Review: Valley of Dreams by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She's come to build a future. He's running from his past.

Patrick O’Connor has seen far too much of the cruel and unforgiving world. Life has beaten him down relentlessly. Out of hope and out of options, he makes the terrifying and desperate decision to return home to the family he has lied to for years, the family he knows will never forgive him.

Widowed and nearly unable to care for her tiny daughter under the weight of extreme poverty, Eliza Porter jumps at the opportunity to leave behind the slums of New York City for the promise of a new life and a new beginning in the frontier town of Hope Springs.

Fate tosses the two of them together more and more often, while the burden of his tightly-held secrets and the ache of her abandoned dreams pull them further and further apart. Clinging to the whispered possibility of something more than the pain life has offered them thus far will require every bit of hope they can find in this peaceful but precarious valley of dreams.

My Review

I fall more in love with this family with each book! I'm so happy that Patrick turned up alive, especially since we got to know him before the war in My Dearest Love. It's heartbreaking to see what he's gone through and how he's changed. I love that even though he struggles with his family, Eliza and her toddler daughter are able to bring the lighter side of him to the surface with their friendliness and acceptance. The O'Connor and Archer family members from the previous books don't just make an appearance, but their personalities shine through as they interact with Patrick and Eliza. Ian and Patrick especially struggled with their reconciliation, which made it all the sweeter when they finally overcame the hard feelings. There is plenty of teasing banter, especially with Tavish around, and Eliza fits in the family perfectly in that way. She and Patrick share a sense of humor which is a good foundation when their feelings and attraction grows stronger with time. Conflicts and self-doubt make their relationship road a bit bumpy, but it's a wonderful journey of redemption and forgiveness with strong family bonds and 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 previous books in the Longing for Home / Hope Springs series . . .

Review: The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school and a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.

Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers--and his profits. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the rights of the less-fortunate.

Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered.

For the first time, Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

My Review

I should know better than to start a Sarah Eden book at bedtime! By the time 3:30 am rolled around I finished the book with a happy sigh :) This one is unputdownable. (That should totally be a word). Sometimes I find novels set in Victorian times to be a bit stuffy, but this book is the exact opposite of that- the characters find liberation and freedom in their unconventional work and their vibrant personalities jump off the page. I loved that we got to know Fletcher first- he is so compelling with his confidence despite his tragic childhood circumstances. He's the best sort of person- using the pain of his experiences to improve the lives of others. He's a bit sassy and flirty which is tempered by his depth of compassion and willingness to sacrifice. Elizabeth has those same qualities, but because of her position as a headmistress, must be above reproach and begins to resent that she must stifle herself so much. The secrets and hidden identities are a fun plot device and the pace of the book is steady as Fletcher and Elizabeth get to know each other and grow in affection, all while rescuing the children of London's slums one at a time. Their banter and chemistry is entertaining and I loved their dynamic! Highly recommend!

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

Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Christmas at Falstone Castle · Sarah M. Eden
The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas · Anita Stansfield
When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring · Esther Hatch
Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress · Joanna Barker
Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

My Review

I loved each of these stories! Sarah Eden's made me want to go back and read Seeking Persephone again (which I just did) and in this novella it was wonderful to see even more healing take place between Adam and his mother, as well as her own second chance at love.

The Heart of Christmas was heartwarming and lovely as Addie brings light into a family who needs a few nudges out of their grief and back together.

'Tis the Season to Be Daring was my favorite of the collection for its romance! Lord Hawthorne and Miss Davenport both had fun personalities and brought the laughter out in each other. A wonderful falling-in-love story as pretend love turns into the real thing.

I also enjoyed the blossoming romance in The Christmas Dress. The difference in social status between Nell and Jacob provide the conflict as they are reunited and rekindle their friendship. His sister helps move things along with a little matchmaking and gentle encouragement and I enjoyed their sibling relationship as well.

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


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Review & Giveaway: The Heart of a Vicar by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.

When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

My Review

Oh my heart! I have a new favorite Jonquil brother! Harry has been portrayed as rather sanctimonious in the previous books in the series, so it was a revelation to see his true character, why he had acted that way (it was just an act) and what his hidden vulnerabilities and struggles are. The author made him so likeable and brought him to life with the fun and supportive relationship he has with his housekeeper, his need for his mother's affection, and his secret pastime that keeps him in better shape than most of his brothers. I absolutely loved reading about his transformation thanks to Sarah's reappearance in his life and her challenge that has him examining what the role of a vicar really is. Sarah is American (though she considers England home) and has an informality about her that is endearing and brings out the best in Harry. I appreciated that she didn't hold on to the bitterness of rejection, but rather rekindled the genuine friendship that brought her and Harry together in the first place. The Jonquils face their share of trials and it was a joy to experience more with Phillip, Sorrel, Layton, Stanley, and the others. The author skillfully wove their lives together with the plot of Harry finding his footing as a brother and compassionate spiritual leader in the family and community. Highly recommend!!!

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

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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Kissing A Billionaire by Taylor Hart, Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers, Annette Lyon, Danyelle Ferguson, Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Money doesn't equal happiness. But sometimes it paves the way . . .

THE UNDERCOVER BILLIONAIRE by Taylor Hart
When billionaire, Mia Jagger, goes to Casper, Wyoming to covertly evaluate a ranch in foreclosure for her father’s company, she never anticipates falling and hitting her head. When she wakes up and doesn’t remember who she is, admittedly, she’s afraid, and all she wants is that blue-eyed man who held her hand in the hospital. Ross Charm doesn’t want to take a woman who can’t remember anything back to his ranch, but she keeps insisting on going with him and what is he supposed to do—leave her with no one to help her? When her family shows up and they both learn the truth, they must make a choice: let the past keep them apart or let true love have its’ happily ever after.

BE MY PLUS ONE by Heather B. Moore
Amanda Wurst has been preparing for months to meet with a group of venture capitalists and get funding for her app, but twenty minutes into the meeting, she’s both humiliated and embarrassed. Quickly packing up her things, she takes off for the elevator, only to be joined by Jeremy Lode, the president. He apologizes and offers her a partnership for her new app product. At first, Amanda wants to turn him down out of pride, but his offer is too good to refuse. Besides, Jeremy Lode is an intriguing man in more ways than one.

TO HIDE AND TO HOLD by Sophia Summers
Lake Tahoe never looked as good as it did the day Chad meets Grace. Her mysterious effort to keep her life a secret only intrigues him more. When his own life spirals into crazy with his parents trying to set him up with a woman to further their business goals, he’s happy to keep things on a first name basis with Grace. Brilee Grace Townsend loves her eggshell camper, her simple campground, and her Huskie named Bear. Hiding out while she writes the story of her experiences working with a Senator and then walking out on her parents and fortune, seemed like the best part of her Spring until she met Chad. When Chad discovers Grace is the very girl both their parents hoped he would date, he couldn’t be happier. When Grace finds out, she never wants to speak to him again.

BOW TIE OR THE BILLIONAIRE by Annette Lyon
Lauren has built a cosmetics empire and now lives a great life in Europe with a thriving company, more money than she could spend in a lifetime, and a cottage of her own off the coast of Helsinki. But business life has taken a toll; she yearns to return to the laboratory, where she can invent and experiment. She’s decided to partner with another company that can pick up some of her workload. Carmichael Enterprises has a great track record, and she’s eager to negotiate a partnership. But when she meets the head of the company, Carmichael himself, it’s clear that he has no intention of continuing her annual charitable donations. Worse, he wants to move the headquarters, which would mean laying off her entire staff. Too bad she can’t partner with Carmichael’s assistant, Eric. He’s smart, funny, and kind. He even visits sick children in hospitals as Bow Tie the Clown. Lauren finds herself falling for Eric, but chances are slim of that anything can come of it, not when she’s about to cut off negotiations with his billionaire boss.

HOW TO WOO A BILLIONAIRE IN TEN DAYS by Danyelle Ferguson
Love is the last thing on billionaire Penny's mind, but when her grandparents dangle a seat on the Wessex Resorts board of directors in exchange for her entering the dating scene, Penny takes the challenge. Mac is at the resort for a hockey player's bachelor party. When one of the rich players flirts with Penny and gets rejected, he bets run-of-the-mill Mac can't get a date with her. With every date, Mac's bet fund for his business grows, but so do his feelings for Penny. As time runs out, he'll have to choose between wooing the billionaire for money or for love.

THE BILLIONAIRE ABROAD by Sarah M. Eden
When bachelor billionaire Sterling Westcott hires Keighley Ainsworth to plan an important event in Dublin, she jumps at the opportunity. Time alone with her budding crush in a city she’s always wanted to visit? Yes, please! But local event planner Brogan Malone soon weaves a spell of his own, making her begin to question everything she thinks her heart wants.

My Review

A billionaire main character isn't my favorite trope, but I'm glad I read this collection anyway. The authors did a great job bringing the characters to life and creating entertaining plots with just the right amount of romance. I prefer the billionaires that are not high maintenance, but more down-to-earth. There's something intriguing about the lifestyle and power that comes with that kind of money, and by the time I finished the collection I definitely had to reorient myself back to my more humble, non-materialistic circumstances ;) It's a fun read and one I'll probably pick up again in between longer books.

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

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: An Evening at Almack's by Sally Britton, Elizabeth Johns, Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

THE HEART'S CHOICE by Sally Britton
To keep her family from scandal, Mattie Rayment needs to marry off her flirtatious younger sister before the Season ends. Vouchers for Almack's are her best hope to secure a suitable match. When the Rayments cross paths with Oliver Bolton, the nephew of their steward, his interest in the younger sister threatens all her plans. It is up to Mattie to steer Oliver away, but before long she finds herself losing her heart to him, unsuitable match or not.

MY UNFAIR LADY by Elizabeth Johns

A lost bet. An underestimated country bumpkin. Who will win in this war of wits? Why, love, of course! Rua Postlethwaite has lived a sheltered, content life in the country until she is orphaned and forced to find work or make a hasty marriage. Her neighbors come together to try to help her have a successful Season after she receives an unexpected offer to go to London. Lord Deverell is the quintessential bored aristocrat with too much time, money, and handsomeness. When he loses a wager over a game of billiards, he finds himself doing more than dancing attendance on a nobody from Yorkshire. 

SIX WISHES by Sarah M. Eden

Felicity Bandbury has come to London with one aim in mind: give her dying sister the Season of her dreams. But it is a tall order for a young lady who knows nothing of Town or Society. She enlists the help of their neighbor and childhood friend, William Carlisle. He’s not been home in years, not since the sudden loss of his parents. Felicity’s request offers him the hope of healing from his own grief as well as a connection to home he desperately needs. Can two grieving souls find room in their hearts for love?

My Review

I love the Timeless Regency Collections! Each of the stories has a common element, but they always end up so unique from each other. I love discovering new-to-me authors and always enjoy the stories from my favorites. I felt like these three had great character development and plots that were interesting. I had known about Almack's from other books I've read in the genre, but I learned some new tidbits from this one as well! It is a perfect example of the nuances of the various levels of Society, the ton, and their rules- both known and unspoken.

I especially liked Sally Britton's story, with Oliver being drawn to one sister initially but after a deeper look, realizes who would make the better match. Their mutual admiration brings nice chemistry to their relationship, even while they are each working on an agenda that sometimes puts them at odds.

My Unfair Lady brings elements of humor as Rua enlivens a group of friends with some borderline antics as she and her friend seek to trick the men after learning she is the subject of a wager. It is an entertaining story but the characters were a bit two-dimensional.

Six Wishes by Sarah Eden brought depth with the bittersweet elements of bringing happiness to Felicity's sister and helping William overcome his long held grief for his family. The genuine friendship between Felicity and William develops into something more as they support and encourage each other through their times of emotional hardship.

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

Review: Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden

 
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara's message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.

My Review

It was wonderful to return to the setting of the isolated Western town of Savage Wells! I quickly grew to love Miriam and Gideon, and enjoyed how they worked so well together as doctor and nurse. Miriam has major trust issues because of her past rejection from her family and the doctors that took advantage of her vulnerable circumstances. It was eye-opening to learn some of the history of asylums and made me thankful for the brave individuals who sacrificed and risked to expose the abuse. Gideon has been unlucky in love, but proves himself throughout the book that he is reliable and worthy of Miram's trust and affection. There are still several obstacles for them to overcome, especially when Miriam's secret come to light and an unwelcome visitor comes to town. I loved the loyalty the town had to Miriam and they way her new friends supported her during her trials. It was fun to have Paisley, Cade, and Hawk from the first book play significant roles in this second book, and I'm looking forward to more! (Fingers crossed) :)

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

Don't miss the first book in the Savage Wells series . . .

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.

So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.

Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.

Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.