Rexanne BecnelCritiques

Recommended by Dabney. Just ok for me.

It's an okay book, but I struggled with Linnea. She's supposed to be the spunky twin, but she's basically abused by everyone, including her twin who she thinks she's supporting. The ending was a little too facile for me.

The Maiden Bride. Roxanne Becnel. 1996. If you like romance novels with a bit of history, you’ll like this book; however, if you are like me and want historical fiction with a tad of romance you will be disappointed, as I was. A Norman nobleman lays siege to his castle and retakes it. He is required to take the eldest daughter of the family he conquered as his wife. The family switches the younger twin with her older sister. The plot revolves around this deception: what if he finds out, the “history” is the description of the dress and castle with an occasional mention of Henry II. Violence and sex abound.

What a delightful, poignant read this book turned out to be. It was impossible not to love both ten-year-old Anna and Miss Eva, strangers until they take a train ride together just before Christmas. Anna is incredibly mature, big-hearted and caring for such a young girl while Miss Eva is wonderful. She loves her family, traditions and Christmas. However, because she suffers from dementia and often thinks she is reliving he childhood in Nazi Germany, she is desperate to reconnect with her family and panics when she sees anyone in uniform. In her confusion she often becomes childlike and it is up to Anna to calm her and take care of her. Her story is heartbreaking!

The secondary characters (except for Anna's neglectful mother) are all endearing and believable, especially Nana Rose. I also had a soft spot for Tom, who unexpectedly finds himself the sole caretaker of his daughter, Anna.

"The Christmas Train" is a story about love, family and responsibility and is an inspiring read for this season fo love, peace and goodwill.

Pretty good read. I thought it took way too long for the hero to figure out a way that he could marry Linnea and keep the castle. I liked that he finally admitted to her that he loved her and wanted to marry her-but there could have been more grovelling!

The Matchmaker had all the right ingredients, but somehow fell flat. It got bogged down in the middle, with lots of repetition, after a decent start. It was difficult to keep reading(without falling asleep) and had a fine ending.

If you like bodice rippers(forced seduction included) with an arrogant, domineering hero, this is the book for you. The heroine is great, but has one huge TSTL moment towards the end. The first half of the book I hated the hero so much, I had to keep putting the book down. I was completely frustrated that the heroine, Lilliane couldn't outsmart him in some way and that the hero, Corbett was such an arse! There are some that would not finish a book if they were not enjoying it, but I am always curious to see how the author will bring her characters around in the end. Ms. Becnel did not disappoint in that regard, because our hero does fall hard for the heroine and finally comes to love and trust her.
I don't know if I would recommend this book unless you are a big fan of BR's because it does take the entire book for the hero come around and there is NO GROVELLING!

A sweet sentimental read. I think it was a wonderful story premise but could have really made an impact if the characters were 'fleshed out' a bit. As it was, you didn't get to know anyone except the main two characters very well.

**thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.

In this story, true to the spirit of the season, love and reconciliation conquer. Anna Spano’s mother does not want her, so she sends her to her unknown father in a small town. However Anna is too young to travel alone on the train, so her mother hands her off to Eva Stephens, and older woman who is living between memories of her earlier life in Germany and today. During the train ride to her father, the two become friends. Anna senses something is wrong with Eva, who is often mixed up between her memories and today, but is not old enough to understand the mysteries of aging dementia or an old woman’s need to grasp whatever she can whether current or time long past. When the pair finally arrives and Anna meets her father, she convinces him to help out Eva. This story is one of the new found love and friendship between two very unlikely individuals, Anna and Eva. It presents the reader with the true spirit of this season and will easily become an enduring seasonal classic. The season will pass, but I will not easily forget this poignant tale of two individuals. Anna is scared, lost and a bit confused, though wise beyond her youth. Eva is also scared and lost—in her own way. How they come together is extremely well done by the author. I loved the character development. The setting was realistic and gave the reader a good sense of life and how these two searching souls came together and found a newness in their lives. The story underlies the very essence of the holiday season. As I said, I will not forget this one, because, for me, it is a real keeper. I think everyone and anyone would enjoy this simple tale. If I could, I would give it more than five stars. I received this from NetGalley in exchange for and honest review.

