So True A Love ~ Now Available

 Joanna Barker's So True A Love is now available!

Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

A Lady Most Engaged ~ Review

A Lady Most Engaged:
A Grimm Regency Romance
By Audrey Glenn

This was a delightful read. Thanks to a series of misunderstandings, the two main characters find themselves engaged to perfect strangers. 

Bram, Lord Rosedale, has had his presence at a house party demanded by his mother. FYI, Lady Rosedale is a tyrannical monster in the personality department. Said house party has been arranged so Lady Rosedale can have a say in who her son marries. Bram's need to marry soon has just become realized. If he hopes to inherit, he has to do so within three months. Surprise!

Harriet Thornhill, is at the house party only because she is accompanying her cousin. But when she accidentally finds herself in an innocent accident with Lord Rosedale, propriety demands that they marry. If Harriet doesn't agree to marry, her cousin and younger sisters will be tainted by her shame. Note to self: only try to awaken a sleeping person if you have witnesses to the event.

I loved the subtle nod to Sleeping Beauty in this story: the roses, the spindle, the cottage. This is a truly unique and enjoyable Regency romance. And if for no other reason than the cover, you should pick up this book. I loved Harriet's character; she could not be forced into anything until she could weigh the effects of her choices. And I absolutely loved Harriet, and it was evident that she was the person one would want in their corner. Perfect for Bram if he could get rid of the overbearing mother. Lady Rosedale makes Lady Catherine de Bergh look like a saint!

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:

Sometimes it takes more than a kiss to wake a sleeping heart...

Harriet Thornhill prides herself on propriety and sense of duty. The last thing she ever expected was to find herself at a house party in a compromising position with the Earl of Rosedale. Now engaged to a man she barely knows, Harriet must navigate a precarious balance between duty and her own happiness.

Lord Rosedale has spent years avoiding his domineering mother. In his absence, she’s run his estate precariously close to ruin. But when circumstances force Bram into an engagement with the spirited Harriet, he begins to see the world—and himself—in a new light.

As Harriet and Bram's reluctant alliance blossoms into something more, they must contend with the schemes of his manipulative mother and the neglect that threatens the estate and its tenants. Can Harriet learn to put her own happiness first without hurting those she loves? And can her determined spirit awaken Bram’s courage to defy his mother, or will the curse of least resistance doom them both?

This sweet Regency romance presents a gender-swapped reimagining of Sleeping Beauty. It's an enchanting story of love, self-discovery, and the courage to fight for one's own happily ever after that will make your heart flutter without venturing into steamy territory. At around 40,000 words, it's the Goldilocks of books - not too long, not too short, but just right for a fun and immersive read!

Release Day for Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

 Today Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is 

Now Available!

This delightful story based on key aspects

of the Nutcracker find a new and

unique life in this story

by Roseanna M. White.

About the Book:

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

ADVANCE PRAISE

"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions...It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."— Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas

"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

AUTHOR BIO

Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

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.

No Match for Love ~ Release Day Review

Today is the day that No Match for Love will be released, 

and I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts about this book with you.

No Match For Love
By Karen Thornell

Lucas Berkeley has vowed to never marry for love. It's the only way to protect himself from the pain of losing someone dear to him. He knows that pain and since that has walled up his heart. Unfortunately, Lydia Faraway has unexpectedly and without effort gotten through his first layer of defense.

Lydia just wants the chance to live her life. After her parents' death when she was 5 she's been hidden away at isolated estate. But now at 23 her guardian has decreed that she will wed. Thrust into London society, Lydia finds herself at a loss, longing to leave the boredom of society behind. Though a cup of spilled punch proves unexpectedly advantageous when she meets Lord Berkeley.

This is lovely book as two people shaped by loss and pain navigate the expectations of both society and family. Mixed into the blend is an attempt to better the lives of those who are overworked and struggling to support their families on miserly pay. This book focuses mainly on the internal thoughts of Lydia and Lucas as they navigate their feelings for each other, their situations, and their day-to-day interactions with those around them. There are hints of potential romance, mystery, and danger that keep the book interesting and attention holding. Perfect reading for those who prefer their romance clean and sweet.

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:

Lucas Berkeley has a secret—one he cannot risk anyone discovering. After all, a future marquess belongs in drawing rooms, not underground boxing circles. Yet, with a painful past and a need to control every aspect of his life, it is his only outlet. And when his brother begins to court the one woman who could ruin everything, Lucas needs the secret diversion more than ever.

Lydia Faraday is exhausted from living a life in which she has no say. When her taciturn guardian drags her to London, intent on marrying her off, she determines to thwart his plans. If she is to have freedom in any aspect of her existence, it ought to be with whom she marries. And when a solicitor turns up with new information, she thinks that just might be possible. Or it may complicate her future further.

When Lucas and Lydia become entangled in a dangerous scheme, they cannot help but become closer, even as the obstacles between them grow. The last thing either is looking for is love. But their hearts have different plans.

About the Author:

Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.

Coming Soon ~ Cornered

 Cornered 

by Lynette Eason, 

Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

is coming to a shelf near you on November 19, 2024!

Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off

the MSRP and FREE shipping!

About Cornered

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Stephanie Holton is cleaning out a coworker’s desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend’s car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, disillusioned chef Cassie Quinn is picking up the pieces in her hometown of Gossamer Falls. When an opportunity to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort comes her way, she can’t refuse. But when someone in the cutthroat kitchen staff takes things too far, Cassie will need the help of Detective Donovan Bledsoe to find out who is behind the threats if she’s ever going to find true peace—or true love.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young has finally settled into her new life in Texas when she starts getting disturbing phone calls in the middle of the night—and the distinct feeling that someone is watching her. Former detective Briggs Turner steps in to help the intriguing Hawaiian woman, but this web of obsession is far more tangled than either of them realize. Who is the real threat? And how will Briggs face the future if he loses Lahela?

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor ~ Review

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
By Roseanna M. White

This is an enjoyable and delightful retelling of The Nutcracker. The key elements of the story are there but they woven into the story so artfully that if you are not aware of it beforehand you may not notice it.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home at Plumford Manor, especially at Christmas time when she helps transform it into Sugar Plum Manor. Unfortunately as the stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, she'll never inherit her belief home. No it will be passing to distant relative of the earl's, Cyril Lightbourne.

Cyril was a close friend of Mariah after a delightful holiday while both were still children. But time and a misunderstood conversation have reshaped what everyone expected to have happened. Years have passed Cyril and Mariah finally get a chance to rediscover their bonds of childhood friendship.

This is a lovely story that retells a Christmas Classic without resorting to the use of magic or oversized rodents. My favorite scene involves the Christmas display and all the wonders one could conceive of. And when Mariah plans a surprise with the village children she changes this holiday into one no one will ever forget. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, clean read for the Christmas season. 

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:

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once upon a time, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more—but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruel-hearted Lady Pearl. Now, Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

 

Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly returns in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas…and to disgrace Cyril in the process.   

Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.