To Love a Governess (Timeless Regency Collection) by Josi S. Kilpack, Heather B. Moore, Julie Daines

Governesses are not supposed to fall in love. Governesses are not supposed to marry. Governesses don't always follow society's conventions. 

Til’ All the Seas Gang Dry by Josi S. Kilpack
It has been six years since Dina left London and David and whatever fantasy she had allowed to grow in the months of flirtation that had nearly overtaken them both. Now, David is getting married and he and his fiancé are guests at the home where Dina works as a governess. Convinced the connection they felt was nothing more than childhood fancy, Dina is taken by surprise to find that her feelings have not changed, and, she fears, David’s have not either. Still, she is determined not to interfere with the life he has worked so hard to build … until she realizes that his fiancé is not nearly as committed to him as he is to her. No one will trust her motivations for revealing the truth, not even David, and she could ruin everything she had built here, but if it spares David heartbreak, is it worth the sacrifice?

The One-Year Governess by Heather B. Moore
When Emmeline Finch's best friend becomes betrothed to the man Emmeline had picked out for herself, she decides she needs to get away for one year. Her aunt has the perfect solution. Become a governess for two children who are under the guardianship of their uncle, Captain Jasper Ridout. But when Emmeline arrives at the home, she finds the Captain not at all ancient as she assumed, but a man only a handful of years older than she, and most certainly single.

Visible by Julie Daines
Orphaned at a young age, Sarah Woolsey’s prospects for a meaningful future are grim, especially as a housemaid in the home of the handsome but aloof Arthur Selwood. When an abandoned child is left at Mr. Selwood’s door, Sarah is elevated from housemaid to governess in the blink of an eye. But with a man she’s running from closing in, Sarah is desperate to escape. Leaving would mean breaking the trust of the child she’s come to love, not to mention her growing attachment to Mr. Selwood

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

 Happy release day to this book!

Three amazing authors have teamed up to bring these sweet stories of love that go against the rules of society.  Who doesn't love rooting for the underdog?  All three of these stories had young women who were gentle but strong and yet still what I would label as an underdog.  I loved watching love come softly to them from men who were willing to "see" them for who they really were.  Each story was ever so sweet and made me happy.  I loved each one.

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

 

From Ash and Stone by Julie Daines + $25 and Book Giveaway

Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. The identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

What a refreshing breath of fresh air this book was for me.  (I've feeling like I've been in a bit of a reading rut with all the billionaire, fake this or that and athlete books lately.  I like them, don't get me wrong.  There are just SO many of them.)  I needed a change of pace and this book was perfect for me this week.

The over arching themes of forgiveness, loyalty and love were always present in this book.  No matter which character I was focusing on, I always felt those three things in some way or another.  I felt like I knew the characters and understood their motivations.  It's always such a gift to be invited into a story to feel and experience along with the characters.  This definitely happened for me with this book.

I absolutely fell in love with Angus.  From the very beginning I knew he would be someone I would like.  As more of his story came out, my admiration and love grew.  He is solid, trustworthy and kind.  The loyalty he feels to those he loves is astounding.  Oh, and don't even get me started on Angus's brother.  <sigh>  I loved him too.  For so many reasons.

Margaret is an interesting character.  She is bold and strong, driven by revenge and justice.  She is so determined.  I love how she is gradually softened by the people around her.  Her perception of loyalty and devotion shifts as she learns more about the Robson brothers and others around her.  I just loved the whole character development with Margaret.  It felt very satisfying.

I really loved this book!  

Content:  mild violence, kissing, peril

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

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Happily Ever After Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology) by Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines

MAIL-ORDER PRINCESS by Jessica Day George: Elise flees her small kingdom and arrives in the New World with only her two trunks and seven swans—her seven brothers to be exact. But Elise will do anything to get her brothers away from their cruel stepmother’s curse, even if it means accepting the long-distance marriage proposal to a former count turned farmer.

