Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews {Book Review}

 

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

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Book Blurb:

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews's sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

Book Review: 5 Stars

This romantically thrilling story was exactly what I needed. Mimi Matthews is a must-read go-to author and I can't get enough of her stories.

Kate is reckless and brazen and an intriguing first meet with gruff and serious Lieutenant Charles catapulted me right into these pages. Kate goes after what she wants and often says and acts way before she thinks. Charles is more calculated and cautious, and definitely hard to read, but he can be just as tenacious. These characters were entirely engaging and I couldn't wait to read more interactions, full of banter and flirtations.

This is a Victorian grumpy/sunshine, stuffed full of just the right balance of plot, well-developed characters, and a slight mystery to take this one to the next level.

"'If I pursued you, then I'd have you. There would be no turning back.' Her heartbeat quickened. It was practically a threat. A romantic threat."

Watching this brilliant and sweet romance unfold was perfection. Matthews knows just the right way to write phrases, personalities, and events that speak to my heart and sweep me off my feet.

Content: mild romance (some implied relations of secondary characters); mild language.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews {Tour Review & Giveaway}

The Belle of Belgrave Square (Bells of London #2) by Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: October 11, 2022
432 pages

A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is simply amazing! I was prepared to enjoy this delicious treat over the course of a few days and just like with any of my guilty pleasures, I completely binged on it--I couldn't help it and I couldn't put it down! 

 Mimi Matthews created a delightful masterpiece of a story that captivated every morsel of my heart and soul. Loosely based on a classic fairy tale (one of my favorites), I was eager to settle into London society once again, and I was intrigued--a beautiful girl with her nose always stuck in a book; a dashing, brooding war hero in need of money to rebuild his crumbling estate; a rag-tag group of illegitimate children in desperate need of a mother; and a marriage of convenience.

Matthews vividly brought these characters to life with her beautiful prose and unique twists and turns. Julia was easy for me to relate to, with her slight social anxieties and desire to read and escape than to do almost anything else. Jasper's brooding and intimidating countenance made for some very interesting encounters, especially with his romantic sparkles. 

I adored every interaction between Jasper and Julia, but especially the unconventional marriage arrangement and its results. This nearly gothic romance, featuring some wonderfully written characters, is the perfect addition to the Belles of London series.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, chemistry, some innuendo, fade-to-black between married couple, mistress); mild language; mild descriptions of peril and war-type violence

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

GIVEAWAY

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway that book tour participants can add to
their post and on social media. Here are the details:

• Giveaway period: October 3 – October 30
   
• Terms & Conditions:
   
• Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18
  years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and
  will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of
  the book to the winner. Void where prohibited.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives a paperback copy of The Belle
of Belgrave Square, signed and annotated by the author with personal comments,
underlining of her favorite lines, and other highlights by Mimi Matthews.
Giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 10/03/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on
10/30/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog on 10/31/22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews {Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Book Review}

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

 

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

MY REVIEW: 5 STARS

I love a book that delves into common, real-world life, allowing the reader to dive into a wonderful world of escape, while maintaining a level of relatability. I loved how the characters weren't your typical heroes. Instead, they represented a unique aspect and the deep research was obvious and appreciated.

Matthews is shockingly talented at drawing a reader right in from the very first page and I found the characters, Evelyn and Ahmad, both captivating and endearing. Evelyn is no stranger to mistaken identity, as many see her as a bluestocking, and works hard to maintain hope, while Ahmad struggles to truly fit in and belong. They each see something in the other that others overlook and as their friendship grows, the subtle chemistry simmers in an underlying current. 

This story was enchanting and delightful and I can't wait for more!

Content: mild language; mild romance; mild innuendo

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

ADVANCE PRAISE

“…a tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, 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. 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB |

GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway package that book tour participants can add to their posts and on social media. Here are the details:

Timeframe: Jan 4 - Feb 7, 2022

Terms & Conditions:

Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

The Giveaway Package:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:

Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex
Horse scarf
Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)
The Siren of Sussex tote bag
Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride
Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)
The Siren of Sussex bookmark

The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Inventing Vivian (The Blue Orchid Society #2) by Jennifer Moore {Review}

Inventing Vivian (The Blue Orchid Society #2) by Jennifer Moore

224 pages, Paperback
Publication June 7, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy through the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

Ladies of London’s High Society are known for their social graces and poise. Vivian Kirby boasts neither of these enviable qualities, though she does offer impressive conversation on chemical compositions. Unfortunately, it appears that not many men want a brilliant wife. So it is that Vivian finds kinship with a group of young women who embrace each other’s differences: The Blue Orchid Society.

