A Spanish Honeymoon

I always hear about women who want a long read. I like them too. Unfortunately too many readers bypass the shorter books and don't realize these too can pack an emotional wallop in fewer pages! Congratulations to Ms. Weale. She's woven a believable, enchanting story against one of my favorite backdrops. This is more than a romance. Jeanne D'Arc

I have to admit, I did not have high expectations for this book, because it's a Harlequin. I read quite a few Harlequins, mostly impulse buys at the grocery store, and 9 times out of 10, I regret the impulse. My expectations were for something light; kind of stupidly plotted, with shallow characters having sex to move the thing along -- BUT -- this book happily proved me wrong. It's got a superior plot; well-written, believable & realistic characters and alot of insight! It was refreshing to read a Harlequin where the characters actually grow & change while the plot is moving along. The two main characters become friends before they are lovers, and so we get to learn alot about them -- for once, it's NOT about some unbelieveable, uncontrollable sexual attraction between two unbelievably beautiful people. And what a nice touch (spoiler coming)...that they wait until they get married before they make love. (I almost wrote, "have sex", but these characters DO make love.) The setting is a great one, & you can tell the author loves & knows Spain. A surprising keeper! Thanks, Ms. Weale.