A Token of Love ~ Review and IG Giveaway

A Token of Love

By Carrie Turansky

A Token of Love is a standalone title and a perfect introduction for anyone who has never read Carrie Turansky's work. It is a split-time story centered around London's Foundling Hospital. The two stories are over a hundred years apart, set in 1885 and 2023.

In 1885, Lillian Freemont has been championing the cause of women and their need for education and respectable, well-paying employment. When she learns that her niece was placed in the Foundling Hospital, she attempts to reclaim her. But lies and secrecy have hidden the truth of Alice's whereabouts. And what Lillian learns is more than a little alarming and she needs help. And the help she gets is from investigative reporter Matthew McGiven who just happens to be investigating missing young women.

In 2023, Janelle Spencer is acting director of the Foundling Museum having to work with a filmmaker hired to create a documentary of the museum's history. Jonas Conrad is determined to make the best film he can, his future depends on its success. But when his research leads to some unsettling history it could derail the entire project and hurt the museum. 

Jenelle and Jonas then conduct more extensive research into the history of the Foundling Hospital and here is where our two stories come together. Alice's story is at the heart of everything, and it is an interesting story. And with everything there are two sides to every story that drive it forward and the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life in both time periods. This is a search for truth and justice. 

This book will appeal to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, Victorian-Era Fiction, Split-time Fiction, or a mystery.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Be sure to enter the giveaway on Instagram! 

Enter at https://www.instagram.com/p/C_cWGDkCVXK/

About the Book:

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

About the Author:

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal. 

Learn more at carrieturansky.com.

An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder ~ Review

An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder
Countess of Harleigh Mystery #7
By Dianne Freeman 

An invitation to investigate the death of Paul Ducass, finds George and Frances heading to Paris. The police ruled it an unfortunate accident, but George's Aunt Julia is convinced it was foul play. Before the wedded duo can find the answers Lady Julia falls to her own unfortunate accident. Oh dear, a fine to-do these two sleuths find themselves in. 

With a plethora of potential suspects what are they to do? Why investigate of course. And investigating is what they do best. But along the way to discovering the truth they uncover more than one secret that can and will change everything. 

This was an interesting read and the author did an excellent job protecting her villain until the end. There several interesting elements that are so well concealed  that once they it sends the investigation into new territory with new potential suspects. 

This book is the seventh the Countess of Harpsichord series but it can easily be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone title. The story is easy to follow, and the characters are well developed. Get ready for an engaging 20th century who-dun-it, and a disturbing number of ruined outfits. Solving murders can be just a tad dirty. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. 

About the Book:

Filled with Victorian-era intrigue for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Julia Seales, Dianne Freeman’s Agatha Award-winning series takes a delightful jaunt to the City of Light as Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, encounters a murder scene at the Paris Exposition.

Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love.

At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia’s life—as well as Paul’s—and question everything and everyone in Julia’s coterie of artists and secrets.

They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul’s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul’s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia’s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it’s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia’s estate—and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.

AUTHOR BIO

Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Agatha and Lefty Award winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, a two-time finalist for the Macavity’s Sue Feder Memorial Award, and a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona. 

Visit her at DiFreeman

Release Day! An Art Lovers Guide to Paris and Murder

It's Release Day for
An Art Lovers Guide to Paris and Murder
by Dianne Freeman!

About the Book:

Filled with Victorian-era intrigue for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Julia Seales, Dianne Freeman’s Agatha Award-winning series takes a delightful jaunt to the City of Light as Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, encounters a murder scene at the Paris Exposition.

Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love.

At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia’s life—as well as Paul’s—and question everything and everyone in Julia’s coterie of artists and secrets.

They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul’s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul’s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia’s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it’s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia’s estate—and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill ~ Review

The Lily of Ludgate Hill

Belles of London #3

By Mimi Matthews

Lady Anne Deveril may have captured the attention and heart of Mr. Felix Hart when she was younger. But she knows nothing he said or did all those years ago meant anything, but still, she can't abide him giving her hope of a future she hasn't yet achieved. Nearing a permanent place on the spinster shelf, she finds herself dressed in mourning for the last six years due to her mother's dictates. Wearing black has made her noticed in society and not in a good way, and it forced her to put away any thoughts of love or marriage. If only Felix, aka Hart, would find someone else to tempt with dreams of the past.

