Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck

A Journey to Unshakable Faith JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Journey to Unshakable Faith

Title: A Journey to Unshakable Faith
Series:
Journeys of Faith #1
Author:
Sydney Witbeck
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
July 2021
Genre:
Christian Medieval Action/Adventure Fantasy

Left with no other option, fourteen-year-old Esther is forced to leave the castle for her own safety, not knowing if she will ever see her mother and father again. With only a pack of food and her faithful horse Onyx, Esther sets off on an adventure to find her mother’s people. But the enemy is never far behind, closing in on the princess who eludes them. Will she be able to make it to safety? And will she ever see her parents again? 

When all hope seems lost, Esther soon finds that God never leaves His children on their own. At every turn, Esther meets friendly faces willing to help her as she strives to find a way to get back to her parents. With only her faith in God as her weapon, Esther turns back to home, determined to have the victory once and for all. But will that be enough? It seems that Esther will never see her parents in this world again. And all hope seems lost when Esther is finally captured and hidden away. It’s time for the villagers to take up arms and fight for their freedom. Will they prevail? Or will evil finally win? The true victory lies in finding a faith that is unshakable.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author

 

Interview with Author Sydney Witbeck


Can you tell us a little about yourself?

First and foremost, I am a daughter of the King of Kings. If there is one goal I want to pursue in my writing, it is to give God the glory and make known all His wondrous works (Psalm 105:1-2). God has blessed me with wonderful parents and two sisters. They’ve been my biggest supporters on this crazy writing journey! I live out in the country in beautiful Laurens, South Carolina and help take care of our goats and chickens. Currently, I work as a manuscript editor for a Christian publishing company, Ambassador International.

What do you do besides writing?

When I’m not writing, you can usually find me curled up with my favorite book, making memories with my two sisters, helping my parents at their store – Learning Cycle Homeschool Store, or training my miniature horse, Sunny.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I love castles. The idea of them, the structure, the aesthetics, the size – everything about castles is fascinating to me, especially when you throw in things like dungeons and secret rooms. I’ll try not to give away any spoilers but there is a battle scene that takes place over a couple chapters. About half of it takes place inside a castle. So, I knew I needed to figure out the layout and structure of medieval castles. I researched some and even printed out a couple castle floor plans to help me picture where people would most likely be fighting, where the strengths and weaknesses were, that sort of thing. It helped me write the scene in a way that would be realistic without being confusing. Plus, I got to look through a lot of pictures of castles as part of the research, so that was a bonus!

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

Characters are the first thing I imagine when it comes to starting a new story. Generally, I can already picture them and then maybe I’ll go on Pinterest and try and find a picture that matches what I see in my head. But one website I discovered midway through writing my second book that was very helpful from a visual standpoint is Armstreet.com. They sell everything from Viking jewelry to Medieval armor to Renaissance dresses. They really focus on the historic accuracy of their designs as well as the aesthetics, and I’ve found some pictures there that are close to what I was trying to imagine for my characters!

In order from left to right: Row 1 – Esther, Pellingor & Arianna (Pellingor’s hair should be darker, but I’m just picky 😊), Reia. Row 2 – Malon, Fiona.

All pictures were found on Pinterest and belong to their respective owners. Except the last one. I took the last one of my dog, Lola, who was the inspiration for Esther’s dog, Fiona.







What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I put on music with lyrics while I’m writing (especially during the first draft), my brain will become distracted! So, I tend to listen to a lot of instrumental music and soundtracks throughout my writing process. When writing my first book, the music I turned to the most was the Lord of the Rings soundtrack (which is epic even when you’re not writing, and quite helpful for getting me in the right mood to write my hardest chapter – the battle scene!)

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

As a young, teenage Christian, I struggled a lot with doubt and assurance. I want my readers to come away from this book understanding that those feelings are real, they’re something a lot of people struggle with – even under the surface – but also that you don’t have to stay in that place of doubt and questioning. God is always there for His children, willing to help them and grow their faith. I also want readers to see the importance that Godly friends, role models, mentors, and parents have on their lives. Find those kinds of people and talk to them when you’re struggling. God uses His Word to strengthen our faith, but He also uses other believers.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

I am currently working on a Nordic/Viking-inspired novel that will hopefully be released in 2025. I want to show what an impact the light of Christianity had on the spiritually dark culture at that time. It will explore the cost of Christianity and forgiving one’s enemies while featuring redemption arcs, storms at sea, and a protective older brother/reckless younger brother duo. I’m excited to share this story as I’ve been having a lot of fun writing it!
 

More Books in This Series


About the Author

Sydney Witbeck

Sydney Witbeck is a Christian self-published author. She has a strong love for the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She has been blessed with supportive parents and two sisters and often helps out at the family business, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. An avid bookworm, Sydney is happiest curled up with a good book. She has always enjoyed reading and rereading her favorite stories – a passion that soon transferred to writing books of her own. Her writing journey began when she heard how many moms were looking for fiction novels for girls that were both clean and Christian. In her free time, she likes drawing, spending time with her dog, and caring for her miniature horse and her three goats.

Connect with Sydney by visiting storiesoffaithfulness.com.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and signed paperback copies of A Journey to Unshakable Faith and the sequel, A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness.

A Journey to Unshakable Faith JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Saturday, December 14, 2024

Book Tour & Review: The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen




My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



About the Book

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he's hiding and if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review

The tragedy and scandal of Claire was revealed bit by bit in the first two books, and now we have the chance to know her and her experiences. After paying penance at her borderline-abusive aunt's house, Claire has returned to Sidmouth on her own terms of employment, close enough to the family for a reunion, but waiting for them to meet when they are comfortable. Each sister had been affected differently by Claire's choice, but it was heartwarming to see them open and forgiving, even though it might have been hard for some. Their mother, however, is torn between her love for her daughter and her late husband's wishes of disownment. The pace of the story is much slower than I'm used to, but it matches the pace of life in Sidmouth, exploring the variety of characters and the lovely setting, building upon the story with each day that passes. The gentle romance is achingly slow to come about, and the focus on at least the first half of the book is Claire acclimating to her new life as manager of the boardinghouse as well as the company of those she works with there and her estranged family. I was relieved when her relationships began to develop more fully, and a bit of intrigue was introduced as Mr. Hammond's former line of work as a diplomat brings an element of mystery to Claire's days in Sidmouth.

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.

On Devonshire Shores series
 

 
About the Author
 
 
 
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit JulieKlassen.com.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Review: The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



About the Book

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List
 
When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.  
 
Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book. 
 
Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for…the wrong lady.

My Review

This is a highly entertaining book! We are quick to know best friends and cousins Bella and Issie, although the difference in their stations has Bella as more of a companion who waits and dotes on Issie, while both bear the brunt of Issie's verbally and emotionally abusive mother. I was glad that the book began with her demise so we didn't have to read those difficult scenes, but we could understand the fallout and influence on the two young women. Bella has a vivid personality- loyal, adventurous, and with a wonderful sense of humor. Her banter with Lord Brooke was fantastic, and I loved how their chemistry grew quickly from friendship to attraction to romance. Issie's health, her young doctor, the meddling aunt, and complicated family dynamics brought layers to the story and I was captivated until the very 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.

About the Author

photo: Jonathon Allain 2019

 

 Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband.



Thursday, December 12, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek

Once Upon a Horse JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Once Upon a Horse

Title: Once Upon a Horse
Series:
The Vets of Heavenbrooke County #1
Author:
Helena Smrcek
Publisher:
EverWind Press
Release Date:
November 15, 2024
Genre:
Sweet Contemporary Romance

In the charming Heavenbrooke county, where country life meets big-city dreams, 28-year-old accountant Stella Barkley is about to discover that sometimes love arrives when you least expect it. 

After a flat tire leaves her stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue—Dr. Jason Alba, a dedicated veterinarian with a heart as big as his ambitions. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable connection, aided by Stella's spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Milkbone, who takes an immediate liking to Jason thanks to his pocket full of treats. 

As their paths intertwine, Stella finds herself drawn to Jason, despite their differing views on farm life and future aspirations. Their budding romance takes unexpected turns, especially when a mysterious missing horse from a local breeder, Enrique Rodriguez, complicates matters. 

When Thanksgiving arrives, Jason becomes Stella's unexpected hero, saving her from a culinary disaster and charming her city friends with his warm spirit. But just as their relationship begins to flourish, a crisis emerges in the barn: the missing mare, Starling, is discovered in distress, leading Jason to perform a life-saving surgery that brings them even closer. 

