What do you do when faced with a runaway groom? Well, you follow him even if three years have passed. Lucy Bateman sets off to pursue her intended, BaWhat do you do when faced with a runaway groom? Well, you follow him even if three years have passed. Lucy Bateman sets off to pursue her intended, Baron Matthew Harrison, a man she was arranged to marry, him for money and her for a title. To get to know him without revealing her identity, Lucy disguises herself and gradually, day by day, she forms a bond with him. Their story is told with humor and charm and has many amusing moments involving geese, rain, mud, and a horse-drawn wagon.
Esther Hatch skillfully blends Victorian and romantic comedy elements (giving you Victorian Rom-Com), creating a tale of romantic tension and witty dialogues. Lucy is a fascinating heroine, showing great strength, loyalty, and an adventurous spirit as she does everything to capture Matthew's heart.
As you read this series you will be taken on a heartwarming and humorous journey of people pursuing love and happy endings. There Goes the Groom is a must-read for fans of historical romance with a touch of humor.What do you do when faced with a runaway groom? Well, you follow him even if three years have passed. Lucy Bateman sets off to pursue her intended, Baron Matthew Harrison, a man she was arranged to marry, him for money and her for a title. To get to know him without revealing her identity, Lucy disguises herself and gradually, day by day, she forms a bond with him. Their story is told with humor and charm and has many amusing moments involving geese, rain, mud, and a horse-drawn wagon.
Esther Hatch skillfully blends Victorian and romantic comedy elements (giving you Victorian Rom-Com), creating a tale of romantic tension and witty dialogues. Lucy is a fascinating heroine, showing great strength, loyalty, and an adventurous spirit as she does everything to capture Matthew's heart.
As you read this series you will be taken on a heartwarming and humorous journey of people pursuing love and happy endings. There Goes the Groom is a must-read for fans of historical romance with a touch of humor....more
The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is set in 1887 along the Cornwall Coast. This book is a surprising Proper Romance with its mysterious and haunting atmo The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is set in 1887 along the Cornwall Coast. This book is a surprising Proper Romance with its mysterious and haunting atmosphere. It offers a refreshing change as the main characters are not from the nobility. Hyacinth Bell and Lucas Harding both work at Ashthorne Hall, located on the estate of the Whitbeck family, who are living in India. Hyacinth, a botanist, is tasked with caring for Mr. Whitbeck's prized orchid collection, while Lucas serves as the manor's caretaker.
The mystery at Ashthorne Hall begins with peculiar events within the house and its surroundings. Hyacinth suspects the presence of ghosts haunting the hallways, adding a Gothic feeling. Her investigation of the ghost was heart-thumping at times.
As far as the romance, there was an immediate attraction that sparked between Lucas and Hyacinth, leading to a thrilling and unexpected first kiss. I wish there had been more interaction and development of their romance, especially since they had excellent chemistry.
As Hyacinth discovers surprising information about her mysterious ghost, the story becomes even more gripping.
Including discussion questions by the author truly improves the reading experience for book clubs or buddy reads.
Readers who are fans of Jane Eyre and enjoy mysteries set in eerie locations will find this clean romance with a chilling atmosphere and a hint of romance, very appealing....more
I absolutely adore this series that is based during the Victorian Era. All of the books have shown beautiful, intelligent, and independent women. EducI absolutely adore this series that is based during the Victorian Era. All of the books have shown beautiful, intelligent, and independent women. Educating Elizabeth though has a special place in my heart because she was a teacher. Elizabeth's love for her students and their education spoke to me as I feel the same way about my students.
Elizabeth has started a school for poor working-class girls who would otherwise never have a chance at an education. She needs the help of many benefactors. Along the way, she becomes entangled with the pompous Lord Chatsworth. Charles honestly stole my heart from the beginning. There are so many funny moments between Elizabeth and Charles that will keep you laughing. There is a lesson for both characters though, things aren't always what they seem like on the outside.
I loved how The Blue Orchid Society of friends rallied around Elizabeth and helped her in their own unique ways. Even with all of the lighthearted moments, there are also many moments that touch your heart. Some of my favorite characters were Charles's grandmother and little Alice. The bird-watching group was also a hoot! No pun intended! :)
This is one series that readers need to pick up especially if they love strong, intelligent, and loyal women. Education Elizabeth definitely found a place in my heart and I look forward to reading this book again....more
Can the Matchmakers series keep getting better and better? Oh, yes it can! I have loved these books from the very start. The third book, Protecting HeCan the Matchmakers series keep getting better and better? Oh, yes it can! I have loved these books from the very start. The third book, Protecting Her Heart, was full of characters I already loved, another intriguing mystery, and a captivating romance. Readers get to see the third Hampton cousin, Charlotte Duvall, at the forefront of the suspense. I was happy to see John Ellis and Charlotte finally getting their own book. Years have passed and now Charlotte is a doctor after going to medical school in America. On the way back to England she finds out her father has died and leaves an ominous message that Charlotte's mother's death wasn't an accident but murder.
The rest of this novel deals with a lot of action while dealing with someone trying to stop Charlotte from finding the truth about her mother's death. There is also that wonderful friends-to-lovers romance. All of the Hampton cousins come together to help Charlotte and John in uncovering the truth. There are some very interesting twists that surprise readers. I loved this last book in the series! I highly suggest you read the books in the series in the order written, even though it could be read as a stand-alone, either way, you will be delighted with this new Proper Romance. ...more
A Lady's Promise takes place in what was known as The Gilded Age of New York Society in 1895. It's always nice to read a romance set in a chapter of hA Lady's Promise takes place in what was known as The Gilded Age of New York Society in 1895. It's always nice to read a romance set in a chapter of history I haven't read as much about.
I loved Isabella, the orphaned New York Socialite, who was raised by her uncle and aunt. Isabella is such a lovely character that all people are drawn to. She is caring, kind, and intelligent. When Preston, a dying old family friend offers her a marriage of convenience to Isabella, she accepts. Preston doesn't want to leave his inheritance to his immature younger brother Prince, unless he changes his ways.
This story is told from Isabella, Preston, and Prince's POV. This was great to get a richer perspective of what was happening and how everyone was feeling. Though this is a slow-burn romance, it's well worth your effort to jump in and enjoy the ride.
I wish that Preston and Prince could have resolved their differences in this story before Preston's inevitable death from cancer. Though Prince and Bella grew to know one another better with the stories the brothers spoke of. In some ways remembering the past was healing for the brothers. This sweet romance is full of emotional and maturity character development. There is flirting between two people destined to fall in love but truly there is no love triangle between Preston, Bella, and Prince. I believe things in the long run worked out the way that Preston had hoped for.
I was very excited to read a fiction story with a real-life premise. It is described as Rapunzel meets "Downton Abbey" and it definitely hits the markI was very excited to read a fiction story with a real-life premise. It is described as Rapunzel meets "Downton Abbey" and it definitely hits the mark. The first time I picked up the book I read it for three hours straight, so I can clearly say that I was hooked from the beginning.
The main characters come from two different countries. Cordelia is a spoiled American Heiress and Thomas is a Lord in England with a run-down home and out of money. Cordelia is "forced" to marry Thomas and she becomes a Cash Countess. Now you would think that the spoiled princess and the high classed Englishman would at first have no chemistry but this wasn't true. I can tell you that they both went from being cordial, to working as partners, and then to true husband and wife.
There is a lot of angst as the English servants cause problems for Cordelia. There is a love triangle that is annoying for Cordelia. She has a problem fitting in with her American ways. There is also a mystery when attempts are made on Cordelia's life. In the meantime, Thomas and his bride start having real feelings for one another but are scared to admit it.
There are so many other things that I can't tell you about because I hate spoilers. The beauty of reading a story is finding out things for yourself. Just know that I loved this story, the characters, and how the slow-burn romance played out. There is an exciting ending that finishes the book perfectly. Any romance reader will be charmed by this new story written by the wonderful Samantha Hastings....more
The Art of Love and Lies is a Proper Romance full of things an art lover will love. This Victorian romance has the beautiful artist Rosanna and the seThe Art of Love and Lies is a Proper Romance full of things an art lover will love. This Victorian romance has the beautiful artist Rosanna and the serious police investigator Martin. They are brought together because of the largest art exhibition ever to be held in England in Manchester, 1857. Rosanna dreams about having her paintings in art galleries someday. Meanwhile, she's doing paintings that are copies of famous paintings. Her boss, Anton, seemed unpleasant and untrustworthy from the beginning to me. Rosanna doesn't realize what is truly happening with her paintings. Anton becomes a little violent with Rosanna at one point.
Martin is dealing with his father's sins and shady past. He admits not knowing a lot about art but is drawn to Rosanna as she shares her love of art with him. I enjoyed their witty banter as they "flirted" with one another. The romance happened quickly in this novel.
The action picks up halfway through when Rosanna and Martin are both trying to find out who stole valuable paintings from the exhibition. Time is not on their side. The deeper part of Rosanna and Martin's relationship also happens in the second half of the book. The romance is clean and some parts of the mystery you may figure out early. Readers may or may not be surprised at the end and I'm not telling. ;)
To Capture His Heart was a really fun book. This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and the first book was great. Guess what? This second boTo Capture His Heart was a really fun book. This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and the first book was great. Guess what? This second book is equal to the first. I so loved the characters, the plot, the mystery, and the romance.
The whole story revolves around a week-long matchmaking house party in Seaside, England in 1886. The secondary characters in the first book are now the main characters in the second book. Nathan and Eva have worked together on criminal cases before; he as a detective, and she as a police photographer. They have grown to like each other a lot but both are scared to ruin their friendship by declaring their true feelings. Nathan invites Eva to his mother's matchmaking party as his "love interest" and his mother wants her there for her photography talents. Blend in a criminal on the run who wants revenge on Nathan, jealous, petty males and females, witty banter, and you have a story that's hard to put down. The young boy Sammy is back as Eva's assistant and there are nasty mean girls too. It doesn't matter what era, they have always been there.
The best part of the book overall is how Nathan and Eva's romance advances in this 10-day journey at the party. There were so many moments that I had to re-read because I just loved them so much, especially those that involved caves and a maze. I also enjoyed Nathan's mother and his clever and supportive sisters. I would love to see more books in the future dedicated to each sister finding their true love.
To Capture His Heart can be read as a stand-alone read. This novel will make an excellent gift for any romance reader in your life, including yourself. ...more
The Blue Orchid Society has truly been a wonderful series so far and Healing Hazel has added so sweetly to it. This circle of friends are beautiful, tThe Blue Orchid Society has truly been a wonderful series so far and Healing Hazel has added so sweetly to it. This circle of friends are beautiful, talented, and caring women.
I was pleased that this third book was about Hazel. She is a quiet, sweet, and unassuming young lady whose dream was to become a nurse. Hazel had panic attacks that thwarted her from finishing her nursing studies. Her trip to Spain to visit her father brings many changes to her life.
It was very interesting to have most of the story take place in Spain in 1873 during the Spanish Civil War. A train accident brings Hazel to a Red Cross Hospital where she has the chance to practice the skills of nursing. One thing stands in her way, American doctor Jim Jackson. He does not come off as the kindest nor friendliest person. He also is hesitant to allow Hazel to help in the hospital. I became frustrated at times with the Dr. being so harsh but soon Hazel gets the chance to prove herself to him and she gains his respect.
This book has war action but nothing explicit. A sweet romance is developed slowly between Jim and Hazel and another couple surprisingly. The author studied her history well of the Spanish Civil War and the medical procedures of the time. Also, character development is such a strong part of every story that Moore has written. Even though this book does well as a stand-alone, you must read the first two books to get the full charm of the Blue Orchid Society and the close-knit women who are fiercely loyal and supportive of each other....more
I loved reading this fourth book in The Dread Penny Society Series called, The Bachelor and the Bride. Gemma Kinkaid and Dr. Barnabus Milligan were thI loved reading this fourth book in The Dread Penny Society Series called, The Bachelor and the Bride. Gemma Kinkaid and Dr. Barnabus Milligan were the perfect couple even though they didn't know it. Even though they had been married for three years, theirs had been a marriage of convenience. It's always fun to see how clueless they are to how much they love their significant other until others point it out.
In this book, there is a lot of action that kept the story moving at an accelerated pace. I appreciate that all of the characters we've grown to love and care about in the first three books were also in this novel. Fletcher is still front and center leading the DPS and Brogan and Vera Donnelly are again highly involved in things. Readers can also expect to read two new Penny Dreadfuls that I enjoyed very much.
This series has been a fun one. It's had some of the most unique and colorful characters. I've loved how the series has been built and the plot thickened book after book. Many things culminate in The Bachelor and the Bride. The ending and the BIG reveals were surprising and I honestly didn't see them coming. Maybe others can guess better than me but I enjoyed being shocked at the conclusion. Of course, thankfully there is more to come. I truly didn't want this series to end. As always, I recommend reading this series in the order in which they were written, otherwise, things may be so confusing. So, I say to everyone who reads my reviews, that Sarah M. Eden is one of the finest series writers and you need to dive into The Dread Penny Society books....more
It's that time of year when you want to start reading Christmas stories again. A Magical Victorian Christmas is the book you've been looking for. It'sIt's that time of year when you want to start reading Christmas stories again. A Magical Victorian Christmas is the book you've been looking for. It's a mixture of a love story, trying to do the right thing for your family, encouraging the downtrodden, and standing up for oneself.
The story takes place in the month of December, 1866, in the small English town of York that is in great need of "The Christmas Spirit". The kind and sweet Clara lives with her father and works at the town bakery. One day she meets the handsome and lively Erik. There is an instant attraction but her father and the town big-shot have other plans for her. I felt so sad for Clara when she was told that she would marry the much older Lord-Lieutenant Bradford to better her and her father's future. He truly is such a revolting and abominable character. This author did a great job in writing the perfect villain. There is great angst for Clara as she is being pulled in so many directions.
As far as the Christmas magic, Erik is the one creating most of it for the town but they don't know it. The town is brought to life with the Christmas spirit as a huge Christmas tree and wooden, lifesize Nativity pieces start to show up in the town square. My favorite part of this story was seeing how such small acts of kindness could help cheer up so many people struggling in life. Though there is much sadness in their town, and readers will truly worry about Clara's future, know, that all will be well in the end. A Magical Victorian Christmas will make a wonderful gift for historical fiction readers and don't forget for you too. You will want this magical story to brighten your Christmas season....more
Inventing Vivian is the second book in The Blue Orchid Society series. Book one, Solving Sophronia, tells the story of how Sophronia and her friends sInventing Vivian is the second book in The Blue Orchid Society series. Book one, Solving Sophronia, tells the story of how Sophronia and her friends started the society. Personally, I'd read that book first before starting this second one. This second book is all about Vivian, who is very intelligent, a scientist, and an inventor. Even though she is a beautiful lady in high society, she is not concerned with frills. Vivian is way more interested in her inventions and sharing them with the world. Her life shifts, when a man from her past comes waltzing in.
Lord Benedict has recently returned from years away in China along with his good friend, Zhang Wei. Benedict was once mean and cruel to Vivian and tried to thwart her accomplishments in science. Life abroad has changed him in many ways making him a better man. I truly loved this character. You could see the incredible changes that had taken place in his life. His challenge was proving himself to his father, his friends, and especially to Vivian. With the novel being told from Vivan and Benedict's POV, there are many assumptions taking place about each other. I enjoyed "watching" these two characters open up, piece by piece, allowing each other to finally show their true selves.
Inventing Vivian shows the strength of a woman taking her place in a man's world during the Victorian Era. This novel also displays a son standing up to a domineering father and becoming a man. Together, Vivian and Benedict join forces to bring about a change in society, stand up for justice, and finally allow their hearts to open up enough to find love. ...more
I loved this book! I could end my review right there and that should say enough but I won't. This is the third book in The Dread Penny Society Series I loved this book! I could end my review right there and that should say enough but I won't. This is the third book in The Dread Penny Society Series and now it's my favorite. I love the main characters, Irish-born Brogan Donnelly, his sister Moirin, and Russian-born Vera Sorokina. They all have had difficult lives with mysterious pasts. By this time in the series, readers know who the "bad" guys are and they are still up to no good. Brogan, a Dread Penny Writer of "The Dead Zoo", is called to go undercover at Vera's father's print shop. Once there he can't help but get involved in Vera's life, the community being extorted by a mystery enterprise, and the urchin children working in Vera's shop.
I loved how three mysteries were going on in this book. You had the extortion ring in Vera's community, and the two Penny Dreadfuls, The Dead Zoo, and The Merchant and the Rogue that held my interest throughout. I really liked the inclusion of both of the outside stories in this novel. They are also included in the first two books but are different stories. It was fun trying to figure out everything and I read this book pretty fast.
Sarah Eden has fun with this Victorian-era novel based on Middle and Lower class people of this era. I feel it's refreshing to have a break from the upper class of that time period. Brogan and Vera have a slow build romance that has many ups and downs. They do have a very saucy banter that gives needed humor and gaiety to this novel amongst its serious parts. It was of course nice to have all of the characters we met in the first two books show up as well. The saga of the evil Mastiff is heating up and the DPS is gearing up to try and take him down in the next book.
If you love Eden's books, then you'll love this third Dread Penny Society installment, The Merchant and the Rogue. You are always going to have a well-crafted novel to read when Sarah M. Eden is the author. ...more
This new Proper Romance is different from Nancy Campbell Allen's recent Steampunk novels. The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart is set in Victorian times and This new Proper Romance is different from Nancy Campbell Allen's recent Steampunk novels. The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart is set in Victorian times and is more murder mystery than romance. There is a sweet romance that eventually happens but I absolutely loved figuring out the mystery along with the characters.
Speaking of characters, I loved the three female cousins who were there for each other through thick and thin. Amelie is a "modern" lady who not only writes columns for a newspaper but she does a little matchmaking. It is on one of her matchmaking adventures that she runs into Detective Michael Baker. Right from the start sparks fly between these two as they often are butting heads. They find out how well they work together as they piece together how Mrs. Radcliffe died. They also find out how they go together in other ways too.
The dialogue is fun, the mystery keeps the plot moving at a fast pace, and the characters develop and unfold in very satisfying ways. I enjoyed this novel so much I read it in one day. I can't wait to see whose story will be next, Charlotte or Eva. The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart was a rather pleasant surprise. ...more
What fun going back to Victorian London to be reading more "Penny Dreadfuls" written by those who belong to the Dread Penny Society. Their true missioWhat fun going back to Victorian London to be reading more "Penny Dreadfuls" written by those who belong to the Dread Penny Society. Their true mission is to take care of the poor and young being taken advantage of by ruthless people. Readers are introduced to this world in book one in the Lady and the Highwayman. Beloved characters from this first book are in the second but we quickly become involved in the lives of gentleman Hollis Darby. He secretly writes the penny dreadfuls to keep himself afloat in high society. We also meet music teacher, Ana Newport, who has her own secrets as she tries to reclaim mementos from her past.
The best part of this book is when the two main characters finally team up to solve some unsolved crimes. Their attraction to one another can't be denied as this odd pairing try to bring down a bad guy. Once again in this book, the Penny Dreadful stories are interspersed throughout the novel. I really like these and they are fun to read. Sarah Eden's wit and humor come shining through in her characters making this novel another delightful read for her fans. This being the second book in the series, I strongly suggest you read book one first....more
Solving Sophronia was the perfect book I needed to read right now. Sophronia, or Sophie a young lady of high society in the early 1870's wants more thSolving Sophronia was the perfect book I needed to read right now. Sophronia, or Sophie a young lady of high society in the early 1870's wants more than to be just a "Lady". She wants to be a serious journalist which just isn't done by a lady of the Gentry. One evening at a high society ball, Sophie and four other young women form the Blue Orchid Society determined to reach beyond the stilted walls of society and race after their dreams. This first book is all about Sophie, and other books will be coming in the future with the other ladies' stories. This time period was when things started changing for women.
I enjoyed this novel so much. I really liked Sophie and I liked the relationship she formed with Detective Jonathan Graham. They worked very closely together on a murder investigation which kept the novel moving at a great pace. Jonathan is a stalwart character that tries very hard to keep boundaries up between Lady Sophie and himself who grew up in a rookery. This book isn't just about a "romance" but it's also a murder mystery that was so intriguing. I loved the ways the clues were all laid out and how things were pieced together with the work of Sophie, Jonathan, & Detective Lester. Of course, it was exciting to have Sophie's Grandmother Mimi a big part of the story. Mimi's story was told in the novella, Emmeline, that I reviewed recently. Follow this link to read my review.
As an FYI, Emmeline is free all during the month of May on Kindle. Grab your copy while you can. https://amzn.to/2Kekqmy
If you are looking for a novel that is fun, different, a clean romance, mystery, and suspense, then you are going to enjoy reading Solving Sophronia. I know I did!
I loved A Proper Charade. Main character Patience, pretty much endears you to her from the first chapter. Her happiness, optimism, and bravery make heI loved A Proper Charade. Main character Patience, pretty much endears you to her from the first chapter. Her happiness, optimism, and bravery make her hard to forget. The whole premise behind Patience's actions is when she says later, “I suppose you could say I ran away to have an adventure, and my adventure of choice was to serve as a maid in this household.” Patience wants to prove to her older brother that she can do hard things and she sets out to do that. Patience goes to the house of the General her brother served under. This is when such funny things occur. A "Lady" trying to be a maid means hilarious encounters ensue. As you can guess she has no clue and messes up a bit. There in the General's house, she meets his straight-laced, and very serious son, Anthony. I could not stop laughing every time these two characters were in the same room. Let's just say you will find as much humor as I did while reading this book. Anthony and Patience actually work well together amidst all of the confusion and white lies running rampant in the house.
Some of the great supporting characters were household staff members, Mr. Gilbert and Mrs. Bates. I also loved the notorious rake, Lord Bryant. This story is written so well that the storyline flows smoothly and there is never a dull moment. Esther Hatch really knows how to write delightful dialogue that is full of wit and emotion. This is a clean romance, but wow this author knows how to write a steamy kissing scene.
This is the second book in the series but can be read all on its own. I did also enjoy Book 1, A Proper Scandal. I absolutely recommend you pick up this book and read it this weekend. ...more
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