Showing posts with label Josi S. Kilpack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josi S. Kilpack. Show all posts

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Review: A Lady's Wager by Arlem Hawks, Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah M. Eden



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

Can a lady wager on love?

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks
Lieutenant Derrick Owens has always been on his own and wants to keep it that way, but when he saves a shipmate’s sister from a horrible dance partner, Corah Bradford’s sweet temperament and friendly nature make her hard to resist. Unable to find a suitable husband in Bristol who she can also love, Corah is entangled in a wager to secure Derrick’s company for an evening. Despite their reluctance to let go of their convictions, their easy friendship turns to something more. But with war on the horizon and Corah bound for the marriage mart in London, they both must discover what’s truly important—love or their previous expectations.

Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack
Over the years, Colletta Markshire has been the driving force in helping young women make their match during the Season in London. Rachel is her lucky thirteen and Etta has every expectation that she will be a triumph ... except that things are not going to plan. Rachel has not taken to London and is determined to grow an acquaintance with a young man not at all the thing. The young man's father, Wynn Firth, is nearly as distracting as Etta's worries, and in every way she felt sure she would never feel distracted again. When Rachel disappears, Etta has little doubt what’s happened and she and Wynn set out together to find the young couple before word gets out. Hours in a carriage with a handsome man can be even more distracting, however, and Etta finds herself entertaining ideas she never thought to have. Etta gave up on love years ago ... and yet, as Women of a Certain age can attest, it is never too late to change one’s mind and change one’s future.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden
Drowning in debt, Julian, Lord Wesley spends an evening of shared misery with his closest friend at their club and makes a startling discovery: someone has placed a wager that Lady Charlotte Duchamps will
not marry before her 21st birthday, with Julian himself receiving £1000 if she does not. Lady Charlotte suddenly finds herself the subject of a great deal of attention from Lord Wesley, a vague acquaintance with a questionable reputation. With Julian and Charlotte both attempting to solve mysteries and wreak chaos, betting on the possibility of love might just prove the most risky wager of all.

My Review

A captivating addition to the Timeless Romance series! This collection is set in the Georgian era, and each story included some historical details that showed the differences of this time period. They also have a wager built into the plot somehow, but the authors and characters made the stories unique. I was able to connect emotionally to the characters as they navigate society, expectations, and love. I appreciate that the length of each story is longer than a novella, so we get to delve in a bit deeper, but I can also get to the happy ending more quickly than a full length novel, which is a perfect way to relax at the end of a long day! These collections are some of my favorites to re-read for that exact reason.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.


Saturday, March 5, 2022

Book Tour & Review: The Valet's Secret by Josi S. Kilpack



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

A passionate kiss from a handsome valet becomes a Regency Cinderella story when he is revealed to be the heir to the earldom.


York, England, 1819

As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—Kenneth Winterton.

Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca’s life does that . . . except how he feels when she is with him.

Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.

My Review

I have to admit that I did not read the synopsis before reading this book- all I knew about the plot was that it was a Regency, there was a valet, and he had a secret. It was quite fun to get to know the characters, as the author is skilled at bringing them to life with depth and qualities that are easy to admire. Rebecca and Kenneth (Lord Winterton) are each at a crossroads in their lives, transitioning to new circumstances that are not comfortable but unavoidable. I loved their serendipitous moment of connection that impacts them each so greatly that it affects their choices about their futures. The undeniable chemistry between them influences their priorities, making their stolen moments together that much sweeter. I didn't make the Cinderella connection until the end of the book, and I thought the tie-in was subtle and clever. I was glad that I didn't suspect that it was a retelling, which shows how the author made it her own unique story while incorporating nods to the fairy tale. (I feel like most Cinderella retellings I've read echo the original too closely and I find them predictable and boring). The Valet's Secret is a refreshing Regency romance with characters that are mature in more ways than age, yet have all the possibilities of life and love before them, especially with the support of some rather likeable supporting characters. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.


