THE MATCHMAKER'S LONELY HEART by Nancy Campbell Allen

THE MATCHMAKER'S LONELY HEART by Nancy Campbell Allen. What a fantastic roller coaster of a ride. The surly detective and the unassuming young lady who maneuvers her way into a murder investigation, only to be trapped in the middle more than she'd like. The way Amelie and detective Michael's relationship develops is fun to see, and it really is a hold onto your seats as the murderer is brought to justice.  

:) :) :) :) :)

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe - a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club. 

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband - Harold Radcliffe - of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

CHRISTMAS AT TURTLEDOVE PLACE by Jennifer Griffith

CHRISTMAS AT TURTLEDOVE PLACE by Jennifer Griffith. I was right! The minor character in the last novel became a main character in this one. I enjoyed this installment much more than the first, CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY BERRY COTTAGE. The forbidden love felt more real this time around. Sophie is such a wonderful aunt that I wished she was mine. Beau is a perfect match for her in every way. Part of me wanted to smack him for making his stupid decision earlier in life. Turtledove Place is beautiful and I felt right at home. Again, I wished it was my Christmas getaway. I highly recommend this lovely Christmas story.

:) :) :) :)

Lights on a frozen waterfall. A cozy fireplace. A nanny carrying a torch for the single-dad.

Captain Beau Cabot can’t keep a nanny. It isn’t that his kids are bad, it’s that the helpers he hires can’t seem to believe him when he says the only needs they should take care of are the children’s. Forced to fire his lustful childcare worker at the worst moment, Beau can’t leave for his weekend military assignment. His aunt suggests finding a wife, but that won’t save this moment.

With just weeks to go until Christmas, Sophie Hawkins gets some terrible news. Her sister has up and abandoned her family—to become a rock star’s groupie. Worse, Beau is rumored to have lost a few nannies. Who will care for the two cutest kids in the world this holiday? Kids whose lives have been upended?

Despite Sophie’s unwise but unstoppable lifelong crush on her ex-brother-in-law, Beau, Sophie races to Sugarplum Falls. She plans to stay just for one weekend, especially considering the still-smoldering torch she carries for Beau, who is now divorced and finally fair game. Beau knows, however, you don’t fall for the nanny. Especially when she’s your ex-sister-in-law.

Come to Sugarplum Falls for love, Christmas traditions, home, family, and hearth. Nanny romance Christmas at Turtledove Place is book 2 in the Sugarplum Falls Romance series by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. Other books in the series includeChristmas at Holly Berry Cottage, and Christmas at Angels Landing. Read all three for a sweet holiday romance treat.

CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY BERRY COTTAGE by Jennifer Griffith

CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY BERRY COTTAGE by Jennifer Griffith. What a fun Christmas romance. I had a hard time falling for Chelsea, but once I did the story flowed more smoothly for me. Wyatt was a fun character to get to know also. The forbidden romance really pulled everything together, and the unknown family animosity was the icing on the cake. This will be a delight to anyone who picks it up. And, there was a moment when I thought, "There's a story behind this other minor character." It will be fun to see if I'm correct. 

:) :) :) :

A dreaded holiday wedding, Christmas duets, and dating the off-limits crush.

Chelsea Sutherland is a wreck this Christmas. Not only is she reeling from the world’s cruelest breakup, now her ex-boyfriend is marrying her meanest cousin. At Chelsea’s childhood home. And there’s no way Chelsea can skip it. No matter how deep she buries herself into the number-crunching at work, this wedding will not go away.
Wyatt North has been handed a career-making opportunity. If he gets it right, he’ll be able to steer his banking firm toward its roots of helping the local community again. If not, he’s a blot on the family name—which he already jeopardizes by spending all his time with the Sutherland family, singing with Chelsea and her brother in Christmas Tree-O.
When Wyatt learns of Chelsea’s dreaded wedding problem, the solution is clear—take Wyatt as her significant other. Since the trio has become a duet, long-suppressed feelings between them are heating up. But a romance could endanger the friendship and their singing group’s dynamic—not to mention risk both families’ disapproval.

JOINING HEARTS FOR CHRISTMAS by Rebecca Lange

JOINING HEARTS FOR CHRISTMAS by Rebecca Lange. This was a quick Christmas novella to read. I enjoyed Lady Charlotte's character and Hendrick and their banter back and forth. It did feel like Hendrick's character was a bit more developed than Charlotte's. All the minor characters were easy to love and the situation was a perfect set up for a Christmas love story. However, I had a hard time telling who's point of view the sections were in at times. It is a delightful story for anyone who loves a good romance at Christmas time.

