Review: Windsong Manor by Julie Wright

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

My Review

This is such a lovely story of healing and restitution as Eleanora rehabilitates her defiant and arrogant son along with her husband's recently orphaned illegitimate daughter. Windsong Manor is a refuge from the influences that have poisoned her son's mind, and while her progress is slow, she can sense what is right for him. I admired her fortitude in taking in her husband's daughter, providing her not just with shelter, but eventually with compassion and love. The stablemaster Ridley is such a strong influence for good in each of their lives. He's humble, yet confident, and has a way of putting things in perspective and providing encouragement and support in becoming their best selves. I loved the relationships he developed with Eleanora and her children, and his protective nature as they face trials. All along there is a sense that Ridley is more than what he seems, and I was gratified with how it all worked out in the 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.

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright #CleanRomanceforXmas21 #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Captain for Caroline Gray

By Julie Wright

Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 291 Pages

March 2, 2021 by Shadow Mountain

Caroline Gray would rather be daring and intelligent than demure and insipid, which is why she is still unmatched after her third season in London. Her family’s threadbare finances leave Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend is willing to consider an engagement to her.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the open sea as much as he despises the three-month, twice-yearly trip his ship makes as he ferries young English girls across the ocean. He can’t imagine what family would allow an innocent young woman to be matched up with the Englishmen of questionable reputation who work and live in India.

But when Miss Gray boards the HMS Persistence, all of Captain Scott’s plans are upended. Miss Gray’s fiery spirit can’t be contained, and he is shocked and secretly delighted at her boldness—and her beauty. But the rest of his passengers aren’t so kind.

Caroline finds herself an outcast among her peers, but Captain Scott becomes an unlikely ally. They share the same passions and interests, creating an undeniable attraction. But they both know any relationship between them is impossible. After all, Caroline has obligations to fulfill in India.

Caroline has until the end of the voyage to decide if she is going to marry a man she has never met or be brave enough to love a sea captain who just might break her heart.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Target | Book Depository | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Guest Post
7 Random Facts on Research, Characters, Plot and Author: A Captain for Caroline Gray

1. Women really did cross oceans to finds husbands. They were called the Fishing Fleet women. The Fishing Fleet began at the end of the seventeenth century when the East India Company began shipping women from England to India to marry their officers. The title of “Fishing Fleet women” is used as an insult as it was used to refer to women who had to go out “fishing” for husbands. By the time of this fictional setting of 1820, the East India Company had removed itself from the business of finding husbands for their officers, but women still made the journey when their prospects at home were slim. There is a lot to admire about a woman with the courage to leave home and country to find her future in a distant land.

2. Working on this book required a lot of nautical know-how. My naval-captain-father, Walter Peterson (who plays the character of Lieutenant Peterson), was only too happy to impart his knowledge on a grateful daughter. Anything that might be wrong in regards to the ship is not the fault of the captain, but of the author.

3. There is a hidden Nathan and a hidden Alison in every book I write. Sometimes they get big characters to play and sometimes they only get a single mention. It’s always fun to hide the Nathan and Alison and to get feedback from readers when they find them.

4. A Captain for Caroline Gray is the first regency novel I’ve ever written, but I have been an avid fan of the genre for many years. I loved being able to move into the time and language in a setting that is not often used in the regency genre!

5. Living on a ship makes for tight quarters, but they sure do utilize every inch of space they are given! They even have a carpentry shop and a doctor’s cabin for when repairs of ship and crew were necessary.

6. Caroline’s ability with art allows her to get into spaces a lady would not normally be allowed which gave her opportunities to become friends with members of the crew and allows the reader little glimpses into those lives that are sometimes not thought about in the regency time.

7. Captain Scott might seem gruff and unrelenting when it comes to a person’s word by modern day standards, but this is at a time when one’s word was their honor and one could be challenged to a life-threatening duel over something as “trifling” as a man’s word. Not saying that deceptions didn’t occur, because of course they did. These are people we’re talking about here, but there is something admirable about a person who values the honor of their word.

About the Author

Julie Wright has written 25 novels, is a two-time Whitney Award winner for best romance, and is a Crown Heart recipient. The American Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and A Captain for Caroline Gray in their 2021 top ten best romances. She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub | Amazon

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

ENTER HERE

Review: A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Caroline Gray would rather be daring and intelligent than demure and insipid, which is why she is still unmatched after her third season in London. Her family’s threadbare finances leave Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend is willing to consider an engagement to her.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the open sea as much as he despises the three-month, twice-yearly trip his ship makes as he ferries young English girls across the ocean. He can’t imagine what family would allow an innocent young woman to be matched up with the Englishmen of questionable reputation who work and live in India.

But when Miss Gray boards the HMS Persistence, all of Captain Scott’s plans are upended. Miss Gray’s fiery spirit can’t be contained, and he is shocked and secretly delighted at her boldness—and her beauty. But the rest of his passengers aren’t so kind.

Caroline finds herself an outcast among her peers, but Captain Scott becomes an unlikely ally. They share the same passions and interests, creating an undeniable attraction. But they both know any relationship between them is impossible. After all, Caroline has obligations to fulfill in India.

Caroline has until the end of the voyage to decide if she is going to marry a man she has never met or be brave enough to love a sea captain who just might break her heart.

My Review

What an adventure! I admired Caroline's curiosity and intelligence, and the way she stayed true to herself. The struggle to concede to society's expectations or let her voice be heard is one that she lived every day on the ship. She butts heads with Captain Scott several times, and over their journey they each learn to look past their initial assumptions to see the deeper person within. They are both such strong personalities, and have their own hidden issues influencing their actions and decisions. Miscommunication, pride, and self-doubt derail their tender and fragile love before it even has a chance to fully blossom, and I wish there were more pages of their happiness together. Rather, it was a thin layer between their animosity and emotional separation. I was glad that the story continued as they landed in India, and the plot thickened as other dangerous elements came into play. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans who like Regency stories with an unusual setting.

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: Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me by Julie Wright

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Can the fairy tale bring Charlotte the happiness she’s looking for, or was he always there to begin with?

A modern, reimagined Cinderella story.

When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.

My Review

I loved the fresh approach the author takes in this fun and angsty story about a girl whose dream come true, only it's not exactly right... and it interferes with her new and unexpected dream. The narration of Charlotte's thoughts is highly entertaining, and I loved the balance of humor and depth. Anders is so sweet, and the glimpses into his struggles and vulnerabilities made him all the more real. I absolutely love the neighbor-friends-to-lovers trope, and this one was especially fun. Real world issues and concerns are dealt with in a realistic and flawed way, but the characters learn and grow and apologize and forgive- several times! They handle through new relationship arguments and disagreements in a way that felt authentic- working through pride and regret with love and compassion. It was interesting to see the many people and elements demanding and pulling at Charlotte for her time, attention, and willingness to change and/or stay the same. There are complex family dynamics from both Charlotte and Anders relatives that added depth and perspective. I especially enjoyed Charlotte's stepsister and their interactions. I couldn't put the book down as I read to see how everything would resolve- another midnight finish for me!

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

About the Author

Julie Wright is the author of more than twenty novels, including the Proper Romance® novels Lies Jane Austen Told Me and Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She is a Whitney Award winner and a Crown Heart recipient. She is represented by agent Sara Crowe. She loves reading and writing, playing on the beach or hiking with her husband and kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Midsummer Night by Charlie N. Holmberg, Julie Wright, Annette Lyon, Jane Redd, Amber Argyle, Luisa Perkins

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

ILLUSIONS OF LOVE by Charlie N. Holmberg
Aster has worked as the great magician Celtin's assistant for two years and has been in love with him nearly as long. After hearing he'll be looking for a wife at the house ball, Aster disguises herself as a high-class woman so she can woo him away from other bachelorettes. But not everything goes according to plan...

DANCING WITH THE MOON by Julie Wright
A girl may love a ghost, but where would they live? When a ghost who insists he isn't dead shows up in Grace's shed, he begs for her help. If they cannot reunite his spirit and body before the full moon rises, Arell will die in actuality and so will the royal family. The race against the moon becomes more frantic when Grace realizes she loves him and will die alongside him if she loses him. But can a ghost with no heart return her love?

THE TRUEST TREASURE by Annette Lyon
When Saara’s sister Fia is stricken with a fatal illness, she goes on a quest to find a magical treasure with which to pay a shaman who can save Fia. Midsummer Night is the best time to locate such a valuable item, as piru fire, which marks the location, appears then. Along the way, she meets Timo, who, unbeknownst to her, is on a similar quest: if he can’t find treasure to pay for an apprenticeship with a wizard, his magical abilities will never grow, and he’ll never reach his dream of becoming a wizard. They meet in the woods and become a team. but only one of them can come away with the treasure. As their feelings for each other intensify, deciding what to do when—and if—they seize the treasure becomes a much trickier proposition.

THE ISLE OF ROSE by Jane Redd
Cornelia's greatest secret is that she can read minds. When her sister elopes with another man, Cornelia must stand in her sister's stead to marry Lord Moss, a man with the same gift, who has the power to expose her.

FIRE AND FOUNTAIN by Luisa Perkins
Historian Lucie Tremblay loves studying Québec’s past, but when she accidentally travels back in time through a magical St. John’s Eve bonfire, she finds that life in 17th-century New France is far more complicated than it seems in books. As colonist Nicolas Beaubien tries to help her find a way back to 2019, Lucie finds herself falling for him—and must choose between her old life and new love.

LADY OF SHADOWS by Amber Argyle
Every year, girls go missing in the night—taken by the beast of the Forbidden Forest. A beast that has haunted the town of Hamel for centuries. A beast that is now coming for Caelia.

My Review

ILLUSIONS OF LOVE by Charlie N. Holmberg - 5 stars

There are Cinderella elements to this story but it was still different enough to be interesting. Loved the sweet romance!

DANCING WITH THE MOON by Julie Wright - 5 stars

Great suspense as Grace and Arell solve the mystery of his death and hurry to save the royal family. Loved how the ending worked out.

THE TRUEST TREASURE by Annette Lyon - 4 stars

Interesting world building with a culture and mystic elements so different from ours. I had to really concentrate to get into the story.

THE ISLE OF ROSE by Jane Redd - 5 stars

Enjoyed the way they used their gifts to work together and took the risk to trust each other which led to love. 

LADY OF SHADOWS by Amber Argyle - 4 stars

Such a great beginning to what seems to be an epic story... but the novella felt like reading the first few chapters of a much longer book and it ended right when the adventure was about to really begin! 

FIRE AND FOUNTAIN by Luisa Perkins - 3 stars

I’m not a fan of time travel stories, so this one wasn’t my cup of tea, although it was well written.

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

Review: Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Julie Wright

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Lie
Women in Hollywood are just pretty faces. But Silvia Bradshaw knows that’s a lie, and she’s ready to be treated as an equal and prove her worth as one of Hollywood’s newest film editors.

The Love
She and Ben Mason had worked together as editors before Silvia got her big break, so he’s the perfect person to ask for feedback on her first major film. But even as their friendship begins to blossom into something more, a lawsuit surfaces, jeopardizing both Ben and Silvia’s jobs—as well as their fledgling romance. Audrey Hepburn once said: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.” Silvia agrees. Or she used to. It’s one thing to risk her job and her heart, but can she really risk Ben’s, too? Does she have the right to make decisions for her own happiness when they affect so many other people?

The Breakfast
With everything to lose, Silvia meets Ben for breakfast at his favorite diner, Tiffany’s, for one last conversation before the credits roll on true love.

My Review

This book is a hoot! And with wonderful depth! Isn't that a great combination? First of all, I will forever remember the unique main character- Silvia had cancer as a five year old which left her with inner scars as well as outer- she lost her eye and has a glass eye she named Audrey (the little details about her vision and glass eye as an adult are fascinating!) Her fears stemming from her experiences in the hospital influence her relationships and priorities. I loved that she is strong and ambitious in a cutthroat Hollywood career, but also struggles with vulnerability and confidence at times. Ben is pretty awesome, and unrequited love (that is eventually rewarded) is one of my favorite tropes! He and Silvia have a comfortable friendship, fun banter, and quirky mannerisms that really made them come to life. It was interesting to see Ben as the vulnerable one as he shares his long-time angst over his romantic feelings and sadness when they had drifted apart. Their chemistry is amazing and only grows as Silvia sorts through her feelings for Ben. She has a loyal friend in Emma and her grandmother, and I enjoyed the dynamic they each brought to Silvia's life. She learns important lessons through the obstacles she faces and grows as she begins to model her life into one of compassion like the real-life Audrey Hepburn. This is a book not to miss!

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

Falling in Love Event: Author Julie Wright, Sale & Giveaway!

 

   

Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright 

Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife. But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas. Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate. What she can't understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him. Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it's time for him to love her back. 

AMAZON * Deseret Book

 

    

  

   

"Wright does contemporary romance right in this diverting novel with just enough heft."-Publishers Weekly 

"Employing her own deliciously dry sense of wit, Wright deftly pays homage to the inherent romantic wisdom found in Austen's classic novels in this delightfully fun and refreshingly sweet contemporary romance."-Booklist 

"Modern, clever, and funny, Wright's novel is a smart remix of tropes from Austen's work. Lies Jane Austen Told Me is a satisfying and sweet contemporary romance that knits together romantic classics with modern manners."-Foreword Reviews 

     

 

Author Julie Wright 

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me" and has also won the Crown Heart award. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist for 2016. She is agented by Sara Crowe. She has one husband, three kids, two salamanders, one dog, and a varying amount of fish (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner. 

    

 

   

Giveaway Details Ends 10/1/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

 a Rafflecopter giveaway