Showing posts with label Nancy Campbell Allen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nancy Campbell Allen. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Review: To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen




My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.


My Review

I love a house party setting with a variety of characters! This one was a bit unique with Eva and Nathan already knowing each other through the case solved in the previous book, as well as her photography work. I loved the details about early photography and how she had a mobile darkroom that she brought to Nathan's estate. This is the second book in the series and I wish I had read the previous one first, since Eva and Nathan's friendship begins there and I missed out on that since this book moves right into a deeper relationship, even though there is a brief pretense of pretending. Nathan's skills as law enforcement and a detective helped him see that Eve might return his feelings, but also sensed her reservations, and I loved how patient he was with her. They have some special moments that are so romantic, and even though there is a suspenseful mystery developing that keeps them preoccupied, working together gives them the opportunity to grow closer. Nathan's mother and sisters as well as Eva's assistant Sammy all added to the story with their vibrant personalities, and the drama from the guests as well as the danger from the villain kept the pace of the story moving along from beginning to end.

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 first book in the Matchmakers series . . .




Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen #CleanRomanceforXmas21 #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart
By Nancy Campbell Allen
Historical Romance
Paperback, E-book & Audiobook, 313 Pages
September 7, 2021 by Shadow Mountain

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club. 
 
Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law dies in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind. 
 
When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match. 
 
They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

(Affiliate links included.)

Guest Post: Inspiration for The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart

I have my editor, Lisa Mangum, and the podcast “Lore,” by Aaron Mehnke, to thank for the inspiration for The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart. Lisa had been listening to Lore and mentioned an episode I’d also heard (because you can’t listen to only one Lore episode, you have to binge them all). The episode was about a gentleman whose wife died of a mysterious illness, and then his second wife tragically died…a string of sick and dying wives began to arouse suspicion among locals and law enforcement alike.

One of the fun details we’d also discovered about the Victorian era was the popularity of personal ads in local papers and magazines. I combined the idea from the Lore episode with an imagined character who works for a newspaper, has an insatiable sense of curiosity, and is a voracious reader of mystery and romance novels.

Et voila! A new Victorian series was born, featuring three cousins who live in London and are determined to become modern Women of Independent Means. My books almost always feature a healthy dose of mystery along with the romance, and I believe people who have enjoyed my work in the past will not be disappointed here!

About the Author


Nancy Campbell Allen is the award-winning author of 19 published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres ranging from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her most recent books, which include Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romance, are published through Shadow Mountain's Proper Romance line, and the What Happens in Venice novella series is part of the Timeless Romance Anthology collection published by Mirror Press. 
 
Nancy loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She nurtures a current obsession for true crime podcasts and is a news junkie. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah with her family, one very large Siberian Husky named Thor, and an obnoxious but endearing YorkiePoo named Freya.


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


Grab Our Button!






Friday, April 9, 2021

Review: Timeless Victorian Collection: A Gentlewoman Scholar by Sarah M. Eden, Michele Paige Holmes, Nancy Campbell Allen



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

Three women scholars. Three lives changed. And a dash of romance.

Blessing in Disguise by Sarah M. Eden
Fred Fitzsimmons will soon graduate Trinity College. With only a few weeks, he must continue safeguarding the enormous secret he’s been keeping throughout his time in Dublin: that he is actually Winnifred, a woman in disguise. The medical degree she is a breath away from claiming would allow her to save her beloved village. But having her secret revealed would land her in jail. So when Liam Rafferty, a fellow student with a reputation for unravelling even the most complicated of mysteries, grows suspicious of “Fred,” more lives than merely hers hang in the balance.

An Unexpected Education by Michele Paige Holmes
Nineteen-year-old Esther Sessions has survived the slums of Liverpool, and her abusive home, by holding onto a promise she made to her dying mother long ago--to keep reading. When a factory explosion frees her from her oppressive life and provides an opportunity to attend Bedford Women's College in London, Esther determines to succeed at school, knowing her education will ensure a future in which she might provide for herself and never be dependent upon any man. From the first moments of her arrival, Professor John Lind begins challenging her beliefs about everything from classical literature to algebra to--men. His kindness is something she has never encountered in a man before, and the generosity of his heart might just reach through the barriers surrounding Esther's.