After an extended stay in China, Lord Benedict has returned transformed to his family’s estate, where an encounter with Vivian, whose scientific knowledge he once undermined, leaves him determined to make amends. He arranges to help forward her research—anonymously, of course. Through letters, Vivian establishes a warm friendship with her secret benefactor, even as she’s unexpectedly drawn into a murder investigation that forces her to work alongside Benedict to unearth the truth. Soon, Vivian fears she may be falling in love with two men, never suspecting that they are one and the same.

 

   

My Review: 4.5 Stars

I love a book with a good, strong female lead and it was especially fun to watch Vivian develop her love of science. The Blue Orchid society is a wonderfully diverse and solid group of innovative young ladies in the Victorian era and it's such a joy to delve into each of their stories.

Vivian is very smart and not afraid to be true to herself. She's a sharp character that was a delight to read about and I just adored her. I loved Lord Benedict and the whole situation regarding him. Moore always introduces a thread to her stories that aren't the norm for the time periods she writes in, and this whole series is evident of that. The Chinese element was enjoyable and interesting as well.

Solid characters with a solid plot. Personally, I wanted more romance, since this is labeled as a Victorian romance, but all in all, this is a very entertaining book in a wonderful series and I'm anticipating the rest of the Society's stories.

Content: very mild romance; very mild moments of violence/peril

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson {Review}

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

324 pages, Paperback
Publication May 4, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.

Manchester, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time. Alexander Osgood is handsome, well-known, and wealthy, but he is distant and aloof, spending much of his time at his textile mill.

Moreover, Northern England is nothing like Isabelle's home in the Lake Country, and her marriage is far from the fairy tale she expected. Conversations with Alexander are awkward, when they happen at all, and Isabelle struggles with loneliness.

Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Alexander brings Isabelle to his country estate. During their time together, the couple begins to build a friendship, opening up to each other about the details of their lives. But when a tragic accident leaves Alexander unable to walk, their fledgling relationship is tested.

Isabelle is determined to see to her husband's recovery, and in caring for him, she discovers within herself an untapped well of strength and courage. In learning to rely on each other, the couple has an opportunity to forge a love connection that they both have longed for but never dreamed could be.

  

My Review: 4 Stars

This isn't your typical romance. Generally, the romances I read showcase the story of how a couple falls in love and gets married, but Isabelle and Alexander were married early in the story without knowing much about each other at all, since it was almost more of a business move than anything. Don't discount that. Although slow, yet steady, this story gives a big nod to the textile movement of the Victorian era and delivered a very slow burn type of love. 

Marriage is hard and I couldn't believe what this couple had to endure while navigating a backwards courtship of sorts. In spite of hoping for a bit more romance from a Proper Romance book, this sweet story is one that left me closing the book with a feel-good feeling. 

While the characters are individually interesting, side character Glory stole the show for me. I did enjoy these characters, but wanted a little more connection with the mysterious enigma of a man. Told in first person, the reader is intimately shown Isabelle's thoughts and feelings and it would have been a richer experience getting inside of Alexander's head as well. 

All in all, this is a story to cherish and ponder. 

Content: very mild romance; mild moments of injury/peril

A Proper Charade (Proper Scandals Book 2) by Esther Hatch {Review}

A Proper Charade (Proper Scandals Book 2) by Esther Hatch

Paperback, 224 pages

Published May 1st 2020 by Covenant Communications 

 

 

 

 

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I don't know why I waited so long to read this book, other than there are just too many books and so little time. Hatch writes a darling, unconventional story that captivated me from the very first page.

 

Patience is a stifled young lady and hatches a hair-brained plan to pose as a maid for one month in her older brother's general's home. From the moment she steps into this other world, mishaps and predicaments, along with humor and swoon, abound. 

 

I loved Patience as a character. She was so cheerfully unpredictable and optimistic, which made for a great time as she stepped into yet another charade. The layers were delightful and very entertaining. Anthony is much more serious, yet Patience managed to unraveled his uptight persona with her winsome personality. Separately they're each likable in their own rights, but together, they're wonderful.

 

Hatch does a fantastic job with this story. The romance is sweet with great sparks and banter. There are so many facets to so many of the characters and each nuance plays a part in the plan in some way. I adored everything about it and can't wait for another proper scandal!

 

Content: mild romance

The Lady and the Highwayman (Proper Romance Victorian #1) by Sarah M. Eden {Review}

 

The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden

Paperback, 352 pages

Published September 3rd 2019 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

   

 

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school and a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.
 
Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers--and his profits. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the rights of the less-fortunate.
 
Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. 
 
For the first time, Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love learning a bit of history in a fiction setting. I hadn't ever heard of  "penny dreadfuls" before and this unique book combined many enjoyable elements into a complex story that was very entertaining from the start. Just in case you don't know what penny dreadfuls are either, they were sold for a penny and told tales of adventure, pirates, highwaymen, crime, and detection. In this book, the reader is treated to not only a love and adventure main story, but as Fletcher and Elizabeth are both authors, books they're each writing also make appearances, including penny dreadfuls. I love how Elizabeth uses one of her stories to try and throw Fletcher off the trail.

 

Eden does a great job in portraying a fairly accurate (in my opinion) view of Victorian social life, including issues. While the story goes back and forth, a cat and mouse game emerges and kept me eagerly flipping the pages. I thought this book was very well-written and engaging and look forward to more of this Proper Victorian line.

 

Content: mild romance; mild violence/danger

The Gentleman and the Thief (Proper Romance Victorian #2) by Sarah M. Eden {Review}

The Gentleman and the Thief (The Dread Penny Society #2) by Sarah M. Eden

Paperback, 368 pages

Published November 3rd 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

A gentleman scribes penny dreadful novels by night and falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night.

LONDON 1865

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers th

at have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.

When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?

 

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This series is a lot of fun and to get the full effect, I would recommend reading them in order. I love the little "penny dreadful" stories wrapped up in the middle of this book, and along with the main story, the reader is treated to two penny dreadfuls. A "penny dreadful" is a story that costs a penny and was full of adventure, danger, crime, and romance. These clever little diversions are an amusing part of the book.

 

A secret society is created to help those who need help and to rid society of evil and I'm enjoying the adventure of getting to know different characters in more depth. There are all kinds of personalities, backgrounds, and professions in this group, but that's what makes it work so well. Eden always does a great job of creating likable characters in entertaining situations.

 

Ana and Hollis are great characters and I loved the mysteries and mild suspense surrounding their interactions. It's especially fun to watch what happens when they join forces. It's apparent a lot of research has gone into this series and it's refreshing to read a bit of history written in such unique way. 

 

Content: mild romance; mild adventure/violence/danger

A Note of Change (A Timeless Romance Anthology) by Esther B. Hatch, Nichole Van, and Annette Lyon {Review}

A Note of Change by Esther Hatch, Nichole Van, and Annette Lyon

ebook, 320 pages

Published February 25th 2020 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Can a single note can change a life, start a romance, or drive two people apart?

Waiting for the Post by Esther Hatch
Now that Harrison Chase has finally made his fortune as a working man, he will risk it all to save his factory workers from starvation. In the middle of his charge to reverse the Corn Laws, his housekeeper helpfully mails a letter she finds languishing amongst his things. A six-year-old love letter. With no other choice, he rushes back to his childhood home on Christine Stone’s estate. If he can’t get his hands on that letter before she does, Christine will discover what a pitiful and pretentious fool he had been. The one thing he hadn’t counted on was the mail being delayed. Now Harrison must decide which is worse—waiting with Christine as he not-so-slowly falls back in love with her, or leaving, knowing once she reads his letter he can never return.

A Ring of Gold by Nichole Van
Viola Brodure longs for something more from her life. So when that something more arrives in the form of a letter from the renowned Highland Poet, Ethan Penn-Leith, she seizes her chance. After all, Mr. Penn-Leith merits every swoon-worthy adjective Viola can muster. What woman wouldn’t want to be in her shoes? But after journeying to Scotland and meeting the poet himself, Viola faces a difficult question: What happens if you don’t want the thing you thought you did?

A Rose by Any Other Name by Annette Lyon
As an orphan whose only home has been the Foundling Hospital, Rose is tasked to work in the fine houses of Bloomsbury. She knows her duty—take care of the family upstairs and never forget her place. But her traitorous heart won’t follow the rules, and she falls in love with Oliver Withey, a man far above her station. Though she feels like she’s found a home in Oliver’s arms, his mother has other plans for her oldest son—and marrying a servant isn’t one of them. She’ll do anything to keep Rose and Oliver apart, including making a devil’s bargain that ensures they’ll never see each other again. When a mysterious old woman appears, she seems to have answers to Rose’s past. Could those long-held secrets hold the key to the future with Oliver that Rose longs for?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Ooh, notes are such a intriguing premise! Although I obviously didn't live in the Victorian age, handwritten messages take me back to my younger years, when friends would pass notes in class or secret love notes were discovered in random places, causing all kinds of elation. I love how each one of these stories is tied by a time period and a note of some kind, although each book is completely different, yet equally beloved and entertaining.

 

The collection starts out with a bang with a tale of a note mistakenly posted to a childhood crush and a mad rush to intercept it. My heart melted with the tenderness and sweet love found within these pages.

 

The reader is then treated to a delightfully charming story set in Scotland, where hearts are changed after notes are exchanged and true love is found.  

 

The wrap-up book is a forbidden love full of secrets, desire, and an undiscovered past, which played upon my emotions.

 

This set proves true to the Timeless Romance Collection in that it delivers reliably sweet and wholesome entertainment that is well worth the reading time.

 

Content: mild romance in each one 

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe {Review}

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe

Paperback, 348 pages

Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Montlake Romance 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

A woman's heart dares to defy the rules of Victorian society in USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe's novel of romance, royalty, and a little revenge.

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn't quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she's expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she's being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma's suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire's scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke's handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

There's a lot of mayhem going on in this delightful Victorian novel! It's fun to read a story of an American coming back "across the pond" to take her place in English society. Emma and Beranger had no expectations of him becoming the new Duke and Emma is quite up to this position, according to some--namely her wicked her step-mother-in-law.

 

I loved watching Emma take on this challenge, mingling her background with her new expectations. She isn't what they expect, and while she tries to conform in some ways, she stays true to herself, bringing a breath of fresh air to the stuffiness of society.

 

There is a mystery, waiting to be discovered, and danger abounds, especially when the Duke falls ill. It was fun trying to guess what was going on and who was behind it, and that's where my slight issues lie. I'm not going to say more, as I don't want to spoil it.

 

Emma and Beranger are already married, but there is still a lot of romance and romantic tension to be found. The relationships steal the cake for this one--not only between this charming couple, but within the friendships, new and old, that are formed. This book definitely found its place within my heart.

 

Content: mild+ romance (all behind closed doors, but implied, kissing); mild+ language; very mild religion 

Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie

ebook, 320 pages

Published April 23rd 2019 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

American heiress Clare Herschel made what she hoped was a love match when she married the handsome, witty Emmett Markham, the Earl of Linwood. A little over a year into her marriage, though, Clare finds herself wintering in Sicily—alone. She is sure the mild climate is the answer to avoiding another miscarriage and Emmett’s apparent indifference, so she’s determined to remain in Italy as long as possible. The last person she expects to show up at the villa is her husband, especially when Emmett confesses he’s there to convince her to return to England.

As the only surviving son of a marquess, Emmett has done everything his father has asked of him—even agreeing to run for a seat in the House of Commons. However, this latest task comes with a nearly impossible caveat. He must convince his wife Clare to come back to England with him in order for them to appear to be a happy couple for his political campaigning. Emmett isn’t confident Clare will agree to the plan, though, not when she seems to want nothing to do with him or the life they’d begun building before she abruptly left him for Italy.

When a massive earthquake strikes Messina, Sicily, claiming the lives of thousands, Clare and Emmett must set aside their mutual misgivings about their marriage in order to survive and lend a helping hand to others. But in the wake of the destruction, they begin to realize they’ve been given a chance to decide if their love is stronger than the upheavals of the past.
AMERICAN HEIRESS SERIES:
Night at the Opera
Beneath an Italian Sky (April 2019)
Among Sand and Sunrise (October 2019)

My Review: 5 Stars

This time period and the American heiresses are so fascinating to me. It seems that a lot of people in Europe long to find the American dream and those who come back a generation or two later, to find their matches, interests me greatly.

Clare has known hard times and has fallen deeply for Emmett, even though they make a good match and it pleases the marquess. But she's also known loss and some of those recent losses have driven this couple apart.

In a unique twist where the couple is already married, but lonely, a natural disaster is a catalyst in giving them a second chance. The feelings evoked were poignant, tender, and slightly nostalgic, yet I couldn't help but root for this couple to give each other another chance and to open up, communicate, and to forsake all others in order to cleave to each other.

These characters are multifaceted, with deep-rooted expectations to dislodge, but don't underestimate the power of love. I love how the story flashed back to their courtship, as this helps the reader understand how they got to where they are. This touching tale is told in a way that embedded these people smack in the middle of my heart and soul.

Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of danger/peril; very mild elements of religion

Blog Tour Schedule:

April 22nd - Heidi Reads

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April 24th - The Bibliophile Files / Min Reads and Reviews

April 25th - Getting Your Read On / Katie’s Clean Book Collection / My Book a Day

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Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Henrie/e/B008ESZ46U/

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Claire's Christmas Dance by Rachelle J. Christensen {Review}

Claire's Christmas Dance by Rachelle J. Christensen

Kindle Edition

Published November 11th 2018 by Peachwood Press 

    

Claire has always dreamed of dancing at the Fielding House Christmas Ball, but she never dreamed she might dance into the arms of a gentleman not of her class.

The Fielding House Christmas Ball is for everyone, including servants. This Christmas Eve a lady’s maid, Claire Walden, plans to attend for the first time, but when Mrs. Fielding’s grandson shows up unexpectedly the dance may take a different turn. Edmund is a gentleman of the upper class, but with a questionable background. When he shows an interest in Claire, she doesn’t want to risk her heart, but over time, Claire comes to know Edmund. As the Christmas Eve ball approaches, Claire wonders if love might be able to cross the lines of servants and high society. If she saves a dance for Edmund, will he steal her heart forever? 

My Review: 5 Stars

This is the perfect treat for the holiday season! This author delivers a short and sweet story that really hits that sweet spot of wholesome romance and the length is exactly what is needed during this busy time of year.

Claire is a servant, but she's fortunate enough to be treated more like a family member than a slave. An intriguing, unexpected run-in with her employer's grandson causes her to reevaluate her stance concerning love and society.

I loved the charming setting of the ball and Edmund is a very likable and winsome character. He nearly stole my heart, too, and the sweetness of this story brought a smile to my face, and left me completely in the mood for Christmas and romance.

Content: mild romance

The Queen's Ball (A Timeless Victorian Collection) {Review}

The Queen's Ball (A Timeless Victorian Collection)
by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, and Jennifer Moore

Kindle Edition, 223 pages

Published October 9th 2018 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy

   

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson:
Eleanor Tremont never expected her father to pass away unexpectedly – leaving her with a horrible stepmother, two grasping step-sisters, and no dowry whatsoever. Relegated to a servant in her own home, she struggles to come to terms with her bleak new life. Summoned to Queen Victoria’s Stuart Ball, can Ellie find her happily-ever-after despite impossible odds? Add an absent-minded Godmother, an orange carriage, and a dancing-slipper mishap, and prepare to be swept away into this fairytale romance…

