Review: That Night on Thistle Lane by Carla Neggers

Title: That Night on Thistle Lane
Author: Carla Neggers
Format: ARC
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Publish Date: January 29, 2013
Source: I received a copy from the PR; however, this did not affect my review.

Why You're Reading This Book:

• You're a fiction fan.
• You're a hopeless romantic.
• You like sweet stories.

What's the Story?:

From Goodreads.com: "Librarian Phoebe O'Dunn deals in stories, but her passion for history has taught her that happy endings are rare. Her life in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, is safe and uneventful...until she discovers the hidden room.

Among its secrets is a cache of vintage clothing, including a spectacular gown-perfect for a gala masquerade in Boston. In the guise of a princess, Phoebe is captivated by a handsome swashbuckler who's also adopted a more daring persona. Noah Kendrick's wealth has made him wary, especially of women: everybody wants something.

When Noah and Phoebe meet again in Knights Bridge, at first neither recognizes the other. And neither one is sure they can trust the magic of the night they shared-until an unexpected threat prompts them to unmask their truest selves.

After all, it takes more than just the right costume to live out your personal fairy tale. It takes heart...and the courage to be more than you ever dreamed."

My Two Cents:

This was my first time reading a Carla Neggers book. Neggers has put out a ton of books (mostly in the suspense/thriller and romance-type genres) but I had not read a single one before I got my hot little hands on "That Night on Thistle Lane"! I was happy to get the opportunity to read one of her books, especially this one because it has to do with a small town library (what bookish person among us doesn't like stories about libraries and more books)!

Although this book is the second book in a planned series, this book can very much be read as a standalone read. The first book focuses on a different storyline and has some of the same characters as "That Night on Thistle Lane" but you will not feel like you are missing anything if you jump right in and read this book.

"That Night on Thistle Lane" is sort of a Cinderella tale. A woman, Phoebe, who doesn't get out much discovers a dress in a secret room in a library where she works. She wears it to a masquerade. It's totally out of character for her to go to things like masquerades so she is able to go almost totally under the radar. She meets a handsome stranger who later ends up in her town. The story from there is a little bit predictable but this is definitely sort of a fun and light read for when you want to kick back and relax a little bit with a nice story.

This book is mostly a romance with a little bit of a mystery, although the mystery is very minor and is not really suspenseful at all. This book is definitely more for those who enjoy sweet and innocent romances.

My Favorite Library Contest:

The “My Favorite Library Contest” gives people a chance to win $1000 for their favorite library as well as a collection of Carla's books. All the details are on Carla Neggers' website: www.carlaneggers.com. If your entry is selected (100 words or less telling me about your favorite library), you also receive books and a gift basket of some of Carla's favorite New England goodies. Libraries have meant so much to Carla and she's heard from countless readers over the years who feel the same. The contest runs until April 1 but please enter today!