Review: Wed by Necessity by Karen Kirst

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Her In convenient Husband

When a riding accident strands socialite Caroline Turner overnight with the new stable manager, she gets the one thing she never wanted a husband! Marrying the infuriatingly stubborn Duncan McKenna wouldn't have been her first choice, but with her reputation damaged, it's her only option. Still, there's something about the brash, rugged Scotsman that fascinates Caroline.

If Duncan wanted to wed a society girl, he would have stayed in Boston with his family and his fortune. He expects Caroline to balk at her new modest lifestyle, but instead the strong-willed beauty seems determined to prove him wrong, making her all the more irksome and irresistible. The marriage of convenience isn't what Caroline and Duncan planned, but could they be a perfect match?

My Review

I just love a marriage of convenience plot in a historical novel! This one was fun because Caroline and Duncan don't have the best first impression of each other, and it is difficult for them to overcome their assumptions until they are forced to interact with each other on a more personal level. It was interesting to see them learn more about each other through observation and discovering the secrets of the past. They each have their own hurts and walls up to protect their hearts, but a desire for a happier life together helps them draw closer and seek for more. A sweet 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.

Check out all the books in the Smoky Mountain Matches series . . .

Review: The Sheriff's Christmas Twins by Karen Kirst

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Holiday Baby Blessings  

Convinced that Allison Ashworth deserves better, Sheriff Shane Timmons has always tried to remain aloof around his childhood companion. But with Allison in Gatlinburg for the holidays, insisting on caring for two motherless babies, Shane feels obliged to help her. How can he keep his distance when she and the children are quickly becoming the family he never dared to wish for? 

As a girl, Allison was drawn to the wary yet handsome Shane, who never seemed to look her way. But in spending time with him and two sweet babies, she might yet find a chink in the confirmed bachelor's armor. Every shared moment gives Allison hope that this Christmas, her dreams of motherhood—and a life with Shane—may finally be coming true.

My Review

I can't believe how Allison gave Shane so many chances after his constant rebuffings- both in their youth and now as reunited adults. He is a tough nut to crack, I'll give him that. And she is endlessly patient with him, seeing into his heart what he can't even see for himself- or refuses to. Over the course of her stay in Gatlinburg, she has plenty of mishaps but also endears herself to the community, and she can see herself staying there with the children- if only Shane can get it together and figure out that he deserves to have her in his life! I enjoyed Shane's friendship with the characters from previous books and how they encouraged him to turn to God and develop his own faith.

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.

Check out all the books in the Smoky Mountain Matches series . . .

Review: The Engagement Charade by Karen Kirst

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Temporary Betrothal

Pregnant widow Ellie Jameson is hiding a secret: her betrothal is a sham to keep her safe from her interfering in-laws. It's simple friendship that prompts her reclusive boss to pose as her fiancé. But can Ellie keep her feelings for Alexander Copeland from developing into something more?

When he moved to Gatlinburg after losing his wife and child, Alexander had one rule: stay out of other people's lives. Easier said than done with the café owner's eternally optimistic cook interrupting his enforced solitude. He only intended to protect Ellie, not propose to her. But with a little trust, and a helping of forgiveness, this temporary arrangement could be a recipe for lasting happiness...

My Review

This was a fun story with Ellie drawing Alex out of his shell of grief and isolation, only for him to surprise her with his protective nature.They develop a wonderful friendship, but worry that their rapport would be ruined if romantic feelings develop. The other women working in the restaurant and some community members make a great secondary cast while Alex and Ellie find their way forward to a future together without the guilt of faking an engagement hanging over them. I enjoyed the setting and the character development, and of course the sweet romance!

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

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Don't miss the other books in the Smoky Mountain Matches series . . .