Review: The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing 

About the Book

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s  Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of  The Lady and the Lionheart.

New River, Virginia. 1904. 

Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.

My Review

There are few things I love to read so much as a Pride and Prejudice adaptation! I can be critical of the ones that are more of a retelling that doesn't offer much variation, but this book brought the classic story to the turn of the century deep in Appalachia, with new challenges alongside the universal struggles of our beloved characters. The slight shifts and twists that made this story its own while weaving in parts of the original in fresh ways made it entertaining to read. I was delighted with the portrayal of each member of the Bennet family, and loved how the author stayed true to the original personalities while adding depth and insight into each of them. They are more humble circumstances compared to the original Bennets, but in relation to their neighbors and the coal barons, the relative prosperity matches well enough to Pride and Prejudice. Lizbeth and Jayne are the resourceful, mature sisters that share a close bond, and aware enough to be slightly embarrassed by their family while loving them fiercely as well.

William and his lawyer Callum are in the remote part of Virginia to determine if the local coal mine and surrounding property is a wise investment. It was fun that his luxurious train car represents his wealth, and the awe of the Bennet sisters when they are invited to tea there. William is confident in his own sphere, but Lizbeth brings out the awkward in him, and his self-mortification causes some miscommunication... thankfully resolved as they become friends. It was fascinating to learn historical details of the era and behind-the-scenes of the coal mine negotiations. I developed an appreciation for both the workers and the owners of the venture that supplied the fuel for energy. William is forward thinking in how to improve the mine productivity and conditions of the workers, including the poor mules who were raised by the Bennets and worked to death down in the mine without seeing sunlight again. The complications of land ownership, rumors and gossip, family interference, and misunderstandings bring conflict to William's relationship with Lizbeth and the Bennets, making the resolution all the sweeter and more satisfying in the end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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.

 

 

Review: Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and hopes this next decade goes much better than the last, in which she became a young widow raising two children on her own. With both her boys off to college, it's time for new beginnings, and she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to keep her distance from him if she wants any chance of keeping history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend has other plans to throw them together. It seems inevitable that Julia will have to face her past with Samuel, but only if she can work up the courage to embrace the kind of new beginning she never thought she'd see again.

Rebekah Millet will make you laugh, swoon, and cry in this delightful debut novel of first loves and second chances wrapped in the magic of New Orleans.

My Review

Once again, I read a series out of order! No problem- the books in the Beignets for Two series read perfectly well on their own and together. After reading and loving Kate's book, I just had to read her best friend Julia's story! The author's writing is so comfortable, I feel like I am sinking into the book. What magic is this? It's so easy to connect with Julia and laugh with her at her self-aware dry wit. She feels things deeply, and while sometimes it felt like an emotional whirlwind, the support from her best friend Kate, her sons, and even her crochety mother help Julia find an even keel again. Samuel and Julia have a history that did not end well before her loving marriage to her deceased husband. He's ready to reconnect, but I'm glad that Julia allowed herself to process all the hard feelings with each obstacle that arose. She didn't go easy on him, while not behaving like a bitter shrew either. She's so genuine, and that's the quality that I admired most in her. There are strong themes of relying on God, trusting in His plan and timing, and the beauty of forgiveness, even when it doesn't come easy.

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 Beignets for Two series

 

 

Review: The Duke's Bargain by Megan Walker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Ruined by scandal, Georgiana bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpected happily-ever-afters.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow begins to see Georgiana as an ally and a friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved for who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?

My Review

I always find it fascinating when an author can take not-well-liked characters from a previous story and give them their own story where we can see behind their facade and understand their motivations. Marlow and Georgiana are not without flaws, but as their relationship progresses from negotiators to friends to deeper feelings, their rough edges seem to smooth out and they develop strengths they didn't realize they had. The banter in their interactions is so fun, and they definitely keep each other on their toes. I love how they connect over reading in the library late at night and their fondness for cats. Despite their growing attraction and emotional connection, the future of the dukedom and the need for a very proper duchess is an obstacle that looms over them and leads to more complications. The representation of the other members of society was harsh, with no kindred spirits to be found among them, and the darker side of judgements and criticisms was at times prominent and other times subtle, even among our main characters. I connected more with Marlow and Georgiana towards the end of the book when their pretensions fell away and they became more genuine and realized what is truly important in a marriage and a future filled with love.

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 Megan Walker's previous Proper Romance titles!

 

 

Review: We Are Never Getting Together by Janette Rallison

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

In this reverse Parent Trap, two feuding teenagers pretend to be in love to keep their parents apart, but love has other plans. A clean YA rom-com from USA Today best-selling author, Janette Rallison.

Madeline and Cooper have had bad blood since junior year when she beat out his sister for the lead in the school play. Ever since, it’s been one petty escalation after another—plastic-wrapped cars, glitter bombs, and even a derogatory viral video. When their latest prank lands them in the principal’s office with their single parents in tow, Madeline and Cooper are shocked to find that their parents have hit it off and now have plans for a dinner date.

Horrified by the prospect of their parents falling in love, Madeline and Cooper reach a truce. To keep their parents apart, they’ll pretend their feud is over and that they’re in a relationship. They’re positive that by fake dating, their parents will realize their relationship is a terrible idea and stop seeing each other. But the longer their fake relationship continues, the more they discover that there may be things they actually like about each other. How long are Madeline and Cooper willing to keep up the ruse before they have to face the consequences of their actions?

My Review

SO ENTERTAINING!!! I love this author's fresh (and clean) take on the teenage experience. It feels authentic to me, and doesn't delve into unnecessary or dark drama. The pranks Madeline and Cooper played on each other were absolutely hilarious and creative- many mentioned from the past- and some take place during the story. Their journey from archenemies to reluctant conspirators to unlikely friends to something more was so genuine and flowed with the ups and downs of the plot. Cooper's sister, Madeline's bestie, and of course, their dating parents, make a great supporting cast. The growth of Madeline and Cooper throughout the story was compelling as they come to self-realizations and consider what's truly important. Highly recommend to romance readers no matter how long it's been since you were in high school!

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.

Review: Josi S. Kilpack First Love Collection (Timeless Regency Collection)

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

The JOSI S. KILPACK FIRST LOVE COLLECTION contains the brand new historical romance novella An Impetuous Debutante, as well as three hand-picked readers' favorites of Josi's popular Timeless Romance novellas.

An Impetuous Debutante

When Veronica slips out of London hidden in a carriage seat, she believes she is escaping the expectations of society, of marriage to a man who does not interest her, and of a future chosen for her rather than one she has chosen for herself. She does not expect to find herself entangled in secret work for the Home Office, nor does she expect Geoffrey Meyers—the dependable and seemingly unremarkable friend of her brother, who has never once drawn her notice—to be part of it.

A broken carriage wheel, an unintended change of course, and a single impulsive decision draw Veronica into a world far larger—and more secretive, and more interesting—than she ever imagined. Veronica discovers that independence does not always need to be loud, nor is love always obvious at first glance. Perhaps she has underestimated everyone, herself included, and might yet find a way to chart her own course within the margins of her place in the world—and build a life she never dreamed possible.

Til’ All the Seas Gang Dry (Originally in: To Love a Governess)
It has been six years since Dina left London and David and whatever fantasy she had allowed to grow in the months of flirtation that had nearly overtaken them both. Now, David is getting married and he and his fiancé are guests at the home where Dina works as a governess. Convinced the connection they felt was nothing more than childhood fancy, Dina is taken by surprise to find that her feelings have not changed, and, she fears, David’s have not either. Still, she is determined not to interfere with the life he has worked so hard to build … until she realizes that his fiancé is not nearly as committed to him as he is to her. No one will trust her motivations for revealing the truth, not even David, and she could ruin everything she had built here, but if it spares David heartbreak, is it worth the sacrifice?

A Merry Dance (Originally in: Autumn Masquerade)
When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain.

Begin Again (Originally in: All Regency Collection)
Regina Weathers gives up on marrying for love the day that Ross Martin walks out of her life. Now, fifteen years later, Ross shows up at a ball and thinks he can woo Regina. But she is set on her lonely path and stitched-up heart, no matter the excuse Ross gives for his years of silence and neglect. When Ross insists he wrote many letters during his military years, Regina discovers a secret long-since buried by her father, and the revelation might be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart.

My Review

Regency is one of my comfort-read genres, and this collection by one of my favorite authors brings several of her best novellas together! In each story I was immediately drawn to the main characters, able to feel their emotions as they navigate their circumstances. I love that they each feature a character arc that allows each lady to grow with the courageous choices they make and the things they learn. The sweet romance is full of affection and chemistry, bringing a smile to my face with each conclusion.

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.

Review: A Season of Wishes by Julie Daines, Samantha Hastings, Rachel Kelly Stones

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

This Christmas, the best wishes aren't found on a list.

The Trouble with Wishes by Julie Daines
Catherine Haywood is desperate to claim the affection of her long-time friend Frederick Milton, but Frederick only seems interested in courting the new young lady in town. Catherine makes a series of wishes, thinking that is the safer route rather than openly putting her heart on the line. But as each wish is fulfilled, she realizes getting what she wished for is not the same as getting what she wants.

We Wish You a Miserable Christmas by Samantha Hastings
Two secret pen fellows meet only to learn that they already know one another in this Christmas comedy of errors! Miserable Margaret resents Mr. Frank Warner and truthfully he is a little afraid of her. They are thrown together in a Christmas house party in London and spend the season skating, decorating, going to the theaters, and even dancing. Margaret discovers that she isn't miserable after all. And Frank, with her help, finds the courage to believe in himself and work for his own happily-ever-after.

Pranks and Wishes by Rachel Kelley Stones
Elizabeth Quincy will do anything it takes to stop her childhood friend, Thomas Westin, from proposing marriage to her younger sister this Christmas. Thomas Westin has a plan. He’s determined to convince Lizzy to be his bride. Only, she keeps avoiding any conversation related to love. In this friends-to-lovers novella, Lizzy and Thomas must learn to trust themselves and each other to see if their feelings will be reciprocated.

My Review

I'm always so happy to read a new collection from Timeless Regency! This book featured three of my favorite authors, and the Christmas theme was heartwarming. Unrequited love, secret wishes, pen pals in disguise, and a prank gone horribly wrong bring liveliness to these stories and I was engaged the entire time I was reading. They are perfect for busy times of life because I can finish a story with a sweet happy ending more quickly, while still enjoying characters that come to life and a full plot. I love reading these during the holidays and any time of year really! A Season of Wishes made it onto my list of favorites to re-read.

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.

 

 

Timeless Regency Collection series

 

Don't miss any of the 20 books in this series!

 

Review: Elisabeth: Mother of John the Baptist by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Her greatest sacrifice became her greatest legacy.

Zacharias has loved Elisabeth all his life. When negotiations are made for their marriage, the childhood friends trust that their future will be bright. But as their story unfolds in their village near Jerusalem, the life they build together is marked by both the joy of love and the sorrows of loss and longing, for as the years pass by, the steadfast couple is never blessed with the thing they desire above all: a child.

Now beyond childbearing years, it seems that the couple’s righteous desire will never be granted—until a divine promise is made, and they learn that their fate will transcend the bounds of age and mortal comprehension. Elisabeth and Zacharias are destined to play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of ancient scripture, and they soon come to understand that God’s plan is far grander than they ever dreamed.

My Review

I read quite a bit of Christmas themed books this time of year, especially rom-coms. This book, however, has become my new favorite Christmas novel! I loved the story of the early years of Zacharias and Elizabeth, bringing the historical figures to life with personality and details from the era. I can always rely on the author for immaculate research and love the way she weaves it into her stories. It is eye opening to realize how different cultures from the past can be from ours, yet there are universal things we have in common like relationships and feelings. 

 

The second part of the book is so special- the visit from an angel to Zacharias in the temple, his affliction of being struck dumb, and the miracle of John's conception. The emotion of Elisabeth and Zacharias through these events is close to the surface and I felt connected to them and their experiences in a way I never have before. Mary's visit to Elisabeth during both of their pregnancies was an incredible part, as she lived and worked quietly with them, and shared with her family her own angelic visitation and miracles. The scriptures and prophecies are intensely studied by Zacharias and his brother, and Mary gleans this important knowledge from them to prepare her for her role in raising the Savior of the world. Elisabeth and Zacharias rejoice that their son will prepare the way for Christ and also take their roles seriously. The days leading up to the birth of Christ are filled with so much anticipation and hope, it made the Christmas season feel so much more powerful and meaningful to me (and brought tears to my eyes in several places!)

 

I highly recommend this book as *the* must-read Christmas book of the year, and for any time following! What a truly enriching and inspiring experience to read this story. 

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.

 

Biblical Novels by H.B. Moore