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.

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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 Guest Review by Connie Fischer of the Regency Christmas Collection, ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, featuring stories by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and 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 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 ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a Regency Christmas Collection featuring stories by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and Joanna Barker, published September 1, 2019.

Blurbs for ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS:

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden

The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield

When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch

Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker

Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

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Connie’s Review:

Christmas at Falstone Castle - Sarah M. Eden

Falstone Castle, Northumberland - 1785

Adam Boyce was just 7-years-old when his father died and he became the Duke of Kielder. His mother had been around most of his life and is packing to leave again. He had loved his father and they had been close. Adam is conscious of some scars on his face, but is assured by his nurse that he is not ugly.

Newcastle - 1816

Harriet Boyce, the dowager Duchess of Kielder, is thinking over her life. When she married her husband, it had been an arranged match. It has now been 30 years since she left Falstone Castle and her son, Adam. She regrets not seeing him since then. Adam is married and the father of 3-year-old, Oliver. Adam’s wife is Persephone and they are expecting another baby soon. Harriet wants to be there with them and show Adam the love she has not given him before. Adam is known to be gruff and has a temper, but his wife is kind and well liked.

Roswell Duncan is the vicar of Falstone parish. The vicar is surprised to learn that the Dowager is coming for Christmas. It has been a long time since he has seen her. The Duchess invites the vicar to stay at the castle for Christmas as he is a calming influence on Adam who is also known as the Dangerous Duke.

After she arrives at Falstone, Harriet decides to orchestrate a Christmas party for Persephone’s family. The party is a success and everyone is happy to be together. Harriet and the vicar have so much in common and an attraction sparks between them. When Persephone gives birth to a healthy baby girl on Christmas day, the family is so very happy. Could Harriet find a new love and new happiness with her son, Adam, his family, and the vicar?

I found this story to be heartbreaking, yet healing at the same time. The shame Harriet must feel for leaving her son all that time must be horrendous. She certainly has a lot of making up to do. Hopefully, she will find new happiness and forgiveness in her life. I really like Persephone because she has love and kindness in boundless amounts.

“The Heart at Christmas” - Anita Stansfield

London - 1820

Adelaide (Addie) Moore is hurrying to open the dressmakers shop where she works. Her employer, Miss Glade, has given her room and board in exchange for doing basic sewing for the woman.

A man walks in the shop asking her to sew a button on his coat. He introduces himself as Theodore (Theo) Hardwicke and he works at the local bank. Addie learns that he is a widower. As they chat, he offers her a job caring for his 9-year-old daughter, Becky, while keeping the house running. She will also be caring for his ailing aunt, Marla. She happily accepts the job and dives into running the house and catching up on some much-needed cleaning. She even enlists Becky’s help with setting the table and keeping her own room clean and neat.

But Addie sees that Theo, Becky, and Marla are all sad and she enlists Becky’s help again to find ways to make them all happy. When Theo’s wife died a few days after Becky’s birth just at Christmas, none of them have wanted to celebrate Christmas. So Addie finds ways to get them interested in doing so and they all find excitement in Christmas again. Will Addie and Theo find an attraction to one another and they all become a family?

A sweet Christmas story to show how while some people shun Christmas if it brings back memories, it can be overcome and joy can be returned to this special day.

“Tis the Season to be Daring” - Esther Hatch

London - 1814

Elizabeth Davenport, age 18, is being pressured to make a good impression on Lord Fagerlund who is said to be looking for a wife. Even though he is over age 40, he is a baron. With five daughters to marry off, her mother has become quite skilled in pinning down men to notice her daughters.

Unimpressed by Lord Fagerlund, Elizabeth manages to escape her mother’s hold and hurries to visit her friend, Fanny. There they discuss ways of getting out of the season. They also discuss Lord Hawthorne, an earl, who has a reputation for being a rake. Bravely, she marches to the man asking his help to be with her for a few days so that her mother will stop making her attend the balls. He agrees.

As they spend time together and he introduces her to his family, she realizes that he is the man she has waited for. They share a good sense of humor and before long, find themselves falling in love.

I liked this story and the characters of Elizabeth and Lord Hawthorne make the perfect couple.

“Christmas Dress” - Joanna Barker

Yorkshire - 1816

Nell Addington, age 23, working as a seamstress, is on her way to Oakhurst Park to meet with Mr. Jacob Hammond and his sister, Alice, age 17. Nell is the daughter of a vicar who passed away several years ago. Nell must work to help support her mother. Jacob’s father has recently passed away, thus necessitating his return from London. As the family is just out of mourning, Jacob wants Alice to have a whole new wardrobe. Having lost her mother early in life, Alice had lived with her cold and unloving father. Alice remembers Nell’s kindness to her when she was a child as she endeavored to put a smile on the young girl’s face.

