About the Book An entertaining Harlequin Historical debut Will this disheveled runaway… Become the diamond of the Season? When the Marquess of Cheswick—Wick—takes in a mysterious woman, he’s shocked to discover she is Lady Louisa, an heiress who’s escaped her cruel aunt! Grieving the loss of two siblings, Wick avoids opening his heart to anyone else and stays away from the marriage mart. But when Louisa needs a husband in order to claim her inheritance, Wick’s determined to help—even if it means stepping back into his worst nightmare: the Season! From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. ExcerptHe had touched her! Gloved… But still, he had touched her. ‘Never,’ she whispered. He stepped back and bowed to her again. Without thinking, Louisa curtsied in return. Wick took her hand and pressed a soft kiss to the back of her glove. She could have happily died on the spot. ‘Perfect,’ he said. ‘All you needed was a little distraction to settle your nerves. Now you’ll be the most elegant lady at all the ton parties.’ Her chest swelled with pride. She had done it. The gawky girl without a proper governess had managed a curtsy worthy of a lady. If only Aunt Rockingham could see her now. But she would still probably find something about Louisa to criticise. Glancing over her shoulder, she asked, ‘Should we join your sisters at cards?’ ‘Oh, please, no. They are not currently arguing, and I would hate to interrupt a perfectly harmonious game.’ Louisa couldn’t help but giggle. She was relieved that he wanted to stay with her. She doubted that she would ever tire of his conversation or company. Wick gestured with his hand to the sofa nearest the fire. ‘Shall we sit? We can talk…or I can fetch a couple of books.’ ‘I should l-like to talk,’ she managed to say, before sitting down. She knew it was foolish, but she wanted to get to know him better. He sat down beside her, not quite touching her leg, but close enough for her to enjoy his masculine scent again. Louisa’s breathing was irregular and her face felt hot again. She needed to focus on something else—anything else but him. Leaning down, she pulled the needle out of the inside of her hem. ‘Would you mind if I finished embroidering these handkerchiefs while we converse?’ ‘Not at all,’ he said, grinning at her. ‘Do you always keep a needle in the hem of your gown?’ Louisa threaded the needle and pulled the first stitch through. The steady tension of the thread helped calm her racing pulse, but her hands were still shaking from his nearness. ‘I was always mending at Greystone Hall…it seemed wise to have my favourite needle handy.’ ‘To make a plain cloth beautiful or to mend something that is torn is truly a wonderful gift. Few people have the ability to repair what is wrong in the world.’ She kept her head lowered, unable to look him in the face. ‘You give my skill too much credit.’ ‘Or perhaps you give yourself too little,’ he said, bumping his knee with hers. It felt warm and hard. She wished he would rest his knee against hers. ‘Besides, we are all more than the measure of our talents. How we treat others… Who we are kind to… How we fulfil our responsibilities to those who depend upon us… My parents taught me that those are truly the things that must be measured.’ ‘You are clearly not a seamstress,’ Louisa said, glancing up at him with a half-smile. ‘For everything must be measured precisely if a garment is to fit properly.’ Wick laughed. It was a deep but soft sound. It made her heartbeat quicken and the blood pump through her body. She wished again for the impossible… Focusing on her sewing, Louisa pulled another stitch through. ‘But I believe you are right,’ she said. ‘What is truly important about a person’s soul cannot be measured… But I have never heard of a gentleman being introduced with a list of his accomplishments. Only ladies.’ Interlocking his fingers, he stretched out his arms. ‘It’s because our accomplishments aren’t quite as impressive or presentable as those of the fairer sex.’ Louisa toyed with her needle between two fingers. ‘Nonsense. I daresay that your talents could take up a whole page.’ ‘At least my good intentions.’ Louisa chuckled, and he grinned back at her. His face was close enough that if she leaned forward a little her lips would brush his. Blushing, she realised that she wasn’t the only one looking at lips. Wick’s eyes were lowered and he was gazing at her mouth as if there was nothing else in the room. How badly she wanted him to kiss her! It would be even more wonderful in reality than it was in her dreams. But he could hardly do so with his three little sisters and Mrs May in the room. Even though the girls were now yelling at each other on the other side. Their harmonious card game had not lasted long. Shakily, she got to her feet, clutching her embroidery. ‘I think I shall retire to bed. It has been a long day and I know we make an early start in the morning.’ Wick stood up and bowed to her. ‘Of course. Sleep well.’ Louisa took only one step away from him, but it already felt too far. She bade goodnight to Mrs May and the Stringham sisters and made her way up the candlelit staircase to her room. Alone. It reminded her that she wasn’t truly a part of their family. She was only a temporary guest. About the Author Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She's the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. She also writes cozy murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen. ReviewReaders will enjoy this sweet Regency Romance with an underlying Cinderella theme. Author Samantha Hastings has created characters that readers will enjoy getting to know and come to adore. The story is about family relationships, new friendships, coming to know oneself, and romance. Readers will enjoy the main character, Louisa, as she strives to find ways to better her circumstances in life and isn’t afraid to work hard for it. And of course there is the Marquess of Cheswick and his sisters who are kind to Louisa and befriend her. A charming story that readers will consume in one sitting! Genre: historical, Regency, romance Publisher: Harlequin Historical Publication date: February 21, 23 Number of pages: 282 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. Tour Schedule GiveawayAnswer the following question in the comments to be entered in the giveaway:
Have you read any of Samantha Hastings other novels? If so, which one and do you have a favorite? And if not, which one are you most interested in reading? Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM MST on March 3 , 2023. Winner will be notified within 1 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. About the Book In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own. Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive? As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today. Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale. About the Author Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com ReviewReaders of Roseanna M. White’s previous stories will instantly be fans of her WWI and WWII dual timeline story Yesterday’s Tides. This wonderful story is beautifully woven together and is filled with plenty of mystery, danger, intrigue, various family relationships, and of course romance to keep readers coming back for more. This has new characters, but also has familiar characters from previous written series, including Culper Ring, Ladies of the Manor, Shadows Over Engalnd, Codebreakers, and The Secrets of the Isles. Readers will enjoy that although a duel timeline, because they are historically so close, they tie together in the end nicely. All the characters in this story were relatable, making it so that readers more thoroughly enjoyed it. This story is beautiful inside and out, readers will not want to miss it.
Genre: historical, romance, WWI, WWII, dual timeline Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: January 24, 2023 Number of pages: 432 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 Book If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it's that I’ll do anything to prevent some suit from walking onto my family farm and buying it from us. Hayes may think he can show up at our home, fling a contract in my face, and I’ll drop to my knees and thank him for saving the day, but he’s got it all wrong. Even if it means Hayes has to spend more time on the farm, sleeping in the bedroom next to me, and almost getting a limb cut off. When I learn that Hayes needs his job to care for his nephew, I see a different side to the grumpy businessman and understand his motives. He may be the enemy, but soon I can’t deny the chemistry that sizzles between us. But his boss gives him an ultimatum to finalize the sale or get fired, and I make the greatest sacrifice of my life and sign the contract so he can raise his nephew right. Even if it means losing the man I love. Meet Hate is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com with crackling chemistry full of laughs and heart set on a dairy farm. All the tension without the explicit bits. It's the third book in the Meet Cute Series, but it can be read as a standalone. About the Author Abi Sabina writes sweet romance full of swoon, sass, and humor. She traded in the big city life for small town living when she moved to Spain. She hasn’t wrangled herself a country boy yet, but she writes books based on charming heroes and small town charm. (And maybe throw in the city setting every so often.) She loves coffee, country music, and the mountains. Her goal is to write stories that make you feel, smile, and cheer on love. ReviewA charming and funny small-town enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of farm puns. This hilarious story is the struggle of a young women, Ellie, losing her family dairy farm and a man, Hayes, who is there to see if his client wants to purchase the farm. Its about how from the moment they meet Ellie has it out for Hayes. And they want to hate each other. But at the same time sparks fly. This story will have readers cracking up as they turn the pages. A sweet Hallmark-style romcom that is the perfect story to lighten any reader's day!
Series: Meet Cute Genre: Romantic Comedy Publisher: Indie Publication date: January 19, 2023 Number of pages: 269 Other books in the series: 1-Meet Again 2-Meet Fake 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. To Kiss a Wallflower (Timeless Regency Collection #19) by Johnson, Moore, & Walker -- Audio Review
2/16/2023
About the Book Eventually, all wallflowers will have their chance at love . . . This is where it begins. The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson Lottie Hughes likes people, as long as they aren't too close. Does it bother her that no one asks her to dance? Yes, but she's not sure how to drum up dance partners when she has almost no dowry, no title, and freezes up when anyone tries to talk to her. When she suddenly inherits a huge amount and is the new center of attention all over London, her secret dreams might come true but also her worst nightmares. Suddenly everyone wants to talk to her. Men ask her to dance. And she is inundated with interested suitors. She fights to stay close to the few friends she knows are true. One man saw her before her life changed forever. But does she want to accept his help when he, too, might be insincere? Letters to a Wallflower by Heather B. Moore Ellen might be beautiful and considered a diamond of the first water by Society, but she is so very tired of the pressure to marry a titled gentleman so that her beauty won’t go to waste. When her cousin Dinah dares Ellen to attend a ball with no frills and to stand with the wallflowers, Ellen takes on the dare. What’s in the wager for her? The prize cuttings of her aunt’s extraordinary roses. But what Ellen isn’t expecting is Lord Ravenshire to engage her in the most interesting conversation. When she confesses to him of her opposition in marrying for a title, he confesses his distaste of the London scene. They strike a bargain together, one which will either push them apart or lead to a future sweeter than either of them could have imagined. To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker Charlotte Winters is destined to spinsterhood until she turns down an unwanted proposal and everything changes. With gossip rampant, her father attempts to salvage her reputation by betrothing her to another. Soon she is sent off to her aunt’s to meet Lord Templeton, her intended. Anxiety-ridden, Charlotte begs her aunt to let her observe Lord Templeton from afar before their introduction. She never planned to pretend to be her fictional cousin to learn more about him, or to fall in love with Lord Templeton’s friend in the process. Lord Templeton dreads returning to the empty halls of Newcliff Manor. When his father’s old friend, Mr. Winters reaches out for assistance, Lord Templeton finds himself returning home engaged to a woman he has never met. Desperate to learn more about Miss Winters, he befriends her cousin. He wouldn’t have spoken to her, or lied about his identity, if he’d known the quiet woman would sneak into his heart. About the Authors
ReviewThe Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson
A cute story about Lottie, wallflower that comes into some money when she inherits a dowry. Readers will easily connect with this introvert and love the story as Lottie is suddenly inundated with dance partners and suitors and has to weave her way through and determine which one is really a true friend. This is a short story readers will adore. Letters to a Wallflower by Heather B. Moore A funny story about Ellen who accepts a dare from her cousin to stand as a wallflower at a dance. But then is sought after by Lord Ravenshire who is doing his best to dance with every wallflower at the dance that night. A beautiful friendship and love story that readers will thoroughly enjoy. To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker A charming story about a young woman, Charlotte, who pretends to be an imaginary cousin in order to better get to know a man, Lord Templeton who will supposedly become her betrothed and salvage her reputation. Readers will adore this heart-warming story as they get to know the characters and their stories and why they behave as they do. The Collection as a Whole and the Narrator Readers will adore the stories in this delightful collection with all stories relating to a wallflower. Each author has a unique voice and beautiful storytelling that helps bring their tales to life. Sweet and clean romance that readers will not want to miss out on. And the narrator Shane East is so much fun to listen to, weaving the stories to life right off the pages. Series:Timeless Regency Collection Genre: historical, regency, romance Publisher: Mirror Press Publication date: June 2, 2022 Number of pages: 324 Audio length: 8hr 31min Audio narrator: Shane East Other books in the series: 1-Autumn Masquerade 2-A Midwinter Ball 3-Spring in Hyde Park 4-Summer House Party 5-A Country Christmas 6-A Season in London 7-A Holiday in Bath 8-Falling for a Duke 9-A Night in Grosvenor Square 10-Road to Gretna Green 11-Wedding Wagers 12-An Evening at Almack’s 13-A Week in Brighton 14-To Love a Governess 15-Widows of Somerset 16-A Christmas Promise 17-A Seaside Summer 18-The Inns of Devonshire 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 Book I’m in a jam. Or should I say stuck in shortbread dough?I inherited my beloved grandpa’s bakeshop and have his golden baking fingers, but now the shop’s finances are dwindling. Without some dough, a plan, and a booth in this year’s Christmas Festival, my family’s cherished shop won’t make it. Cue Jesse—handsome business coach extraordinaire. He knows his stuff, but he’s so grumpy he makes Scrooge look like a Christmas angel. He tells me I’m impulsive and lack focus. I tell him I’m just passionate about the bakeshop. But while Jesse pushes me, I see glimpses of his kindness, and I melt like butter. My heart would break if I lost grandpa’s legacy by falling for my business coach. It’s time for me to step up and save the bakeshop I love so much. But how long can I stay away from Jesse and his surprisingly gooey center? Read this grumpy/sunshine, sweet Christmas RomCom today! About the Author Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said. Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis. Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here! Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love. Join Deb's newsletter to get the book, Love in Reality, part of the Silver Plum series, totally FREE! ReviewThis is such a sweet story that involves saving a small bakery. This story is about a woman who is trying to find a way to save her bakery and a man that has the skills to help her, but he’s got a grumpy attitude about it. This charming romcom and grumpy to sunshine story will warm the heart of readers while also causing them to be hungry for all the holiday shortbread cookies. A perfect reading addition to any holiday TBR pile.
Series:Christmas Bakeshop Genre: contemporary, romcom, grumpy-sunshine Publisher: Indie Publication date: December 21, 2022 Number of pages: 214 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 Book In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known. No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible. Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies. About the Author Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories 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. When not at home in Kentucky, 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, & Polish. Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net *Subscribe to Laura's seasonal newsletter and receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! ReviewA beautiful and eloquently written slow burn romance that takes place in the Scottish lowlands, author Laura Frantz has written an intriguing and historically detailed story that readers will be drawn to and fall in love with. Magnificently detailed historical elements and wonderful characters bring this wonderful story to life. Frantz bewitches readers with her exquisite writing style and excellent pacing, pulling readers along for a fantastic adventure. This is a story that readers will fall into and not want to come out of.
Genre: historical, romance Publisher: Revell Publication date: January 1, 2023 Number of pages: 416 Other books in the series: 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 Book Can a lady wager on love? The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks Lieutenant Derrick Owens has always been on his own and wants to keep it that way, but when he saves a shipmate’s sister from a horrible dance partner, Corah Bradford’s sweet temperament and friendly nature make her hard to resist. Unable to find a suitable husband in Bristol who she can also love, Corah is entangled in a wager to secure Derrick’s company for an evening. Despite their reluctance to let go of their convictions, their easy friendship turns to something more. But with war on the horizon and Corah bound for the marriage mart in London, they both must discover what’s truly important—love or their previous expectations. Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack Over the years, Colletta Markshire has been the driving force in helping young women make their match during the Season in London. Rachel is her lucky thirteen and Etta has every expectation that she will be a triumph ... except that things are not going to plan. Rachel has not taken to London and is determined to grow an acquaintance with a young man not at all the thing. The young man's father, Wynn Firth, is nearly as distracting as Etta's worries, and in every way she felt sure she would never feel distracted again. When Rachel disappears, Etta has little doubt what’s happened and she and Wynn set out together to find the young couple before word gets out. Hours in a carriage with a handsome man can be even more distracting, however, and Etta finds herself entertaining ideas she never thought to have. Etta gave up on love years ago ... and yet, as Women of a Certain age can attest, it is never too late to change one’s mind and change one’s future. A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden Drowning in debt, Julian, Lord Wesley spends an evening of shared misery with his closest friend at their club and makes a startling discovery: someone has placed a wager that Lady Charlotte Duchamps will not marry before her 21st birthday, with Julian himself receiving £1000 if she does not. Lady Charlotte suddenly finds herself the subject of a great deal of attention from Lord Wesley, a vague acquaintance with a questionable reputation. With Julian and Charlotte both attempting to solve mysteries and wreak chaos, betting on the possibility of love might just prove the most risky wager of all. GOODREADS | AMAZON About the AuthorsReviewThe Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawkes
Such a charming story about a wager meant for one night, but ends up leading to a reluctant friendship and romance. A second chance love story that readers will thoroughly enjoy. Women of Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack A sweet story about an “old maid” and how she doesn’t want to be part of the society’s norms and stay an old maid. She still wants to find true love and sets out to do so. Such a cute matchmaking romance! A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden Such a sweet story about an unexpected wager about a young man who will get paid a large sum if he ensures that a young lady does not marry by her 21st birthday. It’s about an unexpected friendship and love story amidst mysteries and chaos. Readers will adore this short story. The Collection as a Whole & the Narrator The collection as a whole is so much fun. Each story relates to the title, which is A Lady’s Wager, in that each story includes a wager that is placed for one reason or another. Each author has a unique voice and engaging storytelling skills. And the narrator, Kim Bretton, does an excellent job with the voices of the characters and bringing these sweet Georgian romance stories to life. A fantastic collection that readers will adore. Series: Timeless Georgian Collection Genre: historical, Georgian, romance Publisher: Mirror Press Publication date: Number of pages: 303 Audio Length: 7hr 58min Audio Narrator: Kim Bretton Other books in the series: 1-Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, & Rebecca Connelly 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. |
