Unexpected Love ~ Review

Unexpected Love
A Marriage of Convenience Anthology
By Heather Chapman
        Paula Kremser
          Mandi Ellsworth
            Ashtyn Newbold

A delightful assortment of four short stories that take the reader back in time where love isn't a guarantee before or after the "I do" is said.

First up is Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman. Loftus Notley has determined how to name his heir - his two nephews James and Ambrose must prove responsible and worthy of Ashbrook Abbey. But the how is entirely up to them.

Ambrose feels that marriage to his uncle's beloved ward may be the advantage he needs. But Kate Mowbray, though not without means, desires a simple life. Can one who has enjoyed a life of ease be content with the life that Kate knows and loves? And if Ambrose's plan to win his uncle's good opinion and Ashbrook Abbey fails could he find love in a marriage with Kate and could he ever embrace her life?  Only time will tell...

Second is First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser. Letty Cipriani's sister and brother-in-law have died, leaving behind two young children - Mae and George.  Unfortunately, Eva and John Forrester never had a will drawn up naming a guardian. And with John's uncle Hugh Morton demanding immediate custody of the children, Letty is worried. The arrival of John's brother Daniel adds an interesting and unexpected twist when he devises a plan to thwart his uncle's scheming - marriage. Can a marriage conceived solely to gain custody of their niece and nephew ever hope to become something more? Or will Daniel and Letty find themselves forever bound to someone they could never love? Or will first impressions give way to a happily ever after neither ever expected...

The third offering is The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth. Faye McKinney is one of those McKinneys who is blessed with the curse of good intentions and bad timing. Unfortunately for Faye, her bad timing brought her to the attention of some people who now want her silenced for what she's seen. Worse they are willing to track her across the country - placing everyone she knows in danger. In an attempt to thwart the danger, a marriage to Deputy Sheriff Geoffrey Fattore is arranged.  Can marriage to a small town lawman keep her safe? Or will Faye just lead one more person into danger?

The final story is Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold. Fanny Clarke only wanted to be married to the man she loved but life had a different path - one that cost her everything. Percy Wellington's future was dark and without hope. When an arrangement was made to unite the two in marriage both were less than pleased. But Percy needed someone to help him in his new unfortunate position and Fanny was in need of a home and protection. But their personalities clash in such a way that a future of love, happiness or even friendship seems impossible. Misunderstandings seem inevitable between strangers but can they work past it and their past pain?

Sit back in your favorite chair with a cup of tea or coffee and prepare to read through the afternoon. These stories will brighten your day with their satisfying conclusions. If you've read any of these authors in the past you won't be disappointed. If these authors are new to you you'll want to pick up their previous works. Fans of clean historical romance fiction be sure to get a copy as soon as possible and be prepared to share when your friends hear you exclaiming over the fantabulous reading you experienced in Unexpected Love.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review - all expressed opinions are my own.

About the authors:

Heather Chapman: Being the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, and the other staples of female literature and moviedom. These stories inspired Heather, and she began writing at a young age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and settled down in a small farming community with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and just about anything creative.

Mandi Ellsworth: Mandi is an avid reader, a slow jogger, and disinterested in board games of any kind. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children, and no pets.

Paula Kremser: Paula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, “Sophia,” and second, “To Suit a Suitor.”

Ashtyn Newbold: Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family and is the author of “Mischief and Manors.”