Review: The Heart of Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Life is good for Caroline Whittaker. She has loving, supportive parents, she’s embarking on a promising career as a cardiac surgeon—her lifelong dream—and her boyfriend is about to propose. Nothing could be farther from her radar than a visit to Holiday, Alabama, population 767.

Tired of living in his father and brother’s shadows, Charlie Armstrong has moved from his hometown and is living the bachelor life, indulging in his love of sports and putting all of his resources and passion into his “boys,” the high school football team he coaches. He doesn’t see a reason to ever move home again—until a stranger beats him to it and an odd series of events leads him straight there, to his father’s house in the heart of Holiday, with some of the town’s quirkiest residents settled in for an extended stay as well.

Charlie has long since given up figuring any of them out, but the new woman in town is another matter. She’s a mystery worth solving, and he’ll do whatever it takes to unravel Carol’s secrets, help her heal, and prove that he’s as good at love as the rest of his family.

My Review

I didn't read the synopsis before starting this book, so I was completely taken off guard by the scene that makes Caroline have to go into Witness Protection. She is absolutely devastated and thrown by her abrupt change in circumstances, and it makes me wonder what kind of counseling services are available in real life to victims like her. The small town welcomes Carol as the new librarian with open arms, and it was heartwarming to see her make new friendships despite her reticence. As a medical professional she can't help but get involved when she sees others in crisis, and her skills only make Charlie more curious. I loved their dynamic and the way they complement each other. The pace of the book continues steadily with their romantic chemistry and some suspenseful tension as Carol's past comes to haunt her, and the resolution give her the opportunity for new choices. This is the third book in the series and could easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first two books in order since the characters and plot in them are more connected.

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 Holiday Harbor series . . .

 

Review: Home Sweet Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Nearly four years have passed since Anna Lawrence fled her hometown the same day her best friends broke her heart and she was left at the altar. She’s hardly looked back since, while forging a new and solitary life in Seattle. When duty calls her home, she reluctantly returns to take care of the family store while her parents are away.

Eli Steiner is visiting his late great-grandfather’s estate in Holiday, Alabama, for the first and last time—to see the place he’s inherited and meet the other benefactor of his great-grandfather’s will before turning everything over to her. When the woman he meets is both the same, and very different, from the one in his grandfather’s letters, Eli’s intrigue leads him to stay longer, to uncover the mystery of Anna Lawrence and possibly heal her heart.

My Review

This book continues the dramatic story from the first book but focuses on different characters, so definitely read them in order to get a full understanding of the circumstances. I can see how Anna would have such a hard time forgiving her former best friend and fiancee after their betrayal. She has quite a bit of emotional angst to work through as she returns home since she basically escaped and didn't deal with it before. I appreciated Eli's new presence in her life as she begins again with her history surrounding her. They both have a healing process to go through, and their friendship provides a foundation of support, the perfect start to something deeper! The theme of forgiveness is strong in this story and I was so glad Anna, Bree, and Carson were able to finally find their way back to each other.

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 other books in the Holiday Harbor series . . .

Review: Timeless Victorian Collection: A Gentlewoman Scholar by Sarah M. Eden, Michele Paige Holmes, Nancy Campbell Allen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Three women scholars. Three lives changed. And a dash of romance.

Blessing in Disguise by Sarah M. Eden
Fred Fitzsimmons will soon graduate Trinity College. With only a few weeks, he must continue safeguarding the enormous secret he’s been keeping throughout his time in Dublin: that he is actually Winnifred, a woman in disguise. The medical degree she is a breath away from claiming would allow her to save her beloved village. But having her secret revealed would land her in jail. So when Liam Rafferty, a fellow student with a reputation for unravelling even the most complicated of mysteries, grows suspicious of “Fred,” more lives than merely hers hang in the balance.

An Unexpected Education by Michele Paige Holmes
Nineteen-year-old Esther Sessions has survived the slums of Liverpool, and her abusive home, by holding onto a promise she made to her dying mother long ago--to keep reading. When a factory explosion frees her from her oppressive life and provides an opportunity to attend Bedford Women's College in London, Esther determines to succeed at school, knowing her education will ensure a future in which she might provide for herself and never be dependent upon any man. From the first moments of her arrival, Professor John Lind begins challenging her beliefs about everything from classical literature to algebra to--men. His kindness is something she has never encountered in a man before, and the generosity of his heart might just reach through the barriers surrounding Esther's.

Good Heir Hunting by Nancy Campbell Allen
Ellie Perkins has achieved her dream of establishing her own Kindergarten school to serve the needs of Liverpool's orphans. As a woman who has graduated from college and pursued a career, she has faced opposition and contention from all sides. Her first year is a success, however, and as she begins the second, she is caught by surprise when her newest hire marries and moves away, leaving a class of orphans without a teacher. Solicitor Graham Lucas, meanwhile, appears on her school doorstep, having narrowed a search for his employer's heir to one of the students in the now teacher-less class. Ellie sees a temporary fix to her problem that will benefit both her and the handsome solicitor. Graham will substitute the kindergarten class, while Ellie searches for a replacement. Unbeknownst to them all, however, is the lurking presence of a jealous relative who covets the young heir's position, and who will stop at nothing to take his place. Also at risk is Ellie's heart and hard-won career. Can she truly take a chance on a handsome substitute teacher bent on winning her love?

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories! A "bluestocking" is one of my favorite types of characters, and the ones in this collection were delightfully quirky and strong. It fills me with gratitude to think of the women (and men) who were ground breakers and advocates for higher education for women and the sacrifices they made and the path they paved for future generations. I hope to never take them for granted! While study and education is a main theme, there is also a delightful dose of sweet romance with true gentlemen who are encouraging and supportive of their endeavors. My vote for best kiss goes to the last story, Good Heir Hunting by Nancy Campbell Allen- who utilized the romantic potential of a room full of books! ;)

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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Review: A Holiday Affair by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Welcome to Holiday, Alabama—population 765. In Holiday everyone knows their neighbors—and their business—a Mr. Roger’s look alike leads the local congregation Sunday mornings, and Annabelle, Breanna, and Carson have been best friends for over two decades.

On the eve of Anna and Carson’s wedding, Bree shares a secret and she and Carson embark on a journey that will break hearts and rock the town, where the biggest news is usually the size of the trout pulled from the harbor.

But the force of the river running through Holiday is nothing compared to that of its citizens, whether they’re holding a grudge, or standing behind someone. With both hearts and lives on the line, Breanna and Carson’s love story becomes a true Holiday affair.

My Review

What difficult and heartbreaking circumstances! The author didn't hold any punches in this drama-filled angsty romance that unites two people meant for each other through making the hard choices that put them on a path to redemption. I don't want to spoil any of the plot twists since the synopsis doesn't give much away, but this was an unexpected ride with strong themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the love of a community. The characters are vivid and emotional, and I really felt for them as they push through their trials and not only make the best of things, but seek to thrive and sincerely love. I'm curious to see what path the next book takes in resolving the broken relationship of these childhood friends.

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

Review: Hawaiian Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Ten strangers. Six days in paradise. One unforgettable Christmas.

Hailey Walsh has always loved Christmas, and this year the holiday was supposed to be the most magical of all, spent with her large family and her fiancé in preparation for their wedding just two days after. Then Gage broke their engagement.

Now, instead of playing in the snow with her nieces and nephews, Hailey’s building a playground with children she’s never met before, spending her Christmas with strangers in Hawaii, on a service program she hopes will lift her spirits and help her begin to pick up the broken pieces of her life and heart.

Gage Stevens didn’t want to spend Christmas in Hawaii any more than he wanted to break his engagement, but sometimes fate has a way of slamming a guy against a wall and forcing him to tough decisions— for the good of others, be that his ex-fiancée or his mom. And while he’s certain that no ocean breeze or tropical wonderland can heal what’s wrong, one glimpse at a familiar head of red hair and Gage realizes fate may not be done with him yet.

My Review

I loved the themes in this story! Gratitude, service, friendship, and hope helped Hailey as she struggled through the aftermath of an unexpected breakup. Realizing that others are also enduring trials, ones she considered tougher than what she was experiencing, was the first step in finding things to be thankful for. The wisdom of Micah and Lucy who run the program brought depth and perspective, and my favorite quote was "Alternate endings can be happy too." The Hawaiian setting was fun and provided an escape for the people who are looking to reset, reevaluate, and prepare for a new future. I didn't understand or agree with Gage's choice to not communicate what he's going through with Hailey, although this is what provided the plot. I liked the parts where Hailey is finding healing and peace, and knows that she will be okay whether she gets back together with Gage or not.

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

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.

A WAGER FOR LOVE by Donna Hatch:
For once, Phillip would like to be seen as more than the younger brother of a duke. When he unexpectedly meets the one girl in all London who doesn’t give two figs for his rank in society, she won’t give him the time of day. Determined to gain her attention, he accidentally tips over her boat and dumps her into a river. Not the best way to convince a lady of worth that he is a gentleman of promise. Frustrated, Phillip makes a rash wager with a friend: he vows he’ll not only gain her forgiveness, but her hand in marriage by the end of the Season. The stakes are high in this romantic Regency romp!

THE FINAL WAGER by Heather B. Moore:
When Victor Roland, Earl of Locken, enters into a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, the stakes get quickly out of control. Before Victor knows it, Southill is betting the dowry of his sister. While completely illegal, Victor is mostly insulted, so he does what any gentleman of the ton should do. He punches Southill out. Problem is, Southill is in so much debt that he’d been kicked out of his townhouse earlier that day. So Victor is forced to deliver Southill at his estate outside of London . . . only to meet Southill’s sister, Lady Juliet, a woman who Victor now wishes he’d bet on.

AN IMPROBABLE WAGER by Michele Paige Holmes:
Sherborne Alexander Rowley III has come home to marry his neighbor—and solve his financial problems in one fell swoop. Love doesn’t figure into the equation, only the need to save his family’s estate. The reserved Miss Emily Montgomery seems willing enough, leaving the only possible obstacle to Sherborne’s success his childhood friend, Eli Linfield, and the wager they made long ago that Eli would be the one to marry Emily. When the timely birth of a colt, Emily’s mischievous sister Sophia, and Emily herself all conspire to ruin Sherborne’s plans, one night of mayhem unravels far more than their betrothal. Emily is not as demure as he believed, nor is Eli what he has pretended these many years. Yet the future for all may yet be bright. Sherborne might even wager on it.

My Review

There is plenty of humor and wit in these three Regency stories (by three of my favorite must-read authors!) that have some kind of wager about a wedding as the premise. They are longer than novella length, and each have fully developed characters and plots. I appreciated that I felt like I could connect to each of the couples and their dilemmas, and was invested in the outcome of their happily-ever-afters. I definitely enjoyed all three, but my favorite was An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes, because I'm a sucker for the unrequited love/childhood crush trope! Eli was such an admirable and unassuming hero, working his way up in the world with moderate success so that even though he never expected to have his romantic dreams fulfilled, he was prepared when the opportunity arose. Lots of romance and navigating of Regency society made this collection one I'll definitely re-read in the future!

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


Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:

 AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN

Review: The Promise of Home by Michele Paige Holmes

Book Three in the Hearthfire Romance: Scottish Historical series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

As Katie and Collin MacDonald prepare to embark on the most perilous journey of their lives— crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia— an ocean away Collin’s brother Ian is seeing the coast of Virginia for the first time.

After a voyage that would have cost Ian his life, except for the courage and timely aid of Elizabeth Campbell, Ian plans to risk the same returning to Scotland as soon as possible, even if that means stowing away. But as Eliza and Ian form an unlikely friendship, Ian realizes he cannot simply abandon Eliza and their fellow passengers to the cruel fates that await them. At the risk of his own freedom, he decides he must do what he can to help.

After a narrow escape in London, Katie and Collin cross the ocean swiftly, with the smaller ship Cleopatra making good time until she encounters a fierce storm near Sable Island. The tempest threatens both the ship and Katie’s fragile health, and their arrival in Halifax brings little relief, but further proof that the dangers of this new continent will equal or surpass the old.

My Review

I have really loved this series with its twists and turns, amazing setting, and vibrant characters. I was satisfied at the conclusion of book two, but thrilled that we would continue the story with the journey to America. This third book was different in that we get not only Katie's perspective, but also Ian's. I loved seeing the changes that Ian made as he turned back to the teachings of his father and influence of his brother Colin, but I felt like it happened so fast, including his feelings for Eliza. I wish there had been more development there like there was for Katie and Colin in the first book. Katie has a pretty rough time on the ship but there are also sweet moments between her and Colin that demonstrate the depth of their love and devotion. Katie's brother Timothy is a fun addition to the cast, as well as Eliza and the coopers that Ian works with. Katie's gift of sight comes into play and helps prepare them for their future home. Mistaken identity between Ian and Colin create a conflict that draws them into desperate circumstances, and the climax is full of tension and suspense as the Campbells and MacDonalds work together to save their laird. I loved the new unity that blossoms between the two rival clans as they make their way in the New World.

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

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Don't miss the first two books in the Hearthfire Romance: Scottish Historical series

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761

Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Scottish Highlands, 1700s:

Barely two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through centuries of her ancestors.

With little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future, where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction. When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.

 

Cover Reveal: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes

Coming in August 2018!!!

Now available for pre-order and be sure to add it to your Goodreads list!

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.

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Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:

 
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

A SEASON IN LONDON
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN