Review: Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

About the Book

When May becomes a lady’s maid at sea, she’s hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love.

Mediterranean Sea, 1811

May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle’s tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother’s pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady’s maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she’s going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship’s clergyman makes her feel far from welcome.

Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn’t the escape he’d hoped for—until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady’s maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn’t expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives—and their love.

My Review

There is something special about the way this author brings her characters and the setting to life! In the first few chapters I instantly connected with May and Elias, their struggles and vulnerabilities. They are each unsure about what their future will bring, but move forward despite their circumstances. There is so much character growth on their journey at sea. May is such a cactus, and Elias seems a cowardly lion. I loved seeing them go from horrible first impressions to friendship to more. They discovered important things about themselves and life as the story progressed with the turmoil of the voyage and the danger of war. Highly recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance outside of the ballroom.

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 companion book . . .

 

Review: Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

 

The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

 

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

My Review

I loved the stories set at the Red Door Inn, so it was such a pleasure to return there for Whitney's story! She is at a crossroads in her life, feeling forced to choose a career that she can stick with, or let her parents down again, and no more safety net. I could sense how on edge she felt, working toward an end goal with things falling apart around her. Despite her circumstances, she is the sunshine providing contrast to Daniel's grumpiness. His character put off vibes of flatness and unhappiness, going through the motions, but still caring about his aunt enough to travel and help her sell her business. There are plenty of funny mishaps, but the best part of this book is the way Daniel blossomed around Whitney's light. They both gently challenged each other, and as Daniel learns to open his heart again, Whitney gains the courage to find and follow the dream authentic to her. A sweet holiday read with great romantic chemistry!

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 Prince Edward Island Dreams series . . .

 

 

Review: Sincerely Yours by Jane Kirkpatrick, Laurie Alice Eakes, Amanda Cabot, Ann Shorey

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

About the Book

Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.

 

In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life--and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

 

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?

 

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler's Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that "M. M." is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job? 

 

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn't marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she's found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.  

 

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her? 

My Review

These gentle novellas were not quite my cup of tea. I normally enjoy historical romance, but I struggled connecting with the characters and finding interest in the stories. For some it was the deception or secrets, and others it was the odd or senseless choices they made, but overall it was difficult to relate to the characters and plot. I appreciated the historical accuracy and details that were woven into each story, and they covered a variety of settings and personalities.

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: A Trick of Fate by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

If secrets lead a fool to love...

Hunter Mortimer, known in the operative world as Trick, is only doing his duty when he steps in to save a young woman in the streets of London. Thinking she is a fellow spy, what else could he do? But when the victim proves to be just an ordinary young woman in dire straits, everything in his world grows more complicated. To add to that complication, she is beautiful, fiery, and makes him smile far too easily.

Lucy Allred did not intend to be a problem for the man who saved her but being lost in London left her helpless. When her father's new lodgings prove difficult for Trick to find, she must remain in his care and company for her safety. The more time she spends with him, the more her eyes open to a world that she had never imagined. And her heart opens to all new possibilities.

My Review

It was so fun stepping back into the world of the Agents of the Convent! The setting is Regency London, but this is not your average ballroom romance. The author takes us on a suspenseful adventure in the London underworld, where secret agents are working together and individually to take down the worst villains and uncover plots against the country. While Lucy ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time, Hunter is in the right place and time to rescue her from an abduction- one that they can't figure out the reason for. As Hunter cares for Lucy and searches for her father while simultaneously pursuing his own case, he falls hard in spite of his misgivings. His angst over his romantic feelings for Lucy is somewhat humorous, especially when the other agents learn of it and offer ribbing and advice. Lucy undergoes some wonderful character growth as she learns to stretch her wings beyond what she was raised for, and finds freedom and love in her new circumstances. Exciting suspense, danger, and sleuthing solved some mysteries only to discover more!

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 Agents of the Convent series . . .

 

Review: The Quit List by Katie Bailey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He quit believing in love a long time ago. She won't quit until she finds The One... and he's everything she's NOT looking for.

Holly Greene is on a mission to find her happily ever after. And her journey to love does not include a detour to Bad Boy Bartenderville, population Jax Grainger.

Jax may be witty, smart-mouthed, and handsome, but he’s the kind of guy who views love as a four-letter word… and the last thing Holly needs is to waste any more time.

She’s in her seeking Prince Charming era, not her playboy villain era.

But after he saves her from the world’s worst date, Holly sees an opportunity: Jax may not check any of the boxes on her list, but he’s the perfect person to help her find a man who does.

All she has to do is stick to the plan—and stay out of the sexy bartender’s arms.

Easy peasy lemon sque... Oops.

My Review

I love this author's books, especially her dynamic characters and the chemistry between them. Holly and Jax both have some growing to do, and they helped each other in unexpected ways to overcome struggles and discover important things about themselves. They had great banter and I loved their friendship that developed into more with their undeniable attraction and the way their goals for the future shifted and aligned. I don't mind a bit of mild swearing but this one had it more frequently than I care for.

