Children of the Shadows + Giveaway

Detective Daniel Swann and debutante Juliette Thorndike once again team up to solve a dangerous mystery–while trying to keep their growing romance secret.

Someone is preying upon the street children of Regency London. They seem to think no one will notice when urchins go missing–and even if they are noticed, who will care?

Daniel needs to do something about the missing children. But with recent revelations about his past and an unexpected, somewhat unwelcome inheritance to deal with, this is a terrible time to dive back into the seedy underbelly of the crime world. Nevertheless, he’s still a Bow Street runner, and his partner Lady Juliette is sensitive to the plight of these wayward youngsters. They’re on the case, searching shadowed alleys and coal-drenched streets to find the missing.

But the tangle of expectation and the dynamics of power cannot be easily ignored, even if there are children in danger. When Daniel’s past threatens to overwhelm his future, he will need a miracle and the help of his friends to both apprehend the villain and unravel his tangled family web. And it may be that his new responsibilities demand that he leave the children of the shadows to their terrible fate–or lose everything.

Erica Vetsch’s popular Regency mystery series concludes with a bang, sure to satisfy readers who have hung on every page since book one.

My Review:

Of Note: because I think the Thorndyke & Swann Regency Mystery series should be read in order, the giveaway will be for one of three books. Look for more details in red underneath the Giveaway Opportunity heading.

Still fan-girling over this series. It’s the perfect blend of Regency and mystery with enough cloak and dagger stuff going on to keep an avid reader on the edge of her seat all the way through. Plus, the romance has heated up in this third book, though it’s not without some unique challenges. We can’t make things too easy for Daniel and Juliette, can we? 🙂

You definitely want to read the books in this series in order because the first two contain quite a bit of back story on our characters plus there are some over-arcing issues that carry on into this third novel. Daniel is a Bow Street Investigator and Juliette is apprenticing in the family spy biz (for the Crown, of course!) which makes things very interesting…and somewhat complicated. As does the mystery unique to this third novel. I hesitate to say much more for fear of posting spoilers so I’ll end with this:

A page-turning extravaganza of lush storytelling and layers of intrigue made ‘Children of the Shadows’ an unputdownable read.

Beauty and the Baron + Giveaway

A penniless maid determined to save her father, a broken baron bent on isolation, and the undeniable draw between them that will lead to happiness—or disaster. 

Rose Sinclair has run out of options. With her father in prison and their bookshop sold to pay his debts, she has no choice but to turn to Henry Covington, the Baron Norcliffe. But the baron has more than earned his harsh reputation, and Rose must face his wrath in order to save her father—and herself.

Since the deaths of his parents, Henry Covington has isolated himself from society, ensuring the solitude of his estate with his deliberate callousness. However, when the beautiful Miss Sinclair appears on his doorstep, begging for a chance to repay her father’s debt to him, a moment of weakness finds him offering her a position—as a maid in his own house.

They both soon learn that first impressions are not to be believed. Henry is surprised—and intrigued—by Rose’s optimistic charm, while Rose slowly uncovers Henry’s true self, his compassion concealed behind the pain of loss and betrayal. But when a shadow from Henry’s past returns, their newfound hope is tested. They must decide for themselves who to trust—and what they will risk for their happily ever after.  

Beauty and the Baron is a Regency retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a sweet/clean romance novella, and is Book 1 in a series of Regency retellings. The stories can be read in any order.

My Review:

published in 2019

I was crazy excited over this Regency Beauty and the Beast retelling when I first read the story. I recently discovered it on audible for an excellent price so I couldn’t resist revisiting these characters, this time listening to Janna Fox’s wonderful narration. Such a sweet, timeless story!

Squuueeeeee — I just discovered a new-to-me favourite Regency author! Thank you Good Reads friends for leading me to Joanna Barker. My fainting couch got a real workout with this one — partly from me jumping up and down as I shrieked my ecstatic pleasure to the world. Because, not only is Beauty and the Baron a scrumptious Regency romance, it’s also a retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Squeeeep!!!

Grinning like an idiot writing this as I remember all the good bits which is basically the whole book. An impoverished, genteel lady with quiet strength and such a kind heart. A seething, embittered baron who has become so jaded by the world that he keeps it at bay with his foul humor. The way Rose softens him by slow degrees, gently showing him a different way to live. Be still my heart! So many happy swoony bits!

But there’s treachery afoot and a mystery to solve before we get to “…and they lived happily ever after.” I had so much fun spotting the fairy tale elements Barker wove throughout the story. Her unique twists made this timeless story feel fresh and new.

Toe-curling romantical bliss!

Side note: While not a Christian Fiction selection, Beauty and the Baron is a clean read that also inspires with sweet gems like this: “Kindness matters most when it’s hardest to give.”

Three Little Matchmakers + Giveaway

1817, Staffordshire, England

Caroline Dempsey, a loving governess, and Henry Graves, an impassive earl, fall prey to the matchmaking machinations of three newly orphaned children who determine to forge a new family for themselves, no matter the havoc their plans cause.

My Review:

Of Note: originally appeared in the 2017 Regency Bride Collection published by Barbour.

So much fun! This is on the short side for a novella but it is oh, so sweet! Lovely characters who come alive — from the innocently conniving children to the austere Earl and devoted governess. So — eeeepp — grumpy/sunshine trope in full swing at the start of this story.

Caroline and Henry have a history right back to childhood (when one might have harboured a secret crush on the other) but time and personal difficulties have kept them apart and make them strangers when they meet up once again in order to create a stable home for Henry’s orphaned nieces and nephew.

And, oh my, these children! Imaginatively enthusiastic in their pursuit of a happily ever after for them all. Spurred on, no less, by the wild tales of Henry and Caroline’s misspent youth! Our hero and heroine don’t stand a chance…thankfully.

Heartwarming and funny with some serious undertones too.

Manor for Sale, Baron Included + Giveaway

She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.

Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?

But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.

And so he sticks with his plan.

What a horrible mistake.

My Review:

published in 2021

I’ve had my eye on this book for a long time. The playful cover art and the clever title initially drew my attention . Plus, I kept hearing great things about the story so I have no idea why it took me so long to finally hit the ‘Buy Now’ button on Audible! But I did and then flew through Noah Wall’s entertaining narration, laughing all the way.

In a word, this book is: BRILLIANT! From the banter to the side characters to the oh so charming dunderhead of a hero! Bless his heart, he means well…more or less…but he hadn’t counted on Sally being so…Sallyish! 🙂

Strong heroine, kinda clueless (but not totally) hero, delightfully clashing wills, lots of playful moments, some toe-curling kisses and, well, there’s plenty to swoon over when it comes to ‘Manor for Sale, Baron Included.’ I definitely won’t be waiting as long to dive into the rest of the series!

A Noble Masquerade + Giveaway

Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, a duke–with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she’s heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother’s new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men–one she’s never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marcus is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

My Review:

published in 2015

I was inspired to revisit this series after reading The Hawthorne House novella collection. This time I listened to the audible edition and was just as captivated by this story and these characters!

Thrilled me to my toes. I adore Regency novels — but Regency novels full of tongue-in-cheek humour is in a category all its own. Stupendous. And not the genteel laughter kind of humour — more like the snorting guffaw kind. Very unladylike. Miranda’s mother would so not approve, but I snorted and chuckled my way through A Noble Masquerade with complete abandon.

This is the kind of book that you want to make last. I found myself putting it aside in order to savor the delight of the read. I’d play over a scene, twist it around in my mind, imagine where the plot was heading and only when I couldn’t stand the suspense any longer, I’d pick up the book and start reading again. It took my three days to read this book. Three days!!!!! (says the woman who usually reads a book a day.)

Captivating plot, delicious intrigue, and an endearing, funny, outlandish romance that will keep you alternately laughing and swooning — honestly, what more could you want in a story?

A Heart Worth Stealing + Giveaway

Little Sowerby, England, 1802

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

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

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

My Review:

Eeeeeeppp!!! Trixi told me that I should read more Joanna Barker and this book would be a great place to start so I did, because I’m obedient like that when I get a book referral from a kindred reading spirit. 🙂 Now I’m passing along the recommendation — if you enjoy Regency romance with an air of mystery and more than a few toe-curling kisses, then ‘A Heart Worth Stealing‘ is a book worth reading!

