Regency | Daysong Reflections

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

by admin | Oct 18, 2021 | Books, Historical, Humor, Mystery, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Mistletoe Countess may just be one of the most perfect romance novels I have ever read. A delightful combination of humor, romance, and mystery, I couldn’t read fast enough yet was so disappointed to reach its end.

What reader would not love heroine Gracelynn, the innocent yet outspoken booklover who agrees to take her sister’s place in an arranged marriage to prevent the scandal her parents fear. I didn’t expect to like Lord Frederick Percy very much but he too quickly earned his place in my heart.

It was such fun getting to observe the pair as they negotiated their new life as a married couple as they also got to know each other better. Their witty exchanges and romantic tension were perfectly timed and the scattered incidents that hinted at attempts on Percy’s life added just the right touch of mystery and suspense.

I will restrain myself from giving away more of the story because this is one you will want to read for yourself. I am hoping to find time to read it again very soon. Yes, it was that good!

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with a southern Appalachian flair. Her books have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inpsys, and the ACFW Carol Awards, with The Thorn Healer selected as a 2018 finalist in the RT awards. Both her contemporary and historical romance novels consistently receive high ratings from Romantic Times, with Just the Way You Are as a Top Pick. Most recently she’s introduced readers to Bath, UK through her novellas, Second Impressions and Jane by the Book, and taken readers into the exciting world of WW2 espionage in her novella, Façade. The second novel in The Pleasant Gap series, When You Look at Me, arrives in October and her contribution to Barbour’s wonderful My Heart Belongs series hits the shelves in January 2019 with My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge. Her books are seasoned with her Appalachian heritage and love for family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can get to know Pepper on her website, www.pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.

Dusk’s Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller

by admin | May 26, 2021 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I first read and reviewed The Elusive Miss Ellison in March, 2017 and have read and reviewed most, if not all, of Carolyn Miller’s subsequent novels since then. To say that she has become one of my must-have authors is an understatement. I have also enjoyed watching as this author has honed her craft and finely tuned each book along the way. I have thoroughly enjoyed them all but Dusk’s Darkest Shores may just be her best novel thus far.

Not only is this book a lovely romance but it plumbs the depth of human emotions and brings hope for those who believe they have none. Mary and Adam were characterized so well that I found it easy to care about their lives and struggles. I also appreciated how each of them matured as they recognized how true character is revealed by how one reacts to unexpected circumstances and hardship and that true beauty is much deeper than a pretty face.

Dusk’s Darkest Shores was one book I did not want to put down until its end and that end came much too quickly for me. The story was filled with all the requisite elements to make me one happy reader. If you have not read a book by Carolyn Miller, this one would be the perfect place to start.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England’s beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it’s a peaceful life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary’s caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer–but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he’s plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but he’s also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal–and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.

Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc Her contemporary novels include Restoring Fairhaven and Regaining Mercy, as part of the Independence Islands series.

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The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

by admin | Apr 2, 2021 | Books, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I certainly did not expect The Indebted Earl to begin so sadly but the opening chapters set up the situations that drove the rest of the book quite nicely.

Captain Charles was positively endearing! Having know nothing but the sea since a boy he finds himself totally out of his element on land, especially as an earl. Now that is a position he never hoped to have! But Charles was nothing if not an honorable man and honorable men take care of their duties no matter how unwanted they might be. Along with an unwanted title, Charles has found himself with several other responsibilities and although he is befuddled about how to take care of them all, he gives it his best shot. I loved his interactions with his three young unexpected charges and how dedicated he was to finding a solution for their needs. And then there was dear Sophie, the intended of his departed friend Rich whose last wish was for Charles to take care of her. Now everybody know what that means!

The Indebted Earl is another delightful tale from one of my favorite authors. Appearances by well loved characters from the previous two books of the series were a welcomed bonus. Charles and Sophie complemented each other well and their developing romance was entertaining. A bit of intrigue, mystery, and suspense along with touches of humor, faith, and a few surprises blended well and kept me completely involved with the story until its very end.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blog Tours by Audra Jennings. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business–or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life–especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero’s dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man’s grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn’t opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed’s elderly mother, and she’s already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she’ll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he’s come to mean to her. Now she’ll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Click here to read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

GIVEAWAY:

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An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen

by admin | Dec 11, 2020 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Having read all of the previous books in the Tales From Ivy Hill series, I was delighted to read An Ivy Hill Christmas. What better setting can one imagine for a Christmas novella than the small town of Ivy Hill in Regency era England? With gorgeous cover art, well developed characters, a nod to many of the Christmas traditions of that time, and a meaningful transformation through faith, this book is a perfect read for the season, especially for history buffs.

It was fun to encounter characters from the previous novels but of course Richard and Arabella stole the show. Confirmed bachelor Richard Brockwell has his reasons for avoiding marriage but his reputation is less than spotless. Arabella Awdry is the young woman Richard’s mother hopes he will marry by Richard is deliberately rude to her, hoping to foil his mother’s plans. Arabella is also uninterested in marriage and plans to spend her life helping others. At this point most romance readers have a pretty good idea what direction this story will take but believe men, the fun is just beginning.

I loved Richard’s character and seeing the changes in his attitude over the course of this short tale. His little dog was especially fun and it was entertaining to imagine what he looked like when Richard dressed him in clothing to match his own. I liked Arabella well enough but this is definitely Richard’s story. In addition, readers will witness more than one other romance take place before the end.

All in all, this is a satisfying read and I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christmas Historical Romance

Release Date: September, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

MORE FROM JULIE:

My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.

An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19^th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.

In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind. I love a transformation story; don’t you?

If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:

“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.” —Booklist

“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly

And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.

Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”

Happy Christmas!

BLOG STOPS:

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Christian Bookaholic, November 30

Andrea Christenson, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Robin’s Nest, December 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Blessed & Bookish, December 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Mia Reads, December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3

lakesidelivingsite, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

She Lives To Read, December 4

Remembrancy, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Writing from the Heart Land, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Quiet Workings, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Spoken from the Heart, December 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

Connect in Fiction, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Worthy2Read, December 7

Genesis 5020, December 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Life of Literature, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Batya’s Bits, December 8

L abor Not in Vain, December 8

Hallie Reads, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Older & Smarter?, December 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9

Betti Mace, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10

Faery Tales Are Real, December 10

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bigr eadersite, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11

Splashes of Joy, December 11

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

To Everything There Is A Season, December 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12

Blossoms and Blessings, December 12

The Write Escape, December 12

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, December 13

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Joy to the World By Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetsch

by admin | Nov 23, 2020 | Anthology, Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Lovers of Regency romance novels and/or Christmas should find this Regency Christmas Collection a perfect companion for those long, cold evenings of the holiday season. Inside the gorgeous cover is a compilation of three individual novellas by three of my favorite Regency authors. Each novella is based on a line from longtime favorite Christmas hymn Joy to the World, thus the name of the collection. Each one easily stands on its own and can be easily be read in one evening by many readers. I enjoyed getting a head start on the season with this amazing book.

“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller

Due to certain family circumstances Edith had turned down George’s proposal a year ago and was perplexed to learn that he would also be a guest at the Christmas house party she was attending. With their hostess attempting to play cupid at every turn, Edith found it difficult to avoid George while longing for his presence at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the vivid descriptions of Christmas activities and decor during that historical period. Entertaining dialogue and interesting characters made this novella a fun read. I particularly liked the interest in music shared by the couple. I thoroughly enjoyed reading something new by Carolyn Miller and look forward to a full-length novel in the near future.

“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt

Dwight Inglewood, Earl of Amberly was not only alone in the world but had further isolated himself due to grievous injuries suffered during the war. When he crossed paths with a critically ill young woman and her sick baby during one of his nightly strolls, he instinctively took them home to care for them. Hating to send her back out on her own after she recovered, he hired her as a maid for his family estate where her joyful spirit brings life to the once somber home. At times this story made me think of Beauty and the Beast or Phantom of the Opera but the tale was infused with a hope, love, and faith that offered such encouragement.

“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch

The story of a young widow who is totally dominated by her demanding mother-in-law who obviously has plans for her life, Wonders of His Love features Lady Priscilla whose sister-in-law has become the Duchess. An artist has been hired to paint portraits of the new Duke and Duchess and Priscilla is inappropriately more attracted to him than the man her mother-in-law wishes her to marry. As always, this author has applied her own delightful twist to the story and I enjoyed every minute of it. I found it such fun to observe as Cilla became less compliant under the influence of Hamish and grew into the strong and capable woman she was meant to be. I also enjoyed spending time with a few characters from previous books by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Inspirational Regency romance with a Christmas twist from three best-selling authors

In Joy to the World, three popular authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas in one book have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.

“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Two music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome their obligations and fears to find their way back into each other’s arms?

“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt
One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?

“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
A Scots portrait painter with a hidden identity finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he’d fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

	Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Check her out at www.carolynmillerauthor.com.
	Amanda Barratt is the ECPA best-selling author of several novels and novellas, including My Dearest Dietrich. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a two-time FHL Reader’s Choice Award finalist. She and her family live in northern Michigan. Visit her at amandabarratt.net.
	Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

The Gentleman Spy by Erika Vetsch

by admin | Aug 2, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I have been a fan of books by Erica Vetsch since I read my first one. It is a given that I want them all permanently on my bookshelf. I am particularly enjoying her Serendipity & Secrets series and The Gentleman Spy met my every expectation and beyond.

The characters have a mind of their own and definitely do not adhere to the usual stereotypes. A hero who is too involved with his career and has his life carefully regimented to keep every aspect of it separate, suddenly finds himself in need of a wife. Naturally he believes he can conveniently place her in her own special spot and go on with his life. Yeah, right! Even his friends found that laughable. Our heroine has been under the thumb of a very controlling father her entire life, a father who would like to marry her off as soon as possible because she tends to think for herself and has difficulty keeping her mouth shut. How embarrassing is that when you would like to protect your impeccable image for society?

As you might have guessed, these two find themselves with wedding plans but nothing goes quite as expected. That is really where the fun begins. It would be easy to share more details but why ruin your enjoyment? You need to read The Gentleman Spy for yourself. Witty and romantic, this book offers an enjoyable journey back to Regency England. I would also recommend picking up a copy of The Lost Lieutenant as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He only wanted a duchess for a day–but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life. When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life–as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society–the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

Click here to read an excerpt!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at www.ericavetsch.com.

Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor)
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GIVEAWAY:

Alternate Links to Enter:
https://www.audrajennings.com/2020/07/win-copy-of-gentleman-spy.html
https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html
https://promosimple.com/ps/10029/the-gentleman-spy