THE ODYSSEY AND OTHER STORIES
JENNIFER MUELLER
ISBN:N/A
April 2007
Romance at Heart Publications
www.rahpubs.com
E-book
$2.99
63 pages
Historical
Rating: 4 cups

I Imagine Walking

Gregorio Gaudixinu's entrance to Danielle's life is a surprise. Danielle feels her marriage is falling apart and she has no one to turn to in Malta. But after passing out one night at a restaurant, Gregorio carries her home, then surprises her with an offer that completely surprises her. She does not have many options and decides to take it having no idea what will happen between them.

Danielle is a sweet woman who just wants a good life. But after her husband Rick came home from the war, he became distant with her. Gregorio is a wonderful man who wants to experience love again. He never thought that he would find it with an American woman.

The characters in this book showed great depth. I loved seeing the relationship between Gregorio and Danielle blossom. Rick never seemed to understand what a lovely woman he his wife is. Ms. Mueller's story shows that passion can come out of nowhere, and that when given time to grow, it can be a beautiful thing.

An Unusual Danna

Midori was sold into service as a geisha so that her family would have money. She is unhappy, but the only way she can get out of the situation is to pay off the debt. She begins to receive gifts and questions what it is all about. Her okisan, the woman Midori works for, wonders who and why someone is sending Midori all these gifts. Midori is afraid to tell her but okisan, but knows she will find out when she meets the giver of the gifts. The meeting happens and Midori is shocked by Richard Havilliard's request. Will she accept what he is asking of her?

Being stubborn is only part of Midori's personality. She is a very beautiful woman but has nothing to show for her skills of entertaining and flirting with customers, and the lifestyle is becoming tiresome. Richard Havilliard is a man who knows what he wants and that is Midori. He is doing the proper thing and hopes to get his dream wife.

I knew little about this time period so found this story quite interesting. I was impressed with the strong emotions expressed and the way Ms. Mueller got them across in the story.

The Odyssey

Nora Beckett is doing the best she can in life. Along with raising her sheep in Wast Water, she is also raising her daughter, Anne and writing poetry. When Nora's friend, Molly mentions to her that she should take her poetry to William Wordsworth, she thinks her friend has lost her mind. However, she ends up going to him and her work gets published. Nora returns to thank William for all his help and meets Joseph Cavanaugh who follows her home. He wants to marry her. Nora becomes furious but since she needs some help, she lets him stay. Will Joseph ever convince Nora to move on with her life and give up being a widow?

Nora is a strong-minded woman. I enjoyed her spunk and wit. She thinks she will never fall in love again. Joseph is the strong, silent type and lets his actions speak for him. Molly is a busy body but is there for Nora when it matters.

I love English Literature and this story just was so amazing to me. To have a country woman published as a poet is a lot of fun. I enjoyed all the characters and the portrayal of William Wordsworth was something different. I truly loved this one. It is by far my favorite.

Ms. Mueller takes a leap from one time period to the next and it flows beautifully. All the stories are so sweet they just about melted my heart. These women want freedom and they work hard to stay true to themselves. It is not that they refuse to experience love but that they want it on their own terms. To them, love is a very serious matter and not to be taken lightly. I embraced these women and found myself with friends.

Krista
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books