Review: Not a Fine Gentleman by Donna Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Margaret, the eldest of the misbegotten Amesbury family, is accused of murdering her jerk of a husband and then fleeing. Conner Jackson, a Bow Street Runner, is hunting her down to bring her to justice. Or so he thinks...

This romantic story of loss and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, and strangers marrying, will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning. Sprinkled liberally with suspense, mystery, and heart-melting kisses, this is not your ordinary historical tale of an arranged marriage nor of redeeming the rakes. Fans of Victorian and Regency Eras, as well as those seeking clean and wholesome romance with plenty of chemistry, will love this story!

My Review

I always wondered why Margaret was unhappy in the previous books, so it was wonderful to have her story! It starts off with a bang and stayed exciting throughout. The author did a good job of showing the hardships and coping mechanisms of Margaret in her marriage, and how her perceptions get turned on their head when she is finally free. Connor is from humble beginnings and is proud of his accomplishments, even if they are still beneath the level of Margaret and upper society. They had fun banter as they work to solve the mystery of who killed her husband- sometimes together, and sometimes against or in spite of the other. They sure kept each other on their toes! I loved when they began to soften and develop romantic feelings that added to their attraction and chemistry. The scenes with Margaret's siblings (from the previous books) were great, revisiting them with their strengths and loyalties. An exciting addition to the Rogue Hearts series!

(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 Rogue Hearts series . . .

Review & Giveaway: Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews

Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: July 14, 2020

Perfectly Proper Press

Series: Victorian Romantics, Book One

Genre: Historical Romance

A Secret Burden…

After a mysterious sojourn in Paris, Beryl Burnham has returned home to the village of Shepton Worthy ready to resume the life she left behind. Betrothed to the wealthy Sir Henry Rivenhall, she has no reason to be unhappy—or so people keep reminding her. But Beryl’s life isn’t as perfect as everyone believes.

A Longstanding Love…

As village curate, Mark Rivenhall is known for his compassionate understanding. When his older brother’s intended needs a shoulder to lean on, Mark’s more than willing to provide one. There’s no danger of losing his heart. He already lost that to Beryl a long time ago. During an idyllic Victorian summer, friends and family gather in anticipation of Beryl and Sir Henry’s wedding. But in her darkest moment, it’s Mark who comes to Beryl’s aid. Can he help her without revealing his feelings—or betraying his brother?

Available on Amazon

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

This author’s stories are always a delight to read, even when she tackles difficult themes. Her characters are so vibrant, and I find myself completely immersed. I love the friendship between Mark and Beryl, and the way he thoughtfully supports her unconditionally. He is in such a hard position, divided between loyalty to his brother and his own romantic feelings. His relationship with his brother is complex, and it was interesting to see bits and pieces emerge that gave deeper understanding to the dynamic. Beryl struggles with frequent bouts of melancholy, what we know today as depression. The author was delicate in her portrayal as she explored the ways it affected Beryl’s well-being, her otherwise golden personality, and how she managed to cope with the symptoms, despite the misunderstandings in the medical field at the time. What I especially loved was the overall feeling of hopefulness as Mark learns of her condition and becomes her champion- listening, understanding, and encouraging. It was such a contrast to the others in her life who were trying, but didn’t know where to find the answers or how to “fix it.” Beryl is going through a season of self-discovery, and I loved her strength and kindness as she learns more about herself and what she truly wants for her future. Highly recommend!!!

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

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 Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, 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. For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 14 Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, July 15 Interview at Austenprose Review at Gwendalyn's Books Feature at I'm All About Books Review at Probably at the Library
Thursday, July 16 Review at Library of Clean Reads
Friday, July 17 Review at View from the Birdhouse
Saturday, July 18 Review at The Green Mockingbird
Sunday, July 19 Review at Robin Loves Reading
Monday, July 20 Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Tuesday, July 21 Review at Book Bustle
Wednesday, July 22 Review at Bookish Rantings
Thursday, July 23 Review at Heidi Reads...
Friday, July 24 Review at The Lit B****
Saturday, July 25 Feature at What Is That Book About
Monday, July 27 Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Tuesday, July 28 Review at Donna's Book Blog

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is open to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

  Fair as a Star

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Healing Their Hearts by Cleopatra Margot #HTHPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Healing Their Hearts

(Faith to Love, #6)

By Cleopatra Margot

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 302  Pages

June 21, 2020

After spring's many trials, Knox County Sheriff Liam McKay is ready for a season of restoration. He needs time to grieve the loss of his grandmother and work on becoming a better husband and father. Liam learned the hard way that life is fragile, and he doesn't want to miss out on any precious moments.

Emma McKay loves her role as a wife and mother. After she lost her parents, the McKay family became her saving grace. Being married to a police officer brings both challenges and adventures into her life, though, and when something hits on a more personal level, will her past be brought into the light?

Officer Mark MacLaughlin is motivated by two things: his family and his job. Add a beautiful stranger to the mix, and Mark can't help but want to get to know her better. But when he takes on fatherhood for a three-year-old girl, he has to learn how to blur the lines between his personal and professional life too.

Evangeline Taylor was on the way to confront her past, until her plans came to a grinding halt. Now injured and stranded in a tiny Nebraska town, Eva's heart opens up. The town, the people, and maybe one handsome police officer in particular help her to heal...but will they be enough to make her stay?

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt

“You like her.” Sam pointed her spoon at him. “You like Evangeline!”

He let his shirt fall into place and crossed to the freezer. “You’re off duty and it’s past your bedtime. Stop throwing accusations around.”

“Mark Bryant MacLaughlin, you’re in denial.” Sam shut the freezer door before he could grab his ice cream. “Admit it. You. Like. Evangeline. Taylor!”

“Could you not yell in my face?” Using his height to his advantage, he blocked her with his shoulders, then grabbed the butter pecan gelato. “I didn’t say I like her, and I haven’t given you cause to think that. Now, if you could excuse me, I’d like to enjoy my ice cream before work.”

Sam let out a sigh. “Come on, bro. I’ve known you for twenty-nine years. Almost thirty. Also, you’re getting old, so you should probably settle down and have a family before Mom disowns you and adopts another son.”

Mark leaned a hip against the counter and took a bite of gelato. “First of all, thirty-one is not old. And—”

“You’ll be thirty-two this fall.”

“But I’m not there yet, am I? Anyhow, thirty-one is not old, and I haven’t found the right woman yet. What about you? You’re nearly the big three-o and you’ve yet to find a husband. A highway goes two ways, sis.”

“Yeah, well, I wasn’t talking about me.” She grinned. “So… Are you gonna ask her out?”

“Really? If I wouldn’t end up getting charged for assault by my own sister, I’d throw this spoon at you.”

“No, you wouldn’t. You’re a softie. Look, Mark, all I’m saying is that I saw how your face lit up when I said her name. I know that she’s not from here and that breaks your ‘shop local’ rules, but I also know my brother. And he doesn’t let minor details get in the way of what he wants. More importantly, what God wants for him. The fact that Miss Taylor happened to end up in Believe isn’t just a coincidence. If you need more prodding, call Mom. She’d love to give you the spiel I just gave you, even at ten-forty-five at night. But at least hers wouldn’t be specific to one lady. Maybe that would help you.”

“No, I think one of you is enough for one night.” He set his spoon in the sink, put the lid on the gelato, and slid it back in the freezer. “I won’t deny that I noticed Miss Taylor, but there’s a lot that would go with it. She doesn’t live here, for one. I’m not moving, Sam.”

“Who says you have to?”

“Sam. She’s from Washington state.”

“Fine. But I’m just saying, you haven’t lit up like this in a long time. If ever. Even Ettie noticed it when you finally came back to the station yesterday.”

“You weren’t even at work yesterday, so how would you know? Besides that, Ettie would notice a caterpillar that likes another caterpillar, Sam. That’s a poor example to support your case. Remind me again how you passed your state patrol training?”

 

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

Cleopatra Margot resides with her family and their golden retriever in small town, rural Nebraska. Inspiration for her novels comes from both real life + fictional characters and storylines in her brain. The town of Believe is based on her own hometown, but with embellishments. She and her two younger siblings are homeschooled, and enjoy traveling with their parents and the dog. When she’s not writing, Cleopatra enjoys Bible journaling, time with family and friends, playing cards, being outside (when it’s not subfreezing temps), laughing, singing, and enjoying life.

Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Their Hearts by Cleoptatra Margot, a vinyl sticker, bookmark, and free shipping coupon (for a future purchase through the author)

US only

Ends July 29, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review: A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Unemployed mill worker Zoe Hart jumps at the opportunity to emigrate to British Columbia in 1863 to find a better life and be reunited with her brother, who fled from home after being accused of a crime.

Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. While there, he's devastated by the news from his fiancee in England that she's marrying another man.

With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Zoe accepts a proposal from a miner of questionable character after he promises to help her locate her brother. Intent on protecting Zoe and frustrated by his failed engagement, Abe offers his own hand as groom. After a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.

My Review

I’m always up for a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was excellent! Zoe has such a compassionate heart and I loved her desire and willingness to care for orphaned children. Abe has a plan and is doing his best to stick to it, even when he struggles with the bishop’s formality and demands for how he interacts with the community. Even though the beginning of their relationship is a bit rocky with doubts and hesitation, they are both sincere and genuine, and recognize the goodness in each other. It was fun to see their growing attraction and the blossoming of deeper feelings of romance. Their future is uncertain and a variety of obstacles challenge them and their little family that quickly grows as Zoe brings more chicks under her wing. I loved how their vulnerabilities contrasted with their strengths and the way God led them to each other and others who needed them.

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

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Don't miss the other books in The Bride Ships series . . .

Review: Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Phoebe starts receiving anonymous letters, she never once thinks the most irresponsible man in London is her correspondent. Or that she will fall in love with him.

Phoebe Kimball grew up believing in love, but after failing to find a gentleman capable of capturing her heart, she has turned more practical than romantic. She is determined to find a husband in London this Season. If only the annoying Mr. Fenwick would stop appearing every time she sets her cap at someone! When an anonymous letter arrives warning her that her current target is unsuitable marital material, Phoebe begins a relationship with the letter writer that promises something more than a practical alliance.

Griffin Fenwick does not usually care for women on the hunt for a husband, but Miss Kimball's quick wit and refusal to admit she enjoys his company intrigues him. When he realizes the gentlemen on her list of eligible bachelors is full with scoundrels, he warns her the only way he can - through a letter. As he comes to know Phoebe better, he soon realizes he wishes to put his own name on her list. If only she liked Griffin as much as she liked her anonymous correspondent.

When Phoebe realizes its been Griffin writing her all along, will she put aside practicality for love, or spurn Griffin for even trying to woo her?

My Review

Griffin is my kind of hero! I absolutely loved his personality. He’s fun loving and enjoys making other laugh. His antics entertain society, but Phoebe is disdainful because of his lack of propriety. She’s a bit off-putting at first, but the author skillfully reveals her layers and why she has changed. Although the prologue introduces us to Phoebe and her four close friends at finishing school when they pledge to only marry for love, she is now concerned with finding a good man who will offer security. Griffin’s knowledge of the vices of the men Phoebe pursues leads him to warn her via anonymous letter, and a friendship blossoms through their charming and surreptitious correspondence. I loved how Griffin grew enamored of Phoebe, while she began to appreciate the finer points of his infectious personality. This is a perfect novella with a complete story arc and character development. I can’t wait for the following books in the series!

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


Don't miss the upcoming books in the Promise of Forever After series . . .