Advance Praise

"Ebullient Regency romance...a classic case of mistaken identity inspires love between the heir to an earldom and a widow. Rebecca’s funny, chaste fantasies and worries about her humble stature mix with Kenneth’s discomfort about his subterfuge. Introspective passages reveal what each of them makes of the other. The novel is moved along by their fascinating hidden desires and aches, all of which are magnified by unspoken moments and meaningful gestures. There are nice period embellishments...The book is lighthearted about reimagining Cinderella’s tale, too. Uplifting themes about second chances in middle age come in as well. Reticence and propriety dictate Kenneth and Rebecca’s interactions; both are sensitive about social classes. The conclusion is joyous. Sweet and intense, The Valet’s Secret is an enchanting romance in which a like-minded couple faces odds that seem insurmountable, but remains passionate."

Foreword Reviews

About the Author


Josi S. Kilpack is the author of several novels and one cookbook and a participant in several coauthored projects and anthologies. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner—including Lord Fenton’s Folly (2015) for Best Romance and Best Novel of the Year—and a Utah Best in State winner for fiction. She is the mother of four children and lives in northern Utah.

You can find more information about Josi and her writing at josiskilpack.com







Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack #CleanRomanceforXmas21 #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love and Lavender
(Mayfield Family Romance #4)
By Josi S. Kilpack
Historical Romance
Paperback, E-book & Audiobook, 312 Pages
November 2, 2021 by Shadow Mountain

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls' school.

When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance if she marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own accounting firm.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must first live together as a couple for one year.

Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

(Affiliate links included.)

Top Ten with Josi S. Kilpack

Josi's top 10 Christmas list, in very particular order:

10. The Christmas Season

9. Singing Christmas songs at church

8. Wrapping presents

7. October 15th, when I buy all the presents online

6. The nativity

5. Christmas Afternoon when we watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy

4. December 26th, when I put away all the Christmas decorations

3. Christmas eve dinner by candlelight

2. Christmas Morning when we open the presents

1. Thanksgiving

P.S. Yes, I'm also super fun at parties. :-)
—Josi

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and has written thirty-three novels, one cookbook, and several short stories since then. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner, including two Novel of the Year awards for Lord Fenton's Folly and As Wide as the Sky and a Best of State winner in Fiction. She writes her national women's fiction under the pen name of Jessica Pack (say Josi Kilpack really fast and you'll see why she chose it). Josi currently lives in Northern Utah and is the mother of 4 wonderful kids. For more information about Josi or her books, please visit her blog, What is a Sundial In the Shade?


Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

December 7th: Launch
December 8th: Nancy Campbell Allen - The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart
December 9th: Rachael Anderson - Five Kisses
December 10th: Sarah M. Eden - The Merchant and the Rogue
December 11th: Arlem Hawks - Georgana's Secret
December 12th: Jess Heileman - The Nabob's Daughter 
December 13th: Krista Jensen - Miracle Creek Christmas
December 14th: Jen Geigle Johnson - A Christmas Kiss
December 15th: Josi S. Kilpack - Love and Lavender
December 16th: Carla Laureano - Discovered by Love series
December 17th: Sarah L. McConkie - Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
December 18th: Carol Ross - His Hometown Yuletide Vow
December 19th: Nichole Van - Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series
December 20th: Anneka R. Walker - Brides and Brothers
December 21st: Camron Wright - Christmas by Accident
December 22nd: Julie Wright - A Captain for Caroline Gray
December 23rd: Grand Finale
 
Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $75 (USD) Amazon E-Gift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 29, 2021


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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Book Tour & Review: Love and Lavender by Josi Kilpack

 
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis


Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls' school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

My Review

I loved the contrast of personalities between Hazel and Duncan. Their strengths and weaknesses complement and compensate each other in a lovely balance. The progression of their relationship also changed them both in good ways, and the improvement only increased the attachment and affection they share. It was fascinating to see the world, especially a different era, through Duncan's perspective, with what today's world would diagnose as on the autism spectrum. Hazel recognizes what is different about him, but also what is unique and extraordinary. A sweet and gentle love story that captured my interest and then my heart. I had tears as I read the final pages. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Mayfield Family Romance series . . .


About the Author

Josi S. Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas. She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for "Lord Fenton's Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV--none of which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction under the pen name Jessica Pack.

Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah. 
 



Monday, October 11, 2021

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker, Sarah L. McConkie #meetmeunderthekissingbough



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily ever after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, ’tis the season for love.

