Review: A Grand Tour (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Anthea Lawson, Jennifer Moore, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series, comes our new Victorian Romance line, with A GRAND TOUR.

Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Anthea Lawson, Jennifer Moore, and Heather B. Moore.

A LORD’S CHANCE by Anthea Lawson
After her first romance ends in disaster, Miss Isabelle Strathmore vows never to fall in love again. She will travel, certainly, and see the world, but it will be a spinster’s life for her. She has learned the most painful lesson of all—that her heart simply cannot be trusted. Gavin Reed, the Earl of Jasper, is unexpectedly charmed by Isabelle. Past encounters have made him wary of taking a chance on love, but by the end of the Grand Tour, he is determined to make Miss Strathmore his wife. But fate has more in store than either of them guesses. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, can Isabelle and Lord Jasper find their happily ever after before disaster strikes?

FALLING IN ROME by Jennifer Moore
Chaperoning two young women on their grand tour is the opportunity of a lifetime for Eleanor Doyle. Although she’s an expert in many languages, her gender has made further education impossible. If the tour is successful, the young women’s parents have promised her a position at a university in London. Eleanor hopes to instill her charges with a love of Rome, but not until they meet up with a group of young gentlemen and their fascinating professor, Russell Kendrick, do the young ladies show any interest at all. Attraction blossoms between Eleanor and Ken, but Eleanor’s future depends on maintaining propriety. The headstrong charges have other ideas, and Ken and Eleanor will have to decide which is most important, accolades in the academic world, or being with the one they love. 

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT by Heather B. Moore
Evelyn Tucker has finally graduated from finishing school, but dreads living with her widowed aunt. On the appointed day, Aunt Margaret comes to collection Evelyn, and Margaret informs her that they’re going on a Grand Tour to spend as much of the estate money they can before a distant cousin inherits all. When Henry Gaiman discovers he’s inherited his distant uncle’s estate, he loathes the thought of returning to England since he’d rather continue with his archaeology dig in Egypt. Return he must, and there, he meets Evelyn, a woman who will change his world in more ways than one.

My Review

A strong collection of stories that take our English characters abroad to the Continent with adventure and romance! Two of the stories are focused on archaeology and it was fascinating to learn more about the relatively recent discovery and uncovering of ancient ruins. I was surprised by how little oversight there was by the country or government, and could see the controversy over removing the artifacts for a greater population of British to witness and appreciate versus keeping them in their original location where they "belong." Each story had a good plot, arc, and romance, and it was an enjoyable collection to read with settings that are a bit unusual for the genre.

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

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Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:

SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR 
THE ORIENT EXPRESS (coming 2018)

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:

AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE (coming 2018)
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN (coming 2018)

Review & Giveaway: Christmas Grace by Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynn Jensen, Chalon Linton, Anita Stansfield

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Let Nothing You Dismay by Jennifer Moore
After their childhood friendship blossomed into love, one young couple's whirlwind romance ended in bitter disappointment. Now, years later, can a long-overdue Christmas gift heal two wounded hearts?

Christmas at Canterwood by Krista Lynn Jensen 
A charming new governess is determined to create a magical Christmas for her young charges. What follows is a season of warmth, laughter, and even the promise of an unanticipated love.

Winter Angel by Anita Stansfield 
For generations, one small London bakery has carried on the sweet tradition of delivering bread to the impoverished. When the lovely baker meets a down-on-his luck stranger, her kindness will open the door to a bright friendship—and an astonishing discovery.

Christmas Grace by Chalon Linton 
After suffering a heartbreaking loss, one woman returns home to honor the family tradition of staging a Christmas celebration for the surrounding village. But when a severe snowstorm hinders her plans, help—and hope—find her in the most unexpected of ways.

My Review

I absolutely loved this collection of heartfelt holiday stories set in Regency England! Each one had a perfectly sweet romance full of the hesitation and anticipation of unexpected love. I felt like it was easy to get to know the characters quickly and connect with them and whatever their struggle or heartache was. I loved watching the happy endings unfold for each of the couples in the stories and I loved the cozy feeling that the snowy Christmas setting brought. I honestly couldn't pick a favorite because I loved them all so well- that must be a good sign :) Highly recommend!!!

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

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Review & Giveaway: Miss Leslie's Secret by Jennifer Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Decorated war hero Conall Stewart has spent ten years envisioning his return to his beloved Scottish Highlands. But now, with the days of battle finally behind him, it seems that his dreams of home have been in vain: the land of his youth lies in ruins, and his family is gone. Though he will never stop searching for his kin, Conall knows he must begin again. But when he takes on a rented farm in a nearby town, he finds far more than the fresh start he was looking for . . . 

After catching a mischievous local lad stealing, Conall returns young Jamie to his mother, Aileen Leslie—and finds the woman’s coddling of the child maddening. What Conall does not realize is that Aileen hides a frightening secret: her devoted protection of Jamie is all that shelters them from discovery by a dangerous man from their past. Drawn together by circumstance, Conall soon develops a fatherly relationship with Jamie—as well as romantic feelings for Aileen. But even as the couple accepts their growing affection for one another, time runs out for Aileen and her son: after years of hiding, they have been found. Conall lost his family once—he will do all in his power not to let history repeat itself . . .

My Review

I loved this book! Such a great setting in Scotland, in the aftermath of a tragic history that shows not only the mettle and strength of Aileen and the other members of the community, but their heartache as well. Everyone has lost someone, and both Aileen and Conall have family members who are lost. Aileen has created a new family for herself with Jamie and an elderly woman from her village (who is pretty funny) and soon Conall joins their tight-knit circle as he and Jamie take to each other. It was fascinating to learn about many of the traditions of the Scottish and how they weave into their spiritual beliefs. A wonderful story of change, opening up to love, and the importance of family and community.

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

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Review & Giveaway: Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart by Jennifer Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Australia, 1814

As a young child bound for a strange country, Sarah Whitaker dreamed of life with her father on his sprawling Australian ranch. But her hopes were shattered when she learned of his death and of her new role as heiress of the largest sheep farm in New Wales. Orphaned in a land greatly populated by petty criminals exiled from England, the future seemed grim. But now, ten years later, Sarah has defied the odds and become a successful businesswoman much to the chagrin of her male counterparts. Hardened by the dishonesty of both her fellow ranchers and the felons in her employ, Sarah has learned one important truth: no one is to be trusted.

Daniel Burton is a lucky man. Sentenced to death for his role in a horse-race scandal, Daniel was granted reprieve thanks to the influence of his wealthy relatives. Now, rather than death, Daniel faces exile in Australia an opportunity to put past mistakes behind him. But when he purchases land with the intention of farming it, he unwittingly arouses the wrath of his new neighbor, Sarah. What begins as a battle of wits, however, soon becomes a warm friendship and perhaps something more. But when Daniel's secret past is revealed, will Sarah be able forgive yet another deception?

My Review

Whenever I read a historical novel by Jennifer Moore, I'm guaranteed to be swept away to an earlier era and the location is always unique to any other book I've read! Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart is no exception- I was completely immersed in early 19th century Australia, and the dynamics of the community and politics there were fascinating! I loved learning details about the lives and hardships of the people who relocated there from Europe. The characters are developed so well that I felt like I knew them and was invested in their decisions and hoping for a happy ending, especially for Sarah who suffered the loss of the people in her life who loved her. The themes of overcoming prejudice, compassion, and forgiveness are strong as Daniel and Sarah are confronted with life-changing decisions. I loved their friendship and budding relationship, which developed naturally over the course of the story. Highly recommend!

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

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Favorites of 2016: Historical

I've been inspired by several blogs I follow to make a "Best of 2016" post. But I quickly ran into a problem. Of the 197 books I read last year, 74 of them were ones I rated 5 stars! How do you narrow that down?! I bit the bullet and got it down to 37, but that still seemed like too many for one blog post. So I've divided my favorites up by genre and I'll be sharing them in four separate posts: historical, contemporary, novellas, and series. 

Here are the amazing historical novels I read in 2016 in no particular order. I highly recommend all of them and they are all ones I plan to re-read again in the future!

A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly

Amazon - Goodreads

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

The Express Rider's Lady by Stacy Henrie

 Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 The Moses Chronicles: Deliverance by H. B. Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Willowkeep by Julie Daines

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

The Governess by Kristen McKendry

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

What were your favorite historical novels that you read in 2016?

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: A Country Christmas by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, Jennifer Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

SAINTS AND SINNERS by Josi S. Kilpack. When Neville Franklin’s best friend Burke wants to wager who can kiss Eloise first, Neville puts a stop to it. Eloise has been his friend since childhood, and, well, she’s off-limits. Especially to Burke. As Burke pursues Eloise and claims that she has a tendre for him, Neville becomes more and more protective of the girl he grew up with. On the night of the Christmas ball when Eloise appears in a dress that clearly shows that she is no longer a girl, but a beautiful woman, Neville realizes that his protective feelings toward Eloise have turned into something greater. But now, Neville’s best friend stands in his way.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE by Carla Kelly. Sailing Master Able Six is on half-pay with the British navy, biding his time during the uneasy Peace of Amiens and the resumption of war. Meanwhile, he’s invited to teach young pupils at the home of a vicar outside of Plymouth. There, he unexpectedly meets Meridee, the spinster sister-in-law of the vicar. From the moment Able sees Meridee, he’s entranced. When she asks him about his past and discovers his remarkable yet troublesome gift, he realizes he’s finally found someone who can care for all of him. Sadly, Able’s low station and half-pay gives him no way to provide for a wife. Meridee’s lack of dowry and dependence on relatives makes their union impossible at best. But isn’t Christmas a season of hope?

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Moore. Archie Clawson wants nothing more than to give Jane the perfect Christmas. Since her troubled childhood, she’s not experienced a Christmas with all the trimmings. To top off the perfection, he also plans to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve. But as he and his friends, including Jane, travel to his country home, they are caught in a snowstorm and discover that notice of their arrival did not get through to the house staff. Worried over the disappointment he must be causing Jane and the complete shift in their planned Christmas, Archie fears that he’s misinterpreted her kindness towards him and lost her favor forever.

