“How Not to Chaperon a Lady” Review

Hello Friends!

I know I have been away, September has been a complicated month for me. Thankfully I had books like the one I’m reviewing today that helped me out.This is one of my favorite subgenres in the Historical fiction genre: Regency romance. And it’s a book by one of my go-to authors.

“How Not to Chaperon a Lady“, written by Virginia Heath, is a Historical Romance, in the Regency romance subgenre, the third book in The Talk of the Beau Monde series, published on 28th September 2021, by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Virginia Heath for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

His childhood nemesis…is the woman he can’t resist!

Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn – he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

This is the third and final book in the series and we have yet another amazing novel full of romance, touch of humor and drama, and with an enemies to lovers troupe that I quite enjoy in historical romances.

As we follow Charity Brookes and Griffith Philpot, we go on a discovery of their personalities, background and dreams, and we also get to see all the sparks when they get together. They were different and yet it made so much sense seeing them together.

Charity is such a light character, one of those that makes me smile, that is brilliant and immediately captivated me, especially when she turns into a firecracker. Griff is much calmer, chivalrous, and a strong character that gave a balance to the interactions between him and Charity, making the chemistry fun to read.

Emotional, exciting and with a happy ending. “How Not to Chaperon a Lady” was fantastic and exactly what I need to read. Virginia Heath never disappoints me with her charming male characters and the connection I always feel for the female characters. This book wasn’t different, and having the enemies to lovers added the childhood connection was perfect.

Overall, I loved it and it was a good final book for the series.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, basic promo/spotlight posts, guest posts, extracts and Q&As.

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Giveaway

For a chance to Win one of the 2 e-copies of How Not to Chaperon a Lady CLICK HERE.

(Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions – Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

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“The Knight’s Maiden in Disguise” Review

Hello Friends!

And here I am with the second review of the night. Back to my beloved genre, historical romance.

“The Knight’s Maiden in Disguise“, written by Ella Matthews, is a Historical Romance, a medieval romance novel, the first Book in The King’s Knights series, published on 1st September 2021 by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Ella Matthews for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Risking her life

To save a knight!

Disguising herself as her late twin brother keeps Avva Carpenter, and her family, safe. Until Sir William Devereux arrives in her town. As the castle’s stable master, Avva can’t avoid the knight—or the desire he instantly stirs in her. He’s everything she never knew a nobleman could be: honest, kind, brave. When danger surrounds them, the only way to help William is to reveal her true identity, but can she trust him enough?

Purchase Links – Amazon UK | Amazon US

Don’t forget to add the book to your list on Goodreads.

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About the Author

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

Social Media Links – Twitter | Facebook | Website

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My Review

Ella Matthews’s books have slowly become some of my favorites in the genre. Medieval romance isn’t a subgenre I was very familiar with and by following Ella Matthew’s novels, I found out I quite like them.

In this novel we start a new series, the King’s Knights series, and we follow Avva Carpenter and Sir William Devereux in this romance that has love, family, disguises, danger and trust. I loved Avva’s determination, and I love William’s honesty and kindness. I also love how they interacted, and how their relationship grow.

I love historicals, not just for the way they transport us back to a time and place we can never truly visit, each via fiction, but also for the way it makes me connect with the characters. I could understand Avva’s motives and I think I would do the same things she did. And I could also fall in love with William if he was real and appeared in my life. Plus, who doesn’t love the drama, the romance and the escapism this kind of book give us?

Overall, I don’t want to spoil anything, but I loved it. It was just what I needed. I always need these kinds of stories. And Ella Matthews gives the reader a good start to a series, and I can’t wait to see how she’s going to take the series to the next book.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, from reviews and very limited extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Promo Post: “The Orchard Girls” by Nikola Scott (with review)

Hello Friends!

Today I have something special. back in July I reviewed a Historical novel that was beautiful, and today is the publication day. So I bring a promo post and I will share my review again.

“The Orchard Girls“, written by Nikola Scott, is a Dual Timeline Historical Fiction, published on September 2nd 2021, by Headline Review.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Nikola Scott for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

London, 2004. Frankie didn’t always have it easy. Growing up motherless, she was raised by her grandmother, who loved her – and betrayed her. For years, the rift between them seemed irreparable. But when their paths suddenly cross again, Frankie is shocked to realise that her grandmother is slowly losing control of her memory. There is a darkness in her past that won’t stay buried – secrets going back to wartime that may have a devastating effect on Frankie’s own life.