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly:
Abigail Sterling is not at all pleased to see that the man who broke her heart is in London, and even less pleased that he wants to renew their friendship. But, against her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him, just as she always had been. Letters from a secret admirer keep her from completely giving into Matthew again, and soon her heart is torn between a familiar love and a mysterious one.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore:
After the sudden death of her father, Clara Brightly is sent far from her home in India to live with relatives on the Isle of Wight. The islanders are suspicious of newcomers, and none more so than a local landowner, Grant Mason who, at first meeting, considers Clara to be arrogant and disdainful of the island he loves. When the two are appointed to lead the church choir in an island-wide competition, Clara discovers that she may have a place on the island after all. Grant comes to realize that what he took as haughtiness was merely shyness, and Queen Victoria’s ball at Osborne house seems the perfect place to tell her. But when Clara is offered a chance to return to India, she must decide once and for all what “home” really means. 

My Review: 4 Stars

What a fun and adorable collection of stories! I've always been a fan of royalty and could just imagine the excitement of receiving an invitation to a ball hosted by the Queen of England herself. I enjoyed how each offering had that common event to revolve around, but had truly unique plots.

WALTZED is a Victorian Cinderella story and I loved the way that Ellie and Kit connected. They built upon a childhood friendship, while both trying to avoid some devious stepsisters. It was fun to see the fairy tale elements incorporated into this setting, giving it a sweet and hopeful flavor.

Swooning abounded in A LOVE TO CLAIM, especially as the mystery of a secret admirer and love letters captured the heart. Everyone makes mistakes and I loved the second chance idea as well, especially as beloved family members got involved. Matthew and Abigail are sure to steal your hearts!

Music and home are the general feelings of COMING HOME. This author always delivers a tale that isn't set in your typical England and the vivid descriptions of this island were great. I loved the musical theme that binds Clara and Grant together, especially as she comes to realize where her home really is.

This collection has it all when it comes to balls and was a very enjoyable read.

Content: mild, sweet romance; A LOVE TO CLAIM has mild language

The Orient Express (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Various Authors

The Orient Express (Timeless Victorian Collection)
by Elizabeth Johns, Annette Lyon, and Nancy Campbell Allen

ebook, 320 pages

Published March 27th 2018 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a copy, which did not affect my thoughts or opinions in any way. 

 

 

TO BREAK A BETROTHAL by Elizabeth Johns:
Recently orphaned heiress Kate Worthington must travel to England from her home in India to break an outdated betrothal contract. Surely the lure of money will tempt Lord Darlington to release her! A gentleman befriends her whilst she is aboard the luxurious Orient Express, and the attraction she feels firms her resolve to break the betrothal. What she does not count on is Lord Darlington’s hidden depths. She has so much to lose, least of which is her heart.

DETECTIVE GRACE MEETS HER MATCH by Annette Lyon:
Even private investigator Grace Thomas needs a vacation, yet she can’t exactly turn off her detective skills at a whim. Boarding the Orient Express might be a vacation for some, but Grace finds that her senses are on high alert. She prides herself in being one step ahead of any flirtatious gentlemen, and fellow passenger Marshall Bailey is no exception. When Grace discovers that Marshall is traveling under another name, she learns that her first impressions aren’t always correct, and that she’s mistakenly allowed him to play havoc on her heart. Marshall will just have to convince Grace to give him a second chance.

MARRIED ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS by Nancy Campbell Allen:
Detective Vincent Brady must recover a priceless statue before it falls into the wrong hands. The only problem is that the American woman who’s carrying it for her brother has no idea the value. Vincent catches up with Emily Grant, but convincing her that he’s not out to harm her or her brother is harder than Vincent expected. Finally, Emily agrees to travel with Vincent on the Orient Express, and they plot how to rescue her brother while keeping themselves out of harm’s way. Vincent soon discovers that out of all the hardships he’s overcome in his lifetime to rise to his current detective status, convincing Emily to take a chance on him even harder.

  

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I guess my history lessons are lacking because I didn't realize how cool and real the Orient Express was! I honestly didn't know much about it. I loved getting a glimpse of it through the eyes of three different sets of characters and enjoyed that it played a central role in connecting these novellas.

 

Each story is a lot of fun, as there are twists that weren't expected--at least, not by me. There is an arranged marriage (betrothal), a woman who owns a detective agency and is set on finding her man, and a fake marriage, which are some of my favorite tropes. Each story had a bit of a mystery and some intrigue, which added to the overall entertainment. I could see the books play out in my mind like movies, especially the sweet romances.

 

I really enjoy these collections because they're not only entertaining, but they each deliver a clean, wholesome, and fun story that leaves me feeling slightly more educated about the time period. And the romance is sigh-worthy.

Content: very mild violence; mild, sweet romance

A Grand Tour (Timeless Victorian Collection)

A Grand Tour (Timeless Victorian Collection)
by Anthea Lawson, Jennifer Moore, and Heather B. Moore

Kindle Edition, 358 pages

Published November 17th 2017 by Mirror Press 

 

A LORD’S CHANCE by Anthea Lawson: After her first romance ends in disaster, Miss Isabelle Strathmore vows never to fall in love again. She will travel, certainly, and see the world, but it will be a spinster’s life for her. She has learned the most painful lesson of all—that her heart simply cannot be trusted. Gavin Reed, the Earl of Jasper, is unexpectedly charmed by Isabelle. Past encounters have made him wary of taking a chance on love, but by the end of the Grand Tour, he is determined to make Miss Strathmore his wife. But fate has more in store than either of them guesses. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, can Isabelle and Lord Jasper find their happily ever after before disaster strikes?

FALLING IN ROME by Jennifer Moore: Chaperoning two young women on their grand tour is the opportunity of a lifetime for Eleanor Doyle. Although she’s an expert in many languages, her gender has made further education impossible. If the tour is successful, the young women’s parents have promised her a position at a university in London. Eleanor hopes to instill her charges with a love of Rome, but not until they meet up with a group of young gentlemen and their fascinating professor, Russell Kendrick, do the young ladies show any interest at all. Attraction blossoms between Eleanor and Ken, but Eleanor’s future depends on maintaining propriety. The headstrong charges have other ideas, and Ken and Eleanor will have to decide which is most important, accolades in the academic world, or being with the one they love.

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT by Heather B. Moore: Evelyn Tucker has finally graduated from finishing school, but dreads living with her widowed aunt. On the appointed day, Aunt Margaret comes to collect Evelyn, and Margaret informs her that they’re going on a Grand Tour to spend as much of the estate money they can before a distant cousin inherits all. When Henry Gaiman discovers he’s inherited his distant uncle’s estate, he loathes the thought of returning to England since he’d rather continue with his archaeology dig in Egypt. Return he must, and there, he meets Evelyn, a woman who will change his world in more ways than one.
Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS  

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My Review: 4 Stars

As I've read different Regency or Victorian books, I've occasionally read about people taking a "Grand Tour" around the continent. It usually just remains a vague, casual mention--maybe sharing a few things they saw or places they visited, but not much more than that. As I read this book, I found myself very intrigue by this "vacation" for the wealthy.

A LORD'S CHANCE took place in the Mediterranean, which isn't a place that I would assume would be on a high priority list to visit, but it sounds like I'm wrong. Both Isabelle and Gavin have been burned by others in the past and neither one of them is looking for love, but guess what? It creeps up on them and finds them once again. There are many crazy adventures found within these pages--things that cause these characters some deep, inner reflections and it was fun watching it all unfold. I really enjoyed the setting, motives, and, of course, the romance.

FALLING IN ROME really brought to life the fact that these "Grand Tours" were probably used to rub money in others' faces, as well as yet another social scene where gossip and connections abound. Eleanor and Ken are both very smart and learned individuals and that right there is attractive to them both. I loved learning some history of Italy, while also watching two clever individuals maneuver their pathway to love. 

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT was fascinating because Egypt! While Evelyn is surprised with a grand tour and her aunt's secret, she is even more surprised with Henry. The whole situation captured my attention from the start and held it throughout the book. I really enjoyed the characters and their emotions and reactions to the different events that occurred throughout the story. Such a fun cap to my own grand tour.

Overall, this really is an enjoyable jaunt to the past and all of the romances are so sweet (and clean). I look forward to the next installment.

Content: clean

*I voluntarily reviewed this copy and received no compensation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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