Nell learns that Christmas has never been celebrated in the Hammond home due to her father’s tyranny. Now, Nell is encouraging her to change that. Nell suggests that Alice get a red silk gown for Christmas and Nell will happily make it for her. She agrees. Jacob is pleased that Nell and Alice have had such a nice meeting today.

When Nell comes to take more measurements, she gets caught in a snowstorm and must stay at Oakhurst Park for a couple of days for the roads to clear. There, they all get to know one another better. When Nell returns to work, her mean boss tells her to finish the dress quickly. Just as she is about to leave for Oakhurst to deliver the dress, she is delayed by a woman who has eyes for Jacob and Nell is unable to attend the Christmas Eve dinner as planned. Will there be a chance for Nell and Jacob to have a life together?

I loved this story and found it fun and thoughtful. Joanna Barker has quickly become a favorite author of mine.

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

ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a Regency Christmas Collection featuring stories by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and Joanna Barker, Covenant Communications, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE TRUTH ABOUT MISS ASHBOURNE 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 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 TRUTH ABOUT MISS ASHBOURNE by Joanna Barker, published November 1, 2018.

Blurb for THE TRUTH ABOUT MISS ASHBOURNE:

Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that "someday" may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield--with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life.

But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant--and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

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Connie’s Review:

Miss Juliana Ashbourne, age 19, is governess to Charlotte and Daniel Seymour in London. Mrs. Seymour is berating Juliana for taking the children to the park for a fun, but educational, day. Irritated at the woman’s scolding, Juliana wishes she had enough money saved to open her own school which is her dream.

Juliana receives a letter from a solicitor requesting her to visit him regarding a sensitive matter. She learns that her maternal grandfather, Sir Charles Rowley, has recently passed away and she was left 10,000 pounds. With no male issue, the estate itself passed to a cousin, William Rowley. He is a wealthy man in his own right as he also owns a shipping business. However, Juliana’s inheritance comes with a condition: she must spend one month at the family estate of Havenfield. Her grandmother and aunt live there. When Juliana’s mother, Katherine, married her father did not like her choice of husband so he disowned her. But her parents had a wonderful married life and were content and now they have passed away. The solicitor gives Juliana a letter from her grandmother begging her to go to Havenfield and she agrees.

The place is lovely and her grandmother is so happy to see her. William Rowley is welcoming as well. He is attracted to Juliana and is amused by her tendency to say what she thinks. He enjoys teasing her because he recognizes her stubbornness and hurt from her mother’s family that had abandoned their own daughter. She wants to forgive and is trying to do so.

As she is introduced to the neighbors, she finds some people welcoming and others who look down on her because she was a governess. Juliana is proud and stands up for herself. The attraction between Juliana and William continues to grow and blossom. At the end of her month at Havenfield, will she decide to perhaps stay or leave and return to London?

This is a clever and clean rags to riches love story complete with the perfect hero. Totally swoon-worthy romance. I really liked the hero but got a bit frustrated at times with the heroine’s stubborn ways. But in the end, this is a good one.

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

THE TRUTH ABOUT MISS ASHBOURNE by Joanna Barker, Covenant Communications, available now ebook, print, and audio at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of BEAUTY AND THE BARON, a Forever After Retellings novel 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 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 BEAUTY AND THE BARON, a Forever After Retellings novel by Joanna Barker, published January 15, 2019.

Blurb for BEAUTY AND THE BARON:

A penniless maid determined to save her father, a broken baron bent on isolation, and the undeniable draw between them that will lead to happiness—or disaster.

Rose Sinclair has run out of options. With her father in prison and their bookshop sold to pay his debts, she has no choice but to turn to Henry Covington, the Baron Norcliffe. But the baron has more than earned his harsh reputation, and Rose must face his wrath in order to save her father—and herself.

Since the deaths of his parents, Henry Covington has isolated himself from society, ensuring the solitude of his estate with his deliberate callousness. However, when the beautiful Miss Sinclair appears on his doorstep, begging for a chance to repay her father’s debt to him, a moment of weakness finds him offering her a position—as a maid in his own house.

They both soon learn that first impressions are not to be believed. Henry is surprised—and intrigued—by Rose’s optimistic charm, while Rose slowly uncovers Henry’s true self, his compassion concealed behind the pain of loss and betrayal. But when a shadow from Henry’s past returns, their newfound hope is tested. They must decide for themselves who to trust—and what they will risk for their happily ever after.

Beauty and the Baron is a Regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a sweet/clean romance novella, and is Book 1 in a series of Regency retellings. The stories can be read in any order.

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Connie’s Review:

Rose Sinclair loves to take long walks and today, she finds herself outside Norcliffe House. Taking a deep breath, she goes to the door and asks to see Henry Covington, Baron Norcliffe. She offers her services to help with keeping the financial records of the estate now that his steward has left. She has gained her experience while working in her father’s business called Sinclair’s Bookshop. Henry is incensed at her request as he tells her that her father’s debts prove it is not possible to hire her. Henry is having problems balancing the books and Rose says she will help him simply to repay her father’s debt to him. Henry denies her that job but offers her a position as a maid which she accepts.

As the work filled days pass, Rose finds herself exhausted by the very long hours of toil. When Henry finds her asleep while cleaning the hearths late at night, he is surprised and sends her on to bed to rest.

John Ramsbury is a man that Henry had trusted at one time, but a lie that the man told resulted in the death of Henry’s parents. John has come to see Henry hoping to renew their friendship, but Henry sends him away.

Rose and Henry find themselves sharing conversations and he enjoys her friendly personality and her intelligence. But when something happens that makes her look bad, he wonders if she truly is the person he thinks she is or a complete fraud.

This is a sweet story like all of this author’s books. She has a talent for joining characters together and bringing out the best in them. I enjoyed this novella very much and look forward to reading more books by her.

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

BEAUTY AND THE BARON, a Forever After Retellings novel by Joanna Barker, Love Letter Press, available now ebook and print at Amazon. It is currently enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of MISS ADELINE'S MATCH 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 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 MISS ADELINE’S MATCH by Joanna Barker, published April 1, 2019.

Blurb for MISS ADELINE’S MATCH:

Miss Adeline Hayes is the perfect lady's companion: pleasant, conversational, and unceasingly proper. But when her closest friend, Charity Edgeworth, breaks off her arranged marriage without explanation, even Adeline's superior skills are put to the test. Charity's father banishes the two young women to the country, sending Adeline with a charge to find Charity a husband or suffer dire consequences.

As Adeline takes on the role of reluctant matchmaker, she discovers more than one obstacle in her path. Not only does Charity prefer escaping in books to socializing, but Adeline soon finds her own attentions distracted by the standoffish—and irritatingly handsome—Mr. Evan Whitfield. Amidst an eventful foxhunt and the unexpected arrival of Charity's former betrothed, Adeline simply doesn't have time for a battle of wits with Evan. But the two are continually drawn together until Adeline begins to question her tightly guarded convictions about love and marriage.

However, when secrets are revealed and truths made known, Adeline must face her most fearsome obstacle yet: herself.

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Connie’s Review:

Charity Edgeworth has recently broken her engagement to Mr. Henley, but she refuses to say why. Her father is furious with her because she has had two seasons to make a match. The gossips have had hurtful comments about it too. Mr. Edgeworth is a wealthy man and since Charity has a large dowry, he wants her to marry a titled man. Mr. Henley is heir to a Barony.

Charity’s companion is Adeline Hayes. The two young women have long been friends. Charity’s father is a country physician slowly sinking into dementia. The little money Adeline makes as Charity’s companion is being used to support her father and her older sister who takes care of him.

Now, Mr. Edgeworth has decided to send Charity to stay with her Aunt Caroline at Crawthorne Hall in Leicestershire. Her aunt and uncle will be having a house party and her father wants Charity to meet someone there to marry. He tells Adeline that if she does not see to it that Charity marries, he will remove her ailing father from his house because Mr. Edgeworth owns it.

Charity does not care for social events for she would rather be reading. The first night of the house party, Charity meets Mr. Townsend with whom she has some interesting talks. Adeline meets Mr. Evan Whitfield who owns Rothby Manor and surrounding lands close to Crawthorne Hall. Adeline is taken aback as the man tends to be disagreeable and is said to enjoy his solitude.

As the party continues, we get to know the people attending and Adeline hopes that Charity has taken a liking to Mr. Townsend. But her own attraction to Evan Whitfield is one she knows can go nowhere as she is just a companion.

When Adeline takes it upon herself to make a serious decision that she has no right making, it blows up in her face with severe consequences. Now, she must learn from her mistake and do everything she can to redeem herself for it.

I really liked this story and the characters. Adeline tends to take her role of companion to the extreme and sometimes acts like Charity’s mother instead of her friend. However, the story is very good and the ending sweet. Enjoy this nice, clean romance.

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

MISS ADELINE’S MATCH by Joanna Barker, Covenant Communications, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon.