Review: wonderful, traditional standalone romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 29, 2013
Eye of the Beholder Jackie Weger .Arc supplied by author.I love romance but there are now so many duo's and trilogies, many ending on horrible cliffhangers that I'm feeling a bit fed up of it all, so was really thankful to receive three standalone novels from Jackie for review. At one time this was the norm, but since fifty shades it seems that writing romance in sections has become popular. That may be fine for some - but I know from comments on my reviews that there are many, many readers fed up with that, especially when we aren't warned ahead of purchase,  and who want stand alones, where we get the whole story, not one in parts where we wait months for next bit at unspecified price.Anyway - this is my first read of Jackie's books, and I really enjoyed it. It was fresh and unusual, something a bit different from the norm of contemporary romances around. Its set in a time past - I'm not sure how US works but if it was set in UK I'd guess at 1930's or thereabouts, a time when you could work for cash daily, and renting a home or room was far simpler.The description tells a good synopsis so I won't repeat it. Phoebe; what a great lead. Strong and wiry, she loves her family, works hard and has a fierce pride. I loved her. She's one of those tough on the outside people who have a hidden soft, self concious centre. I felt for her so much when she worked so hard, and Gage gave one of his cryptic put downs, and when her hard work and plans went awry. I even cried towards the end when all began to fall apart on her through no fault of her own, it was a very emotional section.Gage; tough, quiet man, devoted to his daughter but unsure of how to raise a child, widowed when his wife drowned with her lover, he's very cynical about Phoebe and her motives at first, but her personality and hard work slowly wear him down, but not without some major hiccups.The kids, May-dean; 12 going on 22, obsessed with looks and trying to evade Phoebes fierce discipline, sharp of tongue and quick to try to get out of anything she didn't want to do and yet underneath is an insecure child, Willie-boy; five years old but sharp and bright, and yet longs to just be a boy and explore, he suffers from asthma though and Phoebe watches him like a hawk. Then there's Gage's daughter, who misses her mum, and feels a bit lost. She stands up to Phoebe at first but soon comes to love and appreciate her.The crab dressing - I've done that, smelly, tough and hard to earn good money, I felt for Phoebe trying to learn that. There was so much humour too in this book, a real mix of emotions, from sympathy and tears, to laughter and love. It really gives a flavour of how tough life could be in days past with no welfare, no free healthcare, and no helps for people with Mental health problems.It's a gentle romance, but with some steamy and funny moments..tally-whacker :) and the way Phoebe is insatiable once she's found sex, and poor Gage is worn out! He has a dry wit at times, and was a perfect foil to the intense, quick witted Phoebe.I loved this story, its a change to read something so different to the endless college or billionaire romances - I like those, but its good to find something so different. Its definitely a book I'd re read, a real treasure and at 224 pages for 2.03 its good value.Stars: five, a fabulous unusual romance.