Showing posts with label Novellas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Novellas. Show all posts

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~


About the Book

Name of book: Colors of Christmas
Author: Olivia Newport
Genre: Contemporary Christmas
Release Date: October 1, 2017

Christmas in Blue
Angela just wants Christmas to be over. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration, and everything goes from bad to worse. Can she rescue Christmas for the town—and herself?

Christmas in Gold
When eighty-year-old Astrid moves into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up Christmas hope one more time.






Monday, October 16, 2017

Review: Summer Holiday- A Timeless Victorian Collection by Nancy Campbell Allen, Sarah M. Eden, & Annette Lyon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series, comes our brand new Victorian Romance line, with SUMMER HOLIDAY.

Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Nancy Campbell Allen, Sarah M. Eden, and Annette Lyon.

BREAKFAST AT SOMMERPOOL’S by Nancy Campbell Allen:
As Tessa Baker competes for the supervisor promotion at Sommerpool Department and Mercantile, she’s faced with a ridiculous list of tasks to complete in order to “win” the job. Tessa would love to be the first female supervisor ever to work at the Sommerpool, but her competitor is cheating at every turn. Discouraged, Tessa agrees to let David Bellini, a family friend and Italian Conte who is new in town, help her. When she discovers that he’s the new owner of Sommerpool’s, but wants to evaluate the employees unobserved, Tessa has mixed feelings. She soon realizes that she’s falling for David, but what chance does a working-class woman like her have with an Italian Conte?

HOWEVER LONG THE WAIT by Sarah M. Eden:
Carina Herrick says goodbye to the man she hopes to marry, knowing their separation will be temporary. Grant Ambrose is off to follow his dream and become established in business so that he can provide for Carina and a life together. He promises to write; she promises to return his letters. Yet, only a few months pass and already their letters become shorter and fewer. Finally, Carina is forced to give up on Grant if only to protect her breaking heart. Her parents are dead set against her becoming a spinster and insist she accept the proposal of the odious Mr. Baskon. With no hope of another marriage proposal, Carina is forced to make a difficult decision, one that can lead her either to happiness or misery.

THE LAST SUMMER AT IVY HOUSE by Annette Lyon:
Every summer Sarah travels to Ivy House in London as one of the household servants to the Millington family. This summer, she’s particularly looking forward to seeing Jacob, a servant who lives at Ivy House year-round. They’ve been exchanging letters since the previous summer when their friendship deepened. But when Sarah arrives at Ivy House, Jacob seems more reserved around her and less forthcoming. Has she put greater meaning in their budding relationship than she should? When Sarah discovers that Jacob has a dark secret and wants her to give up her dreams in exchange for helping him, she’s not sure if she’s willing to make the sacrifice.




Friday, June 9, 2017

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Amish Brides by Molly Jebber

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~





Author: Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard
Genre: Amish
Release Date: May 30, 2017

JOSHUA’S BRIDE
Molly Jebber

Madeline Lehman fears her fiancĂ©’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?



Thursday, June 1, 2017

Blog Hop Tour: Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAYS below!!~
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Genre: Christian, Historical
Publisher: Barbour
Publication date: June 1, 2017
Number of pages: 448

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
When a British dime novel enthusiast finds himself flat broke in Kansas, he discovers what western life and true love are all about. Barden Granville IV grew up at Cheatham Hall, Kent, England, devouring cowboy stories and dreaming of the day he, with no prospects of inheriting estate nor title, could escape to the American frontier. Educated and ordained an Anglican priest, his trip to America is his “last hurrah” before accepting a vicarage in a small town far from his aristocratic family’s estate. When a series of misadventures leaves him without money and stranded, he must take up employment immediately.
​After her father dies, widow Caroline Kane becomes the owner and proprietor of a restaurant and inn. She also assumes responsibility for her five teenaged siblings. Caroline’s busybody married sister insists that an Englishman who purports to answer an ad for help, is the perfect candidate for Caroline’s next husband. While she’s relieved to have help, Caroline finds Barden’s primary asset to be his silver tongue. When his efforts finally bring fruit, Barden receives word from England that could leave Caroline worse off than before, for her heart will leave with him. Will Barden answer his heart and God’s call in Kansas, or will his family responsibilities compel him to leave his dreams behind?
GOODREADS | AMAZON | B&N | CBD | TARGET 
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Thursday, November 3, 2016

Blog Tour Review: The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~




My rating: 4 of 5 stars


To purchase your copy, click here.



Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man?



Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

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Angela Breidenbach is a bestselling author, host of Grace Under Pressure Radio, and the Christian Author Network’s president. And yes, she’s half of the fun fe-lion comedy duo, Muse and Writer, on social media.

Note from Angela: “I love hearing from readers and enjoy book club chats. To drop me a note or set up a book club chat, contact me at angie.breidenbach@gmail.com. Let me know if you’d like me to post a quote from your review of this story. If you send me the link and your social media handle, I’ll post it to my social media with a word of gratitude including your name and/or social media handle, too!”

For more about Angela’s books (especially more Montana-inspired romances) and podcast, or to set up a book club chat, please visit her website: http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com
Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram: @AngBreidenbach
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Review: To Have and to Hold: Three Autumn Love Stories


My rating: 4 of 5 stars



They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Love Takes the Cake: A September Wedding Story by Betsy St. Amant

Charlotte Cantrell is always the baker; never the bride. When Will, a regular at Charlotte’s bakery, catches her attention, she can only hope that he is the reliable man this single mother has always hoped to find. The problem is that he’s regularly stopping in to buy cookies for another girl. But when Charlotte is hired to bake a host of wedding goodies for a difficult bride and finds out Will is the best man, she has the perfect opportunity to get to know him better—and find out how serious Will is about this other girl in his life.

The Perfect Arrangement: An October Wedding Story by Katie Ganshert

Amelia Woods is a small-town wallflower and the proud owner of Forget-Me-Nots, a quaint flower shop. Her love life has always been a bit lackluster—until she ends up in an embarrassing fender-bender with handsome Nate Gallagher. Meanwhile, Amelia’s younger brother, William, has proposed to his girlfriend. Amelia would be excited except she has evidence that the fiancĂ©e is not who she says she is. It seems Nate is the only one available for any advice-giving, and he’s good at it—and pretty fun to talk to too. As Amelia works to craft the perfect flower arrangements for other people, she begins to wonder if real love is better than the dream. And if it is, will Nate still be interested when he learns who she is?

Love in the Details: A November Wedding Story by Becky Wade

When Josh returns to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, to help his best friend get married, he didn’t intend to run into church wedding coordinator—and ex-girlfriend—Holly. He can’t help but pine after the girl he never got over. Holly broke up with Josh years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. But she loved him then and still loves him now. As she helps him plan his best friend’s wedding, she longs to be with Josh but doesn’t feel worthy of his big-time lifestyle when she is more comfortable in her smalltown world. Will Josh and Holly be able to keep things as they are when their true feelings threaten to surface at every turn?



Thursday, June 16, 2016

Review: Lone Star Brides series



My rating: 4 of 5 stars






The Bluebonnet Bride by Pamela Tracy

Amy has never had a home. Will she find one in the arms of a cowboy?

This is Daniel Starr's year. He's moving up the rankings on the bull-riding circuit and is determined to catch his twin brother. Nothing is going to stop him. Well, almost nothing. When his beloved grandmother falls and needs a caretaker, Daniel finds himself on the road back to Pecan, Texas, rather than making the next rodeo. Why did this happen now? And why, when he's jeopardizing his career to come home, does Miss Bossypants Amy Benjamin think he's not doing enough?

Amy knows all about the swashbuckling Starr Brothers, but anyone who turns his back on her beloved Pecan--and on his own grandmother--doesn't deserve admiration. If Amy had been lucky enough to have family like Grandma Starr, her life would have been so different! Well, she's going to make sure Daniel does his duty. But the longer he stays in Pecan, the harder it'll be to see him go…

The Bull Rider’s Bride by Vickie McDonough

ECPA bestselling author Vickie McDonough continues the Lone Star Brides series with this heart-warming story of lost love.

Dusty Starr is unstoppable in the rodeo arena, but when it comes to love? He was bucked off long ago. Now he has a second chance at love, but will he have what it takes to win?

Champion bull rider Dusty Starr is at the top of his game—until a bull throws him and stomps on his leg. He goes home to heal and watch after his grandma until he can rejoin the circuit. While there are no guarantees that bull riding is in his future, his past is alive and well in the form of Gramma's beautiful physical therapist—a woman he never expected to see again.

Physical therapist Lindsey Lang once loved Dusty, but then tragedy struck because of his younger brother's recklessness, and Dusty did something she never thought he'd do. He abandoned her, leaving her to mourn alone. Being assigned to Grandma Starr is hard enough, but with Dusty there, Lindsey's sure her heart won't survive.

Against all expectations, friendship renews, and Dusty dares to hope Lindsey will forgive him. She's the only girl he's ever loved and he aims to get her back. But friendship is one thing. A second chance at love? That will take more gumption than riding a rank bull—and then some

The Butterfly Bride by Lacy Williams

USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams delivers the final installment in the Lone Star Brides series…

The prodigal son is back. Ever since the terrible mistake he made in high school—a mistake that cost his best friend his life—bullfighter Luke Starr has stayed far away from Pecan, Texas, and his family. But with his twin brothers gone on their respective honeymoons, Luke is forced to come back to town to watch over Gramma and the family ranch. And he can’t wait to leave again. Because being home hurts more than being stomped on by a bull—and it’s only a matter of time until he messes up all over again.

Special ed teacher Jess Sadler will do anything for her students—even abandon her comfort zone to convince a reluctant rodeo cowboy to give “horse lessons” to a student she can’t reach. But when feelings for Luke blindside Jess, she knows she’s in trouble. The man is counting down the minutes until he can leave Pecan. Will he take her heart with him when he goes?

Then a little boy goes missing on the family ranch, and Luke must confront the ghosts of his past or lose the future he never dreamed was possible.


Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: A Season to Wed: Three Winter Love Stories

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My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk

Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.

Ten years after what she thought was her almost-wedding, Hope Prentiss discovers that the ceremony counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce . . . or a real wedding of her own.

A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty—but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.

Ginger Winters will be the “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.  But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again . . . despite Tom’s best efforts.

Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt

Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it's served up on a silver platter?

Meadow Larson is having the mother of all Mondays when her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career.  Renovation contractor Colin McGrath offers to fix Meadow’s roof, even though he knows he is the last person she would accept help from.
But the more Meadow gets to know the new Colin, the more she realizes God may have something more permanent in store than a new catering kitchen.


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Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk -  In my opinion, there are so many ways this novella could have gone and would have been better if the story had been done differently. The premise of the story - two kids go to get married right out of high school but she has doubts and backs out before they even leave the building but not before they've gone through the ceremony and signed the paper. Now, 10 years later, they find out that they are still legally married.

Hope and John have had limited contact over the last 10 years but then John decides to move back to Harmony and settle down. Once Hope finds out about the marriage still being legal she goes to John to tell him about it. What happens next totally threw this book out the window for me.  Rather than enhance the romance of the book I think it spoiled it.

And even though I liked the character of Aunt Verna, the whole ruse of planning a wedding for two people who were "deployed" was over the top. And the fact that John and Hope were dense enough to believe it was somewhat frustrating.


A Brush With Love by Rachel Hauck - Ginger is a very talented and accomplished hair dresser who has worked for the stars. She's moved back to her home and is successfully running a beauty shop in town. But Ginger was scarred by a fire when she was a young girl and sees herself as ugly. She covers her scars with long sleeves and scarfs and secretly longs to be normal.

She's hired to style a wedding party and finds out that the best man is none other than the guy who stood her up when his family mysteriously left town 12 years ago. Ginger should have put it past her, but she couldn't get over the hurt and rejection of the only guy who has ever paid her any attention.

Tom is back in his hometown to start a church. Due to the way they left he must work to overcome town bias against his family. He must also work to overcome the walls surrounding Ginger’s heart. Tom sees Ginger’s inner and outer beauty but will he be able to convince her of his love and that both he and God find her beautiful?

This story pulled me in and kept me engaged all the way through. I hurt with Ginger over the pain of her scars and the struggle she had to feel beautiful and wanted. I got so mad at the way she was treated by the wedding party at one point. And was so proud of the way Tom stood up for her! No doubts that this story will keep your attention. The author did a good job on this short novella! :)


Serving Up A Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt - Meadow Larson has triumphed over the trauma of her childhood to become a talented wedding caterer and decorator.  When her roof caves in during a blizzard, right before the most important wedding contract of her career, she's in a panic.  When Colin McGrath, renovation contractor and an unwelcome connection to her past, sees her trying to take out a snowman, he knows he has to help her.  Even if he's the last person she would accept help from.

I loved this sweet romance!  Meadow has a hard time believing that Colin is not the same person she knew as a teenager.  Even though she has moved on from her painful childhood thanks to her grandmother, Meadow has not fully released all of the hurt and anger from her past.   When Colin returns to town to help his parents, he stirs up all the old feelings.  But Colin is determined to show her that he has become a Christian and has changed.  I loved how sweet and patient he is with Meadow.   With bits of humor, moments of chemistry, and uplifting faith, you'll be hooked to the last word.

*Thanks to Singing Librarian Books Tours for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

View all my reviews

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Rachel Hauck is a USA Today bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. 
Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls. 
Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s a USA Today bestselling author and has earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Connect with her on:


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March 21--Reading Is My SuperPower | cherylbbookblog
March 22--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Smiling Book Reviews
March 23--Just Commonly | Katie's Clean Book Collection
March 24--Fiction, Faith, and Fun
March 25--Wishful Endings
March 26--Singing Librarian Books

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection








My rating: 5 of 5 stars


**Amazon #1 Bestselling series in Clean Romance**

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West.

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie.  Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can't understand why she's not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her.

I enjoyed this sweet romance.  Georgeanna has loved Clay since she was a girl but has hidden those feelings deep in her heart when Clay didn't love her back.   Now she's determined to find a husband who can help her fulfill her dreams.  When this mail order bride business shocks Clay into realizing his feelings, he determines to try to win her heart through letters.  I enjoyed Georgeanna and Clay's interactions and the sweet conclusion to their story. 


In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract.

This unconventional story is about a lady doctor who has to flee her husband, her house, and her hard won career when faced with a dangerous accusation.   When she answers Dr. Joe's advertisement, there is an immediate attraction between them.  When Dr. Naomi's past catches up to them, will she leave Dr. Joe?   I enjoyed this short but intense romance novella.  


In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas.

I really enjoyed this sweet novella about a lady who escapes a dangerous situation only to find herself in another pickle when the advertised groom is not who he seemed to be.  I loved Marilyn's interaction with Harry and how sweet and caring she was.  Can she win Thomas' heart or will she have to return New York?  Another sweet romance with a happy ending.


In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know.

I loved this fun story about two people who arrange a mail-order marriage only to realize when they meet that they already know each other.   Mary has her reasons for the way she acted years ago but all Gerald knows and remembers is how annoying she was.   Can they forget the past and learn to love each other?  A sweet endearing novella about finding love unexpectedly.


Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place.

Another sweet novella about a mail-order bride who finds herself in a predicament when her fiance is not who she thought he was.  Can and will his brother help her out and will he fall under the charm of this sweet lady from Colorado?  Loved the chemistry between these two and as always, loved the happy ending.


THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

I really liked this engaging novella.  When Katie arrives in Idaho, her fiance has left for a mining job.  I liked that in this story there was a mother involved who takes Katie in and makes her a part of the family right away.  And when sparks start to fly between Caleb and Katie, they have to decide if they will follow their hearts.   Another sweet, romantic mail-order bride story!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*



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Monday, February 8, 2016

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: A Midwinter Ball





ABOUT THE BOOK

From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.  Join three bestselling regency romance authors, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and Michele Paige Holmes, for three new regency romance novellas in A MIDWINTER BALL.

MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.

SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.

AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancĂ©, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancĂ©’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man.

MY REVIEW

I really liked this new book in the Timeless Regency Collection series.   The romances are clean and sweet and fun.  You can't go wrong in reading these books!  :)

In Much Ado About Dancing, Lord Northrup has to find a way to convince Analisa that he's a changed man from the one that left two years ago.  Analisa has to find a way to forget and forgive the man that he was when he left and learn who he is now.  A well written novella with a lovely ending!

In Sweeter Than Any Dream,  Olivia holds onto her sanity by daydreaming about a different life and a perfect man.   Although smart and well read, Olivia has lived with the tyranny of her mother and her aunt for awhile and tries not to make waves.  When her newly married brother and his wife persuade her to sneak out to a ball she meets the man of her dreams.   In order to realize her dream of love she will have to grow a backbone and stand up for herself.   I loved this sweet story of dreams coming true!

In An Invitation To Dance, Lady Ella has been on her own for several years as her grief stricken father travels the world.   She is bold, vibrant, and used to doing things her way.   When she receives a letter from her long-dead fiance at the hands of Alex Darling, she thinks it may be her father surprising her for her birthday.  When she gets to London and learns differently, she finds herself relying on Mr. Darling to help her through the season.   When they start falling in love, Ella has to convince him to let go of his pride and open his heart to her.   I really enjoyed this well written novella about a spunky, unconventional Lady and the gruff proud man who falls in love with her.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Heidi Ashworth, best-selling, award-winning author of traditional regency romance, lives in the San Francisco bay area, but she lost her heart across the pond when she was very young. She read her first regency romance when she was four years old (just a few words, but it was enough). The first one she wrote took place in Paris circa 1974 but such gaffes are mere trifles when you are only ten. Since then she has sharpened her skills and garnered a few accolades; Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind hit the number one spot on several of Amazon's regency romance lists in both the U.S. and England, while its sequel earned a finalist position in the Whitney Awards (both are available via Montlake Romance).  Her novella, It Happened Twelfth Night, is one of six short stories in the first volume of the award-winning, best-selling series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, via Mirror Press.  The third book in her Miss Delacourt series, Lord Haversham Takes Command, was re-released in a box set entitled "Every Hope: A Triple Treat Romance", in December 2014, also via Mirror Press. Her latest in the Miss Delacourt series, Miss Armistead Makes Her Choice, garnered a 4.5 star Crowned Heart review from InD'tale Magazine and is currently a 2015 RONE Award finalist. You can find her on her blog, Facebook, & Twitter.

Annette Lyon is a Whitney Award winner, the recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction and the author of ten novels, a cookbook, and a grammar guide as well as over a hundred magazine articles. She’s part of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, a senior editor at Precision Editing Group, and a cum laude graduate from BYU with a degree in English. When she’s not writing, editing, knitting, or eating chocolate, she can be found mothering and avoiding the spots on the kitchen floor.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Amazon Link: Annette Lyon Collection

Goodreads: Annette Lyon Collection

Annette's Author Goodreads page: Author Annette Lyon

Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children’s literature.
Her first novel, Counting Stars (Covenant Communications 2007), won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. Her companion novel, a romantic suspense titled, All the Stars in Heaven (Covenant 2009), was a Whitney finalist, as was her first historical romance, Captive Heart (Covenant 2011). My Lucky Stars (Covenant 2012) completed the Stars series.
After having a novella published in A Timeless Romance Anthology European Collection (Mirror Press, 2013), Michele decided to focus on historical romance and began Hearthfire Historicals, with the debut novel Saving Grace. A companion novella, Loving Helen was released February 2015.
Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fourteen years and feels privileged to meet with fellow authors Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, LuAnn Staheli, Sarah M. Eden, J. Scott Savage, and Robison Wells. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.
When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook and Twitter .

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection


The SARAH M. EDEN BRITISH ISLES COLLECTION contains two brand new historical romance novellas A FRIEND INDEED and A HAPPY BEGINNING, as well as four hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Sarah’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of six historical romance novellas set in the British Isles

A FRIEND INDEED

"Gloucestershire, England, September 1808
Poverty had prevented Caroline Downy from spending the Season in London. Her innate good sense had prevented her from crying about it. She was betrothed, after all, which bordered on the absolutely miraculous for a young lady without a dowry and nothing but her family’s respectable standing to recommend her. The match was an arranged one, which took all of the heart-pounding excitement out of the experience. A lady wished to be loved rather than settled for. She wasn’t marrying a complete stranger, something for which she was unspeakably grateful. George Barrington and her brother Thomas had been the very best of friends since their days at Eton. George had spent most of his school holidays at Downy House, in fact. Caroline knew him and liked him very much. She simply didn’t love him, and he didn’t love her. Feeling true enthusiasm for such a loveless arrangement was difficult, to say the least.
Sarah M. Eden. Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection (Kindle Locations 50-57). Mirror Press LLC. "

Caroline Downy has known George Barrington since he became friends with her brother in their school days at Eton. Through the years, Caroline and George have come to know each other well. But when their friendship is threatened by their arranged marriage, Caroline becomes despondent and afraid that this will ruin their friendship. George, very much in love with Caroline, asks her to give him three weeks in which to prove that he does want to marry her and for all the right reasons!  I loved this sweet gentle story about two friends who find love and happiness.

A HAPPY BEGINNING

Sophia Pemberton (an Englishwoman) is the governess at the Haddington's estate in Scotland. Dermot Buchanan is the Haddington's well respected stable master with a secret.  When the two meet, Dermot's prejudice against Englishwomen almost gets in the way of the friendship that Sophia offers.   When Sophia is put in a precarious position with Mr. Haddington, Dermot's secret comes to light and he becomes a hero to Sophia.   I loved this romantic novella about a English governess and a somewhat brusque Scottish man who fall in love.


THE ROAD TO CAVAN TOWN

The Road to Cavan Town by Sarah M. Eden, set in 1864 Ireland, combines Eden’s sense of humor with her signature sweet romance. Alice Wheatley walks each weekend into town, accompanied by Isaac Dancy. And while Alice finds herself falling in love with the gentleman, unfortunately he has his eyes set on the belle of the town, Miss Sophia Kilchrest. Alice must find a way to turn Isaac’s eyes toward her.  I enjoyed this story about two people who get to know each other as friends and then find out that true friendship can grow into love.


A CHRISTMAS PROMISE

Sean Kirkpatrick is trying to get to his new place of employment, Kilkenny Castle, in order to start as the new stablehand. His only requirement is to drive a team of high-spirited nags from Dublin to Kilkenny in a certain amount of time. Unfortunately he winds up in a muddy field, stuck, lost, and running out of time. He’s about to lose the job before he can prove himself capable of finishing his first assignment. When Maeve Butler arrives on the scene, Sean isn’t sure if she’s intent on rescuing him or bent on torturing him with her fiery wit and lovely dark eyes.  I really enjoyed this novella.  It's a fun little story about an Irish lass and the man that stumbled onto her property and into her heart.


DREAM OF A GLORIOUS SEASON

Elizabeth is hopelessly in love with the man who has been destined for her older sister from birth by their respective families. But Julian is too good of a man for her mean-spirited sister and he's smart enough not to fall into her trap. When Julian discovers that Elizabeth has been denied a Season because her older sister is yet unwed, he undertakes his own stealthy measures to introduce Elizabeth to society, only to find himself falling in love with her himself. This was an enjoyable sweet short story with a perfectly sweet happy ending! :)


A LESSON IN LOVE

A delightful novella that captures the uncertainties of newlywed life.  Lucy Stanthorpe arrives for the London Season, planning to attend every ball and musicale with her new husband, Reed, only to discover he has no intention of taking part in the social whirl. Spurred on by their family and friends, Lucy and Reed each formulate increasingly outlandish plans to teach the other a lesson in appreciation. Their battle of wills threatens to pull the young couple apart unless they can both soften their stubborn hearts.  I loved this fun novella about a married couple who find themselves at odds with the other's social goals and how they learn to communicate and compromise to save their marriage.


As always with the Timeless Romance Anthologies, every one of these stories were sweet and romantic and clean! You'll love them!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*