I totally swooned my way through this novel courtesy of Jack Travers and his unorthodox ways — including his sometimes outrageous flirtations. He keeps Ginny all in a dither and I’m afraid that often looks like she’s a short-tempered shrew which totally delights Jack to no end. Such great dynamics! And both hero and heroine have great back stories that play a part in the way they approach life, and specifically this investigation.

The mystery had a wee bit of a Gothic vibe with Ginny reluctantly playing the damsel in distress (though she’s no shrinking violet.) But her home and life are threatened and she needs Jack’s streetwise ways to help her set things to right. I will say that I picked out the villain early on but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the evolving plot.

I listened to the audible edition and enjoyed Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration and highly recommend the audio book to readers who also enjoy listening to their favourite stories.

A Return to Hawthorne House + Giveaway

Always a Lady

Despite the fact that her daughter is not cooperating, Caroline, Duchess of Riverton is determined to ensure every one of her children marries someone they love as much as she loved their late father. William, the widowered Earl of Blackstone, is delighted to have his days of escorting daughters approaching an end. The last thing he expects is to find himself drawn to a woman who is just starting such a journey. Are they each too set in their ways to grasp this chance to have a second love?

A Lady of Esteem

Miss Amelia Starwood may live in her absent guardian’s London townhouse, but she knows far more about associating with servants than aristocrats. When she bumps into Anthony, reformed Marquis of Raebourne, it starts a string of events that change her life forever. As the two of them try to navigate London in ways they’ve never done before, will they be able to hold onto love?

The Lady’s Maid

When Lydia Smith began her career as a parlor maid, she knew love and marriage wasn’t likely in her future. Dreaming about the boy next door as she dusted seemed harmless until he started working as the new valet under the same roof. When Finch needs her help with a special project, will it give them a chance to defy expectations and find love or ruin their happiness forever?

My Review:

published in 2022

An absolutely charming collection of novellas set at the beginning of the author’s ‘Hawthorne House’ world. These stories are so good I’ve been inspired to reread all the books in the series…soon!

‘A Return to Hawthorne House‘ is intriguing and playful and with enough swoonable banter to keep your fainting couch actively engaged. And I love the variety Hunter provides — a lovely combination of upstairs/downstairs — and even one ‘mature’ romance which made for an engrossing read. The characters are delightful, the dialogue witty, the angst gentle but still impactful and each happily ever after is blissfully satisfying. I’m reminded of how much I loved this series and I’m eager to get started on my rereads.

Maiden in the Tower + Giveaway

He’s the first man she’s ever met. She’s the exact opposite of the woman he’s supposed to marry.

Lisette Hunt has been hidden away her entire life, with nothing but a large window up in the cottage turret to give her a glimpse of the outside world. Until Gerry Worthington stumbles into her garden in search of his runaway dog. 

As a second son, Gerry has never seen the need to take life too seriously. Less than pleased with his frivolity, his mother orders him to marry a woman of means and banishes him to his family’s small, rundown estate. Unfortunately, innocent and penniless Lisette is the very opposite of what he needs.

But Gerry cannot resist the mystery surrounding Lisette, and soon he can no longer resist Lisette and her endearing peculiarity. As Gerry slowly opens Lisette’s eyes to a larger world, she begins to open her heart to him. However, when Gerry uncovers the truth about who Lisette really is, it may cost them a chance at happiness together.

My Review:

published in 2019

Squuueaaalll!!! I adore fairy tale retellings — especially Regency ones — and this is my first ever Rapunzel. I’ve read numerous Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Snow White re-imaginings but nary a single Rapunzel so I was so excited to discover this little gem. And curious to see how the author would work the fairy tale elements into the story. Let’s just say she handled it brilliantly!

Short and sweet and oh, so satisfying. Lisette’s innocent enthusiasm had me grinning all the way through. And Gerry is so flummoxed by this unusual young woman who defies all high society etiquette. There’s even a bit of a mystery element to this tale involving Lisette’s background which was all kinds of fun to follow to a very sigh-worthy conclusion.

“Maiden in the Tower” is the fifth book in the multi-authored “Forever After Retellings.” I’ve read the first two and intend to hunt down the rest of the series. And — bonus — such pretty cover art to fancy up my bookshelves.

Her Unsuitable Match + Giveaway

Lady Philippa must wed to gain her fortune and freedom. A former soldier wants only peace and seclusion. Marriage to each other is their best solution.

Lady Philippa Gillensford is three and twenty, an heiress, and sister to a penny-pinching earl. After rejecting every bachelor her mother approves of, Philippa is ready to take her future into her own hands. Though she doubts she’ll marry for love, she is more than willing to marry for freedom from her family’s influence.

Myles Cobbett has withdrawn from Society, content to remain alone after surviving the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. When a friend convinces Myles to attend a ball benefiting wounded veterans like himself, Myles meets the lively Lady Philippa. Shortly thereafter, to help Philippa avoid scandal, Myles rescues her from a complete cad.

Sensing a chance to escape her family’s control, Philippa convinces Myles he must marry her to save her reputation. In exchange for this favor, Philippa promises him the very thing he thought he always wanted: a quiet life, alone in the country.

While the two put on a show of marital happiness for their neighbors, both realize they want much more from this arrangement. Can they take a marriage of convenience and turn it into a love match?

Her Unsuitable Match is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Sally Britton’s previous novel, His Unexpected Heiress.

My Review:

published in 2021

Blissful sigh. A Sally Britton Regency Romance brings me to my bookish happy place every time. I’m on a quest to read all her Regency books by the end of the year and I’m getting close — ‘just’ have her Inglewood series and this Supposed Scandal series to finish up.

Love the period atmosphere the author creates — it sets the tone for this marriage of convenience romance. Squeeeppp! One of my favourite tropes! And this one is done so well. Philippa and Myles are strangers caught up in the unpleasant side of societal expectations. They make wary allies which slowly develops into something so much more. A delicious romance all the way through. There’s banter mixed in with even the most poignant scenes. And many a sigh-worthy scene too. Toe-curls likely, fainting couch optional, but suggested. 🙂

There’s a great cast of secondary characters (including some from previous Britton books) who add to the general charm (and sometimes mayhem) of the story. A not-to-be missed reading adventure for the discerning Regency Romance aficionado.

I listened to the audio edition courtesy of Chirpbooks and enjoyed Jessica Elisa Boyd’s narration tremendously.

A Murderous Charade + Giveaway

A timeless villainy, a growing love, and the couple who battles them both . . .

Miss Marianne Beaumont, a spinster, and her younger sister are on their way home from a night at the theater when they come upon a townhouse fire. They stop to help the victims, including Mr. James Harcourt, a confirmed bachelor, and his parents Sir and Lady Harcourt. Although Mr. Harcourt distrusts the beau monde, he accepts Marianne’s ministrations. That should have been the end of their association, but then a folded piece of paper shaped like a chameleon slips out of his mother’s sleeve. It’s an ornament Marianne has come across only one time before—next to her father’s dead body.

Recognizing that ornament—an orikata—might at last help her catch her father’s killer, Marianne joins forces with Mr. Harcourt. He has a penchant for solving mysteries and has been searching for the elusive criminal who uses that identifier.

Together—with a chaperone, of course—their investigations take them from one baffling clue to another. But the closer they get to finding their answers, the more they discover that all isn’t as it seems, and the dangers are more sinister—and personal—than they’d realized.

A gripping Regency cozy mystery packed with romance and secrets.

My Review:

I’m patting myself on the back over this gem of a find! Not even sure how I stumbled onto it — Good Reads or Audible browsing, I’m guessing. The cover intrigued me enough to dig deeper and, voila, new-to-me author turns into must-read author after spending a few hours in the company of Marianne and the enigmatic Mr. Harcourt.

A Regency Mystery with swoon factor — can a reader ask for anything more? Well, yes, if that includes a secret society seeking justice. And an illusive foe who threatens their very existence. Eeeeep!!! And this is just the first book in the Relentless Society Mystery series which has me all discombobulated in anticipation of the next instalment!

While there is closure on some aspects of the mystery by the end of this first book, it’s clear that Marianne and James have more work to do! Their alliance started out rocky, developed into friendship and is at the brink of becoming something much deeper which makes the anticipation for book two all the more excruciating!

A brilliant mix of Regency, mystery and romance.