THE MILLER’S DAUGHTER by Julie Wright: When Isa meets Thomas Rumple, she is quickly infatuated with his good looks and natural charm, until she learns his true identity. Due to a wild claim by her insufferable father, Isa’s life is threatened by the king if she can’t spin a room full of straw into gold, and Thomas may be the only one who can save her.

THE PEBBLED PATH by Sarah M. Eden: Deep in the heart of a mysterious forest, Gretel trades her freedom to save her beloved father from the spell of an evil enchantress. Even attempting to escape would cost her father his life. Gretel’s determination to fulfill her promise wavers when she meets Hansel, a young man who captures her heart. For, she loves him too dearly to put his life in danger, and he loves her too much to simply leave her to her fate.

BLACK FERN by Julie Daines: Rós is desperate to find work in order to care for her ailing father and younger sisters. She applies to the mysterious owner of a crumbling castle and is soon swept up in dark secrets. Unsure if the owner of the castle is man or beast, Rós determines to help him at all cost. She soon discovers that the cost may be too great, even for her.

SCARLET by Heather B. Moore: When Scarlet needs to fetch a healing tonic on the night when the wolves are at their most dangerous, she has no choice but to apply to her nemesis, August, for help. He agrees to help her, but they encounter a pack of wolves that put up a fierce fight, marking Scarlet as their newly targeted prey.

SO RARE A POWER by Annette Lyon: Stella knows she’s taking a risk each time she meets Patrick in the rose garden that they’ve cultivated together. And no matter how much her mother will disapprove of their relationship, Stella can’t deny her feelings for him. When the Snow Queen steals away Patrick to drain him of his powers of creating beauty and life, Stella must decide what she’s willing to risk to rescue him.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

What a fun collection of fairy tales retold and tweeked a bit.  This is a great line up of authors!  Oh, and I love this cover!  So pretty.

These are all short, novella size stories which lend themselves so well to reading here and there when you have a minute or two.  They are all clean and sweet.  I love these Timeless Romance Anthology Collections.

Of course, I loved some more than others but they were all good.  My top three were Scarlet, Black Fern and The Miller's Daughter.

Content:  clean

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

Havencross by Julie Daines + Win This Book!

When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

This book felt like a movie playing out in my head.  It was so easy to visualize the scenes and the character interactions.  I love when that happens.  And isn't the cover so pretty?  I love it.

Elaine has been publicly humiliated, her family disgraced.  They move from London to Havencross in Cornwall.  There Elaine has to face not only her buried feelings of loss for her brother, but the love she left behind- Gareth.  

Gareth is a steady sort of man.  Strong.  I loved him.  

This book was an excellent mixture of mystery, intrigue and romance.  I loved how the mystery played out and how the book built in intensity.  So very good!

Content:  mild violence, death

Schedule: 

*August 7th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

*August 8th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

*August 9th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/ 

*August 10th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*August 11th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/ 

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A Holiday in Bath (Timeless Regency Collection) by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield and Jaima Fixsen

TRIAL OF THE HEART by Julie Daines
Marianne Wood has been summoned to Bath to testify against the man who killed her family. She dreads coming face to face with the monster of her nightmares, but finds surprising comfort under the care of a charming barrister, Harby Northam. Despite his kindly attentions, Mr. Northam is a shrewd and discerning man of law with an awful secret. Marianne is put to the test as she deals with the evil of her past and her growing affection for the mysterious Mr. Northam.

 LORD EDMUND’S DILEMMA by Caroline Warfield
Lucy Ashcroft doesn’t share her stepmother’s belief that she might find a husband during her sojourn in Bath, but she does enjoy a respite from a household full of half-siblings and a younger sister preparing for her London Season, something Lucy can’t even dream about. In Bath, she enjoys the company of the elderly ladies in her aunt’s circle, and happy to be out from under her stepmother’s watchful and speculating eye. But when Lucy meets Lord Edmund Parker, all of her expectations for a quiet, unassuming holiday suddenly change.

THE ART OF KISSING IN THE PARK by Jaima Fixsen
Caroline Trenholme is not pleased with Bath, the fussy, antiquated resort of the shabby-genteel. She ought to be in London, finding a man—not here, coddling her irrational grandmother. In the park, she crosses paths (literally—this is Bath, after all) with a nameless, mannerless rogue, intent on stealing a kiss. As if his proposition weren’t insult enough, even her dog seems to like the man better. It's impossible! Especially once she suspects she might like him too…

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I love reading these anthology collections!  The Timeless Regency Collection's are some of my favorite and this group of authors provided such a reading treat!  I don't think I've read anything by Caroline Warfield before so it was fun to be introduced to an author new to me.

I loved all three of these books.  Although all three were set in Bath during the same time period, each book had a very different feel to it.  The authors writing styles were distinct and that made me happy.  These are novellas, so each book is a quick read.  I read through them one right after the other but this is a great book to pick up if you only have a couple of hours to dedicate to reading something.  A quick romantic fix.  

I really loved this one!

Content:  Some kissing

- I received this book free.  A positive review was not required and all opinions express are my own.

Willowkeep by Julie Daines + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.

Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.

Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I absolutely adored this book.  The characters, the setting, the time period- everything.  I was drawn in from the very beginning and had a hard time putting this book down.

Nobody has a better, kinder heart than Charlotte Darby.  I love how fiercely she protects her sister and how ready she is to help those around her.  Charlotte longs for family and a safe place to fall.  She is so endearing.  My heart loved her almost at once.

I dare you not to fall in love with Henry.  Honest.  He is exactly the kind of male lead I love.  Strong, steady and reliable.  So unassuming and he's never late.  :)  His quiet strength gives Charlotte exactly what she needs.  He is always there for her.  It was perfect.

This book had a bit of intrigue and suspense and it played out like an excellent movie in my head.  I can still picture it now.  This will go down as one of my favorite regency novels so far this year.

Content:  Clean- some mild violence

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

Schedule:

June 13th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

June 14th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

June 15th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

June 16th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://www.kindleandme.com/ 

June 17th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines + $25 and Book Giveaway

Eleanor de Lacy is forced into an arranged marriage with her father’s greatest enemy, Brac Goch, the Welsh king. All Eleanor knows of Brac is that he is a ruthless, war hungry man.

Eleanor arrives at the Welsh castle of Bryn Du already expecting the worst. When the ghost of Brac Goch’s first wife appears and warns her that the Welsh king is not to be trusted, all of Eleanor’s fears are confirmed.

As the countdown to her wedding day approaches, Eleanor must figure out who is lying, who is telling the truth, who is loyal, and who is the traitor--and most of all, if she can love an enemy king.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

This book held a few surprises for me as far as genre goes.  I was expecting a historical fiction with some romance but I also got a bit of the dark magic, haunting ghost thing as well which added some flavor to the story.  

Eleanor is an interesting character.  She has spent a lifetime being abused by her father which makes her distrustful and wary of others.  But, for some reason, she believes what her father tells her about everything.  Which is just crazy.  Why would you believe the person who hurts you the most?

Eleanor expects the worst from Brac Goch.  He is the enemy.  Even though he is nothing but kind to her.  She has grown up believing he is the worst of the worst though and when the ghost of Brac's first wife shows up with creepy messages in blood, Eleanor can't ignore them.  Eleanor is torn by what she believes and what she sees.  It makes for a bit of suspense and intrigue and it kept me wanting to read the whole book through.  I was caught up in the story and I was equally frustrated by and proud of Eleanor.  The pacing of the story was really good; the characters flawed but believable.  I really enjoyed this book!

Content:  Clean.  No swearing or sexual content.  There is dark magic and some violent scenes in regards to that.

*August 3rd: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*August 4th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*August 5th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*August 6th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*August 7th: http://www.iamareader.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

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