Fairest of Hearts

About the Book:

Fairest of Heart (Texas Ever After) by [Karen Witemeyer]

Title: Fairest of Hearts
Series: Texas Ever After #1
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: June 6th, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

Book Review:

This was a fun read! I love fairytales and it was so cool to read this western Christian reimagining. Fairest of Heart is the first book in Karen Witemeyer’s new series, Texas Ever After. Snow White is such an interesting fairytale and it was cool to see how Witemeyer changed and modeled the story.

Penelope and Titus were just wonderful characters. They were engaging and I felt for them both as they tried to figure out life. I really liked how Witemeyer created her own version of Snow White. I was drawn into the story and I loved Witemeyer’s version of the seven dwarves. The seven old men were so sweet and I loved how they became like Penelope’s grandpas. Although it took me a little while to get invested in the book, the plot was interesting and I wanted to know how the story was going to end. I also enjoyed how Witemeyer wove faith into her book and how the characters had to learn to trust God more fully.

Fairest of Heart was a fun book. It was a clean Christian historical fiction romance. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Witemeyer’s other books or who just enjoy Christian western romance fiction. I am also excited to see what fairytale Witemeyer will do next!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Absolutely, Positively Natty

About the Book:

Absolutely, Positively Natty by [Lisa Greenwald]

Title: Absolutely, Positively Natty
Author: Lisa Greenwald
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Genre: Children’s Fiction

Natty deals with moving after her mom’s departure by pulling a “Ted Lasso” and starting a pep squad in this standalone middle-grade novel about friendship and toxic positivity by the author of TBH and the Friendship List series.

When Natty’s mom kind of takes a break from her dad and sort of the whole family, Natty and her dad move to his childhood hometown of Miller Creek. Now she’s starting middle school for the second time, this time in Miller Creek—without her mom—or her BFF. But Natty’s doing great! Really. Anything is possible. And what’s the point of dwelling on the stuff that stinks when there’s so much good stuff to think about?

Natty is absolutely, positively sure that she can turn it all around. Like 1,000 percent sure. As long as she stays absolutely positive! She’ll get her dad off the couch, make her tons of new friends, and even convince her mom to come live with them in Miller Creek. First step? Starting a pep squad to spread the good vibes.

But what happens when the leader of the pep squad has no more cheer to give?

Book Review:

I’m going to be honest, this book broke my heart a little. It is written in an easy to read manner and in some ways seems lighthearted which showcases the depth of its topic because Natty is also putting on a show and trying to hide her real feelings.

I loved Natty from the start. She was going through so much, and she did not know how to cope with it. I think a lot of kids are going to be able to identify with her and her struggles. She was trying to put on a happy face thinking that it would fix everything. I love how she learned that sometimes positivity will not fix problems that sometimes things are just hard.

And I love how nothing is technically solved in this book. Natty gains friends though, and she learns the importance of talking about her feelings. I think that lesson will be very helpful for kids and their parents because Natty’s dad had no idea how to talk to her.

I think I was a bit frustrated by Natty’s friends though, especially Mack because she seemed very abrasive and honestly kind of a jerk to Natty. I understand how she and Natty were foils to each other, but she still irritated me a bit. I think she did show Natty the importance of saying when things are bad though. But she also had to learn how to let Natty express her feelings which I think she did eventually learn.

I would definitely recommend this book. It is a heartbreaking and important read that is both entertaining and helpful in learning how to talk about your feelings.

Content Warnings

Natty’s mom has depression. It’s not graphic about what happened, but she eventually ends up leaving Natty and her dad

Highlights:

Importance of talking about feelings

Friends from different cliques

Seeing behind people’s masks

Friendships

Only light romance

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Covert Ops

About the Book:

Title: Covert Ops
Series: Saint Squad #12
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Supsense

Sienna Blake is used to chaos. As a well-known movie star, she thought she’d seen it all. But that was before she fell in love with Craig Simmons, a navy SEAL and member of the Saint Squad. The path to matrimony has been strewn with postponements and disruptions, but wedding bells are finally going to ring―until Craig disappears just ahead of the most important day of their lives, leaving Sienna to evaluate whether she’s really cut out for the uncertainty of life as a military wife.

After a potential terrorist threat overseas leaves his wedding plans in ruins―again―Craig realizes he needs to make this wedding happen or lose Sienna forever. In short, he needs backup. With the enthusiastic help of his Saint Squad teammates, wedding plans are once more set in motion. But as the big day draws near, a startling discovery may mean a life-or-death situation for the Squad. The overseas threat looms much closer to home than they ever thought possible. Now it’s not just a quest to make it down the aisle―it’s a battle to survive.

Book Review:

Wow! Another winner by Abramson. Covert Ops is the 12th book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Saint Squad series. Abramson’s books are always enjoyable and I was really excited to get to read this one! The Saint Squad is back with another exciting adventure.

I loved reading about these characters again. I do need to read the other books because I am missing a bit of the backstory between the characters, but it was still good. The Saint Squad had the greatest chemistry and it was fun to read about them interacting. I was on the edge of my seat as they worked together to complete their mission and keep others safe.

I felt so bad for Craig and Sienna, they were trying so hard to make their wedding happen. However it was sweet to read about them trying to work through the obstacles that kept on popping up and fighting for their future together. Sienna and Craig were just wonderful characters and I was cheering them on.

The plot was engaging. I did not know how Sienna and Craig were going to figure out their wedding plans or how the Saint Squad was going to complete their missions. I also loved seeing the Whitmores and Jim’s campaign for President.

Covert Ops is a fun book. The characters are compelling and the story draws you in. I feel as if it had the perfect blend of suspense, romance, and action. I would recommend reading it as part of the series though because it would be more enjoyable. Covert Ops is a must read. It is a clean romantic suspense novel.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Somebody to Lean On

About the Book:

Somebody to Lean On: A Small-town, Friends-to-Lovers, Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love in Charlotte Oaks Book 2) by [Jess Mastorakos]

Title: Somebody to Lean On
Series: Love in Charlotte Oaks #2
Author: Jess Mastorakos
Release Date: April 26th, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Do I want to kiss my best friend? Yep. Always have. Too bad it’s not that simple.

Jackson Wilson and I are long-distance co-guardians of our friends’ daughter, and even though we’re best friends and we’re totally committed to Phoebe, this isn’t a romcom where the best friends get together in the end.

Unfortunately.

But now, Phoebe and I have nowhere to go but Jackson’s tiny Tennessee town. And even though it’ll be hard to ignore my feelings, we’ll raise this adorable, sassy ballerina—while patching up the injury-prone busybodies of Charlotte Oaks—side-by-side, as friends.

Except … what’s with that fire in his eyes? And why is he smiling at me like that?

Uh-oh. I don’t deserve to ride off into the sunset with Jackson and Phoebe. And if we go there and it blows up, Phoebe is the one who’ll pay the price, and not even a pair of former combat medics have the skills to repair that kind of damage.

Then again, this job has taught me that there are no guarantees in life or love, but the reward is always worth the risk.

Am I brave enough to risk everything for a chance at a romcom-worthy happily ever after, or are we destined to stay in the friend zone forever?

Book Review:

This was a cute book! Somebody to Lean On is the second book in Jess Mastorakos’ Love in Charlotte Oaks series. Mastorakos is a talented writer. I am loving this new series and this was a great friends to lovers.

Bailey was a complicated character, she was dealing with a lot. However I loved getting to know her, she was just trying her best to care for Phoebe. I liked how strong Bailey was and how she connected with Jackson’s family. Bailey had fallen for Jackson years before but she was scared of the future and to let him know. Bailey had to learn to let Jackson in and even reach for her dreams.

Jackson was a sweetheart. He truly cared for Bailey and Phoebe. Jackson wanted to give Bailey his heart but he was trying to wait on her time. I enjoyed reading about Jackson and seeing him interact with his brothers and family, it was fun. Jackson had to learn to be brave and reach out to Baily

Bailey and Jackson were just so fun together! I was super excited for this one and it was great. I loved the characters and their interactions! The family relationships were so sweet. Phoebe was a great attention to the story and I love how she brought Jackson and Bailey together. The town was hilarious and their antics had me laughing.

I would definitely recommend this book. I think that it had the perfect blend of serious, funny, and romance. You need to read Somebody to Lean On! Somebody to Lean On is a clean contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Wait for Me

About the Book:

Wait for Me: A Sweet Time Travel Romance (Waters of Time Series) by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: Wait for Me
Series: Waters of Time #4
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: May 9th, 2022
Genre: Time Split Romance

When the darkness closes all around,
Beauty is still there just waiting to be found.

Dawson Huxham blames himself for his sister’s death . . . until he briefly crosses time and discovers she’s alive in the Middle Ages. Hoping to reconnect with her, he searches for the holy water that will help him visit the past for a longer duration. But he realizes he’s not the only one looking for the miraculous water. Terrorists are threatening him and watching his every move.

As Dawson locates holy water from an unlikely source, he crosses fully into the past where he meets a beautiful noblewoman, Philippa Neville, who is desperately trying to escape her uncle’s plans for an arranged marriage. When danger closes in, Dawson agrees to wed her in an effort to thwart her uncle’s schemes. As forces in both the present and past conspire against the newlyweds, will they find a way to be together before the swiftly moving waters of time separate them forever?

Book Review:

This is one of my favorites in this series! I read it so quickly, it was just so good! Wait for Me is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time. It was worth the wait. Dawson definitely needed his own book.

Dawson had such a troubled soul. He was struggling to live again after the loss of his eyesight and then the death of his sister. I loved reading about Dawson growing up and learning to trust God even through all his troubles. Dawson had to learn to see the good in the world and what it meant to keep on living even when life feels hard. Dawson was such a strong character and it was fun to read about him helping others and being himself.

Philippa was such a sweet character. Life had not been easy for her and yet she still strived to help and care for others. Philippa had to learn how to fight for her future and for what she loved. I loved reading about her interacting with Dawson and drawing him in.

The romance was sweet and I loved reading about them falling in love. They really complemented each other. The plot was also interesting. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how this book would end. I also love the way Hedlund wove faith into her books and the lessons that were learned.

Wait for Me was a great book! I would definitely recommend it! Wait for Me is a closed door Christian time travel romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Bookworm

About the Book:

Title: Bookworm
Author: Cookie O’Gorman
Release Date: April 20th, 2022
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she’s looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they’re together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can’t help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Book Review:

Charlotte is the definition of a bookworm. She is content with her romance novels and their happy endings. She isn’t looking for love and would rather help others find their HEA IN BOOKS. LOTTIE LOVES WORKING IN THE LIBRARY, even if it means running into Bo Stryker. Broody, athletic, and attractive even when He frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. When Lottie is about to get rejected, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss. One viral video later, everyone thinks they are actually together. Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends- short version, she was on a ladder, he startled her and the book slap was on accident. A fake relationship seems like the solution, but as they grow closer, feelings start to grow. But grumpy-sunshine only works in fiction…right?

What a fun story! I have loved all the stories I have read from Ms. o’Gorman and this one is no exception! Lottie was so fun and so relatable! I love how bookish she was and working at a library? Dream job! She was sweet and I enjoyed her interactions with her family. She and her sister Scarlett were hilarious and felt like real sisters to me. Bo was a sweetheart, especially with his family! He was super sweet with Lottie even if he was a bit gruff about it all.

I loved the FAke dating and grumpy-sunshine! It was even more fun having Lottie noticing all the ways her life is looking like a romance novel! I appreciated how practical they were, overall, I mean they were still teenagers! It was also cool to see characters from other books! I loved the little connecting threads! This is a YA romcom with just kissing!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

What Dreams May Come

About the Book:

Title: What Dreams May Come
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 2nd, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

In a bid to escape the incessant attentions of a man she does not love, governess Lucy Hayes embarks on a journey to begin a new post. But when she’s stranded in a storm, her plans go shockingly awry. Desperate times call for desperate measures: against her better judgment, she agrees to a foolhardy scheme presented by a handsome stranger, known to her as only William. But when her mysterious benefactor falls ill, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into his family home in a case of mistaken identity: they believe she is William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother.

Simon is suspicious of his lovely future sister-in-law, a woman who seems completely unsuited to his self-important brother. As they wait for William to awake, Simon and Lucy are drawn ever closer together. But danger draws closer too, in the form of her unwanted suitor. Lucy knows that when Simon discovers the truth, he will despise her. Now she must find a way to keep herself safe . . . and avoid falling hopelessly in love with a man she can never have.

Book Review:

It took me a little longer to get into this book, but once I really started reading it I was hooked. I have loved LeCheminant’s books from the beginning so I try to get my hands on all of her books. What Dreams May Come is Dana LeCheminant’s second historical fiction book and it is even better than the first.

The characters were engaging. I had a harder time starting it because Lucy was pretending and lying to the Calloways. However, I do think that this was a more believable lie than other books that I had read and it made sense in the context.

Lucy was a refreshing character, she was kind and considerate but she was also strong. I love how Lucy tried to stay true to herself even while her life felt crazy. Although I was frustrated at Lucy at times because of her situation, I understood her.

I felt so bad for Simon. He was a complicated character and I adored learning more about him. Simon wanted to make his father proud but things were not going the way he had hoped. Simon needed a break and I felt for him as he tried to care for his family and his responsibilities.

I really liked both Lucy and Simon. They were both struggling to find themselves and figure out their place in the world. It was interesting to read about them interacting because they were trying to keep the walls up between them. I think that LeCheminant wrote the characters and their situation really well. It did not feel forced or awkward and yet it fit the book. The plot was engaging and I didn’t know how this book was going to end.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. I am hopeful that there will be more books. There are definitely some side characters who need their own happy ending. What Dreams May Come is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

A Heart Worth Stealing

About the Book:

Title: A Heart Worth Stealing
Author: Joanna Barker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: May 2nd, 2023
Genre:Historical Romance

Miss Genevieve Wilde―a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress―is determined to meet life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late father had taught her. So when her father’s pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities prove incompetent.

Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.

But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, the two enter into a risky charade―pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much danger as her life.

Book Review:

This was cute and sweet. I have to admit that this was the first book that I have read by Joanna Barker. However, it was so good! I have heard great things about this book and this author so I was really excited to read it.

Genevieve, Ginny, was a lovely character. I liked her from the beginning and it was interesting to get to know her more. Ginny had to learn to trust Jack and how to live again. Ginny was struggling after her father’s death but Jack had a way of helping her breath and laugh.

Oh, Jack, he was such a charmer. At first I did not know what to think of Jack, but he quickly won my heart. Jack was the perfect fit for Ginny. He was trying hard to prove himself and make amends for past mistakes. I enjoyed getting to know Jack more and seeing who he truly was. He was kind and considerate. Jack had to learn to fight for Ginny.

I loved the chemistry between Jack and Ginny. They were such a fun couple to read about. Their banter was funny and engaging. It was sweet to read about Jack and Ginny falling in love as they tried to find Ginny’s father’s watch. I was rooting for them. Barker wrote their romance so well, that it felt seamless.

The plot was also very interesting. Although it took me a little while to get into the book, I ended up sucked in by the end of it. I love the blend of romance, hints of suspense, and mystery that was woven into this book. I did not know how it was going to end and I really enjoyed reading the story. There were so many twists and turns. The characters were likable and the side characters were wonderful additions.

A Heart Worth Stealing is a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it! It is a clean historical romance, I would recommend it to those at least 13 years and up.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Return to Satterthwaite Court

About the Book:

Return to Satterthwaite Court (Somerset Stories Book 3) by [Mimi Matthews]

Title: Return to Satterthwaite Court
Series: Somerset Stories #3
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Genre:Historical Romance

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

Book Review:

What a lovely book! This was my first book by Ms. Matthews and now I have to read the rest! Return to Satterwaite Court is technically the sequel to two other books, but I was able to read and enjoy it on its own. Lieutenant Charles Heywood has enough adventures. Battle-wearied and disillusioned, he is ready to settle down to a quiet life with his own estate. But the arrangements to buy the property he wants prove more complicated than he anticipated, as secrets begin to rise up. He will need the aid of someone just as daring as he to unravel them. Lady Katherine Beresford has earned herself quite the scandalous reputation for being only twenty, through her skills with pistols, horseback riding and insurmountable will. However the infuriating somber Lieutenant Heywood is not won by her and she is intrigued. But Kate is determined, after all the faint-hearted have never won handsome gentleman. To solve a decades’ old mystery, Charles and Kate’s quest take them from the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victoria London.Will the greatest danger be to their hearts or to their lives?

I really liked this book and it engaged me quickly. The characters were so lovely! Charles was such a sweetheart, all strong and silent on the outside but so tender with his family. It was so touching to read about his journey as he figured out his place in England. He had left for adventure, but found himself home and trying to adjust to his new life. He found a match for his determinism in Kate. Kate was so fun! I loved her confidence and her tenacious refusal to be pushed into decisions. She was so vibrant! They were so cute together, both so drawn to and admiring of the other. The mystery was really interesting. I was really interested in what would happen and honestly was surprised by all the twists! I do think that someone who had read the previous books would appreciate the outcomes a bit more, but it was still very exciting.

I loved the families in this story! It is a continuation of other books, so I am so excited to read their stories. Both parents are so lovely and so in love with one another. And their siblings were so fun, hopefully they all get stories! I definitely recommend this book and am so excited to read more!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Honorably Engaged

About the Book:

Honorably Engaged (Bradwell Brothers Book 3) by [Kasey Stockton]

Title: Honorably Engaged
Series: The Bradwell Brothers #3
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Golden Owl Press
Release Date: April 10th, 2023
Genre:Historical Romance

Henry Bradwell has a secret, and Marianne Hutton is the only one who knows what it is.

Henry has worked hard to maintain his secret identity, keeping his occupation private from everyone, including his family. A chance encounter with a family friend, Marianne, reveals far more than he’s comfortable with. Now he’s not the only person who knows . . . and Marianne’s discretion comes with strings attached.

Marianne needs a little help of her own and devises a scheme that will benefit both of them: her silence in exchange for Henry’s escort throughout the Season. A few months of courting, then they go their separate ways. But what happens when the secret is too much to bear and the fake relationship doesn’t feel quite as fake anymore?

Book Review:

The final Bradwell Brother book is here! I was so excited to finally read Henry’s book. He has been a side character in the other books and it is finally his turn. Henry Bradwell has worked hard to keep his occupation private and his secret identity, secret. A chance encounter with Marianne Hutton, a family friend reveals far more than he is comfortable with. But maybe there is a way to help her to ensure her discretion. Marriane needs help and Henry’s escort for the Season After a few months of courting, they will go their separate ways. But when the secret seems too much to bear and the fake relationship does not seem quite as fake, what will they do?

What a sweet story! Both Henry and Marriane were softer characters, It was cool to see the differences in all the brothers. Henry is the thinker of the family, more reserved and less social. Like his brothers though, he was not planning on love. He finds companionship and support with Marianne. They have common interests and the ability to help one another. Marianne was trying so hard to give herself choices. She knew the expectation for her and the worry her family had for her future. I admired how she tried to go after her passions and future. I enjoyed seeing Henry and Marianne’s relationship grow and they learn to trust each other. I always love when the relationship is built on friendship and supporting one another. There was a lot of excitement and tension in the story too! Honestly there were a lot of points where I wasn’t sure how things would work out. Ms. Stockton’s books usually have a bit more excitement in them and this one was no different! It did make my reading a bit slower going through and it took me a little bit to get fully invested in the story, but I did enjoy this book! I also enjoyed being able to see some of the Bradwells again as well as some other returning characters!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.