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 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 A WIFE WORTH INVESTING IN, 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 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 A WIFE WORTH INVESTING IN, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, published May 21, 2019.

Blurb for A WIFE WORTH INVESTING IN:

A convenient proposal…

Makes a scandalous match!

Part of Penniless Brides of Convenience: Knocking on Owen Harrington’s door, impoverished and desperate Miss Phoebe Brannagh wonders if London’s most eligible catch will recognize her. But injured and reclusive, Owen is no longer a carefree man. And he’s in urgent need of a convenient wife! Owen’s shock proposal allows Phoebe to fulfill her life’s ambition to open a restaurant…but his heated kisses tempt her to hope for a new dream—marriage, for real!

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Connie’s Review:

Paris - 1828

Owen Harrington, age 26, is enjoying his time in Paris. While taking in a late night walk, he steps into a bar for a drink. Seeing a lovely, well dressed young woman being harassed by two men. He steps in saying he is the woman’s beau. The men then leave. Thanking him for rescuing her, Owen joins her for a drink. It turns out she is Irish and her name is Phoebe Brannagh. She is waiting for Monsieur Pascal Solignac, a celebrated chef at La Grande Taverne de Londres. His cooking is considered to be the best in Paris. Phoebe works at the restaurant in the patisserie station and is proud to be he only female in the brigade because she is passionate about her work. Her sister, Eloise, is the Countess of Fearnoch and Phoebe has a twin sister named Estelle. All three sisters were cared for by their Aunt Kate, Lady Elmswood, after they lost their parents and brother. Now, Phoebe’s dream is to work side-by-side with Pascal and hopefully buy the restaurant using funds left to her by her father.

Owen is a very wealthy young man who has yet to find a purpose for his life. Phoebe tells him it is essential that he find his purpose. They agree to meet up in two years’ time and see what he has learned about himself.

Two years later after waiting for Owen to show up, Phoebe thinks he has forgotten their agreement. She travels to London and visits his townhome. He is now broken in body and unhappy in life. He had had an accident that left him with a limp, scars, and in pain. Phoebe’s plan had not gone as planned either. Pascal had taken her money and discarded her. Now, she is asking Owen knows of someone who needs a cook. Owen is happy to see her and they end up getting married. He encourages her to continue with her dream of owning and running her own restaurant. She is thrilled and they are happy together, but there are still some medical problems that Owen has and he won’t talk about it. Phoebe is so worried and wonders if she should scrap the restaurant plans. Will there be some way she can get her husband to trust her and open up to her about the devils he is facing and can help him heal?

Oh yes! Marguerite Kaye has done it. Paris and food. It just doesn’t get any better than this. I happen to know that the author is an excellent cook so I know that this was a fun book for her to write. I’m hoping that one day she will write that cookbook I’m waiting for. But back to this lovely book. I really cared for Owen and Phoebe. They both have big hearts and generous souls. I hope many readers will read about their story and enjoy it as much as I did.

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

A WIFE WORTH INVESTING IN, 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 THE EARL'S COUNTESS OF CONVENIENCE, 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 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 EARL’S COUNTESS OF CONVENIENCE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, published April 1, 2019.

Blurb for THE EARL’S COUNTESS OF CONVENIENCE:

A countess in name only…

…tempted by a night with her husband!

Part of Penniless Brides of Convenience: Eloise Brannagh has witnessed firsthand the damage unruly passion can cause. Yet she craves freedom, so a convenient marriage to the Earl of Fearnoch seems the perfect solution! Except Alexander Sinclair is more handsome, more intriguing, more everything than Eloise anticipated. She’s set her own rules for their marriage, but her irresistible husband might just tempt her to break them!

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Connie’s Review:

Kate, Lady Elmswood, is delighted to receive a note from Lord Fearnoch accepting her invitation to call and meet her ward, Miss Eloise Brannagh, to discuss marriage. If he and Eloise are amenable to one another, then they must be married by 30 June or Lord Fearnoch will forfeit his title and estates which would then pass to his odious cousin.

Both Eloise and Alexander grew up with cold parents. Eloise and her sisters ended up nearly penniless when her parents died, which is why they now live with their uncle’s wife, Kate.

Kate, Eloise, and her sisters Phoebe and Estelle, assume the man to be old and ugly, but when he arrives, they are quite wrong, for Alexander Sinclair, the Earl of Fearnoch turns out to be quite handsome indeed. As they discuss the terms of the marriage, Eloise learns it will be a marriage of convenience. They both agree and Eloise travels to London where she and Alexander are married. They then move into his spacious London townhome.

As Eloise learns her way around and gets to know Alexander more, she is quite delighted. The plan is that Alexander will spend most of his time working overseas in a rather vague government position.

Ah, but the best laid plans of mice and men…you know the rest. Knowing they are not to become attracted to one another is difficult for them to maintain because they are falling in love. But Alexander is determined to do his duty and Eloise tries to support him.

Can they be apart with the feelings they have gained? Is there a chance that this marriage of convenience can remain that way? This book is beautifully woven together with some extra intricate knots. The characters of Eloise and Alexander are complex, and vulnerable. The conversation is clear and jovial. I loved this story! Don’t miss it!

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

THE EARL’S COUNTESS OF CONVENIENCE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, Harlequin Historical, available now ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS, a Gentlemen of Honor novel by Sophia James

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 CINDERELLA COUNTESS by Sophia James, book 3 of the Gentlemen of Honor series, published March 1, 2019.

Blurb for THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS:

From rags to riches

By the earl’s side!

Abandoned as a small child, Annabelle Smith has only vague memories of her past. Now living as a healer in London’s poverty-stricken East End, she receives a life-changing visit from the rich and imposing Lytton Staines, Earl of Thornton. He needs a cure for his ailing sister and helping him thrusts Belle into his dazzling life of luxury. But it’s Lytton who makes her world come alive!

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Connie’s Review:

London – 1815

Annabelle (Belle) Smith is 31-years-old, and an herbalist. She is being called upon by Lytton Staines, the Earl of Thornton, age 35. Lytton is seeking help for his sister, Lucy, who appears to have a wasting sickness. The doctors have not been able to help her, and having heard Belle’s good reputation with the medicines that she makes, he needs her help. She agrees to see his sister the next day.

Belle had lived in France with a woman who took her in from the nuns at a nearby church. She was also an herbalist and Belle calls her aunt. She does not know where she came from but has memories of fancy dressed people in large homes.

When Belle visits Lucy, she does not feel that she is truly ill, but is hiding a secret she does not want to face. So, Belle befriends her in a way that she hopes will get her to open up.

Lytton is quite taken with Belle and enjoys her company. She’s intelligent and is well read. Her perfect speech and knowledge of both English and French show she is of an aristocratic heritage.

When Belle is struck and injured by a carriage obviously owned by someone of wealth, she realizes someone from her mysterious past has recognized her and wants her dead. Lytton cares for her safety and hires someone to guard her. When yet another near-death disaster strikes, Lytton is determined to get to the bottom of these events and find out who is trying to kill Belle and why.

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

THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS, a Gentlemen of Honor novel by Sophia James, Harlequin Historical, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.