My Review

Three of my favorite authors really hit a home run with this collection of sweet Christmas romances! I read each one at the end of a long and tiring day, and was completely transported and uplifted. In the first story I loved Eloise and her conflict between attracting Neville without attracting others necessarily. He's a bit of an idiot, but a likeable one, especially when he admits the reason for his jealousy and fumbles his opportunities for "helping" Eloise :) The second story was classic Carla Kelly, I just love her writing style and tone- it's so unique in the Regency genre. I enjoyed the sweetness that quickly develops between Able and Meridee, and was fascinated by his background and journey. The last story was one I found interesting as well because of the aspect of mental illness and how it was handled during that period in history. Jane had some deeply troubling times in her past which are only vaguely referred to, and the author chose to focus more on her current situation of now having the support of caring family. The dynamic between her and Archie is tender and they both learn more about each other and making the best of things when the perfect holiday doesn't go quite as planned. I loved all these stories equally and I will definitely be re-reading this collection in the future. Highly recommend!

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & Giveaway: A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Miss Diana Snow is everything a British chaperone should be—she finds satisfaction in order and depends wholly upon the rules of decorum as she negotiates the isle of Greece with her young charge. But Miss Snow's prim and proper exterior masks a disquieting past: orphaned and alone in the world, she has only her stiff upper lip to rely on. When a brief encounter with a handsome stranger challenges her rules of propriety, Diana is unwittingly drawn into an adventure that will turn her ordered world upside down.

Alexandros Metaxas is a Greek spy working to recruit individuals to the cause of revolution. His mission seems to be going perfectly until he encounters Diana Snow, a captivating—if slightly cold—beauty. When their paths cross again, the ill-fated reunion threatens all Alex has been fighting for. But more importantly, it places Diana's life in jeopardy. There is only one way to save her: they must put themselves at the mercy of the most powerful pirate family in the Mediterranean. Soon, Diana is plunged into a fantastic world of gypsy curses, blood feuds, and unexpected romance. But when a bitter vendetta places her in mortal danger, will she have the courage to fight for life and love?

My Review

I read this entire book in one sitting. It was that good. It also helped that everyone in the house had gone to bed ;) I love Regency romance, but I especially love this kind of Regency romance- the kind that takes you out of the parlors and ballrooms and lets you experience what the rest of the world is experiencing at the time. Diana's circumstances as an orphan allow her to fully embrace the lifestyle in Greece and the overwhelming sense of family she yearns for. The politics of the clans, the British and the Turks in Greece is fascinating, and my eyes were opened to the oppression and abuse the Greeks endured from the Turks for 400 years. The bright spot in Diana's new life is Alex, who is an enigma to her because he shows interest in her when she is used to being thought of as insignificant. While each character in the book is vividly portrayed and the story is told from both Alex and Diana's points of view, Diana is the character I came to know the most. She has distinct mannerisms and methods of coping through the pain she feels- or avoids feeling. I loved that Alex gently showed her that processing her emotions is important. Her strength and intelligence attracts him to her and their love steadily blossoms, even though they know that a future together is too dangerous. The members of the family that take Diana in enrich the story and I loved every sweet, suspenseful, thoughtful, and heart-wrenching moment that I read. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

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Review: Spring in Hyde Park (Timeless Regency Collection) by Jennifer Moore, G.G. Vandagriff, Nichole Van

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A HAPPY ACCIDENT by Jennifer Moore
Jonathan Burles father has just died, making him the new Marquess of Spencer and the most sought after bachelor in London. An unfortunate accident leads to a forced marriage to Maryann Croft, a young woman who possesses no title, and an unexpected secret. With the unstable beginning to their marriage, finding love together seems impossible.

THE DISDAINFUL DUKE by G. G. Vandagriff
Lady Saphronia Huffington has always thought of herself as plain next to the beauty of her sister, Lady Lavinia. So when her sister becomes engaged to Lord Gilbert Caldwell and Saphronia is paired for wedding events with his brother, the granite-faced Duke of Mayfield, who is known to prefer beauties, she sharpens her wit. Thus begins a lengthy sparring contest during which the Duke realizes Saphronia is anything but plain.

AN INVISIBLE HEIRESS by Nichole Van
Miss Belle Heartstone has everything money can buy—houses, servants, carriages, clothing, jewels. A husband, however, is proving much harder to, ehr . . . purchase. Colin Radcliffe, the newly minted Marquess of Blake, is in desperate need of funds—preferably of the wife-free variety. When circumstances draw the two together, Blake might be the only man able to see beyond the Belle’s outer façade, and fall in love with the woman inside.

My Review

Regency novellas are my favorite! There's something about the setting, the manners and society rules of the time period that I find fascinating. I enjoyed Jennifer Moore's story of an unexpected marriage, and the way Jonathan and Maryann struggled through miscommunication to learn to trust each other. G.G. Vandagriff's story was a bit wordy for my taste, the plot was fine but the writing style isn't one that resonated with me. I was happy to finish the collection with Nichole Van's delightful tale of looking past one's circumstances to appreciate the true character of a person. These novellas are ones I can see myself re-reading in the future.

(Thank you to Ebooks for Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)