Unexpected Love by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth, and Ashtyn Newbold {Review}

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Unexpected Love by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth, and Ashtyn Newbold

Paperback, 256 pages

Published March 1st 2017 by Sweetwater Books

Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons--whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.

Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
Though decidedly against marriage, when Ambrose Notley discovers it may win him his uncle's good opinion (and his inheritance), he marries the orphaned Kate Mowbray. But will Kate be able to break down the walls that Ambrose has built around himself?

First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
When Letty's sister and husband unexpectedly die, a greedy uncle threatens to steal custody of the children and their money. David, Letty's brother-in-law, marries Letty in the hopes of retaining custody of their niece and nephew. But will this love for show become something deeper?

The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
When Faith McKinney witnesses a crime she shouldn't have seen, she's forced into hiding to protect her own life. As part of this, her uncle arranges her marriage to small-town sheriff Geoffrey. But when the men searching for her find Geoffrey as well, will he be able to protect her?

Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
When a marriage arranged by chance brings Fanny and Percy together, they quickly learn that clashing personalities and battles of wit are not a recipe for a happy match. How could a marriage between quick enemies ever result in something such as love? But fate has a way of bringing even the most unlikely hearts together...

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My Review: 4 Stars

A marriage of convenience is always an intriguing premise and this compilation shows several reasons why those might have occurred. I've always wondered if I could've entered into one myself... Each of these stories has a different voice, as they are written by different authors and it's hard for me to choose a favorite because they are so unique and so much fun.

The reader is treated to a variety of reasons for such a marriage, ranging from gaining an inheritance, to gaining custody of relatives, to being protected, to joining as enemies. I always think of marriages of convenience to be made as a very last, desperate resort, and while that may be the case, things have a way of working out in interesting ways. Each of these stories is sweet and feels complete, although they are short. I really enjoyed each premise and setting--England, out West, and New York--and the characters are really easy to like, as they all inspired me to cheer them on. It's fun how some are snappy, some are gentle, and some are jumpy at the thought of marriage, yet still go through with it. I love how each of them found love and the process of how that finally comes about is so enjoyable. This is a great collection of sweet, historical stories.

Content: mild romance (kissing).

*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my opinions in any way.*

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About the Authors:

Heather Chapman: Being the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, and the other staples of female literature and moviedom. These stories inspired Heather, and she began writing at a young age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and settled down in a small farming community with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and just about anything creative.

Mandi Ellsworth: Mandi is an avid reader, a slow jogger, and disinterested in board games of any kind. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children and no pets.

Paula Kremser: Paula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, “Sophia,” and second, “To Suit a Suitor.”

Ashtyn Newbold: Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family and is the author of “Mischief and Manors.”