Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Christmas at Falstone Castle · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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.

My Review

I loved each of these stories! Sarah Eden's made me want to go back and read Seeking Persephone again (which I just did) and in this novella it was wonderful to see even more healing take place between Adam and his mother, as well as her own second chance at love.

The Heart of Christmas was heartwarming and lovely as Addie brings light into a family who needs a few nudges out of their grief and back together.

'Tis the Season to Be Daring was my favorite of the collection for its romance! Lord Hawthorne and Miss Davenport both had fun personalities and brought the laughter out in each other. A wonderful falling-in-love story as pretend love turns into the real thing.

I also enjoyed the blossoming romance in The Christmas Dress. The difference in social status between Nell and Jacob provide the conflict as they are reunited and rekindle their friendship. His sister helps move things along with a little matchmaking and gentle encouragement and I enjoyed their sibling relationship as well.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Evermore by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

My Review

After reading the compelling prequel novella to this series, I couldn't wait to discover the fates of the three lost princesses. Adelaide is the oldest of the three, and discovers her true identity at the beginning of the book. The author did a great job of giving the reader a sense of her character and personality before the action and adventure swept the story into a faster pace. Reunited with Adelaide after several years of being disowned by his father, Christopher faces his own dilemmas but the themes of loyalty, family, and forgiveness help him and Adelaide overcome the obstacles in their paths. I easily connected with the characters and felt the danger and excitement as I read. I'm looking forward to the next two books and am *very* appreciative that there won't be a long wait for them!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the prequel novella for The Lost Princesses series . . .

Book Two

Releases September 2019


Book Three

Releases October 2019

Review: The Farmer's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Having grown up in poverty, Seth Yoder refuses to be financially insecure again. His passion is woodcarving, but he’s vowed to work on his father’s successful farm, even though his heart is in his craft. Splitting his time between farming and his secret hobby keeps him busy—too busy for social activities.

Martha Detweiler has a different problem—she’s the only single woman in a community full of young men, and they’re all competing for her favor.  All of them . . . except Seth Yoder. Overwhelmed by the unwanted attention, she finds herself constantly fleeing from them, and that isn’t the way she wants to live her life.

When Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident matchmaker, hears of Martha’s predicament, she believes she has the answer—convince Seth to give the impression that he and Martha are dating. Both Martha and Seth think this is a terrible idea, but Cevilla doesn’t let go of something once she gets it in her head. And when Delilah Stoll, a new resident of Birch Creek, eyes Seth as the perfect man for her granddaughter, Nina, Cevilla digs in her heels.

Can Seth and Martha convince their family and friends to leave them alone? Or will their struggles against a community that seems to have decided both their fates bring them closer together?

My Review

I'm loving this series! There are several elements to this story that develop and weave together- Martha and Seth's fake romance turned real, the secret woodworking they share, Cevilla's perspective and her relationship with a non-Amish man, and Seth's growth as he begins to enjoy the work of the farm. The friendship between Seth and Martha is so sweet and I loved the way they get to know each other and love blossoms. There are some heartbreaking twists in the story along the way but the themes of faith and reliance on God keep the overall tone more heartwarming as the characters struggle to make sense of their circumstances.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the other books in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series . . .

Book One

Book Three

Coming January 2020

Review: The Teacher's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

If there is one thing Christian Ropp will not allow in his classroom—or his life—it is chaos. So why is he drawn to Ruby Glick, a woman who seems to bring mayhem wherever she goes?

Christian Ropp moves to Birch Creek to accept a teaching position in the rapidly growing Amish community. He’s determined to put the rambunctious school in order as well as check another task off his list: finding a wife. Of course, that would be much easier if women were like textbooks, straightforward and logical.

When an accident puts Christian out of commission, a new community member named Ruby Glick takes over his classroom. But Ruby’s exuberant teaching style clashes with Christian's careful methods and he worries his students will never be the same.

With a track record of catastrophe, Ruby always feels too clumsy, too distracted, too . . . much. Desperate for a chance to prove that she can do more than make mistakes in her life, she throws herself into her new teaching position. But when Christian can’t seem to stay out of her way, she finds herself slipping into old, chaotic tendencies.

What she doesn’t anticipate is that Christian's heart is slowly catching up with his mind—and she, too, must decide whether to follow logic or love.

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this story- the author did an amazing job of bringing the characters and setting to life and keeping my interest on each page. I love how she writes somewhat quirky characters and shows the different ways they relate to life. Christian is kind of socially awkward because of his pragmatic personality, I thought it was hilarious how he set out to make new friends in the community. He and Ruby are so different, yet they grew to understand each other and their contrasting attributes bring balance to their relationship and helped them develop new strengths.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the following books in the Amish Brides of Birch creek series . . .

Book Two

Book Three

Coming in January 2020!

Review: The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

An Uncommon Beauty...

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it's caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland--a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke's clutches, she's going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero...

Captain Arthur Heywood's days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her--and her heart--in more danger than ever?

My Review

I've only recently discovered the stories of Mimi Matthews and I can't read them fast enough! I was thrilled to see that a new one was releasing this summer. I loved the vivid characters and the unique plot that made the story fresh and interesting. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this one did not disappoint! There is an element of suspense as Arthur protects Philly from her mercenary uncle and the eccentric duke, which only continues as the danger follows them to their country estate. The genuine friendship they share blossoms into attraction, love and romance, with lovely chemistry. I appreciated that they share in each other's vulnerabilities and provide true encouragement and support. Philly's dogs are a fun addition to the story and play a vital role in the plot, as well as various society friends. A vibrant, well-rounded Regency!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: The Rivals of Rosennor Hall by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

One estate. Two heirs. No rules, only battle lines.

Sophia Anson does not have much in her life to call her own and never has. Nothing surprises or delights her more than to suddenly be named mistress of Rosennor Hall, and from a relation she had never heard of nor met at that. But her elation is short lived, for she is not the only heir to the estate, and the will is very specific. The two of them are to share Rosennor. Together.

Larkin Roth does not have time nor energy to deal with the twisted and ridiculous legacy left to him and the fair but fiery Miss Anson. He is determined to stand his ground and fight for every inch of the estate he can get, and he does not care what happens to her in the process. But a life in the same house as Sophia Anson could never be simple, and soon he finds himself thinking of her as more than just his enemy, and of Rosennor as more than just his inheritance.

My Review

I loved the unique twist in the plot of this book! Sophia and Larkin not only inherit Rosennor Hall together, but the will stipulates that the contents of the rooms and land that Larkin inherits belong to Sophia, and vice versa, among other crazy details. So much fodder for pranks... Larkin and Sophia initially despise each other because of the situation and the reactions they so easily pull from each other. I loved seeing them soften towards each other as they get to know the true character of their archnemesis ;) Larkin's mother has some sort of dimensia so she joins them on the estate as the "chaperone" and I loved the way Sophia had such a compassionate spirit for her. A fun and often surprising Regency story!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

The Rivals of Rosennor Hall is part of the ENTANGLED INHERITANCE series, a set of stand-alone regency romance novels. Look for the complete collection of stories by these incredible authors:

A Provision for Love by Heather Chapman
 

His Unexpected Heiress by Sally Britton
 

An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold

Review: Always by Jody Hedlund

The prequel novella for the all-new Lost Princesses series!

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf's invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn't need or want Lady Felicia's help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives--and hearts--forever.

My Review

This is a great novella for introducing us to the backstory of the three lost princesses in Jody Hedlund's exciting new YA series! The reader is thrust into the action which never slows down- danger is nipping at the heels of Lance and Felicia throughout the story which gives it a quick, suspenseful pace. The world-building is vivid and I felt like I got a good sense of the setting as well as the dynamic of the kingdom, its people, and its enemies. The author skillfully weaves in character development and I felt invested in the fate of these selfless people who sacrifice for their kingdom. Lance's awakening of feeling for Felicia was sweet and I admired his fortitude over the years of denying himself. It makes their budding romance a little rocky, though, since he's not used to allowing himself any emotional connection to a woman. Felicia recognizes the noble qualities he has and appreciates the action he takes to protect her and the princesses. Their falling in love was only natural and I enjoyed the special moments they share. I'm so excited to read the books in this series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

---

Don't miss the first novel in the Lost Princesses series . . .

Releases August 27, 2019

Synopsis

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.