Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of SAVING MISS EVERLY, an Inglewood novel by Sally Britton

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of SAVING MISS EVERLY, an Inglewood novel by Sally Britton, published November 3, 2019.

Blurb for SAVING MISS EVERLY:

Pretending she's her twin gets complicated when Hope is shipwrecked with a handsome castaway. When rescue comes, will she risk her heart to confess the truth or will they part forever?

Pretending to be her sister, Hope Everly finds an adventure at last. The Caribbean's warm waters and tropical islands fulfill nearly all her dreams. When an excursion to visit another island with a naturalist expedition is interrupted by a storm, Hope is stranded on a desert island where she and her fellow castaways are dependent on a handsome stranger for their survival.

Alejandro Córdoba, trapped and alone on the island long enough to give up all dreams of rescue, knows nothing of what has become of his war-torn homeland or his family. When he finds the beautiful Miss Everly washed up on the shore, along with her companions, he does not know if their arrival is a blessing or a curse.

Hope's behavior, acting one way with Alejandro and another with her friends, further confuses things when they begin to fall in love. If rescue ever comes, will telling Alejandro the truth mean losing him forever?

This is the third book in the Inglewood series and can be read as a stand alone. A Sweet Regency Romance.

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Connie’s Review:

Hope Everly and her friend, Miss Irene Carlbury, are traveling with Irene’s parents and brother to London where they will board a ship to sail to the Caribbean. Hope is to act as companion to Irene during the journey. However, Hope is actually Grace impersonating her twin sister Hope. It turns out that Grace’s father had forbade her to take the trip because she had recklessly caused a carriage accident. Her father said that Hope may go instead. Hope is a homebody and does not want to travel but Grace wants so much to do so. Therefore, the sisters dream up this switch. Grace hopes she is able to sail before her father finds out the truth. One deterrent of the trip is that Irene’s odious brother appears to be determined to propose to “Hope” during the trip.

Hope and a group of people get on a boat to head to an island to check out the plants. But a storm comes up and Hope is washed overboard.

Alejandro is on a deserted island and using his wits to stay alive. When Hope washes ashore, he is happy to save her and help her adjust to life on the island. But soon, the rest of the people on the boat with Hope arrive and Alejandro is faced with finding a way to feed them and cater to their arrogant ways. Many of them remain helpless but Hope is eager to learn which gains Alejandro’s admiration. However, many of the others still think they are bound by the laws of society and just cannot grasp that they have to work to feed themselves.

Before long Hope and Alejandro find themselves attracted to one another, but there is always the odious brother of Irene who thinks Hope belongs to him. Will these people survive and will they be rescued?

A very interesting and intricately written story of survival on a deserted island and all that is involved in finding food and shelter. As always, Sally Britton writes a delightful and compelling novel.

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

SAVING MISS EVERLY, an Inglewood novel by Sally Britton, Blue Water Books, available now in ebook and print at Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. 

Unwrapping - In Memory of Johanna Lindsey

Johanna Lindsey
March 10, 1952 - October 27, 2019

My first introduction to the world of romance novels was in my teens with The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss but it was the talent and storytelling skill of Johanna Lindsey that kept me coming back for more. I read her debut novel, Captive Bride, in 1977 while in college and was hooked. It was her ability to take me to other times, allow me to step into the shoes of the heroine, and fall in love with the hero that kept me captivated and her, my go-to author, my favorite romance author for a very long time.

Sadly, the romance community has lost one of the brightest stars of our world. Johanna Lindsey passed away on October 27, 2019 after battling cancer. The family, devastated as all of us can only imagine, has only now released this information. My heart is broken for she was still so young and I have no doubt had many more stories to tell.

She was my inspiration to write romance. I am a huge reader of many genres—mysteries, thrillers, horror, science fiction, and historical fiction—but Ms. Lindsey was my favorite author of romance then and pretty much even now. Oh, I enjoy so many and if asked, I could never name one particular romance novel as my favorite even among Ms. Lindsey’s—although, I do have a particular penchant for rereading Gentle Rogue and Warrior’s Woman so many times my original copies are well worn. But she was still the author I searched many a bookstore and airport shop for something new by her to read while traveling or vacationing. While reading her books, I could probably ignore any situation or commotion around me.

