Sunday, August 29, 2021

Review: Only Time Will Tell by Amy Matayo



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

For newly published author Eliza Sterling, having her first book launch party at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a dream come true. Since her book is a modern-day retelling of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and the Met is hosting a display of rarely seen Dickens’ artifacts at the same time, she chalks it up to a case of good timing.

For publicly disgraced, former best-selling author Lew McDonnell, seeing a debut author having her first book launch party at the Met brings up all sorts of resentments. Especially when the book this lady is promoting just happens to be one of his old manuscripts that she’s clearly plagiarized and claimed for herself.

When heated words are exchanged in front of a display case containing an original copy of Great Expectations, both Lew and Eliza are prepared for a fight. But they aren’t prepared for the room to shake, for the display case to shatter, or for the old book to send them both careening toward a new existence entirely.

When Lew wakes up on the floor of the Charles Dickens museum in London to see Eliza working there as a tour guide, he knows something has gone horribly wrong. It’s the same day and time, but suddenly he’s the best-selling author headlining his own book launch again, and Eliza is serving him drinks and working all hours to make ends meet. And the weirdest thing of all?

Lew is the only one who remembers their former lives.


My Review

Rather than travel back in time like the first book, these characters experience a time shift where they live in a modern day alternate universe. For Lew, he's getting a second chance at the life he threw away, but does he deserve it? He has no memory of the events in the alternate universe leading up to the present day- he only remembers the reality he came from. Eliza in the alternate life is burdened with heartbreaking regrets and grief, and Lew can't let go of his connection to her. How can he remain in this world where Eliza is suffering? The more they grow closer together, the harder it is to imagine a perfect future for both of them. I enjoyed the unexpected journey the author took us on and the lessons of selflessness and courage that Lew and Eliza learn along the way.

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 first book in the Charles & Company Romance series . . .
 

 
 


Review: The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

She’ll do anything to escape an arranged marriage. He’ll do anything to help her.

Honora Crauford relishes her life in India. So when her father informs her of his latest business transaction—marrying her off to a bankrupt nobleman in England—her only hope for returning home is to convince her betrothed, by whatever antics necessary, that a marriage to her comes at a cost that not even the greatest fortune can justify.

Graham Whitworth can hardly believe his wretched luck. It seems the only way to save his family’s insolvent estate is to comply with his father’s demands and marry the extremely wealthy, but utterly ridiculous, nabob’s daughter. But when Honora missteps, Graham discerns her farce and begins to see who she truly is—a most impressive lady. A lady likely capable of fixing his family’s financial troubles.

Realizing they both desire freedom, Graham and Honora join forces to restore the Whitworth estate and return Honora to her beloved India. But sometimes love has its own agenda, and the revoking of a once undesirable arrangement may just prove to be the greatest sacrifice of all.


My Review

This was such a fun read! I was thoroughly entertained by Honora and Graham, and the charade that led them both to discover what they truly want. Honora's cringe-worthy behavior thankfully didn't last the entire book, and even she had difficulty with her attempts at the outrageous. I think her goodness was able to shine through subconsciously, which made Graham's discernment of her true character come naturally. Their plot to work together to upend the expectations of both their fathers gave them time to grow closer together and their chemistry was great! Some unexpected twists along with a bit of a mystery made this book one that I couldn't put down. Loved the array of personalities and family dynamics woven into this sweet romance.

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.



Saturday, August 28, 2021

Review: Carving for Miss Coventry by Deborah M. Hathaway



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

With his deceased father’s woodworking business now failing, Edward Steele will do anything to see its return to prosperity, even if that means accepting work from the Coventry family far outside of Bath. His two goals? Finishing this new task swiftly and making as few acquaintances as possible. But such things are easier said than done, especially when the Coventry’s daughter finds it necessary to spy on him at every turn.

Marianne Coventry doesn’t mean to stare, but such a task is difficult when a man as handsome as Mr. Steele works right before her eyes. Besides, at twenty years old and not yet out in Society—due to an unmarried elder sister and a strict, rule-abiding father—she will take any distraction she can get. Perhaps turning to a dashing woodworker for entertainment isn’t a wise decision, but does she really have any other choice?

As Edward becomes aware of Marianne's sheltered life, an unexpected friendship sprouts between them—a friendship her family cannot discover, especially when Marianne begins to realize she’s been living half a life. Still, Edward’s heart remains cautious, for becoming distracted and losing his family’s business would mean forfeiting his livelihood and everything his father worked so hard to achieve. Despite the forces working against them, only the two of them can decide what they want most in life—and if they’re willing to risk everything for love.

My Review

I am so excited for this new series from some of my favorite authors in the Regency genre! It's off to a strong start with the first book. Edward is a hero that is easy to have sympathy for, he has a strong integrity and work ethic, but is dealing with the aftermath of an undeserved reputation. The opportunity to work for Marianne's father is not one he takes lightly, which makes their unlikely friendship all the more risky. I love the way they naturally take to each other, and his protective nature widens to include her along with his family, yet it seems he must choose between them. The story has a steady pace with plenty of scenes between Edward and Marianne as their romance blossoms despite their disparate circumstances, and I enjoyed every page I read!

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 Sons of Somerset series . . .
 

 
 


Review: The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Moving to a new Amish settlement in small-town Colorado was a brave new start for independent-minded quiltmaker Esther Liem. But helping her reckless relative will really put her special matchmaking skills to the test...

Mischievous and rebellious, young Ben Liem is making the wrong kind of name for himself throughout the town of Yoder. And even though his sister-in-law, Esther, somehow coaxes him into keeping company with sensible Linda Eicher, Ben can't see anything they have in common. Or that he could ever be good enough for someone like her. But Linda's down-to-earth nature and unexpected understanding have Ben trying his best to be better, no matter how challenging...

Linda couldn't be more surprised when Ben turns out to be caring and helpful, despite his rowdy pranks and bad-news friends. And falling in love with him suddenly seems just right. But when a heartbreaking misunderstanding comes between them, both she and Ben must risk enough to trust, stitch the pieces back together--and dare a forever precious happiness.

My Review

I always love the vibrant characters this author brings to life in her books. Esther is a favorite with her quirky mannerisms, and I love her compassion and caring for Ben, difficult as he can be. It was a little heartbreaking as the reasons for his behavior are slowly revealed, and even though he was difficult to understand in the beginning, by the end I was really rooting for him to find peace. Linda is such a good match for him and I enjoyed their challenging friendship and the blossoming of deeper feelings. Esther's friend Cathy is a hoot and was a bit of a scene stealer in this book. I loved how she got involved in the lives of the younger characters. There are deeper themes woven in that made this more than a simple Amish romance, which is why this author is one of my must-reads!

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 first book in The Amish Quiltmaker series . . .






Review: Timeless Regency Collection: A Seaside Summer by Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, Heather B. Moore


 
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

The New Countess, by Josi S. Kilpack
Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

Mishaps and Memories, by Martha Keyes
Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

Moonlight Summer, by Heather B. Moore
Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

My Review

This collection of stories is absolutely delightful! It was a breath of fresh air after attempting to read a different Regency with an overabundance of aggravating drama. These stories seem light, but they have such well-developed characters, especially for shorter stories, that draw me into their world immediately and I feel connected to their struggles and happiness. The seaside setting is lovely, and one I've always enjoyed. There is something grounding about the ocean and the breaking of waves on the shore, and I felt that influence as I read the first story. Diane revels in the precious time she spends there with her children, a respite from the busy responsibilities as a new countess. I could understand her feelings of frustration to have that time disrupted, and it was interesting to see the social norms and habits that might have driven them apart. I loved seeing them each sacrifice and compromise as they worked to grow closer to each other. 

The second story is a fun one, with some amnesia and revenge that humbles more than who it was intended for. I was glued to the pages to see how it would all turn out in the end, which was happily satisfying. The third story was one with more emotion for me, and I thought the paths that each character took were beautiful. Oscar's withdrawal from high society gave him time to develop a strong business, but his interactions with Dottie make him realize his loneliness. Dottie seems to be misplaced in her newly formed family, and pressure from her mother and stepfather make her feel unwanted. Their unexpected meetings form a natural friendship with simmering chemistry, and even though the past tries to separate them in the beginning, the secrets that are eventually revealed make it possible for healing to take place. This is a collection that I will be reading again! Highly recommend!

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 Authors

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance, Timeless Romance series, and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children


Martha Keyes is a Whitney Award winning author born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can by traveling the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.

Word crafting has always fascinated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.


Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She's lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

 
Giveaway

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at each stop on the tour.

To qualify, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book.

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all!


 
Join the virtual book tour of A SEASIDE SUMMER, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, and Heather B. Moore, August 23-September 19, 2021. Over twenty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 17th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Romance Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Aug 23 Austenprose
Aug 24 My Jane Austen Book Club
Aug 24 Getting Your Read On
Aug 25 The Bibliophile Files
Aug 26 Heidi Reads…
Aug 27 Our Book Confessions
Aug 30 The Lit B****
Aug 30 Wishful Endings
Sept 01 The Book Diva Reads
Sept 01 Rosanne E. Lortz
Sept 02 Laura's Reviews
Sept 04 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Sept 07 Probably at the Library
Sept 08 Gwendalyn's Books
Sept 09 Books and Socks Rock
Sept 10 Christian Chick's Thoughts
Sept 11 Storeybook Reviews
Sept 13 From Pemberley to Milton
Sept 13 My Bookish Bliss
Sept 14 Bookworm Lisa
Sept 15 Relz Reviewz
Sept 15 Reading with Emily
Sept 16 Lu Reviews Books
Sept 17 Greenish Bookshelf
Sept 17 Austenesque Reviews
Sept 17 Bringing Up Books
Sept 18 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina 
 
 

Review: Wed by Necessity by Karen Kirst



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Her In convenient Husband

When a riding accident strands socialite Caroline Turner overnight with the new stable manager, she gets the one thing she never wanted a husband! Marrying the infuriatingly stubborn Duncan McKenna wouldn't have been her first choice, but with her reputation damaged, it's her only option. Still, there's something about the brash, rugged Scotsman that fascinates Caroline.

If Duncan wanted to wed a society girl, he would have stayed in Boston with his family and his fortune. He expects Caroline to balk at her new modest lifestyle, but instead the strong-willed beauty seems determined to prove him wrong, making her all the more irksome and irresistible. The marriage of convenience isn't what Caroline and Duncan planned, but could they be a perfect match?


My Review

I just love a marriage of convenience plot in a historical novel! This one was fun because Caroline and Duncan don't have the best first impression of each other, and it is difficult for them to overcome their assumptions until they are forced to interact with each other on a more personal level. It was interesting to see them learn more about each other through observation and discovering the secrets of the past. They each have their own hurts and walls up to protect their hearts, but a desire for a happier life together helps them draw closer and seek for more. A sweet read!

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.

Check out all the books in the Smoky Mountain Matches series . . .















Book Tour & Giveaway: An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker


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Synopsis

Much to her mother’s dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father’s approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms.

Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would ever choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne’s plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.

 About the Author
 
Alene Wecker writes because her favorite authors—Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer—haven’t published anything new in ages! Alene graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, though she rarely uses her degree. She likes to tell herself her education comes in handy as she describes debutantes who, like herself, are frequently forced to display their mediocre skills at the piano-forte. When she’s not writing or mothering her six children, she is usually reading, or can sometimes be found singing with Utah Symphony/Utah Opera. She also enjoys traveling and learning new languages. Some of her favorite haunts include: Berlin, BraÈ™ov, Bucharest, Budapest, London, Maui, New York City, Oahu, Paris, Rome, San Diego, Vancouver, and Venice. 
 
 
Giveaway
 
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