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: A Proper Façade by Esther Hatch

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Mercy Rothschild has always been granted an unusually long tether by her parents, who have never pushed her to marry until she’s ready. She assumes that when the right man comes along, she will marry for love. However, even her long-suffering parents have their limits. As she embarks on her third Season, they begin to pressure her to find a match. And the Duke of Harrington is the perfect candidate.

Nicholas Kendrick, Duke of Harrington, follows the rules of the ton meticulously. When he determines that Mercy is the ideal candidate for a wife, he marches dutifully toward her along the courtship path. Desperate to extricate herself from Harrington’s advances, Mercy concludes that there is only one course of action: she must push her intended into the arms of another woman. But when Mercy becomes acquainted with the man behind the proper facade, her plans come crashing down as she realizes that stiff and proper Harrington might be the very man she’s been waiting for. If only she hadn’t been so successful in her plot to thwart her chances with him.

My Review

It was fun to see the strategies of Nicholas and Mercy as they approach the game of making a match. Nicholas thinks he just wants someone to fill the social role of a duchess, but his inadvertent meeting of an eavesdropping Mercy in a hallway awakened his senses and desire for more. Mercy has always wanted a passionate marriage like her sister's, but unexplained pressure from her parents present the conflict of compromising her dreams to please her family and society. The author's use of the game of chess reflects the back and forth between Nicholas and Mercy- presenting their polite side for society but hiding more romantic wishes. I found the struggle of Nicholas to be more genuine as he learned to embrace rather than suppress his emotions. Mercy was definitely more calculated as she and her friend enact plans to trick and mislead Nicholas. With time and experience she realizes that passion can have its downfalls when unsupported by a strong foundation, and is almost too late when she finally sees behind the facade of Nicholas. A sweet romance with complicated dynamics that take our main characters on an emotional journey.

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 Proper Scandals series . . .

 

 

 

Review: Date with Danger by Jenessa Fayeth

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

I, Amelia Quinn, am dating again.

I must be out of practice though because I sat down at the wrong man’s table…and kissed him. And now I’m wrapped up in the middle of an FBI case… DREAM COME TRUE!

Except the super sexy agent doesn’t want my help solving this case.

I, Caleb Harris, am a stupid, stupid man. Nothing says rookie agent like kissing a civilian just to get rid of her.

But somehow that didn’t even work because she keeps showing up wherever our suspect is. And now, I’m not so sure she’s innocent in all this. Especially when someone ends up dead.

Date With Danger is a closed door, light hearted, romantic comedy with mystery and suspense.

My Review

So. Much. Fun. Earlier this year I had binge-watched all episodes of the TV show Psych, and it was awesome to get all the references the author slid into the book! There is plenty of comedy, and the author hit that perfect balance of quirky and clever, and added to it great banter, fabulous chemistry, and a suspenseful plot. An undercurrent of angst and character growth didn't take the spotlight, but added a layer of depth that I always appreciate in rom-coms since it helps me feel a connection to the emotions rather than just feel like I'm watching an entertaining fluff movie. Don't get me wrong, though- it was SO entertaining! I love when a book can make me laugh out loud, which isn't all that often. Highly recommend for readers who need some hijinks and romance with their mystery!

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: Learning to Fly by Chalon Linton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Ten months ago, Kasie Foster broke up with the perfect man. Andrew Stoll was kind and supportive and sported amazing dimples. When Kasie prayed about a future with him, it didn’t feel right, so she walked away to pursue her theater dreams in the UK. Instead, she finds herself putting her plans on hold to help her recently widowered brother care for his young son on a remote air force base in Texas. She has no regrets. London can wait a year. But when an awkward chance encounter with her college sweetheart resurrects memories of what could have been, she struggles to keep buried the complicated feelings that arise whenever Andrew shares his dimpled smile.

Kasie is the last person Andrew expects to see during his intense year of pilot training with the United States Air Force. Once upon a time, he was head over heels for her, and when they parted ways back then, he had no choice in the matter. But after their shocking reunion, he finds himself incessantly brought into her orbit. It’s impossible not to see their reunion as fate—a second chance at love—and he vows to fight for her affection. But navigating the path forward is no easier now than when she broke his heart in college. Because how can they build a life together when they’re still headed in opposite directions?

My Review

Kasie has had some difficult crossroads in her life. I appreciated how she worked through them with prayer and thoughtfulness, and growing through her sacrifices. God directing our paths is a major theme of this book. The introduction to Kasie involved a bit of an info dump which read like a narrative conversation. Once Andrew reappears in her life, the story takes off with the tumultuous feelings he brings out in her. He's pretty adorable, and I loved their vibe together, even when Kasie is unsure of their future. The author does an excellent job of portraying military life and this specific flight training phase, what the pilot and family both go through. As someone who has lived that life herself, I didn't doubt that any of the details she included were authentic. The pace of the book is slow but steady as Kasie assimilates to life on base caring for her toddler nephew, and develops a support system while also supporting others. Her dreams of theater production seem to be on hold, but she finds ways to share her talents and bring joy to those around her, opening up opportunities as well. My favorite part of the story is her relationship with Andrew and how they take it slow, but with purpose and intent, always seeking the Lord's will for them and finding peace with the reassurance of answered prayers.

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.

The Air Force Romance series