Meet Me under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack
Deborah Winfrey hasn’t had the heart to host a holiday party since her husband’s death. But this Christmas, it’s time to move forward. The festivities bring renewed life to her home, and the attentions of two very different men promise a chance at new love.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker
Julia Hunt is strictly forbidden from associating with the family in the nearby manor—including the handsome younger son, Esmond, who quickly steals her heart. With Christmas around the corner, an old bundle of hidden love letters may be the key to her own happily ever after.

A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie
In this novella inspired by the timeless tale A Christmas Carol, John Charleston finds himself on an unexpected journey in the company of the insufferable Lady Caroline Morleigh. But the magic of the season has a way of softening even the hardest of hearts.


My Review

I enjoyed this sweet collection of stories with a common theme of Christmas romance and mistletoe "kissing boughs." They are all set in the Regency era and are written by some of my favorite authors of the genre. The first story is a slow burn, with both main characters moving past their grief of losing a spouse. Even though they are perfect for each other, the issue of societal class and climbing ranks complicates their future, especially when an unexpected guest arrives. 
 
The second story was full of family drama and feuding, conflict and secrets. I liked how Esmond pursued Julia in spite of the obstacles, and was reluctant to give her up. They had some fun banter and great chemistry. The third story featured character growth as it echoed the classic Christmas story, and it was neat to see the way John was able to see into Caroline's heart. A lovely collection of stories perfect for holiday reading!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: A Seaside Summer by Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, Heather B. Moore


 
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.com http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The New Countess, by Josi S. Kilpack
Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

Mishaps and Memories, by Martha Keyes
Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

Moonlight Summer, by Heather B. Moore
Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

My Review

This collection of stories is absolutely delightful! It was a breath of fresh air after attempting to read a different Regency with an overabundance of aggravating drama. These stories seem light, but they have such well-developed characters, especially for shorter stories, that draw me into their world immediately and I feel connected to their struggles and happiness. The seaside setting is lovely, and one I've always enjoyed. There is something grounding about the ocean and the breaking of waves on the shore, and I felt that influence as I read the first story. Diane revels in the precious time she spends there with her children, a respite from the busy responsibilities as a new countess. I could understand her feelings of frustration to have that time disrupted, and it was interesting to see the social norms and habits that might have driven them apart. I loved seeing them each sacrifice and compromise as they worked to grow closer to each other. 

The second story is a fun one, with some amnesia and revenge that humbles more than who it was intended for. I was glued to the pages to see how it would all turn out in the end, which was happily satisfying. The third story was one with more emotion for me, and I thought the paths that each character took were beautiful. Oscar's withdrawal from high society gave him time to develop a strong business, but his interactions with Dottie make him realize his loneliness. Dottie seems to be misplaced in her newly formed family, and pressure from her mother and stepfather make her feel unwanted. Their unexpected meetings form a natural friendship with simmering chemistry, and even though the past tries to separate them in the beginning, the secrets that are eventually revealed make it possible for healing to take place. This is a collection that I will be reading again! Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Authors

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance, Timeless Romance series, and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children


Martha Keyes is a Whitney Award winning author born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can by traveling the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.

Word crafting has always fascinated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.


Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She's lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

 
Giveaway

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at each stop on the tour.

To qualify, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book.

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all!


 
Join the virtual book tour of A SEASIDE SUMMER, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, and Heather B. Moore, August 23-September 19, 2021. Over twenty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 17th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Romance Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Aug 23 Austenprose
Aug 24 My Jane Austen Book Club
Aug 24 Getting Your Read On
Aug 25 The Bibliophile Files
Aug 26 Heidi Reads…
Aug 27 Our Book Confessions
Aug 30 The Lit B****
Aug 30 Wishful Endings
Sept 01 The Book Diva Reads
Sept 01 Rosanne E. Lortz
Sept 02 Laura's Reviews
Sept 04 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Sept 07 Probably at the Library
Sept 08 Gwendalyn's Books
Sept 09 Books and Socks Rock
Sept 10 Christian Chick's Thoughts
Sept 11 Storeybook Reviews
Sept 13 From Pemberley to Milton
Sept 13 My Bookish Bliss
Sept 14 Bookworm Lisa
Sept 15 Relz Reviewz
Sept 15 Reading with Emily
Sept 16 Lu Reviews Books
Sept 17 Greenish Bookshelf
Sept 17 Austenesque Reviews
Sept 17 Bringing Up Books
Sept 18 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina