Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of HIS UNEXPECTED HEIRESS, an Entangled Inheritance 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 in 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 HIS UNEXPECTED HEIRESS, an Entangled Inheritance novel by Sally Britton, published July 12, 2019.

Blurb for HIS UNEXPECTED HEIRESS:

An unexpected fortune falls into a tradeswoman’s lap, a gentleman insists it rightfully belongs to him, will falling in love make matters better or worse?

A third son to an earl, Adam Gillensford knows his only hope of an inheritance is through his great uncle. But when the Will is read, Adam learns most of the wealth has been left to a complete stranger, and a seamstress at that. If he hopes to salvage any kind of funds for himself, he has two choices: adhere to his late uncle’s wishes and assist the new heiress in finding her way, or sabotage her so the courts will find her unfit to inherit. Deciding his course would be easier if the heiress wasn’t so enchanting.

Elaine Chapple, a woman in trade, is rather used to being seen as unusual. But running her own dress shop is far different from discovering a man she barely knew left his entire estate in her care. As unexpected as the fortune is, the help of the gentleman attached to it is even more perplexing. Does Mr. Gillensford mean to make her a success, or a fool?

With a greedy family urging Adam to act for his own good, and Elaine’s difficulty in adapting to her new life, only love could possibly untangle this mess.

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Connie’s Review:

Elaine Chapple, age 26, is a seamstress working in her shop in Ipswich. Her father had been a tailor and taught her the trade. She had also attended a good finishing school. Seeing an older man standing outside in the cold rain, she graciously invites him into her warm shop. Speaking in a cultured voice, he introduces himself as Peter Gillensford. She offers him a cup of tea and some tarts she had made. They chat and he is pleased at her kindness. As he leaves, she tries to go after him to offer him an umbrella but cannot catch up with him. That’s when she sees him get into a very elegant carriage.

Adam Gillensford is the third son of the deceased Earl of Montecliff. His older brother, Richard, is now the Earl. Another brother is in the military and Adam knows he must choose a course in life but has no interest in the law or the clergy. They also have two younger sisters. His uncle, Peter Gillensford, has just passed away leaving no children, and the family is waiting for the man’s solicitor to come and read his will to them. Knowing he was a very wealthy man, they are eager to see what he could have left them. Imagine their shock when some are bequeathed insults and a couple others are bequeathed some money. Peter has left the bulk of his estate to Miss Elaine Chapple, a seamstress from Ipswich. She must agree to live at Peter’s estate for one year. During that time, Adam must agree to be her guide in financial and social matters. After one year he will then inherit some stocks and shares. If he refuses, he will inherit nothing. In addition, should anyone contest the will, they will receive nothing.

Elaine arrives at Tertium Park, the estate that Peter has left her, she also brings her two wards with her. She is stunned at the size and beauty of the place. Adam arrives soon after and introduces himself. She finds him quite handsome.

Adam proves to be very helpful to Elaine and she finds herself depending upon him more and more. However, she is unaware of the stipulation in his uncle’s will that he must do this. She thinks he is just being kind. Adam hopes she doesn’t find out because he finds himself falling in love with her. What would happen if she does?

This is a sweet romance that I enjoyed very much. The author shows how Adam changes from being irked at having to help this young woman in order to gain his inheritance, to truly enjoy doing it and spending time with Elaine. Elaine is a strong character with a vulnerable side that tends to lean on Adam for help. A perfect couple has been created. Congratulations to Sally Britton for writing yet another wonderful book.

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

HIS UNEXPECTED HEIRESS, an Entangled Inheritance novel by Sally Britton, available now at Kindle Unlimited and Amazon in ebook and print.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE RELUCTANT DUCHESS, a Brides of St. Ives novel by Jane Goodger

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. 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 RELUCTANT DUCHESS, a Brides of St. Ives novel by Jane Goodger, published July 9, 2019.

Blurb for THE RELUCTANT DUCHESS:

The charming seaside town of St. Ives is hard to leave—but to save her family from ruin, one young woman must face a frightening unknown...

Orphaned young, Oliver Sterling, eleventh duke of Kendal, lives in seclusion in his massive home, Horncliffe Manor. Convinced since childhood that he is monstrous, his only company is his guardian, Mr. Winters—a man who perpetuates Oliver’s self-loathing. Still, Oliver is only human. One day, he sees a beautiful young woman in a painting titled “St. Ives Girl.” Captivated, he asks Mr. Winters to find her, marry her by proxy, and bring her back as his bride...

Rebecca Kane is shocked that her squire father has agreed to marry her off to a duke in exchange for payment of his gambling debts. But with no option, she submits. Rebecca fears this husband she has never seen in the light of day—yet in the marriage bed, her husband is kind and gentle. And though they remain in darkness, she detects nothing odd about him. She wonders what he is hiding and soon finds there are more mysteries to uncover—about the unsettling noises coming from deep within the manor, about Mr. Winters, and about love—of oneself and one’s beloved...

