A Heart Worth Stealing Joanna Barker

 Little Sowerby, England, 1802 

Miss Genevieve Wilde—a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress—is determined to meet life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late father had taught her. So when her father’s pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities prove incompetent.

Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.

But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, the two enter into a risky charade—pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much danger as her life.

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Ooh, this is one of my favorite books so far this year.  😍  It took me a quick minute to fall into the story but it happened.  It really, really happened.  I love when a story just takes over my mind and my heart.  This one was filled with mystery, danger and sparking attraction.  I loved every single minute of it.

I pegged the bad guy from the beginning but I didn't have it all figured out.  This mystery had me suspecting all kinds of people and things.  I love that even though I had two major things figured out, I was still surprised.  That's some great writing.

I loved fiery, independent Ginny.  She was independent but knew when she needed help.  I admired her courage and determination.  Once that girl makes up her mind about something, watch out!  Jack was her perfect counterpart.  Equally independent and full of confidence, strength and smarts.  I just loved them both!!

This story was a fun, romantic distraction from beginning to end.  I loved it.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing.

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

You can receive an exclusive launch merch bundle by buying a paperback copy of this book and submitting your receipt to ShdwMtn.com/JoannaBarker

About the Author: 

JOANNA BARKER firmly believes that romance makes everything better, which is why she has fallen in love with writing Regency romances. When she’s not typing away on her next book, she’s listening to podcasts, eating her secret stash of chocolate, or adding things to her Amazon cart. Joanna’s books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She thinks being an author is the second-best job in the world—right after being a mom. She is just a little crazy about her husband and three wild-but-loveable kids.

Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker

 

She’s never been afraid of breaking the rules—until she risks breaking her heart

Constantly stifled by the rules of Society, spirited Rebecca Rowley enjoys finding ways to quietly—or not so quietly—rebel. But riding bareback and avoiding nosy neighbors are nothing compared to the thrilling secret she is keeping from her family.
When Rebecca’s quick thinking saves the life of a young girl, she unwittingly attracts the attention of the child’s dashing brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. As that attention turns flirtatious, Rebecca is forced to tell him the truth: she is secretly engaged—to the one man her family would never approve of. Fortunately, Lieutenant Avery is a navy man with no wish to marry, or so they both assume as they enter into a friendship. Rebecca hopes to change her family’s mind about her betrothed, but the more she comes to know the handsome lieutenant, the more she wonders if she promised her hand too hastily.

After all her carefully laid plans are shattered during a family crisis, Rebecca must force her heart to decide. Should she stay true to the promise she made or fight for the future she’s only just begun to imagine?

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I just love when a book engages my interest from the very beginning and doesn't let go.  That's what this book was- engaging and interesting.  The characters were enjoyable and the plot was layered.  Oh, and isn't the cover pretty?

Rebecca is a fun character.  She longs for adventure and freedom.  Yes, she is a bit on the obstinate side but she is kind and never tries to purposely hurt anyone.  I loved her passionate side and how much she loved riding her horse- fast!  Her family is protective of her but they recognize her zest for riding and try not to stifle her too much.  If only they knew . . .

The first meeting between Nicholas and Rebecca was a good one.  Think of a good dousing in a lake.  I love how although things between Nicholas and Rebecca start out a bit rocky, their friendship is genuine and grows in a lovely, natural way.  Because they are both great characters, it was easy to love them both.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  The ending was dramatic and romantic.  The epilogue was just what my heart wanted to seal the deal.

Content:  kissing

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

Secrets and Suitors by Joanna Barker + Book Giveaway!

 

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.
Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.

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How sweet was this book?!  I really fell in love with both Nora and James (through Nora's eyes).  Nora's family is so important to her and that is the motivating factor for most of her decisions and filled the majority of this story line.  Difficult circumstances and bring out the best and the worst in people and this book does an excellent job of highlighting that.  Nora finds herself on a bumpy road, trying to navigate her family's expectations and desires, her third London season and her conflicting feelings for the different men in her life.  Poor Nora and her tender heart, trying to do the right thing all the time, but getting knocked down repeatedly.  She was so easy to root for and I found myself silently cheering when she spoke up, defended, acted and followed her heart.  I love when I feel invested in a story, it's characters and it's outcome!  I loved this one.

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

Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.   www.authorjoannabarker.com

 

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The Truth about Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life. But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

What a sweet regency romance!  I don't think I've read anything by this author before so it was a treat to find a new author in this genre to enjoy.

While the story here is quite predictable, it is also quite regency which definitely limits how far one can divert off that beaten path.  All the classic regency elements are present here from the divide in higher class and lower class, balls, gowns, proper etiquette, walking in gardens and the rare women trying to break out of the shell society has put them under (which is always my favorite part).

I kind of wish this story would have been told in third person or even a split first person point of view.  William is a character I felt like I wish I had a more intimate knowledge of.  He is a tease but also has a serious, loyal side.  I would love to have felt more from his point of view because I think he would have stolen the show for me.

Juliana has much to recommend her though.  I loved her passion for learning and teaching and how she wanted to change the way young girls were taught.  The rags to riches story felt like a fairy tale and the dancing bits were of my favorites in the book.

This was a good, solid regency romance and I enjoyed it very much.

Content:  kissing

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

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