is also vulnerable in ways only her hero can strengthen her. Robert, for all of his dastardly reputation, has quietly turned over new leaves in the last few years. Unexpectedly coming across Lydia crystallizes his thoughts and feelings regarding his (their!) future. Sometimes it takes a while to fully accept the mantle of adulhood. This story reminded me of Ms. Laurens’ earlier short work (which has slowly been rereleased over the last few years) which I tremendously enjoyed. Spellbound~ Was written by Mary Balogh. Nora Ryder has come down a long, long way in the world. Newly released from her most recent position as a lady’s companion, with very little money and no reference letter, Nora is stranded at the nearest coaching inn when the stagecoach crashes with an incoming curricle. She has no money to pay for a room or for a meal, she is a woman alone on the road and shortly to be dependant on her married brother’s charity once again; what is she going to do now?? Richard Kemp, Lord Bourne, the curricle owner and Nora’s husband once upon a time, comes to her rescue. Ten years ago, when they were both young and naive and untested by life, Richard and Nora eloped to Gretna Green. Nora’s male relatives took issue with this and chased them down. What happened afterwards is up for interpretation and depends upon which character you ask. Neither of them is the same as the other remembers. After all, we all change and grow as time passes, right? Can Nora and Robert mend fences and make up for the manipulation of others? In some ways I felt that Nora and Richard’s problems were the result of “a big misunderstanding” that could have been resolved years ago by simple communication, and I didn’t believe they had come to enough mutual understanding to have sex in the inn that night. Even so, Ms. Balogh showcased each character’s point of view and memories of past events and how very different they were. She shows both the character and the reader that perhaps love can triumph after all. Only You~ Was written by Jacquie D’Alessandro, the new to me author. Cassandra Heywood, Countess Westmore, is newly widowed and is traveling back to her childhood home on the Cornish coast. Ethan Baxter was a young groom attached to her father’s stables. Being of similar ages, they pretty much grew to young adulthood together. Once Cassie married they went their separate ways. Until, finally, Cassie is widowed and makes plans to stop overnight at Ethan’s inn before traveling on to her family’s estate. Ms. D’Alessandro does an excellent job explicating both the childhood infatuation and the maturity passing years bestows on Cassie and Ethan. Sometimes the heart never forgets. The attraction they feel for one another is only partly based upon the past, and is all the more bittersweet knowing the wide gulf of class and station that will keep them apart even now. Ms. D’Alessandro uses at least two common characteristics found in historical romances, yet I felt that they were handled well. Ms. D’Aessandro uses them to clearly show how weak a woman’s legal postion was historically, how dependant she could be on the good will and benevolance of her male relatives. Thus proving to me that for each rule a reader thinks she has about romance plots or characterization, there is always an author or story who will be the exception. From This Moment On~ Was written by Candice Hern. Captain Samuel Pellow and Wilhelmina, Duchess of Hertford, once were teenged lovers many many moons ago. Life intervened and they were separated by events beyond Sam’s control. They found each other now and again as adults, but each had gone down vastly different paths. Sam and Willie became very different people. They never had an opportunity to hear the other’s story, to come to terms with what choices were made. Here they are now, years and years later, gifted with a day together. Time and opportunity to listen, to tell their story, to settle the past. Perhaps to start anew. Together. I loved this tale, of two middle aged (by my calculations late forties or older) lovers getting reacquainted. Making peace with the past, setting aside preconceived notions. I really really enjoyed this anthology. As I said above, any book that makes me cry earns an automatic shelf space on my keeper shelves. I didn’t find that the time spent apart by the hero and heroine detracted from the stories. In fact, each author used that common factor to strengthen their lovers. In a couple of the stories other factors affected my enjoyment, but never to the point that I skipped ahead or put the book down. Very rewarding and, IMO, well worth it. One of the few anthologies where each story is equallly strong. This entry was posted by Amanda on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 6:00 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. 35 Responses to “It Happened One Night; Balogh, Laurens, et al.”Leave a Comment |
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December 11th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I liked each of these stories as well. I did like Ethan and Cassie’s story a little more though.
It wasa great Anthology where each Author’s story was as good as the next.
Carol Luciano
December 11th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Carol L~ I agree, all of the stories are strong. I don’t really have a favorite though.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I have not read this book. In fact Stephanie Laurens is the only author in these antohology I have read. The relationship between the hero and heroine always seems to strike a cord with me. Stephanie’s name on a book always gets my attention.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Stephanie Lauren’s writes characters I am always drawn to – her Cynster’s a real favorite. The other’s I have never read but might, given the review.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I just saw this book the other day at the book store while picking out books that my husband can get me for Christmas, since he never knows what to buy for me. Out of all the authors, I only know of Mary Balogh, that is why the book caught my eye. Reading the review has piqued my interest.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
This book is on my list of books to buy. I really want to read the Candace Hern story.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
jer~ Ms. Laurens certainly has devoted readers, that’s for sure. All of the other authors are strong writers in their own right. Give It Happened One Night a Try, you might find some new authors to love!
Alyn~ It’s always nice to shop with a loved one who understands our obsession with books, isn’t it? Mary Balogh has certainly written Regencies for a long time and has earned a place in the cannon of romance greats. I think you might like the other stories too, though. Anthologies are perfect for trying new authors without the time investment of a whole book.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I enjoy a great anthology every now and then… love the way authors can pull a story together even when they are shorter… I have not read this one and look forward to getting my hands on a copy!
December 11th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
flip~ Ms. Hern’s story is one of the few I’ve seen featuring a hero & heroine who are well into midlife. I hope you enjoy it!
Colleen~ Anthologies with equally strong stories are hard to come across. I’m glad I found this one.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Sounds great! i will have to check this one out. I rarely find that I like all the stories a great deal in an anthology so this one sounds refreshing in that you enjoyed all the stories.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO GOOD-I HAVE ADDED IT TO MY TBR LIST.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE
December 11th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Jacquie D’Alessandro and Candice Hern are two authors I consider to be buried treasures. They consistently write wonderful, witty romances, but I don’t see them mentioned very often on online discussion boards. They are both very talented writers. I’m glad to see that you enjoyed this anthology with them.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Cherie J & Joy~ I hope the book lives up to your expectations!
December 11th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I really want to read this anthology. I enjoy all of these authors.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
This anthology sounds excellent! I will definitely get a copy. Thanks for the heads up!
December 11th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
cheryl c & margie~ Stay tuned to see who wins!
December 11th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Lori Ann~ As I mentioned, Jacquie D’Alessandro is new to me & I plan to find some of her work to put in my TBR. I do love Candice Hern. The other works of hers I’ve read have had depth & richness I really enjoy.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I’ve read 3 of the authors (everyone except Candice Hern) and loved them, so I’m not quite sure how I missed this anthology! It sounds great, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy soon
December 12th, 2008 at 3:04 am
I’ve read it and agree it was a very good anthology. Flip, Hern’s story was my favorite in this one.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Sheena~ I think Lori Ann is right in that Candice Hern is a midlist author who doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves. I really like her work.
Pam P~ Great minds think alike!
December 12th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
This sounds like a great anthology. I always like to read the short stories to get an idea of how the author writes and it’s a quick read for when I have less time to sit in one place. I’ve read a contemporary by Jaquie D’Alessandro, but not any of her historicals. It’s going on my to read list!
December 12th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Lisa N~ I’ve often been spurred to try new authors if I like a short story they’ve done. I think I’m going to add Ms. D’Alessandro to my TBB list.
December 13th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I have to leave another comment and say that
Canice Hern’s “Merry Widows Trilogy” is fantastic.I’d read them and then the anthology only because her Heroine is from those books. But of course you don’t have to , it just makes it more enjoyable. I love Candice Hern’s stories.
Carol L.
December 13th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
This sounds like a wonderful book! I love anthologies. Each story sounds equally good. I also enjoy a story that makes me cry. An author that can pull that kind of emotion out of a reader is – in my book – awesome!
December 13th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I just love stories that are able to bring out emotions in the reader. This sounds like a terrific compilation. That kind of writing is a keeper in my book also.
December 13th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
You are so right about short stories being perfect to read during the Holidays when we are so busy with decorating, shopping, wrapping and dozens or duties. Every year I think I will simplify my Christmas chores, but I never seem able to do so. I spent the day Christmas shopping today with my daughter and we are still now through; but by shopping until it was dark, we were able to see some beautiful Holiday lights.
Merry Christmas to everyone seeing this!
December 14th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I love anthologies. All four of the stories sound wonderful. I have only read Mary Balogh’s books before and I loved them.
Happy Holidays!
December 14th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Oh, I like Jacquie D’Alessandro quite a bit. My current fave of her books is _Sleepless at Midnight_, which is part of a series of books based around a women’s book club (slightly ahistorical, but I can forgive that). The other books from that series that I’ve read have also been nicely done, but Sleepless is particularly nice because it has a good balance of romance, intrigue, and humour.
December 14th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I enjoy reading anthologies and I’ve read Balogh, Hern and D’Alessandro. This one sounds really good.
December 14th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Carol L~ I think I might need to look for the Merry Widows trilogy to add them to my TBR!
Deborah~Tearjerkers are wonderful, aren’t they?
Kaye~ Emotion laden romances seem to fit right in with the season, don’t they?
Gladys MP~ Annually, I too tell myself I need to simplify my holiday season activities, but somehow I never manage to do it.
Lisa W~ Anthologies are a great way to try new authors, don’t you think?
Mrs.P~Hmmm..more books to add to my TBB list.
Marelou~ I liked this one alot. What are the titles of some other anthologies you’ve enjoyed?
December 15th, 2008 at 12:26 am
I love historicals and to have a Christmas trilogy is a treat! I must go find this the next time I get to venture out! Too I’ve read each of these authors and its a gift to have them all together in an anthology! I so hope that Ms Balogh puts out more of her re-releases of her Traditional Regencies. I missed reading those and heard so many wonderful things about them!
December 15th, 2008 at 5:15 am
I’ve only read works by two of the authors, but that makes it a good reason to get this anthology. Anthologies are a great way to discover new authors, but I always pick one with some authors I like so it’s not a total gamble.
December 15th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
good to know that you liked all of them, yes i agree with anthologies usually one or two are really good and the others are fillers. though to be honest, i would have got this only for balogh or laurens
December 15th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Bookwormom: in keeping with Christmas and anthologies . . .I enjoyed Regency Christmas Wishes (Heath, Jensen, Kelly, Layton and Metzger) and A Regency Christmas Eve (Butler, Farr, Lane, Layton and Metzger), Christmas Keepsakes (Balogh, Justiss and Cornick). . .hmmm, I might just do a reread.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
*Drumroll please!* And the winners are…
Alyn and Sheena! Congratulations ladies!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to comment.