Showing posts with label Sarah M. Eden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarah M. Eden. Show all posts

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: A Yuletide Regency by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, Heather B. Moore


Heidi Reads... A Timeless Romance Anthology: A Yuletide Regency by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A YULETIDE REGENCY.

Six brand new Regency romance novellas by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, and Heather B. Moore

ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS by Regina Scott
Mary Rose has one goal for her mother’s annual Christmas Eve party: convince her childhood friend Julian Mayes to marry her. She has always admired Julian. Surely one moment under the kissing bough will convince him they were meant to be together. Newly hired by a prestigious London law firm, Julian is ready to shake the dust of the countryside off his polished boots. But he’s always had a soft spot for Mary. As the danger to her future becomes clear, will one kiss be enough to prove to him how far he will go to protect her?

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Famed matchmaker to the ton, Adelaide Northrup cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend Christmas than answering the desperate call of Mr. Porter Bartrum: widower, young father, dunderhead. The young gentleman’s first marriage was an arranged one and he hasn’t the first idea how to find a wife on his own. His dear friend, Chloe Munson, has watched his attempts with amusement and finds this latest approach, the clandestine hiring of a matchmaker, his most entertaining yet. If Adelaide plays her cards right, and she always does, she might very well manage to secure two happy endings.

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
They weren’t supposed to meet, but now that they have, nothing will ever be the same. The Duke of Salsbury blames her family. Lady Catherine blames his. Will an age-old dispute between the Salsburys and Asters rip apart any hope they have to be together? In this game of secrets and lies, can their love for each other conquer even the most tightly held family prejudices?

MISTLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
On Christmas Eve, Eleanor Hadfield, who works as governess at her childhood home of Willowsmeade, is stunned to learn that the love of her youth, Julian Phillips, is coming back after a decade’s absence. Once the gardener’s son, he has elevated his station to navy captain. Making a match with a mere governess would lower his position, if he were to still love her as he did as a young man, which is unlikely. Unable to bear the idea of noble Julian keeping an old promise out of obligation or pity, Eleanor decides to leave the only place that has ever been a home.

FOLLOW THE RIVER HOME by Krista Lynne Jensen
With her beloved home entailed away to a wealthy cousin, spirited Arabelle Hyatt has resigned herself to marry the arrogant man, if only to save her family from destitution. But before an understanding is reached, a childhood friend returns from war, wounded in more ways than one. With Christmas coming—what may be their last at Hybrigge—holiday traditions are celebrated, memories are revisited, and Arabelle learns what lies in a man’s words is not always what lies in his heart.

THE NEW EARL by Heather B. Moore
Celia Thompson knows she can’t live with the new earl who’s come to take her brother’s place. Before she can pack her belongings and reconcile herself to a fate of living as a spinster in her aunt’s home, the new earl arrives. Yet, Aaron, now Lord Banfield, is not the pompous, arrogant man she’d imagined. In fact, he’s quite . . . interesting and handsome. Celia decides to help the man acclimate to his new role. But the longer she stays on at Banfield, the more she realizes the new earl might be the answer she’s been looking for.


My Review

What a great collection of stories!!! I enjoyed them all and had several favorites. As much as I love Regency romances, I love *Christmas* Regency romances even more! There's something sweet about the traditions that are specific to the era, like the yule log, and the ones that have stood the test of time that we still celebrate today, like mistletoe and Christmas trees. While some of the plots had more drama than the others, for the most part the novellas were pleasant and compelling, and I loved the feeling of connecting to the characters quickly and experiencing the season with them as they overcame personal and societal struggles to achieve a lovely happily-ever-after. A wonderful anthology that is perfect for reading during the busy holiday season!

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


Thursday, September 13, 2018

Review & Giveaway: Long Journey Home by Sarah M. Eden




Heidi Reads... Long Journey Home by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Widowed by war, Maura O’Connor has raised her son alone under the weight of poverty in the unforgiving slums of New York City. That harsh and difficult life has taken a toll on them both. Desperate to save her son from the misery around them, she moves them both to the tiny western town of Hope Springs, where her late husband’s family lives, hoping that the decade of silence between them does not mean she and Aidan will be rejected outright. Her son needs family, and she would endure anything to see him happy.

Ryan Callaghan has worked the land belonging to the late Granny Claire for years, dreaming of one day claiming it as his own. Living in his brother’s home affords him no freedom, no stability, no joy. The arrangement is even harder on his mother, whose health is quickly deteriorating. A risky investment in the land has finally begun to pay off, and he is at last in a position to secure a better future for them both. When use of the home is, without warning, offered to a newly arrived widow and her son, that future is entirely uncertain.

Both Maura and Ryan desperately need the Claire farm, for their own futures as well as those of the loved ones who depend on them. Neither can remain in Hope Springs without the house and land, but only one can claim it in the end.


My Review

Another amazing addition to the series! I think each book just gets better and better as we come to know the O'Connor family and their community in Hope Springs even more. I loved the way the author incorporated the main characters from previous books in meaningful ways, not just appearances for the sake of having their names in the book. Also, without doing a plot rehash of the previous books. These can be read out of order, but meeting them Long Journey Home will definitely make you want to go back and read the stories of the other characters.

It took me a little bit to get a feel for Maura, but I grew to love her and understand her as she allows herself to open up to her O'Connor family and accept their unconditional love and support in the midst of her hardships and theirs. Ryan is someone who is easy to admire with his compassion for his mother, strong work ethic, and service to his community. I loved seeing Maura and Ryan develop a friendship in spite of their conflicting goals, and the way they sacrificed for each other. The sweet romance between them grew slowly and naturally, and their special moments together are even more so because of that wait. Maura's son Aiden was also an important member of this story and I thought he was realistically portrayed and enjoyed seeing him blossom in Hope Springs. There are strong themes of family, service, sacrifice, and community. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this wonderful book!

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



Connect with author Sarah M. Eden:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | BookBub

 Don't miss the previous books in the Longing for Home Series:

Longing for Home
Hope Springs
My Dearest Love
Love Remains

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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

COVER REVEAL! A Timeless Romance Anthology: A Yuletide Regency by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, Heather B. Moore


 
I am so excited for another amazing collection of novellas from six amazing authors!!!
 
From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A YULETIDE REGENCY.

Six brand new Regency romance novellas by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, and Heather B. Moore. 
 
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!
Releases on November 2, 2018
 
 
http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com
 
https://amzn.to/2BUtdbN










Monday, July 16, 2018

Review: Timeless Western Collection: Calico Ball by Sarah M. Eden, Carla Kelly, Kristin Holt


Heidi Reads... Timeless Western Collection: Calico Ball by Sarah M. Eden, Carla Kelly, Kristin Holt

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes CALICO BALL.

Three brand new Historical Western Romance novellas by Carla Kelly, Sarah M. Eden, and Kristin Holt.


THE KEEPER OF THE WESTERN DOOR by Carla Kelly
When Mary Blue Eye travels to Wyoming Territory with her friend to help her settle into her new married life at Fort Laramie, Mary is treated more like a servant than the friend she thought she was. Thankfully, she finds a new friend in Sergeant Blade, though Mary fears that her Seneca Indian heritage will keep a man like Blade from truly caring for her. Soon Mary is tasked with making fourteen calico dresses in two weeks, and Blade turns out to be the best ally she could ever ask for.

A CONVENIENT ARRANGEMENT by Sarah M. Eden
Patrick Quinn needs a wife. Hiring maids who leave within weeks to marry another fellow in a female-scarce Wyoming town hasn’t been helpful. Quinn needs a woman who will stay. When he writes to a mail-order bride service, and four-foot-eleven Mirabelle Smith shows up, they agree to each attend to their own duties and tasks. Their marriage will be a convenient arrangement for them both. But sometimes the heart has other ideas.

ISABELLA’S CALICO GROOM by Kristin Holt
Dr. Henry Merritt is desperate for dental patients, especially since Dr. Isabella Pattison arrived in the growing town of Evanston in the Wyoming Territory. It seems the female patients want a woman’s touch, and the male patients are quite fond of a pretty dentist. But if Henry doesn’t find a way to put Isabella out of business, his own practice will go under. When Isabella proposes that they team up together, and Henry gets to know her, he discovers the last thing he wants is for Isabella to leave.


My Review

I knew that calico was a popular fabric to use in the Old West for work dresses and such, but I had never heard of a Calico Ball, where the ladies sew a dress from calico to wear to the dance, then donate it afterwards to a group in need. These three stories are so different from each other even with the common theme, and I enjoyed each one. The western setting is a favorite of mine, and I loved the historical details and sweet romance. Carla Kelly's story has a dry humor and wit that enhanced the relationship that blossomed between Mary and Blade. Mary's point of view was interesting as an descendant of an esteemed Eastern Native American, yet endured prejudice and bigotry outside the protection of her family and community. I loved Blade and his frank candor, compassion, and support. Sarah M. Eden's story also has a subtle humor that made me smile, and I always love a good marriage of convenience story! Kristin Holt's story was unique with her two dentists that seem to be at odds, until they realize that they can accomplish so much more working together. A great collection of novellas and I can't wait for more!

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


Monday, June 4, 2018

Review & Giveaway: Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden




Book Four in The Lancaster Family series

Heidi Reads... Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady's companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there.

Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters' scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he's impossibly drawn to the dowager's quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their two worlds?


My Review

Oh my heart! I loved this one! Arabella and Linus find something special in each other, but their quick friendship develops into something more so slowly that I was filled with anticipation the entire book. New readers might be a little overwhelmed by all the characters in the Jonquil and Hawthorne families and their connections, but fans of the author will absolutely love seeing more about all their favorites, and it's more than just cameo appearances. There are significant scenes and subplots with Adam and Persephone, Phillip and Sorrel, Mater, Artemis, and especially the youngest Jonquil brother, Charlie. Linus's compassion for Charlie and his genuine friendship with the struggling young man showed his admirable personality and he also benefited with a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Arabella is also struggling to find her place in new circumstances, and Linus's friendship is like a ray of sunshine in a caring but busy family. Their banter was so natural and full of humor, it was a pleasure to read. I really connected with these characters and highly recommend the book!

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



Don't miss the previous books in The Lancaster Family series . . .

Book One
https://amzn.to/2Im0Q5k


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses, and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he's offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke's castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke's steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke's armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

Book Two
https://amzn.to/2KlC4To


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Harry Windower adores blonde, green-eyes Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand. To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding a gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous.

Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be be less admirable - nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception?

Book Three
Heidi Reads... Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.



Follow the blog tour . . .

June 8th
Min Reads and Reviews
I am a Reader
Why Not? Because I Said So 
Seeking With All Yur Heart 
Books Are Sanity

Monday, March 12, 2018

Review: Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden




Heidi Reads... Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/ashes-on-the-moor-ppr?variant_id=155232-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher in 1871, she finds herself struggling to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. Raised with the high-class Victorian values and ideals of a sophisticated upbringing, she is unprepared for the poverty she finds in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, where the locals speak with a hard-to-understand Yorkshire accent and struggle to thrive with few resources or opportunities.

Though she has no training as a teacher, she must prove herself successful before her grandfather will release her substantial inheritance to her and allow her to be reunited with her younger sister, the last remaining member of her family after a fever claimed the lives of her parents and brothers.

Evangeline's sudden change in circumstances is complicated when her aunt—a woman who values class distinctions more than her family relationships—forbids her from acknowledging any connection to her or to her grandfather, Mr. Farr—the man who owns nearly the entire town. For the first time in her life, Evangeline is truly alone.

Heartbroken, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness—an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot become friends, due in part to her ability to connect with Ronan, whose behavior requires special attention. The boy is uncomfortable around strangers and rarely even speaks to the other children in town. He often fixates on details other people ignore, and he adheres to specific, self-made rules that give his life order and structure; for example, Dermot's coat must be hung on a specific peg next to the door.

Evangeline attempts to prove herself a worthy teacher and earn the respect of her hard-to-understand students. Determined to find a way to introduce them to "proper English" while still honoring their unique language and culture, she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. Because of her efforts, the students and their families warm to Evangeline and she continues to look for ways to give the children a chance to become more than factory workers in the local cotton mill.

When the town learns of her upper-class status, Evangeline must work twice as hard to win back their trust--especially Dermot's. In the end, Evangeline and Dermot discover that, even though they come from different social spheres, together they can overcome social prejudices, make a positive difference in the lives of even the humblest people, and enjoy the strength that comes when two hearts find each other.

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.


My Review

This book is evidence of just why I love this author's writing! Even though the tone in the beginning is despondent as Evangeline mourns her family and struggles with her new circumstances, it shows how much she grows and how time slowly heals. She does not seem particularly strong or skilled, but her compassion and newfound grit serve her well as she continues to make the best out of what she's been given. Dermot surliness brings out her sassy side and I loved seeing their relationship develop from neighbors to unlikely friends to sweethearts. Each person in the wide cast of characters from the community are vibrant and easy to picture, and I especially enjoyed the Yorkshire way of speaking and their interesting phrases and names for things. The setting was very much a big part of the book and it felt a bit like one of my favorite movies, North and South. I liked that it was set in a smaller town though, which gave it a more cozy feel and less industrial. I have a soft spot for stories with teachers that care so much for their students, and Evangeline's determination to do the best for her students, despite her lack of training, is admirable and endearing. I was completely immersed from the get go and was happy that the initial mood of desperation slowly gave way to hope as Evangeline lifts herself with the help of Dermot and discovers her own fierce nature and strength.

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