A Fresh Perspective (Signet Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: Great idea for a plot, but potential not realized
Review: I really liked the idea of the two main characters being childhood friends, and then falling in love as a adults, being brought together by their mutual love of art. But, the story turned out to be boring, and even ridiculous in parts. The idea of bronze sculptures being commissioned by the hero and accidentally having the heroine's head put on these sensual figurines was just unbelievable, and didn't add to the plot(the hero supposedly gave the person who cast the figures a paper with a drawing of the heroine's head on the back and that was how the goof-up was made?) The book plodded along, and it was not very romantic at all, since it took the hero forever to recognize that he loved the heroine, even though she knew she loved him from the beginning. The "big misunderstanding" at the end where the hero accidentally sells a picture that the heroine painted for him was an annoying incident. The worst thing I can remember about the book was when the hero is pretty much attacked by a over-sexed female out to get him, and she bites his tongue. It bleeds all over, and he is lisping in pain. He acts really naive and stupid. This part made no sense to me at all, made me almost give up on the book, and added nothing to the story. I have read several of Elisabeth Fairchild's books that I have liked and have rated very highly, but this book is very forgettable. Don't waste your time on this one. I would suggest Sugar Plum Surprises, The Holly and the Ivy, and The Silent Suitor, if you want to try three I can think of off-hand.

Rating:
Summary: Great idea for a plot, but potential not realized
Review: I really liked the idea of the two main characters being childhood friends, and then falling in love as a adults, being brought together by their mutual love of art. But, the story turned out to be boring, and even ridiculous in parts. The idea of bronze sculptures being commissioned by the hero and accidentally having the heroine's head put on these sensual figurines was just unbelievable, and didn't add to the plot(the hero supposedly gave the person who cast the figures a paper with a drawing of the heroine's head on the back and that was how the goof-up was made?) The book plodded along, and it was not very romantic at all, since it took the hero forever to recognize that he loved the heroine, even though she knew she loved him from the beginning. The "big misunderstanding" at the end where the hero accidentally sells a picture that the heroine painted for him was an annoying incident. The worst thing I can remember about the book was when the hero is pretty much attacked by a over-sexed female out to get him, and she bites his tongue. It bleeds all over, and he is lisping in pain. He acts really naive and stupid. This part made no sense to me at all, made me almost give up on the book, and added nothing to the story. I have read several of Elisabeth Fairchild's books that I have liked and have rated very highly, but this book is very forgettable. Don't waste your time on this one. I would suggest Sugar Plum Surprises, The Holly and the Ivy, and The Silent Suitor, if you want to try three I can think of off-hand.

Rating:
Summary: Elisabeth's Book Summary
Review: In A Fresh Perspective, Reed Talcott, a young man resistant to change, is happy to return from a Grand Tour of Europe to the familiarity of Talcott Keep, the crumbling castle that will one day be his, and to Megan Breech, his best friend since childhood. But life has not stood still at Blythe Corner. Megan has been to Paris. She has new clothes, a new hairstyle and grand plans for a Season in London. There is only the summer, a brief, golden interlude at a holiday cottage in the Lake District before every aspect of Reed's life and his relationship with Megan is turned on its head--before unrealized loves, misplaced priorities and rising passions offer everyone involved a fresh perspective.

To read a first chapter excerpt of the book, please browse the above website.

Rating:
Summary: Incomparible Duo!
Review: Megan Breech and Reed Talcott are again another couple greatly paired and mastered in this tale. The story and setting perfect and just right for the type of characters the two were. The back cover of this book does in no way do justice for what the book is about. It hints and in way misleads you -- but the book is ever so much better than the back entails.

I would push this book -- and all the books I've read of Fairchild's so far -- to be read by everyone. I have yet to come across a book of hers I did not like.

The two things that I wish had been better in this book -- and merely more for my own selfish fulfillment -- were more passionate scenes than you were given between Reed and Megan. Also that the ending could have had an Epilogue. I like is when one is able to check back with the characters to see how well they fare. I was really hoping to have a glimpse at how well Reed had done in his investments.

In short, dear reader, I recommend this book and don't be afraid by other reviews to not try this one out. You'll likely pay a pennance for it simply because it's out of print and you'll be amazed at its quality.

Rating:
Summary: boring!
Review: This book had to be one of the most boring books I have read in a long time. I'm sorry to say Miss Fairchild but this wasn't the best book you've written. I normally love the books you've written but this isn't one of them. The whole book seemed to lack excitment. There really wasn't any. Both the hero and heroine of this book love to paint. It's part of what makes them such friends. Not to mention that they grew up together. The hero leaves to go travel the world for a year and when he comes home he can't wait to share everything that has happened and see how everything is the same. But nothing is the same. Especially not his life long friend. She has changed into a true woman with curves and all! Throughout the book we see that the heroine is in love with the hero but the hero isn't sure about what he feels for the heroine. Now normally nothing would be wrong with that because that is how most regency's are. However it takes forever for him to realize how he feels and during that time NOTHING happens! Totally boredom! I am sorry to say that a book could be this bad but it was. Better luck next time!

Rating:
Summary: boring!
Review: This book had to be one of the most boring books I have read in a long time. I'm sorry to say Miss Fairchild but this wasn't the best book you've written. I normally love the books you've written but this isn't one of them. The whole book seemed to lack excitment. There really wasn't any. Both the hero and heroine of this book love to paint. It's part of what makes them such friends. Not to mention that they grew up together. The hero leaves to go travel the world for a year and when he comes home he can't wait to share everything that has happened and see how everything is the same. But nothing is the same. Especially not his life long friend. She has changed into a true woman with curves and all! Throughout the book we see that the heroine is in love with the hero but the hero isn't sure about what he feels for the heroine. Now normally nothing would be wrong with that because that is how most regency's are. However it takes forever for him to realize how he feels and during that time NOTHING happens! Totally boredom! I am sorry to say that a book could be this bad but it was. Better luck next time!

Rating:
Summary: charming, different, and innocently sensual
Review: This was the first Regency I ever read, so it probably holds a soft spot in my heart. But believe me, I am a critical reader and would not have loved it for that reason alone. The characters in this book are unique and realistic. I was able to see how their thoughts and feelings affected them as well as their lives and the situations they found themselves in. They are likable and understandably conflicted, and you want them to get together.

The scene at the waterfall when the lovers first kiss gave me shivers when I read it--not because it's overtly sexy, but because Fairchild does such a good job with words describing everything, I felt like I was there. The whole book is like that--very sensual in the sense that you can almost see and hear and touch the surroundings.