Good Heir Hunting by Nancy Campbell Allen
Ellie Perkins has achieved her dream of establishing her own Kindergarten school to serve the needs of Liverpool's orphans. As a woman who has graduated from college and pursued a career, she has faced opposition and contention from all sides. Her first year is a success, however, and as she begins the second, she is caught by surprise when her newest hire marries and moves away, leaving a class of orphans without a teacher. Solicitor Graham Lucas, meanwhile, appears on her school doorstep, having narrowed a search for his employer's heir to one of the students in the now teacher-less class. Ellie sees a temporary fix to her problem that will benefit both her and the handsome solicitor. Graham will substitute the kindergarten class, while Ellie searches for a replacement. Unbeknownst to them all, however, is the lurking presence of a jealous relative who covets the young heir's position, and who will stop at nothing to take his place. Also at risk is Ellie's heart and hard-won career. Can she truly take a chance on a handsome substitute teacher bent on winning her love?


My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories! A "bluestocking" is one of my favorite types of characters, and the ones in this collection were delightfully quirky and strong. It fills me with gratitude to think of the women (and men) who were ground breakers and advocates for higher education for women and the sacrifices they made and the path they paved for future generations. I hope to never take them for granted! While study and education is a main theme, there is also a delightful dose of sweet romance with true gentlemen who are encouraging and supportive of their endeavors. My vote for best kiss goes to the last story, Good Heir Hunting by Nancy Campbell Allen- who utilized the romantic potential of a room full of books! ;)

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.




Monday, August 5, 2019

Review: The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen


https://amzn.to/2ZsME2Z

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/lady-in-the-coppergate-tower?variant_id=170390-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. But as of yet, that skill has remained frustratingly elusive. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.

Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.

Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.

Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.

Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.


My Review

The author does a wonderful job drawing the reader into the world of fantasy fairy-tale retelling and steampunk with realistically grounded characters and a mystery to solve. Unrequited love that is secretly not unrequited is one of my favorite tropes and I really enjoyed the developing romance between Hazel and Sam with the tension that holds them back all the while falling more in love with each other. There is a darkness to the suspense as they follow the dubious Romanian uncle to Hazel's sister, and I was anxious to see how they would rescue her. Such creative world-building! Characters and situations from the previous two books are referred to and while I had read the second book in the series, I wish that I had read the first one also, so I would recommend reading them in order for full enjoyment. It definitely works as a standalone though.

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




Thursday, July 19, 2018

Review: Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen




Heidi Reads... Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen

 My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/kiss-of-the-spindle-ppr?ref=Grid%20%7C%20Search-1&variant_id=155229-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date--after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.

In a desperate attempt to find Malette--the witch who cursed her--Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.


My Review

Wow. This is the first steampunk book I've ventured to read, and it was such a fun ride! It took me a little bit to get comfortable with the some of the terminology and concepts, but the story and characters immediately grabbed me and pulled me into the intriguing plot. I loved Isla's grit, confidence, and determination. I loved Daniel's strength, charisma, and protective nature. I loved the dynamics between the passengers on the airship, the race against time, and the mysterious spell that Isla is desperate to reverse. The friendship and romance between Isla and Daniel develops naturally but swiftly, and their chemistry was amazing! I appreciated that they allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other; it instilled a foundation of trust in their relationship that made the quick timeline work for me. The adventure was epic and this book would make such a great movie! Highly recommend!

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



Don't miss the first book in the Steampunk Proper Romance series . . .

https://amzn.to/2JmQEsS


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/kiss-of-the-spindle-ppr?ref=Grid%20%7C%20Search-1&variant_id=155229-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Review: Timeless Victorian Collection: The Orient Express by Elizabeth Johns, Annette Lyon, Nancy Campbell Allen


Heidi Reads... Timeless Victorian Collection: The Orient Express by Elizabeth Johns, Annette Lyon, Nancy Campbell Allen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series, comes our new Victorian Romance collection: THE ORIENT EXPRESS.

TO BREAK A BETROTHAL by Elizabeth Johns
Recently orphaned heiress Kate Worthington must travel to England from her home in India to break an outdated betrothal contract. Surely the lure of money will tempt Lord Darlington to release her! A gentleman befriends her whilst she is aboard the luxurious Orient Express, and the attraction she feels firms her resolve to break the betrothal. What she does not count on is Lord Darlington’s hidden depths. She has so much to lose, least of which is her heart.

