Review: Timeless Regency Collection: Widows of Somerset by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows:
Rule 1: Be a widow.
Rule 2: Have an impeccable reputation.
Rule 3: Don't fall in love again.

AN HEIR TO SPARE by Rebecca Connolly
Widowhood has changed much for Anna—Lady Lyndham—but an unconventional heir to the estate was not something she had anticipated. Nor had she anticipated that he would have no intention of forcing her out, although he has every right to. And she certainly did not anticipate finding him handsome, charming, and unfailingly generous. But Ned Richards, the new Lord Lyndham, has a world of surprises in store for her, and not anticipating them will become quite the adventure.

THE WIDOW OF LAVENDER COTTAGE by Jen Geigle Johnson
As a widow, Lillian Hunter has never been in love and plans to never marry again, so the rules of the Secret Society of Young Widows suit her just fine. Her days are spent attempting to transform her newly inherited Lavender Cottage into a livable space until Oliver Wentworth shows up, asking for her late husband. Anxious to establish himself as a landed gentry in Somerset, Oliver is none too pleased to discover that a widow lives alone in a tiny run down cottage bordering his new property. The fact that she’s young and attractive only adds frustration to his sense of responsibility over her. And confound her, she challenges his every attempt to help manage her affairs.

A PROMISE FORGOTTEN by Heather B. Moore
Charlotte Ashford never thought she’d marry a vicar, and she never thought she’d find herself widowed with a young child to care for on her own. She certainly never thought she’d return to Somerset to live with her mother again, and Charlotte never thought she’d see him again. But Lord Wilshore has never forgotten her, and he has never forgotten their promise made long ago. Charlotte would love nothing more than for Lord Wilshore to forgive her, but too much heartache and too much time might make that impossible. Friendship is all she can hope for, but that hope may be dashed as well.

My Review

Lady Joanna has a "secret society" of widows that she takes under her wing and empowers them to take control of their futures. Part of her training is to think with their heads and NOT fall in love... but the main characters in our stories of course have a happy ending. I enjoyed each one and the various circumstances that found them single and hesitant to trust their hearts again. The romance is sweet as they develop new relationships and are also strengthened by their friendship with Lady Joanna. A new and interesting take on Regency widowhood!

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: Mr Gardiner and the Governess by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A duke’s governess, a gentleman entomologist, and a castle full of flowers is the perfect setting for a summer romance.

As the new governess to the duke's family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke’s household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke's houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess.

Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology and botany published by the Royal Society. He is fortunate that the Duke of Montfort, believes in him and enlists Rupert to make a record of all the flora on the castle grounds. But Miss Sharpe’s spontaneity and continual appearance during his work is an annoying distraction. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

While Alice struggles to adapt to her new role, constantly striving to go unnoticed while still being herself, she cannot help but admire Rupert’s intelligence and focus. The more often they fall in together, the more her admiration deepens. But could a gentleman such as he ever fall in love with the governess?

As the first stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story begins the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted series set in the Regency period.

My Review

I found this book to be somewhat tame- definitely a gentle romance, but it was so delightful and charming that I loved it all the same! Not surprising since this author excels at bringing her interesting characters to life. Rupert comes from an affectionate and supportive family, while Alice does not. I loved seeing her blossom as a governess and as a friend to Rupert as he appreciates her artistic skills and their relationship develops quite naturally to a sweet romance. The conflict in the story is Alice's inner struggle with confidence and feeling valued, and Rupert's attention and absences challenge her trust in new ways. The family she works for is rather kind (though it comes as a surprise to Alice) and I look forward to more from this series focusing on some of them!

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.

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Don't miss the next book in the Clairvoir Castle series . . .

Review: The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

At thirty years of age, Susan Jennings has long been considered a spinster. Exceptionally intelligent, she has little tolerance for London and the dreaded Season—if that’s how one is expected to find love, it’s not for her. But when an invitation arrives that cannot be ignored, Susan leaves her comfortable life in the country and enters the fashion and frivolity she most despises. She quickly discovers, however, that there is more to loathe in London—and his name is George Kendall.

George, Duke of Aylesham, has learned to keep his distance from cloying females chasing the title of duchess. Susan Jennings, however, proves an entirely different challenge—a woman who has pushed him to the limit of his patience with their every encounter. But their simmering hostility is disrupted by a thoughtless slip-up: to avoid a marriage of political strategy, George claims he is already betrothed. And when pressed for the name of the lucky woman, only one name comes to mind: Susan’s. Their forced betrothal proves advantageous, but when their verbal sparring must change in order to be convincing, the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred by something neither expected: love.

My Review

This book was so enjoyable and entertaining! Susan and George have horrible first impressions of each other, even though I found them to be quite similar. They don't care for society or marrying just because it is expected. When the Prince Regent gets involved however, George is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and he thoughtlessly gets Susan stuck with him. I appreciated the conversations they had that showed how much consideration Susan gave the situation and the repercussions of her choices and his, as well as the advantages to her future. The political intrigue, though light, provided another aspect to the plot and drove Susan and George closer together as they worked as a team to thwart the Prince without losing their heads. I loved the cast of characters, including Susan's protective brother and her delightful "fairy godmother" Lady Wamsley. I enjoyed the details of the era that were woven naturally in the story without being overly descriptive. Susan and George developed a strong romantic chemistry with a foundation of respect for the intelligence and capabilities of one another, and it was especially fun to see Susan solve the hidden motivations behind the Prince's "gift." 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.

Review: On the Second Day of Christmas by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Slipping on the ice is bad enough—being treated by the physician she rejected years ago is simply unbearable.

Headstrong and independent, Miss Lucy Lincoln wishes to find a husband who shares her taste for adventure. Until then, she is determined to live her life without regrets. Well, except for the one she already has—humiliating poor Benjamin Kent after his unwanted marriage proposal years earlier. After an accident at the Frost Fair draws that same insecure gentleman to care for her injury, she finally asks for forgiveness. But Dr. Kent, now a respectable gentleman and physician, is unwilling to accept her apology.

Benjamin Kent wants nothing more than to live out his days in peace and seclusion away from London Society—and away from his memories of Lucy Lincoln. But when his conscience forces him to treat the woman, he cannot pass on the opportunity to finally let her know that she no longer has him under her spell.

Rather than being relieved with Benjamin’s indifference, Lucy struggles to accept the fact that little, shy Benjamin now shows irresistible confidence—and an unsettling apathy toward her. When sparks smolder between them, though, Benjamin must fight to keep his old feelings in the past, and Lucy must realize before it’s too late that either Benjamin has changed… or her own feelings have.


My Review

Second chance romance isn't my favorite trope... unless it's done really well, and this one is! It has tones of Austen's Persuasion (which ties with P&P for my favorite Austen book), with the choices and regrets and character growth. There are some differences in the early experiences of Lucy and Benjamin, particularly with her teasing of him and his shyness, and the vulnerable struggles behind each. They have amazing chemistry, but it takes some realizations, apologies, forgiveness, and risks taken for their attraction to develop into romance. By the end of the story I was one hundred percent invested in the characters and loved their happy ending despite the challenges from Lucy's aunt. An absolutely lovely read for the holiday season!

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.

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Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair
Sweet, Regency Christmas Romances

Review: A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews

Book Three in the Parish Orphans of Devon series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She Needed a Husband...

It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.

He Wanted a Fortune...

Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes—a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.

From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?

My Review

This series has quickly become one of my favorites and I'm looking forward to binge-reading all the books next year! I love the way the characters come to life in my mind, and the setting is vivid without being overly described. The methods of sea bathing in the era were especially fascinating. It was easy to connect to Laura and Alex's emotions and sense their vulnerabilities and struggles amid their strengths. They both have a character arc where they develop and shift as their ideas are upended and their unexpected relationship brings complications and blessings. Laura has a strong loyalty with her family, while Alex is reconciling complex feelings about his past and the "brothers" he left behind from the orphanage. I loved seeing his perspective of the events from their childhood that set them each on a different course, and their reunion. 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.

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Don't miss the previous books in the Parish Orphans of Devon series . . .

Book One

 

She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

Book Two

 

He Needed Peace…

Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.

 

She Wanted Adventure…

Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.

From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest—and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…

Book Four

She Needed to be Seen...

As a lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that’s precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it’s far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she'd hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.

He Wanted to be Heard...

Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady’s companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.

During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?

Book Tour & Review: A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Laura Callaway daily walks the windswept Cornwall coast, known for many shipwrecks but few survivors. She feels like a castaway, set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers. Now living with her parson uncle and his parsimonious wife in North Cornwall, Laura is viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong somewhere again.

When ships sink, wreckers scour the shore for valuables, while Laura searches for clues to the lives lost. She has written letters to loved ones and returned keepsakes to rightful owners. She collects seashells and mementos, and when a man is washed ashore, she collects him too.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the castaway, the mystery surrounding him grows. He has abrasions and a deep cut that looks suspiciously like a knife wound, and he speaks in careful, educated English, yet his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Their attraction grows, and while she longs to return the man to his rightful home, evidence against him mounts. With danger pursuing them from every side, will Laura ever find the answers and love she seeks?

My Review

I absolutely loved the moody atmosphere of this book with its Cornish setting and air of mystery. Laura is a character that's easy to sympathize with- she's not in the most ideal circumstances, but she makes the best of it with grace and strength. Her compassion for her elderly neighbor and the genuine friendship they share shows a lot about her personality. As a collector myself, I thought her beach combing was an interesting quirk, and one that led to the rescue of Alexander. One of my favorite storylines is where the heroine nurses the hero back to health, and I particularly enjoyed the friendship and slow romance between Laura and Alexander. The way the details of his life unfolded slowly throughout the book kept me enthralled and the sense of danger added urgency to the plot. This is a book of discovery in more ways than one! 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: 

“Klassen (The Bridge to Belle Island) delights with a winsome love story…an entertaining and satisfying romance.”— Publisher’s Weekly

"Danger abounds on the wild Cornwall coast and so does romance. With a perfect blend of intrigue and tender moments, A Castaway in Cornwall is my favorite Klassen title to date."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

“I always read Julie Klassen books, and so it's no surprise to me that I really enjoyed this one. Julie is a masterful storyteller and one I hope continues to gain readers from all backgrounds to enjoy the messages she imparts in each story.”— Meghan Lloyd, Lady with a Quill

“Anyone who enjoys a historical romance set in Cornwall will love this story.”—Randi Annie Framnes, Randi Loves 2 Read

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a 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 a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

 

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Join the virtual blog tour of A CASTAWAY IN CORNWALL, bestselling author Julie Klassen’s highly acclaimed new historical romance novel, November 30 – December 6, 2020, 2020. Thirteen popular blogs specializing in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will join in the celebration of its release with reviews of this new Regency-era novel set in Cornwall, England.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE: 

Nov 30           Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog

Dec 01           Bookfoolery

Dec 01           The Green Mockingbird

Dec 02           Cracking the Cover

Dec 02           Relz Reviewz

Dec 02           Lu's Reviews

Dec 03           Bookworm Lisa

Dec 03           Among the Reads

Dec 03           Heidi Reads

Dec 04           Austenesque Reviews

Dec 04           Wishful Endings

Dec 05           The Christian Fiction Girl

Dec 06           Christian Chick's Thoughts