Tag: historical romance

ARC Book Review: The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London #3) by Mimi Matthews

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 432 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: January 16th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy and PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.

CHARMING SECOND CHANCE.

Audiobook notes: I love two narrators for a two POV romance. I thought both were amazing and I was swept away to historical England.

This was another good read for the series! It does lean a little away from romance and focuses a lot on grief and self growth and finally severing the ties that are holding you back. I absolutely adored Felix. He was carrying so much on his shoulders and worked hard to make things work the best he could.

Anne, I struggled with a little. I thought her Mom issues held her down for SO long and I was waiting for that freedom moment where Anne had the spotlight. Because when she showed up in that dress? I SWOONED. Felix has been pining for years and that man deserved a break. I actually loved that this didn’t have big flashback chapters and that we got to see more at present what was happening.

I loved seeing the other Belles and just being back in this world. Mimi Matthew’s books are always wonderful reads for me and this was no different.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none-low
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: toxic parent, mentions of child labor

Book Review: The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Christian Historical Romance
Length: 368 pages
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Publisher: Ally Press
Release Date: November 2nd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The one man who could help her, must never know her name.

If Kate Chamberlin can’t reveal her true identity to the world, she must settle for sharing only her talent. Hired as a musician for KDKA radio, Kate plays everything from sponsors’ jingles to complex sonatas. As long as the whispers around the broadcasting room refer to her as “Killjoy Kate” and not “Catarina the crime boss’s daughter,” then her life is safe from danger.

Or so she thinks.

When anonymous, violent threats surface, Kate’s wary of accepting protection from the handsome private investigator, Detective Jennings. His save-the-world attitude is as charming as his manners, but no one, especially him, can know the gruesome realities of her birth.

The 1924 Pittsburgh underworld is as complicated as it is elusive, and though the dealings of the Salvastanos have dwindled, Rhett Jennings is certain the man responsible for his father’s death is still at large. But his personal hunt for justice must be set aside when his day job requires him to investigate threats directed at a young radio broadcaster with enamoring brown eyes and secretive behavior.

When danger surrounds them, will the truth of Kate’s past become the key to their survival?

I LIKED IT.

This is my first by the author, and the first Christian romance I’ve read in a very long time. Both turned out better than I expected and I’m grateful for that.

I liked the plot and setting. The historical aspects worked so well and I felt transported to the 1920’s. The mystery brought out enough intrigue to keep the page turning and I did not see some of the ending reveals coming!

Romance wise, it was rather swoony and sweet. I love protective heroes, it’s just my favorite, and there were plenty of opportunities for that here. A tiny bit of fake dating, taking care of you scenes and you can consider me charmed. There were a few things about purity that I didn’t love and I’m mostly chalking up to a time period situation. Otherwise the Christianity aspects worked well into the plot and I liked the themes of forgiveness and God accepting you where you are.

Overall audience notes:

  • Christian Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: non-consensual drugged beverage, attempted murder, loss of a parent, gun violence, break-ins

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Book Review: Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House #1) by Charlie N. Holmberg

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction/Fantasy Romance
Length: 347 pages
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Rhode Island, 1846. Estranged from his family, writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised when he inherits a remote estate in the Narragansett Bay. Though the property has been uninhabited for more than a century, Merritt is ready to call it home—until he realizes he has no choice. With its doors slamming shut and locking behind him, Whimbrel House is not about to let Merritt leave. Ever.

Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. She understands the dangers of bespelled homes given to tantrums. She advises that it’s in Merritt’s best interest to make Whimbrel House their ally. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too.

Prepared as she is with augury, a set of magic tools, and a new staff trained in the uncanny, Hulda’s work still proves unexpectedly difficult. She and Merritt grow closer as the investigation progresses, but the house’s secrets run deeper than they anticipated. And the sentient walls aren’t their only concern—something outside is coming for the enchantments of Whimbrel House, and it could be more dangerous than what rattles within.

I LIKED IT.

I consider this a soft four stars. Some miscommunication popped up that made me want to shake a few people, but otherwise this was a pretty delightful and enchanting read.

The plot was a fantastic idea. I loved the idea of a sentient house (with secrets of its own) and a whole society dedicated to taking care of those situations. There’s reverse grump x sunshine here that also worked so well. I adored Hulda and Merritt’s dynamic. It was charming, a bit humorous and sweet.

I don’t think the extra chapters following an antagonist really changed anything? That could have been covered in a sit down between characters and the pace would have been a bit more steady.

It’s a cozy story and the audio narration was great. There’s a good mix of action and intrigue and I liked how things came together in the end. I liked the whimsical nature and I’m curious to see where book two will go.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical fiction / Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: brief mentions of child abuse, murder, physical injuries

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ARC Book Review: A Winter by the Sea (On Devonshire Shores #2) by Julie Klassen

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: December 5th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy.

ENJOYABLE.

There’s something about this author’s writing style that just slowly draws you in and takes you on a journey. I loved this winter filled story of hope and recovery.

I enjoyed Emily’s story a lot. I liked seeing her stretch past her comfort zones and also maintain that strong family bond that she has. Her love for her sisters was beautiful and moving through a love triangle that worked well for me. You always knew where it was heading, but I think the push and pull gave Emily a chance for much needed growth and release from her past.

My only little thing is when the story focused on another sister I lost a little interest. I felt really committed to Emily’s story, but not as much as Sarah’s.

The fictional community is wonderful. It’s got the small town vibes but set in a historical time period. I love how they come together for each other and the subtle faith aspects that round out the themes of the novel. I’m very much looking forward to the next story in this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: death, briefly being held at gunpoint

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