A Perfect Romance

this is a book that the adage "don't judge a book by it's cover" truly fits. From the back blurb you are lead to believe that a large part of the book is set on the Titanic-which I'm not interested in. I almost didn't buy it for that reason but I'm glad I changed my mind. The only part that deals with the Titanic is the first few pages-to set up the relationship of the characters. What you then have is a delightful new romance set in San Francisco in the 1910's. For those looking for strong, intelligent heroines, Loretta is a near perfect example. Loratta is a wealthy lady of 28 (a spinster:), who is a true follower of the burgeoning feminist movement. She was considered a "bohemian" for her beliefs, intellectual aquaintences, and philanthopical efforts. But she's not a "perfect" character-her faults-speaking whatever's on her mind, all the time, ability to get her friends into her fiascos, etc-just make her more endearing as a heroine. And all us + size ladies rejoice-Loretta is a voluptuous larger lady who also wears glasses! The hero is a adventuresome, hulk of a sea captain-a well-told hero with his own set of good and bad qualities. The interplay between the two characters is very funny. Since I find that the majority of historicals seem to fall in either regency, medievel, or old west-this book is a wonderful change of pace and a thoroughly enjoyable time period to "visit". While the book has a few minor foibles, it's really none worth noting in the overall review. This is an excellent beginning novel from a new author. I was delighted by this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

In 1912, sea sick Loretta Linden is on the Titanic when the vessel begins to sink. Ship stewardess Marjorie MacTavish gets Loretta moving, but though not feeling well, she helps others to safety during the panic. She especially tries to insure that widow Isabel Golightly and her six-year-old precocious daughter are safe before she insures her own safety. Two years later in San Francisco, Marjorie works as Loretta's secretary while a remarried Isabel runs a dance academy. Loretta believes she must help the downtrodden and puts more than her money up as she often toils at the Ladies' Benevolence League's Soup Kitchen. One night at the soup kitchen, Loretta runs into attractive Malachai Quarles, captain of the Moor's Revenge. He is looking for two missing crewmen and finds one unconscious on the kitchen floor. When mate Peavey regains consciousness, he insists he was held prisoner. No one except Loretta believes him. As Loretta and Malachi argue over whether respectable William Frederick Tillinghurst is behind the abductions and more (she says yes; he says no), they fall in love, but first must solve a bit of a mystery. Historical romance readers will want to read PERFECT ROMANCE and its delightful predecessor (see A PERFECT STRANGER) as both tales are entertaining while providing a fabulous look at a bygone era. The action-packed Americana tale moves forward at quite a clip as the obstinate Loretta (must have right wing Republican blood in her liberal Democratic do-gooder veins) and the realistic but sexist Malachai (it is WW1) argue their way into love. Anne Robins "Perfect" novels are exciting looks at San Francisco during a period of technological transition. Harriet Klausner

Heiress Loretta Linden is sea sick in her cabin aboard the "Titanic" as it collided with an iceberg in April, 1912. It took the stewardess, Marjorie MacTavish, awhile to make Loretta understand that the ship was sinking and, no, she could NOT just rest in bed awhile longer. But once Loretta understands the situation, she helps the other passengers before even considering going to safety herself. Loretta is especially desperate to locate the widow, Isabel Golightly, and her six-year-old child genius daughter, Eunice. Two years later finds them all residing in San Francisco. Marjorie is Loretta's secretary. Isabel has opened a dance academy and is remarried. Eunice has become even more intelligent, if that is at all possible! As for Loretta, she is still a strong willed and fiery feminist who is determined to help all the underdogs and change the world, whether they want her help or not! Loretta often helps out at the Ladies' Benevolence League's Soup Kitchen, but one night after closing she rushes back to the kitchen for an item she has forgotten only to find herself manhandled by Captain Malachai Quarles. Malachai is captain of the "Moor's Revenge" Two of his crewmen, Mr. Jones and Mr. Peavey, have recently disappeared. Loretta and Malachai find Peavey unconscious on the kitchen floor, the victim of an attack. Several gold coins are scattered around. Doctor Jason Abernathy, who is sweet on Marjorie, drives over to help Peavey. Problem is that Peavey has always been scatterbrained, so when he only mutters about being held in a dungeon underneath a castle by Moors, no one is surprised and no one believes him...except Loretta. Loretta and Malachai seem to rub each other the wrong way from the beginning. Yet they are both attracted to one another too. Loretta is positive that a mean associate of Malachai (and her father's) named William Frederick Tillinghurst is behind it all. Malachai is positive she is wrong. Nothing points to Tillinghurst as the guilty party, the man is highly respectable, and she should not accuse the man simply because she did not like how he handles his businesses. Two hard heads are about to clash! **** Author Anne Robins has created a variety of characters for this novel. I was captivated by Malachai from the beginning, even though he is a bit too narrow minded when it comes to women. It took me awhile to warm up to Loretta though. Loretta's curiosity gets her in a lot of trouble, but she's also smart. However, once she decides she is right, she refuses to even consider that she may be wrong. She came across as way too pushy. The great part is that Malachai figures out exactly how to tame her, or at least make her shut up. They are the perfect match! Don't think that this is the only entertainment the author gives us, her readers. Nope, we get to follow along as they attempt to clear up a mystery on stolen treasure. And it is all set in exciting San Francisco, during a time that America is getting used to all its modern conve