Wayward Angel

Rating:
Summary: here's the book description....
Review: Her real name was Lady Alexandra Theodora Beaumont, the daughter of an abusive British Lord. Rescued from drowning by Kentucky Quakers little "Dora" was disguised as a typical Quaker child and no one knew of her first years - not even Pace Nicholls, "bad boy" son of a local slavholder. And from the day they met, whereever Pace was, so was Dora who grew to womanhood pining for his love. Pace was hellion as a boy and a rebel as a man. He freed the family slaves and left his law practice to join the Union Army. And Dora was always there ready to nurse his wounds. His had no excuse for taking her in wanton self indulgence without giving his heart, never guessing that the tables would one day turn. He never guessed that the noble and beautiful lady Alexandra could be swept forever out of his reach unless this time eh offered his heart.

Rating:
Summary: Not too good, not too bad
Review: This was my first Patricia Rice novel, and it was enjoyable to a point. The characters were well-developed but I thought that they got lost as the story went along, perhaps that was the point. Dora was a strong character, and I quite liked her. She was timid & usually no one knows she exists, but when she believes in something or is challenged .. she manages to rally her strength & courage. I did not like Pace all that much but I have to presume that he was basically a good person considering the circumstances of his upbringing. He also had immense guilt for treating Dora the way he did and knowing he wasn't good enough for her. It's an enjoyable read, but it's not a keeper. I doubt I'd read it again.

Rating:
Summary: I DID NOT LIKE IT
Review: What made me dislike the book so is the fact that Theodora is portrayed as a weak character. This milktoast of a woman never stands up to the man with whom she is in love with. Like the entire novel she lacks the flair and passion necessary to make a successful romance story. As far as the "hero" being a badboy he was anything but that. To me he was a spoiled boy accustomed to getting everything he wanted. Wayward Angel was my first novel by Patricia Rice and unfortunately reading it did not turn into a pleasurable experience. Now whenever I am standing in the Romance section of any bookstore I make it a point not to look at any of Patricia Rice's novels.