However, secrets and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. Stella’s desperate attempt to protect a champion mare sends her on a collision course with both Jason and Enrique, forcing her to confront her choices and the future she thought she wanted. 

When Stella realizes that her life in Heavenbrooke may be over, she pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Jason, leaving it at the church where their story began. Alone on Christmas morning, she grapples with loneliness and regret, only to be surprised by the appearance of the man who stole her heart. 

Can a simple letter and the magic of Christmas lead them to a second chance? Will they find a way to bridge the divide between city and country, love and loyalty? 

Join Stella and Jason on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances in Once Upon a Horse. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this tale of unexpected connections and the bonds we forge will leave you believing in the wonder of love.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

 

Excerpt


Dr. Jason Alba stepped into the Four Corners Country Store as the bell chimed over his head.
This better be the right place. He gripped the garment bag a little tighter. If I’m wrong, the
person working here will have a good laugh on my account, suit, and tie in a feed store. But the
woman he met on the side of the road earlier today was worth searching for. How many feed
stores could there be in Heavenbrooke County? This was the Four Corners, as the vet tech
described when he’d told him about the girl with the red 1976 Ford pickup truck. He took a deep
breath and slowly shut the door behind him.
 
And then he saw her. His heart did the same strange thing as earlier today when he
spotted her parked on the shoulder. Thankfully, he listened to that quiet voice, somewhere deep
in his soul, telling him to pull over and see if she needed help. He was sure she also felt the spark
between them when their eyes first met. She was cautious, and who could blame her, but there
was something there, a sense of connection, this visceral reaction he’d never felt before. Like
their chance meeting was not by chance at all. Or was he wrong?
 
In any case, here he was, and he would savor the moment. She was standing behind the
cash register, her black hair cascading over her shoulder, momentarily unaware of his presence.
And here was the strange feeling again. She was here but didn’t quite fit, like her brand-new
Spider ski hat and the well-worn parka, the designer bag on the console between the front seats
of the old beat-up truck, or the lack of a diamond sparkle on her ring finger.
 

Also Available

   


About the Author

Helena Smrcek

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. From her romantic suspense series to women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and humor, and her latest favorite, dual timeline historicals—like a box of chocolate truffles—she loves them all. With a passion for storytelling sparked by her grandparents, Helena Smrcek weaves heartfelt tales that explore themes of faith, love, and redemption.

Connect with Helena by visiting helenasmrcek.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all 3 books in the Alicia Yu FBI series plus Once Upon a Horse!

Once Upon a Horse JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Winner location limited to where Amazon will ship. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Book Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer

An Unexpected Journey JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

An Unexpected Journey

Title: An Unexpected Journey: A Regency Hobbit Retelling
Author:
Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
November 28, 2024
Genre:
Regency Romance/Hobbit Retelling

A heritage neither of them desires, a wrong to right. A chance to end a family curse... 

When strangers tumble through the doors of once resplendent Grandview Estate, Lady Laura Tamlow is pulled into a rather unexpected journey, away from the village she's never left along with a gentleman unlike any she's ever known. 

Jonathan Canfield is out of options. And he'd do anything to restore his family fortunes in order to keep them from poverty, including roping Lady Tamlow into playing the part of thief. They must reclaim both his and her family jewels that were stolen the night of the fated Grand Masquerade of 1770, where both the Canfields and the Tamlows fell far from society's good graces. If only his thief weren't so lovely, he'd be able to focus on the mission without distraction. 

But there's a bigger problem at hand. The jewels reside at Lombard Park under the eye of Lord Herrington, a greedy dragon of a man who knows he's about to die. Yet he has bigger claims than they ever imagined and attempts to steal something far more valuable than family jewels. With deception afoot, will Jonathan ever see Lady Tamlow again? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub  

**The author is offering free swag to the first 20 people who purchase a paperback/hardcover book. Proof of purchase required.**

 

 Interview with Author Ann Elizabeth Fryer


Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Born and raised in Kentucky, I now live in the Midwest near St. Louis. My handsome husband of 27 years and I recently moved to a six-acre farm, where my crazy husky-poo and fluffy-aged dog live in countryside bliss. Our children are mostly grown up—we have one high school senior left! While most of the household leaves for work or lives at college, I spend my days at the writing desk or staring blankly into the woods while dreaming up the next scenes for my work-in-progress.

What do you do besides writing?

