Books matching: navigating societal expectations
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- #1
Save:"The Lady Gets Lucky" in the series "The Fifth Avenue Rebels" by Joanna Shupe revolves around the story of Alice Lusk, a shy heiress determined to marry for love and not her father's money. At a house party, she meets Christopher Kit Ward, a charming scoundrel who agrees to help her learn how to attract a man in exchange for recipes from Chef Franconi. As Kit and Alice grow closer, they face internal struggles and societal pressures that threaten their budding relationship. is filled with witty banter, steamy love scenes, heartache, insecurities, and a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged.
Since the end of dinner service, Kit had held court in the drawing room, with no less than eight pairs of eyes on him at all times. Over coffee and port, he joked and smiled, nodded and winked. Dazzle... - #2
Save:'Women of Sand and Myrrh' by Hanan Al-Shaykh is a collection of stories that delve into the lives of women living in an unnamed Middle Eastern country, believed to be Saudi Arabia. The book explores the struggles and adaptations these women make within the constraints of their society, focusing on themes of oppression, censorship, and rebellion. Through the intertwined narratives of Suha, Nur, Suzanne, and Tamr, the author sheds light on the complexities of female experiences in a conservative Muslim culture, showcasing the different ways these women navigate their lives under patriarchal norms. The writing style is described as intimate, engaging, and offering a rare glimpse into a world often misunderstood in the West, with a lyrical language that conveys the emotional depth of the characters' experiences.
I looked at the pale curtains the colour of apricots, and at the glass tops of the little tables, and at the water-colours on the walls, and wished I could stay in this house all the time, just me and... - #3
Save:Daniel Deronda by George Eliot is a complex and layered novel that intertwines the lives of various characters, including Gwendolyn Harleth, Daniel Deronda, Mirah, and Mordecai Ezra. The story delves into themes of love, societal class structures, marriage, and the emerging Zionist movement in Victorian England. The narrative follows the struggles and relationships of the characters as they navigate through personal growth, self-discovery, and moral dilemmas, all against the backdrop of a changing society.
The writing style of George Eliot in Daniel Deronda is praised for its depth and character development. Readers appreciate Eliot's ability to create realistic and multi-dimensional characters, from the self-absorbed Gwendolyn to the enigmatic Daniel Deronda. The novel explores themes of identity, ethnicity, and societal expectations, offering a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.
WAS she beautiful or not beautiful? and what was the secret of form or expression which gave the dynamic quality to her glance? Was the good or the evil genius dominant in those beams? Probably the ev... - #4
Save:In "The Other Guy's Bride" by Connie Brockway, the story is set in Egypt and follows the adventures of Ginny, a feisty and accident-prone British heroine who poses as a proper English lady in need of an escort through the desert. She is accompanied by Jim Owens, a half-English, half-American mercenary with a mysterious past. As they journey across the desert, their attraction grows stronger despite both keeping secrets about their true identities. The plot is filled with adventure, humor, and misunderstandings that test their courage and passion, set against the backdrop of Egypt in the early 20th century.
The book is praised for its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and vivid descriptions of Egypt and its pyramids. Readers commend the chemistry between Ginny and Jim, the humor in their banter, and the intensity of their attraction. The story is a blend of romance, adventure, and humor, with a strong focus on the development of the relationship between the protagonists amidst a treacherous journey across the desert.
“People don’t die of seasickness, Miss Whimpelhall,” Ginesse Braxton said. She wasn’t absolutely certain of this, but she had long held the belief that a thing only counted as a lie if you knew it to ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Braxton ) - #5
Save:In "One Night Is Never Enough" by Anne Mallory, readers are immersed in a tale of power, passion, and risk as Roman Merrick, the lord of London's underworld, engages in a high-stakes game with Charlotte Chatsworth's gambler father, wagering her against a debt. Charlotte finds herself entangled with the dangerous Roman, leading to a perilous journey where love and passion are unleashed, potentially bringing down Roman's dark empire. Mallory's writing style captivates readers with its intricate storytelling and leaves room for readers to draw their own conclusions, making the book a gripping and intriguing read.
Charlotte Chatsworth strode the pavement instead. Long, hard strides. Trying to shake the feel of chains that had always been there, that she had tried to ignore for so long. Chains that were settling...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Secrets ) - #6
Save:'The Fair Fight' by Anna Freeman is a historical novel set in late 18th century England, focusing on the world of female prize fighters. The story revolves around Ruth, a daughter of a madam who becomes a female boxer, fighting against men in the bare-knuckle boxing rings. The narrative is divided into sections told by different characters, such as Ruth, George Bowden, and Charlotte Sinclair, highlighting their intertwined lives and struggles in the society of that era. The writing style captures the authenticity of the time period, with smartly written prose and well-paced storytelling.
- #7
Save:'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen is a darkly funny novel that delves into the lives of the Lambert family, portraying their struggles and dynamics in a dysfunctional American family setting. The book follows the aging couple, Enid and Alfred, as they try to bring their three adult children together for a last Christmas, unraveling the failures, secrets, and buried hurts that haunt them. Through brilliant writing and vivid character portrayals, Franzen captures the essence of family life and suburbia, exploring themes of guilt, longing, and the complexities of relationships.
The madness of an autumn prairie cold front coming through. You could feel it: something terrible was going to happen. The sun low in the sky, a minor light, a cooling star. Gust after gust of disorde... - #8
Save:In "Curious Wine," Katherine V. Forrest explores a lesbian romance set in the late 70s, focusing on the relationship between two mature, professional women who find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. The plot delves into their journey of self-discovery, navigating societal expectations and their own past relationships to embrace their love. The writing style, although at times dated, is praised for its decent and humorous dialogue that immerses the reader in the blossoming romance between the main characters.
The cabin was warm and bright with the light Diana Holland and Vivian Kaufman had seen from a distance on the winding mountain road, friendly yellow light radiating into a black night, onto glowing sn... - #9
Save:'Lady Be Good' by Amber Brock is a fun and sassy novel that takes readers on a journey to New York City, Miami, and Havana in the 1950s. The story follows Kitty Tessler, the adventurous and mischievous daughter of a nightclub tycoon, who is trying to find a suitable mate from established money to be accepted in society. As Kitty travels with her friends to Miami and Cuba, she begins to see things that make her question her goals and values. The plot unfolds with Kitty getting involved in her friends' relationships and trying to fix everything, which almost leads to the destruction of everyone she loves. Despite a somewhat predictable character arc, the book is praised for its vivid descriptions of the 1950s lifestyle and the complex and likable characters.
Kitty Tessler sat at the long wooden bar in the Palm on a chilly Friday evening, steadily losing confidence that her date deserved the seat next to her. Raymond had seemed like a true catch, the perfe... - #10
Save:'Reason to Wed' by Heather Boyd revolves around the story of Esme, a merry widow who attends a house party at the Earl of Windermere's estate. Feeling let down by her companion, Esme finds an unexpected ally in the form of Lord Windermere himself. As the plot unfolds, a captivating love story blossoms between Esme and Richard, the Earl, despite their initial differences. delves into themes of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships during the Regency era.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging and well-crafted, with a good flow that keeps the readers immersed in the storyline. The characters are highlighted as the driving force of the book, with their likability and depth adding richness to the plot. is noted for its sweet ending and entertaining epilogue, which further enhance the overall reading experience.
(Also, see 18 recommendations for the series Distinguished Rogues )
