Book Review: Hearts of Steel (The Blackstone Legacy #3) by Elizabeth Camden

February 23, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Christian Historical Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House Fiction
Release Date: January 17th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company, but when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life’s work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortune for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to navigate the dangerous waters ahead, but their crusade could cost them everything.

Thank you Bethany House Fiction for the gifted copy.

COMPASSIONATE.

First, I know this says it’s the third book in the series but I had zero problems reading this as a standalone!

The plot and setting were one of the best things about this book. I love unique historical dynamics that lead to me learning a lot of times that aren’t heavily discussed. I didn’t think ice (and ice cream) would create such an impactful story, but I love that I stand corrected about that. Filled with a powerful theme of doing the next right thing and showcasing compassion for those around you (and those who deserve it) were some of the highlights.

There’s a sweet romance woven on the sub-side of the major plot. I did like them together and thought that Maggie and Liam had good chemistry. The large gaps between their relationship left some space for the pacing to feel a little off as I had to wait for them to see each and other and communicate again too.

I did love that they worked together and tried to problem solve to the best of their abilities and what would benefit the entire area. I was really fascinated by the villain (who turned out to be based off someone real) and how these kind of business choices affect those who are working the hardest to provide a stable life for themselves.

It was a good read and I happened to listen on audio (and loved the narration!). I would easily be interested in more books by this author.

Overall audience notes:

Christian Historical Romance
Language: a little
Romance: kisses
Violence: medium
Trigger/Content Warnings: extortion, bullying, infidelity (side character), near death experiences, chronic illness (stomach ulcers)

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ARC Book Review: A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano

February 23, 2023 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House Fiction
Release Date: February 21st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano’s trademark wit, sweet romance, and hilarious mischief will keep you turning the pages of this lively Gilded Age tale.

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for an ARC.

CHEEKY AND FUN.

This is the first book I’ve read by Turano and I overall really enjoyed it. I loved the light hearted vibes and how audacious the whole book is. There’s high levels of drama that are fun to lean into and it is wild how intense the match making business became.

I thought all of the different little scenes connected to a solid storyline. I loved how Gwendolyn took charge and reigned in everything that was happening. She was a likeable main character who at her heart wanted the best for those around her (even if they needed a firm talking to first). I adored the three kids. I know not everyone loves them in stories, but I thought they worked beautifully. They themselves were humorous and also in desperate need of true love and intention. They blossomed as much as the rest of the main characters and I loved seeing that transition.

Length wise, I do think it could have been a little shorter. I noticed a good handful of repetitive commentary within a few pages of each other that I didn’t need to hear over and over again. Besides that, it’s a sunny book, with a unique setting (for me, I’ve never read a Gilded Age matchmaking book!), and a cute romance that takes both Gwendolyn and Walter by surprise.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: low
Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, loss of a spouse (from childbirth)

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Book Review: An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn

February 20, 2023April 25, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 390 pages
Author: Julia Quinn
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: July 1st, 2001
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

CINDERELLEY.

So maybe Cinderella retellings aren’t super my thing? Or is it just the addition of the usual “awful stepmother” plot that gets me? Anyways, I did not love that, buuuut the rest of the book grew on me and it was another good read for the Bridgerton series.

I really liked Benedict! I think he was kind of bone-headed at times and thought with other parts of his body besides his head, yet his mind got around to connecting with what he should actually be doing and that made him all the better. I liked that Sophie stood up for herself and didn’t like Benedict just get away with everything initially. I love a good rescue moment so those ending scenes were the best.

Both of these characters were resilient and well rounded with flaws and strengths. I like the real feel of them because it brings a lot more connection to the overall story and what Sophie and Benedict are both going through. It’s a loving and romantic tale with a fantastic audiobook. Lower steam than you’d expect and had me already looking up the next Bridgerton book I want to get my hands on.

Overall audience notes:

Historical romance
Language: a little
Romance: one open door (low explicit)
Trigger/Content Warnings: indentured servitude, attempted rape, threats of sexual assault, incarceration, bullying

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Book Review: My Fine Fellow by Jennieke Cohen

February 3, 2023April 18, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Regency Romance
Length: 352 pages
Author: Jennieke Cohen
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 11th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Culinary delights abound, romance lingers in the air, and plans go terribly, wonderfully astray in this cheeky and charming historical tale, perfect for fans of Bridgerton or Dickinson.

It’s 1830s England, and Culinarians—doyens who consult with society’s elite to create gorgeous food and confections—are the crème de la crème of high society.

Helena Higgins, top of her class at the Royal Academy, has a sharp demeanor and an even sharper palate—and knows stardom awaits her if she can produce greatness in her final year.

Penelope Pickering is going to prove the value of non-European cuisine to all of England. Her contemporaries may scorn her Filipina heritage and her dishes, but with her flawless social graces and culinary talents, Penelope is set to prove them wrong.

Elijah Little has nothing to his name but a truly excellent instinct for flavors. London merchants won’t allow a Jewish boy to own a shop, so he hawks his pasties for a shilling a piece to passersby—but he knows with training he can break into the highest echelon of society.

When Penelope and Helena meet Elijah, a golden opportunity arises: to pull off a project never seen before, and turn Elijah from a street vendor to a gentleman chef.

But Elijah’s transformation will have a greater impact on this trio than they originally realize—and mayhem, unseemly faux pas, and a little romance will all be a part of the delicious recipe.

IT WAS SWEET.

I know nothing about My Fair Lady. Apparently this is a gender bend on that? Maybe so.

I did think this book was incredibly sweet. I liked the plot set-up and all of the FOOD. Oh my goodness, so much baking and cooking. I think I was hungry half the time just listening to this because everything sounded delectable. I’m a sucker for a good cuisine book and this nailed it.

I struggled the most with Helena. I knew her character was meant to be unlikeable but wow did she really annoy me. Hallelujah for the growth she showed in the end after Penelope and Elijah both showed some backbone and told her to get with the program and off of her high horse.

Penelope and Elijah were easily one of my favorite parts. Such a tender and slow burn acquaintances to lovers romance. I adored the way they connected over food and their history. The meaningful conversations surround those of mixed race and Jewish decent in the time period brought another complex layer to this read. I really enjoyed this one and the audiobook was fantastic too.

Overall audience notes: