About the Book“Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.” A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford's eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed. A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more. AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED When Kate sets her sights on Ben's dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town's inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom. But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it's too late? Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone. About the AuthorK. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Maggie Award. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right? ReviewTaking place at the tail end of the Regency Era, author K. Lyn Smith brings to life a story of putting together a backdrop for a production of Shakespear’s Much Ado About Nothing. The story is about embracing who you are and falling in love. This story has humorous moments of the MMC and the FMC when they get close to kissing, but something or someone always gets in the way and interrupts them. An absolutely charming slow burn childhood best friends to lovers Regency that readers will delight in.
Series: Hearts of Cornwall Genre: Regency, romance Publisher: Davenwood Press Publication date: January 23, 2024 Number of pages: 224 Other books in the series: 1-Jilting Jory 2-Matching Miss Moon 3-Driving Miss Darling Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookA BookBub Best Romance of Winter 2024! Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams? Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms. No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare. Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart. About the AuthorUSA 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. Victorian Reading RoomJoin Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets! ReviewFrom the turn of the first page, readers will adore this sweet and swoony second chance Victorian romance. The story is about Lady Anne Deveril, who is a beautiful and headstrong woman who withdrew from society due to her widowed mother, who is still mourning her father’s death. It’s about once again crossing paths with love interest Felix Hartford and him charming his way into her heart and enticing her to pull out of her mourning blacks and re-enter society, rather than remain a spinster. It’s about overcoming the hardships of life and getting not only a second chance at love, but a second chance at a relationship with her mother. This is such a powerful story about relationships and pushing through trials in life. An excellent installment to the Bells of London series that readers will not want to miss out on.
Series: Bells of London Genre: Victorian, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: January 16, 2024 Number of pages: 432 Other books in the series: 1-The Siren of Sussex 2-The Belle of Belgrave Square 4-The Muse of Maiden Lane (coming October 2024) Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookAs 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands. As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future. About the AuthorBestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State. According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish. ReviewA beautifully written story from beginning to end. Frantz has a unique and captivating writing style that captures the heart of her readers. She has written a charming and historically intriguing story where readers will come to adore learning more about the Acadian people and their tragic history of being displaced from Adadia. And then there is the slow burn romance between Sylvie and William that is both enchanting and swoony. Another fantastic and engaging story from Frantz that readers will not want to miss out on.
Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Revell Publication date: January 9, 2024 Number of pages: 416 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookFrom the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm. Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, has no desire to ever marry again. Particularly not to someone who merely wants her for her fortune. So when she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women she is furious, and rightly so. She confronts Maxwell Dean, the man who published the Bachelor’s Directory , and is horrified to find he is far more attractive than his actions have led her to expect. However, Diana is unmoved by Max’s explanation that he authored the list to assist younger sons like himself who cannot afford to marry unless it’s to a woman of means. She gathers the ladies in the directory together to inform them of its existence, so they may circumvent fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage. Though outraged, the women decide to embrace their unique position of power and reverse the usual gender roles by making the men dance to their tune. And together… the ladies rewrite the rules. About the AuthorSuzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband. Suzanne adapted her novel Mr. Malcolm’s List into a screenplay and it was made into a movie starring Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, and Zawe Ashton. ReviewFrom the moment readers discover that author Suzanne Allain has written another sweet Regency romance, readers will be completely captivated. Throughout this period novel, readers will constantly find themselves grinning as they consume this dazzling childhood friendship turned second chance romance novel, a charming addition to Allain’s works. Period readers of Georgette Heyer and/or Jane Austen will absolutely adore this amusing, sweet, and romantic novel about a group of heiresses that decide they aren’t going to follow the norms of society by following the whims of the men in their lives and write their own rules instead. Readers will quickly fall in love with not only the female and male main characters, but also the fabulous side characters, whose subplots make this story so much more engaging and fulfilling to read. Another enchanting read from author Suzanne Allain that readers will be charmed and dazzled with and absolutely will not want to put down.
Genre: Regency, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: January 9, 2024 Number of pages: 272 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookPhaedra Brighton is on the case when an innocent murder-mystery weekend turns into the real deal, in the newest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery. Phaedra Brighton has her life all figured out--she has a profession she enjoys, a wonderful (if exasperating) cat, and a cozy carriage house on the grounds of her aunt's inn. She needs no Captain Wentworth to sweep her off her feet (though, she would not mind a Mr. Darcy). But when Aunt Wendy decides she is selling Laurel Springs Inn, Phaedra faces losing her beloved home. In a last-ditch attempt to drum up more business, Phaedra convinces Wendy to host an immersive Persuasion-themed murder-mystery weekend. It is a fool proof plan to draw attention to the establishment in the hopes of saving it. Until one of the participants winds up dead. With more suspects than she knows what to do with, Phaedra finds herself on the hunt for a killer once again. But with time running out, Phaedra quickly realizes that with this investigation, there will be no second chances. About the AuthorKatie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. ReviewA fun whodunnit mystery full of charm and humor. Once again English Professor Pheadora Brighton is swooping in to save the day. She tries to convince her aunt not to sell her inn, Laurel Springs, by hosting a murder mystery week to promote publicity. Readers will love the cozy mystery with a twist on a Jane Austen classic vibe. It’s charming and humorous. Another wonderfully written story as part of the Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery that readers will delight in and will not want to put down.
Series: Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery Genre: cozy mystery, contemporary, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: January 3, 2023 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 1-Pride, Prejudice, and Peril 3-Cyanide and Sensibility Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Pride, Prejudice, and Peril (Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery #1) by Katie Oliver -- Review
1/10/2024
About the BookLike a modern-day Agatha Christie bestowed with a hefty dollop of Jane Austen.--Laura Childs, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jane Austen meets reality TV and murder in this quirky cozy mystery--the first in a new series! Phaedra Brighton is perfectly content with her life of lecturing college students, gossiping with her best friends, and dreaming of Mr. Darcy. As a young, respected (if somewhat peculiar) English professor, her expertise lies in all things Jane Austen--but she knows that the closest she'll ever get to being a real-life Elizabeth Bennet is in her dreams. When Who Wants to Marry Mr. Darcy, a new reality TV show, starts filming at her best friend Charlene's estate, Phaedra is intrigued. And when the producer asks her to lend her Austenian knowledge as a consultant on the show, she's over the moon. But on the first day of filming, when Charlene's new husband is found electrocuted and Charlene herself is accused of the crime, Phaedra comes crashing back to reality. With murder on the syllabus and her best friend in dire straits, there's no Mr. Darcy around to help Phaedra--she'll have to get to the bottom of this mystery herself. About the AuthorKatie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. ReviewA charming cozy mystery and romance with a spin on a Jane Austen classic. A story about an English professor who dresses up in Austenesque clothing to be in character for her classes. This story has the fun backdrop of a movie set and of course romance. This is a fun and light hearted story. It has engaging and humorous relationships between characters. Oh, and this story has the absolutely best cat, Wickham, who is cleverly written into the mystery. A fantastic story that readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Series: Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery Genre: cozy mystery, contemporary, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: December 7, 2021 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 2-A Murderous Persuasion 3-Cyanide and Sensibility Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookLorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its mother's lifeless body, she can't help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and the European trappers alike. A flood of men visit their ranch to regard the marvel, some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage so she'll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry, and others trying to steal the calf outright. When the men's advances become more sinister, she approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner of the new trading post, with an idea: She and the calf will move to his post, along with her family's trusted Blackfoot friend. This will solve both their problems, bringing customers to his trade room and protecting her family from the trouble brought on by so many strangers. Yet as the danger travels with her, Lorelei and Tanner are faced with a threat greater than anything they're prepared for--one that will test the limits of both their abilities and the love growing between them. USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller delivers an exhilarating addition to the Sisters of the Rockies series fraught with peril, adventure, and romance amid the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. About the AuthorMisty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy. Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets. ReviewThe second book in the Sisters of the Rockies series, author Misty M. Beller has written another romantic wester that readers will love. Readers who love the TV series Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman are going to love this exciting story. It has the same sweet western feel, and focus on family, and of course a charming romance. Indians, trappers, and a female who loves to doctor animals. It’s also fun for readers to learn about the white calf and what white men and Indians alike would do in order to steal it. The characters in the story are likable and charming and easy to relate to. This book is for readers who want to go on an adventure in the American west.
Series: Sisters of the Rockies Genre: historical, inspirational, romance, western Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: November 21, 2023 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 1-Rocky Mountain Rendezvous Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookHaunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won't work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man. A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice. About the AuthorJody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. ReviewTalented author Jody Hedlund has written a captivating story about Irish immigrants living in the slums of St. Louis and a wealthy woman who tries to help them. This story is about attempting to sabotage a romantic relationship after being matched by a meddling matchmaker, as well as disease outbreak and elections and politics. Readers will enjoy this bold and romantic story where friendship blooms and sparks fly when least expected, in this delightful and charming novel. Talented and captivating, Hedlund writes a story that readers will be enthralled with and will adore. Another excellent tale from a wonderful master storyteller.
Series: A Shanahan Match Genre: historical, romance Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: December 1, 2023 Number of pages: 352: Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookThree little hearts have been broken. Now they must find a way to heal them… Tragedy turned Walker McCaw from bachelor cowboy to guardian of his late best friend’s three children. Now they’re living on a new horse farm—and it’s a disaster. Trisha Campbell’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Together, they’ll need to work to save the struggling farm. But it takes more than hard work to make a family. It takes courage and love… From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. GOODREADS | AMAZON About the AuthorHeidi Main writes sweet inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She lives in the central North Carolina’s suburbs, but dreams of acreage and horseback riding, which is probably why her novels include wide-open ranches and horses. Heidi worked in the computer field, then owned a Jazzercise franchise, before she began her writing career. She loves to take walks, garden, play board games, curl up with a good book, and watch HGTV. A perfect Saturday is lounging on the deck with her husband and watching the many birds in their backyard. ReviewAuthor Heidi Main has written a second story that will bring readers back to small-town Texas. This is a sweet story that is about three children who end up orphans and their uncle and his friend who try to keep the orphan’s family farm legacy alive. A charming story of faith, courage, forgiveness and family, with a sweet romance between two best friends turned to more. A quick, light, and heart-warming story that readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Love Inspired Publication date: November 28, 2023 Number of pages: 224 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the BookRoyalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance. . . . When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter--the future Queen Victoria--rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited secrets and intrigue into their home. Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she's long held dear and her budding dreams for the future. Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges. About the AuthorJulie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. ReviewStep back into another story with the Summer sisters. Klassen brings to life once again the small seaside town of Sidmouth, where the Summer sisters are renting rooms in their seaside house. And this story has the thrilling entrance of The Duke of Kent, his wife, and the future Queen Victoria, renting rooms next door, and some of the lesser servants renting rooms at their own cottage. This story is beautifully written, with rich history woven throughout, including details of the stay of The Duke of Kent and his arrival, stay, illness, and eventual death, that help bring the story to life from the pages. This story has twists and turns with secrets, past and new potential love interests, along with the cozy seaside winter setting. The characters, especially the Summer sisters, are charming and readers will enjoy getting to know them and their story throughout the book. This is another excellent story from one of the master storytellers herself. Readers will be captivated by this story through the good times and the hard and will not want the story to end. Series: On Devonshire Shore Genre: historical, Regency, romance Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: December 6, 2023 Number of pages: 448 Other books in the series: 1-The Sisters of Sea View Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Blog Tour |
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