This is not a book that will change your life but if you're looking for a quick, undemanding & romantic read to provide a little escapism, give this a try. Especially if you enjoy historical drama. Set in medieval Britain, it tells the story of Lady Joanna Preston. She's a young woman sent to a convent at the age of 12 after her mother committed suicide. She saw how a "suitable" marriage could turn out so has sworn to become a nun.
Unbeknownst to her, her father & his son are now dead, leaving her as the sole heiress to Oxwich Castle, a property coveted by King John as well as his enemies due to its' strategic location. She's now an important pawn in their treacherous games.
Sir Rylan Kempe, Lord of Blaecston, understands the significance of Oxwich & tracks down Joanna, determined to marry her off to a political ally. Much to his surprise, she has rather strong ideas of what her future will be & it includes a veil, not some stranger for a husband. But he's a man used to being obeyed so if he has to kidnap her to achieve his goal, such is life.
Before he can get her home, she's taken from him & sent to London where she becomes the ward of King John. He has another "suitable" union in mind to secure her birth right.
What follows is a story of political intrigue & machinations at a time when young women were expected to be seen & not heard while doing what they were told & popping out heirs. The author plays a little fast & loose with the customs of the time but, hey...this is romantic fiction.
Rylan is portrayed as an alpha type of guy, unused to being challenged by a mere woman. Joanna comes off as a bit immature but she did grow up in a convent. As expected, there is a budding attraction & the author provides enough scenes of steamy seduction to heat up the pages. There are several peripheral characters of note & side stories to flesh out the plot but our hero & heroine are front & centre and their HEA is never much in doubt.
Over all, an easy historical read that won't tax your grey matter & provide a little escapism from your tough day in reality.

A Dove at Midnight by Rexanne Becnel was originally published in 1993. This is a DRC copy provided to me by Open Road Media and Netgalley for an honest review. This book is now available in digital format.
Lady Joanna witnessed something truly terrible as a child. As soon as she is able , she moves to a convent and waits for the day she can say her vows and become a nun.
When Joanna' s father and his wife and son died, Joanna becomes the sole heir. In medieval England, this places Joanna in the middle of a political tug of war.
Rylan decides that Joanna must be informed of her father's death and he must bring her back to be married to a man he will choose for her. This will prevent King John from gaining control of Joanna' s kingdom.
When Rylan informs Joanna that she must return home and marry, she literally laughs in his face. She has no intention of leaving the convent. After his best attempts at persuasion, Rylan kidnaps Joanna.
Rylan has his hands full with Joanna. She is far from the plain, biddable , demure nun wannabe he expected. Beautiful and fiery, Joanna fights him every step of the way.
But, when they are waylaid by the king' s men, Joanna finds herself in an even worse situation in the king' s court. Joanna and her friend must marry men chosen for them based on political and monetary advantages. When Rylan arrives, things really get interesting. Rylan begins plotting to get Joanna away from the John's grasp.
Due to circumstances beyond her control, Joanna finds herself having to face the horrible demons of her childhood.
This was a great medieval romance. Joanna holds on to her need to stay unmarried and in control of her future with all her might. Rylan can't understand why Joanna is so opposed to marriage. He suspects something sinister, but Joanna will not confide in him. He is single minded about his task, believing Joanna will come around once she is wed. What he didn't count on was his attraction to her and her ability to out
think him. Neither of them could imagine that one day they would work together for a common goal, and find true love in the bargain.
This one gets an A.

By: Rexanne Becnel
Published By: Dell
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"A Dove At Midnight" by Rexanne Becnel was a story of this medieval time in England's history where the you will see how their custom and politics played out to give the reader a 'well crafted love story' in this era. We find Joanna is scared on marriage and men due to what had happened to her mother. With the death of her father Joanna became a 'lynchpin in a power struggle of King John's reign.' With these times be most turbulent at this time, Sir Rylan Kempe who opposes the kind will kidnap her from the convent with the idea of marrying her off to a ally, however, Joanna will end the King's ward and later ...well to get the rest of the story, you must pickup "A Dove at Midnight" and see how, who and what will happen. I liked the story and if you are in to medieval history you will possibly enjoy it also. You will find all of the characters all very interesting in one way or the other. Some even colorful. Be ready for some interesting dynamics that will go on between Joanna and Rylan....with Joanna being so irritating and naive and then Ryan being the mature and arrogant and also 'politically adapted. All in all this novel will keep you turning the page will all of its twist and turns that are presented.

If you are in for a good medieval historical romance, I would recommend "A Dove at Midnight" to you as a good read.

When I first received When Lightning Strikes by Rexanne Becnel to review for the Retro Readers program from Open Road Media, I wasn’t too excited to read this western romance. However as soon as I started this novel, I could not put it down. This novel captivates the reader from the very beginning and you are left hoping the outcome you are rooting for will finally happen. When Lightning Strikes progresses at such a pace that you are not disappointed and left wanting more because it ended too quickly but you are left happy at the end at how all the strings were tied nicely together.

Abigail Morgan is confused when she finds herself travelling in a wagon company on the Oregon Trail with her father shortly after her mother passed away. She is even more confused by it because her father is acting strangely and they had to change their identities; no one could know her real name is Abigail Bliss. When she finds herself attracted to Tanner McKnight, who is nothing more than a hired gunman, she finds everything in her world changing. Tanner, who was hired by Abby’s grandfather to bring her to Chicago, kidnaps Abby and they begin the long and dangerous journey to Chicago. Who is this mysterious grandfather Abby never knew about? Will Abby and Tanner make it safely to Chicago? What will happen once they get there?

Abby is a strong willed woman, who wants what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it, which I found to be a very endearing quality for this time period. This novel also has a story within a story with Abby’s stories about two mice, Tillie and Snitch, which parallel her and Tanner. Even if you do not like historical westerns, I recommend trying out this well written novel of survival and romance.

Medieval historicals are out of fashion right now, but thanks to a loan from a friend, I got to go back 20 years and read this one. It was fun to read something different than today's most popular tropes, regency drawing room and swashbuckler. Predictable situations, but likable characters. Pacing could have been more even and tighter. Some typos, especially in the early chapters. Also, you can play the Lisa Kleypas drinking game with this book, so there is that. -cg

The Heartbreaker is the fourth story in a series of 4 books written by Rexanne Becnel. It tells the story of the relationship between James Lindford, Viscount Farley, a recovering rake and Phoebe Churchill, a country woman with a good heart. Although this book has the above hero and heroine, they seem to play second fiddle to three little children. In James’s attempt to mend his rakish ways, he hunts down his various illegitimate children and essentially buys them from their mothers. When the story starts he has managed to acquire potty-mouthed Clarissa (Izzy), a 10 year old that he rescues from the stews and has seen the evil side of life, and Leya, a chubby, blue-eyed baby with dark skin whose mother died in India. James’s open acknowledgement of his illegitimate children causes his fiancee to break their engagement and therefore James’ hope of a political career. Izzy’s shenanigans drive most of James’ London staff away and finally he escapes the gossips by decamping to his country estate.

Phoebe has spent the last eight years taking care of her mother and her sister’s illegitimate daughter, Helen, on the family farm. They barely make ends meet and when things start disappearing, Phoebe is determined to catch the thief. When she discovers that her thief is the 10 year old daughter of the Viscount Farley, she marches Izzy to Farley Park to meet him. Phoebe, who has never felt much attraction to men finally feels the lust her mother has always warned her about upon meeting James. Over the next few days, Phoebe quickly finds the solution for Leya’s stomach upset and starts to show progress with Izzy’s behavior. James is determined to have Phoebe as governess to his girls despite his growing attraction. He is actually determined to make Phoebe his mistress as well as his girl’s governess. At this point, I feel, the story falls apart. Several reviewers comment on the fact that if James is indeed trying to mend his rakish ways and has learned his lesson, he wouldn’t even be considering trying to make Phoebe his mistress, he would be trying to find some way to marry her, despite the class differences.

To add insult to injury, Phoebe’s sister shows up and we find out that her daughter, Helen, whom Phoebe has been raising, is actually James’s 3rd illegitimate daughter. Is there anyone James hasn’t slept with?? To make matters worse, his ex-fiancee shows up again wanting him back - or at least not wanting to marry the old man her father is pushing on her. She doesn’t seem like much of a catch and doesn’t even seem to react negatively to Phoebe being the object of James’ affections.

What starts out a wonderful, meaningful story about a rake trying to reform seems to be derailed about 2/3rds of the way through and even the inevitable happy ending doesn’t completely recapture the feeling at the beginning of the story!

I LOVED The Bridemaker! I actually read this book first of the four and it was this book that had me searching for the others of this “Maker” series.

We are introduced to “The Bridemaker” - Hester Poitevant (don’t like the name!) who earns her living by tutoring awkward young ladies of the ton to be sophisticated prize catches for the season’s marriage mart. She has quite a history of finding just the right clothes, just the right advice, just the right tutoring to make ugly ducklings into swans! She hides herself in plain sight as a widow, downplaying her beauty, hoping no one remembers her past.

When her latest charge, Dulcie, sets her sights on Adrian Hawke - the disreputable American merchant, Hester is forced to interact with Adrian to try to dissuade him from courting Dulcie. We actually met Adrian Hawke in The Matchmaker. He was the illegitimate son of the Neville Hawke’s deceased older brother. At the end of The Troublemaker he goes to live with Marshall and Sarah in America.

Although Hester is successful at dissuading Adrian from pursuing Dulcie, he sets his sights on un-peeling the layers that make up the facade of Hester. What results is a wonderfully endearing love story. It has all the glam and glitter of Regency England, that I love, and a swashbuckling hero that sets my heart to pounding. A must read!

I must admit, the first book I read in this series is The Bridemaker. I liked it so much that I searched out the rest of the series. The Matchmaker is the first book in Rexanne Becnel’s latest series -“Maker” books. Rexanne Becnel has apparently been writing books for 14 years and has produced 19 novels. This is the first time I have read any of her books and I was impressed. Some books I read just to pass the time; other books require effort to read, with intricate plots and many characters. This series of books fit somewhere in the middle.

Olivia, the heroine of the story, has kept a journal of all the men that she has encountered during her three years on the marriage mart. She prides herself in arranging many matches for her friends, but has yet to meet someone who she considers even remotely suitable for herself. Olivia’s mother has been married and widowed three times. As a result Olivia has a half-brother and half-sister who have different fathers. Olivia’s less than stellar memories of her drunken rake of a father seem to color her views of the opposite sex.

Lord Neville Hawke is our tortured hero. He has lost many people in his life, from friends and fellow soldiers in the war, to his parents and his brother. He escapes the nightmares of battle memories in alcohol, insomnia and fast women. When he meets Olivia he mistakes her for a servant in the household and tries to seduce her. This sets the scene for the beginning of their difficult relationship! Neville flirts with and tries to charm Olivia, but he just succeeds in reminding Olivia of her devil-may-care father. Gradually Olivia discovers that Neville’s scoundrel facade hides a sensitive and lonely man who, of course, is waiting for the right woman to take him in hand!

Upon reading the back of this novel, one would anticipate a light and breezy story, but this is not found to be true. Neville is a tortured hero with problems that justifiably give Olivia pause, but the story ends in a “love conquers all ending”. I feel that the pacing of the story is good until the end where I feel that it is a bit rushed. Overall, a nice, pure romance with enough meat to keep your mind busy and enough believability to keep you turning the pages and looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Troublemaker, the second in Rexanne Becnel’s “Maker” series introduces us to Marshall MacDougal and Sarah Palmer. Sarah, the youngest of the 3 half-siblings we were introduced to in The Matchmaker. I should admit up front that I had trouble warming up to this book!

Sarah is a conflicted, spoiled girl who seems to attract trouble. She tries to elope with a fortune hunter at the beginning of the book. Her brother stops the elopement and her family send her to Scotland to spend some time with her sister and wait out the scandal. When she arrives in Scotland she discovers that her sister and family are away for a month but she decides to stay by herself at the house. The long-time servants apparently decide to do nothing about this situation.

Marshall (Marsh) MacDougal was born in American and grows up thinking that his father is dead. He finds out upon his mother’s death that he may have a father alive and well in Kelso, Scotland and he heads off to find him. Marsh is determined to make his father pay for all the years of abandonment. When he arrives in Scotland, he discovers his father is long dead and turns his anger to trying to prove he is the true heir.

Although I liked the end of this story there were too many problems with the actual story line. Sarah starts the story as a spoiled little brat, but quickly does an about face and decides to put her family first and protect them against Marsh’s efforts. Marsh is too full of angst. He is rude and overbearing. Not a particularly appealing hero. The conflict between Marsh and Sarah seem to just go away when he discovers that he really is the true heir and he isn’t going to tell anyone. Maybe Sarah just saw positive things in Marsh that the rest of us didn’t! In future books he is an appealing character, I just didn’t find him to be so in this book - too conflicted.

Not a total loss of a book! Just not my cup of tea!

If you enjoyed Rexanne's other Regency-set book (see above), you'll love these, too. They're not your average family series. The heroines of the first and second books are half-sisters. The hero of the third book is the illegitimate nephew of the hero of the first book. And the upcoming fourth book features the two half-sisters' half-brother. It's less complicated than it sounds, and oh, are these books delicious!

If you enjoyed Rexanne's other Regency-set book (see above), you'll love these, too. They're not your average family series. The heroines of the first and second books are half-sisters. The hero of the third book is the illegitimate nephew of the hero of the first book. And the upcoming fourth book features the two half-sisters' half-brother. It's less complicated than it sounds, and oh, are these books delicious!

If you enjoyed Rexanne's other Regency-set book (see above), you'll love these, too. They're not your average family series. The heroines of the first and second books are half-sisters. The hero of the third book is the illegitimate nephew of the hero of the first book. And the upcoming fourth book features the two half-sisters' half-brother. It's less complicated than it sounds, and oh, are these books delicious!

The heroine is delightfully spinsterish and there's something about gypsy Regency rakes that I can't resist. Ivan is so determined not to fall in love and Lucy is just so determined to make him!

As some of you know, I'm originally from New Orleans, so this book about a woman who learns how to deal with her life after Hurricane Katrina turns it upside down moved me beyond words. It's not strictly a romance (more women's fiction), but it made me laugh AND cry. How much more can you ask for from a good book?

"The two mystery plots intersect with the villain being one and the same in both the hero and heroine's stories. A convenience that is usually only contrived by lazy authors. Becnel usually is not one."

http://romancepicayune.blogspot.com/2008/05/rose-of-blacksword.html½