A Waltz with Traitors

About the Book:

Title: A Waltz with Traitors
Author: A.L. Sowards
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: March 14h, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction

Czech soldier Filip Sedlák never wanted to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So at the first opportunity, he defected to the Russians. Now he and others like him have formed the Czechoslovak Legion. Their goal: leave the chaos of Russia, sail to France, and help the Allies defeat the Central Powers, thereby toppling a hated empire and winning an independent Czechoslovakia.

With the fall of the tsar, Nadia Linskaya’s life is in ruins. Her family is dead, her lands are confiscated, and her aristocratic world is gone forever. But Nadia is determined to elude the Bolshevik agent who destroyed her family and find a way to survive in this changed world.

When Nadia takes refuge with the Czechoslovak Legion, the last thing she expects is an ally. But when Filip proposes a sham marriage to ensure her safe passage across Siberia, she takes it. Neither Filip nor Nadia expect real love, not when the legion has to take over the longest railroad in the world—and then hold it against Bolshevik counterattacks, partisan sabotage, allied intrigue, and a set of brutal Siberian winters. At risk is the future of Czechoslovakia, the fate of Russia—and their hearts.

Book Review:

Wow, this was a stunning book! A Waltz with Traitors is written by A.L. Sowards and it is a historical fiction. I have to admit that it took me a little while to get into this book, but it was worth the effort.

The characters were engaging and I fell in love with Filip and Nadia. I loved getting to know both Filip and Nadia. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited about that.They were such strong characters who had learned to overcome much. I was rooting for them as they fell in love. It was sweet to read about Filip and Nadia interacting.

The plot was very interesting. I was drawn into the war and the fight that Filip and Naida were facing. I didn’t know how this was going to end. I am not really a historical fiction type of person but this book was really good. I did have a harder time with the battles and such but I was still interested in the book.

A Waltz with Traitors is a historical romance. It does have a lighter romance but the characters were wonderful. I love the side characters and the family that they had created together.

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.

Giveaway:

bit.ly/awwtgiveaway

A Match in the Making

About the Book:

A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers Book #1) by [Jen Turano]

Title: A Match in the Making
Series: The Matchmakers #1
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 21st, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention–and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

Book Review:

This was such a cute book! I haven’t read a lot of historical fiction lately, so it was fun to jump back into this genre. And I love the romcom vibe that comes along with Turano’s books. It is a Regency read with some modern romcom influences that I adore.

I had a harder time getting into the story for this one, but once I started really reading, I was hooked. I loved the craziness of the Season, and Turano masterfully crafts some hilarious events. Regency ladies were savage, and I loved how Gwendolyn was unfazed by everything they did.

Gwendolyn was amazing! She won me from the beginning. I loved her practicalness and her calm through all the crazy. She knew her worth, and she wasn’t about to let anyone push her around. And her banter with just about everyone was so great, especially Walter!

Walter had to grow on me a little bit. He was convinced that his role in life was to be a good businessman, so he had neglected his children. I love how Gwendolyn changed him though and opened his eyes to see his responsibility was first and foremost to his kids. But he won me over eventually, and even though he was a bit clueless, he had a good heart. He wanted to do the right thing, but he wasn’t sure what the right thing was.

I loved his kids so much ! They were such terrors yet sweethearts all at the same time. Oscar was so adorable! I loved how much he cared for the twins, and it was sweet to see their connection with Gwendolyn from the beginning.

I would definitely recommend this book! It is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction or rom coms. It is a super cute read with plenty of crazy shenanigans and adorable moments 🙂

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.

Wyoming Wild

About the Book:

Wyoming Wild (Proper Romance) by [Sarah M. Eden]

Title: Wyoming Wild
Series: Savage Wells #3
Author: Sarah M Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publisher
Release Date: February7h, 2023
Genre: Historical Western Romannce

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in her fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at in intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of this lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town.

Book Review:

I have been eagerly waiting for another book in this series and I was not disappointed. Wyoming Wild is the third book in Sarah M. Eden’s Savage Wells series. Hawk finally got his own book and it was so good!!!

Liesl was such a strong character. She was fighting a losing battle and yet she did not give up. I liked how Liesl looked out for those around her and how she cared for the people in her town. But she was also at the end of her rope. It was sweet to read about Hawk trying to protect her. Liesl had been carrying a great burden on her shoulders, but Hawk was willing to help her. However, Liesl has learned to never trust lawmen, will Hawk be able to break down her walls before it is too late?

Hawk is an awesome character, it was fun to get to see more sides of him. He was determined to protect those under his care. I liked how Hawk was able to be himself with Liesl. She brought out the best in him. However, Hawk was struggling to find the balance between the carefree man that he was with Liesl and the weight that came with being a US Marshall.

Hawk and Liesl were such a cute couple. They completed each other and helped each other be better. Liesl helped Hawk relax and learn to enjoy life and Hawk helped protect Liesl and shoulder the burden that she carried. The romance was sweet and the plot was so exciting! I was engaged the whole time. I love how Eden is able to weave such a thrilling story. I wanted to know how Hawk and Liesl were going to take down Liesl’s father and the men who work with him.

I, of course, highly recommend all of Eden’s books that I have read and this one was no different. It was a great book and it was fun to see old characters again. Wyoming Wild and all of the Savage Wells books need to be on your TBR.

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.

The Last Chance Cowboy

About the Book:

The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys Book #5) by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: The Last Chance Cowboy
Series: Colorado Cowboys #5
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 14th, 2023
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she’s failed one too many times in finding true love. When she’s accused of a murder she didn’t commit, she’s forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient’s dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he’s doing his best to prove to the town he’s a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn’t know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan’s son, Catherine doesn’t want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn’t bargain for is how easily she’ll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness, this was just an amazing ending! I have been eagerly waiting for the next books to release in this series each year and it did not disappoint. The Last Chance Cowboy is the fifth and final book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series.

Dylan needed his own book and boy was it good! Poor Dylan, he had made a lot of mistakes and he had a lot that he needed to work on. Dylan had to learn from his past, amend his mistakes, and give everything to God. I adored getting to read about Dylan and learn more about him. He was learning. It was so sweet to read about him falling for Catherine and Austin. He wanted to be a good father and husband but he had to learn to trust that God was in control even when life felt crazy.

Catherine was another great character! She was so sweet and she fell for Austin at first glance, loving him as her own. Catherine was so interesting to read about and it was sweet to see her falling for Dylan. She didn’t have the best opinion of him but as she learned more about him, she saw past her prejudices. Catherine was running from her problems but she had to learn to face them. Catherine had to learn to trust Dylan and to rest in God’s plan.

I loved getting to read about Catherine and Dylan falling in love! They were so cute together! It was sweet to read about them interacting, Dylan was such a sweetheart. I also adored Austin and read about them coming together to care for him. The side characters were fun, I just loved Trudy and Stu, it was fun to have an older no nonsense couple. Seeing the family again was wonderful and I love how Hedlund is able to weave faith into her stories so well.

I would definitely recommend The Last Chance Cowboy! I am so sad to see this series end, but I believe Hedlund did a great job. The Last Chance Cowboy needs to be on your TBR. It is a clean historical christian romance, I would recommend it to those who are at least 13 years old.

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.

The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed

About the Book:

The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (A Romance of Rank Book 2) by [Esther Hatch]

Title: The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed
Series: A Romance of Rank #2
Author: Esther Hatch
Release Date: December 30th, 2022
Genre: Historical Romantic Comedy

If there is one woman Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton, can’t abide, it is his meddling sister. He has spent his whole life being a pawn in her plans and tricks, but when one of her schemes leaves him embarrassed in front of an old friend, he has finally had enough. He cannot beat her at her games, or even say no to her, his only option to save his sanity and pride is to run away–and fortunately, his solicitor knows just the place…

Catherine Wallace wasn’t born to be a governess, but with her family’s fall from grace, she has become one. A good one. However, when the chance arises to stay at her uncle’s home so she can care for his horticulture project while he is absent, she jumps at the chance. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again–even if it is only for a little while.