Felix Hartford, Hart to his friends and family, has never found anyone like Lady Anne. For some reason, she has captured his notice and his heart. When she comes to him seeking his assistance, he agrees with one stipulation, and it is a doozie. She must attend his grandfather's holiday house party and leave all her black mourning clothes at home. What's worse he actually suggested a most inappropriate color to wear - RED! 

Considered by many to be a lazy charmer and a gadabout, Hart actually was hiding a secret. Well, more than one, but if discovered, they would have broken his grandfather's heart and ruined his uncle. And London society being what it was, some things are bound to be discovered, sort of. This leads to some misunderstandings, of course, which is both good and bad. 

Anne and her mother are into spiritualism, which, though somewhat popular, is also frowned upon by polite society, especially by Hart's uncle. Old family friendships notwithstanding. But this is the very thing that Anne uses to "rescue" her friend. A friend whom everyone else is convinced is not in need of rescue. But Anne can't be convinced that dear Julia married of her own free will. And a rescue or visit must be attempted. But she'll have to persuade her mother that a journey must be taken, and here is where Hart and that favor she needs comes into play. Lies and webs

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. Some scenes may leave shaking your head. I have to admit at the beginning I much preferred Felix to Anne. One can see how Anne became the way she was, but there is more to it than can be seen by an outside observer. And then there is Felix who has his own family issues he's dealing with. I think when it comes down it, both Anne and Felix are alone in their struggle to find control while fulfilling what they feel is a duty to protect. And for both there is a great personal cost involved. But is it noble or foolish? That my fellow reader is for you to decide.

This was the first book I've read by Mimi Matthews, and I am looking forward to reading the previous two books in this series, the Belles of London. That being said, I do think this book can be read as a standalone title. 

My complaint is the obsession with occultic activities. I realize that according to this book it was a fascination of many during the era but I found it a tad disturbing. And for my tastes just a bit too much romance, call me a prude if you must but there it is.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

QUICK FACTS

 Title: The Lily of Ludgate Hill

 Series: Belles of London (Book 3)

 Author: Mimi Matthews

 Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

 Publisher: ‎Berkley Romance (January 16, 2024)

 Length: (432) pages

 Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

 ISBN: 978-0593337189

 Tour Dates: January 15-29, 2024

About the Book:

A BookBub Best Romance of Winter 2024!

Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when

fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s

country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

ADVANCE PRAISE

 “It is truly a wonder how Matthews can consistently craft fresh romances featuring unique, multidimensional characters who face huge obstacles to their relationships. [A] lovely story of secrets and love lost and found.”— Booklist (starred review)

 “Sparkling…Historical romance fans are sure to be moved.”— Publishers Weekly

 “Matthews delivers another richly detailed and emotionally tender closed-door romance.”— Kirkus Reviews

 “An engaging series installment offering a second chance at love to a spunky heroine and a hero with hidden depths.”— Library Journal

 “No one writes Victorian romance like Mimi Matthews, and her Belles of London series just keeps getting better!"— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author

 “Mimi is truly a national treasure. All of her books are filled with such delicious chemistry and heart, and her writing is superb. This one is another winner. Highly recommend.”—Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows

Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

WEBSITE | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | FACEBOOK |

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The Dread Penny Society ~ Review

The Dread Penny Society

The Complete Penny Dreadful Collection

By Sarah M. Eden

The completed works of the Dread Penny Society has been released. Who or what is the Dread Penny Society, you say? Only a group of the Victorian-Era's greatest writers of Penny Dreadfuls, who also battle the villainy of London when not writing, of course.

This delightful collection pulls the various installments from the Dread Penny series into one edition so that the stories are presented in a continual thread. I loved reading them as they were randomly presented in the novels by Sarah M. Eden. But this is so nice to read them each from start to finish in a single sitting. 

