About the BookSamantha 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. About the AuthorSamantha 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. ExerptThomas stepped back from her intensity. “There is—was—someone whom I admired greatly, but after my father died, leaving me his debts, I had no other choice but to find an…” “Heiress,” Cordelia finished for him. “There’s always a choice, Thomas. Even if it is a painful one.” “Yes, there is always a choice,” he admitted, feeling sheepish and half relieved that his body was cooling down. “My choice would have affected more than simply me: my family, my servants, and my tenants all depend on me—I could not fail them... Have you ever been in love, Cordelia?” “Yes, to a young man I’ve known all of my life.” An impossible jealousy filled his heart. He hated this unknown man who held his wife’s heart. “Does he not return your affections?” She shrugged her bare shoulders. “He said he did, but then he left and my mother forced me to marry you.” The burden of guilt he carried seemed to double with these words, taking away the sting of his jealousy. He wanted to apologize but then realized she too had said yes at the chapel. “Like you said, there’s always a choice, and our choices have been made. Can’t we make the best of it?” “Honestly, Thomas,” she whispered. “I don’t know if I can, but I’ll do my best.” “I promise that I will do everything in my power to be a good husband to you. To be faithful to you. To be a good partner,” he said. “And you’ll be a countess.” “You can call me The Cash Countess,” Cordelia said with a wry smile. Her smile filled him with a spark of hope. Maybe they could be friends and their friendship would grow into something more. He returned her smile. “I’d prefer that you didn’t call me The Indebted Earl.” “The Ignominious Earl?” she suggested. He laughed softly. “Please no.” “I’ll try, Thomas,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper. “I can only promise you that I’ll try to be your friend.” “Thank you. Do you want to go down to our wedding reception?” “Dressed like this?” Blast. He was staring at her again. “Most people have already seen your gold- embroidered undergarments.” She gasped. He blushed and managed to turn his eyes away from her. “I-I-I thought you knew. All the New York papers published pictures of your trousseau, including your undergarments and diamond-studded garters.” “My mother,” she said, shaking her head. “She must have leaked them to the papers. She revels in attention.” “I’ll send a maid in, and I can wait in the hall for you to change,” he said, still averting his gaze from temptation. “Then we could go down to the party together?” “Together.” Thomas left her room and walked down the hall. He saw the same maid who had directed him to Cordelia’s room. He asked if she would go help his wife dress. The girl blushed and nodded. He sat on a chair. Leaning back, he tried to think of very cold things. Like ice. The artic. His wife. Thomas couldn’t help but wonder if he’d made the wrong choice after all. Ashdown Abbey was saved and he could restore the estate to its former glory, but the cost was higher than he’d reckoned with. He was now tied irrevocably to a person that he did not love and who was in love with another man. At least he was attracted to her—no, he wouldn’t think about that now. Ice. And fire. What a mismatched pair they were: the heiress and the fortune hunter. The old world and the new. ReviewAuthor Samantha Hastings has written an absolutely endearing mash up of an American heiress meets fairytale; or in other words, Downton Abbey meets Rapunzel. From the stunning purple cover to the turn of the first few pages, readers will enjoy this sweet and charming romance with bits of mystery woven in to keep readers on edge. This story has engaging characters and a magical storyline that will keep readers enthralled throughout. A fun, light hearted, and easy read that is perfect for the romance and fairytale lover!
Genre: historical, fairytale retelling, romance Publisher: Scribbling Pens Publication date: July 1, 2023 Number of pages: 289 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. Comments are closed.
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