Timeless Regency Collection: A Midwinter Ball by Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon and Michele Paige Holmes
Summary from Goodreads:
From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.
Join three bestselling regency romance authors, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and Michele Paige Holmes, for three new regency romance novellas in A MIDWINTER BALL.
MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.
SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.
AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancé, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancé’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man.
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review.
My Review:
I am thrilled that A Timeless Romance Anthology has started putting together the Timeless Regency Collections. The first is Autumn Masquerade and this one is the 2nd collection. Next will be Spring in Hyde Park.
Each of these stories follows a woman who is in need of change in her life. She may be smothered by overprotective families or lonely or isolated from society. This need within each of the women helps them to make decisions that propel them in to a different place in their lives. By being brave they find happiness and love.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this collection.
Twelve Days in December by Michele Paige Holmes
Summary from Goodreads:
A Christmas Novella from the bestselling Hearthfire Romance series by Michele Paige Holmes:
Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.
To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.
For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.
5 Stars
Received ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
This lovely novella is a companion to Michele Paige Holmes' Marrying Christopher. Charlotte and William rather quickly marry when they hardly know each other. The arrangement seems like a good business deal for both parties. Wonderfully, they find that it is more than a business deal. As they get to know each other and spend time together, their attraction grows.
I like the simple moments that bring these two characters together. It is the moments of spending time as a family, playing together, and talking. It isn't a whirlwind. This makes for a very sweet story that leaves me feeling happy during this Christmas season.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this story.
Always Will by Melanie Jacobson
Summary from Goodreads:
Handsome twenty-eight-year-old Will Hallerman has finally had enough of the dating world—he's ready to find a wife and settle down. This announcement is catastrophic in Hannah Becker's world. After knowing Will her entire life and adoring him from afar since junior high school, she realizes her chance at love with him is in grave danger. Hannah's problem? To Will, she will never be more than his best friend's little sister. Determined to open his eyes to her charms, Hannah sets out to sabotage Will's wife hunt by placing nightmare dates in his path and taking his search on a wild goose chase. Her plan is risky, but she's willing to take a chance to catch the eye of her soul mate.
Despite her crazy schemes, nothing seems to be working. Hannah can't help but wonder if it's time to set aside this childhood crush—to move on and settle down herself. She's ready for a fresh start with a great guy. If only Will weren't suddenly changing the rules of the game... And how can Hannah move on when Will just won't let her forget?
4 Stars
Received ebook for an honest review.
My Review:
Melanie Jacobson writes great contemporary romance. I really enjoy Melanie Jacobson's writing, especially her humor. This book shows her understanding of complex relationships and finding the humor in the good and bad aspects of that relationship.
There are sweet moments between the two main characters. There are confusing and frustrating moments between them as well. Melanie Jacobson does a good job of keeping the reader feeling the ups and downs of the relationship along with the characters. Does Will like Hannah? I think so. Wait, maybe he doesn't and I am reading that wrong. Oh wait, I think he does like her. There is definite angst in this story as the characters work through the ups and downs and changes in their relationship.
As much as I like the story, the main characters annoy me. I wish I could say I loved them, but I don't. And, I think the characters work really well together. I wouldn't want to date either of them, so it is a good thing they have each other. I don't have to love the characters to enjoy the story. It would just help me to love the story more.
This is a clean, contemporary romance.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this book.
Simply Anna by Jennifer Moore
Summary from Goodreads:
Suffering from a cruel heartbreak, Lord Philip Hamilton has been driven to seek refuge from the painful memories haunting London, and his father’s Jamaican sugar cane plantation provides just the escape he needs. Philip finds solace in his hard work and takes comfort in the fact that his distance from society ensures that his heart will be protected from future entanglements. Protected, that is, until the unexpected appearance of a mysterious woman with no memory of her past. The only clue to her identity is a necklace inscribed with a name: Anna. In a matter of weeks, this gentle, intelligent, and impossibly beautiful stranger turns Philip’s world upside down. But as the bond between the pair grows, the threat of Philip losing his heart once more is only the beginning of the dangers that await. Island renegades and a ruthless band of pirates clash in a swashbuckling battle, and it soon becomes clear that these villains may be the key to unlocking Anna’s past . . .
5 Stars
Received an ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
This is the 3rd book of Jennifer Moore's that I've read. I am a huge fan! I haven't read one of her books yet that I didn't like. If you like Historical Fiction then check her books out.
I can't imagine how much research Jennifer Moore must do for her books. Each one gives me an insight into the time and place that she is writing about. This one is no exception.
This story takes place in Jamaica in the early 1800's. I have read stories set in England in this time period that talk about the Caribbean and characters owning plantations there. This is the first where I read about what life is like on the plantation. (It isn't that there aren't books out there about this, I just haven't read them.) I learn about slave life on the plantation as well as how plantations are run. I learn about some of the politics of slavery from this time. I love reading about historical elements with which I am unfamiliar. I love learning something new from a fiction book that entertains me and takes me to another place and time.
On top of all this great learning, this book has a great story. It is short, yet full of romance, adventure, sadness, confusion, and, of course, happiness.
Warnings: This is a clean book with some difficult topics like slavery, death, and loss.
I would let my 17 year old read this book.
The Mariposa Hotel (A Tangerine Street Romance) by Julia Wright, Melanie Jacobson and Heather B. Moore
Summary from Goodreads:
The Mariposa Hotel
A Tangerine Street Romance
(a novel in three parts)
Welcome to Tangerine Street
Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Mariposa Hotel, a new resort, has revitalized Seashell Beach, bringing new life to the sleepy beach town. In the charming gardens of the hotel sits a three-hundred-year-old wishing well transported from Mexico. One toss of the coin, a sincere wish, and lives are changed forever…
Other books in the Tangerine Street Romance series:
The Fortune Café
The Boardwalk Antiques Shop
4.5 Stars
Received an ebook in exchange for an honest review
My Review:
So far these 3 authors have put together 3 Tangerine Street Romances. The first is The Fortune Cafe. The second is The Boardwalk Antiques Shop. This 3rd installment is much like those in that there are 3 separate stories, each by one of the authors. Each book takes place in the small beach town on the touristy Tangerine Street full of shops. The authors have a "townful" of possibilities for more stories and I look forward to reading each of them.
The Mariposa Hotel has a beautiful and somewhat secret garden on the main floor. In the middle is a beautiful old wishing well. The characters in these 3 novellas have the opportunity to stay in the hotel and visit this wishing well. There is romance, miscommunication and magic from this amazing well to create 3 separate, yet connected stories.
I appreciate that in all three stories, the characters are a bit more mature (meaning they are older than 20). They have experienced relationships, education, jobs and in some cases have children they care for. They have had successes in life as well as disappointments. This allows them to bring a little "baggage" to the stories that gives them depth and interest.
This is a quick, fun, and romance filled book.
Warnings: None
I would let my 17 year old read this book.
