Review of the upcoming psychological thriller, THE WIDOW BRIDE by Carey Baldwin

Coming Soon! March 11, 2024

As I look down to the beautiful arch set up on the beach for our wedding, I have to stop myself running into Blake’s arms. It’s so soon after my first husband passed away—but Blake and I are meant to be... aren’t we? There are no family or friends beaming at me this time, but everything is perfect… isn’t it?

Since I lost my first husband, Blake has been there for me, showering me with gifts and affection, holding my hand as I go back into the world. He’s the only one who truly understands what I’ve been through. How hard it’s been on me. So, when Blake insisted we keep our elopement a secret, I agreed. But, now, it feels wrong to walk down the aisle between empty chairs.

As I step in front of the officiant with my husband-to-be, I think back to my last conversation with my first husband’s sister. Should I have listened when she tried to warn me about Blake’s past?

Maybe it’s just wedding day nerves… But when I meet Blake’s brown eyes, there’s something dark in them I’ve never seen before. He grips my wrist to put the ring on my finger, and a shiver runs down my spine when he says, “Finally, you’re mine.”

I remember my sister-in-law’s warning and I tremble. But it’s too late to turn back now.

Marrying him is the only option because I have secrets of my own.

Blake may think he knows me, but he has no idea who he’s really dealing with…

A completely gripping psychological thriller which will have you reading late into the night until you reach the final shocking twist. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Perfect Marriage.

****

Love. Betrayal. Forgiveness. 

Love comes in all forms—family, spouses, and friends.

Betrayal can destroy love in an instant.

As for forgiveness, it can be difficult and doesn’t always come, but sometimes forgiving yourself is all that’s needed. 

The Widow Bride by Carey Baldwin is a psychological thriller about all three. A new exciting and addicting read from the amazing author of psychological thrillers, Carey Baldwin will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will keep you guessing and rethinking your guesses until the very end, and then the end will flip you upside down. I can’t tell you any more than that without giving away spoilers, so I’m not. I’m just going to tell you that if you love a good tale of mystery and suspense, and enjoy the need to know what happens next and who the bad guy is and who isn’t, read The Widow Bride. You won’t regret it! 

I highly recommend The Widow Bride, a new psychological thriller by Carey Baldwin, if you’re a fan of edge-of-the-seat thrillers that keep you reading late into the night—just make sure you leave some time for sleep or you’ll end up doing a long day on only two hours of sleep like I did. Pre-Order your copy now! Releasing on March 11, 2024, and available in digital, audiobook, and print at Amazon, and print at Barnes and Noble.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS by Rhys Bowen

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 ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS by Rhys Bowen, published February 11, 2020.

Blurb for ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS:

A single twist of fate puts a servant girl to work in Queen Victoria’s royal kitchen, setting off a suspenseful, historical mystery by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and The Victory Garden.

Isabella Waverly only means to comfort the woman felled on a London street. In her final dying moments, she thrusts a letter into Bella’s hand. It’s an offer of employment in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, and everything the budding young chef desperately wants: an escape from the constrictions of her life as a lowly servant. In the stranger’s stead, Bella can spread her wings.

Arriving as Helen Barton from Yorkshire, she pursues her passion for creating culinary delights, served to the delighted Queen Victoria herself. Best of all, she’s been chosen to accompany the queen to Nice. What fortune! Until the threat of blackmail shadows Bella to the Riviera, and a member of the queen’s retinue falls ill and dies.

Having prepared the royal guest’s last meal, Bella is suspected of the poisonous crime. An investigation is sure to follow. Her charade will be over. And her new life will come crashing down—if it doesn’t send her to the gallows.

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1896

Bella's father is a congenial man and worked for years at the Savoy until he took a liking to drink. This well-paying job enabled Bella and her sister, Louisa, to have a good education. Eventually though, her father’s drinking led to him losing his job, leaving him an embittered man. So, at age 15, Bella is forced to take a job as a servant in a large house. While her employers have some wealth, they are crude and ostentatious. As Bella has always loved food, she enjoys helping the cook and serving as assistant cook.

When an opportunity opens up for her to grab a better job, she takes it. She is now a cook in the kitchens of Queen Victoria’s, Buckingham Palace and goes by the name of Helen Barton.

As she strives hard to learn everything she can, including reading and studying cookbooks, she soon excels at her craft. So when Queen Victoria decides to spend the winter in the south of France, Helen becomes part of the kitchen crew that will accompany the Queen.

In France, Helen is fascinated with different French foods and their preparation. Some of her dishes catch the Queen’s eye and she is the only one to prepare them for the woman. However, life is not without intrigue and a thirst for power that Helen fights to stay away from but with great difficulty.

This book was written for me! So many wonderful things here. I am a huge foodie, and love to cook. I lived in France for many years and am familiar with French foods and the preparation thereof. The gorgeous vistas of southern France are beautifully described here which took me back to this exquisite area. Rhys Bowen has long been a favorite of mine and I have read nearly all of her books. I loved this book from the first page to the last. What a treat! Don’t miss it!!

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

ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS by Rhys Bowen, Lake Union Publishing, available now in ebook, print, audiobook, and available on Kindle Unlimited at Amazon.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND by Julie Klassen

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 BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND by Julie Klassen, published December 3, 2019.

Blurb for THE BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND:

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended...this.

When a second person dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

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Connie’s Review:

1819 - London

Benjamin Booker, age 31, and an attorney. is humiliated at having lost a case when he was taken in by a beautiful woman. He had believed her story and now finds she had lied to him. Afterward, he and the head of his firm learn of the murder of an old firm member who has been acting as the trustee of the Wilder family and living at their home in London. The man was not liked by the family nor the servants. He was tight fisted with the family money and a drunkard. Benjamin is then asked by the head of the firm to visit the Wilder family’s home in Berkshire called Belle Island.

Upon arrival, Benjamin meets Isabelle Wilder, age 30, who along with her niece Rose, age 19, are the two heirs to the Wilder money. Rose is preparing to be married soon. Isabelle is a lovely woman who has not left the island in many years. Having lost many family members who had left the island, some feel it is cursed and she feels safer staying there.

As Benjamin gets to know Isabelle, he realizes she is a very strong woman and admires everything that she does to keep the local people employed and cared for. The members of her family and other people in the area are well described as they each fit into her world. But there is murder and mystery afoot which tends to point right at Isabelle. Benjamin knows this lovely woman could not be guilty of such, but then again, he has been fooled before by a beautiful woman. Will it happen again?

A really good book written by a favorite author of mine and I believe it is her best one to date. I highly recommend it to all readers. Nice and clean too. Don’t miss it.

Copy provided by Goodreads and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The BRIDGE TO BELLE ISLAND by Julie Klassen, Bethany House, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of CARTIER'S HOPE by M. J. Rose

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 CARTIER’S HOPE by M.J. Rose, published January 28, 2020.

Blurb for CARTIER’S HOPE:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the “lush, romantic historical mystery” (Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale) Tiffany Blues, a gorgeously wrought novel following an intrepid female journalist in Gilded Age New York as she chases the story of the Hope Diamond.

New York, 1910: A city of magnificent skyscrapers and winding subways, where poor immigrants are crammed into tenements while millionaires thrive in Fifth Avenue mansions. Vera Garland is a thirty-two-year-old journalist, fighting alongside hundreds of women for a place in society, only to meet hurdles around every turn. Most female journalists are delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages but like her hero, Nellie Bly, Vera is a fighter.

When news of the Hope Diamond—a jewel whose infamous legends and curses have captured the world’s attention—arrives in the city, Vera is fast on its trail. She’s certain the fabulous jewel will help jumpstart her career but she’s determined to seek revenge against her current employer, a magazine owner whose greed and blackmailing schemes led to the death of her beloved father.

Set against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and grit, this enchanting historical novel explores the very human desire for truth, equality, and retribution.

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 Connie’s Review:

New York City – 1911

Vera Garland, 32, is the daughter of the wealthy owners of a large department store. Vera’s father, whom she loved dearly, has recently passed away. Vera now resides in her father’s lush apartment above the store. Her mother has always wanted her to take her place as part of elite society, but that is now what she wants to do. After Vera graduates from Radcliffe, she is intent on becoming a reporter, exposing how many charities are being run by crooked people. As her family is well known, she adopts the name Vee Swann and wears a disguise. Soon, she has a job writing an anonymous weekly gossip column.

