Unfortunately, the romance genre does not tend to be taken seriously. I myself admit to being self conscious when reading in public; I hate it when I feel someone’s presence at my back, constantly wondering if they’re reading over my shoulder and feeling uncomfortable the whole time (especially if I am reading an intimate scene). I doubt I would feel thus if I were reading an academic text, or a mystery, or a thriller but alas, romance is what draws me. It is my passion, my escape. It pains me that there are people in the world with Rick’s attitude and even worse, that I am affected by this. I should not care what others think of me, but I am a sensitive person and cannot change this aspect of my character. But that doesn’t stop me from taking a book with me everywhere I go, every time I leave the house (and I do mean every time; drives my family crazy). It’s sad, but true. The latest romance I've read--despite self-consciousness--is Heaven And Lace. It is not hard to comprehend why Linda Bleser is an award winning author, with many more nominations to her name – including an Eppie, a Sapphire and a Treble Heart.

Whilst reading Heaven And Lace, I found I could empathize with the heroine. Ironically, the hero of the romance, Rick is a character who falls into the group of people who do not take romance seriously. When Ashley takes umbrage at his attitude, I am right there with her. When Rick finally comes to understand that romance is as important – and quite possibly more popular than many other types of writing – I felt like patting him on the head as one would a dog or small child when they have just done something wonderful and worthy of praise.

Journalist Rick Orlando is on assignment covering a romance convention. Considering himself a ‘serious’ journalist and that romantic fiction not of the same class as ‘real’ writing, he is surprised when he gets caught up in Lace Kincaid’s latest book. But whilst he enjoys the story, he remains of the same mind about the placement of romantic fiction in the overall scale of writing. Not even meeting with Lace Kincaid changes his mind. But there’s a strange thing for you. At times he is attracted to Lace, but then at other times he feels nothing. Nada. No attraction. No spark. Not even a liking. One and the same woman. How can his reactions be so different? Can the discrepancy be tracked to the disparity between her public and private personas, or is it something more?

Though identical twins, Ashley Kincaid and Alexis are more different from one another than night is from day. Ashley is the shy, quiet one. Alexis is the outgoing, confidence-filled sister. Yet together, they are Lace Kincaid, best selling romance author. That there are two of them is the best kept secret in the industry, and they want things to stay that way – for now. Ashley writes the books; Alexis promotes and negotiates them. But lately, Ashley hasn’t been able to write a word, though a deadline looms close on the horizon. Her writer’s block stems from her latest failed relationship, which has made her doubt the existence of love. Already insecure, Ashley’s self-esteem plummets further, but the entrance of Rick into her life promises that maybe her love life is about to improve a little. But Rick believes he is drawn to Lace Kincaid and this woman doesn’t exist. Will Ashley and Alexis confess all, or is someone going to be hurt by their secret?

Heaven And Lace is a gentle and tender contemporary romance that is sure to tickle your funny bone. The characters are all simply delightful, and the tale is told from each of the three main characters points of view by the character themselves. This provided great insight into the thoughts and emotions of Alexis, Ashley and Rick, enriching the story. I liked that the heroine is a romance author, and thought that Linda Bleser skillfully introduced and handled how the romance genre is not taken seriously by many in the world. There are intimate encounters between the characters, but these scenes are depicted softly, not with coarse, graphic or explicit language. Romance is aplenty, with both Ashley and Alexis being involved with separate men. Heaven And Lace is a fabulous novel that will keep you interested and smiling throughout, as well as peeking your interest in Ms. Bleser as an author.

Reviewed By Elizabeth
© November 2006