Tag: Historical Romance

A Match in the Making + Giveaway

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

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the safe of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention — and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

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

My Review:

Still grinning when I think back on these characters and all the madcap mayhem that follows them around. The hilarity knows no bounds. I mean…I’ve loved all of Jen Turano books but this one gives new meaning to ‘quirky banter’. In fact, in honour of this book, I’ve come up with a new word to describe this particular type of quirky banter. Ready? Here it is (Merriam-Webster eat your heart out!)

Turanter: tur-an-ter, verb, definition: when regular banter takes on next level absurdity all while making complete sense.

Seriously, Jen Turnano’s comedic talent is next level brilliant. And it is infused in every aspect of the story. From character thoughts to tongue-in-cheek descriptions to all the cunning dialogue (aka turanter) — this book is a sheer delight.

It’s an enemies to more love story that sparkles. Tender and light-hearted but with some profound moments as well. The pacing is perfection, from the way the plot develops to the unusual romance. And every single character is memorable. Just…just….an awesomeauce of turanterism!!!

While I did receive a copy of this book from the publisher, I listened to the audible version and I really think Sarah Zimmerman’s performance enhanced my enjoyment that much more!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Match in the Making, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 8, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Metropolitan Affair + Giveaway

Bestselling author Jocelyn Green sweeps you away in a dazzling novel of secrets, betrayal, and romance within one of New York City’s most esteemed museums.

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she’d accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptogoly for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father’s offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York’s wealthiest patrons who have been victims of fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York’s high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger’s identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

My Review:

Phew! This is the kind of read that is so well plotted that you want to take your time to savour every nuance of scene and character but, at the same time, you are impatient to get all the pieces put together and bask in the happily ever after! Such a reader dilemma! To race or relish? I confess to doing both, and revelling in it all.

The Second Chance Romance trope is one of my favourites and this one has lots of delicious layers to dig through. A chance childhood meeting sparked an unusual friendship, complicated by differences in class and education that eventually separated Lauren and Joe. Until a not-so-chance meeting reunited them and then the fun begins.

Gah, but my emotions were all over the place during this read. I loved Lauren but don’t get me started on her naivety. I was forever cautioning her, but did she listen? She did not! Luckily Joe is more grounded — the life of a New York City police detective (with scruples) will do that to a guy. Absolutely loved the depth in both their back stories, their complicated (and distinctly different) family relationships and the way all of that played into the story.

And the whole ‘Egyptomania’ craze both irked and enthralled me. The historical details are riveting (I wouldn’t expect anything else from this author, but it bears saying anyway.) I’d get so steamed up over all these wealthy patrons of the arts who thought nothing of robbing a nation of their priceless antiquities for their own private collections! And then I’d be confounded by the irresistible draw all the Egyptology details held over me. And that made me wonder if I’d have been any different as a high society matron back in the day. And that just made me cranky. 🙂

Green blends history and mystery to create a captivating tale of greed and deception nicely contrasted with faith and love and the kind of insurmountable hope God can bring into our future.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Marthin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Metropolitan Affair, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 8, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Lord Farleigh and Miss Frost + Giveaway

An Irish miss and a duke’s son have little in common, but Christmas at the castle has a way of bringing the most unlikely people together.

Isleen Frost wishes her family had stayed in Dublin for Christmas but understands it would have been folly to decline an invitation to the Duke of Montfort’s Christmastide house party. Isleen refuses to allow the opulent castle and powerful duke to impress her. But the duke’s eldest son, Lord Farleigh, is another matter entirely.

Raised as the heir to a duke, Simon Dinard, Lord Farleigh, has learned to project a calm self-assurance despite an inner fear he will never be as confident a leader as his father. When a friendly wager and a spirited Irish lady challenge all his unspoken thoughts, he determines to prove her wrong — and ignore the growing attraction between them.

Christmas celebrations at the castle are always full of surprises, but Isleen and Simon are not at all prepared for the feelings the season inspires between them. An Irish miss and a duke’s son have no business falling involve. But the magic of sleigh rides, snow-covered hills, and mistletoe might change their minds…

This novel is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone, though readers of the previous books will enjoy seeing old friends again.

My Read:

It’s official: I’m so smitten with Sally Britton that I read a Christmas book way out of season. 🙂 However…I did read it around St. Patrick’s Day and the heroine is Irish so I’m somewhat seasonal. Love all the historical details in the Christmas celebrations — including both Irish and English customs. So, this would make a fabulous Christmas read…if you can wait that long to enjoy it!

And, oh my, the banter! It’s that much more fun with some Irish sass added in! Love the way the romance develops between Simon and Isleen. She has a bit of a chip on her shoulder about the British aristocracy (and with good reason, I might add…says the Irish reader!) and Simon’s serious nature makes him appear standoffish which she misinterprets…and that’s the beginning of a whole lot of fun!

This is the fourth book in the Castle Clairvoir Romances but can absolutely be read as a standalone. However, the whole gang has gathered together for Christmas so there’s fun shenanigans with all the previous heroes and heroines too which was all kinds of fun. (I’ve read book two and three, still need to read book one.)

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of Lord Farleigh and Miss Frost, expertly narrated by Jessica Elisa Boyd. Love the accents (!) and the zest she brings to the story in her performance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lord Farleigh and Miss Frost, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 25, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Sound of Light

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research — her life’s dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement’s legendary Hammond — the merman — and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech…or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My Review:

Indescribably good. It’s going to be hard to write a review that does justice to this story. I hardly know where to start…

Well, first off, I’ll say that I was a bit hesitant about this latest Sundin offering — not because of the writing, but because I am about as un-sciencey and un-mathy as they come. 🙂 I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to connect with a ‘science nerd’ heroine or be able to understand the physics lingo. So, if that’s your fear too, have no worries. Else is an incredible heroine with a heart as big as her brain! And there’s so much more going on in the institute’s labs than the science-y bits. Though there is some foreshadowing about nuclear energy which made me nervous.

Now, this is where it gets tricky because I don’t want to give away any spoilers and there’s just so many layers in both plot and characterization. Henrik’s personal growth and his spiritual journey is phenomenal and there are so many things I want to say but I can’t because the plot twists start from the very first time we meet him. I will say that Sundin captured a multitude of emotional nuances that built over the course of the story. I choked up many times and was wracked with sobs when I reached the last part of the book. Definitely an ugly cry read for me (which is a good thing, in case you’re wondering.)

Once again, this author finds a new way to spin a WWII tale. The unusual Denmark setting was refreshing and the Danish resistance inspiring. A complicated history that I didn’t know much about before I read this book. And, oh my, the way she ties in that title in so many profound ways. Wowzers. I got goosebumps over some wonderful ‘aha’ moments.

Plus there’s a stunning (and very emotional, for me) romance in the midst of all the intrigue and danger. Again, I can’t say more without posting spoilers because there are so many elements to the love story that I can’t share…but you will absolutely adore when you read them for yourself. Also, be prepared for swoony toe-curls.

The kind of novel that makes me extremely happy to be a reader!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Sound of Light, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 25, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Maid of Ballymacool + Giveaway

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so…familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favourite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a buddying romance, and a chance at redemption.

My Review:

I didn’t know this was a fairy tale retelling when I started reading/listening, but I immediately thought of Cinderella as the story progressed and, lo and behold, it actually is a retelling of that classic tale! And incredibly well done. There are definitely departures from the original, but all the important elements are here and told in an exquisite storytelling style. Jennifer Deibel’s best ever (to date.)

Have to say right up front that I was beguiled by Caroline Lennon’s narration. She breathed a whole other dimension into this story — especially when it came to Irish words and names. And there’s something magical about listening to a seanchai (Gaelic storyteller) and that’s what this read felt like. I’m still basking in all the bookish glee. 🙂

And this story!!! Beautifully written, expertly paced — you know, that feeling where you are so immersed in the story that you want to stay there forever? And, though you’re dying to find all the answers and get to the happily very after, you’re also not in any rush to do so? That’s the kind of read this is.

And these characters!!! I might have a huge crush on Michael. Be still my heart. Tender and kind. Not afraid to stand up for what’s right. He doesn’t take his advantageous position in life for granted. Plus, he’s a reader. With an Irish accent! Does it get any better than that? I think not!

Brianna’s smitten as well, though she’s wary because how could a scullery maid make a match with an aristocrat? But Deibel has all kinds of surprises in store for this couple (and her readers) that flow together like, well, a fairy tale!

The perfect uplifting escape read with tons of charm.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Maid of Ballymacool, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 18, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

A Companion for the Count + Giveaway

Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause.

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

As the second stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, romantic series set in the Regency period.

My Review:

Sooooo romantical!!!!!! I mean, Luca!!!! I dare you not to swoon when he makes an appearance. (Cue the fainting couch alert…and grab the smelling salts while you’re at it.) He’s so earnest and determined to bring honour to his country so he’s a bit…unyielding…solemn…sometimes intense?…in his approach to wooing the duke’s daughter. He even makes a list which is all kinds of fun! But no worries, this is in no way a love triangle kind of romance. Josie wants nothing to do with courting and matrimony and enlists Emma’s aid in thwarting the Count’s dogged attempts.

Watching Emma and Luca slowly fall for each other was all kinds of delicious! Sweetly tender one moment and then laugh inducing the next. The banter shines in this novel (one of my favourite things in a Regency) and it’s made even better by the occasional language misstep that adds a whole other dimension to the bantering. So witty and clever!

This is the second Clairvoir Castle romance but easily reads as a standalone. The duke’s family and their large estate feature in each novel, creating the backdrop for true love to finds its way in each story. The secondary characters are written in such a way that they easily feel familiar no matter if you’ve met them in the first book, or one of the later ones. And they are so much fun! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

I listened to the audible book narrated by Jessica Elisa Boyd who did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life (including the count’s dreamy accent.) I thoroughly enjoyed my listening experience.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Companion for the Count, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 18, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Beneath His Silence + Giveaway

Will seeking justice lead to her own demise?

A Gothic Style Regency Romance from a promising young author

Second daughter of a baron — and a little on the mischievous side — Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretence is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wychkhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son — and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him — just as her dead sister?

My Review:

Well, I’m gobsmacked by this debut novel! Very Jane Eyre-esque with Gothic undertones. Lots of emotional angst and high drama that peaks by the end. And so much character growth! Which is a good thing because Ella’s obsession with seeking vengeance over her sister’s death was a bit hard to take in the beginning. She is full of self-righteous indignation and preconceived assumptions based on her late father’s consuming hatred. And now she feels compelled to carry on his crusade to destroy Lord Sedgewick.

If you like brooding heroes you will definitely be drawn to poor Henry. He fits the Mr. Rochester archetype — with one major difference. Henry constantly leans into his faith. Imperfectly, maybe, because he still struggles with bitterness and unforgiveness but he never turns away from God. Very realistic and relatable.

So, Ella arrives at Wychkhorn Manor under false pretences, intent on exposing the dark truth about Lord Sedgewick. She isn’t prepared to fall in love with her young charge — the nephew she’s never met before (gah, and I wanted to know why — the family had no contact with the older sister, didn’t even attend the wedding and that was never explained. My mind is working overtime thinking up credible possibilities.) Of course, Ella is about as ungovernessy a governess as they come. She’s also opinionated and impulsive which makes for some interesting cutting-edge banter. And I do so love great banter in my Regencies!

Very much an enemies to more trope and I love the way the author developed the relationship that grows between Henry and Ella. It’s all two steps forward, one step back and full of self-doubts and erroneous assumptions. You never met two more reluctant would-be-lovers! And I enjoyed every second!

And the Manor had a character all its own. Steeped in tragedy and hiding so many secrets! I was on tenterhooks the whole read trying to piece everything together. From the closed mouth servants to Ella’s feelings of being watched, to…well, I can’t say any more without posting spoilers…but, eeeeppp, deliciously mysterious.

I listened to the audible edition of Beneath His Silence and enjoyed Anna Flosnik’s narration. Her performance enhanced the Gothic vibes and kept me riveted.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Beneath His Silence, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 11, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Sir Andrew and the Authoress + Giveaway

Lady Josephine, the duke’s eldest daughter, has a secret. When her brother’s horrid best friend discovers what she’s been hiding up in the castle tower, she has no choice to take him into her confidence.

As the daughter of a duke, Lady Josephine has a long list of responsibilities, and an even longer list of things she must never do to dishonour the family name. Josephine knows exactly which side becoming an author falls upon, but she’s determined to try her hand at it anyway. For months she has worked on her novel in secret, writing chapter after chapter of intrigue and romance. Unfortunately for Josephine, her sworn enemy stumbles upon her secret.

Sir Andrew Wycomb’s close relationship to the Duke of Montfort’s family and heir gives him more than one advantage in life. His loyalty to the family is absolute, even if he finds at least one of its members an annoyance. He and Lady Josephine have never seen eye-to-eye. But when he discovers that she’s written a novel upon a subject she knows nothing about, he cannot help but sympathize with her dream. This creates an unlikely ceasefire between them.

But things at the castle are always changing, and when a determined suitor arrives to court Josephine, Andrew has to decide which secrets he’s going to keep. Especially when he discovers the one he’s kept even from himself — that perhaps he doesn’t find Josephine an annoyance at all. In fact, she is quite charming. The more time they spend together, the more he hopes she will realize they aren’t enemies, and they could be so much more.

As the third stand-alone novel in this series by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Claivoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, sweet romance series set during the Regency era in England.

My Review:

D-e-l-i-g-h-t-f-u-l!!! I’m still in post-read giddy euphoria. And isn’t that cover glorious? (And opportune because I’m trying to read green covers throughout March, my nod to St. Patrick’s Day.) Believe me, the story inside is just as alluring!

While the third book in Britton’s Claivoir Castle romances, it definitely reads well as a standalone. This is my introduction to the series and I think the connection between books lies in the duke’s estate as a location where true loves meet. Which is all kinds of wonderful! I’m already attached to a few gentlemen I’m hoping will get their own romances in future books. So, great job hooking this reader.

This is an enemies to more romance which is drawn out to Cheshire grinning perfection. Hmm, maybe I should say frenemies to more because Andrew and Josie really enjoy their taunting and teasing. Bantering at its finest with all kinds of undercurrents. Me thinks he protests too much and she is too easily riled…could it be there is something more than annoyance fueling their repartee? Something like…love?! Gasp! Fainting couch and smelling salts alert! Along with many laugh-out-loud warnings (in case you read or listen in public places, like I do.)

I listened to the expertly narrated edition and Jessica Elisa Boyd’s wonderful performance just added to my overall enjoyment of this Regency Romance. Must read more Sally Britton. Now!!!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Sir Andrew and the Authoress, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 11, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Call of the Sea + Giveaway

A Viking Historical Romance

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Mon where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into he midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter — Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such in compatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

My Review:

I was drawn to the Celtic vibes of this story right from the cover and description. It takes place in both Wales and Ireland and the historical details are fantastic. Not a time period I am very familiar with and I ended up googling Vikings in Ireland and went down a fascinating rabbit trail of interesting facts. Love when a story inspires me to do more research! (and perfect for a March read! Happy St. Patrick’s day!)

Sian Ann Bessey delivers action, adventure and danger along with political intrigue which was was all kinds of nefarious. Plus there’s a star-crossed lovers trope that had me on tenterhooks wondering how Leif and Rhiannon would find a way to their happily ever after.

And Leif’s redemption story brings extra depth to the story. Going from worshiping multiple gods to finding the grace of the one true God made this read all the richer for me.

Beautifully written and expertly narrated by Robert Lewis Owen (yes, this is another book I listened to and I highly recommend this narrator!) I did find it difficult to grasp all the Welsh names, but I loved the accent. I imagine some of them would have made more sense if I could see the words written out as well as hear the Welsh pronunciation. But it didn’t hamper my ‘reading’ enjoyment and our main characters’ names are easily recognizable so that helps as well.

This stunning historical romance ticked all the boxes for me and I actually feel a little more knowledgable for having read it. 🙂 Wish my high school history lessons came in a package like this!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Call of the Sea, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 4, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Dusk’s Darkest Shores + Giveaway

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially since she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England’s Lake District. Even without love, she’s content with her life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy Lakes. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to battle an insidious disease. Mary’s caring nature cannot stand by as someone suffered — but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he’s plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but if this gentle woman can work hard on his behalf, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem.

Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leaves both Mary and Adam searching the depths of their closed hearts for answers. Is there hope of find any future path with happiness at its end?

My Review:

published in 2021

Why did I wait so long to start this series?! Why oh why oh why? Well I’m here now and have the second book in my TBR stack and once I’ve read that, I’ll be all set for the third Regency Wallflowers book which releases in April. (I say this to console myself over my tardiness.)

Dusk’s Darkest Shores is a sublime read with some unexpected tweaks to the Regency genre. Because this story doesn’t take place in London ballrooms among the ton. Mary is a village doctor’s daughter and Adam is a farmer’s son. Their families are wealthy enough to employ a few servants, but they still work for a living and move in very different circles than the lords and ladies I am used to meeting in a Regency Romance. And I absolutely loved that about this book! A fresh perspective that adds a whole different dimension to the storytelling. And this book is exquisitely written — the kind that makes you want to savour every phrase and bask in the images those words create.

Another difference is the amount of faith infused into every corner of the story. Again, a refreshing take on the Regency era and I loved the spiritual reflections and deliberate seeking out the Lord. Especially when it came to the topic of miracles and healing. As someone who has coped with a chronic condition for years now, it lightens my heart so much to meet characters who wrestle with some of same things I do. Makes me feel seen in some small way, so I’m grateful to the author for including that aspect in the story.

Of course, there are similarities to the classic Regency novel too. Shallow mean-ish misses who brought out the worst in me. Honestly, Mary had such grace and patience. I, on the other hand, was ready to do some hair pulling and arm pinching. And maybe a slap upside the head with my reticule (stuffed with books so as to pack a wallop.) Can’t bring me out in polite society when my dander is up over a beloved character, that’s for sure.

And Adam’s struggles! His soul-searching journey as he tries to find a way back to the life he had before the war. Only that’s impossible. And it’s stoic, determined, caring Mary who shows him that’s okay. I love that she has harboured feelings for him since childhood. Unrequited and she expects nothing less now. Especially since she is firmly established in the village as the doctor’s spinster daughter, dedicated to charitable works and healing rather than hearth and home.

In a way, I want to call this a Grumpy/sunshine romance but it isn’t…quite. Oh, Adam is grumpy enough in the beginning to be a hero of that trope, but Mary can give as good as she gets so she’s not quite all sunshine. She’s too practical and plain-spoken for that. Loved the banter between these two — whether it was serious or in jest, the dialogue zings. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I winced, but I always hung on every word.

So, I found Dusk’s Distant Shores to be unexpected in many good ways and enchanting throughout. The kind of book you just have to hug and sigh over when you reach that last page.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook company — winner’s choice.

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you include an email in your comment, please remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 4 2023. Offer open to International Readers.