The Stars Above Northumberland

I have to admit it. I'm guilty.

Guilty of being hooked on what some might label the genre as Traditional Regencies! Fans of Jane Austen's novels and fans of Downton Abbey understand exactly what I am saying. It is a genre like any other because of the social implications for women back in the 1800's. Women had little to say in the way things were handled and often time had very little to do except accept what social standards dictated at the time.

For Meriwether Sturgess, that was a life of seven years to a mean man whom she married that had one persona on the outside and another in the quiet confines within his home and in their marriage. That is why it came as no shock when the man died quite unexpectedly leaving her not only a widow and single mother to their two children, but also the large financial inheritance she would assume or rather oversee until her son Crispen was old enough to assume the responsibilities of running the Sturgess finances and holdings.

But for Meri, she simply planned carefully for the last seven years, holding back a small fund from her husband's allotment of her monthly expenses to keep up appearances for both herself and the children. Along with the jewelry he bestowed upon her, she kept it all hidden until the day she could change both her own circumstances and that of her children. She shared no affections for her husbands family and couldn't wait to leave the estate under the guise of needing to get away and be with her family to deal with her grief. There was no turning back for Meri.

Now she has returned to live with her Aunt Annabel at the Rosewell Manor and finds a bit of a surprise to learn that her childhood friend, Elliot Rosewell has returned as well and he hopes to find a second chance at love with Meri and her two children, something he has deeply regretted for those same seven years, watching her go and marry another man, while he had to deal with his own broken heart. But like all great romances, there are bound to be complications which work against our dear couple in an effort to keep them apart but will these secrets truly be the ones that keep their love from full blossoming?

I received The Stars Above Northumberland by Anita Stansfield compliments of Covenant Communications. I absolutely LOVED this entire novel, although at the beginning there are parts of the novel that appear repetitive as though you just read the same pages previously. Once you get pass those however, you find yourself ever rooting for our beloved couple and know that Meri's quick departure will not be a lasting one. No one can ever truly run from their pasts. I have loved reading Anita Stansfields novels and now anxiously await each new one she pens. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Stars Above Northumberland, Anita Stansfield or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Stars Above Northumberland by Anita Stansfield

You can find Anita Stansfield on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Stars Above Northumberland, please visit Covenant Communications website. 

Christmas Grace

Looking for some Christmas stories guaranteed to pull on your heart strings? Are you a fan of Traditional Regencies? Then you will love Christmas Grace, a compilation of four novellas written by four talented authors, Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynne Jensen, Anita Stansfield, and Chalon Linton. Not only are there four incredible Christmas tales tucked inside, but also a listing accompanying each of the writers novella's sharing other great books that they have written, just in case you find yourself wanting a bit more. All four novellas take place during the Christmas season and offer readers not only a touch of romance, but a theme of grace in each one.

Let Nothing You Dismay by Jennifer Moore conveys a couples plans to escape into the night and journey onward to adventures across the continent until an unexpected delay causes them to both consider that they other had a change of heart. Can the explanation reunite them again 8 years later?

Christmas at Canterwood by Krista Lynne Jensen addresses a young governness who makes plans with the help of handsome vicar to surprise the children's parents who are due to arrive home just in time for Christmas.

Winter Angel by Anita Stansfield shares a heartwarming tale of a young woman who wants to help the impoverished people in town with more than tasty treats her family makes each day at the local bakery. She finds a wounded man she has seen on each of her travels and feels a connection between them that surpasses human logic.

Christmas Grace by Chalon Linton portrays a young widow who has spent the last year in mourning for her husband and wants to carry on his tradition of bring Christmas spirit to those in her hometown, yet when an unexpected accident leaves her stranded in a wealthy mans estate, could God have planned a divine appointment instead?

I received Christmas Grace by Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynne Jensen, Anita Stansfield and Chalon Linton compliments of Covenant Communications. These stories are so amazing that you feel like you are getting a full length novel instead of a short novella. Reminders of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen a breathed into each and readers will find themselves transported back in time when love was in the air and the Spirit of Christmas Hope and Grace remains alive even to the least of them. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion and will now be searching out their other books to add to my personal library.

For more information about Christmas Grace, Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynne Jensen, Anita Stansfield, Chalon Linton or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Christmas Grace by Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynne Jensen, Anita Stansfield, and Chalon Linton

You can find Jennifer Moore on Facebook, to stay up to date with all her latest novels. 

You can find Krista Lynne Jensen on her blog to stay up to date with all her latest books.

You can find Anita Stansfield on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

You can find Chalon Linton on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

For more reviews on Christmas Grace, please visit Covenant Communications website.

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

Women's rights and duties have come a long way since the 1800's where most women of title we're educated on how to land themselves a suitable husband and increase their financial holdings. They were refrained from sharing their personal opinions especially among the men, and there were certain things they could and could not do, especially if one's family was of the upper social elite class. I can't imagine a time, when if you failed to do any of those things, you were banished as an old maid, but not only your family, but also society as a whole. Those friends you grew up with could no longer consort with you because society deemed that something you have done, or rumored to have done, now has caused great shame not only for you, but on your families name as well.

I found myself favoring the character of Miss Clara DeLancey, who found herself rejected by a suitable man she had dreamed of marrying. After that, it seems like every single season just brought more and more disgrace to the DeLancey name. She can't imagine trying to fit in again with another season of London, but her mother seems determined to find "someone" suitable to marry her. Unfortunately for Clara, she has resolved to stay an old maid at 25 rather than go through all the fake smiles and acting, just in hopes that someone will marry her. Her heart remains broken by the one man she thought she would be spending a lifetime with.

Captain Benjamin Kemsley has finally returned home after years of being away at sea. Hailed as a hero when his ship went down in an unexpected storm, he hopes he can finally put that behind him and try to find a future for himself. He knows his youngest sister has her heart set on finding the right man to marry as their oldest brother is a baron, so she can attend some of the social functions in London. He just never expected to find the perfect woman of his dreams falling into his arms when he rescues her from falling from a cliff. Was it merely an accidental mis-step or had she been trying to kill herself. With her running away from him, all he can remember about her is her raven hair. Now if he can only figure out just who this mystery woman is, and perhaps find a way to get to know what could drive someone to end their life so suddenly. Surely nothing can be that dire!

I received The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller compliments of Kregel Publications. I have had the glorious opportunity to read every single book in this series, and I am sure that this might just be my favorite because of how strongly I felt about Clara. To be pushed and pulled in so many directions and nothing she does right means much in her mother's eyes except to find the right man, and the right title. She refuses to allow her to socialize with anyone she doesn't not approve of, including Benjamin's sister Tessa, whom she adores. They accept Clara without any pretense and that is something she is desperate for, not all the foolishness of trying to find the right man to marry. This is the third novel in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series and am looking so forward to her next series!!! For me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I am a traditional regencies fan, so this series really appealed to the romantic at heart in me.

For more information about The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Carolyn Miller or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today,

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller

You can find Carolyn Miller on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

Across The Blue

Some of my favorite novels are about strong women characters. Those that go against the grain of what society might think would be considered inappropriate for that time frame. I often think that if I were a character in a novel, I would tend to go against societies norms of the day and create my own mark as it were. The latest novel from best-selling author Carrie Turansky, Across the Blue features just a determined and strong-willed woman, Isabella Grayson. Just her name speaks of where her family falls in terms of social standing in my opinion, but she is likeable and relateable to the characters I lean towards. Her family has been pushing for her to find a suitable match, one that would guarantee that she will add to her families fortunes instead of the other way around. Now already two seasons since her debut to society, she has much different interests in mind, much to her mother's dismay and frustration.

Her father is the owner of three of the leading newspapers in England, thus the reason for the families fortunes and social standings within the communities. Bella finds her father's newspapers interesting because she yearns to be a writer. Yet she isn't sure how to go about earning her wings with persuading her father to give her the opportunity to write for one of his papers. That would be against everything her family wishes for her future, maintaining a proper reputation is key to finding a suitable husband. Bella only wants to pursue her own future and hopes that one day, the right man may just fall into her lap, that shares her interests and passions in hopes of marrying for love and not just for money.

