Review: Never Borrow a Baronet by Regina Scott

Book Two in the Fortune's Brides series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?

My Review

This lovely series continues with Miss Thorn helping another lady of reduced circumstances find a new position and ultimately, the opportunity to fall in love. There is a great cast of vibrant characters that made this book such fun to read- Patience, with her up-for-anything attitude; Harry, with his hands full of spies, smugglers, and suspicious guests; Miss Thorn, trying to avoid her childhood sweetheart who is staying in the same house; Augusta, creating concoctions that terrify her guests; Lydia, all too eager to help Augusta and stir things up a bit; Yvette, a French spy with nothing to lose. The fake engagement and other secrets create quite a bit of tension, especially as Patience and Harry begin to grow closer. The weather traps everyone on the property and they have to wait for the water to subside before the guests from the house party can depart, which made the pace drag a bit after the middle of the book. The author did a good job of getting across the feeling of frustration and desperation the characters had from being stuck, and I think I started feeling that too. It picks up again with some action and the climax at the end, and leaves the door open for Miss Thorn to reconcile with her long-lost love. I'm especially looking forward to reading the next books since we were introduced to both characters who will be featured in them, Yvette and Lydia.

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

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Check out the other books in the Fortune's Brides series . . .

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she’s not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?

Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why is it he cannot manage his own daughters? As an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane’s practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.

Book Three

Synopsis

The saucy Yvette de Maupassant is used to danger. She’s spent the last 10 years spying for England in Napoleon’s court. Now that her work has been discovered, she must hide, and what better place than the remote wooded estate of the Earl of Carrolton? Her friend Miss Thorn and that delightful cat Fortune place her in a position where she can pretend to be companion to the earl’s sickly mother. Yet one look at the earl has Yvette rethinking why she wants to stay.

Gregory, Earl of Carrolton, is used to power. So why does one moment in the company of his mother and spinster sister leave him feeling powerless? And why does the look in a certain Frenchwoman’s eyes leave him weak at the knees? As danger draws closer, Gregory and Yvette must work together to protect her, his family, and the future of England, as they discover the greatest danger and delight is falling in love. 

Book Four

Releasing November 2018!

Synopsis

Lydia Villers is determined to leave behind her life as a social butterfly and do what she's always dreamed of doing--pursue a career in science. A shame the only scientist willing to assist her is the one man she had once hoped to wed. Frederick, Viscount Worthington, Worth to his friends, has been betrayed once too often. How can he believe Lydia's intentions are true? With the help of Miss Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune, a determined young lady and a jaded lord might just discover that only together do they make the perfect chemistry.

Review: The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket by Annalisa Hall, illustrated by Corey Egbert

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Your children don't see the Holy Ghost, but that doesn't mean they can't feel His presence. With heart-warming illustrations, The Holy Ghost Is Like a Blanket depicts characteristics of the Holy Ghost by comparing them to objects children remember and relate to. These meaningful analogies will help your little ones recognize the Holy Ghost as a real influence in their lives.

My Review

I think it's so great that the publisher created another version of this book! The original featured a girl in the illustrations, with her father, mother, and baby brother. In this new "boy version", the young boy is now the featured character, with his father, mother and older sister. The text is the same and pictures are subtly changed- the older sister is posed where the baby used to be, and the mother's hair is softer with more of a wave. It was fun to compare the two books and look for the differences!

The content is wonderful, I loved the examples used to describe the Holy Ghost and the way we feel the Spirit. There are references at the end for each example with a small image from the book, 1-2 scripture verses from the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, and a song from The Children's Songbook. I can see this being used for a Family Home Evening lesson and creative activity using the examples in the book!  The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket is perfect for children of all ages, and would make a lovely gift for a child preparing for baptism.

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

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Check out the original publication with a girl in the illustrations . . .

About the Author

Annalisa Hall is an author, blogger, ldsbc & byu grad, wife, fast-paced helpmate, mother of three, mom-prenuer, child of God, amazing friend, sewing extraordinaire, ready reader, efficient secretary, glorified storyteller, poetess, busy homemaker, an "aunt anna" 39 times over, a great aunt (as in my niece has a baby girl), lame cook, better baker, great primary teacher, proud visiting teacher, green thumbkin, thrifty shopper, tip junkie, lego queen, airsoft enthusiast, graphic designer, eco-friendly house cleaner, chauffeur, hubby's best friend, and fanatic.

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Corey Egbert has always loved books and art, so when he discovered that he could create both at the same time by being an illustrator, he couldn't have been happier. His illustrations can be seen in The Niuhi Shark Saga books and the album covers of recording artist Rob Taylor. He lives in Manti, Utah with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Review: A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When the illustrious India Hartley is accused of murder, she has to uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.

India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

My Review

I have mixed feelings about this one- there are a lot of things I liked and enjoyed, but also a handful of things that didn't work for me. The Southern setting and history of the era was well-described and fascinating, I really liked India's character and personality, and the plot was intriguing. I had a difficult time with Phillip- he was so likeable and quite heroic, but at times he pulled back and there was a lack of emotion. The story is told from India's point of view, and I think more cues to how he was feeling in those moments would have helped the romance not be so awkward. The pacing didn't feel smooth to me, with scenes ending in the middle of observations and conversations that felt important but not resolved- in the moment or later. The climax of the outcome of the trial was satisfying, but then more clues kept cropping up, and it seemed like the story would never end as one secret after another came to light and had to be additionally resolved. And then in the end, there was one left hanging! So it was a bit frustrating to feel like the story was winding up, only to have in prolonged with more choppy pacing. I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book more, but had to keep reading to see how it all turned out. A more succinct wrapping up would have been appreciated.

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

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

 

 

 

Review & Giveaway: Aligned With Christ by Toni Sorenson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Is there a sure way to know that what you’re doing is what the Savior would have you do? Best-selling author Toni Sorenson’s inspiring series, including Defined by Christ and Refined by Christ, has motivated audiences to assess and strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Now, the author invites you to be aligned with Christ and learn to turn mind, body, and will to the Savior and to claim the peace that comes from the assurance that you’re truly in tune with heaven. For those struggling to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and for all who are striving to withstand mortality’s feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness, this volume provides a simple, scripturally rich roadmap intended to lead you on a joyous journey of self-examination—to assess your own spiritual alignment, to reroute when necessary, and to come to know the love of the Savior—not just when you reach your desired destination, but along every step of the way.

My Review

This is a book I definitely needed at this time in my life, when it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily life and neglect my personal spiritual growth journey. I loved the attitude of hope and encouragement the author shares, and her words are perfect for those with serious struggles as well as those who need minor course corrections- basically everyone! I appreciated that there are so many examples from the scriptures- both the Bible and The Book of Mormon- that the author uses to make personal connections to ourselves. She uses real life examples as well, and I felt like this was an easy book to read while providing depth and thought-provoking insights. Quotes from modern day prophets and literary giants such as Leo Tolstoy were also shared that brought inspiration and light. There were so many passages to highlight and this is a resource I plan to turn to again and share with my friends and family. I felt the Spirit as I read and it encouraged me to increase my efforts to grow closer to my Savior and seek God's will, and look forward to the blessings that are promised as I do so. Highly recommend!!! 

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

Follow the Blog Tour . . .

August 27^th: Lovebugs and Postcards

August 28^th: Heidi Reads... | Empower Moms

August 29^th: LDS Writer Mom | Rockin' Book Reviews

August 30^th: Bookworm Lisa | Wishful Endings | LDS and Lovin' It

August 31^st: Literary Time Out

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Book Blitz: The Patriot Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse

Welcome to THE PATRIOT BRIDE Blitz with JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Patriot Bride
Collection: Daughters of the Mayflower, Book 4
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Release Date: August 1, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance

Faith Jackson and Matthew Weber are both working covertly to aid the Patriot cause. But will they be willing to sacrifice all for their fledgling country?

A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Spies Work Together for the Patriot Cause

Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow, friend of George Washington, and staunch supporter of the Patriot cause. Matthew Weber is friends with both Ben Franklin and his son William, who increasingly differ in their political views; and Matthew finds himself privy to information on both sides of the conflict. When a message needs to get to a spy among the Loyalists, Faith bravely steps up and in turn meets Matthew Weber. Suddenly she believes she could love again. But someone else has his eye on the Faith she portrays in elite social circles. What will Matthew and Faith have to sacrifice for the sake of their fledgling country?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Goodreads | Amazon | iTunes | Christian Book | Book Depository | Books-A-Million!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifteen fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she’s shared her theme of “Joy Through Trials” with more than half a million people across the country at more than 2,000 events. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-five-plus years have two adult children. She’s passionate about music and Bible study and loves the gift of story.

CONNECT WITH KIM: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Kimberley have graciously offered (1) Winner a wonderful gift basket filled with goodies from Mount Vernon, a gift card and many more! Of course, it also includes a copy of the book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will begin at midnight August 27, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM EST on September 3, 2018. Winner will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.  Open to US mailing addresses only.  For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

Be sure to visit a stop each day for extra entries!

TOUR SCHEDULE

For the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.

(All stops expected to post by 12:00 NOON EST)

Launch Post @JustReadTours

Launch Post @JustCommonly

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.

A WAGER FOR LOVE by Donna Hatch:
For once, Phillip would like to be seen as more than the younger brother of a duke. When he unexpectedly meets the one girl in all London who doesn’t give two figs for his rank in society, she won’t give him the time of day. Determined to gain her attention, he accidentally tips over her boat and dumps her into a river. Not the best way to convince a lady of worth that he is a gentleman of promise. Frustrated, Phillip makes a rash wager with a friend: he vows he’ll not only gain her forgiveness, but her hand in marriage by the end of the Season. The stakes are high in this romantic Regency romp!

THE FINAL WAGER by Heather B. Moore:
When Victor Roland, Earl of Locken, enters into a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, the stakes get quickly out of control. Before Victor knows it, Southill is betting the dowry of his sister. While completely illegal, Victor is mostly insulted, so he does what any gentleman of the ton should do. He punches Southill out. Problem is, Southill is in so much debt that he’d been kicked out of his townhouse earlier that day. So Victor is forced to deliver Southill at his estate outside of London . . . only to meet Southill’s sister, Lady Juliet, a woman who Victor now wishes he’d bet on.

AN IMPROBABLE WAGER by Michele Paige Holmes:
Sherborne Alexander Rowley III has come home to marry his neighbor—and solve his financial problems in one fell swoop. Love doesn’t figure into the equation, only the need to save his family’s estate. The reserved Miss Emily Montgomery seems willing enough, leaving the only possible obstacle to Sherborne’s success his childhood friend, Eli Linfield, and the wager they made long ago that Eli would be the one to marry Emily. When the timely birth of a colt, Emily’s mischievous sister Sophia, and Emily herself all conspire to ruin Sherborne’s plans, one night of mayhem unravels far more than their betrothal. Emily is not as demure as he believed, nor is Eli what he has pretended these many years. Yet the future for all may yet be bright. Sherborne might even wager on it.

My Review

There is plenty of humor and wit in these three Regency stories (by three of my favorite must-read authors!) that have some kind of wager about a wedding as the premise. They are longer than novella length, and each have fully developed characters and plots. I appreciated that I felt like I could connect to each of the couples and their dilemmas, and was invested in the outcome of their happily-ever-afters. I definitely enjoyed all three, but my favorite was An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes, because I'm a sucker for the unrequited love/childhood crush trope! Eli was such an admirable and unassuming hero, working his way up in the world with moderate success so that even though he never expected to have his romantic dreams fulfilled, he was prepared when the opportunity arose. Lots of romance and navigating of Regency society made this collection one I'll definitely re-read in the future!

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


Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:

 AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN