In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner by Elizabeth George

 I happened on to this author when I was searching Amazon for a different author I had heard about in a podcast. The reviews were so glowing, I thought I should try one. This particular mystery was very well-written with very intriguing English characters. However, the crime and milieu were so unpleasant that it kind of darkened my mood. The plot uncovered a specialized prostitution ring that had S&M as its main attraction. I was dismayed by the level of detail and descriptions of S&M, and probably should have left it alone. However, the Scotland Yard detectives were admirable, and I really wanted to know how they would eventually solve the murder that began the story. I finished it on our flight to Florida, and it made those four to six hours go by very quickly! I may try another one by this author, but will be more careful to read the reviews and see what the gist of the crime is before choosing one! This is #10 in a series of Inspector Lynley books, and I really liked his character as he tried to discipline Detective Barbara Havers. After a little break, I may try another one in this series. I really appreciate good writing and colorful, real characters, which this one definitely had!

Cross My Heart by Julie Wright

 This is the book that is dedicated to my friend, McKenna Mendenhall, by her mother, the author, Julie Wright. Again, it's an entirely predictable story, with cute characters and good descriptions of the setting--Boston. Enjoyable but entirely too fluffy for me. I'm giving it away to Beth Farley, also a friend of McKenna's, who claims this is her favorite genre. She's a busy mom, so this might be just what she needs!

Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright

 McKenna Mendenhall in our ward is a darling young mother, just bursting with enthusiasm and charm. One day after church I was visiting with her, and she told me her mother, who lives locally in Santa Clara, is a prolific writer. She writes "proper romance" for Shadow Mountain, a spinoff, of sorts, of Deseret Book. I asked her which one was her favorite, and she mentioned "Cross My Heart" because "It's dedicated to me!" When I went online to look for it, I also saw this one and was enticed to order both.

This is a modern tale, where the young woman is thwarted in love, and continually reflects on what Jane Austen would do. Each chapter begins with an Austen quote. It's quite charming, and the conversations are lively. The plots are so predictable in this genre, but still it's fun. Sometimes the sheer goodness of the good characters are a little over the top. It was a little frustrating to have it be so lightweight, but this author writes better than most. 

I enjoyed the southern California setting, of the story, and the description of the brothers and their parents. All very wholesome and good... Still, not my genre of choice...