I’m a full-time writer these days, after many years of homeschooling my three kids. On my days off, I love to go antiquing. I’m into vintage everything! I found a large sign at a local thrift shop that says “museum” which is pretty accurate for my home. From books to dishes, nearly everything I own is old. I also love curling up in front of a fire with a good book or movie, cup of tea, or coffee in hand.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

My favorite part of researching for this story was diving back into The Hobbit, checking on story structure and what might be utilized for a Regency retelling.

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

I thought them up as the character’s personalities came on the page. They gradually grew from the inside, from the heart of them, outward. I haven’t played around with stock images or AI to create my look-alikes for the story, but that might be fun to do! But now that I think about it, Richard Armitage, who played in The Hobbit movie, wouldn’t be a bad example of my hero. Just no beard or long hair.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

So YouTube has some pretty sweet Shire-sounding music that will play for hours. I listened to a lot of that along with British folk music.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

I would love for my readers to get the sense that the dragons we face are entirely fallible. That hope is stronger than fear and evil. And that love, even romantic love, is an element of that kind of hope. We aren’t meant to journey alone—but even if we find ourselves seemingly alone, God is with us—to the end of all things.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?


I’m already working on book two for this duology. Besides that, at least two more Butterton Brides novels are in the works.
 


About the Author

Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Ann Elizabeth Fryer loves nothing more than using story and romance to relay the depths and graciousness of a Father who holds us securely in the palms of His hands. Daydreaming her surroundings from a young age, she's lived in historic homes most of her life and regularly participates in backyard archaeology. When she's not writing historical projects, her contemporary novels show a flavor of her forever-passion for all things old. Ann, her husband, and three children make their home in small-town Illinois where they can hear church bells keep time and tradition.

Connect with Ann by visiting annfryerwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a hardcover copy of An Unexpected Journey, a tote bag, swag, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of An Unexpected Journey!

An Unexpected Journey JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Monday, December 2, 2024

Review: What Dreams May Come by Dana LeCheminant


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



About the Book

In a bid to escape the incessant attentions of a man she does not love, governess Lucy Hayes embarks on a journey to begin a new post. But when she’s stranded in a storm, her plans go shockingly awry. Desperate times call for desperate measures: against her better judgment, she agrees to a foolhardy scheme presented by a handsome stranger, known to her as only William. But when her mysterious benefactor falls ill, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into his family home in a case of mistaken identity: they believe she is William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother.

Simon is suspicious of his lovely future sister-in-law, a woman who seems completely unsuited to his self-important brother. As they wait for William to awake, Simon and Lucy are drawn ever closer together. But danger draws closer too, in the form of her unwanted suitor. Lucy knows that when Simon discovers the truth, he will despise her. Now she must find a way to keep herself safe . . . and avoid falling hopelessly in love with a man she can never have.


My Review

What a mess Lucy is in! She is kept safe with the family of William, but she knows it is temporary. For Simon it's a case of forbidden love as he thinks that Lucy is his brother's fiancee. It's all very While You Were Sleeping, and the author even slipped in some well-known quotes from the movie as well as similar characters and scenes. It was interesting to see the modern story applied to Regency times, with the differences in the way society worked and the roles of women and men. Lucy struggles with the deception, but self-preservation ultimately keeps her from confiding in Simon, even after they develop a friendship and attraction. It was an entertaining read, but I don't think the nods to the original story were subtle enough for me. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is a Regency take on You've Got Mail.

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 next book in the Calloway series . . .
 

 

Friday, November 29, 2024

Review: The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



About the Book

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….


My Review

Stella and Teddy are both oddities in society, and keenly feel that sense of isolation, even with friends and family as supports. I love how they inadvertently came across each other, later discovering how connected they really are through their friends. It was easy to connect to the emotions of the characters, and feel the longing they both have for some sense of normalcy, yet also to follow their dreams. Teddy helps Stella embrace her differences and see herself as beautiful instead of peculiar. Stella does the same for Teddy, seeing his amazing skills and talents instead of just his limitations. They have wonderful chemistry and their interactions were so fun to read! I loved how Stella didn't capitulate to Teddy's requests out of pity, but made sure she was in the right frame of mind to embark on such a daring venture. The characters from the previous books in this series as well as some from the author's Parish Orphans of Devon series made this book feel like coming home, and now I want to read them all over again ;)  

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 Belles of London series . . .