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April of Enchantment
Room for Love...
Laura Nichols is no amateur at historical preservation, and the elegant 19th-century Louisiana mansion, Crapemyrtle, promises to be the perfect showcase for her talent. After her first infuriating meeting with its handsome new owner, Justin Roman, she's determined to prove the house can be both breathtaking and ready in time for his wedding. But if he doesn't trust her abilities, why does he give her the final say on any changes to be made, even over his fiancée's objections and growing jealousy?
As the wedding date approaches and the mansion nears completion, can Laura bear the thought that she will never live in it with Justin...?
Category-length novel.
(Originally published under the pen name Maxine Patrick).
Laura Nichols is no amateur at historical preservation, and the elegant 19th-century Louisiana mansion, Crapemyrtle, promises to be the perfect showcase for her talent. After her first infuriating meeting with its handsome new owner, Justin Roman, she's determined to prove the house can be both breathtaking and ready in time for his wedding. But if he doesn't trust her abilities, why does he give her the final say on any changes to be made, even over his fiancée's objections and growing jealousy?
As the wedding date approaches and the mansion nears completion, can Laura bear the thought that she will never live in it with Justin...?
Category-length novel.
(Originally published under the pen name Maxine Patrick).
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1980
52 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blake
177 books542 followersA pseudonym used by Patricia Maxwell.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
Jennifer Blake has been called a “pioneer of the romance genre”, and an “icon of the romance industry.” A New York Times and international best selling author since 1977, she is a charter member of Romance Writers of America, member of the RWA Hall of Fame, and recipient of the RWA Lifetime Achievement Rita. She holds numerous other honors, including two “Maggies”, two Holt Medallions, multiple Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, and the Frank Waters Award for literary excellence. She has written over 60 books with translations in 20 languages and more than 30 million copies in print worldwide.
Jennifer and her husband reside in a lakeside Caribbean-style retreat in North Louisiana where they often entertain family and friends. Always a gardener, she spends much of her time encouraging her garden to bloom with her favorite daylilies and antique roses. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Buffy and Lucky, and indulging in needlework, painting, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 2, 2020
Laura Nichols loves helping Justin Roman, owner of the sprawling old plantation called Crapemyrtle, as he restores the exquisite property to its former elegance. The bigger challenge comes when she needs to repair her own heart, but Justin holds the only key. His constantly meddling fiancée is determined that she shall reign as mistress of Crapemyrtle, so she resents Laura's input on just about everything regarding the soon-to-be newlyweds' happy home. It isn't easy for Laura to furnish the bedroom where the man she loves will soon bring home a bride that she detests.
Jennifer Blake, spends a lot of time giving every detail of what Laura is working on, how the house looked, what style of furniture is appropriate for the furninshing of the house, and every architectural detail imaginable. This detail became to much and pulled from the story. I all for this if you have a strong love for architect but I do not so it.
Jennifer Blake, spends a lot of time giving every detail of what Laura is working on, how the house looked, what style of furniture is appropriate for the furninshing of the house, and every architectural detail imaginable. This detail became to much and pulled from the story. I all for this if you have a strong love for architect but I do not so it.
July 31, 2013
This was a hard read for me. It wasn't a horrible read but it really didn't hold my interest that much. While the story of Laura and Justin was cute this book really has a lot of decriptive pages (and I do mean pages) of antiques and architectural deatail.
Laura is working for Justin as he intends to put his family home, Crapemyrtle, back to it's glory of the 1800's. Meaning he intends to have the house look inside and out as it first did when constructed by his great-great-great grandfather. Laura is an expert in all things antique and especially Crapemyrtle.
Because of this plot in the story the author, Jennifer Blake, spends a lot of time giving every detail of what Laura is working on, how the house looked, what style of furniture is appropriate for the furninshing of the house, and every architectural detail imaginable. In all honestly it was a lot to take in as far as discriptions are concerned. I found myself skimming a lot of this information once I got about half way through the book.
If this is something you enjoy then this book is just right for you. It just was not my cup of tea.
Laura is working for Justin as he intends to put his family home, Crapemyrtle, back to it's glory of the 1800's. Meaning he intends to have the house look inside and out as it first did when constructed by his great-great-great grandfather. Laura is an expert in all things antique and especially Crapemyrtle.
Because of this plot in the story the author, Jennifer Blake, spends a lot of time giving every detail of what Laura is working on, how the house looked, what style of furniture is appropriate for the furninshing of the house, and every architectural detail imaginable. In all honestly it was a lot to take in as far as discriptions are concerned. I found myself skimming a lot of this information once I got about half way through the book.
If this is something you enjoy then this book is just right for you. It just was not my cup of tea.
December 1, 2015
I bought this book on sale for 0,00 so I didn't have any expectations. And, Although I liked it as a sweet story that somehow kept me reading, not all was well.
- The plot would have been better suited for a historical than this contemporary
- The story would have been better with a lot less description. On the other hand, I did learn a lot about restoring an old house.
- the hero wasn't really heroic. My hero wouldn't wait for his fiancee to end the engagement and at least do that himself.
And since I did get more books by miss Blake in the same sale for the same price; yes: I'll read more of her books. Will she be an author I would pay to read? Don't know that yet.
- The plot would have been better suited for a historical than this contemporary
- The story would have been better with a lot less description. On the other hand, I did learn a lot about restoring an old house.
- the hero wasn't really heroic. My hero wouldn't wait for his fiancee to end the engagement and at least do that himself.
And since I did get more books by miss Blake in the same sale for the same price; yes: I'll read more of her books. Will she be an author I would pay to read? Don't know that yet.
September 11, 2023
Lovers parted…it would take 140 years to find their love again
The house that Laura had been drawn to, had always loved had been sold. After one hundred and forty years, a member of the Roman family would once again live in the house they had built and lost. Justin Roman was to be married and he wanted the house to be returned to it’s former glory. He seriously questioned twenty two year old Laura had the ability to do the job. Hey was drawn to her and decided to let her try to prove herself. She had the same love for the house he had. While his fiancé hated the house, abhorred the thought of living so far from the city.
Steeped in history of 1840, a slow blooming romance with a bit of angst and trouble. It was first published in 1981 it is a look at earlier less steamy romance, but still has a warm glow. Readers get not only a good slow burn romance but a look at the styles and life of the 1840. An enjoyable easy read.
The house that Laura had been drawn to, had always loved had been sold. After one hundred and forty years, a member of the Roman family would once again live in the house they had built and lost. Justin Roman was to be married and he wanted the house to be returned to it’s former glory. He seriously questioned twenty two year old Laura had the ability to do the job. Hey was drawn to her and decided to let her try to prove herself. She had the same love for the house he had. While his fiancé hated the house, abhorred the thought of living so far from the city.
Steeped in history of 1840, a slow blooming romance with a bit of angst and trouble. It was first published in 1981 it is a look at earlier less steamy romance, but still has a warm glow. Readers get not only a good slow burn romance but a look at the styles and life of the 1840. An enjoyable easy read.
July 20, 2017
This romance was originally published in 1981, and it was a fun reminder of how the romance genre has evolved through the years. The hero was engaged to someone else when the heroine was hired to restore his Southern mansion to the way it was when it was constructed. The story is in the POV of the heroine, so the hero's feelings are a mystery until the end. I appreciated that the physical relationship was limited to a few stolen kisses. Readers with an interest in architecture and restoration will particularly like this book.
October 2, 2018
This is a sweet story plagued by distracting POV issues. I struggled with how many times I had to read about her violet gaze, an unnatural eye color to be sure, but not worth repeating over and over. Plus the "hero" spent the entire story engaged to another woman, because he apparently had no spine. Why he was worthy of ending up with the girl I have no idea. Maybe she really was in it for the house. Additionally, the fiancée was portrayed as a one-dimensional stereotype. The story's premise was promising. Too bad the characters weren't large enough to inhabit the plot line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
Cute boring hallmark book. Confused about how easily he didn’t have a problem kissing another woman when he thought she was taken as well as the fact he was engaged to someone he didn’t want to be. Also curious when this book was set because there wasn’t cell phones. Landlines only. The book was published 2012
Listened to on kindle unlimited audiobook
Listened to on kindle unlimited audiobook
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2018
I really loved this book! Decorating and restoration with a lovely romance.
June 20, 2017
Not really sure what to say about this book. I'm not sure if it's because this was originally published in 1980 and not having read it until 2014, it's not as romantically edgy as most books that I read so it's like comparing apples to oranges for me.
It had a great storyline with Laura hired by her friend Russ (who happens to be in love with her) to help with the restoration of an old Southern home. The owner of the house has his doubts that someone as young as Laura could have the expertise or the experience to take on such a large project but she's determined to prove him wrong. Bring in Justin, the wealthy new owner of the house who hopes to have the store restored in time for his wedding to Myra (who happens to be a pretentious hoity toity Southern daddy's girl.) Somewhere along the line, Laura realizes that she's attracted to Justin so that throws a little monkey wrench into her dreams. Will she be able to put aside her feelings for Justin to give him a beautiful house for him and his future wife?
It was VERY heavy on the architectural and historical house feature talk, almost to the point where I skimmed over some of those details because I really only wanted the meat of the story. But at the same time, I could appreciate all that talk for why it was there because it really helped to show Laura's character and integrity as she worked to make the house as original as she possibly could. It was a very innocent book, no steamy passionate scenes, only a handful of chaste kisses here and there and since 98% of the books I read do have those kinds of scenes, it's not really fair for me to judge it based on the lack of those.
With all that being said, I did like the book but I didn't love it. I'm not opposed to seeing what other books the author has written, but I'm not sure that I'll go actively seeking any other books since it just wasn't my general style of reading.
It had a great storyline with Laura hired by her friend Russ (who happens to be in love with her) to help with the restoration of an old Southern home. The owner of the house has his doubts that someone as young as Laura could have the expertise or the experience to take on such a large project but she's determined to prove him wrong. Bring in Justin, the wealthy new owner of the house who hopes to have the store restored in time for his wedding to Myra (who happens to be a pretentious hoity toity Southern daddy's girl.) Somewhere along the line, Laura realizes that she's attracted to Justin so that throws a little monkey wrench into her dreams. Will she be able to put aside her feelings for Justin to give him a beautiful house for him and his future wife?
It was VERY heavy on the architectural and historical house feature talk, almost to the point where I skimmed over some of those details because I really only wanted the meat of the story. But at the same time, I could appreciate all that talk for why it was there because it really helped to show Laura's character and integrity as she worked to make the house as original as she possibly could. It was a very innocent book, no steamy passionate scenes, only a handful of chaste kisses here and there and since 98% of the books I read do have those kinds of scenes, it's not really fair for me to judge it based on the lack of those.
With all that being said, I did like the book but I didn't love it. I'm not opposed to seeing what other books the author has written, but I'm not sure that I'll go actively seeking any other books since it just wasn't my general style of reading.
June 23, 2013
Too much architectural and historical detail. If I were studying a book on restoring an old building down to the minutest detail this would be right up my alley but this should not be that book, the detail dominates well over the first half of the book sacrificing the romance beyond a brief electrifying kiss, a glance or two or three and secondary characters who appear and disappear reminding the reader this is at its core, a romance novel.
Laura is hired to restore a crumbling mansion, Crapesmyrtle to its former glory for Justin and his unstable and very jealous fiancé Myra, of course this is why the reader gets a blow by blow account of the restoration process. At first sight Laura captivated Justin who stared at her as if he'd seen a ghost. The reason for his reaction is eventually revealed and makes for a heart breaking read. As the restoration progresses Justin finds it increasingly difficult to stay away from her.
Justin except for a few cameo appearances at the beginning did not begin to feature in any real depth until the latter half of the novel. I wanted a better understanding, a lot sooner as to why during his engagement he was kissing and touching someone else.
It picked up as I knew it would but overall the pace was just too slow for a reader who prefers a faster pace and getting deep inside the head of the main characters as quickly as possible.
October 28, 2013
Sometimes the most beautiful houses harbor wicked lies. Laura Nichols loves helping Justin Roman, owner of the sprawling old plantation called Crapemyrtle, as he restores the exquisite property to its former elegance. The bigger challenge comes when she needs to repair her own heart, but Justin holds the only key. His constantly meddling fiancée is determined that she shall reign as mistress of Crapemyrtle, so she resents Laura's input on just about everything regarding the soon-to-be newlyweds' happy home. It isn't easy for Laura to furnish the bedroom where the man she loves will soon bring home a bride that she detests.
Do houses have souls? Well, perhaps so. All the loving touches that Laura tenderly bestows upon Crapemyrtle take on a life of their own. Only one woman can have the man, only one woman is welcome as the queen of his heart forever at Crapemyrtle.
APRIL OF ENCHANTMENT brings new meaning to the beloved words, "Home sweet home."
Jennifer Blake spins a wonderfully romantic tale of love, rivalry, deception and moonlit magic on an old Southern plantation in the country. If you can't find true love at Crapemyrtle, you'll likely not find it anywhere else on earth.
Do houses have souls? Well, perhaps so. All the loving touches that Laura tenderly bestows upon Crapemyrtle take on a life of their own. Only one woman can have the man, only one woman is welcome as the queen of his heart forever at Crapemyrtle.
APRIL OF ENCHANTMENT brings new meaning to the beloved words, "Home sweet home."
Jennifer Blake spins a wonderfully romantic tale of love, rivalry, deception and moonlit magic on an old Southern plantation in the country. If you can't find true love at Crapemyrtle, you'll likely not find it anywhere else on earth.
September 27, 2015
Crapemyrtle, the plantation house became Laura's passion and as a historical restoration specialist it is her dream to work on it. Justin Roman bought it for two reasons, one because it was built by his Great-Great Grandfather and lost in the post-Civil War years. His dream is to restore it to be historically correct with modifications to bring it up to date and make it a showcase home to raise a family.
Justin meets Laura and finds her in the abandoned house, where he starts a relationship by telling her she is too young to know how to restore his house. The restoration, Justin's crazed fiancée make this into a sweet romance with a few roadblocks along the way. The attention to detail about the home in April of Enchantment and period they wanted to go back to with the story of the other romance was lovely.
Justin meets Laura and finds her in the abandoned house, where he starts a relationship by telling her she is too young to know how to restore his house. The restoration, Justin's crazed fiancée make this into a sweet romance with a few roadblocks along the way. The attention to detail about the home in April of Enchantment and period they wanted to go back to with the story of the other romance was lovely.
August 1, 2013
I Like this Book For Like Between Books, It Was Sweet, Fast To Read And Full Of Historical Information Of The Architecture Of New Orleans, I Feel So Smart :) I So Want To Visit And See With My Eyes The Richness Of The Buildings In That Part OfUSA :) . This Is Also The First Book I Read From This Author And I'll Definitely Will Get More Of Her Books.
June 29, 2016
So, based on my reading history there is no reason why I should have liked this book. But despite all odds I did. It's contemporary romance, but there's such a big historical romance aspect to it that it kind of flips the genre on it's head. Granted, Myra is so diabolical that she may as well be a Disney villain, but Laura handles herself well.
August 22, 2017
Story relies too heavily on aspects of the old homes restoration, to be honest the romance came across as almost an afterthought between Justin and Laura. Myra was a hateful character, wish her character had been given even less time as she grated on my nerves from the moment she was introduced.
May 27, 2013
Restoration of a southern mansion leads to the descendants of two families falling in love .
December 10, 2015
Enjoyed the book, enjoyed the information about the restoration of an old home.
April 7, 2016
The book was well written. It was a very nice, clean romance.
October 31, 2016
review coming
June 28, 2015
Another great read from Blake.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews