Trial of the Heart by Sierra St. James

Genre: Fiction

Publication Date: March 1999

Author's Website: http://www.janetterallison.com/

One Word Review: Enjoyable

First Line: “It was desperation that drove Jamie Young to take a cleaning job with Ms. Hannah’s Helpers.”

Synopsis: Twenty-one year old, Jamie cleans houses to help pay for college. Her first job is working for “cantankerous” Mrs. Walden, who is impossible to please. Despite this, Jamie decides to befriend the old lady in hopes to getting to know her better. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you talk to), Mrs. Walden passes away leaving a substantial inheritance to Jamie. Jamie soon finds herself in quite the legal battle, while at the same time falling for Mrs. Walden’s handsome grandson Clay Bennett.

Kathy’s Review: I could be wrong, but I think this was Janette Rallison’s first published book. I’ve been trying to track down copies of all her books written under the pen-name of Sierra St. James, I have one left to go (Time Riders).

I really enjoyed Trial of the Heart. Like all her other novels, it has an original storyline, lovable characters, witty dialog and memorable moments. This book went by rather fast; I wish it could have been a hundred pages longer so we could really develop the characters and the story. Because of its length I felt like some things weren’t developed as much as they could have been. Jamie is LDS and Clay is not, this added an interesting aspect to the relationship, I was a little worried where this was going to go because I know how difficult relationships can be when partners are from different religions. One thing that was left out in all their religious talks was the morality issue. Since they were dating for so long and coming from such different backgrounds I thought that would have been a main issue facing them, as much as going to church or drinking. But, I realize that’s not really what the book was about.

I really enjoyed the story, as always it was lighthearted and fun. I love Rallison’s books, they’re always a pleasure to read and I’m always sad when they’re over.

Masquerade by Sierra St. James

Genre: Fiction

Publication Date: June 2001

Author Website: www.janette-rallison.blogspot.com

One Word Review: Enjoyable

First Line: “…and they lived happily ever after.”

Synopsis: “Meet Clarissa, a young, divorced mother in desperate need of a job to support herself and her little girl. Bring in Slade, a handsome Hollywood star, also divorced and in desperate need of a nanny for Bella, his four-year-old whirlwind of a daughter. Throw them together in Hawaii and the scene would be set for the perfect romance – except that Clarissa had to pretend to be married to get the job in the first place, and now she doesn't dare tell Slade other-wise.” -GoodReads

Kathy’s Review: Just one more amazing book by Janette Rallison (Sierra St. James)! I started this book last night with the intention of only reading a couple chapters….so of course I ended up staying up way past my bedtime reading the entire book! I just couldn’t put it down. Clarissa and Slade have great chemistry and Rallison really writes wonderful dialogue between the two. I’m not sure how she keeps coming up with awkward and embarrassing moments, but she does. Clarissa has more than her fair share, but they really are endearing moments and make you like her all the more. I thought the storyline was pretty original and it was fun seeing a glimpse into the Hollywood lifestyle. I was sad when the book ended, I would love to have had a few more chapters but was of course happy with how things ended up. Great book!

What the Doctor Ordered by Sierra St. James (aka Janette Rallison)

Genre: Fiction

Author Website: www.janette-rallison.blogspot.com

One Word Review: Entertaining

First Line: “The topic of conversation at the Baxters’ dinner table was insanity.”

Synopsis: “They've never been out on a date. They can barely speak a civil word to each other when they find themselves in the same room. But Aunt Bertie, who is not crazy, just -eccentric- knows that John and Ellie belong together, and she's doing all she can to further their cause. When Ellie comes to Colton Idaho, to spend the summer with Aunt Bertie and prove to her parents that her aunt doesn't belong in an assisted-care facility, the confusion begins. Bertie's determination to marry Ellie off to Dr. John Flynn leads to a hilarious string of miscommunications in this delightful romantic comedy.” -GoodReads

Kathy’s Review: I believe that Janette Rallison is the queen of writing romantic comedies. I just love all her books and I was so excited when I found out last week that she had originally written four books under the pen-name Sierra St. James. Thank goodness for Amazon Marketplace where I am able to order used editions of these books. I received What the Doctor Ordered yesterday and only stopped reading when I had to attend class, and then quickly started when I got home and stayed up past my bedtime to finish it.

This book was a little unique from the other Rallison books that I have read. Instead of being teenagers the main characters were actually adults. This was a pleasant change and I felt like I was really able to relate to Ellie. I really enjoyed Ellie’s character; she is witty, kind and just has a great personality. I liked John as well. This was another unique aspect of the book; we were able to hear things from both Ellie and John’s perspective. This was a great way to get to know John and his motives. I thought they had good chemistry together and this was definitely a fun read. I also loved Bertie; she is so creative and I thought she really added a lot to the story.

So, I obviously really enjoyed this book, however there were two things that in the “real world” I wouldn’t like. First, Ellie is 21 and John is 33. The 12 year age difference is a little too long for me (I know age doesn’t matter, but it’s still quite the gap). And second, the whole story took place in about a two week time frame, if you’re dating and getting engaged in two weeks you’re moving way too fast. People should date for at least a year, IMHO. Still a great book and I totally would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy.

Sierra St. James Books:
Trial of the Heart
Masquerade
Time Riders
What the Doctor Ordered