:) :) :) :

“I give you until the end of this month to find love and accept a proposal. If you can’t find what you are looking for, I will announce your engagement to Lord Kenworthy.”“You can’t be serious, Father! A month? How am I supposed to find love in a month? It is December already.”Lady Charlotte Woodridge always had a mind of her own. Being the daughter of a duke comes with obligations and expectations, something she disapproves of wholeheartedly. She strongly detests how society works and that she is supposed to treat people differently because of their rank and standing. When a man over twenty years her senior asks for her hand in marriage and her father agrees to it, she fights back with all the stubbornness she can summon. She wants to marry for love, not because she is told to marry. When her father agrees to a compromise, it leaves her upset. Lady Charlotte has one month to find her true love and receive and accept a proposal. Was that even possible?

BILLIONAIRE'S BET by Adelia Burke

BILLIONAIRE'S BET by Adelia Burke.

This cute romance is a fun read. I loved Ben's and Delany's characters. They're give and take work really well together. The bet is fantastic. The details didn't feel realistic to me, but it worked in the end. There were a couple of things I didn't feel were realistic, but overall it was a very cute, clean romance novel that anyone would love.

:) :) :) :

Being average is terrifying, but billionaire Ben Stansfield loves a
challenge. After concocting an elaborate bet with his friends, Ben travels to Las Vegas to see who can live as a member of the working class the longest.
Not only do the friends learn about the hardships of being a middle-class American, they also find love in unexpected places.
This funny, clean romance is full of twists and turns. It will leave you wanting an "average" billionaire of your own.

THE GENTLEMAN AND THE THIEF by Sarah M Eden

THE GENTLEMAN AND THE THIEF by Sarah M Eden. This is a continuation of the penny folds from the story THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN that I so loved (review here). I absolutely love stories that weave together. I really enjoyed the penny fold stories in the addition. So it's really three stories in one. Hollis and Ana are perfect for each other. It shows that not everyone is as they seem, and to not judge a person by who they appear to be. There are many reasons people behave and do what they do and if we make quick judgements, often we are wrong and miss out on the potential of wonderful relationships with others. I really enjoyed seeing Ana come out of the shadows throughout the story. I loved how Hollis found his footing as well. I would highly recommend this story to one and all.

:) :) :) :) :)

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 that 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?

#bookadayaz

 So I'm learning in this new adventure and will continue to try to figure out what works best. Getting on my blog every day was harder than I thought with my littles pulling me away, thinking I'm playing on my phone/computer and wanting to play too, and me falling asleep when I sit down. So, I will try every few days to post more about the books I post on Instagram. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

This book was written by a really good friend of mine who is Christlike inside and out. I can't wait to read this one.

No books, blogs, or studies can prepare you for the complexities of womanhood. The joys and challenges that come with being a woman can often feel like a roller coaster of highs and lows, especially when sweet moments are tempered by feelings of inadequacy. If your journey through life too often feels like an unforgiving magnification of your weaknesses and shortcomings or you find yourself feeling alone, it is time to turn to the healing balm of the Savior's love.

In this mix of memoir, insights, and inspiration, Leaning on Jesus takes readers through the ups and downs of womanhood, gives practical tools for a better life, and highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with the Savior to find power, purpose, and peace. You'll laugh and cry in equal measure as author Michelle Wilson describes her own experiences, delving into the common fears women of all ages and stages face and exploring each topic from motherhood to menopause with humor and heart. Find strength in this sweet reminder of your invaluable role as a woman, and catch a glimpse of your true magnificence in the Lord's eyes.

My kids love this book. They love the interaction and it's just an adorable picture book. If you haven't read it, take the time. You'll be hooked on Tom Fletcher.

OH LOOK! The cutest baby dragon has hatched inside your book! Get ready for another lively, interactive read-aloud in the There's a... In Your Book series! Now available in a sturdy board book edition!

First, you'll see there's an egg in your book. Then, a darling little dragon hatches from it! But whatever you do, don't tickle its nose, because you don't want it to sneeze. ACHOO! UH-OH!

Very sweet, very uplighting, very cute read. It makes your heart feel good that there are good people out there. Highly recommend this one.

Captain Robert Wilkins has never aspired to grandeur. So when the returned war hero unexpectedly inherits the vast estate of Cattersley from his great-aunt, he feels woefully inadequate in his new role. Out of place in his lavish surroundings, his first glimmer of hope comes when he happens upon a lovely trespasser in his gardens.

Words have never come easily for Abigail Rutherford, and she prefers the solitude of exploring the gardens at the neighboring country estate to engaging in uncomfortable conversation. But when she unexpectedly encounters Captain Robert Wilkins in her place of solace, she is surprised at the immediate ease she feels in his presence. Soon her brightest moments are those spent with the captain. But even as their friendship grows into something more, outside forces have other plans for the two. Mr. Mead, the handsome vicar, has also taken a liking to the quiet and timid Abigail and he will stop at nothing to ensure she becomes his wife.

#bookadayaz

 

This was a fun read, but it began to feel like I had already read something similar to it. It's a clean read with adventure, mystery, and romance. 

Andalin is accustomed to her father's frequent travels—and to being left behind. So when he returns home and instructs her to pack her belongings, she is bewildered—but there is no time for questions as she is whisked away on a mysterious journey under the cover of night. When their tense flight leads them into the forbidding Black Forest, the pair quickly finds themselves in great peril. With little hope of escape, father and daughter are spared when rescue appears in the form of the mysterious Dark Rider, a notorious deadly highwayman feared by all he meets. But his assistance does not come without a price: he is taking Andalin with him. Now her fate rests in the hands of the enigmatic masked man whose secrets are inescapably tied to the beautiful young woman now in his charge.

BRASS CARRIAGES AND GLASS HEARTS by Nancy Campbell Allen

BRASS CARRIAGES AND GLASS HEARTS by Nancy Campbell Allen. What a fun addition to the Proper Romance Series, and to the other Steampunk fairy tale retells Allen has already done. I will admitt I had to really think toward the end of how this story was based on Cinderella, but once I figured it out, it was truly well done. I loved Emme and Oliver. They were the perfect nemeses. I loved seeing characters from previous novels. I really loved everything about this story. The crazy situations. How things worked out in the end. It was a well done story that anyone who loves romance mixed with thrills, suspense, and adventure will love. I highly recommend it.

:) :) :) :) :)

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea has been an outspoken advocate for the shapeshifter community, which has come under unjust attack from a political body known as the PSRC (Predatory Shifter Regulations Committee), and her robust efforts have landed her a prestigious position as the spokesperson for the International Shifter Rights Organization. She has been selected to give the final address in Scotland before they vote on legislation that will grant protective rights to the shifter community. Because she is fundamentally changing the laws, she is also receiving death threats.

Oliver Reed is a by-the-book detective-inspector who has dealt with Emme’s borderline-illegal activism in the past, and there is little love lost between the two. When his superior tasks Oliver with guarding Emme around the clock to keep her safe until the summit is over, he is frustrated. He has several open cases requiring his attention, and his spare time is occupied with chasing down leads about the whereabouts of his brother, Vincent, a rogue vampire bent on causing trouble in Scotland.

When their airship is hijacked, Emme and Oliver are forced to parachute away before they exit British soil. They take refuge in Emme’s family’s hunting lodge where Oliver is introduced to her abusive stepsisters.

Together the pair must make their way to Edinburgh so as not to miss the summit meeting where Emme will be key in helping to pass legislation that will disband the corrupt PSRC. But between her vindictive sisters and Oliver’s rogue vampire brother, they face danger at every turn, not to mention dealing with their growing attraction for each other.

When Emme is kidnapped – leaving behind only one shoe as evidence – Oliver must find her before it’s too late – and the summit ends at midnight.

ROBIN AND MARIAN by Stephanie Fowers

ROBIN AND MARIAN by Stephanie Fowers. This was a Whitney Award Finalist in 2019. I was excited for this story. Robin Hood is a favorite of mine. It was interesting how literal she was able to make the story. The little town was cute and the characters were fun. The romance between Robin and Marian was intriguing. I found that I had a hard time believing some of the things in the story. Of course prison sentences for different crimes are not my strong suit, but for me it was a bit on the unbelievable side. I would recommend the story for those who love a play on Robin Hood and good story with lots of twists.

:) :) :) :

Who says Chivalry is dead?

Robin King lives up to the legendary name of Robin Hood more than he should—a bigshot billionaire and successor of King enterprises, a Prince of Mischief and a rogue who steals hearts ... and maybe even a few kisses. He never thought he’d follow the storyline so closely, until the day he gets in trouble with the law and pays the price—all for protecting his younger sister Scarlett.

Taken in by an Outlaw

Marian is a hard-hitting reporter … or would be if the New England Chronicle would stop assigning her puff pieces. Now she has the chance to prove herself, but it could prove her undoing—since the story of a lifetime might just be Robin King, a ruthless scoundrel, who she swore would never break her heart again.

Making New England Olde again

Together, they must overcome their differences to save their hometown from thieves and corruption. And they’d better do it before someone gets killed. As danger lurks closer, legend becomes life, and Robin’s feelings for Marian deepen as he struggles with sharing the secrets that could clear his name and ruin his sister.

FINDING JACK by Melanie Jacobson

FINDING JACK by Melanie Jacobson. This 2019 Whitney Award winning book was such a wonderful read. It deserved the award, hands down. I loved Emily and Jack. I loved the way their relationship began, as I think many relationship begin these days. I loved the give and the take, and the lessons learned on both sides. Life is hard for everyone, and until we take the time to try to understand, we may be speaking out of line. I highly recommend this book to any and every romantic out there. Take a look and let me know what you think.

:) :) :) :) :)

When smart, practical Emily finds herself in the crosshairs of an Internet prankster, her orderly world goes topsy-turvy. Instead of getting mad at the handsome stranger behind the joke, she finds herself drawn to him. But Jack Dobson, though hilarious and thoughtful, has a lot of secrets. Despite her growing feelings for her new and unexpected long-distance friend, his biggest secret of all might be the one that breaks the spell they've been weaving around each other.

HIS LADY IN HIDING by Jen Geigle Johnson

HIS LADY IN HIDING by Jen Geigle Johnson. What a fascinating read. It is set in the time after the Civil War and very clearly showed the struggle not only for freed slaves but for the Americans with the title English migrating to the United States. It was fascinating to me to see those differences and remember that racial and class struggles have been around for a really long time. I loved Lady Elizabeth and how she grew as a person and how Lord Barton complimented that growth in every way. I love seeing characters grow for the better and overcome obstacles. And, of course, the romantic aspect fit very nicely into the story. I would highly recommend it to any and everyone.

:) :) :) :) :)

Lady Elizabeth Davenport is desperate. Her hand in marriage has been offered to the highest bidder, a distressing proposition in and of itself but made all the more repulsive when she meets her father's first choice for her hand: Lord Pinweather. When her parents refuse to hear her pleas Liz is forced to take drastic measures—she will impersonate her maid and begin anew in America on her own terms.

Once Liz is on board the ship to America, another passenger, Lord Barton, almost immediately discovers her true status as a noble. After listening to Liz's highly modified version of her life and her plans to begin again, Barton has compassion on her and teaches her how to abandon her noble mannerisms. Upon Disembarking, however, Barton's generous spirit quickly dampens when he discovers Liz has indeed found work—as his own head housekeeper. Suddenly, the tender feelings they hid from each other on the ship are inescapable, but their difference in station makes romance impossible. As misunderstandings abound and a shocking character from Liz's past looms, she knows she can't hide her true identity forever. But as her deception begins to unravel, will her charade cost her the man she loves?

A GUARDED LOVE by Adelia Burke, Blog Tour

A GUARDED LOVE by Adelia Burke. It's been awhile since I've joined a blog tour, and this book sounded interesting. I will admit that I had a harder time getting into it than I expected. Once I did, it was a pretty good read. I did find it difficult to feel as worried about one of the characters as I think was expected. It made some of the tension a little unbelievable for me until the stakes were raised. Then the tension and fear made sense. It was a clean read that most people would enjoy. Let me know what your opinion is though. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

:) :) :)

An unsuspecting college student is inadvertently thrust into the paparazzi spotlight when a country music star mingles at a local karaoke club. After an unexpected photo surfaces online, the power of clickbait media sends two people from different worlds on a collision course with destiny.

A break from touring proves to be anything but relaxing, as Landon Ross navigates a whirlwind of tabloid manipulation, crazed fans and heightened security protocol. Each detail of his life is carefully structured and scheduled. But the unexpected arrival of a talented local music major makes him re-evaluate everything.

Be sure to check out the other blogs on this book tour, leave comments, and visit Adelia's FB page to add more chances to win the fabulous prizes in a Rafflecopter giveaway.

Blog Tour:

June 1

www.crossroadreviews.com

June 2

http://www.communitybookstop.blogspot.com

June 3

http://www.confessionsofbethany.com/

June 4

www.BiblioLeviosa.home.blog

June 5

www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com

June 6

http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

June 7

www.cedarforthauthors.blogspot.com

June 8

www.mybookaday.blogspot.com  

June 9

www.baronessbooktrove.com

June 10

www.MovieReviewMom.com

June 11

www.kameomonson.comb/blog

June 12

https://luwromance.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR3NAXiYs-2NILrwQJFQiXbk1_leCMkf9qJnYC-IaDCtEFNDpqHZHBRXjzA

June 13

https://www.instagram.com/book.amour/

June 14

www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com

ROYAL HEIR by Traci Hunter Abramson

KIT AND ELIZABETH, REALITY CHECK, UNEXPECTED by Karen Tuft

So I've decided that on the authors I've ready multiple books from, I will do them all in one post when possible. This post is all about Karen Tuft. Enjoy!

KIT AND ELIZABETH

This was a good read that felt extremely familiar, although I can't figure out why yet. Some of the scenes were familiar enough that I thought I'd already read the book but didn't remember I had. Turns out I haven't so I'm still trying to figure it out. It was the same with some of the minor characters. I felt like I already knew them. And maybe I do, I'm just not remembering where. However, I had a hard time with Elizabeth at first. It wasn't until I realized that her childhood was extremely traumatic that I began to empathize with her. Kit was fun from the beginning, and in the end it turned out well. It is a clean read that any romantic at heart would love.

:) :) :) :)

Lady Elizabeth Spaulding's world has fallen apart. Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth's second failed betrothal, her father's debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth's fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can't refuse.

Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady's companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth? Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit's enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

REALITY CHECK

I really enjoyed this story. It was fun to read a little behind the scenes on some of the bachelor type shows. It was fun to see the development of relationships in an unconventional way. It was fun to see how Lucy and Ethan changed. I loved traveling to the different places with the characters and getting to feel their excitement. I would highly recommend this read to any and everyone.

:) :) :) :) :)

After college graduation, Lucy Kendrick heads home with big plans for work, travel, and relishing her freedom—which means no romantic entanglements. But her two best friends have other ideas. Lucy is seriously steamed when she realizes they’ve signed her up to be a contestant on the reality dating show Soulmates, but she decides not to renege and soon finds herself in Los Angeles—a small-town Mormon girl vying for the love of millionaire bachelor Ethan Glass. At first this cute, smart, fun young woman, who would rather pray than party, bewilders Ethan. But his interest and admiration grow with every encounter. However, the conniving associate producer is determined to stir up some made-for-TV drama and takes strides to make this reality television show anything but real. When the show finally airs, Lucy has been recast as someone she unquestionably is not. Lucy is left humiliated in front of the world, and Ethan is left wondering who the Lucy is that he was falling in love with. Will the duplicities that have created this humiliation ever come to light? And will the truth emerge too late for the would-be soulmates?

UNEXPECTED

This book was a cute read, but not my favorite. Maybe it seemed a little to forced? I'm not sure. As this is Karen's first book, I can definitely see the growth in her as an author when reading several back to back. It is a good, clean read that would resinate with many. I would recommend it to anyone. It just wasn't for me.

:) :) :)

Eleven years ago, Ross McConnell was devastated by the betrayal of the woman of his dreams. Time does not heal all wounds, and after more than a decade, Ross is no closer to finding love. When his well-meaning family attempts to play matchmaker, he concedes by creating a list detailing his perfect mate: A member of the Church. Beauty-queen looks. College educated. Never married. Perhaps he’ll give love another try, if such perfection exists . . .

Natalie Forrester is no stranger to heartache. After two failed marriages, the beautiful single mother of three is determined to make it on her own. Without a college degree, she starts at the bottom: working as a housekeeper may not be glamorous, but it’s her first exhilarating step toward independence. And Natalie’s most recent cleaning job is ideal—the guy is always out of town, and the pay will go a long way toward supporting her missionary son. Maybe luck is finally on her side.

And then Ross and Natalie meet . . . and meet again. And following a series of awkward encounters, Ross is shocked by his growing attraction for this woman. Natalie couldn’t be farther from his ideal woman, and she is firm in her determination to keep her heart closed to love. But as their tenuous friendship develops and deepens, will the unlikely pair have the courage to set aside the disappointments of the past to catch hold of a bright new future?