Somerset, 1940. When seventeen-year-old Violet’s life is ripped apart by the London Blitz, she runs away to join the Women’s Land Army, wanting nothing more than to leave her grief behind. But as well as the terror of enemy air raids, the land girls at Winterbourne Orchards face a powerful enemy closer to home. One terrible night, their courage will be put to the test – and the truth of what happened must be kept hidden, forever…

Purchase Links: Amazon

Author Content Warning: Assault and Dementia

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About the Author

Photo Credit
Shelley DeJager

Nikola Scott started out in book publishing and worked as a crime fiction editor in America and England for many years. Turning her back on blood-spattered paperback covers and dead bodies found in woods, she sat down at her kitchen table one day to start her first novel — and hasn’t stopped writing since. Obsessed with history and family stories (‘How exactly did you feel when your parents gave the house to your brother?’) she is well-known – and feared – for digging up dark secrets at dinner parties and turning them into novels. 

Her first two books, My Mother’s Shadow and Summer of Secrets, have both been international bestsellers and were translated widely around the world. Nikola lives in Frankfurt with her husband and two boys (and a kitchen table). 

Once a month, Nikola sends out a popular newsletter about writing, reading, book news, freebies and loads of therapeutic baking. Join in here if you’d love to be a part of it all: bit.ly/NikolaScottNews

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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My Review

Dual timeline stories always make me curious. They end up having the perfect mix of historical and contemporary elements, and I’m always interested in seeing how the author connected things.

This story is set during 2004 and 1940, following Frankie in the contemporary time and Violet during WWII. Both characters had amazing personalities and their stories were powerful in different ways. I also liked how it they connected.

I also loved the relationship between Frankie and her grandma, it wasn’t an easy one and it had several problems and learning about them, allowed me to understand not just Frankie’s past, but also the reasons for her actions. Not having a good relationship with a family member is not completely unexpected, actually for me, it made the story and their interactions much truthful and real.

From someone that has seen grandparents lose the control of their minds and memories, I could connect with Frankie. My grandparents also were a very important part of my childhood, although not for the same motives as with Frankie’s life. Using the loss of the control of her mind was quite a good way to connect the dual timeline, and also made the plot curious. I wanted to know more. I was interested in knowing the secrets and the past of the characters, what had happened during the war.

Overall, I love how the story was written. It wasn’t confusing and the connecting between the timelines made sense and I couldn’t stop reading. I was curious from page one, and I wanted to know all the secrets and motivations. It was an enjoyable story that left me emotional.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews or basic promo / spotlight posts​.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Her Honourable Mercenary” Review

Hello Friends!

Here I am back to Historical Romances, with one of my favorite authors in the genre.

“Her Honourable Mercenary“, written by Nicole Locke, is a Historical Romance, part of the Lovers and Legends series published on August 2021 by Mills&Boon Historical.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Nicole Locke for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

An innocent maiden

And a legendary warrior

When captured and held prisoner in an enemy castle, Margery of Lyon is guarded by brooding mercenary Evrart, who’s been commanded to watch her—day and night. Margery’s determination to escape brings her closer to Evrart and the kind heart hidden beneath his granite-hard body. Now Margery is torn… Fleeing under the portcullis will mean leaving behind the man she’s falling for…

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Nicole discovered her first romance novel in a closet, where her grandmother, the godmother in the romance black market, was Nicole is the author of Harlequin/Mills and Boon Lovers and Legends Historical series. If she isn’t working on the next book, she can be reached at NicoleLocke.com, Facebook, and Twitter!

Social Media Links: Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

I have been reading Nicole Locke’s books for a while, and although I haven’t read the entire series, but I have read part of it. With each book, she takes us on amazing stories with characters that blow my mind. She is one of the authors that write my kind of comfort books.

In this book we follow Margery of Lyon and Evrart, two characters trapped in their current situation for different reasons. With compelling personalities and amazing background, these two well-developed main characters just got me to connect with them from moment I meat them. They weren’t perfect and that’s what I love, because no one really is and we can all relate in some sort of way.

In terms of plot, this is a Historical romance story. It has drama, love, obstacles, family, friends, manipulation, a historical setting… All of which grabbed my attention and got me excited for each chapter and ready to turn page after page, uncovering all the information hidden and falling in love with the characters.

Overall, it was yet another amazing book by Nicole Locke. Although it’s part of a series an it may have some connections between them, this book can definitely be read as a standalone.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, guest posts, extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Playing The Duke’s Fiancee” Review

Hello Friends!

And here I am for a new book review of a historical novel.

“Playing The Duke’s Fiancee“, written by Amanda McCabe, is a Historical Romance, the second book in The Dollar Duchesses Series, published on 27th July 2021, by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Amanda McCabe for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A pretend proposal

For the unconventional heiress

When American heiress Violet Wilkins crosses paths with William, Duke of Charteris, she has extremely low expectations of the “Duke of Bore.” But when this seemingly stuffy aristocrat offers her escape from a dreadful arranged marriage, she leaps at the chance! To her surprise, the arresting Charles whisks Vi into an exhilarating make-believe romance. And as she gets to know the man behind the title, she can’t help wanting more…

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen–a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject…)

She’s never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion.  She lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections. 

When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network–even though she doesn’t cook. 

Amanda also writes as Laurel McKee for Grand Central Publishing, the Elizabethan Mystery Series as Amanda Carmack, and the Manor Cat Mystery Series as Eliza Casey.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

I have read the first book in this series so I was very excited to learn what would be the story of another Wilkins. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

In this novel we follow Violet and Will in a romantic adventure. Violet is Lily’s sister and Willian is her brother-in-law’s friend, so they are connected through the couple featured in book one. They end up in a arrangement. I love the fake engagement element because it always means something interesting is going to happen.

From the drama to the romance… From the dreams the characters have to their devotion… I was interested in learning more about them, their background and their wants and needs.

I love that Violet was an artist, that got me to connect with her in a different way. She was creative, she was fascinating and she was a sweetheart. Then there was Will… I loved his determination, his heart, his mind. He wasn’t just a pretty face, which is always a plus.

Overall, it was amazing. I wish I loved it even more than book one. Maybe it was because of the characters and how their chemistry and development happened.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, guest posts, extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“With Face Aflame” Review

Hello Friends!

Second review of the day and it’s about another historical fiction novel. Are you ready?

“With Face Aflame“, written by A.E. Walnofer, is a Historical novel, published on April 13th 2018.

I want to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and A.E. Walnofer for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Born with a red mark emblazoned across her face, seventeen-year-old Madge is lonely as
she spends her days serving guests and cleaning rooms in the inn her father keeps.

One day, she meets an unusual minstrel in the marketplace. Moved by the beauty of his
song and the odd shape of his body, she realizes she has made her first friend. But he must
go on to the next town, leaving her behind.

Soon after, while she herself is singing in the woods, she is startled by a chance meeting
with a stranger there. Though the encounter leaves her horribly embarrassed, it proves she
need not remain unnoticed and alone forever.

However, this new hope is shattered when she overhears a few quiet words that weren’t
intended for her ears. Heartbroken and confused, she flees her home to join the minstrel and
his companion, a crass juggler.

As they travel earning their daily bread, Madge secretly seeks to rid herself of the mark upon
her cheek convinced that nothing else can heal her heart.

Set in England in 1681, With Face Aflame is the tale of a girl who risks everything in hopes
of becoming the person she desperately wants to be.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

A.E. Walnofer spends weekdays mobilizing the soft tissue and synovial joints of patients,
and weekends typing out stories that are incessantly brewing inside her head. There are lots
of these tales and she hopes to share many more of them with you in the future.

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

The first thing I noticed in about this book wasn’t the cover, it was the title. That was what caught my attention immediately. Once I read the synopsis and saw the cover, my curiosity got bigger.

In this book, we follow seventeen-year-old Madge as she goes on a personal journey to become the person she wants to be. With her we read about several topics that were powerful and emotional. From self-love and self-esteem to the society’s actions. The emotional rollercoaster was amazing and quite what I needed for these past few weeks.

The connection I felt with Madge was one of experience, although the context and time period are different, we both have had similar experiences and that made me understand her more. Seeing her journey of self-acceptance and searching for normalcy and happiness, is something we all can understand.

Overall, the story was brilliant. With the historical elements giving us a interesting context of how things worked back then, we end up jumping to the pages of this book and yet feeling that things are still happening today. Just like before… We still have the same fears and wants.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Captivating the Cynical Earl” Review

Hello Friends!

Let’s be clear, I love historical romances and Catherine Tinley is on my list forever. So of course I was excited to read this book.

“Captivating the Cynical Earl“, written by Catherine Tinley, is a Historical Romance in the Regency subgenre, published on 22nd July 2021, by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine Tinley for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

The cool, aloof earl

And the enchanting lady

For Jack Beresford, Earl of Hawkenden, emotional entanglements are the path to pain. But when his brother brings his new wife and her best friend to his country home, everything changes. Lady Cecily Thornhill is both vibrant and beautiful, and Jack finds himself increasingly captivated by her sunny nature. Yet he must resist her charms, for in a month she’ll be gone—unless his frozen heart thaws before then…

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Catherine Tinley is an award winning author of historical romance. She writes witty, heartwarming Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her first book, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, while Rags-to-Riches Wife won the RoNA Award for Best Historical Romance 2021.

She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, cats, and dog.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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My Review

There are a lot of subgenres in the historical romance that I enjoy, but regency was where I started and Catherine Tinley is quite amazing in it.

In this book we follow Jack Beresford, the Earl of Hawkenden, and Lady Cecily Thornhill in this journey. As we go through each chapter, uncovering their background, it was interesting. The characters were realistic and I could connect with them, since they appeared in the beginning to be a bit different from other characters, and in part that made me fascinated with uncovering their past.

Strong personalities, sweet moments and chemistry, mysteries to grab our attentions and a heartwarming story. I don’t want to give out much about the development of the plot and the characters interactions, but it was touching and I loved it.

Overall, I love the story. I really did. Catherine Tinley gave us a story that had all the elements I enjoy. From the friendship to the romance. From the drama to the trust it built.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall” Review

Hello Friends!

I feel like I have be reading a lot of Historicals and Thrillers in the past few months, more than other genres. And I’m quite liking it, specially since I have been trying to stay away from paranormal because of the book I’m editing. I still am reading that genre, just not as much.

Anyway, today’s review is a historical romance, from a publisher I like, from an author I’m being introduced to.

“The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall“, written by Lotte R. James, is a Historical Romance in the gothic romance subgenre, that will be published on 22nd July 2021, by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lotte R. James for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

She arrived as a housekeeper

Will she leave as a countess?

To some, Thornhallow Hall might be tarnished by tales of vengeance and ghosts, but to new housekeeper Rebecca Merrickson it represents independence and peace from her tumultuous past. Until the estate’s owner, William Reid, the disappeared earl, unexpectedly returns… After clashing with him over the changes she’s made to the house, Rebecca slowly unearths the memories that haunt brooding Liam—and her defiance gives way to a shockingly improper attraction to her master!

Purchase Links: Amazon

Potential Trigger Warnings: Mention of suicide, Mention of emotional parental abuse, Threat of sexual assault, Some mild violence, Mention of mental health problems.

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About the Author

Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she’s not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.

Social Media Links: Twitter

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My Review

I have read many historical romances and I have always enjoy them. This one was just as amazing. The novel has put in the subgenre Gothic Romance, and I haven’t explored that subgenre much compared to others, it doesn’t really matter. It was exciting, and it had the elements I love in historical romances.

In this story we follow Rebecca, the new housekeeper at Thornhallow Hall, and William, the earl and owner of the estate. I just loved them. I felt connected to them, I was curious about their lives, their past, and their dreams. And from the very beginning I wanted to know more about them. Memories, uncovering the background of Liam and Rebecca… It all grab my attention.

The circumstances that made them interact, fall in love… It made sense, it was exciting, it had a good pace and flow. Seeing them grow and open up, it helped with connecting with the characters, which is always a plus. With the housekeeper and earl roles, the romance was lovely and emotional. And since it was in a historical setting, it added the context of certain themes of the story and the characters’ life.

Overall, I enjoyed the stor. I liked that there was some drama, romance, secrets and a dark past, it’s just what I like in any book, specially in Historical Romances. The cultural and social elements that make the story unique and take us on this time-trip, is always an welcome read. It was fascinating.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, Q&As and Limited guest posts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Out of the Bower” Review

Hello Friends!

I feel like I have been reading this genre a lot this year, and I’m loving it. So… Ready for a historical romance novel?

“Out of the Bower“, written by A.E. Walnofer, is a Historical Romance novel, the first book in the Durbin Family series, published on 25th December 2020.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and A.E. Walnofer for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

London, 1817: When Barclay Durbin, a young street preacher, encounters Honora Goodwin, injured on a London street, he doesn’t know she has just escaped from Titania’s Bower, a brothel. Taking her to his ancestral home to recover amongst his family, he falls in love with the vivacious girl and comes to believe that she is divinely appointed to become his wife.

Honora begins to feel similarly and knows that the good-hearted gentleman’s attentions would likely ensure her future happiness, but she is intent on liberating Celia Woodlow – the friend she was forced to leave behind at the Bower. Telling Barclay only parts of her own story, Honora enlists the besotted young man to help her.

When their plan goes awry, Honora realizes that only the truth can deliver them from the emotional and societal maelstrom in which they find themselves. But if she divulges all, what will become of Honora and Barclay’s budding attachment? And will Celia ever gain her freedom?

Out of the Bower tells the tale of a forbidden romance, an ardent friendship, and the ever-essential redemption of self.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Potential Trigger Warning: One incident of sexual assault in this book is described in limited and nongratuitous detail

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About the Author

A.E. Walnofer spends weekdays mobilizing the soft tissue and synovial joints of patients, and weekends typing out stories that are incessantly brewing inside her head. There are lots of these tales and she hopes to share many more of them with you in the future.

Social Media Links: Website | Goodreads

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My Review

I’m always looking forward to explore more historical books, because every author gives a different feel to the story and explores different elements of history. This book ends up following not only the dynamic between the different classes, but it also opens a window to the lower class back then.

Honora was just trying to find a job, yet things aren’t as they seemed. It’s through her eyes that we follow this heartbreaking and emotional storytelling. Her background was emotional, yes, and at times overwhelming, I didn’t even knew what to think in the end. I had to reflect on all elements and aspects of the plot, setting and characters.

Then there is Barclay (love his name, by the way). He was an amazing character, a man of God. His presence gave the plot a balance, and brought some different elements thanks to his dreams, his family and the background.

Having Honora and Barclay fall in love, seeing their plans, Honora’s goals of helping her friend… It was all a fantastic journey, full of drama, romance, friendship, strength, struggles, redemption. It was the connection between the characters and the ups and downs in the story that grabbed my attention.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It addresses a darker side of our history, related to topics that aren’t usually talked about in story. Having it in this historical romance, it was refreshing and thought provoking. I can’t wait to see what else will happen in this series and related to this family.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews and basic promo/spotlight posts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Wartime Blues for the Harpers Girls” Review

Hello Friends!

Are we ready for a review? Well, I have two today, and this is the first one I’ll post.

“Wartime Blues for the Harpers Girls“, written by Rosie Clarke, is a Historical fiction, Saga novel, the fifth book in the Welcome To Harpers Emporium series, published on 6th July 2021, by Boldwood Books.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rosie Clarke for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

As the Americans enter the War, there is renewed energy in the war effort.

With husbands and sons fighting for freedom, the women of Harpers are left to tackle the day-to-day affairs at home and work.

With Ben Harper away, Sally fears she is being followed by a mysterious woman. Who is she and what does she want?

Maggie Gibbs collapses seriously ill in the frontline hospitals and is brought back to England close to death. Can she be saved and what does the future hold for her and her broken heart?

Marion Jackson’s father is on the run from the Police already wanted for murder. She fears he will return to threaten his family once more.

And Beth Burrows is pregnant with her second child, worried and anxious for her husband Jack, who has been many months at sea.

As Christmas 1917 approaches what will the future hold for Harpers, its girls and their men at War?

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About the Author

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire. Rosie’s brand new saga series, Welcome to Harpers Emporium began in December 2019.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter

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My Review

I have been reading Rosie Clarke’s books for sometime now (although I haven’t read them all), and she was one of those authors that surprised me in the beginning and with each new book, I’m continuing to be surprised. She’s one of the go-to authors when it comes to the saga subgenre of Historical fiction.

This book is the fifth one in the series, and for a better experience, you should read them in order. It has been quite a journey with the Harpers. In all the books there isn’t just the element of war and fear related to it, there is a sense of community, family, love and friendship. And as we go from one book to the next, that keeps making an appearance.

Getting back to this community was kind of like going back to my grandma’s house during summer vacation and reconnect with my family. That’s what this felt like, learning about my family’s life. Just like with our lives, in this book we follow a group os characters that have a background, a past that we have been following since book one. As time passes by, things move forward.

Ups and downs. Love and loss. New generations. Fear and war. The story, despite the time period, felt real, and it’s that kind of connection we established with the characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, just like I did the previous one. If you enjoy historical fictions happening during WWI, and you like follow a group of characters throughout their life, then I recommend this series. And like I previous said, do read the books by order to experience the journey to its fullest, and so that you can understand the background without being confused.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess