HISTORICAL ROMANCE REVIEW : A Most Enticing Enigma by Rebecca Connolly

 

A MOST ENTICING ENIGMA

A Regency Romance

by Rebecca Connolly

Kindle Edition

Source: purchased

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by the author through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Secrets, scandals, and surprise, oh my!

Elena Stevenson has been living at her intended’s estate, Fenmore Park, for three years while he tours Europe. With permission to run the estate in his absence, she has taken the liberty of secretly becoming the actual estate manager as well, seeing to the business aspects and running of the farms and livestock and tenants. Her work has brought prosperity to the estate that has been unexpected, and she is well aware that her time in this role is limited. When word reaches her of her intended’s passing, Ellie waits anxiously for the future of Fenmore—and herself—to be determined.

West Howard, the new Lord Bickham, is pleased to be taking over his half-brother’s estate and is determined to bring the place back to the bounty and comforts he recalls as a boy. What he does not expect is the fiery woman living at Fenmore as lady of the manor. Her blunt opinions, involvement in estate manners, and infuriating habit of wearing breeches to the farms threatens to disrupt all of his plans, and the secret she holds makes her the most unusual—and fascinating—woman he has ever had the misfortune to meet.

REVIEW

This delightful romance bugged me a bit at first, but as I got farther into the story I started to enjoy it more. Enemies to lovers isn't my favorite type of story, but it was very satisfying to watch Elena (Ellie) and West get to know and admire each other. Elena's situation makes for an interesting story line with her tendencies to do things society frowns on for women, such as helping run Fenmore Park. Which is why she's hidden her efforts behind E. Williams, the name for the estate manager she 'hired'. But when West finds out what she's been up to will he accept her efforts or send her packing? Numerous misunderstandings and snap judgments make the relationship tricky at first. Luckily West's cousin is there to lighten things up a bit. The fact that neither the hero or heroine is a society darling makes the story even more interesting to me since interacting with society is a necessity when running an estate and carrying a title. The unique characters who are distinctly themselves lead to some interesting interactions. An enjoyable read all around.

HISTORICAL ROMANCE : Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage by Rebecca Connolly

 

MISCHIEF, MAYHEM, AND MARRIAGE

Supposed Scandal #1

written by Rebecca Connolly

Kindle Edition, 2021

Regency Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

One good scandal deserves another...

Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.

Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.

Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.

And that he would do almost anything to claim it.

REVIEW

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage proved to be a delightfully fun read. Taft and Alexandrina won me over right from the very first sentence. Taft's willingness to help out a woman he didn't even like at the beginning is impressive and admirable. Alexandrina's mishap that led to Taft jumping in to help inspired empathy immediately. Both Taft's and Alexandrina's willingness to make the best of an unfortunate situation shines brightly. But of course that wouldn't have worked out so well if they hadn't been decent people to start. Taft's generous, people-pleasing nature makes him just the one to break through Alexandrina's walls. Alexandrina's first marriage was a nightmare and led to not just the loss of her son, but serious emotional abuse. As a result, she's become very direct and unwilling to play society's games. The addition of Adam, Alexandrina's son, to the family makes for some delightfully sweet interactions. All in all a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found myself smiling numerous times while reading. A definite addition to my favorites shelf!

HISTORICAL ROMANCE : The Duke's Wayward Wallflower by Maggie Dallen

 

THE DUKE'S WAYWARD WALLFLOWER

Charmed, I'm Sure #1

written by Maggie Dallen

Grace Street Publishing, 2022

ISBN: 9788846284791

Source: purchased (ebook & printed book)

Adult Regency Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by the publisher through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“A Duke's taciturn demeanor does not necessarily indicate a black heart.
Although . . . sometimes it does. Tread with care.” — Lady Greta, a truly dreadful chaperone

There's no love lost between this shy wallflower and society's most formidable duke. The Duke of Mandrick has made it clear he's only aiding Felicity's successful entrance into society because he's taken pity on his friend's poor country relation.

Luckily for Felicity, her chaperone Lady Greta has agreed to tutor her in the art of flirtation. And since the coldhearted duke is the last man to fall for her charms, he's the perfect man to practice on. However, when her attempts to flirt are an epic fail, it's the duke who comes to her rescue. And when she faints on the dance floor in front of all of society, it's his strong arms that are holding her when she wakes. Gazing up into his warm, dark eyes, she's left with one crucial question.

If the duke caught her on the dance floor . . . why does she still feel like she's falling?

A sweet, standalone regency romance filled with witty banter, swoony kisses, and ballroom shenanigans.

REVIEW

Maggie Dallen's The Duke's Wayward Wallflower provides a delightfully witty story for clean romance lovers. Felicity meets the Duke of Mandrick at her family home after her father's funeral. It is not a pleasant meeting as she has just discovered that she will be leaving her home to take up residence with her cousins in London. Mandrick's harsh comments don't endear him to her in any way. But he reluctantly agrees to help introduce her to society in order to help out his friend and his soon-to-be fiancé. 

But things don't go according to plan. Between Felicity's open and honest countenance and her chaperone's amusing flirting advice, the Duke of Mandrick finds himself drawn to the young lady. And Felicity discovers the reasons for the duke's cold demeanor. As the two find themselves drawn to each other, Marian, Felicity's cousin and the duke's intended, finds herself in a conundrum of her own relating to the wedding of an old friend who suddenly feels like more than a friend. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale of love confused with its delightfully likable characters, although the duke not so much at first. The interactions between open-hearted Felicity and the closed-hearted duke made me laugh more than once. It was enjoyable to experience the way Felicity's openness and goodness broke through the duke's barriers. A fun read for those who like clean regency romances with the kind of characters you want to be your friends.

HISTORICAL ROMANCE/MYSTERY: Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

 

PROTECTING HER HEART

Matchmakers #3

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Shadow Mountain, 2024

ISBN: 978-1-63993-169-9

Source: ARC from publisher

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

London, 1887 

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family’s estate. Among her father’s possessions is a box of her late mother’s letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte’s grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother’s death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone—her treasured friend and director of London’s police force, John Ellis. John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need. Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more—and opening her heart to him in the process. As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.

REVIEW

I loved returning to the world of Amelia, Eva, and Charlotte, three cousins who continue the tradition of stepping out of traditional women's roles as members of the Notorious Hamptons. I'm only sad that the series seems to be over. In this final volume, Charlotte returns home for the funeral of her father after he sends her a letter indicating his efforts to find out what really lead to her mother's death many years earlier. As Charlotte follows in her father's steps, she quickly discovers that someone has something to hide and it puts herself and those she loves in danger. She turns to John Ellis, a friend and director of London's police force, for help. While searching for answers, John and Charlotte learn that their feelings for each other are stronger than they realized previously. The twists and turns of the story kept me turning the pages while the romantic moments made me smile. Neither John or Charlotte is willing at first to accept their feelings for each other as something that could lead to marriage, but it all happens so naturally that they are in deep almost before they realize it. It's delightful to read about Charlotte's cousins and their families again as well. Both an intriguing mystery and a sweet romance that satisfied this soul's reading desires.

HISTORICAL ROMANCE REVIEW: To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson

TO WIN HER HAND

A Gentleman's Match #1

by Jen Geigle Johnson

Kings Row Press, 2022

(Paperback & hardback editions available)

Source: purchased Kindle edition

Historical (Regency) Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover and summary provided by Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A man to teach men how to win a woman's hand. A woman who cannot be won.

Lord Featherstone has the world on his shoulders. Or at least his world. With two brothers and a failing estate he must make funds somehow. But what happens when he falls for a woman? Will his tactics work when the situation is so close and personal?

Everyone thinks Lady Loveluck is a wealthy widow. What they don't know is that she is on the brink of hiring herself out as a Governess in order to pay for her next meal. The only thing keeping her from employment is a growing reputation as a matchmaker. As long as she never falls for another man, as long as she doesn't allow herself to be fooled into marrying, she will be just fine.

But she never counted on being caught up in the beguiling tactics of London's renowned and not so secret matchmaker for men.

REVIEW

Johnson really knows how to pull a reader into a story.  This first book in a new series sets up a rather intriguing situation from the very beginning.  Both the hero and heroine are matchmakers, working to help members of the Ton find a spouse by providing assistance in dress and behavior as well as help with introductions.  Both Lord Featherstone and Lady Loveluck work because they must to keep food on the table, both are striving to save their estates.  When Lord Featherstone's client, Mr. Hartsworth, and Lady Loveluck's client, Miss Anna seem to take a shine to each other, Lord Featherstone sees it as a perfect opportunity to show his interest in Lady Loveluck.  But Lady Loveluck has no interest in making a match herself.  After having been badly treated by her now deceased husband, she's reluctant to trust any man, especially one as charming as Lord Featherstone.  

What I especially love about the book is how Lord Featherstone treats Lady Loveluck.  I love his sincerity.  Yes, Lord Featherstone is very charming, but he's sincere in the compliments he gives and his skill with people.  Such kindness is hard for Lady Loveluck to trust having been betrayed so badly before, but her heart refuses to listen to her head.  When she and Lord Featherstone end up at the same house party with their clients, she meets a group of widows who offer her the support and understanding she's so desperately needs.  By this time however, Lord Featherstone realizes that he cannot offer Lady Loveluck the stability and comfort she needs and he resolves to help another interested party succeed with her.  But the heart will not be denied, and Lady Loveluck must decide what she's willing to risk to find happiness. 

Sigh, I do love a sweet romance, especially one with such a great, good hero.  I do love Jen Giggle Johnson's stories with their great historical details and fabulous characters. I look forward to reading future books in the series.

A MEDIEVAL ROMANCE: To Win a Lady's Heart by Sian Ann Bessey

TO WIN A LADY'S HEART

by Sian Ann Bessey

Covenant Communications, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-52440-152-8

Source: purchased

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Information about the book comes from the Deseret Book website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For eighteen years, Lord Gilbert has been tortured over a grievous lapse in judgment. Bitterness has tainted his interactions with the people of Moreland and his relationship with his only daughter, Lady Joanna. With a wolfhound guarding her around the clock and no freedom to leave the castle grounds unattended, the only time Lady Joanna can be alone is when she sneaks out through an old castle tunnel to visit the healer Agnes in her cottage by the sea. One morning as Lady Joanna approaches the cliffs, she discovers an injured man. She immediately goes to Agnes for help. The wounded stranger is Sir Lukas, and while he recovers, he makes plans to identify his attackers and their motive. Upon learning that Moreland’s wool has been stolen, Sir Lukas comes to believe that the crimes are related and point to a much more sinister plot. When Lord Gilbert announces an archery tournament, the prize being Lady Joanna’s hand in marriage, it attracts noblemen from across the land, and suddenly Sir Lukas’s pursuit of the villains takes a different turn. As Lady Joanna’s and Sir Lukas’s feelings for each other grow, the stakes soar, and only Sir Lukas’s skill with a longbow can save them.

REVIEW

I found To Win a Lady's Heart to be a enjoyable read.  Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas make a great pair.  Lady Joanna, despite her isolation due to her father's obsessing over her safety, cares about the people around her.  She even sneaks out of the castle to visit her friend Agnes, a healer, who lives by the ocean.  On one such excursion she comes across an injured knight.  After getting him help the two begin to develop a bond.  Complications ensue when Lady Joanna's father, Lord Gilbert, decides to offer her hand in marriage to the winner of an archery tournament.  In addition to that hurtful situation, wool in being stolen from Moreland's farmers leaving them unable to pay their taxes.  Sir Lucas suspects that those who attacked him may be involved in the thefts. Only by working together and learning to trust each other can Lady Joanna's and Moreland's future be secured.  I enjoyed the setting and the time period.  I haven't read many stories that take place during the medieval time period so I found it a refreshing change.  Bessey does a great job of making the setting easy to imagine along with her characters.  The archery contest was fascinating to read about and the action and adventure were plentiful.  All in all, the book is an enjoyable, entertaining read for those who enjoy clean, historical romances.

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY : Kit and Elizabeth by Karen Tuft

KIT AND ELIZABETH

A Regency Romance

by Karen Tuft

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52441-201-2

Source: Advanced Copy for review from publisher

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lady Elizabeth Spaulding's world has fallen apart. Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth's second failed betrothal, her father's debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth's fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can't refuse. Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady's companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth?

Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit's enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

REVIEW

I very much enjoyed reading this book, just as I've enjoyed reading Tuft's other Regency's. This follow-up to The Earl's Betrothal focuses on the Earl of Cantwell and Lady Elizabeth Spaulding who were secondary characters in the earlier book.  The beginning of this book does go back and retell some of the events from the first book so the reader has a context for the situation that poor Lady Elizabeth finds herself in.  I found myself sympathizing with Elizabeth or Lizzie as the Earl likes to call her, from the beginning.  A naturally kind person, Elizabeth has spent her entire life being groomed to to marry for her parents' benefit.  When things don't work out the way her parents' demand, they heap an awful lot of emotional abuse on her.  So it's hardly surprising that when Kit (Earl of Cantwell) runs into her again, she's not in a good place.

But thanks to the efforts of Lady Walmsley and Kit, Elizabeth starts to develop into her own person, a person of character and courage.  But it takes everything she has to learn to see herself as more than her parents' pawn.  And when she finds herself back in the place where so many bad memories were created, can she find the courage to create new ones?  Elizabeth is a sweet, sympathetic character, while Kit is the charming rascal that made me smile.  He proves to be a nice foil for Elizabeth as she's first starting to learn who she is.  I enjoyed reading this book and found myself reading quickly in order to find out what would happen next.  Tuft does an excellent job of writing a charming romance that has some depth to it which for me makes for a more satisfying read.

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, & Joanna Barker

ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A Regency Christmas Collection

by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch & Joanna Barker

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52441-109-1

Source: ARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden - The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield - When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

'Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch - Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society's rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport's unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker - Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Sarah M. Eden : https://www.sarahmeden.com/

Anita Stansfield : http://www.anitastansfield.com/

Joanna Barker : https://www.authorjoannabarker.com/about.html

Esther Hatch : https://estherhatch.com/

REVIEW

I have a special fondness for Christmas stories.  I eagerly gather new ones every year.  Combining Christmas with the Regency Era and I was truly excited to read this book.  And I was truly delighted by each of the four stories.  I smiled throughout Christmas at Falstone Castle as I read about familiar and well-loved characters.  I yearned for the characters in The Heart of Christmas to find happiness amidst their loneliness and sadness.  I laughed at the antics of Elizabeth and Lord Hawthorne in 'Tis the Season to Be Daring.  And I enjoyed the exchanges between Jacob and Nell in The Christmas Dress.  If you enjoy characters old and new, laughter and tenderness, and some great banter all wrapped up with a bow in the Christmas season, I can highly recommend this collection of stories.

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The House of Stone & Ivy by Anita Stansfield

THE HOUSE OF STONE & IVY

by Anita Stansfield

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-856-5

Source: publisher for review

Historical romance (Regency)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Orphaned as children, Hennie and Lottie share an unbreakable friendship. Together, they suffered the horrors of orphanages and the workhouse, and now grown, they continue to rely on each other. When Lottie approaches Hennie about a possible position at a manor house, Hennie is eager to work alongside her dear friend. However, to secure the positions as stable hands, they will have to undergo a bold act of deception: the women must disguise themselves as men.

Upon arriving at the manor, Hennie is stunned. Her new position is at Ivy Manor—the beautiful estate where her mother was employed long ago and where Hennie was raised until her mother's death. Hennie has wonderful memories of her friendship with the son of the house, Jack, and is shocked and dismayed to learn he has vanished. Living in disguise at the manor allows her to gradually uncover the truth of Jack's disappearance and eventually find him. Both Hennie and Jack are thrilled to be reunited, and their friendship is renewed. Soon, their relationship blossoms . . . and threatens their determination to remain concealed. With so much at stake, will they be prepared to risk everything for love?

REVIEW

Stansfield has written another compelling tale of love and friendship versus greed and manipulation.  Hennie is brought to Ivy Manor by her friend Lottie to work in the stables disguised as a man.  Hennie is stunned to be back at Ivy Manor, the place she grew up as a child before being sent to an orphanage after her mother died.  But she settles in and grows to like her life, despite the deception.  She's surprised to discover that the heir to the manor, her old friend Jack, has disappeared.  She wonders about him, but doesn't expect to ever see him again.  But life has a way of surprising one sometimes and she finds herself not only discovering Jack's location, but re-establishing her friendship with him.   But as their friendship grows into something stronger, they are left trying to find a way to be together in the face of the challenges that sent Jack running in the first place.  The tale is an intriguing one full of interesting twists and turns as Jack and Hennie face some pretty big obstacles.  I enjoyed this very much and recommend it to those who enjoy a well-told story of love and mystery.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

*Jan. 14^th: http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/,

*Jan. 15^th: http://empowermoms.net/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/,

*Jan. 16^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/,

*Jan. 17^th: https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 18^th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, https://thekeeledeal.com/

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Roses of Feldstone by Esther Hatch

THE ROSES OF FELDSTONE

by Esther Hatch

Covenant Communications, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-52440-589-2

Source: publisher for review

Regency romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Standing before Feldstone Manor, site of so many happy memories, Rose Davenport feels nothing but dread. Her family's annual visit to the stately home was once brightened by her friendship with the earl's youngest son, William, but everything changed the day his elder brother was disinherited and William became heir to his father's earldom. From that moment, William made it clear he has no interest in continuing an acquaintance with Rose. Heartbroken, she sets out to prove that she will simply not be ignored—or outdone—by the arrogant future lord of the manor.

When his elder brother marries for love, William's entire life changes in an instant. He does not have the same option to marry whom he chooses, and he must let go of the feelings he has harbored for his dear friend Rose. He steels himself against her annual visits, determined to keep his feelings for her a secret. But when he makes the hasty promise to marry within six months, he never dreams that his actions will lead Rose to impulsively undertake the same challenge.

REVIEW

I'll say right out that I loved this story so much that I read it all in one sitting.  I had to find out what happened between Rose and William.  Rose's spirit and determination made her easy to root for.  And while the story is told from Rose's point of view, it's clear that something is very wrong with William and so I felt empathy for him too.  My favorite parts though were their interactions.  It's clear that they care for each other but some pretty big misunderstandings stand in the way.   I truly loved the ending as it made me smile the whole way through as Rose and William attempt one final time to settle their differences/misunderstandings.  Hatch has written an entertaining and enjoyable book, one that I can highly recommend.

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

*August 6^th: http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/

*August 7^th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults

*August 8^th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*August 9^th: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*August 10^th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Willowkeep by Julie Daines

WILLOWKEEP

A Regency Romance

by Julie Daines

Covenant Communications, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-52440-040-8

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.

Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.

Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.

REVIEW

Charlotte Darby has spent the last few years of her life struggling to make ends meet for herself and her little sister, Susie.  To complicate things further, her young sister has disabilities that make her a target for torment. She is shocked when she learns that she has inherited a wealthy estate far from the sea.  But thanks to the kindness of her steward, Mr. Morland, and others, she starts to think that maybe things might get better. But there are those who are more than happy to try to manipulate and use Charlotte.

I think the thing I liked most about this book besides the growing romance between Charlotte and Mr. Morland was the fact that it looks at life during the Regency era from a bit of a different perspective.  Mr. Morland isn't a wealthy gentleman, but a hard-working steward who to his chagrin develops a tendre for his new mistress.  And Charlotte is certainly not a typical young lady of fortune having been raised in a state of poverty and roughness in a busy port.  The first encounters between Charlotte and Henry (Mr. Morland) are rather amusing.  But I couldn't help feeling empathy for Charlotte who finds her life changing in rather drastic ways and she struggles to find her place in this new world while struggling with old fears as well as new challenges.  I enjoyed reading about Charlotte and Henry's romance in this clean addition to the rather large body of literature about the Regency era.

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

June 13th: 

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/

http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

June 14th: 

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

June 15th: 

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

http://www.wishfulendings.com/

http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

June 16th: 

http://fireandicereads.com/ 

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

http://www.kindleandme.com/ 

June 17th: 

http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

http://thethingsilovemost.com/

http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

https://atransparentmom.com/

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Pride & Politics by Brittany Larsen

PRIDE & POLITICS

by Brittany Larsen

Covenant Communications, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-62108-830-1

Clean Contemporary Romance

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As the daughter of a well-known senator, Summer Knight is all too familiar with the nasty side of politics. She’s always stayed out of the drama, until an incident involving her fellow Mormons drives her out of her hometown—and out of the Church. What she needs is a change of scene, and sunny California seems like just the place. Enter Benson Hardy. He’s just her type—until she finds out who he is. Not only is Benson a nephew to her father’s political rival, he’s also a devout member of the Church. The last thing Summer wants is to be mixed up in politics—or religion. But Benson challenges her like no one else, asking the tough questions about her inactivity. Though their incompatibility is clear, their connection is undeniable, and soon Summer finds the embers of her faith reigniting. Just as it seems that the pair might be on the road to romance, a series of embarrassing misunderstandings—and the appearance of a handsome charmer determined to sweep Summer off her feet—knock the couple completely off course. As Summer finds herself at a crossroads, she must decide if she’s willing to set her pride aside for a shot at true love.

REVIEW

While I'm not a big fan of books involving politics, I couldn't resist picking this up when I discovered that it's a modern take on Pride & Prejudice.  And overall, the author does a nice job of incorporating elements of the original story into a contemporary world.  But the story doesn't lose it's modern feel either.  Summer makes for an amusing narrator as she struggles to deal with the curve balls thrown at her.  When she meets Benson, she is attracted to him, but the fact that he is the nephew of her father's political rival leads her to put the brakes on that attraction.  Besides that he is close-mouthed and stand-offish, and she gets really irritated with him on multiple occasions.  And then she meets Jake, who like Wickham in the original story, leads her astray with his stories about Benson and his family.  When Summer's younger sisters arrive to stay with her for the summer, complications ensue.  When Summer discovers Benson's role in the breakup of her friend Allie from his friend Chase, her feelings get even hotter.  Containing many of the main elements from the main story, along with plenty of modern twists, Larsen has created an enjoyable take on a classic.

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