DETECTIVE GRACE MEETS HER MATCH by Annette Lyon
Even private investigator Grace Thomas needs a vacation, yet she can’t exactly turn off her detective skills at a whim. Boarding the Orient Express might be a vacation for some, but Grace finds that her senses are on high alert. She prides herself in being one step ahead of any flirtatious gentlemen, and fellow passenger Marshall Bailey is no exception. When Grace discovers that Marshall is traveling under another name, she learns that her first impressions aren’t always correct, and that she’s mistakenly allowed him to play havoc on her heart. Marshall will just have to convince Grace to give him a second chance.

MARRIED ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Nancy Campbell Allen
Detective Vincent Brady must recover a priceless statue before it falls into the wrong hands. The only problem is that the American woman who’s carrying it for her brother has no idea the value. Vincent catches up with Emily Grant, but convincing her that he’s not out to harm her or her brother is harder than Vincent expected. Finally, Emily agrees to travel with Vincent on the Orient Express, and they plot how to rescue her brother while keeping themselves out of harm’s way. Vincent soon discovers that out of all the hardships he’s overcome in his lifetime to rise to his current detective status, convincing Emily to take a chance on him even harder.


My Review

Before I read this collection I hadn't heard about the Orient Express, so I found the history fascinating and loved learning more about this era. Each story shared various details about the train and its stops, and they also had a common element of one of the main characters being a detective. The first story has a fun twist with hidden identities and an exciting plot that played out beyond the journey on the train. The second story also had a twist with the female being the detective, although her jaded attitude about men was a bit off-putting. There is much more internal dialogue than shared dialogue and I missed the bonding between Grace and Marshall that could have occurred when they were angsting instead. The last story was my favorite, and one I plan to read again in the future. There is a great connection between Emily and Vincent, and I loved seeing them grow closer together as they worked together to save her brother and solve his case. The romance is awesome and I loved the way the story wrapped up. Another great collection from Timeless Romance!

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

Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS

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
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN



Thursday, August 31, 2017

Review: Summer Holiday (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Nancy Campbell Allen, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon


Heidi Reads... Summer Holiday (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Nancy Campbell Allen, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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

Synopsis

BREAKFAST AT SOMMERPOOL’S by Nancy Campbell Allen
As Tessa Baker competes for the supervisor promotion at Sommerpool Department and Mercantile, she’s faced with a ridiculous list of tasks to complete in order to “win” the job. Tessa would love to be the first female supervisor ever to work at the Sommerpool, but her competitor is cheating at every turn. Discouraged, Tessa agrees to let David Bellini, a family friend and Italian Conte who is new in town, help her. When she discovers that he’s the new owner of Sommerpool’s, but wants to evaluate the employees unobserved, Tessa has mixed feelings. She soon realizes that she’s falling for David, but what chance does a working-class woman like her have with an Italian Conte?

HOWEVER LONG THE WAIT by Sarah M. Eden
Carina Herrick says goodbye to the man she hopes to marry, knowing their separation will be temporary. Grant Ambrose is off to follow his dream and become established in business so that he can provide for Carina and a life together. He promises to write; she promises to return his letters. Yet, only a few months pass and already their letters become shorter and fewer. Finally, Carina is forced to give up on Grant if only to protect her breaking heart. Her parents are dead set against her becoming a spinster and insist she accept the proposal of the odious Mr. Baskon. With no hope of another marriage proposal, Carina is forced to make a difficult decision, one that can lead her either to happiness or misery.

THE LAST SUMMER AT IVY HOUSE by Annette Lyon
Every summer Sarah travels to Ivy House in London as one of the household servants to the Millington family. This summer, she’s particularly looking forward to seeing Jacob, a servant who lives at Ivy House year-round. They’ve been exchanging letters since the previous summer when their friendship deepened. But when Sarah arrives at Ivy House, Jacob seems more reserved around her and less forthcoming. Has she put greater meaning in their budding relationship than she should? When Sarah discovers that Jacob has a dark secret and wants her to give up her dreams in exchange for helping him, she’s not sure if she’s willing to make the sacrifice.


My Review

A lovely collection of stories set during the Victorian time period in England, with details about the time period and setting as well as light romance. I normally love these collections more, (and these authors) but somehow didn't feel immersed in the emotions of the characters. I liked each story well enough, the plots were creative and dynamic... but I think the romance wasn't compelling enough for me. Maybe I should blame it on the summer heat making me cranky. Overall it is a sweet collection of stories with variety that I know will be enjoyed by readers.

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