This is the same time that the Hope Diamond just sold for $250,000 to someone in New York. It is the largest known blue diamond and has a long history of ownership, including numerous curses. Louis Cartier, an elite French jeweler, has just opened a branch in New York City and the Hope Diamond resides in his store.

As Vera cleans out some of her father’s possessions, she uncovers a secret that shocks her and could tear apart the family’s standing in society.

Can she continue to dedicate her life to journalism and ignore any private life or love for herself?

I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to all of the women of this era who worked so hard to make changes for all women.

This is good story that covers a number of situations. I admit that I became angry with Vera at times, but one has to admire her strength and determination. Once again, M. J. Rose has written a stunning novel. Don’t miss it!

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

CARTIER’S HOPE by M. J. Rose, Atria Books, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of WILD, WILD RAKE, a Cavensham Heiress novel by Janna MacGregor

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 WILD, WILD RAKE, a Cavensham Heiress novel by Janna MacGregor, published February 25, 2020.

Blurb for WILD, WILD RAKE:

Her first marriage was an epic failure.

Lady Avalon Warwyck never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry―that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?

Devan Farris―charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian―is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with vicar with a wild reputation―even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside―a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1805

Avalon, the Marchioness of Warwyk, is due to have a baby in a few months. Her marriage to her husband was pushed upon her and him by her parents. Thus, they cannot stand one another. He is very ugly, brutish, and demeaning to her. But when he dies, she is so relieved.

1815

Avalon lives with her son, Thane Pearce, age 10, in the village of Thistledown. Gavin Farris, the Earl of Larkton, is the guardian and conservator of Avalon’s son, Thane, and the estate. Gavin thinks that Avalon may be using funds from the estate to help support her projects to build housing to rehabilitate prostitutes and their children. However, that is not the case as she is using her own funds. Therefore, Gavin decides to send his brother, Devan, a vicar, to become the new vicar of Thistledown. This does not set well with either Devan or Avalon as there as always been animosity between them. He calls her the Marquess of Warlock and she calls him the Vicar of Vermin. So, they start off on the wrong foot as she tries to thwart any authority he might have and he gives it right back to her. However, Thane proves to be the mediator between them as Devan helps to tutor the boy in Latin and teaches him to play chess. He wants to prepare him for Eton. Thane and Devan bond well and enjoy being together. But Avalon continues to resent him being there. What can be done especially when their animosity turns to attraction? Is there a way that these two opposites can come together?

An enemies to lovers book that is very sweet. Lots of chuckles as each of them learns to see the other for the really good person that they are. I truly enjoyed this book and Janna MacGregor has quickly become a favorite author of mine. Well done! Enjoy!

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

WILD, WILD RAKE, a Cavensham Heiress novel by Janna MacGregor, Stm Martin’s Paperbacks, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd

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 THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd, published January 7, 2020.

Blurb for THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR:

In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?

Cornwall, England, 1818

Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

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Connie’s Review:

Tregarthen Hall, Cornwall - 1808

Isaac Blake’s twin brother, Matthew, is a few minutes older than he is and is set to inherit Tregarthen Hall and the family’s working mine. Isaac will inherit a small home and another mine that has been closed,

Cornwall - 1818

Julia Twethewey, age 19, and of Penwythe Hall, is on her way to be a companion to her cousin, Jane at Lanwyn Hall, when she is held up by outlaws at an inn. It is believed to be a result of the unrest among people of the area because her uncle, William Lambourne, has recently closed one of the mines which affect everyone in the area. Isaac Blake is there and steps in to protect her.

At the Hall, home of her uncle William and Beatrice Lambourne, Julia is happy to be with her cousin, Jane, who is having a difficult pregnancy. She also enjoys the company of her other cousin, Caroline. Julia is getting over a broken heart and hopes that being with Jane will help her heart to heal. She learns that there are supposed to be ghosts at the Hall and someone has been stealing items. In addition, there is a curse that no child born in the Hall has lived to grow up. There is rumored to be a treasure built into the stones of the house, but it has yet to be found.

Julia meets many of the townspeople and learns more about the mining business. Matthew shows her attention which is encouraged by her aunt and uncle, but it is Isaac to whom she is attracted. But mischief occurs and people are put in danger. Will Julia and Isaac be strong enough to find out who is causing this and perhaps find a road to a life together?

I liked this book but found that the beginning seemed to drag somewhat. However, I realized that it was to enable the author to introduce the characters so we could find empathy for the hardships the town has been experiencing. Sarah E. Ladd has long been a favorite author of mine and I hope that other readers will discover her sweet, clean romances.

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

THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR, a Cornwall novel by Sarah E. Ladd, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of MY DARLING DUKE, a Sinful Wallflowers novel by Stacy Reid

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 MY DARLING DUKE, a Sinful Wallflowers novel by Stacy Reid, published December 31, 2019.

Blurb for MY DARLING DUKE:

Miss Katherine Danvers has always been a wallflower. But now, with her family on the brink of financial ruin, she finds herself a desperate wallflower. To save her family, she'll do anything. Luckily, she has the perfect plan...

She’ll impress the ton by simply announcing she is engaged to the reclusive and mysterious Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, and secure strong matches for her sisters. No one has heard from the duke in years. Surely he’ll never find out before her sisters’ weddings, and she can go back to her own quiet life.

Soon, though, everything is out of control. At first, it’s just a few new ball gowns on the duke’s accounts. Then, it’s interviews with reporters eager for gossip. Before she knows it, Katherine has transformed herself into Kitty Danvers, charming and clever belle of the ton—with everyone eager to meet her thankfully absent fiancé.

But when the enigmatic Alexander Masters suddenly arrives in the city, dashing and oh so angry, he demands retribution. Except not in the way Katherine expected…

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Connie’s Review:

Brampton Manor, Hertfordshire

Katherine (Kitty) Danvers, age 22, is part of a group of 6 young women who call themselves the Sinful Wallflowers. While they have each had more than one season, they have yet to attract a husband.

When Kitty’s father passed away, their estate went to a cousin leaving Kitty, her sisters, and their mother with very little funds to support themselves. Thus, Kitty is desperate to find a husband to help support her family.

When a gossip sheet prints a story saying the Duke of Thornton is looking for a bride, Kitty sends the publisher a letter saying she is the man’s fiancee. She hopes this will open doors for her to help find husbands for her sisters and see them settled. She knows that the duke lives in a remote area of Scotland and not been seen in many years so she hopes he will never learn of this.

Perthshire, Scotland, McMullen Castle

Alexander Masters, the Duke of Thornton, is a lonely man who bears scars on his face, neck, and other areas of his body which he was burned in a fire trying to save his family. His lives with his spirited sister, Penny, and knows it is time that she was introduced to society. When his lawyer visits and congratulates him on his betrothal, he is surprised and rather amused at what Kitty has done. Intrigued to meet this brazen woman, he travels to meet her.

When they meet, she is nervous and apologizes for what she has done and tells him it is only to help her sisters. He then tells her that she alone must return with him to his Castle for two weeks. She finally agrees. When Kitty and Alexander spend time together at the Castle, they learn so much about one another. Kitty is a very strong, sensitive, and loving woman. Alexander is also very strong, but quite damaged. Is there hope for them to be together as a couple and find love?

Oh wow! What a beautifully romantic story. I am so impressed at how well the author created these two perfect characters. Her descriptions were wonderfully crafted and she shows she is a truly talented author. Well done! Do read this book. It’s a keeper and one that you wish you could award 6 stars.

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

MY DARLING DUKE, a Sinful Wallflowers novel by Stacy Reid, Entangled: Amara, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of FOREVER MY DUKE, an Unlikely Duchesses novel by Olivia Drake

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 FOREVER MY DUKE, an Unlikely Duchesses novel by Olivia Drake, published December 31, 2019.

Blurb for FOREVER MY DUKE:

“I find Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming—for an American.”—The Prince Regent

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.

But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?

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Connie’s Review:

Hadrian Ames, age 29 and the eighth Duke of Clayton, has been delayed by bad weather as he travels to have dinner with the family of his prospective bride, Lady Ellen Godwin, age 18. When his father died, Hadrian was just 6-years-old and at the behest of his late father, went to live with the Earl of Godwin, the man’s cousin. His mother was furious as she only got to see her son a couple times a year. His father and Lord Godwin had made a contract years ago that Hadrian would marry Godwin’s daughter, Ellen, and he has decided it is time to honor his father’s request. His mother is against the match because she feels that while they grew up together, there is no love between them. This does not bother Hadrian as he feels that Ellen would be a good duchess.

At the inn where he staying overnight, Hadrian meets a beautiful young woman caring for a young boy named Leo. Natalie Farshawe, age 26, has brought the boy from America to live with his grandfather now that his parents have passed away. Since Leo tends to be a rascal running off and such, Hadrian ends up helping Natalie to find him. It turns out that the grandfather is Lord Godwin. At the man’s house, he is reluctant to recognize Leo as he had disowned his daughter when she married a minister and moved to America. While they wait for proof from Lord Godwin’s solicitor that Leo is actually his grandson, Natalie stays there and she and Hadrian enjoy getting to know one another. Even though Natalie is unused to the respect given the English aristocracy, she soon learns what it all means. Natalie is the daughter of the late senator from Pennsylvania in America and was used to entertaining many people in America’s government. In addition, there are hints that she may have even higher ranked relatives.

Is there a way for Natalie to remain in England and not have to leave Leo? Could she and Hadrian have a future together?

Totally delightful book! I loved the creation of the plot and the characters and all quite real and intriguing. There is romance and intrigue both in this book so enjoy!! Both Natalie and Hadrian are strong people and I think they would make a perfect couple.

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

FOREVER MY DUKE, an Unlikely Duchesses novel by Olivia Drake, St. Martin’s Press, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD 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 INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, published December 26, 2019.

Blurb for THE INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE:

Their marriage was a solution…

Until passion turns it into a problem!

Lord and Lady Elmswood’s convenient marriage has allowed them to live separate lives for years. Until larger-than-life Daniel almost dies and Kate must nurse the husband she barely knows back to health…and discover how maddeningly attractive he is! With the clock ticking on his departure, they disagree on everything – except the impossibility of resisting each other!

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Connie’s Review:

Elmswood Manor, Shropshire - 1820

Kate Wilson, 22, is the daughter of the estate manager for the Manor, but she has been managing everything since the illness of her father. She grew up on the estate and knows everything about it.

Daniel Fairfax, 28, is the new Lord Elmswood and is arriving at the Manor to discuss business matters for the estate. He is surprised to find that for the last months Kate has taken over the duties of running the estate. While surprised, he is willing to let the arrangement stand. He has no interest in living at the Manor and prefers that it just be kept up for his young nephew to inherit one day. Spending time together, Kate realizes that the fondness she has always had for Daniel is real and knowing he is leaving, she asks him to marry her so she can legally live at the Manor and run it. He agrees and they marry before he leaves again.

1831

After their marriage, Kate has spent years caring for Daniel’s nieces They are Eloise who is married and has a child, and Phoebe who owns a restaurant in London and has just married.

Daniel has been living in another country for 11 years. He has returned and is ill with a fever he caught and is still recuperating. As soon as he is better, he plans to leave again. Daniel is impressed when he sees how well-run and well-maintained the estate is and is amazed at how well Kate raised his nieces while taking total responsibility for the estate. During his healing time, he begins to see the beauty and lure of the Manor and why Kate loves it so much. He also sees her beauty and their attraction deepens. Yet he is still determined to leave again and Kate prepares herself for this inevitability. Is there some way the two of them can have a future together?

Yet another well-written, heartfelt story about real people and the things they have faced in life that have made them who they are. Ms. Kaye has a real knack for creating these characters. I think readers will enjoy this book and I encourage them to read it.

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

THE INCONVENIENT ELMSWOOD MARRIAGE, a Penniless Brides of Convenience novel by Marguerite Kaye, Mills & Boon Historical, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.