RAKES AND ROSES by Josi S Kilpack

RAKES AND ROSES by Josi S Kilpack. It is so fun to have a series with characters that overlap. This next installment of the Mayfield family goes right along with that. Harry is a fantastic character. We don't get to see the rakes of the regency era very often if at all. I enjoyed seeing that side as well as the more prim and proper side in Lady Sabrina. Lord Damion is another wonderful addition to the cast that shows once again, another side of the era. People going around doing good, trying to help those who have basically destroyed their lives. And people wanting and being willing to change. This is truly a story of change, and not just to impress the girl. A change from the inside out. It shows that though it may be difficult, it is worth it. I would highly recommend this story to anyone.

:) :) :) :) :)

Harry Stillman cares nothing for his future and spends his time at gaming tables, horse races, and in the company of whatever beautiful woman has caught his eye that week. He has little use for society or his uncle’s approval—until his debts begin exceeding his profits. When Uncle Elliott refuses to pay off the debt, and instead offers him a large, monetary wedding gift if Harry were to marry a woman of his uncle’s approval, Harry is offended, angry, and … scared. His dire straits drives him to seek out the infamous Lord Damion—a moneylender who extolls a heavy price for his assistance.

Lord Damion, however, is not a lord at all, or even a man. When Lady Sabrina’s cheating husband leaves her, then ends up dying in a carriage accident, she creates a plan to ensure her future security through the secret persona of Lord Damion, and she is quickly becoming the richest woman in England.

When Harry presents his case to Lord Damion—hidden behind a partition and communicating through notes, not speech—she finds him ridiculous but somewhat endearing and agrees to consider his situation. However, when she finds Harry unconscious in the gutter later that day, his leg badly broken and his face barely recognizable from the beating that’s left him on the edge of death, she transports him to a house she keeps in Wimbledon.

When Harry wakes, he is surprised to find himself in widow Sabrina’s house. Through the weeks of recovery, Harry is humbled by Sabrina’s selfless care, and reveals details of his character he has not shown to anyone. For her part, Sabrina finds herself more and more drawn to him, impressed by his determination to gain his strength and change his ways. Secretly, Sabrina pays off his debts to preserve him from further harm and tries not to let her heart become entangled. To love a man like this, again, would be her ruin.

Knee-deep in secrets, both Harry and Sabrina must decide what true love means to them, and how to navigate the pitfalls of high English society. In the end, they must both decide which is more important: wealth or true love.

LAKESHIRE PARK by Megan Walker

LAKESHIRE PARK by Megan Walker. I enjoyed this story. It showed a different side of the regency era and how if you didn't have an inheritance or a relative willing to support you, there was not much that could be done. I really felt Amelia's drive to make sure her sister was taken care of. I felt the urgency and frustration when Mr. Wood got in the way. I felt how Amelia could tell she had no choice but to play by his rules in order to take care of her sister. I also felt her heart softening. Once everything is taken, I can imagine how hard it would be to give up the only thing she had left to claim. It was satisfying, if that's a good way to describe it, to what things unfold. It showed a true journey of the heart, including the heartbreak along the way. I would recommend this book to anyone.

:) :) :) :)

Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore is worried about her and her sister's future. With their stepfather's looming death, she knows they'll soon be on their own—without an inheritance, home, or penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia is eager to encourage a match between her sister, Clara, and Sir Ronald. At least then, she'll know her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his sister. Starting with a quarrel over a glove, Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry—one that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim—her heart.

PROMISED by Leah Garriot

PROMISED by Leah Garriot. This was a good, clean read. I smiled as Lord Williams so obnoxiously pushes his way into Margaret's life, and tries so hard yet hard enough to roll your eyes. He reminds me of some people I know who are the best of men but may not go about it in a subtle way, just as Lord Williams turns out to be. I think will be a book where everyone will enjoy rolling their eyes and loving the process of Margaret unfolding her heart. I would recommend it to anyone.

:) :) :) :) 

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Deceived by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.

There's only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won't leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret's chances for making a good match. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage—to Lord Williams.

Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she'd hoped to marry before she'd learned how much love hurt. Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

GLASS SLIPPERS, EVER AFTER AND ME by Julie Wright

GLASS SLIPPERS, EVER AFTER AND ME by Julie Wright. This book . . . this book was so fun to read. It really takes you on a roller coaster of ride through an author's dream of what could happen beyond rejection. Of course there's a twist or a catch to that seven digit number. How Anders works into Charlotte's story and how Charlotte learns to love herself and to recognize what type of change is good for her is fantastic. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, not only for the fantastic love story, but for the underlying life lessons one can take away from this. This is definitely a must read.

:) :) :) :) :)

A modern, reimagined Cinderella story.

When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.