Lucky for her, that is just what has happened upon touring her families new home, a young aviator soaring overhead, crashes into the property, but has managed to escape unharmed. While the agent leading the family is aghast that such a thing has happened, Bella and her father, share a love for aviation and hope that England will be the first to launch a solo trip across the English channel and hopefully paving the way for more financial contributions that would lend to adding air support towards keeping their country safe. In fact, her father has been instrumental in creating interest in doing just that, with a promise of a thousand pounds to the first person to do it. When he hears rumors that the French might be further along in their progress and testing, he offers his assistance to aid James Drake in his efforts to be the first to fly across the English channel. It might just be more than good luck that landed him on that fateful day and with it the passions ignited between James and Bella! Will that be enough to build a future on?

I received Across The Blue by Carrie Turansky compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I absolutely LOVED this novel from the very first page. Not only did the premise hook me based on the back cover, my love for aviation and its history made me want to explore those first flights from a different perspective. I found myself relating to Bella's character quite a bit, her love for writing, her passion for adventure and progress as well as have a determined sense of what she wants for her own future, but curbs some of that enthusiasm around her family, especially her father, whom she adores and deeply respects. I love the chemistry between James and Bella, first to help one another in any way and by becoming their own personal cheerleaders and encouragers in any endeavor. I love all the random situations that they find themselves in together, without any pre-planning to make that happen. I guess I am a firm believer in a happily ever after ending and if you love adventure coupled with romance and bit of that traditional regency, then you will absolutely adore this novel and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about Across The Blue, Carrie Turansky, or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel today, which is due out in February 2018, please click on the links below:

Across The Blue by Carrie Turansky

You can find Carrie Turansky on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Across The Blue, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

The Writing Desk

Are you more of a fan of contemporary romances or historical romances like traditional regencies? If you're like me, you truly enjoy them both equally. The latest novel by Rachel Hauck gives romance lovers a bit of both in The Writing Desk. It parallels two vastly different time periods from the late Regency period to present day all revolving around a single piece of furniture, a writing desk. For Tenley Roth, she has been compared to her great-great-grandfather and father Conrad Roth for having the flair to turn out best selling novels. With her latest novel Someone to Love written during the time when she lost her father, she poured out all her emotions into her characters and of course the literary world is loving it. But with every best seller comes the next one and Tenley has just a few short months before her deadline and she is faced with writers block.

Besides facing an unexpected engagement and last minute proposal from her boyfriend Holt Armstrong, she didn't exactly say yes or no to him and has taken his ring and kept it in the same Tiffany box it arrived in. She is facing another dilemma when Holt offers her a trip to Paris to work on his screenplay alongside an award winning actress thinking it may relive whatever has kept her from writing, while at the same time, she is asked by her estranged mother Blanche Hastings to help care for her now that she is facing a cancer diagnosis and must endure chemotherapy treatments with no one else to help her. The only thing keeping Tenley from immediately coming to her mother's aid is the fact she walked out on her and her father and never looked back and now she wants Tenley's help as if nothing happened. Faced with such a choice she believes heading to Florida to care for her mother might give her the time she needs to resolve any issues with her mom in case she should lose her battle with cancer and not have a second chance. Holt however decides to head to Paris without her.

As the novel toggles between present day with Tenley and Blanche, it also goes back in history to Birdie Shehorn, a wealthy American socialite who has been tasked with finding a suitable match to keep the family at the top of the social ladder and possibly the next to replace the Astor family. But Birdie has a fondness for writing but can't seem to find a suitable publisher to take her seriously since when would someone like her need money? She manages to run into Gordon Phipps Roth, a man who is famous for all his romance novels and she believes if she can convince him to consider her writing, maybe she might stand a chance. However her mother keeps her bound to her own plans for marriage and arranges a suitable match with Alfonse Van Cliffs, who will take them to the top of the social ladder. But Alfonse isn't looking for a love match, but more along the lines of the same desires her parents have. If only her childhood friend Elijah Percy who is soon to become the next Earl of Montague, and has his own sets of plans to wed Rose Gottlieb to help shore up his weakening financial state due to mismanagement from his fathers business plans. Why does marrying for love have to be so complicated?

I received The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck compliments of Zondervan Publishing and TLC Book Tours. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely love that as a reader, you feel like you are getting two complete novels in one. With Birdie's saga as well as Tenley's they both share a love for writing that transcends generations and ties them both with unexpected surprises found in The Writing Desk. I love Birdie's true determination to stand up to both her mother and father against what society deems is acceptable for her social status as well as Tenley coming to terms with her issues with her mother and being held to such a high standard based on the literature both of her great-great-grandfather and her father. Whether now or the Gilded Age. Women want to be safe, free and loved. They want to provide for their children. In the Gilded Age, woman wanted to climb the social ladder. In the modern age, women want to climb the corporate ladder." But as they will both see, they are not cut out for what the world has in store for them and instead will follow their own hearts even if it means they stand alone instead of with the crowd. I easily give this a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars and includes discussion questions that make this a perfect book club selection.

For more information about The Writing Desk, Rachel Hauck or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel due out in July of 2017.

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

You can find Rachel Hauck on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Writing Desk, please visit TLC Book Tours page.

The Captivating Lady Charlotte

My love for regencies came when I first read Pride and Prejudice along with being captivated by the series, Downton Abbey. A time where all the power went into what a man could acquire not only on his own, but through a successful and smart marriage match. If a woman did not have an heir through marriage, all her property and wealth went to the next suitable male figure even if it was a distant cousin. Women didn't have any rights, and in most cases, even those marriage matches were based on accumulation of wealth and title while love was cast aside.

For Lady Charlotte Featherington this is a fate she wishes would not be her future. Being in a loveless marriage just for the acquisition of wealth and title. She vowed despite her parents wishes that she would find a man suitable enough for marriage even if he wasn't a duke. A title her parents desperately wanted for her even if it meant marrying a much, much older man. At least she wouldn't have to be married long for that. When she sets her sites on Lord Markham, a very attractive man, her parents are appalled and try in vain to do whatever they can to ensure that she does not comprise her reputation and be forced to marry that man. But even if it means going against societies rules, she isn't about to let her mother or father tell her what to do.

William, the ninth Duke of Hartington has seen what a loveless marriage can do. His wife had spent her remaining days in the arms of other men, leaving him to deal with the aftermath of catching her red handed. In order to ensure his honor was maintained, he was forced into a duel with the despicable man who has taken everything he worked so hard to attain. Now a widower, all that remains of his former life is a child that isn't even fathered by him. One he keeps locked away with servants to care for her not certain what he will do. All he knows is that he will only marry again to someone who has his complete trust and one who can love him like a wife should. Yet he isn't sure that woman even exists.

I received The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller compliments of Kregel Publications. This entire series has been a favorite of mine with the first novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison which we see Lavinia and her husband again in this one as she works with Charlotte, a much younger woman to decide what is truly best for her future. Charlotte is unsure of her feelings even if she believes she knows what love is, Lavinia reminds her that is not what love truly is. This novel's theme centers around trust, and in it, both William and Charlotte will be tested to see if their feelings are truly what suits them best, even if it means they may not have a future together. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and traditional regency readers will absolutely want this one! It can be read as a stand alone but trust me, pick up The Elusive Miss Ellison first and then indulge in this one.

For more information about The Captivating Lady Charlotte, Carolyn Miller or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller

You can find Carolyn Miller on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Captivating Lady Charlotte, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

The Writing Desk

Are you more of a fan of contemporary romances or historical romances like traditional regencies? If you're like me, you truly enjoy them both equally. The latest novel by Rachel Hauck gives romance lovers a bit of both in The Writing Desk. It parallels two vastly different time periods from the late Regency period to present day all revolving around a single piece of furniture, a writing desk. For Tenley Roth, she has been compared to her great-great-grandfather and father Conrad Roth for having the flair to turn out best selling novels. With her latest novel Someone to Love written during the time when she lost her father, she poured out all her emotions into her characters and of course the literary world is loving it. But with every best seller comes the next one and Tenley has just a few short months before her deadline and she is faced with writers block.

Besides facing an unexpected engagement and last minute proposal from her boyfriend Holt Armstrong, she didn't exactly say yes or no to him and has taken his ring and kept it in the same Tiffany box it arrived in. She is facing another dilemma when Holt offers her a trip to Paris to work on his screenplay alongside an award winning actress thinking it may relive whatever has kept her from writing, while at the same time, she is asked by her estranged mother Blanche Hastings to help care for her now that she is facing a cancer diagnosis and must endure chemotherapy treatments with no one else to help her. The only thing keeping Tenley from immediately coming to her mother's aid is the fact she walked out on her and her father and never looked back and now she wants Tenley's help as if nothing happened. Faced with such a choice she believes heading to Florida to care for her mother might give her the time she needs to resolve any issues with her mom in case she should lose her battle with cancer and not have a second chance. Holt however decides to head to Paris without her.

As the novel toggles between present day with Tenley and Blanche, it also goes back in history to Birdie Shehorn, a wealthy American socialite who has been tasked with finding a suitable match to keep the family at the top of the social ladder and possibly the next to replace the Astor family. But Birdie has a fondness for writing but can't seem to find a suitable publisher to take her seriously since when would someone like her need money? She manages to run into Gordon Phipps Roth, a man who is famous for all his romance novels and she believes if she can convince him to consider her writing, maybe she might stand a chance. However her mother keeps her bound to her own plans for marriage and arranges a suitable match with Alfonse Van Cliffs, who will take them to the top of the social ladder. But Alfonse isn't looking for a love match, but more along the lines of the same desires her parents have. If only her childhood friend Elijah Percy who is soon to become the next Earl of Montague, and has his own sets of plans to wed Rose Gottlieb to help shore up his weakening financial state due to mismanagement from his fathers business plans. Why does marrying for love have to be so complicated?

I received The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely love that as a reader, you feel like you are getting two complete novels in one. With Birdie's saga as well as Tenley's they both share a love for writing that transcends generations and ties them both with unexpected surprises found in The Writing Desk. I love Birdie's true determination to stand up to both her mother and father against what society deems is acceptable for her social status as well as Tenley coming to terms with her issues with her mother and being held to such a high standard based on the literature both of her great-great-grandfather and her father. Whether now or the Gilded Age. Women want to be safe, free and loved. They want to provide for their children. In the Gilded Age, woman wanted to climb the social ladder. In the modern age, women want to climb the corporate ladder." But as they will both see, they are not cut out for what the world has in store for them and instead will follow their own hearts even if it means they stand alone instead of with the crowd. I easily give this a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars and includes discussion questions that make this a perfect book club selection.

For more information about The Writing Desk, Rachel Hauck or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel due out in July of 2017.

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

You can find Rachel Hauck on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Writing Desk, please visit Zondervan Publishing's website. 

Behind The Scenes

Fans of traditional regencies will definitely LOVE Jen Turano's latest novel Behind the Scenes! Miss Permilia Griswold is what society has deemed a wallflower, but she has the spirit to not let anyone tell her what she can and can't do, especially since her stepmother, Ida and stepsister, Lucy seem intent on making sure that she finds a suitable match and if not, to do nothing to embarrass their attempts to secure the right man for Lucy. Mrs. Ida Webster, a formidable lady one learned rather quickly not to cross - and a lady who staunchly believed a woman's place was in the home, not traveling around the country participating in...business.

For Permilia she loved being considered a wallflower. It was the only time she could travel with ease behind the scenes, observing society without anyone noticing. This would help her to blend in better at all the society functions Ida and Lucy insist she attend and one that would allow her to gather facts to write about in her society column under the pseudo name of Miss Quill. Only in this circumstance at the Vanderbilt ball, Permilia is about to face her greatest challenge, Mr. Asher Rutherford of Rutherford and Company. He is a self-made man who is society's greatest eligible bachelor who finds the untamed and unconventional spirit of Permilia to his liking for some odd reason. She holds nothing back and isn't about to conform to what Ida or Lucy deem appropriate for her. All she desires is to work with her father in his mining business and has taken it upon herself to learn all she can about the business world.

When she learns of a plot to murder Asher Rutherford while hiding in the Vanderbilt mansion, she will do whatever it takes to ensure that no harm comes to him, even if it means tarnishing her reputation. She even manages to gain some help from other wallflowers in an effort to be taken serious, of which Asher is convinced that Permilia has simply jumped to conclusions. Nevertheless, he finds simply being in her company to be like a moth to a flame only he needs to make sure that he doesn't get burned in the process. After all, most of society shops within the doors of Rutherford and Company for all their latest fashions and he needs to ensure that he doesn't do anything rash to make headlines in the local gossip columns.

I received Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano compliments of Baker Publishing Group and Net Galley. There is something to Jen Turano's writing style that casts a hook into you and you don't want this novel to end. Her character of Permilia is well-conceived, strong and determined and willing to not be a role model for what society deems is appropriate. She wants more out of life and isn't waiting around for a man to provide it. While she definitely has gumption, she also walks a tight-rope to ensure she doesn't embarrass her father and cause undo harm to his business while she seeks to find her own way in the world. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and find myself relating to Permilia as that would likely be how I would have been in her world. No fear, bold and full of passion! This is the first novel in the Apart From The Crowd series and one I am looking forward to!

For more information about Behind the Scenes, Jen Turano, or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel due out in April, please click on the links below:

Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

You can find Jen Turano on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Behind the Scenes, please visit Baker Publishing Group's website. 

An Uncommon Courtship

If you are a fan of Jane Austen's novels, Downton Abbey or traditional regency romances, then trust me when I recommend the Hawthorne House series of novels by Kristi Ann Hunter. They are must haves if you love the romance only found when dealing with Dukes, Counts, Lords and even the household staff  that work for them. In the third novel in the series, An Uncommon Courtship, conveys what happens when a woman's reputation is put at risk while in the unexpected company of a man without others being present, in this case overnight. When Adelaide Bell, the second daughter of Lord and Lady Crampton, ventures off to hunt for mushrooms, she falls through the floor of an abandoned keep on the property of the Duke of Riverton. She just never expected the Lord Trent will fall through the floor with her. Knowing they were stuck temporarily, and what the implications would be when they were found, Lord Trent did what a noble gentlemen would and proposed marriage to keep her reputation from being ruined.

He just expected that when he proposed to his future wife, he would love her or in this case at least know her. Yet he was willing to trust that God knew his circumstances and would make the best of it. Knowing that he would never be crowned Duke as the younger brother, he was willing to make the best of most situations. He just wasn't quite sure what to do to make a marriage work, when the only thing going for you was that you were attracted to one another and you were married already. Only when things begin to get complicated and the lack of communication between the two falls far short, Lord Trent Hawthorne moves in with his brother the Duke of Riverton to ease the tension in the house. That only makes things worse when Adelaide wonders what she has done to drive him away but since its not a woman's place to speak her mind she resolves to spend her time getting to know the staff and trying to fit in as a Lady despite her mother's constant intervention that she simply isn't good enough as a wife or daughter.

I received An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley. Having read the other novels in the Hawthorne House series, A Noble Masquerade and An Elegant Facade, I think this may have been my favorite. I love how complicated things are at first between Adelaide and Trent knowing that their positions as secondary figures when it comes to titles are what takes some of the tension off. The way they begin to figure things out over time, it what makes readers covet this novel because it is genuine in the way I believe it would play out if it wasn't a fictional novel. I love comedic way that Trent and Adelaide eventually handle her meddlesome mother and family and how Trent's family comes to the aid of Adelaide when she needs to find a way to make it in the world of noble families. Well worth a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about An Uncommon Courtship, Kristi Ann Hunter or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

You can find Kristi Ann Hunter on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on An Uncommon Courtship, please visit Bethany House Publisher's website.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Who would have ever thought I would be a fan of Traditional Regencies? But after watching Downton Abbey I was addicted! Both in the lives of the wealthy and also those of the common folks as well. Something I think I would fall into if I had been born a long time ago. One thing is certain, the rights of women have definitely come a long way. In those days if a woman was married but her husband died, all of her property, wealth and assets went to the next male in the family. Either a brother, cousin, son or even second or third cousins that may have no knowledge of that family whatsoever.

Best-selling author Julie Klassen takes readers into a new series, the Tales of Ivy Hill in her first novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. It is here that we meet Jane Bell who is still mourning the unexpected death of her husband John and has been left to care for a dilapidated coaching inn, known as the Bell. She has no means to bring it back to its former glory and somehow she finds it odd that her husband would have left the Inn to her over his brother Patrick. When the bank informs Jane that her husband took out a loan of 15,000 pounds and hasn't paid a penny of it back, they give her 90 days to find a way to begin making the necessary repairs to the Inn, come up with a business proposal to show how she might turn a profit in the coming year, or pay off the loan.

Jane's mother-in-law, Thora returns to the Inn without realizing the trouble Jane is now facing. She has no way of being able to help Jane and her reputation within the town is less than stellar knowing how difficult and stern she can be. John's brother, Patrick has offered to take over the Inn for Jane so she doesn't have to deal with trying to figure out the logistics of what she will face, but is encouraged by the staff of the Inn and those who work with them, to figure out a way to keep it going. It means the livelihood of town's residents by keeping the Inn operating and to sell it would mean that they would all lose their sources of income as well. All the businesses in town are interconnected in one way helping one another out. When an unexpected guest arrives at the Inn, Jane believes her future might just change, she just isn't sure if it's for the best or worse.

I received The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley. The one thing I enjoyed the most about this novel is that Julie Klassen wasn't in a rush to finish the first novel and took her time exploring the complex relationships that Jane and Thora have. From the common people Jane's Inn employs from the coachmen to the maids, and even those she does business with like the butcher and laundress. In a time when it wasn't easy for a woman to make it, I love how well both Thora and Jane dig in to find resources they can utilize when they lack the experience to pull off this endeavor. While I was hoping for more romance between Jane and Gabriel, I am optimistic it may happen in a future novel in this charming and heartwarming series set in England. I definitely learned quite a bit about the coaching inns and how they contributed to the financial well being of the town. I would rate this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and anxiously await the next one!

For more information about The Innkeeper of Ivy Hills, Julie Klassen, or where to preorder a copy of this novel due out in early December of 2016, please click on the links below:

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

You can find Julie Klassen on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, please visit Bethany House Publishers.

The Royal Nanny

Who hasn't at one time been fascinated by the life of royalty? From Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses, there is a sense of awe about what life is like for those the live under a royal title. Perhaps it is the little girl in all of us that when we were children, had those fairy tales read to us about princes and princesses that inspired us to dream of castles and the happy ever afters we believed was possible. In Karen Harper's latest novel, The Royal Nanny, we get the chance to see what life is like for those who take up the role as a Nanny for a couple that stands in succession to the title of King or Queen of England.

The book begins in 1897 when Charlotte Bill arrives to Sandringham, England to help the nurse in charge of the princes children based on recommendations from her former work with the Duke and Duchesses children. However when Charlotte senses that there might be more going on than meets the eye regarding the behavior of David, the first in line to succeed the throne, as well as his younger brother Bertie. David is fidgety, while his brother Bertie is withdrawn. One day when she happens upon the head nanny Mrs. Peters, she sees that she is abusing the child. She is threatened with losing her job if she tells anyone what she has seen, but it is worth the risk to save the lives of both boys.

It garners her the role as head nanny now, something she had only dreamed of before, and as the royal couple continue to have more children, she knows her position will be for quite awhile. What she doesn't understand is how removed the Prince and Princess are from taking any active role in the raising of their own children, only seeing them at appointed tea times in the afternoon and then only a brief exchange while she stands present. The loving affections for their own children is sorely lacking with only more recommendations from the Prince in what his expectations are for them. All Charlotte knows is how much love and caring these children need and she will do her best to provide for them even if it means risking a life of never being married and having her own children with the one man she truly loves. After all, one can't marry within the staff under the royal couple and not lose their job, it is expressly forbidden.

I received The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publisher for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion. I truly love this novel because it is hard to understand the middle ground a nanny faces. She is not truly part of the royal family nor a member of the lower staff, so she rarely has any contact or friends with anyone other than other nannies or ladies maid. Such an insightful look into the secret life of a Royal Nanny. There is even an author's note at the conclusion of this novel that offers her insight on what she chose this particular topic and her own research behind it all. Fans of all things pertaining to the Royal family will absolutely LOVE this novel as well as fans of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Royal Nanny, Karen Harper or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper

You can find Karen Harper on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Royal Nanny, please visit William Morrow's website. 

The Daughter of Highland Hall

For fans of Downton Abbey and Jane Austen, you might just want to pick up the latest novel to debut in the Edwardian Brides Series from Carrie Turansky, The Daughter of Highland Hall. I've been in love with the characters from this series since picking up the first novel, The Governess of Highland Hall, and had to patiently wait for this one to be published. I was not disappointed. In fact, I took my time with this one knowing the third novel might not be out until fall of 2015, so I had to make it last. Oh, I was in love again with the characters of Kate Ramsey, the cousin of William Ramsey who is the heir to Highland Hall. Readers of the first novel first met Kate as she struggled to rebel against Julia Foster who at the time was her governess. Now she is engaged to be married to William and for Kate, she has come to understand that despite all the appearances of wealth and notoriety, sometimes love is worth more than a title or an inheritance.

Now that Kate is finally ready for her presentation into society, her sponsor Louisa is doing all she can to ensure that Kate finds a suitable husband that will allow her a much sought after marriage to the right man. But as hard as Kate tries to appease what others think is the best for her, she can't help but to be drawn to Jon Foster, Julia's brother who is working on becoming a doctor in London's East End. Here life is the far extreme from anything Kate has seen, where the poor out populate the rich, and where orphans and widows struggle to find enough to eat and place to sleep at night. Kate struggles to understand the conflict within her heart as she watches those of elite spend lavishly on banquets and parties while those just blocks from them don't have enough to seek proper health care. Jon works with the local doctor to offer a light in this dark places at Daystar clinic, a place where you simply have to pay what you can afford to get seen by a doctor. In the time, that Kate volunteers there with Jon, she finds something that warms more than her heart. A calling on her life and one that goes in complete conflict with what her Aunt Louisa would desire for her.

When the family name is suddenly cast in an unfavorable light due to the actions of William's brother, David, soon Kate realizes how society views those who are related to the news. Even though Kate isn't the one involved, it is merely being judged as guilty by association and all of Kate's social invitations grow cold in the wake of the investigation. Will God reveal Himself to Kate in the presence of things that are transpiring in her life to put a call on her heart that is more than what she could dream for herself and her future? Only time will tell and the results just might surprise you in the end.

I received The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVED this novel in part because the characters are so believable. I found myself relating to Kate the most, and wondering how society would react if someone of her social standing suddenly walked away from it all for love. Carrie's writing is superb and gains the respect and favor of traditional regency fans! Now I will simply have to deal with waiting another year for A Refuge at Highland Hall. Not sure what Carrie has planned, but if these two novels are any indicator, it will definitely be a huge success. Hands down another stellar 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Just what you would expect in any novel dealing with the Edwardian era, romance and high society among the elite.

For more information about The Daughter of Highland Hall, Carrie Turansky, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

You can find Carrie Turansky on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Daughter of Highland Hall, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.