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Connie’s Review:

1879

Oliver Sterling, eleventh Duke of Kendal, Horncliffe Manor, is age 28. He has been raised in isolation by Philip Winters. He had been born with a freakish appearance and is known as The Ghost Duke. When his parents first saw him, they did not want him around and thus, sent him to Winters be raised.

Oliver enjoys art and is taken by a girl in a painting. He demands that Winters find her because he wants to marry her. Winters is instructed to have their marriage done by proxy and then bring her to Horncliffe.

Winters goes to Rachel’s home and offers for her to marry the Duke via proxy. It appears that Rachel’s father is in debt for gambling making the family members have to do without. Winters says that if Rachel marries the Duke that the gambling debt owed him will be forgiven. In addition, her father promises to never gamble again. It repulses Winters to have to do this because he considers Rachel just a commoner and now she will become a Duchess. He confesses his true feelings to Rachel as they travel through the cold to Horncliffe.

When Rachel finally meets Oliver, she is not repulsed at all for she understands his affliction. As they get to know one another more, will Rachel be able to bring Oliver out of his shell and back into the light?

I really loved this book. Rachel and Oliver are perfect for one another. Rachel is a strong and loving woman with compassion galore and lots of love for her new husband. The cruelty to which Oliver has been treated is appalling and she wants him to be a part of the world again. But, with her commoner background, it is a struggle for her to keep up. Ah - but there’s more and Mr. Winters is hiding some vicious secrets. There is lots in this story and I hope readers will enjoy it as much as I did.

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

THE RELUCTANT DUCHESS, a Brides of St. Ives novel by Jane Goodger, Lyrical Press, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of NO OCEAN TOO WIDE, a McAlister Family novel by Carrie Turansky

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. 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 NO OCEAN TOO WIDE, a McAlister Family novel by Carrie Turansky, published June 25, 2019.

Blurb for NO OCEAN TOO WIDE:

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans–but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans’ home before Laura is notified about her family’s unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”.

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1909

Katie McAlister, age 14, has summoned her neighbor, Mrs. Graham, to help her ailing mother. Katie is very frightened because she recently lost her father in a train accident. Mrs. Graham insists that Mrs. McAlister be taken to the hospital. It turns out she is gravely ill with pneumonia and will need to stay there for the near future.

With no one to care for them, the McAlister children, Katie, her twin brother, Garth, and little sister, Grace, are taken to the Grangeford Children’s Home. Their older sister, Laura, 21, is working as a lady’s maid for Mrs. Frasier in St. Albans. It is a large estate called Bolton. When Laura learns of what has happened at home, she requests some time away and Mrs. Frasier agrees. In addition, her son, Andrew, gives her money to help her. Andrew is a kind and intelligent man who is not content to sit back at his home, but wants to work as a solicitor.

Laura is shocked to find that she is not able to even see the children and that they will be among groups of them that will be sent to Canada as part of many others who are poor and homeless children. They will be united with a family where they will work and earn their way. Shocked that she is unable to stop the government sending her siblings away, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She joins the escort people who take the children and enlists the help of Andrew and his solicitor partner, who are also doing an investigation into this themselves. Together, they go to Canada and search for the McAlister children. Some children are in good homes, while the majority are treated dreadfully. Will they be able to get the McAlister children back?

Unfortunately, this sad thing is a true event that was awful. Both the UK and Canada bear blame and shame for this.

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

NO OCEAN TOO WIDE, a McAlister Family novel by Carrie Turansky, Random House, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Unwrapping a Release Day Spotlight for JUST LOVE by Prescott Lane

JUST LOVE

by

Prescott Lane

Available Now at

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

 Kobo | iTunes

Rhett

There’s two sides to every love story. The how you fell in love, and the how you fell apart.

This is ours.

The cardinal rule of friendship is you don’t mess with your friend’s sister.

That goes double when she’s his little sister.

It was just supposed to be fun.

She wasn’t supposed to end up being the love of my life.

And I definitely wasn’t supposed to break her heart.

Ainsley is a wedding dress designer. That should’ve been a warning that she’s a hopeless romantic. That should’ve clued me in that she believes love conquers all.

But there are some things that love can’t fix. I’m one of them.

She thinks love is the answer.

But love is the reason I let her go.

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About the Author:

Prescott Lane is the author of First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, and Wrapped in Lace. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren’t enough happily ever afters in real life.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Amazon

 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of AN AMERICAN DUCHESS by Caroline Fyffe

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. 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 AN AMERICAN DUCHESS by Caroline Fyffe, published June 25, 2019.

Blurb for AN AMERICAN DUCHESS:

A woman's heart dares to defy the rules of Victorian society in USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe's novel of romance, royalty, and a little revenge.

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn't quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she's expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she's being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma's suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire's scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke's handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

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Connie’s Review:

Brideswell Abbey, Hertfordshire - 1922

Zoe Gifford is an American heiress needing to marry an impoverished aristocrat. Once married, she can then access her funds to pay back her mother’s debts. Zoe is to marry Sebastian Hazelton, whose brother is Nigel Hazelton, the seventh Duke of Langford.

En route to Sebastian’s home, Zoe’s car gets stuck in the mud and she is rescued by Nigel. It is reported that his face is scarred from the war. Seeing a few scars on the side of his face, Zoe doesn’t find him horrifying. Then, he sends his car for her and her mother.

After marrying Sebastian, Zoe will then divorce him, but the duke is against the idea. This marriage of convenience will give funds to Sebastian and allow Zoe to access her inheritance. Even though the duke is appalled at the idea, Zoe doesn’t care.

Julia, sister of Sebastian and Nigel is impressed with Zoe, but Nigel disagrees. He doesn’t consider American women to be ladylike, but he can’t help but be attracted to Zoe.

When Zoe learns of a dark secret that Sebastian is hiding, she calls off their engagement and soon becomes engaged to Nigel. Their attraction is strong and Zoe wants to be with him all the time, but he is plagued with nightmares from his time in the war and doesn’t want her to see that. Angry at this, Zoe is determined to do things her own way in life. Can their marriage withstand this?

This is a good story, but I wanted to smack Zoe because she is the epitome of the spoiled American lady of the time period who is determined to do what she wants. This didn’t play well with Nigel as well it shouldn’t. All in all, it is a good story and I think readers will enjoy it.

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

AN AMERICAN DUCHESS by Caroline Fyffe, Montlake Romance, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon and free at Kindle Unlimited.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of SOME LIKE IT SCANDALOUS, a Gilded Age Girls Club novel by Maya Rodale

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. 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 SOME LIKE IT SCANDALOUS, a Gilded Age Girls Club novel by Maya Rodale, published June 18, 2019.

Blurb for SOME LIKE IT SCANDALOUS:

They are sworn enemies…

Theodore Prescott the Third, one of Manhattan’s Rogues of Millionaire Row, has really done it this time. The only way to survive his most recent, unspeakably outrageous scandal is marry someone respectable. Someone sensible. Someone like Daisy Swan. Of all the girls in Gilded Age Manhattan, it had to be her.

Pretending to be lovers...

Daisy Swan has plans and they do not involve a loveless marriage with anyone. But when a devastating family secret threatens to destroy her standing in society, suddenly a fake engagement with Theo is just the thing to make all her dreams come true.

And now it’s time to kiss and make up…

Daisy Swan aspires to sell cosmetics that she has created, but this brainy scientist needs a smooth talking charmer’s flair for words and eye for beauty to make it a success. Before long, Daisy and Theo are trading kisses. And secrets. And discovering that despite appearances, they might be the perfect couple after all.

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Connie’s Review:

New York City - 1883

Miss Daisy Swan, age 13, is not a pretty young girl and the other children of Manhattan’s finest families tease her constantly. It doesn’t bother her because she’s busy reading books on chemistry which fascinates her. After being teased and humiliated by Theodore Prescott, the third, Daisy swears that she will hate him forever and will remain a spinster.

New York City - 1895

Now Daisy is 25 and still not considered to be pretty. Her sisters, Rose, Camilla, and Lily are all lovely young women and married. Daisy is soon to graduate from Barnard College and then, with her knowledge of chemistry, hopes to create and sell beauty products for women. However, her mother wants her to marry. When Daisy reminds her mother that she had been promised to be able to remain a spinster and have her own business, her mother confesses that her father has made some bad business decisions recently and now they need money. She tells her that she must get married and she will marry Theo. What? Not Theo!!

Theodore Prescott, the second, is a hardworking man who has earned millions of dollars. His son, Theodore (Theo) Prescott, the third, on the other hand, spends his time entertaining himself. Theo has no interest in the making of steel. Rather, he just enjoys women. However, the recent scandal in which he was involved has convinced his father that he is to get married and he will marry Daisy or he will be cut off. What? Not Daisy!!

Daisy and Theo meet up to discuss their predicament. As they chat, Theo learns that Daisy has created a face cream that has left her own complexion lovely and dewy. With his help, they name the face cream and open a store to sell it. This togetherness sparks a friendship of sorts that leads to an attraction. Will it be enough for them to actually go through with the wedding that Daisy’s mother is planning?

This is a lovely enemies to lovers novel with some strong characters and lots of humor. I was impressed with Daisy and Theo’s ingenuity in setting up and selling her face cream. I enjoyed the story and I think other readers will as well.

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

SOME LIKE IN SCANDALOUS, a Gilded Age Girls Club novel by Maya Rodale, Avon Romance, available now ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.