A Lady’s Wager

About the Book:

A Lady's Wager (Timeless Georgian Collection Book 2) by [Arlem Hawks, Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah M. Eden]

Title: A Lady’s Wager
Series: Timeless Georgian Collection #2
Author: Arlem Hawks, Josi S Kilpack, and Sarah M Eden
Publisher: Mirror Press
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Genre: Georgian Romance

Can a lady wager on love?

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks
Lieutenant Derrick Owens has always been on his own and wants to keep it that way, but when he saves a shipmate’s sister from a horrible dance partner, Corah Bradford’s sweet temperament and friendly nature make her hard to resist. Unable to find a suitable husband in Bristol who she can also love, Corah is entangled in a wager to secure Derrick’s company for an evening. Despite their reluctance to let go of their convictions, their easy friendship turns to something more. But with war on the horizon and Corah bound for the marriage mart in London, they both must discover what’s truly important—love or their previous expectations.

Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack
Over the years, Colletta Markshire has been the driving force in helping young women make their match during the Season in London. Rachel is her lucky thirteen and Etta has every expectation that she will be a triumph … except that things are not going to plan. Rachel has not taken to London and is determined to grow an acquaintance with a young man not at all the thing. The young man’s father, Wynn Firth, is nearly as distracting as Etta’s worries, and in every way she felt sure she would never feel distracted again. When Rachel disappears, Etta has little doubt what’s happened and she and Wynn set out together to find the young couple before word gets out. Hours in a carriage with a handsome man can be even more distracting, however, and Etta finds herself entertaining ideas she never thought to have. Etta gave up on love years ago … and yet, as Women of a Certain age can attest, it is never too late to change one’s mind and change one’s future.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden
Drowning in debt, Julian, Lord Wesley spends an evening of shared misery with his closest friend at their club and makes a startling discovery: someone has placed a wager that Lady Charlotte Duchamps will not marry before her 21st birthday, with Julian himself receiving £1000 if she does not. Lady Charlotte suddenly finds herself the subject of a great deal of attention from Lord Wesley, a vague acquaintance with a questionable reputation. With Julian and Charlotte both attempting to solve mysteries and wreak chaos, betting on the possibility of love might just prove the most risky wager of all.

Book Review:

Another lovely collection of stories for the Timeless Georgian Series, A Lady’s Wager is a fun treat to read! I enjoyed all of the stories and had such a good time visiting Georgian England!

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks

This was my first story from Hawks and I guess I need to read more of her books, because this was such a sweet story! Derrick was so fun1 I loved his quick wit and the enjoyment he had in life. Corah was so sweet! I loved how she cared for her family.They were so sweet together! I loved how they seemed to get each other so quickly, I appreciated how realistic they both were about their situations, none of their reasonings seemed out of place. They needed to decide if love was worth it for them. The story moved along pretty quickly, as expected of a novella, but I do feel like you get to know Derrick and Corah quickly. they draw you into the story.

Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack

This one was really sweet! I appreciate how she writes stories about older couples. It is fun to see a different perspective on things. This was also a very engaging story. Col;etta’s role in Society was really interesting and I enjoyed seeing the different spin. She had made a life for herself and was thrown off by Wynn. Her ideals and motives are clear from her POV. I felt like I understood her from the first few scenes. She was trying to look out for the girls she supported. I appreciated Wynn’s intentionality. It was fun to also see Rachel’s journey. I felt sorry for her as she tried to find her place in London. Overall, this was a really engaging story. I was invested in Etta’s journey and hopeful for her and Wynn. She was a little stuck in her ways and how she expected her life to be. She had to overcome them to figure out what she truly wanted for her life.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M Eden

I really liked the characters here! Julian and Charlotte were interesting, witty, and I loved reading about their interactions. Julian was funny, comfortable with himself, and trying to overcome the stigmas from his family’s reputations. I appreciated his even temper and his quick wit. He and Franklin were really fun together too! I really enjoyed their banter. I really liked Charlotte! She was intelligent and trying to keep some semblance of control in a place where it was difficult to have it. It was fun to see them as they tried to navigate Society and the possibilities of love!I liked how Charlotte’s family was really trying to look out for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection. All of the stories were engaging and interesting. I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy historical 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.

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.

Secrets of the Sonnets

About the Book:

Title: Secrets of the Sonnets
Author: Samantha Hastings
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: January 2nd, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory.

Book Review:

An exciting historical romance with witty dialogue and charming characters, Secrets of the Sonnets is such a fun read! This is my first of Ms. Hastings books and it was such an enjoyable read. Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and unfortunately for her mother, at the age of twenty-six, a spinster. Her single-minded ambition to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare has left her with little time to seek a husband. The connection between the Bard and a local marquess leads her to request access for papers that could secure her academic triumph. Lord Robert Hamilton has found himself drowning in debt and at risk of losing his ancestral home. The letter from an M. Hatch requesting papers from his ancestors seems small in comparison, until he realizes the financial merit it could bring. When M. Hatch turns out to be the lovely Miss Hatch, he soon finds himself following her as they seek out the trail of a century-old mystery. Their shared goal and growing attraction draws them together, but someone else is also seeking the papers and they will not hesitate to remove anyone else in their search.

This was such an engaging and interesting story! I really enjoyed the banter especially. Miranda was so fun! I loved her intelligence and confidence. She had some difficulty in her past experience with romance, so she was settling into her “spinster” status. Robert was a surprise to her. I enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and how they connected. I also really loved her relationship with her parents. Miranda and her father were hilarious! I loved their bonding over Shakespeare and their game! I also really appreciated how even though Miranda and her mother were very different, they still got along and enjoyed one another’s company. Miranda was able to establish herself in a new way throughout the story. She learned about her place and how a new relationship could fit into her life.

Robert was struggling with all that had been dropped on him with the inheritance of his estate. I felt so much for him. From the financial aspect, to his new responsibilities to his family, his POV made me really feel like I understood him and could empathize with him. Watching him fall in love with Miranda was also so cute, I loved the way his friends and sisters teased him too! Their journey was really interesting to follow and I was really engaged in the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy their historical romance with some adventure and history mixed in! This is a clean historical romance with some more exciting scenes of danger, but nothing graphic.

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:

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A Noble Groom

About the Book:

A Noble Groom (Michigan Brides Collection Book 2) by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: A Noble Groom
Series: Michigan Brides #2
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: April 1st, 2013
Genre: Historical Romance

2014 Carol Award Winner for Historical Romance

Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner’s hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That’ll be enough. A marriage for love…that’s something she’s given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher–or so he says. He’s looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there’s more to this man than he’s admitting. He’s also gentle, kind, charming–unlike any man she’s ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

Book Review:

I first found Jody Hedlund’s book when I read her Orphan Train series, after reading those books I was hooked. Although, A Noble Groom is one of her older books, it was just as good! A Noble Groom was a sweet book about a single mother trying to make ends meet and a runaway noble finding himself falling for someone beneath his position.

Annalisa was so strong. She tried so hard to care for her daughter and save her farm. But Annalisa was also running out of time, seh needed to pay off her loann on her farm. Annalisa was such a compliance character, she wanted to believe and trust in God but he was proving to be like all the other men in her life. I loved Annalisa’s relationship with her daughter, Gretchen was so sweet.

Annalisa was truly amazing, but she needed to learn to trust God and how to stand up for herself. She was so used to being in the background that she didn’t know what to do when Carl actually wanted to get to know her.

I liked Carl from the beginning. He was so sweet and even though he was a noble he quickly learned how to work hard. He was kind to others and I loved how he interacted with Annalisa and Gretchen. He was like a father to Gretchen and I adored how he played with her.

Carl had to figure out how to forgive himself for the mistakes that he had made. He had to learn that maybe being a noble wasn’t everything and that there was more to life than money. I loved how Annalisa showed him how to work hard and how he wanted to do better to help her. The story had me interested the whole time. I didn’t know how Carl and Annalisa would find their happy ending, but I am so glad that things ended up working in the end. A Noble Groom left you with a hopeful feeling.This was a great book and I would definitely recommend it.

Stay with Me

About the Book:

Stay With Me: A Waters of Time Novel by [Jody Hedlund]

Title: Stay with Me
Series: Waters of Time #3
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Genre: Time Split Romance

Sacrificing and dying to oneself is costly.
But doing so brings new purpose and joy.

As a private investigator, Sybil Huxham has seen her fair share of strange occurrences. But nothing in her career has been more perplexing than the miracles she’s witnessed as a result of people drinking ancient holy water. When she discovers more of the rare holy water, she experiences strange overlaps with a nobleman in the Middle Ages who is languishing in a dungeon, accused of treason and condemned to die. To save his life, she finally crosses to the past completely.

Nicholas Worth has never met a woman quite like Sybil, and as the two run for their lives into the Weald, they find refuge among a community of outlaws. With both their reputations on the line, they have little choice but to marry. As they get to know each other, an undeniable attraction develops. But danger and disease chase after them, drawing ever closer. Will they be able to escape the threats? And will Sybil choose to stay with Nicholas in the past, or will she be ripped apart from him forever?

Book Review:

I just loved this one! This series has been so intriguing and this book was another winner! Stay with Me is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s Waters of Time series. This has been such a fascinating series and it is always so exciting to be drawn back into this world.

Sybil was a great character. I was drawn to her from the start and I wanted to learn more about her. She was trying to solve the mysteries of the holy water and help her brother. But she never expected to find herself in the past, trying to save a wounded nobleman. Sybil was such a strong character, and I loved reading about her. It was sweet to read about her falling for Nicholas. She tried to do things on her own, but with him she didn’t have to shoulder the load by herself. Sybil had to learn what it would mean to love Nicholas and truly let him into her life.

Nicholas was such an honorable character. I really enjoyed reading about him and I am so happy that he gets his happy ending. Nicholas was trying his hardest to be better than his father and his brother, but he was also trying to figure out what kind of man he would be. Nicholas was honestly a sweetheart and it was cute to read about him interacting with Sybil. He had fallen hard for her and he wanted to protect her. Nicholas had to learn to trust in God’s plans and that he didn’t need to be afraid to love Sybil. He was scared to lose her, but he had to learn that God knew what was best.

Nicholas and Sybil balanced each other out. They really complemented each other. I loved how they made each other better. I was engaged throughout the whole book and I did not want to put it down. I loved the characters and it was sweet to read about them falling in love. The plot was interesting and I wanted to find out how Sybil and Nicholas were going to end up together. There were so many things working against them. The side characters were also fun and I am so excited for the next book!

Stay with Me was just a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it! I am beyond excited to hear that there is going to be a fourth book! This book definitely needs to be on your TBR. I would recommend Stay with Me to those 16 and up, it is a clean time-split Christian 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.