The Power of the Matchmaker by Heather B. Moore

The Power of the Matchmaker by Heather B. Moore

Summary from Goodreads:
A prequel novella to the POWER OF THE MATCHMAKER Series
Mystical . . . Beautiful . . . Romantic . . .
12 novels by 12 bestselling authors
Released once a month in 2016
Read the matchmaker’s story to find out where it all starts . . .

Mae Li has been in love with Chen Zhu for years, and he with her. But when the matchmaker arrives at the Zhu family home, she recommends another village girl for Chen.

Heartbroken, Mae Li watches as Chen does his duty by marrying another. Mae flees her village with the clothes on her back and her only possession—a pearl embedded comb, given to her as a goodbye gift from Chen Zhu.

Upon Mae’s arrival in Shanghai, she quickly learns that she’ll starve within days unless she sells her prized comb or joins a courtesan house. She goes to the Huangpu River and promises the River God that she’ll always be selfless if he will save her from becoming a prostitute . . . Her wish is granted when Ms. Tan, the matchmaker of Shanghai, finds Mae. But Mae must completely change her future and her name if she is to become the next matchmaker. 

5 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
As stated in the summary, this is going to be a series where 1 book is released each month for 12 months.  Put them all on your Goodreads shelf. To see which books are coming out which month and their beautiful covers, check out Heather B. Moore's Blog. I am looking forward to reading each of these.

This novella introduces the reader to the Matchmaker who will be involved in each of the books released next year.  We learn about her heartbreaking youthful love story.  We learn how she survives and heals from her heartbreak.  We learn how she is mentored by the local Matchmaker.  And, ultimately, we learn how she becomes the Matchmaker.  

This story is a great introduction to what is coming next.  It has definitely gotten me excited for each of the books and seeing how Mae Li, aka Miss Pearl,  works her magic in being the Matchmaker.

Warnings: None

I would let my 17 year old read this book.

Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore

Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince by Jennifer Moore

Summary from Goodreads:
1812

Southern belle Meg Burton is her parents’ last hope of avoiding financial ruin, and a distant cousin’s kind gesture seems an ideal solution: he will sponsor Meg for a London Season. The pursuit of a wealthy husband was not exactly how the bookish young woman had envisioned her first trip abroad—after all, what does a girl from Charleston, South Carolina, know about being a lady? Amidst the stunning gowns and extravagant balls of the ton, Meg feels like an imposter. Thankfully, she has one friend who knows her true self—Carlo, a handsome stable hand. Despite their difference in station, love blossoms between the unlikely pair, and Meg is sure of one thing: she wants nothing to do with the insufferable European aristocracy.

Prince Rodrigo de Talavera has lost everything to Napoleon. Jaded by war, he has become bitter and miserable—until he meets Meg, an American woman whose eccentric schemes and passion for life remind him what it is to laugh and to love. If only she knew him for himself and not as Carlo the stable hand. With the shadow of deception looming over their happy acquaintance and the dangers of war drawing ever more near, can Meg and Rodrigo find the courage to put aside their pretenses and discover if they can be loved as they truly are?

5 Stars

Received ebook from Publisher for an honest review

My Review:
My favorite book genre is historical fiction, especially the English Regency era.  This book falls right in to this time period, but also covers a topic with which I am unfamiliar.  The Prince from the title is a Spanish Prince who has fled Spain during the Peninsular War after Joseph Bonaparte has been made King by his brother, Napoleon Bonaparte.  Although the author is writing about fictional characters, she has placed them and referenced them to real historical events.  This interests me and causes me to look in to the subject further.  So I may be reading this book for entertainment, but I am learning about world history at the same time.  

I love the relationship development in this book.  I especially like Carlo and his interest in helping Miss Burton live out her gothic novel fantasies.  Miss Burton likes to be thrilled and scared, she likes to feel chills and goosebumps.  Carlo is sweet in his efforts to make her happy.  At the same time, Miss Burton's love of life and excitement help Carlo come out of his doldrums.  They fulfill each other's needs at a time in their lives where they each feel alone, even while being surrounded by many people.

I like this book a lot, but it is a bit predictable.  At times, I don't know how the author is going to resolve a conflict, but there isn't a lot of surprise in how it is resolved.  There is romance, adventure, some comedy and a satisfying ending.  

This book has a nice blend of history and romance, 2 things I really love.  And, because of that, I am going to look in to other works by this author, Jennifer Moore.

Warnings: None

I would let my 17 year old read this book.