I have to admit, before this series, I had never heard of Penny Dreadfuls other than a passing comment in a book. It is fascinating to compare the author's original tales to some I was able to locate online. No doubt about it, these stories would indeed been popular, highly anticipated serials. And if you like tales that give you chills while walking just this side of the unknown but don't stray into the gruesome, you'll want to check this book out. But you may be looking for something else to read into the wee hours of the night, if ye be planning on sleeping, that is. This is a page-turner, for sure and for certain.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

This beautiful, cloth-covered hardcover collector’s anthology compiles all the penny dreadful short stories from Sarah M. Eden’s five-book Victorian romance series. Included in this edition are three new, never-before-released stories.

Each short story is written in the style of the Victorian fiction that became so popular during that time period. From ghost stories to adventures to mysteries, Sarah weaves these gothic tales among her romantic storylines, making it the perfect way to celebrate the Dread Penny Society series (The Lady and the Highwayman, The Gentleman and the Thief, The Merchant and the Rogue, The Bachelor and the Bride, and The Queen and the Knave).

The Queen and the Knave ~ Review

The Queen and the Knave

The Dread Penny Society #5

By Sarah Eden

The truth about the Dread Master has finally been revealed, at least to the reader. And danger has just upped its hand as the truth of who has been behind all the dastardly doings of London has been discovered. But who is the Tempest? Going by various names and having even gained the sympathy and trust of the Dread Penny Society, the Tempest has situated herself in a unique position to take down her most feared rivals. 

Móirín Donnelly has little choice but to step into the fray caused by the chaos Tempest has created. She isn't about to lose her closest friends or her family to this danger that has come looking for them. And to do this, she'll have to reach out to Detective Fitzgerald (Fitz) Parkington for help. And Móirín never seeks the help of anyone, especially not a member of the police force, but desperate times and all that nonsense must be dealt with and sooner than later.

But when the secrets Móirín has been holding close come out, will those who've known her accept the truth of who she really is?

I have to admit I'm really sad that this delightful series is coming to a close. I absolutely love these books. And in my opinion, you have to read the books as a series and in order. Each book builds on the one before it. And each is needed to fully understand what comes next. I love how the story moves forward with installments of Penny Dreadfuls staggered throughout. And in this offering, we are yet again presented with a tale of danger and intrigue from Mr. King, but also a new Dreadful author, Chauncey Finnegan. And, btw, LOVE the newest story from Mr. King, which just so happens to share a title with this book. These are fun and engaging stories that take the reader a step back in time, and I highly recommend them - these are clean reads with light touches of romance and intrigue sprinkled throughout, making them the perfect escape.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

If you like audiobooks, I highly recommend this option for these books. The story plays well, and the narration by Justine Eyre brings this story to life. I found this to be the perfect commute companion. So, no matter how you enjoy your books, any option works with this book!

About the Book:

Romance and mystery come full circle in the fifth and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s best-selling Victorian Proper Romance series.

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul—and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.

To Capture His Heart ~ Review

To Capture His Heart

Matchmakers #2

By Nancy Campbell Allen

When Nathan Winston finds himself having to attend a house party that his mother is holding, he is determined to avoid her matchmaking schemes. His only hope is pretending to court a young woman whom his mother doesn't know. Unfortunately, Eva Caldwell's reputation as a female photographer has made her known to his mother and secured her an invitation to be an official photographer for the event.

Eva Caldwell has enjoyed her time spent with Detective Nathan Winston, even when it means documenting crime scenes, an occupation that is frowned upon by most of society. And Nathan's request for Eva to play a role at his mother's 10-day-long-house party is a bit of a surprise. But allowing everyone to believe that Nathan is courting her won't hurt anyone except her own heart, right?

But the event is soon threatened when a criminal decides to threaten Nathan and follow him to the family's estate. Soon the fun and games take a dangerous turn, and Eva and Nathan are trying to find a criminal mastermind who is seeking revenge and could be anywhere. As the man, out to destroy Nathan's life and those he holds dearest, draws closer and bolder, Nathan has to up his vigilance to stop what is coming.

To Capture His Heart is a delightful Victorian Mystery. This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and can be read as a standalone if you haven't yet read The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart. But after reading this book, you will want to read book one! I loved the characters and when Eva puts one of the entitled heiresses in her place with skilled verbiage. Oh, yeah, Eva is a force to be reckoned with!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.

Healing Hazel ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Healing Hazel 

The Blue Orchid Society #3 

By Jennifer Moore 

Hazel Thornton has always wanted to be a nurse. Her mother's too short life has been her inspiration. But Hazel has a closely guarded secret that has prevented her from completing her training. As a child, she experienced the all too real horrors of war, and at the most inopportune moments, she is caught in the debilitating grips of a panic attack. 

After spending several years separated from her father, Hazel is finally going to be spending Christmas with him, but after traveling to see him, her hopes for a family Christmas are dashed as the war has pulled him away, and she is to return to England immediately. But all doesn't go according to plan when the train she is traveling on derails and severely injures her traveling companions, effectively trapping them at a Red Cross-run Spanish hospital. With more patients always expected, Hazel is begrudgingly given an opportunity to put her nursing skills to good use.

I loved this story; there are moments when all the medical skills available can't save a life, and one feels the pain that Hazel experiences. Then there is Doctor Jim Jackson, who seems to be against Hazel from the outset, but when we are given a glimpse into his innermost self, we understand why he is the way he is. Hazel and Jim are a good match, each having strengths that aid and help the other. But can the rapport that they have developed have a future as something more, or will Hazel need to return to England as her father directed her to? And does she really want to stay so near the almost daily fighting of war? 

This is the third book in The Blue Orchid Society series, and if you have not yet read the previous books, that will in no way impede your enjoyment and understanding of this book. I would highly recommend this book which is both lovely and moving.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Healing Hazel 

Series: The Blue Orchid Society #3 

Author: Jennifer Moore 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: September 8, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Victorian

Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Moore lives with one husband and four sons who produce heaps of laundry and laughter. She earned a BA from the University of Utah in Linguistics, which she uses mostly for Jeopardy. A reader of history and romance, she loves traveling, tall ships, scented candles, and watching cake decorating videos. When she’s not driving carpool, writing, or helping with homework, she’ll usually be found playing tennis.

Connect with Jennifer by visiting authorjmoore.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Healing Hazel,

 bookmark, blue orchid pin, themed stickers, 

and a $25 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight on September 20, 2022, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2022. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Gift card open internationally. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Games in a Ballroom ~ Review

Games in a Ballroom

By Jentry Flint

Emerson Latham has been subtly courting Olivia Wilde. There's just one little problem Olivia has no idea that he has been doing so. No, she thinks his one offered dance at each ball they attend is because they used to be neighbors, and he is asking out of pity. Somehow he needs to redouble his efforts so that she realizes that she is the only one for him, and he needs to do so before her father manages to snag a titled gentleman who needs his money.

The only plan Emerson can come up with is to play an elaborate game of It while they and their friends spend their nights among society. But playing it while dancing and mingling amongst the ton, can they hope to pull such a thing off while keeping everyone else, especially their parents, oblivious to their antics? 

Games in a Ballroom is a mostly fun read, except when Liv's father is in a scene. Uncouth brute doesn't do him justice, and one can't but hope that he is frustrated in his attempts to move up the social ladder on his daughter's shoulders. And I love how Emerson's friends stick by him as he works through his new responsibilities following his father's death, helping him to not lose himself and aiding him in his attempts to win Liv's heart. I wouldn't mind a book or two that focuses on Bradbury and/or Northcott - the glimpses from this book were intriguing. Games in a Ballroom is one book you will want to add to your TBR pile, especially if you love historical, Victorian-era romance. Let the Games commence!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, if only to increase his own standing and reputation in society. But the men her father deems acceptable are, at best, boring and uninspiring, and at worse, are as brutish as her father and are only looking to increase their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including the handsome Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after the death of his father. Though he might still be learning what he needs to do as the head of his household, one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. However, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the season kicks off, Emerson proposes a bit of fun with a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is more wary. After all, the game must be played in secret, and they must be discreet when tagging each other at dinners and balls and the theater. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s father, who has an explosive and, at times, violent temper.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?   

The Lady and the Highwayman ~ Review

The Lady and the Highwayman

The Dread Penny Society #1

By Sarah M. Eden

Read by Justine Eyre

The Dread Penny Society has a problem - a new author has overtaken Fletcher Walker in sales. Without his profits, Fletcher and the Society are concerned that their philanthropic endeavors may be hurt. Endeavors to aid the less fortunate and especially the young children at the mercy of those who would use them for nefarious purposes.

Who is Mr. King? This is the question that Fletcher needs to be answered. If Mr. King would aid them in their endeavors all the better. But if he will hinder them and his sales eat into the profits of the other Dreadfuls then they will need to work to topple him from his sales throne. They just need to identify Mr. King, whom no one seems to know. 

When an encounter with Miss Elizabeth Black presents itself, Fletcher appeals to her to help him identify Mr. King. Though Elizabeth is a writer of "silver-fork" novels, something of Mr. King's style leads Fletcher to assume he may be an author of the upper-class writing under a pseudonym to protect his identity. Little did Fletcher realize just how close to the truth he truly was. 

More than a little amused at Fletcher's request, Elizabeth agrees to aid him in his search for the elusive Mr. King. Not to mention she was more than a little intrigued by Mr. Fletcher Walker himself. With a reputation to uphold and a school to run Elizabeth really shouldn't associate with Mr. Walker, but she does enjoy a stimulating conversation and Fletcher Walker provides that.

The Lady and the Highwayman is a delightful read - there are 3 stories within this book as the stories that both Fletcher and "Mr. King" are working on are presented too. It is a wonderful blending that presents itself well and keeps the reader's attention from beginning to end. I especially enjoyed Elizabeth's subterfuge in hiding Mr. King's identity and Fletcher's dogged determination to find him. But as they work towards a common goal they soon realize that they are well on their way to friendship and perhaps something more. But can the social gap between the two be overcome? Only time will tell...

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and it was well-presented. The pacing worked well for me and I really enjoyed the three different stories alternated between. Elizabeth and Fletcher's story style was definitely different but it worked well in bringing the story as a whole together. If you want clean-reading with a Victorian flair you have to give this book a try. 

About the Book:

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school and a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real-life lacks.
 
Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers--and his profits. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the rights of the less-fortunate.
 
Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. 
 
For the first time, Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

Line by Line ~ Review

Line by Line

Love Along the Lines #1

By Jennifer Delamere

Alice McNeil is finally within grasping distance of the life she has dreamed about for years. A life that will allow her independence and not dependent upon any man to secure her future. Working as a telegrapher has allowed her to excel, putting her mind to work, and secure a position with Henley and Company.

Douglas Shaw has risen about the poverty of his childhood and he is determined to continue his upward climb, even in the face of his parent's disapproval. After a trip abroad he is more than impressed with the skills of Henley's newest telegrapher. And when Miss McNeil refuses to be bullied by the company's other telegrapher Archie Clapper, he senses a kindred spirit of sorts in her.

As time passes, Alice and Douglas have an enjoyable friendship, one that is based on their work and mutual interests, both have an interest in the changing world of science and technology. When an incident occurs that threatens the future that they have been striving for they are forced to reexamine their lives.

I liked the interactions between the various characters. But I think some of the best scenes were between Douglas and Andrew Carnegie. The wisdom that Carnegie shared is something every reader should take to heart. What is truly important in your life? Money? Fame? Family? 

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Delamere and have to say I was pleased with her work. The characters came to life and were more than just words on a page. One was involved in their lives and cared about their hopes and fears. This is the first book in the Love Along the Wires series and one that I can see myself reading as they become available. It is also interesting to delve into communication that isn't instantaneous - something that seems almost unfathomable in the world we find ourselves living in today. Telegraphs, Morse code, coded messages all an unknown yet at the time of this book the newest thing.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can her dreams of independence withstand a dash of love?

Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she doesn't regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's now determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He immediately earns Alice's respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?