I hope if you have never read anything by the talented and exceptional Johanna Lindsey that you will seek a copy of any one of her wonderful tales. She is a talent not to be missed, although we shall forever miss her. Her many books will forever grace shelves and thrill readers as her legacy.

Dear Ms. Lindsey, we shall miss you but always read you. 💔

Do you have a favorite romance by Johanna Lindsey?

Wishing everyone a Happy and Peaceful Holidays and only the best coming to you in the New Year.

NY Times announcement of her passing.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE TRUTH BEHIND THEIR PRACTICAL MARRIAGE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of THE TRUTH BEHIND THEIR PRACTICAL MARRIAGE, aPenniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, published November 1, 2019.

Blurb for THE TRUTH BEHIND THEIR PRACTICAL MARRIAGE:

A marriage hiding secrets

…but forged by passion!

A Penniless Brides of Convenience story. Miss Estelle Brannagh has never met a man who’s tempted her to renounce her hard-won independence—until an encounter with Irish landowner Aidan Malahide blossoms into spine-tingling attraction. He’s carefree and charismatic; accepting his proposal seems practical and shockingly desirable! Yet Aidan is hiding a dark secret, and it will take all of Estelle’s courage to ensure it doesn’t tear them apart…

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Connie’s Review:

Florence - 1832

Estelle Brannagh, 25, is of Irish descent and is traveling throughout Europe on her own. Presently, she is in sunny and warm Florence. She is writing journals of her travels with a thought to publish them when she returns home to Elmswood Manor in England. Estelle is also a talented musician. She has a twin sister named Phoebe who owns her own restaurant in London and another sister named Eloise.

Estelle has noticed a handsome man sitting at the same cafe she frequents. Soon, they introduce themselves to one another. Aiden Malahide, 30, is taking a sabbatical for a year in Florence while he studies mathematics. Aiden’s home is Castle Duaric in Ireland. He has been widowed for a few years.

Estelle and Aiden spend a lot of time together visiting museums, local sights, and enjoyed meals together. Before long, they find an attraction to one another. Estelle reveals that she has always wanted to adopt children, and as Aiden’s first wife was unable to conceive, he believes that adopting children is a great idea. So, they wed and head back to Castle Duaric. Their plan is to have a marriage in name only with the adoption of children to complete their family.

As their life together begins, Estelle learns how Aiden’s tragic first marriage had been. She learns more about their intimacy and realizes how things went wrong.

This is another great novel by Marguerite Kaye. She does thorough researches before putting pen to paper and it certainly shows. Well done!

Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE TRUTH BEHIND THEIR PRACTICAL MARRIAGE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, Harlequin Historical, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THIS EARL OF MINE, a Bow Street Bachelors novel by Kate Bateman

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of THIS EARL OF MINE, a Bow Street Bachelors novel by Kate Bateman, published October 29, 2019.

*And check out that gorgeous cover!

Blurb for THIS EARL OF MINE:

The first book in a new Regency romance series, an heiress and a rogue accidentally end up in a secret marriage of convenience.

In a desperate bid to keep her fortune out of her cousin's hands, shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed marries a condemned criminal in Newgate prison. The scoundrel's first kiss is shockingly heated, but Georgie never expects to see her husband again. Until she spots him across a crowded ballroom. Notorious rogue Benedict Wylde never expected a wife. He was in Newgate undercover, working for Bow Street. To keep their marriage of convenience a secret, Wylde courts Georgie in public, but the more time they spend together, the more their attraction sparks. Could an heiress with the world at her feet find happiness with a penniless rake? Kate Bateman's This Earl of Mine is a delightful start to the Bow Street Bachelors series, with witty banter, dynamic characters, and swoon-worthy romance.

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1816

Georgiana (Georgie) Caversteed, age 24 and a wealthy heiress, is off to Newgate Prison to find a husband. Her father’s manservant, Pieter, is with her. She prefers someone about to be hanged the next day leaving her a widow and in control of her own money. After her father died, she came under the dictates of her odious cousin Josiah who wants to marry her and control her money. This way, he must now leave her alone. She had inherited her father’s trading and shipping business and is extremely wealthy. Her mother and younger sister live with her and they also received nice inheritances.

Benjamin (Ben) William Henry Wylde, age 28 and the second son of the late Earl of Morcott, is a war hero who has been imprisoned at Newgate. He, along with two friends, Alex and Seb, own the Tricorn Club, a gambling hell, which also allows them to spy on people for the Crown. Ben is in prison as a plant to listen in on a smuggling scheme. Ben makes extra money from the Crown to help his brother, John, pay off their late father’s debts.

At the prison, Georgie finds there are no men assigned to be hanged soon so she decides to marry Ben because the jailer says he is to be deported the next day. In exchange for marrying her, Ben will receive 500 pounds with no claim to anything more.

Thinking herself safe, Georgie is shocked to meet Ben at a soiree. She soon discovers his true background and admires him for vowing that he did not marry her for her money. But before they can even consider whether they should continue their marriage, there are many adventures ahead for them.

This is a nice romance with lots of intrigue thrown in. I think that there is almost too much “extra" added to the story which is why I gave it 4 stars. Sometimes, less is more.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THIS EARL OF MINE, a Bow Street Bachelors novel by Kate Bateman, St. Martin’s Press, available now in ebook, audio, and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Review of TO BED THE BRIDE, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. In an attempt to make up for my neglect, I have been offering up guest reviews for you to enjoy by my dear friend, Connie Fischer. I hope you have been following them.

However, today I am actually sharing my review of a book I actually got to read, thanks to the lovelies at Avon for sending me a print copy of TO BED THE BRIDE, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney—and it only took me three weeks to read. It will take you a lot less time, I promise. TO BED THE BRIDE is releasing November 26, 2019.

***provided to me by the publisher but I am sharing an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for TO BED THE BRIDE:

New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Ranney’s captivating series concludes with a tale of opposites whose attraction scorches a trail from the Highlands to the glittering halls of London—and courts scandal at every turn . . .

Politics has introduced MP Logan McKnight to many fascinating people, but the lady he encounters on the lands bordering his ancestral Scottish home outshines them all. Eleanor Craig of Hearthmere seats a Thoroughbred like a queen, knows as much about world events as any of his colleagues—and is engaged to one of the worst men Logan knows. She also seems lonely, so Logan brings her a friend. Thus should their acquaintance end, yet it’s only just begun.

The puppy Logan delivers is every bit as irresistible as the man himself. How could this stranger sense the isolation Eleanor suffers among her scheming, snobbish extended family and fiancé who control her life? It’s even worse in London—until she begins meeting Logan secretly in a secluded park. Their passionate connection frees Eleanor, body and soul. But discovery threatens disgrace—or worse.

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My Review:

Eleanor Craig is a lonely woman, unsure of herself, or her place in the world. Her father had instilled in her that family comes first and the family estate, Hearthmere, is of utmost importance and her responsibility. When Eleanor meets a handsome stranger while out on a ride, she mistakes him for a simple shepherd. She is instantly both unsettled and annoyed by him.

MP Logan McKnight has met and encountered many people through politics but none are as interesting, charming, or as smart, in his opinion, as the lovely stranger he discovers is his neighbor in Scotland. Logan is immediately attracted to Eleanor. He admires her horsemanship, intelligence as well as her looks, but can she’s unhappy and lonely. He believes there’s much more to her. With the hope of giving her some joy and possibly bringing her out of her shell, he sends her an adorable puppy.

Initially Eleanor is outraged and then intrigued by Logan and his gift. She decides to return the puppy, but ends up becoming too attached to it. (Who wouldn’t?) After she returns to London, she finds herself more and more trapped by her family—truly nasty and toxic people. When she encounters Logan at her aunt’s house she discovers he is actually an upcoming and coming Member of Parliament. As it becomes more and more apparent how little respect or affection her family has for her and the man to whom she is engaged, the Earl of Westcott, is a despicable creature as well, she turns to Logan for friendship and emotional support.

Karen Ranney does a wonderful job in her historical writing of making us feel as if we are there. I have to say this story touched my heart very hard. Having people around you who belittle, demand of you, and treat you as if you’re nothing is true toxicity. I was easily able to step into Eleanor’s shoes and found her to be a truly heartbreaking and tragic figure. Her aunt and cousins were Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and stepsisters personified.

I do wish there had been more interaction between Eleanor and Logan while in Scotland but then I understand the perceived status separation while there, which did not allow it. Once back in London, their status more the same, their friendship grows and even though they must meet in secret, it’s apparent to both their feelings of friendship are growing to something far more…even as they fear being found out.

TO BED THE BRIDE, the final book in the All For Love trilogy, by Karen Ranney might be my favorite of the three and I’ve enjoyed each one. This one pulled at my heartstrings a bit more and had me hoping Eleanor could have a better life, and had me hoping she could extricate herself from her horrible family and get rid of her fiancé. Logan is caring, charming, and respectful of her even as he wishes her for his own. He’s a great friend and we all know where that can lead. This is an intriguing friends to lovers story with some truly nasty villains.

Each book in the All For Love trilogy can be read as standalones and for those who truly love historical romance, I highly recommend them all, but definitely read TO BED THE BRIDE. Oh…and puppy Bruce is such a delightful treat from Karen. He’s adorable and makes me miss my Marco so much.

Happy Reading Everyone!!

TO BED THE BRIDE, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney, Avon Books, available November 26, 2019 in print, ebook, and audio at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Indiebound

Books-A-Million | GooglePlay | Target | HarperCollins | Audiobooks

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of A CONVENIENT FICTION, a Parish Orphans of Devon novel by Mimi Matthews

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of A CONVENIENT FICTION, a Parish Orphans of Devon novel by Mimi Matthews, published October 22, 2019.

Blurb for A CONVENIENT FICTION:

She Needed a Husband...

It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.

He Wanted a Fortune...

Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes—a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.

From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?

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Connie’s Review:

Surrey England - 1860

Laura Hayes, age 24, happens to be swimming in the pond near her home when a man jumps in the water and pulls her out thinking that she is drowning. When she assures him she is fine, he leaves.

Laura’s father was a perfumer who, when he invested in a large scheme, lost his money. Shortly afterward, he died from scarlett fever. Her brother contracted the disease too, surviving, but left wheelchair-bound and sickly. Their mother had passed away when they were very young and they now live with their Aunt Charlotte.

Alex Archer is on his way to the vicarage of Talbot’s Wood. His friend, George Wright, son of the parson lives there. Alex is there to meet Miss Henrietta Talbot of Edgington Park. They are scheduled to walk with Henrietta today and her chaperone will be Laura, Henrietta’s friend.

When Laura meets Alex, whom she finds very handsome, she realizes he is the man who tried to save her in the pond.

Alex has come to Surrey to seek a rich wife and is zeroing in on Henrietta to fit that bill. However, he finds her to be spoiled and flighty. It seems that she’s more interested in George.

Alex learns that Laura’s odious solicitor wants to maintain control of their money when her brother turns 21 soon because the man insists that the young man is too frail to handle the job. Now, Laura needs to get another solicitor to fight him if possible.

Alex’s past is a sad one and one that he does not want to admit to. But he is taken with Laura and she with him. They agree to marry and Laura understands that he may leave her at any time as he has a hard time with commitment. But will he? And will their marriage be a happy one?

Oh, my goodness! I loved, loved, loved this book! Mimi Matthews is a fabulous author and her books are the best. Don’t miss this one!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A CONVENIENT FICTION, a Parish Orphans of Devon novel by Mimi Matthews, Perfectly Proper Press, available now in ebook, audio, and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott, published October 1, 2019.

Blurb for INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS:

Welcome to a Regency Christmas…

…in these two festive short stories!

Captain Treeve Penhaligon must return to Cornwall when he inherits his family’s grand estate. But could his meeting with Emily Faulkner on the wild beaches be even more life changing? Find out in Marguerite Kaye’s The Captain’s Christmas Proposal. Then, discover what happens when Treeve invites composer Cador Kitto to complete the celebrations, and Cade clashes with local girl Rosenwyn Treleven in Unwrapping His Festive Temptation by Bronwyn Scott…

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Connie’s Review:

The Captain’s Christmas Proposal by Marguerite Kaye

Porth Karrek, Cornwall - November 1822

Emily Faulkner, 32, lives in a rented cottage on the estates of Karrek House located near the cliffs overlooking the Cornish sea. She earns her living as a silversmith.

One day, Emily meets a man on the usually deserted beach who introduces himself as Captain Treeve Penhaligon, 36. She realizes he is the brother of a local man who had been lost at sea. Now, he has inherited the Karrek estates. They enjoy a walk along the beach and a nice chat.

Treeve has spent his life in the navy and knows that the locals are wondering what changes he may make. However, he tells Emily that he plans to leave things as they are and will return to sea sometime later. But she reminds him that he should marry and provide an heir. The more they talk, the closer they feel to one another.

Emily has come to Cornwall to escape London and Andrew Mcfarlane who had betrayed her callously and broke her heart. She needed to get away.

The annual Christmas celebration is coming up and the townspeople except Treeve to do all of the social functions that have always been a tradition.

As Treeve and Emily enjoy their walks and their conversations, they realize they are falling in love. But Emily’s shocking confession may end their relationship. Is there any way for them to be together?

This is a sweet story that introduces the reader to Cornwall, its topography, people, names, food, and customs. I congratulate Marguerite Kaye for her obvious in-depth research in writing this novel.

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Unwrapping His Festive Temptation by Bronwyn Scott

Porth Karrek, Cornwall - December 1822

Cador (Cade) Kitto is back in Porth Karrek, but he truly would be happier elsewhere. He has been invited by Captain Penhaligon to compose a Christmas Eve cantata, even though he does not like Christmas.

Rosewyn Treleven is taken with Cade’s looks, but knows to keep her distance. Her father has invited him to Sunday dinner along with several wealthy and titled men of the area. With six daughters to marry off, he hopes to find someone eligible for them. But Cade does not have the funds to support a wife.

As Cade and Rosewyn chat and both show their piano talents, she can’t help but be irritated by him. She had been hurt by a man in London and now she is leery of men.

Rosewyn calls upon Cade to offer her help with his cantata which he accepts. He has been unsure of what he wants to create. They spend some time on the beach talking and observing the townfolk and soon he realizes exactly what the cantata should be - something to emulate the town and the coast itself. Spending time together and confiding their pasts with one another sparks an attraction. Having grown up in Porth Karrek and raised by a heavy-handed, God-fearing father, he is sure he does not want to stay. But Rosewyn sees how his talents could help the community. If only she could persuade him to stay.

This is a very good story that delves into the pain and loss that some children experience and how it affects their lives. I really understood Cade’s feelings about Christmas as I also sat at the death bed of my mother at Christmas. It’s scarring and can take years to overcome. Well done, Bronwyn Scott. Your sensitivity and understanding of Cade is amazing.

Copy provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.

INVITATION TO A CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott, Harlequin Historical, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of SECRETS AND SUITORS by Joanna Barker

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of SECRETS AND SUITORS by Joanna Barker, published October 1, 2019.

Blurb for SECRETS AND SUITORS:

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.


Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Nora Hamilton, age 21, and the eldest daughter of Baron and Baroness Denford, is attending a ball but wishing she could hide. Nora is shy and feels uncomfortable in these situations. Mr. Weston, who is in line to inherit a barony, is quite taken by Nora, but she just wants to be away from him.

The only man who interests Nora is James Allen, her neighbor and good friend. He has just returned from his family’s sugar plantation in Jamaica. They have been friends from the time she was a little girl and promised to never have any secrets from one another. Nora loves James but fears that he does not feel the same. Unfortunately, her father does not approve of her friendship with James.

Nora’s younger sister, Susanna, is looking forward to her debut and loves to hear all about the soirees that Nora attends.

Nora’s father tells her that Mr. Weston wants to marry her and he insists that she accept. She finally agrees, but only after she and Susanna have a season together in London. In addition, her younger brother, Ralph, gets to go to London too so she can show him the London sights he wants to see.

When Nora falls ill, her family is very worried about her and it takes quite a while for her to recover as it left her very weak. Then she learns a family secret that her parents have been hiding from her that is very sad. But opening up about it brings healing and family unity. What about James? Will Nora still be forced to marry Mr. Weston and leave behind the man she truly loves?

Yet another totally delightful book by Joanna Barker. I love her stories. They are complex and bring in several plots that tie together perfectly. I know readers will love this story!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

SECRETS AND SUITORS by Joanna Barker, Covenant Communications, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Unwrapping a Cover Reveal for JOSEPH, book three in the Risking Love series by Callie Carmen w/Excerpt

JOSEPH

the Risking Love series – Book 3

Callie Carmen

Available for pre-order now at only 99¢

**price will go up on release day, November 14, 2019**
at
Amazon

Violet had experienced a lot of loss in her life. She wasn't sure if she could ever trust love again. That was until she fell for Joseph. The problem was he belonged to her friend, Bella. Could Violet risk her friendship over a man? If she did break that friendship, would it destroy her relationship with her closest girlfriends forever?

If Violet risked her heart again and had a night of uncontrolled passion, would he abandon her like the others she had loved? Or would Joseph be her salvation?

JOSEPH is the third novel in the Risking Love series.

The stories chart a group of friends through life and love.

These steamy stories will have you laughing, crying, and have your heart racing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  

EXCERPT:

Violet

At the back of the church, I stood in the receiving line greeting all of the guests. “Violet, sei troppo bella.” I had to smile at Bella because she was always throwing out Italian hand gestures or words and we’d gotten pretty good at knowing what most of them meant, and in this case, she thought I looked beautiful. “At the reception, us girls would have to be sure to make time to hit the dance floor together.”

“Thank you, and as always, Bella, you look beautiful, too. I can’t wait to hit the dance floor with you and our other friends. Especially since I don’t have a date for this event.”

She leaned in and whispered, “Then you’ll probably have a lot more fun than me.” She slightly nodded her head to the right toward Joseph.

I grimaced. Clearly, she was over him. Thank goodness for that. Maybe if something happened between Joseph and me, I’d be able to salvage my relationship with Bella. God, I hoped so. It was important I talk with her about my feelings for Joseph as soon as possible. I wanted to be honest and upfront with her and let her know I wanted to be with him. Hopefully, she’d approve, but if she didn’t I had to follow my heart. She hugged me, then moved on to the next person in line.

I turned back to greet the next guest, and it was Joseph. He pulled me in for a hug, kissed my cheek, then whispered in my ear, “Sorry to hear that you don’t have a date. The single men will be lining up to dance with you.” His breath on my neck caused me to shiver, and I felt my nipples change into tight pebbled points. “Please save a slow dance for me.”

A nod was all I could muster to confirm that I would indeed save him a dance. When I looked down, I saw that my nipples looked like two missiles ready to launch. How embarrassing.

His eyes had followed mine to my breasts, and the sound of his elongated hiss shot through my body, ending at my clit. We lifted our gazes, and our eyes met. I saw that his were dilated and flashes of light were shooting through them like sparklers that would be lit later tonight at the Memorial Day weekend fireworks celebration.

Thank heavens, he kissed my cheek again and quickly moved on down the line. After that encounter, the rest of the guests who came through the line were a blur because my mind had moved on to fantasies of being wrapped in his arms on the dance floor. I felt like a character in one of the romance novels I like to read.

                                           ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

I started in the book business as a bookstore manager which was the perfect place for me since I was an avid reader. After two years, I moved to the corporate office as a buyer and eventually became a senior book buyer. This was a rewarding career that I loved.

Along the way, I decided to become a stay home Mom. I couldn't give up working around books altogether. I volunteered to run the book fairs in our small farm town, six per year. At the same time, I started and ran for five years, A Child Oasis Company, with the sole purpose of placing a small book library in the homes of all the needy children in the nearby city. As my children became teens, I found I needed more in my personal life than the volunteer Mom for the schools. I sat down at the computer one day and Patrick, book one of the Risking Love series, was born. Book two, Nicolas is now available and receiving five star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Joseph book is now available for preorder. My latest publication adventure is Dream Catcher which is a short story as part of the Mystic Desire Anthology.

I am lucky that I found my soul mate and married him. Like my characters, I am a firm believer in true love and love at first sight.

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And be sure to check out Callie’s other books in this series.

PATRICK, book one by Callie Carmen

NICOLAS, book two by Callie Carmen