Review: Christmas Forevermore by Sally Britton, Sarah M. Eden, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Thornell

My rating: 5 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This holiday season, fall in love with a brand-new collection of swoon-worthy novellas from four of your favorite historical romance authors. From meddling matchmakers to fortuitous fiascos, the holidays have never been more magical!
 

A Family Christmas by Sally Britton

After years abroad, Cyril Grant worries about relating to his highborn relatives at the family’s holiday celebration. But an unexpected connection with a member of the household staff opens his heart—in more ways than one.
 

Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden

In this reimagining of the beloved Charles Dickens tale A Christmas Carol, spinster Minna Schofield is inadvertently ensnared by a local matchmaker whose meddling launches Minna on a journey of self-reflection that could lead her to unexpected love.
 

Christmas at Cranfield by Ashtyn Newbold

Though childhood friends Hannah and Samuel secretly adore one another, fate conspires to keep them apart. But after years of shared holidays and missed opportunities, this Christmas brings the hope that their stars will align.
 

A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell

After a devastating loss, Christmas holds little appeal for Isabel Reid. But when a snowstorm traps her in the company of a surprising traveling companion, the perpetual winter of Isabel’s heart may just begin to thaw.

My Review

I always love a good Christmas novella! This collection is wonderful, and provided some lovely reading sessions during a busy season. The authors all did an amazing job with quick character development and engaging plots, drawing me into the story and leaving me with a satisfied feeling from connecting with the emotions. The sweet romance and warm Christmas vibes brought depth and joy to each character's journey. Highly recommend for winter reading and anytime you need a heartwarming escape!

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: Wyoming Wild by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Hearts collide when a sheriff’s daughter asks a hardened US Marshal to join her fight for justice and rid a small town of her corrupt father.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of his lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town. 

My Review

Ever since reading the Little House series and my dad's Louis L'Amour paperbacks, I've loved reading westerns with romance! This is an exciting hidden identity story with John going undercover in the small town to investigate the anonymous warning of a plot against his life. I really felt for Liesl and her difficult circumstances of realizing how corrupt her father and his friends are. I admired that she did what she could for the locals, and didn't let that feeling of powerlessness descend into hopelessness. She finds a hero in John and I was in anticipation of when they would be able to confide their secrets in each other. When John is ready to call in reinforcements, it made me realize how much we take our instant communication and quick travel for granted! Back then it took days, even with the telegraph. I love the way John falls for Liesl and is so protective of her and the town.

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 Savage Wells series . . .

Review: A Lady's Wager by Arlem Hawks, Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Can a lady wager on love?

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks
Lieutenant Derrick Owens has always been on his own and wants to keep it that way, but when he saves a shipmate’s sister from a horrible dance partner, Corah Bradford’s sweet temperament and friendly nature make her hard to resist. Unable to find a suitable husband in Bristol who she can also love, Corah is entangled in a wager to secure Derrick’s company for an evening. Despite their reluctance to let go of their convictions, their easy friendship turns to something more. But with war on the horizon and Corah bound for the marriage mart in London, they both must discover what’s truly important—love or their previous expectations.

Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack
Over the years, Colletta Markshire has been the driving force in helping young women make their match during the Season in London. Rachel is her lucky thirteen and Etta has every expectation that she will be a triumph ... except that things are not going to plan. Rachel has not taken to London and is determined to grow an acquaintance with a young man not at all the thing. The young man's father, Wynn Firth, is nearly as distracting as Etta's worries, and in every way she felt sure she would never feel distracted again. When Rachel disappears, Etta has little doubt what’s happened and she and Wynn set out together to find the young couple before word gets out. Hours in a carriage with a handsome man can be even more distracting, however, and Etta finds herself entertaining ideas she never thought to have. Etta gave up on love years ago ... and yet, as Women of a Certain age can attest, it is never too late to change one’s mind and change one’s future.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden
Drowning in debt, Julian, Lord Wesley spends an evening of shared misery with his closest friend at their club and makes a startling discovery: someone has placed a wager that Lady Charlotte Duchamps will not marry before her 21st birthday, with Julian himself receiving £1000 if she does not. Lady Charlotte suddenly finds herself the subject of a great deal of attention from Lord Wesley, a vague acquaintance with a questionable reputation. With Julian and Charlotte both attempting to solve mysteries and wreak chaos, betting on the possibility of love might just prove the most risky wager of all.

My Review

A captivating addition to the Timeless Romance series! This collection is set in the Georgian era, and each story included some historical details that showed the differences of this time period. They also have a wager built into the plot somehow, but the authors and characters made the stories unique. I was able to connect emotionally to the characters as they navigate society, expectations, and love. I appreciate that the length of each story is longer than a novella, so we get to delve in a bit deeper, but I can also get to the happy ending more quickly than a full length novel, which is a perfect way to relax at the end of a long day! These collections are some of my favorites to re-read for that exact reason.

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: The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

My rating: 

Synopsis

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one―not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends―knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all―except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer.

As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

My Review

I adore this group of young women and the bond they share! They are highly protective of each other in a society that could often be cruel. Gillian is more wary than the others since she has a secret to hide about her family. She has quite a journey as she learns to risk and trust. Scott also has baggage from the abusive uncle he inherited debt-ridden properties from. I loved the affection and comfort Mater gives him as he tries to navigate the difficult and seemingly impossible circumstances of making his estates solvent. Gillian and Scott started on rocky ground because of her wariness, but the sweet relationship they develop naturally grows in romantic chemistry. The other characters brought so much to the story and I’m always happy to revisit the Jonquils and Lancasters. There are strong themes of family, both of dealing with complicated dynamics and making family where you find kindred spirits. Loving this new series!

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 these books connected to The Huntresses series . . .

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahmeden.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review & Giveaway: The Holly and the Ivy by Sarah M. Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Spend the holidays with four of your favorite historical romance authors, whose stories of Yuletide romance will brighten the season with humor, hope, and the promise of true love.

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden
As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart.

“Hiding Christmas” by Esther Hatch
Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine’s English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg for the help of the one man she cannot abide.

“A Twist of Christmas” by Dana LeCheminant
A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

“A Season to Love” by Anneka R. Walker
Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.

My Review

A lovely collection of stories filled with Christmas spirit in a Regency setting! The first story, The Holly and the Ivy will be enjoyed the most by readers of the author's Lancaster Family series, as it shows Adam from the first book, Seeking Persephone, as a young boy enduring the challenges that shape him as an adult. The parents from The Jonquil Brothers series (who we get to know in depth in the first book of The Gents series, Forget Me Not) play an important role in Adam's life and attempt to stabilize his cracked foundation with unconditional love even though they are not related. I love the message that we choose our family and adopt one another as we forge connections.

 

My favorite of this collection, Hiding Christmas taught me some fascinating historical details, like Christmas celebrations being taboo in Scotland! Kirstine's quick thinking gets her grandmother and her on the road to England for their celebration, but also gets her into a humorous quandary with a loaf of bread and the neighbor who is living the life she feels her brother should have had. I loved the journey both physical and mental that reconciles Kirstine to Isaac, and the sweet romance that develops when she lets go of the past and embraces a new relationship.

 

A Twist of Christmas provides a fun if implausible scenario with the main characters both choosing to swap places with another of a lower station in order to avoid their usual experiences at the house party. Of course, they fall in love with each other, but think the other is of the lower station and it won't work out. Some repetitive angst and a predictable outcome.   

 

A Season to Love brought more humor as Alice prays aloud in an empty church for a husband, and is answered by the local clergyman who sweetly helps her in her quest to find a match. They have lovely chemistry and naturally grow closer together during her time in the village. His sense of humor reminded me of a Henry Tilney, while Alice is awkwardly endearing yet confident in herself. A perfect conclusion to the book that left me with a smile on my face.

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.

Giveaway

ENTER HERE

 

 

Review: The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

London, 1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.

But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.

When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life might now save Barnabus—and his lonely heart.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they'll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.

My Review

Another exciting installment in the Dread Penny Society! I love how the women in their lives are becoming increasingly involved in helping, and they are looking for a way for them to officially serve, perhaps in a sister organization. Gemma and Barnabus have a complex relationship, yet it is simple enough- Gemma loves Barnabus, but won't stay with him unless he truly wants her as well. He is so focused on his career as a doctor that there is no room in his heart, or so he thinks. It takes some help for him to properly recognize and identify the feelings he has when Gemma is around, and though these two have a rocky road, especially with communication, the investigation into Gemma's family draws them closer together than ever before. The plot is intricately woven and Barnabus and the other members of the Dread Penny Society have difficulty staying one step ahead of the criminal network. There's a bit of a teaser and reveal leading into the next book and I'm so excited for it! Like the other books in the series, there is a penny novel woven into the chapters, yet I have a difficult time being drawn into those stories so I tend to skim or skip them, focusing instead on the main plot of the book.

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 Dread Penny Society series . . .