Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Summer Book Read

A Summer Idyll by Betty Neels
Betty Neels, where have you been all my life?
I ran across this book at the Bookmobile last week.
I've always been kind of leery of Harlequin novels, never knowing if they're a "clean" read.
When asking the bookmobile librarian about this author, she said, "Oh yeah, they're clean.  I read them all when I was in high school.  She writes kind of like Grace Livingston Hill."
 
Well, I have a love/not love feeling about Grace Livingston Hill's books. 
Yes, they're clean, but a lot of them seem "preachy" to me.
I guess I'm shallow, but I don't want my "fluffy" reading to make me feel convicted for not being perfect.
 
Anyway, to end this long story, I checked the book out and I enjoyed it so much!
The great thing is, when looking for others by this same author, I found that between my local public library and the Bookmobile, I have access to over 40 books by Betty Neels !
 
Here's a little bio of the author in front of this book:
Romance readers around the world were sad to note the passing of Betty Neels in June 2001.  Her career spanned thirty years, and she continued to write into her ninetieth year.  To her millions of fans, Betty epitomized the romance writer, and yet she began writing almost by accident.  She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind still sought stimulation.  Her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels.  Betty's first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and she eventually completed 134 books.  Her novels offer a reassuring warmth that was very much a part of her own personality.  She was a wonderful writer, and she will be greatly missed.  Her spirit and genuine talent will live on in all her stories. 
 
Now I can't wait to get to the library and check out more of her books!
 

3 comments:

  1. I read a few of her books a million years ago, and since my favorite author Maeve Binchy has passed away, I think it's time to give Betty Neels another try. Thanks for reminding me!

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  2. Have you ever read the Cozy Mysteries? I love them! Check out Krista Davis, Gayle Trent, Cricket McCrae or Jenn McKinlay. The series are all set in small towns and center around something cozy - quilting, embroidery, cooking etc. There's a "light" mystery, usually a murder of someone no one likes, lol and the heroine solves the mystery! I love the settings more than the mysteries!!!!

    You might also like Mary Kay Andrews - awesome southern stories with great characters and a few chuckles!

    I have over 1500 books on my Kindle and it's never far from my grasp!!!!


    gena

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  3. Hi Sherry, I'm so glad you found a new author you like! I have found one I like, too. Her name is Sarah Jio. Mostly I read inspirational or history books, but her's appeal to me. Twyla

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I'm so happy you're leaving me a comment! ~ Sherry