But the last thing Catherine expected to find upon her arrival was her childhood friend. Samson has sequestered himself at the cottage and claims to have been invited to watch over her uncle’s business while he is away. However, Catherine insists that’s what she’s been asked to do. The quiet retreat is what they both need, but they cannot stay there together…

Not unless they can manage the horticulture project together and somehow keep their living conditions secret, that is. Because the last thing Catherine wants is for Samson to be forced into marriage like he has been forced into everything else since childhood.

Luckily for Samson, that happens to be a risk he is willing to take.

Book Review:

The highly anticipated next story in the Romance of Rank series, The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed is a fun regency rom-com to start the year off with! Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton has spent his entire life being an unwilling participant in his meddling sister’s plans and tricks. When her latest scheme leaves him embarrassed in front of an old friend, he has had enough. Samson cannot beat her or even say no to her, so he runs away. Thankfully, his solicitor knows just the place. Catherine Wallance is a good governess, even if she wasn’t born to be one. However, the chance to stay at her uncle’s home and to care for his horticulture project in his absence, is too good to pass. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again, even for a little while. But finding her childhood friend, Samson, who claims that he has been invited to watch her uncle’s business, at the cottage is a surprise. They both need a retreat, but can they stay there together?

What a fun story! I was so excited to read this, because I enjoyed the first story so much. This book centers around Catherine and Samson. I really enjoyed Catherine’s POV. She felt very relatable and practical, even if she was holding onto some hurts from their childhood. She felt the weight of her family’s fall from grace and the weight of her strained relationship with Samson. She cared for him, but there was a lot in their way. I really enjoyed seeing her with her sisters, it was really cute. Samson was quite funny! I definitely felt for him as he struggled with his sister, she certainly had a strong personality! But he was pretty dramatic himself and I appreciated his sense of humor. It was sweet to watch him try to find his place with Catherine again.

Overall, I thought that the story was sweet and lighthearted. It was nice to have the characters know each other beforehand, because their story did progress pretty quickly. It was so lovely to see all the characters from Manor for Sale, and from a different perspective. I enjoyed going back to this world.

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.

Miss Newbury’s List

About the Book:

Title: Miss Newbury’s List
Author: Megan Walker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Genre: Regency Romance

Before Rosalind weds, she wants to experience ten things. Meeting Charlie wasn’t on her list.

England, 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her time. As a child, Ros created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, she has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.

Book Review:

I was a little worried about this book because I had heard so many good things about it, but it was just as great as others had said! Miss Newbury’s List is the first book that I have read by Megan Walker. I know, I need to read her other book but it is on my TBR. Miss Newbury’s List was just a wonderful historical romance with relatable and engaging characters!

Rosalind just wanted to complete her list before she married the duke. She was searching for her last semblance of herself and her happiness before she accepted the fact that her life would have to change after becoming a duke’s wife. Rosalind was definitely a complicated character, however I still loved her and her growth. She was trying so hard to be happy and accept her future and yet she was still looking for more. Rosalind had to learn that to trust her family and her feelings. Rosalind had to figure out if she was willing to take a risk even if it might change her whole life.

Charlie was just wonderful! I adored him from the start. He was a wounded hero who was just trying to get by. Charlie was running from his problems, but he had a good heart. Charlie had to learn to face his fears. He had to learn to let his family in and be a man that they could be proud of. Charlie had to work through much, but it was sweet to read about his growth throughout the book. Rosalind really challenged him to be better.

Rosalind and Charlie were just so cute together! They challenged each other and pushed each other to be better versions of themselves. They were able to be themselves around each other with no fear about society. However Rosalind and Charlie had to work through their demons and Rosalind’s engagement before they could even consider falling for each other. I did like how they had an easy connection and how they really seemed to care for each other first as friends.

Oh my goodness, I did not know how Charlie and Rosalind were going to end up together. There were just so many things working against them, but I loved reading their story. I also adored the side characters. The siblings and cousin relationship was just wonderful and I hope that Ben and Liza get their own books!

Miss Newbury’s List was a lovely book and I would definitely recommend it! It is a sweet, 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.

Scotland’s Melody

About the Book:

Title: Scotland’s Melody
Author: Katie Stewart Stone
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: January 8th, 2023
Genre: Regency Romance

Melody Foster has been granted every luxury available, save one: the ability to love whom she chooses. When her father reveals that she is to marry a wild Scot she’s never met, Melody defies him and declares she will never marry without affection. Her choice to marry Richard, a footman in her father’s household, prompts her family to disown her, and she goes to London to risk everything for love. But she is blindsided. Without a penny to her name, her love is worthless to Richard, and he decides to change tactics. Perhaps she could still serve a purpose―after all, her family can’t sit idly by while she is held for ransom . . .

Desperate to escape the man she thought she loved, Melody finds allies to aid her: first, her old governess and then Cameron Findlay, a handsome stranger who is startled by the distraught young woman who catapulted into his life. Cam finds himself sympathetic to the young woman’s plight, so he and his sister agree to take her on as a servant in their household. Cam and Melody are powerfully drawn to each other, but can Melody ever trust her heart when it was so terribly wrong before?

Book Review:

This was a sweet and fun book! It is the first book that I have read by Katie Stewart Stone but I really enjoyed it! I am definitely going to be reading more of her books. Scotland’s Melody is written by Katie Stewart Stone.

Melody was a complicated character. There were times when I was so frustrated with her and her decisions. However she grew on me throughout the book and I love getting to see her grow and mature. Melody was young and in love but she made a mistake however she ended up paying for her mistake.

Cameron was a lovely character. He was so interesting to read about and I loved getting to know him more. He was so complex. However Cameron was kind and I loved how he cared and teased his sister. Cameron had to come to grips with his feelings and learn how to interact with Melody. She was not what he had expected and had changed things.

I adored the romance that grew between Melody and Cameron. It was sweet to read about them connecting and getting to know each other. I love how they became friends first and then they grew to love each other. The plot was interesting and I was really engaged in the story. I wanted to see how Melody and Cameron were going to overcome their differences. There were so many surprises along the way and I loved it!

I love Cameron’s sister and I saw hints of a second book which I am super excited for. Sibling relationships are one of my favorite things to read about and I adored their relationship. I liked the family aspects in this book.

Scotland’s Melody was a wonderful sweet book! I really enjoyed it and I definitely want to read more by this author. Scotland’s Melody 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.

The Enemy Across the Loch

About the Book:

The Enemy Across the Loch (Myths of Moraigh Trilogy Book 3) by [Kasey Stockton]

Title: The Enemy Across the Loch
Series: Myths of Moraigh Trilogy #3
Author: Kasey Stockton
Release Date: January 4th, 2023
Genre: Historical Scottish Romance

He believes she’s a selkie—she has no desire to change his mind.

The loch divides the feuding clans. Ealann McEwan on one side, Miles Duncan on the other. When a chance encounter causes them to meet, a friendship is borne of necessity. But as war inches closer, they will be forced to choose: love or their families.

**Book three in the Myths of Moraigh Trilogy. The books are not stand-alone novels and must be read in order for full comprehension, but each novel has its own satisfying love story.**

Book Review:

The final book in the Myths of Moraigh Trilogy concludes the overarching story, while focusing on Ealann McEwan and Miles Duncan. The loch divides the feuding clans and Ealann and Miles are on opposite sides. A chance encounter causes them to meet and a friendship is borne of necessity. However, as war comes ever closer, they may have to choose between love and their families.

What an exciting book! Honestly, I wasn’t even sure how it could end! Ealann was such an interesting character. She was a healer and had committed to her path in the midst of tragedy. I appreciated her loyalty to her brother and her commitment to what she chose. She was not as fiery as Marion and seemed more reserved, but she was just as fiercely loyal as all the rest. I like the variety of characters in the series. It was interesting to see Moraigh through her eyes.

I really admired Miles. He was trying so hard to fight for peace and still hold to the loyalties he has sworn. He has been a character throughout the series and I was really interested in seeing his story. We have been slowly getting glimpses into his life and what he wants from the situation. His relationship with his mother was so sweet! I loved her input! She definitely was not afraid to share her opinion with her son.

It was cool to see the story from another side. The other books were firmly on the McEwan side and the Duncans were the other clan. But this book has these characters who offer a new look into the overarching struggle. There was so much suspense and uncertainty around the conflict and war that had been inching closer with every book. I wasn’t even sure how everything could be solved. Ms. Stockton did not take any short-cuts with the ending, so it felt complete and true to the characters, even if it was a bit bittersweet. Overall, I would definitely recommend this and it cannot really be read out of order to really understand the story. There is some violence and mentions of threats of assault, however, overall it is a clean story.

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.

Yesterday’s Tides

About the Book:

Yesterday's Tides by [Roseanna M. White]

Title: Yesterday’s Tides
Author: Roseanna M White
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: January 24th, 2023
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

n two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling’s lives in World War II, it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Book Review:

This book was engaging and interesting to read! I have really enjoyed Roseanna M White’s books, but I haven’t really read a lot of her standalones so I was excited to try this one out. Yesterday’s Tides is a dual storyline historical romance

It was fun to read about the different couples and see how their lives were intertwined. There was so much going on and so much to keep track of. I was a little confused at the beginning, but I was able to get my bearings as I read more. The romances were cute and it was sweet to read about the characters falling in love.

I adored Rem and Louisa. Their interactions were just the cutest to read and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love. They both weren’t looking for love, but God had other plans. However there were a lot of obstacles that stood in front of Rem and Louisa. They had a lot to overcome especially since they were facing the start of World War I.

Evie and Sterling were also interesting to read about. They were set in a different time and yet they were also facing a war. It was fascinating to read some of the parallels in the story.

This story was such an intriguing story and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were endearing, I was cheering for them as I read the book. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. I needed to know how this book was going to end. Both of the stories were so interesting and I love how they were woven together.

Yesterday’s Tides is a great book. I enjoyed the characters and the story! I would recommend it to those who enjoy White’s other books or those who enjoy historical Christian romance. Yesterday’s Tides is a clean historical Christian time dual storyline 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 Proper Charade

About the Book:

Title: A Proper Charade
Series: Proper Scandals #2
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: October 24th, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance

Does love have a chance if she doesn’t play by the rules?

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience’s elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister’s antics—but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother’s former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth—and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn’t helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated than she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong—even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

Book Review:

I have heard so many good things about Esther Hatch’s books and I knew that I had to try it myself. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. A Proper Charade is the second book in Esther Hatch’s Proper Scandals series.

Lady Patience Kendrick just wanted to prove to her brother that she was reliable. Determined to show him that she can work hard, she disguises herself and goes to work as a maid in her brother’s formal general’s home. While there Patience finds her plan getting more and more complicated. Will she be able to prove to her brother that she is reliable and able to work, as her plans spiral out of control?

I really liked Patience, she was quirky and fun. I liked how she said whatever came to mind, she was honest to a fault. Patience endeared herself to me pretty quickly, and I just really enjoyed reading about her and her adventures. She was different from the other ladies of her time, and it made it hard for her. She so wanted to prove herself to her brother, and she wanted to be better and do more.

Andrew was so serious, but he was also such a sweetheart. I really liked him also and I felt bad for him. He tried so hard to live up to his father’s expectations, but he felt like he would never be enough. I also liked his quirks. He made lots of lists and he was so orderly, but he was also kind.

Patience and Andrew were perfect together. They balanced each other. He helped her stay focused and she helped him relax. I loved reading scenes about them together. The charades that happened during this book were hilarious, nothing was quite as it seemed. Patience was a horrible maid, but she tried her best. And Andrew needed a way to prove to Miss Morgan that she was the right woman for him. I found myself bursting out laughing while I was reading this book

I also really enjoyed the side characters, Mr. Gilbert was super nice. Andrew’s family was the sweetest, I loved his niece and nephew, they really added to the book. Also his sister was amazing! Patience’s brother was kind but strict, and I really want him to have his own book now!A Proper Charade was amazing and I really enjoyed it! Once I got into it, I didn’t want to put it down. I would definitely recommend it. A Proper Charade is a clean historical romance book.