Home Sweet Holiday (Holiday Harbor) by Michele Paige Holmes

 

 

Nearly four years have passed since Anna Lawrence fled her hometown the same day her best friends broke her heart and she was left at the altar. She’s hardly looked back since, while forging a new and solitary life in Seattle. When duty calls her home, she reluctantly returns to take care of the family store while her parents are away.

Eli Steiner is visiting his late great-grandfather’s estate in Holiday, Alabama, for the first and last time—to see the place he’s inherited and meet the other benefactor of his great-grandfather’s will before turning everything over to her. When the woman he meets is both the same, and very different, from the one in his grandfather’s letters, Eli’s intrigue leads him to stay longer, to uncover the mystery of Anna Lawrence and possibly heal her heart. 

* Amazon * Goodreads * 

This is the second book in the Holiday Harbor series.  I would recommend reading the books in order but I don't think you necessarily have to.

Michele Paige Holmes definitely fills her books with real life problems and real life emotions. This book isn't light, happy reading.  It's full of personal struggle, forgiveness and heavier emotional topics.  So if you are looking for a lighter, fluffier romantic story, this isn't it.  Also, this is a long book.  In my opinion, too long.  I think much of this book could have been condensed and still accomplished the emotion and end goal.  It took me a long time to get through it and I will admit to some skimming. 

I'm so glad that Anna got her story.  After reading the first book, my heart was broken for poor Anna.  I really, really wanted her to find healing and happiness so this book felt satisfying in that regard.  That healing sure didn't come easily or quickly for Anna but it did happen.  I really loved Anna's kindness.  She has a good heart that is willing to help people and that makes her so likeable. 

I love the small town of Holiday. The residents there really know each other and take care of each other.  Even though there are some typical small town quirks and annoyances, for the most part, the people of Holiday are good people and I really liked that feeling of community coming through the story.

Content:  mention of cheating, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A Holiday Affair (Holiday Harbor Book 1) by Michele Paige Holmes

Welcome to Holiday, Alabama—population 765. In Holiday everyone knows their neighbors—and their business—a Mr. Roger’s look alike leads the local congregation Sunday mornings, and Annabelle, Breanna, and Carson have been best friends for over two decades.

On the eve of Anna and Carson’s wedding, Bree shares a secret and she and Carson embark on a journey that will break hearts and rock the town, where the biggest news is usually the size of the trout pulled from the harbor.

But the force of the river running through Holiday is nothing compared to that of its citizens, whether they’re holding a grudge, or standing behind someone. With both hearts and lives on the line, Breanna and Carson’s love story becomes a true Holiday affair.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Right up front I should say that this book may not be for everyone.  It all revolves around an affair between two people that hurt many people.  It could be a possible trigger for the many people who have suffered in a similar way.  I think most of us have either directly or indirectly experienced or seen the painful after effects of affairs.  This book in no way makes light of those feelings or the consequences of those actions.  I thought it was tastefully done.  The pages within this book are filled with emotion and struggles of all kinds.  I was completely invested in these characters and their journey.

This is a Christian book- forgiveness, repentance and God are spoken of often.  Carson's father is a preacher and he brings a steady, loving, gentle voice to the situations.

I wasn't sure I would like this book going into it and while the subject matter is difficult, the journey is a good one and the emotions are fleshed out well.  It drew me in and made me care.  There are always multiple sides to every story and I'm looking forward to the next book where Anna's story unfolds.

Content:  mention of an affair with no details, situations between a married couple, some innuendo, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Hawaiian Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

Ten strangers. Six days in paradise. One unforgettable Christmas.

Hailey Walsh has always loved Christmas, and this year the holiday was supposed to be the most magical of all, spent with her large family and her fiancé in preparation for their wedding just two days after. Then Gage broke their engagement.

Now, instead of playing in the snow with her nieces and nephews, Hailey’s building a playground with children she’s never met before, spending her Christmas with strangers in Hawaii, on a service program she hopes will lift her spirits and help her begin to pick up the broken pieces of her life and heart.

Gage Stevens didn’t want to spend Christmas in Hawaii any more than he wanted to break his engagement, but sometimes fate has a way of slamming a guy against a wall and forcing him to tough decisions— for the good of others, be that his ex-fiancée or his mom. And while he’s certain that no ocean breeze or tropical wonderland can heal what’s wrong, one glimpse at a familiar head of red hair and Gage realizes fate may not be done with him yet.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I think the title alone was the thing that attracted me to this book.  I wish I were having a Hawaiian holiday right now!!  Second to the title is the author, who writes books that I love so picking up this book was really a no brainer for me.

I wasn't expecting this story though.  While the romance side of things was there, it was in the background for most of the story.  Instead, the focus seemed to be on this group of people coming together for the Christmas holiday to find support and some degree of healing through serving others.  It's a grand theme, honestly, and compliments the feelings of generosity and kindness that this time of year brings out in people.

Call it fate or whatever you want, but Gage and Hailey find themselves together in paradise without knowing the other would be there.  After a brutal break up that Hailey still doesn't understand, both Gage and Hailey are both struggling.  I can't help but admire Hailey's tenacity to root out the real reason Gage dumped her.  Gage is really an idiot, but fortunately for him, "fate" gives him a chance to redeem himself.

I thought this was the perfect setting for a sweet book that reminded me how important it is to take care of other people.

Content:  mention of affairs, terminal medical conditions, divorce.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Wedding Wagers (Timeless Regency Collection) by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

A WAGER FOR LOVE by Donna Hatch:
For once, Phillip would like to be seen as more than the younger brother of a duke. When he unexpectedly meets the one girl in all London who doesn’t give two figs for his rank in society, she won’t give him the time of day. Determined to gain her attention, he accidentally tips over her boat and dumps her into a river. Not the best way to convince a lady of worth that he is a gentleman of promise. Frustrated, Phillip makes a rash wager with a friend: he vows he’ll not only gain her forgiveness, but her hand in marriage by the end of the Season. The stakes are high in this romantic Regency romp!

THE FINAL WAGER by Heather B. Moore:
When Victor Roland, Earl of Locken, enters into a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, the stakes get quickly out of control. Before Victor knows it, Southill is betting the dowry of his sister. While completely illegal, Victor is mostly insulted, so he does what any gentleman of the ton should do. He punches Southill out. Problem is, Southill is in so much debt that he’d been kicked out of his townhouse earlier that day. So Victor is forced to deliver Southill at his estate outside of London . . . only to meet Southill’s sister, Lady Juliet, a woman who Victor now wishes he’d bet on.

AN IMPROBABLE WAGER by Michele Paige Holmes:Sherborne Alexander Rowley III has come home to marry his neighbor—and solve his financial problems in one fell swoop. Love doesn’t figure into the equation, only the need to save his family’s estate. The reserved Miss Emily Montgomery seems willing enough, leaving the only possible obstacle to Sherborne’s success his childhood friend, Eli Linfield, and the wager they made long ago that Eli would be the one to marry Emily. When the timely birth of a colt, Emily’s mischievous sister Sophia, and Emily herself all conspire to ruin Sherborne’s plans, one night of mayhem unravels far more than their betrothal. Emily is not as demure as he believed, nor is Eli what he has pretended these many years. Yet the future for all may yet be bright. Sherborne might even wager on it. 

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This book was so much fun to read!  These are three of my favorite authors so I knew I was in for a treat with this book.  I loved that each story revolved around a wager the character(s) made.  It made for some sticky situations because we all know how wagers can most certainly come back to haunt you! 

I thought each book was entertaining and well done.  I loved how each male character in each story worked so hard to get the girl he wanted.  The wagers were out of a sincere desire to ultimately end up with the girl of their dreams.  How sweet is that?  Yeah, I loved those men even if making wagers is not the smartest thing to do.  

Content:  clean romance, some kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.
 

The Promise of Home (Hearthfire Scottish Historical) by Michele Paige Holmes

As Katie and Collin MacDonald prepare to embark on the most perilous journey of their lives— crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia— an ocean away Collin’s brother Ian is seeing the coast of Virginia for the first time.

After a voyage that would have cost Ian his life, except for the courage and timely aid of Elizabeth Campbell, Ian plans to risk the same returning to Scotland as soon as possible, even if that means stowing away. But as Eliza and Ian form an unlikely friendship, Ian realizes he cannot simply abandon Eliza and their fellow passengers to the cruel fates that await them. At the risk of his own freedom, he decides he must do what he can to help.

After a narrow escape in London, Katie and Collin cross the ocean swiftly, with the smaller ship Cleopatra making good time until she encounters a fierce storm near Sable Island. The tempest threatens both the ship and Katie’s fragile health, and their arrival in Halifax brings little relief, but further proof that the dangers of this new continent will equal or surpass the old.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I have been anxiously awaiting this book- this final book in this series- for months.  It feels like a lot longer!  ha.  First and foremost, you must read this series in order.  This book will not make sense or feel right if you don't read the others first.  I promise you will be glad if you do.  If you haven't read the first book, now is an excellent time to start as the series is now finished.  No waiting in between books!

It was so good to be back with Katie and Collin again.  I have missed them.  The first two books in this series were SO, so good.  I fell in love with both Katie and Collin there and in this book I was longing for that happily ever after for them.  There were so many sweet moments between them in this book but the road has been so long and so difficult.  Included in this book was the alternate viewpoint of Ian, Collin's brother.  He is an interesting character and it was good to see and feel his take on past events as he tries to reconcile that with the present.   I kind of wish he could have had his own book so his relationships could have developed in a similar way to Katie and Collin's.  But still, it was good.

While I really enjoyed this book, I felt more connected to the first two in the series.  I'm not sure why but this one felt a little different to me.  It was still good and I am completely satisfied by the ending.  This is a series I would love to read again all the way through.

Content:  clean, some danger and peril.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

A Promise for Tomorrow (Hearthfire Romance) by Michele Paige Holmes + Book Giveaway!

Scottish Highlands, 1700s:

Barely two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through centuries of her ancestors.

With little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future, where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction. When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I know that technically it hasn't been THAT long since the first book in this series came out but it sure FELT like a long time waiting.  That's what happens when you love a book so much and you know there is more to the story and then you have to wait for the next book.  Waiting is hard to do.

But then the next book comes out!  And it feels glorious.  It's like Christmas.  Seriously.  It was such a happy day.  Then?  I polish it off in one day and then I'm sitting there is some kind of drunken reading stupor, wishing I could read the next book because I need more.  After finishing this book I honestly didn't want to pick up another book.  It's the weirdest feeling when reading is your "thing".  I wasn't ready to let the story go.  I wanted to wallow in it for awhile, I guess.  I didn't pick up another book until the next day.  

I don't know what it is about this series.  I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it is that draws me in so entirely.  But maybe it isn't just one thing but instead an accumulation of many little things.  The characters are fantastic- so well developed, making mistakes, growing, learning.  I love the characters in this book.  I feel them.  I know them.  The author creates a story that is so easy to fall into, to picture in my head, to become invested in.  It really was hard for me to pull myself out of that world.

And now?  I have to wait months for the next book.  Boooooooo.  I'm back to anxious anticipation.  And so the cycle begins again.

Content:  Some kissing, peril and violence.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Tour schedule

Dec 4 - Wishful Endings

Dec 5 - Getting Your Read On / Smiling Book Reviews / LDS Writer Mom

Dec 6 - My Book a Day / Bubble Bath Books

Dec 7 - Heidi Reads / Bookworm Lisa / Empower Moms

Dec 8 - Why Not? Because I Said So / Katie’s Clean Book Collection

The first book in this series, Yesterday's Promise, is on Amazon deals right now for just $1.60.  I am not sure how long this will last, so please check the price before purchasing.  This is an awesome time to snag this book if you haven't already!  

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Find Michele Paige Holmes:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/946017.Michele_Paige_Holmes

Website: http://www.michelepaigeholmes.net/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MichelePHolmes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelePaigeHolmes/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Heart Only Grows (Timeless Romance Single Book 5) by Michele Paige Holmes

THE HEART ONLY GROWS: A brand new historical romance novella from Michele Paige Holmes:

For Children’s Aid Society employee Addelaide Campbell, riding the Orphan Train is a labor of love—a last, heart-wrenching attempt to do the best she can for the children entrusted to her care. If only she could keep them all…Or at the least, keep children from the same family together. When the sheriff of Somerset, Wisconsin, offers an unexpected proposal that might allow her to do just that, Addie takes a leap of faith—or possibly insanity—and decides to accept.

Miles Linden has sworn off women, children, marriage, and family. In the two years since he lost his wife and daughter to influenza, loneliness has been his constant companion, except on Friday nights when he drowns his sorrows at the local saloon. He’s coping with this arrangement just fine, until the morning he’s rudely awakened by a pert woman and two gawking children who mistake him for a real outlaw, instead of a man sleeping off his liquor on the cot at the jail. Being awakened and accused are the least of the surprises awaiting Miles, since Addie Campbell and the Orphan Train arrived in town.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This novella is ever so sweet.  Honestly, sweet is the best word I have to describe it.

I read a book not long ago, also a historical fiction, that included bits about the orphan train as well.  Before that, I had no idea those were even a real thing.  Can you imagine the kids on those trains?  How they must have felt?  Scared, alone.  My heart breaks just thinking about it.  In this book, Addelaide accompanies these children on the train to help facilitate their adoptions.  That is a job I would never be able to do.  Addelaide is so kind and gentle.  I loved her instantly.

Miles is convinced that he will never be able to love again.  There is no room in his home or his heart for loving and losing love again.  Miles gets tricked into a marriage situation, but he agrees because Miles is just that kind of stand up guy.  Even hurt he does the right thing.  Thank goodness for that!  

This is a novella but I really never felt like it was rushed.  The characters were well developed and full of life.  I connected with them and loved them.  That is sometimes hard to do in a novella length story.  I'm not surprised though.  Michele Holmes is one of my favorites and she knows how to weave a fantastic tale.

Content:  Some mild peril, mention of child abuse

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Yesterday's Promise by Michele Paige Holmes

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh.  Oy.  I wasn't quite ready to stop reading this story.  But I had to.  Because it stopped and there was no more left to read.  <sigh>

I was so caught up in this book.  I was pulled right into the story, invested in the characters and my heart was bursting!  Then it ended and I am a bit sad.  I find I am quite reluctant to move on to another book.  Surely reading one book while thinking of another is a bit like cheating, right?  Book cheating.  Is that a thing?  I feel like it is now.  Because I tried to read another book and that's what it felt like.  I'm still wallowing in Scotland and I'm not ready to leave just yet.  I hope I get over it soon.

The next book?  Fall.  Not too far away, but still.  When you are wallowing, it seems like forever away.  

So until book two. . .  Katie and Collin, I will dream of you.  In Scotland.  <grand lovey sigh>

Content:  mild violence, a rape attempt, kissing

Between Heaven and Earth (Power of the Matchmaker) by Michele Paige Holmes

Cassandra Webb’s every waking minute is devoted to being a great mother and wife. She takes five-year-old Noah to the library each week, volunteers in his kindergarten class, and even coaches his soccer team. She makes sure her husband’s uniforms are always laundered—even though he hasn’t worn them the last six years—always has his game day snacks on hand, and meets him for date night every Friday—which consists of one sided conversations at his bedside and watching his favorite take out remain untouched.

Pearl, a mysterious visitor at the care center, suggests that it is only Cassie’s love still tying Devon to Earth when he has been ready to move onto Heaven for quite some time. If Cassie will but open her eyes and heart, she will discover the path she should travel, one that will bring relief to Devon and much joy to her own life. But Cassie vowed never to give up on him. She never has and she can’t now, even after meeting hapless, single soccer-dad Matt.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Who thought up the idea of this Power of the Matchmaker series?!  Seriously? Brilliant idea.  I love this series.  Each month is a new book by a different author.  All with one minor character included- the matchmaker.  You can read these books in any order- they are meant to stand alone.  I would recommend that you read the prequel novella, Power of the Matchmaker, first though.  It will help you know the history behind the matchmaker, Pearl.

This book.  This one has a different kind of love story.  It's really not like any of the others so far.  I loved the growing friendship between Matt and Cassie.  They help and support each other.  It fills a void for both of them, especially since they both have young boys who need a lot of care and attention.  I loved the sense of family.

There is so much emotion in this book.  I felt Cassie's struggle and heartache and Matt's desperation and floundering.  As a reader, I wanted the best things to happen for them.  I was drawn into this book from the very beginning and it was hard to put it down.  I really liked it!  It is a fantastic addition to this series.

Content:  Clean

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First Light (Forever After Series) by Michele Paige Holmes + win a copy of this book!

Seventeen-year-old Adrielle doesn’t believe in magic; she merely possesses it, though no one has ever mentioned that her unusual gifts—exceptional speed, a flair for fire, and an intimate knowledge of flora—aren’t things she was born with. When Adrielle starts a fire that burns down the family home, she must deal with both her grief and her siblings’ hurtful rejection.

While journeying to far away Tallinyne, in search of her older, estranged sister—the only relative who might take her in—Adrielle is separated from her escort when the carriage is beset by thieves. Alone, she is thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where she encounters fairies and gypsies, a wild boar, a drunk cook, and an evil queen whose curse is sweeping death across the land. Adrielle also finds love, falling hard for a kind, funny, handsome—and completely unavailable prince.

From the glowing pearls tucked beneath her mattress and keeping her awake at night, to Queen Nadamaris’s curse that seems to thwart Adrielle’s every effort, Adrielle struggles to navigate a world of magic she never imagined, where people she knows and loves are not always what they appear to be. With the glowing pearls—and her fondest desire—within her grasp, she is forced to make a choice no girl should ever have to—satisfying her own heart or saving the kingdom.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Here is where I admit, yet again, that I don't always read the blurbs for books.  Or, I just skim them a bit for a general feel and I don't really, really commit it to memory.  So, yes, I didn't read the blurb and was so surprised at the course this book took.  Ha.  I know.  I really should read the blurbs.  But, sometimes it's fun to be surprised by an author you know and love.  This book isn't like the other books that I've read by Michele Holmes but I've loved her books so far and I knew I wanted to read this one.  Simple as that.

The words that keeps coming to mind for this book is "mish mash".  There were so many connections to fairy tales and moments of familiarity but they were just that- moments, because it all felt very new and fresh and nothing like the old fairy tales.  I wasn't expecting that.  I just thought this was a book with some magic in it.

I loved Adrielle and I loved the handsome prince.  (oh, I feel a love paragraph coming on. . .)  I also loved how all the characters were woven together as part of that mish mash.  It gave the book a fun edge.  I loved the fairies.  The twist at the end was clever and I loved that too.

It took me a few chapters to really get into this book but once I was there, I couldn't read fast enough.  I had to purposefully slow myself down because I was trying to race through it get to the end.  Yeah, I was invested.  So good!

This is a book I'll pass off to my teenagers.  It was clean and full of magical, fairy tale fun.  The ending will feel perfect.  I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Content:  Mild romance, some kissing.  Some violence. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Twelve Days in December (A Hearthfire Romance) by Michele Paige Holmes

Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.

To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.

For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I was so excited to read this novella.  After the last book, Marrying Christopher, I really wanted to know what happened to William and Charlotte.  I wanted so badly a happily ever after for them both.

This is a novella in the Hearthfire Romance series.  I really think you need to read the previous books to fully feel and understand these characters, but reading Marrying Christopher is the most important.

I loved the feelings that came shining through so clearly in this book.  The desperation, resignation, insecurities and hope were all so clear and almost tangible.  I found myself chanting in my head, "come on, come on, come on..."  I guess I was almost desperate for them to get that happy ending (or beginning) that I was hoping for.

William is one of the most kind and generous people ever.  He wants to be loved and love in return.  His history has made him insecure but that hope is always there.  It is his consistent friendship and kindness that create a safe place for Charlotte to relax into and work through her guilt and confusion.  I love that.

One of the best moments for me was when Charlotte steps up to protect and defend William and by so doing gives something to William that he couldn't give himself.  It was the turning point for Charlotte and I really felt that.

I loved this little story.  It was so satisfying!  Love, love, loved it.  

Content:  Clean

A Midwinter Ball (Timeless Regency Collection) by Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and Michele Paige Holmes

Join three bestselling authors for three new regency romance novellas in A MIDWINTER BALL.

MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.

SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.

AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancé, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancé’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man. 

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

A Midwinter Ball consists of three different regency stories, all novella length and each by a different author.  Regency romance is one of my favorite genres so I was excited to read this!  I love the pictures regency romances paint in my head- especially at the ball!

Sometimes when I read novellas I feel a bit disappointed because I feel like they were over too fast and I wanted more of the story.  These stories were all perfect though.  I felt like I knew the characters and had a firm beginning, middle and end.  They left me feeling satisfied in the end.  Romantic, sweet and sigh worthy.

Content:  Clean!

Marrying Christopher (A Hearthfire Romance #3) by Michele Paige Holmes

Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I was so excited to finally be able to settle in and read Christopher's story.  He is the last sibling in this series and I've watched him help his sisters find love and care.  I was anxiously awaiting this book so I could watch Christopher find his love because he deserved it.

This has been a fantastic historical romance series.  I've loved each book but I think Christopher may just be my favorite.  This one jerked my emotions all over the place and the last third of the book I seriously felt so desperate- like pulling my hair and yelling AAAHHHHRRRGGGHHHH!

Christopher is leaving his homeland of England to begin a new life in America.  He has dreams of owning his own land and being his own man.  Now that his sister's are both settled with men who adore them, Christopher feels this is his time.  Christopher knows how to take care of people.  His sister's have taught him how to work hard, how to be a gentleman and how to love well.  

If you don't fall in love with Marsali in this book, you are crazy.  She is gentle kindness itself.  But don't think that means she doesn't have a backbone- because she does.  Christopher and Marsali are perfect for each other.  I loved them both.  Together and apart.

I could easily picture the scenes from this book playing out in my head like a movie.  The characters were strong and each one had personality and definition.  This was a fantastic book for me and I really loved it.

Loving Helen (Hearthfire #2) by Michele Paige Holmes

Eighteen-year-old Helen Thatcher grew up under the protection of her older siblings, Grace and Christopher. Living in their shadows and keeping to herself suited Helen just fine—until she met widower Samuel Preston. Watching Mr. Preston care for his young daughter and seeing his concern extend to her own family, Helen felt her reserve slipping away, as she learned first to trust him and then realized she had fallen in love with him. But instead of returning—or even noticing her affection—Mr. Preston developed his own tender, and unrequited feelings, for Grace.

In the midst of each silently nursing their broken hearts, Helen and Samuel are faced with a daunting task—reuniting Grace with her fiancé, Nicholas Sutherland. Now it is Helen who must look out for her sister and sacrifice her own fragile heart, as she and Samuel pretend to be engaged. Helen finds the role surprisingly easy to play, allowing herself to imagine that Samuel’s loving remarks are sincere. As the time for their charade to end draws near Helen must summon her courage and tell Samuel the truth of her feelings, or risk losing him forever.

* Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the second book in the Hearthfire Romance series.  I would say that you really need to read "Saving Grace", the first book in the series, before you read this book or you will probably be really lost.

I enjoyed the cross over from the first book.  We saw some of the same events from "Saving Grace" except they came from Helen's point of view.  Helen is very different from her sister, Grace.  She is reserved but has a keen way of seeing other people and knowing their hearts.  Helen's heart is gentle, soft and full of compassion.  She would do anything to help her sister that protected her and cared for her when she was younger.

Mr. Preston is the man Helen loves.  Unfortunately, Mr. Preston fancies himself in love with Grace.  Not much worse than being in love with a man who is in love with your sister.  Poor Helen.  When she has the chance to play pretend at loving Mr. Preston, it isn't so pretend for Helen.  Her heart breaks almost every day.

This was an enjoyable, sweet and gentle romance.  Helen and Mr. Preston are both kind and easy to like.  It was nice to see another side to the first story and get to know Helen better.  Her journey from the shadows is a good one.  I'm excited to read the next book about Christopher.  It's going to be a fun one!