Review: The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has secretly arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family's debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal of him, an ensuing altercation forces Juliet to flee Virginia. Agreeing to marry, she sails with Leith to Scotland, hopeful of a better match for her sister, who accompanies her. But once in Glasgow and faced with the contentious, powerful Buchanan clan, she realizes that the man who saved her from financial ruin and scandal is the very one she must now save in return.

My Review

I always appreciate the historical education I receive from a Laura Frantz book! I had no idea that Scottish businessmen were so invested in the Southern plantations pre-Revolutionary War. Juliet is the one holding her father's plantation together, while also continuing her mother's work with the early version of the Underground Railroad. The dilemma of slave-holding is at the forefront of the story, as well as the imminent war with England. The story takes us on a journey from the colonies to Glasgow, and the rich descriptions make it easy to envision the settings and era. Leith is a strong, influential man, needing a marriage of convenience, but immediately drawn to Juliet for her goodness and determination. Their beginning is rocky, but shared experiences bind them together, with loyalty and devotion soon following. Leith and Juliet admirably overcome the worst kind of treachery, relying on their faith in God and love for each other.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: A Day in a Life by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

On the worst day of her life, Sydni Greer drove off a bridge. After the current took her away, her body was never found. She was presumed dead.

Following a brief investigation, it was determined that Sydni took her own life. Family members reported she was distraught that day, leading to an open and shut case.

Knowing Sydni, however, her father couldn’t accept the ruling. He reported his daughter as a missing person.

It’s been seven years. Sydni’s about to be declared legally dead, and her haughty husband will receive a large life insurance payout, profiting from Sydni’s death.

Until a new clue surfaces, reopening Sydni’s case. A clue that’s screaming, “There’s more to this story than meets the eye.”

Enter Elijah Garrett, private investigator for Risk Policy Collective, the life insurance company prepared to pay the disbursement to Sydni’s eager husband.

Elijah will reconstruct the final day of Sydni’s life through a series of interviews with family and friends. What he learns would break the strongest of hearts. At the same time, he finds himself filled with love for the beautiful Sydni Greer.

Elijah becomes obsessed with learning the truth. He won’t stop until he knows exactly what happened to Sydni—a woman he could fall for in a hot second.

Was Sydni’s death an accident? Did she take her own life? Was foul play involved?

Find out in this suspenseful sweet romance.

 

My Review

This is a powerful book that kept me thinking about it after I finished. We get both Sydni and Elijah's perspectives as Elijah shakes up her isolated world in more ways than one. The author revealed details in layers, keeping me glued to the pages as Elijah tries to discover the truth of Sydni's past that even she is not aware of. It has tragedy and heartbreak, but they are balanced well by Sydni's determination, healing, and hope for the future. I loved how protective Elijah is of Sydni and goes the extra mile to help her when he is simultaneously investigating her. The romantic tension and chemistry is palpable, one of the author's strengths. The mystery is suspenseful and I could feel the edge of anxiousness as I drew closer to the climax and resolution. A highly satisfying reading experience!

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 more books by Taylor Dean . . .

 

Review: Summer in the Highlands (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Nichole Van, Heidi Kimball, Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

From the publisher of the USA Today bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series, comes Summer in the Highlands, with three Victorian Romance novellas by Nichole Van, Heidi Kimball, and Michele Paige Holmes.

Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
Mrs. Christiana Newton—Chrissi to her closest friends—has two simple goals in life. One, earn a living through her archaeological expertise. And two, forget that Alistair Maclagan, her traitorous former betrothed, still walks the same planet as herself. Alistair Maclagan, Lord Farnell, has resolved to move on from his broken engagement to Chrissi nine years ago, to forgive himself for shattering the trust between them. But when Fate drops Chrissi, quite literally, into a muddy bog on Alistair’s Highland estate, the two are forced to confront their romantic past. Despite heartbreak, betrayal, and the passage of years, can Chrissi and Alistair forge love anew?

Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Consigned to spend three months in the Highlands of Scotland with a grandmother she’s never met and an accent she cannot understand, Arabella Hughes has every reason to believe it will prove to be the worst summer of her life. And after meeting the infuriating and unchivalrous Gavin McKenzie, she becomes certain of it. As the summer progresses, however, and her prejudices and preconceptions about both Scotland and her grandmother are turned on their heads, Arabella remains determined to keep a certain Scotsman at bay. Yet every time they meet, Mr. McKenzie teases her, provokes her, and confronts her—challenging the way she thinks and forcing Arabella to consider what she truly wants for her future, even if what she wants turns out to be the last thing she ever expected.

Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Theodore Hughes seeks a summer of refuge and healing in Scotland’s Highlands, as he recovers from both physical and emotional wounds sustained in the Crimean War. He’s also looking forward to becoming reacquainted with his fiancée, Violet. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, his plans are thrown awry and his tenuous hold on the future seems to be slipping away. Beatrice never wanted to come to the Highlands, to witness her undeserving cousin being doted upon by a man she neither loves nor appreciates. But Beatrice never would have intentionally injured Lord Hughes’ heart, no matter what he believes to the contrary. Thrown together, both victims of Violet’s mischief, Theodore and Beatrice navigate a hostile beginning to a tentative friendship, then to trust and ultimately love. But Beatrice hasn’t been entirely honest about the past. And her deceit may be her undoing when Violet returns to claim Theodore as her own.

My Review

I adore the Timeless Victorian Collections! The three stories are longer than the usual novella length, and the stories feel full and complete while still providing a swift journey to our HEA. Scotland is such a dreamy setting, and I can't wait to visit there someday. Each story (by three of my favorite authors) provided vibrant characters that I quickly grew to know and understand, emotional connection, conflict that drew me in, and compelling romantic chemistry! This is a wonderful collection of stories that I plan to read again in the future.

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.

Timeless Victorian Collection series

 

 

 

Review: An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

About the Book

If the covers of every romance book ever published hadn't convinced librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn't heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what's a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that's what. Armed with library patrons' check-out histories, she's determined to make at least one love connection—even if it's not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn't surprise him when the town's quirky new librarian does the same thing and believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can't help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline's secret matchmaking scheme, he's not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can't judge a book—or each other—by the cover.

My Review

I usually love this author's books and her compassion for characters with physical or mental struggles. However, this book left me feeling unsettled and I had a difficult time enjoying the main character and the romance (which made me super sad! That cover is just adorable!) Librarian Evageline has alopecia and alternates between feeling wounded for the behavior of others and having a massive chip on her shoulder. She doesn't want anyone to pity her or judge her, but those are characteristics I saw the most strongly in her- she is very judgemental of others (and if they give her what she emotionally needs), and she pities herself to the point of victimhood and martyrdom. There were times the narrative veered into woke preachiness, for example- Evageline mentally calling a library patron a racist and microagressor after he had a discussion during their book group, although the content of the discussion wasn't made known to the reader. She is purposefully careful not to judge Tai's tattoos, but it came across as supercilious since she compared herself to others who she assumes would judge him. She is negative and mean to Tai- for one brush-off she purposefully used his shared vulnerabilities against him- so I'm baffled why he pursues her and so quickly falls in love with her. I understand the "she's a challenge" trope, but usually there's some level of reciprocation, or he comes off as a stalker or masochist. The characters even had to do some metal gymnastics why their deal to date wasn't coercion. It took a man falling in love with Evageline for her to realize her own worth, yet he was the one who needed to point out that God wants and loves her (I'm surprised she didn't get mad at him for mansplaining). By the end, Evageline improves in emotional intimacy and gains the courage to not hide her appearance, but I still struggled with some vital plot points, including the matchmaking which took an early backseat to Evageline's personal struggles. Fans of culture, movie, and literary references should have fun with this book- I counted at least fifty. I get that I'm in the minority as most of my reader friends loved the book. It was just a miss for me.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: A Longing for Christmas by Chalon Linton, Jennifer Moore, Tuft Karen, Alene Wecker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Settle in by the fireside and savor stories of unexpected romance, second chances, and lifelong love. Featuring four novellas from some of your favorite authors, this historical Christmas romance collection is sure to capture your heart. 

Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton—Judith Benson despises Christmas and has no interest in the festivities of London Society. But when she catches the attention of a handsome viscount, her holiday humbug is put to the test.

A Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore—As Captain Edgar Bryant nurses his wounds from his time in the army, he finds unexpected relief in creating Christmas cheer alongside the sparkling Winnie Larsen. 

Lady Walmsley and Foster by Karen Tuft—The holidays are approaching, and longtime widow Lady Walmsley turns to her staff for company—much to the dismay of her very proper butler, Foster. But what begins as friendship just might end in love. 

A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker—Since sharing a bumbling first kiss beneath the mistletoe years ago, Charles and Maria have been star-crossed. But this Christmas, love might finally be within their reach.

My Review

Another wonderful collection of heartwarming stories from four authors of Regency romance! I enjoyed reading these stories over the holiday season, but I think they are perfect for any time of the year. There is a good variety to the stories, and I felt like I was able to get to know the characters and their situations quickly. Frustrations and trials are overcome with sweet romance combined with the special spirit of winter and Christmas, making each story a pleasure to 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.

 

 

Review: Pretending to Be the Mountain Man's Wife by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Determined to find his missing brother and catch the elusive mastermind behind the theft of his family's precious sapphires, Gil Coulter embarks on a solo mission to the remote town where the criminal is rumored to reside. As Gil scours the surrounding wilderness for the thief's hidden lair, he crosses paths with a captivating young woman who harbors secrets of her own.

Jess McPharland has spent her life hidden in the mountains, doing her best to stay separate from her family’s business. Yet the secret she’s just discovered will change her life forever. She offers a silent prayer, pleading for a man to help her conceal the truth she’s only just discovered. As if in answer, Gil Coulter rides through the trees, seeking the very criminal Jess calls Father. Now she must find a way to ask this stranger for the ultimate favor—to pose as her husband and shield her from the consequences of a change she won’t be able to hide much longer.

As Gil and Jess navigate the treacherous landscape and the greater danger from her father and his cronies, they find themselves caught in a web of danger, deception, and unexpected attraction. With each passing moment, the stakes grow higher, and the line between pretense and truth blurs. Will the love growing between them be enough to protect Jess's secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will the truth shatter everything they've risked their lives to build?

My Review

The suspense and action ramps up in this installment of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch! Gil goes right into the heart of danger as he pursues his brother and the investigation of the stolen sapphires. He and Jess instantly connect, and I loved how he showed her the way a true gentleman treats women. Jess didn't have any loyalty to her father and his crew because of how badly they treated her. It was important that Gil had an ally in his quest, and Jess appreciated Gil's protection as her husband. The caves and tunnels brought variety to the landscape and it was fun to picture them in the adventurous setting. The story has plenty of suspense and action, as well as a strong theme of faith.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series