Book Tour & Review: The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

My Review

I loved the dynamic between Anne and Hart! It's like a combo second chance romance/enemies to lovers story. There are a variety of complications that they are each dealing with in their own lives, and it's when they begin to help instead of hinder that their banked feelings flare back to life. Family loyalty is strong in both- Anne with placating her long-grieving eccentric mother, and Hart with secretly supporting his father's mistress and children through the stain of trade. Anne has her friends to turn to, but Hart has been shouldering his burdens on his own, until he impulsively confides in Anne. While their strong feelings for each other have always been there, there are past hurts and misunderstandings that need to be resolved and forgiven before they can move on to begin afresh in their romance. I was glued to the pages through their obstacles and adventures, easily connecting with their emotions. I'm so excited for Stella's story in the next 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 Belles of London series . . .

 

 

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

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VICTORIAN READING ROOM

Join Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets!

ADVANCE PRAISE

“It is truly a wonder how Matthews can consistently craft fresh romances featuring unique, multidimensional characters who face huge obstacles to their relationships. [A] lovely story of secrets and love lost and found.”— Booklist (starred review)

“Sparkling…Historical romance fans are sure to be moved.”— Publishers Weekly

“Matthews delivers another richly detailed and emotionally tender closed-door romance.”— Kirkus Reviews

“An engaging series installment offering a second chance at love to a spunky heroine and a hero with hidden depths.”— Library Journal

“No one writes Victorian romance like Mimi Matthews, and her Belles of London series just keeps getting better! "— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author

“Mimi is truly a national treasure. All of her books are filled with such delicious chemistry and heart, and her writing is superb. This one is another winner. Highly recommend.”—Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows

 

 

Review: Windsong Manor by Julie Wright

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

My Review

This is such a lovely story of healing and restitution as Eleanora rehabilitates her defiant and arrogant son along with her husband's recently orphaned illegitimate daughter. Windsong Manor is a refuge from the influences that have poisoned her son's mind, and while her progress is slow, she can sense what is right for him. I admired her fortitude in taking in her husband's daughter, providing her not just with shelter, but eventually with compassion and love. The stablemaster Ridley is such a strong influence for good in each of their lives. He's humble, yet confident, and has a way of putting things in perspective and providing encouragement and support in becoming their best selves. I loved the relationships he developed with Eleanora and her children, and his protective nature as they face trials. All along there is a sense that Ridley is more than what he seems, and I was gratified with how it all worked out in the end.

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.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep
 
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
 
12 Days at Bleakly Manor

Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts

Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
 
The Old Lace Shop

Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

My Review

I enjoyed reading these three stories that have a strong Dickens vibe of Victorian England, focusing on individuals who are struggling, especially of the middle and lower classes. The plots were engaging and the characters interesting. I didn't quite connect with their emotions, but was interested in how each story would turn out. The settings are easy to envision with the author's descriptions and the historical details. A trio of holiday tales that complement each other well.

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: All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the job isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

My Review

So sweet, so funny, so festive! I loved the opposites-attract theme with Jeremy and Mackenzie both trying their best to get an edge over the other in the unofficial competition for a promotion. I appreciated that it wasn't merely for personal ambition, but each of them provide support for family members and are thinking of them as they pursue the advancement. Jeremy is a friendly and charming guy, but some of his missteps prevent him from getting past Mackenzie's protective shield. The social anxiety she experiences also makes it difficult for others to get to know her better, but getting out of her comfort zone and making Christmas special for her coworkers helps her in ways she did not expect. I loved that she had a close friend who is always ready for shenanigans and keeps her grounded when worries are overwhelming. When Jeremy and Mackenzie slowly open up and see the deeper layers in each other, their attraction and chemistry develops naturally to something more, and their work relationship shifts as well. There is a lovely balance of humor, romance, angst, and emotion in this holiday heart-warming story that is perfect to read any time of the year!

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.

Book Tour & Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

My Review

Once again Laura Frantz has transported me to an era that I knew little of, to a setting I knew nothing of, and enriched my reading experience with vibrant characters and history that everyone should learn about. The pace of the book begins slowly as we get to know Sylvie and her family, living in a lush and idyllic land, but surrounded on both sides by warring French and English. Despite their neutrality, they were unjustly driven from their homes and thrust into the lives of refugees. The contrast between Sylvie's beautiful "before" life and the harsh, heartbreaking reality of "after" is so great, and I gained a small sense of and vast sympathy for what millions of displaced people have felt over the ages. The author illustrates the historical backdrop with a variety of individuals that bring the story even more to life, and represent so many different perspectives and circumstances of the time. Sylvie and Will's unlikely and seemingly impossible connection brings miracles into both their lives, as they strive to support the Acadians within their reach. I loved their sweet and gentle romance that grew despite the outside influences and prejudices that they overcame as they were vulnerable and trusted each other with their devastating losses. This is a story that brought so many emotions, and filled my spirit with gratitude for the strength and endurance of our forebears who continued on in faith and hope through trials, injustices, poverty, illness, and grief.

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.

About the Author

Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

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PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE

“Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“This book is undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club 

 

“Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning... Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Missing Link
Series: The Langston Sisters #3
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: Encouraging Works
Release Date: November 28, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Now that her sisters, Crystal and Ava, are moving on with their lives, it's time for Layla Langston to do the same. 

Experiencing burnout and lack of purpose, Layla is ready for a change and leaves Langston Brands to live life on her own terms. 

She dares to pursue her own dreams--dreams that lead her to start a new career as a journalist and thrust her in the middle of a murder investigation that just may put her life in danger. 

Mason Sterling's goal is twofold -- to get the best story possible and make Houston's local congresswoman pay for her crimes. What he doesn't want or need is anyone to tag along in the process. But when his boss hires Layla, and Mason is tasked with being her mentor, fighting their growing emotional bond is the least of his problems. 

He'll have to keep her safe to make a future with her a possibility.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

Mason paced the vinyl flooring for far too many minutes. He’d never understood why hospitals even had emergency rooms because he’d never seen anyone acting with enough urgency—and his father being injured was an urgent matter.

Mason approached the nurse again. “Ma’am, I’m here to see Walter Sterling. Where’s the doctor?”

Another nurse walked into the area, and the desk nurse seemed relieved. She approached Mason. “May I have your name?”

“Mason Sterling. Walter Sterling is my father. I need to see him.”

She tapped the screen on an electronic tablet. “The doctor will be out to see you shortly. Please follow me.”

The nurse led him to a more private area and disappeared. How many more times did he have to hear the doctor would be out before he actually saw him or her?

Mason huffed and paced for another twenty minutes in the small space. He stopped short when an older Black woman wearing a white coat entered the room. When they locked eyes, his feet couldn’t move fast enough to get to her.

“I’m Mason Sterling. Is my father okay? When can I see him?”

He searched her eyes for any sign of his father’s health status, but her face was as emotionless as the nurse who led him into the room minutes ago.

“Hi, Mason. I’m Dr. Riley.” She gestured toward a nearby chair. “Please have a seat.”

“I’d rather stand. When can I see him?”

“I’m sorry, Mason. Your father didn’t make it.”

Mason stood paralyzed.

Unable to move.

Unable to speak.

Unable to think.

She continued talking, but the words tumbled out of her mouth like puzzle pieces of the same color. He couldn’t decipher a single word. Blood rushed to his brain. His heart raced fast enough for him to believe he’d need a hospital bed.

A knot formed in Mason’s throat that he couldn’t swallow. If he did, tears would overtake him. Pain settled there. His stomach taut. All of his muscles tightened.

Mason belted out, “No.” Air barely escaped his lungs as he had to force himself to breathe.

The pain in his chest was just as real physically as it was emotionally. His heart ripped into pieces. That was the only explanation for the stabbing sensation in his chest. His eyes stung as tears spilled down his cheeks soaking his collar.

He finally sat in that chair Dr. Riley suggested he take. She’d mentioned something about whether there was someone else she could call for him. Usually, his father would be that person, and now he had no one.

 

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Connect with Natasha by visiting natashafrazier.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes book-related swag & a signed print copy of The Missing Link

(1) winner will win a $10 Amazon gift card

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 8, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

 

Review: The Sea Below My Toes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Jo Empson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the Look Closer series, this richly illustrated concertina book takes you on a journey through the deep dark waters, all the way down to the seabed, before floating back up to the surface.

A follow-up to The Street Beneath My Feet, The Skies Above My Eyes and The World Around Me, this visually stunning book ventures to the very bottom of the sea on a journey of discovery.

Through the waves and into the deep, you’ll spot all kinds of weird and wonderful marine creatures, explore the seabed and discover the impact humans have had on the underwater world.

As you dive below the surface, past sea otters playing in fields of giant kelp, you will see sea lions and shoals of mackerel playing in the shallows, before passing orcas hunting in pods in the deeper water.

As well as animals, discover the technology which is used under the sea, from scuba breathing apparatus to oil pipelines and deep sea submarines.

As you reach the very bottom of the sea, the 'twilight zone' where very little light can filter through, you will meet the mysterious creatures of the deep such as lanternfish and the luminous swell shark.

This book is part of the Look Closer series, a set of concertina books which help teach us about the mysteries which can be found in the world around us.

My Review

This book is gorgeous! The pages are thick and sturdy, definitely a must with the accordion design. The artist and author take the reader on a journey beginning at the surface and then descending deeper and deeper, sharing not only sea life but also the way humans explore the ocean. This is the first book I've read that focus on both! I think it's perfect to engage a variety of interests. Once the reader reaches the deepest point, the journey ascends until we reach the surface again, making it feel like we were taken on a wonderful expedition. The art is exquisite and the information shared is interesting and engaging. The book is large, and even though the cover is presented vertically, it is held and read horizontally, with the spine at the top. The accordion pages can be flipped one at a time, and also unfolded into a long, connected, dual-sided piece of art.

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: Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

"Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you've just begun to read." -- A Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they'd made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love often in spite of the historic book's advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.

My Review

I enjoy collections like these with several authors providing the stories, giving me a taste of writing styles that may be a bit different from each other but mesh well enough to harmonize. Once again I'm reading a series out of order, with this being my first read of Smitten, but the coziness of the town and the loyalty of the community members came through strongly. The group of women lead the town as they rally behind Molly in her time of need, and a search for the town's legendary treasure connect the stories as they pass the vintage book to each other in search of clues. Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly all have very distinct personalities and personal issues they work through while helping the others. The first three were interesting but didn't quite flow with me. My favorite story was the last one featuring Molly, by Denise Hunter, because I love her writing style and felt connected to the emotions of the characters as well as strong tension and chemistry between Molly and Gage. I look forward to reading the other collections to revisit Smitten and get to know more townspeople!

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 Smitten series . . .

Review: The Backcountry Brides Collection by Shannon McNear, Angela K. Couch, Debra E. Marvin, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Pegg Thomas, Denise Weimer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Some of these novellas have been released individually- click on the story titles for links to the novellas that are available as e-books

Synopsis

Travel into Colonial America where nine women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?
 
Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?
 
Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor  
1757 - (North Carolina)
Joseph Gregory plans to buy a lumber mill, but Mabel Walker becomes a formidable opponent. When she’s forced to make a painful decision, she must choose between survival and love.
 
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763 - Fort Michilimackinac (Michigan) during Pontiac’s Rebellion  
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier. Henry Bedlow arrived against his will. Their chance meeting changes everything. Will a deadly clash of cultures keep them from finding happiness?
 
A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764 – (New York)
As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.
 
A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.  
 
Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780 – (Georgia)
Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love . . .until Scottish scout Caylan McIntosh leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia’s Revolutionary “Hornet’s Nest.”
 
The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1780 – (South Carolina)
Tasked with infiltrating an infamous Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader’s cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He risks not only his life. . .but his heart.
 
Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792 - Fur Post on the Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota)
When Englishman Henry Kingsley meets Abi McCrea, the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and Indian mother, will their worlds keep them apart, or have they finally found somewhere they truly belong?

My Review

Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels - 3 stars

I enjoyed the setting and characters, and some historical details. Magda's work as a silversmith was fascinating.  Jacob's avoidance in communication based on fear of rejection was overly long. The transitions between scenes were disjointed and the politics were difficult to understand, making me feel removed.

Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor - 4 stars

Lumbercamps are one of my favorite historical settings, and Mabel has her hands full since the death of her brother. I appreciated the way Joseph respected her and found alternative solutions to his purpose of buying her business, based on her needs.

Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas - 5 stars

The setting of this story is quite volatile, and Laurette is constantly in danger, especially when she can't stand to be confined to her cabin alone, with only her dog for company. I loved the secret friendship she develops with Henry, recovering from sickness. As tensions come to a head, their relationship saves them both and gives them a brighter future.

A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin - 2 stars

I liked the premise, but the pace was slowed by repetitive political visits, and the interactions between Arch and Susannah were lacking chemistry. Struggled with this one because it focused more on historical details I didn't have enough background information on and I felt lost.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch - 5 stars

An abused young woman, a forced marriage of convenience, and Marcus's task is to get Lorinda to trust him while providing for her and protecting her against the malevolent destruction of their farm.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer - 5 stars

My favorite of the collection! Jenny and Caylan are larger than life, their vibrant personalities bursting off the page. Jenny is strong and full of grit, named Warrior Woman by the Natives who threaten their land and lives, along with the British. This story felt full and complete, with character growth, compelling events, and plenty of emotion as Jenny's world changes around her. I loved Caylan's devotion to her over time filled with hardships and heartache.

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear - 4 stars

This story had me biting my nails with anxiousness as Jed goes undercover to bring down the violent raiders. I couldn't stomach the things they did, but history shows how evil people can be. Jed's attachment to Lizzy is unexpected, but saves both of them in the long run. I appreciated the change in Lizzy as she finally had someone to believe in her and fight the lies from her family.

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer - 4 stars

I enjoyed the perspective from Abi who is Métis, and learning about her role in different parts of the world and societies. Henry comes from the society who is a harsh judge of those with mixed ancestry, yet values her for the person she is.

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.