A Reader's Opinion: SUMMER CAMPAIGN by Carla Kelly

Miss Onyx Hamilton is about to make what everyone agrees is a perfect marriage—until handsome Major Jack Beresford comes galloping into her life. But with his fortune and connections, Onyx knows he’d never ask for her hand, would he? New and longtime fans alike will relish this delightful romance from Carla Kelly. Charming, sweet, and full of fun, it’s simply impossible to stop reading.

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Praise for Summer Campaign

Kelly’s novels besiege the reader’s heart, tear down the walls, and expose vulnerable centres all the while reminding us that the purposeful life is a life of service conducted with humour, strength, and good will. - Miss Bates Reads Romance

We have a bit of a Florence Nightgale story unfold, and there is a lot of drama throughout.  I confess, the ending was definitely a tear jerker and the novel itself had me staying up into the wee hours to finish it. . . Its a classic example of a traditional Regency, with a beautiful love story that effectively uses the time period to frame a romance that might otherwise seem impossible. - Regency Reader

 

A Reader's Opinion

Carla Kelly never fails to deliver. I enjoy all of her books, but I make it no secret that her Regency books are among my favorites. This one did start out a little slower for me than most of her Regencies, but soon picked up and reminded me why I love Kelly's writing. Often the heroine in Kelly's books draw me in first, but Onyx didn't manage to do that. However, Major Jack Beresford, like most of her heroes, is utterly charming, and by far one of my favorite of her heroes. He's flawed, too! Yes, the dashing hero stutters. In Jack's case, he also suffers from PTSD, but these are all elements which only add to Jack's likability. Kelly's characters are real with a great deal of heart. They struggle for what they have and for what they most desire.  

With strong characters, and interesting plot, laughter, sweet romance, and very clean, I highly recommend Summer Campaign to anyone who enjoys historical romance. 

About the Author

Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for Borrowed Light and My Loving Vigil Keeping.

http://carlakellyauthor.com

  http://carlakellyauthor.blogspot.com 

A Reader's Opinion: The Wedding Journey by Carla Kelly

The Book

(Blurb from Amazon)

Captain Jesse Randall's marriage to the beautiful Nell is purely for her safety. Or, so the captain wants his bride to think, even though both man and wife have deep affection for each other. But what does one do when he's already married?

A Reader's Opinion

Another wonderfully written story by Carla Kelly. One reviewer had made note that it is a story of love rather than a love story, and I must agree. Compared to some of the other books I've enjoyed by this author, The Wedding Journey seemed more like a sweet love between two young people who may never have been in love had they not been near each other for so long and through such circumstances. We have Jesse, the shy army surgeon who I kept thinking of more as a very young man fresh from school rather than a surgeon who has experienced years of hard war, death, and suffering. Elinore is our shy young woman, daughter of the army (not exactly, but you'll know what I mean when you read it), with her own set of horrifying circumstances. The characters are likeable, though they lacked some of the spunk and fire I've enjoyed in other Kelly characters. 

I was surprised by the addition of sex scenes towards the end of the book. Despite the fact the they are tame, it took me by surprise because one, I had not expected that in a Kelly book, and two, I really didn't see that it added anything to the story. I don't know if those scenes will be redacted in the new eBook being released in 2013. Again, very tame for a romance book, but unexpected in a Kelly book.

Note: This review is based upon the 2002 Signet Regency Romance paperback.

A Reader's Opinion: Miss Grimsley's Oxford Career by Carla Kelly

"Will Miss Grimsley's dreams come true?"

The Book

Beautiful and brilliant Miss Ellen Grimsley considers it a scandal that she--a female-cannot attend Oxford while her dunderhead brother can. That's why she dons his robes to do his work for him. But when a handsome lord learns Ellen's secret, he decides to teach her a lesson of his own. This delightful period romance will earn high marks from readers everywhere!

A Reader's Opinion

Another delightful book from Carla Kelly! I must say that after three books in a row, all I want to do is read more of this author's Regency Romances. The book is well-written, the characters are wonderful, the setting just right, and there's enough folly throughout to make the story seem real. 

Ellen has gumption. Certainly she's surrounded by inept family members, but she's not blind to their faults and somehow loves them anyway. She's also determined to fulfill her own dreams, even if it means going against the odds and bucking societal norms. Her time in the ladies "academy" is humorous at times, sweet at others. Her brother Gordon, oh what to say about him . . . you really must read it to understand that there are moments when Ellen should be applauded for her patience. Of course, she has her own motives--remember her dream? 

James Gatewood is an odd sort of fellow, but I couldn't help but adore him. Perhaps it was his matter-of-fact ways, or the slow understanding the reader gains about his love for Ellen. It's not a bolt of lightning (one of the things I enjoy about this author's Regencies), and we don't have any graphic scenes to help the reader along (trust me, you won't miss them). He's persistent, intelligent, kind, and incredibly generous. As in true romance fashion he is handsome, but in a careless and charming way. The last chapters of the book may seem odd to some readers, but considering the oddities of the characters, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Kelly stays true to her characters and I believe that's one of the things that makes her Regencies such great reads. 

Do you enjoy Shakespeare? They do!

Kelly did everything just about right in this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book. Another clean five star read!

Note: I purchased a used print edition, and the new Kindle edition of this book, for my own collection.