Each of these ten authors delves into Shakespeare. Each story plays on a Shakespearean theme. If you know Shakespeare, you will understand the clever references. My problem with this group of stories is: Why imitate a master? Why not think up your own plots?
Generally, I read anthologies to savor the work of authors I'm fond of (for example, Caroline Warfield) or learn about new or upcoming authors. I've noted several of these authors' works but have not tried them yet.
It took some time to read this book. Not just because it was 865 pages but because some of the stories were so convoluted. For example, it took forever to understand what was happening in HER TEMPESTUOUS DUKE. After reading a book with ten authors, I doubt I will read another with so many different writers again. It just isn't interesting enough to carry so many plotlines along.
THE TAMING OF THE DUKE (Emily Royal) -- 4 Stars
(Based on THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.) This is one of my favorite Shakespearian plays, and it would be hard to ruin it. However, during Regency times, a chaperone was expected to travel with a young woman before marriage, and this author neglects this fact so she can have a sexual interlude between Catherine and Dexton. It was unnecessary.
ONCE UPON A WINTER'S TALE (Anna St. Claire) -- G+
(Based on THE WINTER'S TALE.) The first chapter sets the story into action when an earl is angry that his wife has had another girl (instead of the heir he demanded). This is the fourth daughter in four years, yet this is the only child alive. The countess and her physician smell a rat and take her to a Duke's home (the duchess is her best friend). They hide the countess and her daughter away for 17 years until the earl dies. The rest of the story is trite and predictable. The Duke's son has also inherited (through his father's death), and he tours the Duke's far-flung properties. He meets the countess and her daughter and promptly falls in love.
HER TEMPESTUOUS DUKE (Elizabeth Keysian) -- 2 Stars
(Based on THE TEMPEST.) This was a very convoluted plot, and the author did not explain it well. The author did not make the characters engaging. I abandoned the story because I didn't care about what happened to them.
THE SIXTH HENRY (Caroline Warfield) -- 5 Stars
(Based on Henry VI A second son inherits the dukedom, although he was not reared to do so. He is feeling overwhelmed by the many demands on his time and resources. He also has a family problem with his controlling aunt. If that weren't enough, there is a rose competition that he soon realizes he needs to take in hand. Passions are high because another family won first place last year. Generally, the Duke's family wins. This cleverly done story uses the white and red roses (from Shakespeare) in a flower competition. Wonderful story.
WHAT THE FALSE HEART DOTH KNOW (Elizabeth Ellen Carter) -- 2 Stars
I restarted this story several times and couldn't get into this tale. I finally abandoned the tale.
THE DUKE'S LOST LOVE (Ruth A Casie) -- 5 stars
(Based on LOVE'S LABOR'S LOST.) This is a bright story that could only have happened in olden times; three men swear off women, drink, and songs to concentrate on philosophy for three years (trying to recapture their Cambridge days of yore. Of course, females descend on them, trying to uproot their livesâa very merry comedy.
THE MERRY WIFE OF WYNDMERE (C H Amirand) -- 4 Stars
(Based on THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.) Instead of two wives being pursued by Falstaff, this story is about the non-communication of a couple after the birth of their twins. She thinks her husband isn't interested because she's put on weight, but her husband, the Duke, worries about keeping his family safe.
LOVING LYSANDER (Charlotte Wren) -- 3 Stars
(Based on Lysander of A Midwinter's Night Dream.) Sometimes, Shakespeare's work cannot be translated to another time -- and this is one story that doesn't work. The plot was awkward, but the writing was good.
MUCH ADO ABOUT A STORME (Sandra Sookoo) -- 1 star
(Based on MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.) This story has as much to do with the Bard as watching a cartoon. I gave the story a star for a romance among older adults (there aren't enough of them). However, the story was really two sex scenes and not much else. This was not believable.
A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM (Anna Markland) -- 2 stars
(Based on A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.) Shallow and uninteresting.
Generally, I read anthologies to savor the work of authors I'm fond of (for example, Caroline Warfield) or learn about new or upcoming authors. I've noted several of these authors' works but have not tried them yet.
It took some time to read this book. Not just because it was 865 pages but because some of the stories were so convoluted. For example, it took forever to understand what was happening in HER TEMPESTUOUS DUKE. After reading a book with ten authors, I doubt I will read another with so many different writers again. It just isn't interesting enough to carry so many plotlines along.
THE TAMING OF THE DUKE (Emily Royal) -- 4 Stars
(Based on THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.) This is one of my favorite Shakespearian plays, and it would be hard to ruin it. However, during Regency times, a chaperone was expected to travel with a young woman before marriage, and this author neglects this fact so she can have a sexual interlude between Catherine and Dexton. It was unnecessary.
ONCE UPON A WINTER'S TALE (Anna St. Claire) -- G+
(Based on THE WINTER'S TALE.) The first chapter sets the story into action when an earl is angry that his wife has had another girl (instead of the heir he demanded). This is the fourth daughter in four years, yet this is the only child alive. The countess and her physician smell a rat and take her to a Duke's home (the duchess is her best friend). They hide the countess and her daughter away for 17 years until the earl dies. The rest of the story is trite and predictable. The Duke's son has also inherited (through his father's death), and he tours the Duke's far-flung properties. He meets the countess and her daughter and promptly falls in love.
HER TEMPESTUOUS DUKE (Elizabeth Keysian) -- 2 Stars
(Based on THE TEMPEST.) This was a very convoluted plot, and the author did not explain it well. The author did not make the characters engaging. I abandoned the story because I didn't care about what happened to them.
THE SIXTH HENRY (Caroline Warfield) -- 5 Stars
(Based on Henry VI A second son inherits the dukedom, although he was not reared to do so. He is feeling overwhelmed by the many demands on his time and resources. He also has a family problem with his controlling aunt. If that weren't enough, there is a rose competition that he soon realizes he needs to take in hand. Passions are high because another family won first place last year. Generally, the Duke's family wins. This cleverly done story uses the white and red roses (from Shakespeare) in a flower competition. Wonderful story.
WHAT THE FALSE HEART DOTH KNOW (Elizabeth Ellen Carter) -- 2 Stars
I restarted this story several times and couldn't get into this tale. I finally abandoned the tale.
THE DUKE'S LOST LOVE (Ruth A Casie) -- 5 stars
(Based on LOVE'S LABOR'S LOST.) This is a bright story that could only have happened in olden times; three men swear off women, drink, and songs to concentrate on philosophy for three years (trying to recapture their Cambridge days of yore. Of course, females descend on them, trying to uproot their livesâa very merry comedy.
THE MERRY WIFE OF WYNDMERE (C H Amirand) -- 4 Stars
(Based on THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.) Instead of two wives being pursued by Falstaff, this story is about the non-communication of a couple after the birth of their twins. She thinks her husband isn't interested because she's put on weight, but her husband, the Duke, worries about keeping his family safe.
LOVING LYSANDER (Charlotte Wren) -- 3 Stars
(Based on Lysander of A Midwinter's Night Dream.) Sometimes, Shakespeare's work cannot be translated to another time -- and this is one story that doesn't work. The plot was awkward, but the writing was good.
MUCH ADO ABOUT A STORME (Sandra Sookoo) -- 1 star
(Based on MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.) This story has as much to do with the Bard as watching a cartoon. I gave the story a star for a romance among older adults (there aren't enough of them). However, the story was really two sex scenes and not much else. This was not believable.
A MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM (Anna Markland) -- 2 stars
(Based on A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.) Shallow and uninteresting.
