Paper Tiger

Paper Tiger is everything strong and emotional one enjoys in a book and is a terrific second in the Paper trilogy; however, it's not as captivating as the first book, Paper Roses.Georgie a.k.a. Miss Merry is a tough cookie with a big heart and Daniel is everything [attractive] masculine and together they sizzle! Their tale is of strong social reform with a heartwarming ending.Be sure to read the first book of the trilogy, Paper Roses and complete it with the last book, Paper Moon.

"Paper Tiger" is the second book in a trilogy that began with "Paper Roses." While it is not necessary to read "Paper Roses" first to enjoy this book, ("Paper Tiger" can certainly stand on its own as far as plot and characters go), it is a plus if you do so. This story of Daniel Mulloney, begins when he is a man in his mid-twenties. "Paper Roses" is the story of his adopted sister, Evie, with whom he was raised. But Daniel's boyhood and adolescence are featured prominently in the 1st novel, as are the adventures he almost always shares with his sister, and much information about the formation of his character. So, if you begin this book after reading its prequel, you feel like you are meeting an old friend and catching up on what has happened since you last heard from him. And, there is much about the character of Daniel Mulloney that is only revealed in book #1 - book #2 is more plot-driven.Daniel was raised by a nanny who was paid for her services. His family abandoned him to her care when it was discovered he was born lame. The family obviously is a wealthy one, as Daniel was brought up to live as a gentleman, in post-Civil War St. Louis, Missouri. All his bills and his education were paid for by check, from the Mulloney family lawyer to the servant. Daniel grew up hurt and somewhat embittered that he had been so carelessly discarded. And he always wondered about his parents and extended family. When the nanny dies, Daniel goes to Texas with his adopted sister, and grows to manhood, surviving numerous adventures, including blowing up a small Texas town. He is a handsome, intelligent, witty and sensitive man with an interest in journalism and the desire to finally find out about his roots.On his way to Cutlerville, Ohio, (home of the Mulloney clan), he meets a young heiress on the train. Georgina Hanover is an extroverted, mischievous and very attractive young woman, who goes after what she wants. What she does Not want is to marry her fiance, Peter Mulloney, heir to a fortune in his own right...and brother to Daniel. She would like to help Daniel start up a newspaper in Cutlerville and begin his journalistic crusade for workers' rights. The primary exploiter of workers and women in Cutlerville is Daniel's father - the one who abandoned him at birth. Go figure!This is a terrific story, but it does not compare to "Paper Roses," which is one of my favorite books. "Paper Roses" is almost epic in its scope - involving many characters and various plots, subplots and themes. "Paper Tiger" is a terrific tale, but much less complex and ambitious - and less compelling too. As always, Patricia Rice creates characters that are realistic and 3-dimensional. Her take on social reform, journalism and photography in mid-19th century America, creates an interesting environment for her characters and is also great for plot development. Her humor is ever present. I recommend this book, on its own merit...but if you can, read "Paper Flowers" first. I look forward

This was a very entertaining and exciting book to read. I thought the characters were very interesting and that the author focused on their interaction in a way that was suspensefull. At some points in the book it was impossible to expect what was going to happen next. The relationship between Georgia Hanover and Daniel Mulloney was especially hot at times and kept my attention through the whole book. They were both very interesting and exciting characters in a topsy turvey world of family legacy and greed. The relationship was one that could impact the town they lived in as well as the families they were brought up in. There is a lot of character development and the plots and sub-plots were developed giving each of the brothers real personality,charm and pride. For Peter too much pride resulting in circumstances that would later result in his eventual demise. I enjoyed Paper Tiger enough to look into another by the same author.