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Recommend this book:
Chalkboard Preacher from Vinegar Bend
Vinegar Bend Series
Kay Chandler
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Chalkboard Preacher from Vinegar Bend by Kay Chandler takes us through the life of a talented preacher. Reverend Castle Marlowe was a troubled man who had to choose between taking care of his five children and giving up the preaching ministry he loved so much. Having lost his wife not long before, he made an impromptu decision to remarry. Rebekah had always been treated poorly by her father, and that's why deciding to run away from home came easily to her. She had already written to Aunt Nellie, who had come up with a solution for her. Was it going to work? Elsie had always known what she wanted: to own a shop and not have children. But was she content? To find out how these characters interact with the beloved preacher, get yourself a copy of this book.
Chalkboard Preacher from Vinegar Bend by Kay Chandler was so engaging that I could not put it down once I started reading. The twists and turns in the seamlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat, yearning for more. Chandler has used suspense to great effect, and the steady pace kept me intrigued and entertained. The characters in the book are also well-developed, and the narration is good. The vivid descriptions of events and emotions will also capture the reader's imagination. The language is easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers. This is a promising series and I can't wait to learn how the drama unfolds with the return of Amelia. I am going straight to look for the follow-up.
Chalkboard Preacher from Vinegar Bend by Kay Chandler takes us through the life of a talented preacher. Reverend Castle Marlowe was a troubled man who had to choose between taking care of his five children and giving up the preaching ministry he loved so much. Having lost his wife not long before, he made an impromptu decision to remarry. Rebekah had always been treated poorly by her father, and that's why deciding to run away from home came easily to her. She had already written to Aunt Nellie, who had come up with a solution for her. Was it going to work? Elsie had always known what she wanted: to own a shop and not have children. But was she content? To find out how these characters interact with the beloved preacher, get yourself a copy of this book.
Chalkboard Preacher from Vinegar Bend by Kay Chandler was so engaging that I could not put it down once I started reading. The twists and turns in the seamlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat, yearning for more. Chandler has used suspense to great effect, and the steady pace kept me intrigued and entertained. The characters in the book are also well-developed, and the narration is good. The vivid descriptions of events and emotions will also capture the reader's imagination. The language is easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers. This is a promising series and I can't wait to learn how the drama unfolds with the return of Amelia. I am going straight to look for the follow-up.
Recommend this book:
What Might Have Been
Elizabeth Johns
2023 Silver Medal
232 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
What Might Have Been is the fifth installment of A Brethren In Arms series by Elizabeth Johns. After serving years in the British Royal Army fighting against Napolean's forces across the continent, Captain James Frome returns home to Scotland to find his family estate on the brink of collapse. Determined to do his part to help his family, James begins to work on the estate when he comes across Lady Annag McKiernan Calder, a former lover whose father had rejected his proposal for his daughter a decade ago. Now a widow, Anna is finally free of her unwanted marriage, and meeting James reignites their old spark. When Anna's sister Fenella goes missing, James and Anna travel to London to find the scoundrel Major Bexley and bring him to justice. Will James and Anna be able to have a life together?
What Might Have Been is a gem for Regency-era romance lovers. This character-driven tale hooks you with a captivating premise and keeps you engaged until the end. Elizabeth Johns paces the plot nicely, infusing a stellar combination of romance, humor, and a slight tinge of sleuth mystery that helps raise the stakes even higher. But the book's most impressive aspects were the characters and the primary love story between James and Anna. The two main characters play off each other brilliantly, and their interactions are filled with witty banter, humor, and snappy dialogue. I also enjoyed Fenella's storyline, which I sometimes found quite funny. Readers of historical romance novels will have a wonderful time with this book.
What Might Have Been is the fifth installment of A Brethren In Arms series by Elizabeth Johns. After serving years in the British Royal Army fighting against Napolean's forces across the continent, Captain James Frome returns home to Scotland to find his family estate on the brink of collapse. Determined to do his part to help his family, James begins to work on the estate when he comes across Lady Annag McKiernan Calder, a former lover whose father had rejected his proposal for his daughter a decade ago. Now a widow, Anna is finally free of her unwanted marriage, and meeting James reignites their old spark. When Anna's sister Fenella goes missing, James and Anna travel to London to find the scoundrel Major Bexley and bring him to justice. Will James and Anna be able to have a life together?
What Might Have Been is a gem for Regency-era romance lovers. This character-driven tale hooks you with a captivating premise and keeps you engaged until the end. Elizabeth Johns paces the plot nicely, infusing a stellar combination of romance, humor, and a slight tinge of sleuth mystery that helps raise the stakes even higher. But the book's most impressive aspects were the characters and the primary love story between James and Anna. The two main characters play off each other brilliantly, and their interactions are filled with witty banter, humor, and snappy dialogue. I also enjoyed Fenella's storyline, which I sometimes found quite funny. Readers of historical romance novels will have a wonderful time with this book.
Recommend this book:
Beryl's Blessing
Gems of Grace Book 3
Edwina Kiernan
2023 Bronze Medal
264 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
A captivating historical story that inspires faith and hope, Beryl's Blessing is the third installment in the Gems of Grace series by Edwina Kiernan. It chronicles the story of a man burdened by guilt and a woman who struggles with grief and low self-worth. Five years ago, a terrible accident turned Beryl Haywood’s life upside down and left her crippled. The accident had also taken her kind and loving governess, Miss Amelia Jenkins, who had encouraged Beryl’s faith and wisdom. After the devastating accident, Beryl is sent to Bath to live with her wealthy aunt. Painful memories torment Frederick Sinclair after coming back from the war in France. Despite fighting on the battlefront, he has returned unharmed unlike many in his regiment. Through an arranged marriage, Frederick and Beryl start life together but the memories of their pasts threaten to destroy their union.
Beryl's Blessing is a hopeful story of love, forgiveness, and healing. The main characters are beautifully crafted with relatable hopes and struggles that many will find familiar. I was inspired by Beryl’s faith and found her story moving. Practical lessons about wisdom and faith are skillfully woven into the plot. I appreciated that the narrative did not lose its momentum; it is fascinating from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed the twists within the plot and loved its gripping end. Another delightful and engaging Christian work in the Gems of Grace series, Beryl's Blessing by Edwina Kiernan is a wonderful, inspiring story told through the eyes and lives of its lovable main characters. It contains important lessons about hope and healing that fans will love.
A captivating historical story that inspires faith and hope, Beryl's Blessing is the third installment in the Gems of Grace series by Edwina Kiernan. It chronicles the story of a man burdened by guilt and a woman who struggles with grief and low self-worth. Five years ago, a terrible accident turned Beryl Haywood’s life upside down and left her crippled. The accident had also taken her kind and loving governess, Miss Amelia Jenkins, who had encouraged Beryl’s faith and wisdom. After the devastating accident, Beryl is sent to Bath to live with her wealthy aunt. Painful memories torment Frederick Sinclair after coming back from the war in France. Despite fighting on the battlefront, he has returned unharmed unlike many in his regiment. Through an arranged marriage, Frederick and Beryl start life together but the memories of their pasts threaten to destroy their union.
Beryl's Blessing is a hopeful story of love, forgiveness, and healing. The main characters are beautifully crafted with relatable hopes and struggles that many will find familiar. I was inspired by Beryl’s faith and found her story moving. Practical lessons about wisdom and faith are skillfully woven into the plot. I appreciated that the narrative did not lose its momentum; it is fascinating from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed the twists within the plot and loved its gripping end. Another delightful and engaging Christian work in the Gems of Grace series, Beryl's Blessing by Edwina Kiernan is a wonderful, inspiring story told through the eyes and lives of its lovable main characters. It contains important lessons about hope and healing that fans will love.
Recommend this book:
The Flowers of Penruddock
A Romance Collection
Ronnda Eileen Henry
2023 Honorable Mention
536 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection from Ronnda Eileen Henry is a collection of seven substantial novellas that all focus on the mythical land of Penruddock, which Henry has created and expanded on over time. The novellas all take place over different periods of Penruddock’s history; a history, it seems, that is measured by before and after the rule of Good King Adelard. King Adelard was the last king to rule over a unified and united Penruddock. Upon his death, the island nation was divided up into six kingdoms, each to be ruled by one of his six sons. The story of Good King Adelard and what led to his decision to split his kingdom is told in the fourth novella, Hyacinth: Love Royal and True, and is in itself fascinating. Each of the seven novellas is named after the lead female character in the story, also being the name of a flower. So, we have Poppy, Rose, Violet, Hyacinth and more. As a bonus, at the end is a story written by the author titled Cousins One and All, a Jane Austen fan fiction story.
I loved this wonderful collection of simple love stories. There is nothing pretentious about Ronnda Eileen Henry’s writing and in The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection, she gives us simple, sweet and uplifting love stories about real characters. I particularly liked that age, occupation and social status had no bearing in the characters’ choices of who they fell in love with. Many of the stories are centred around nobility and royalty, where “love matches” are often the last consideration when arranging a marriage. More important are improving one’s status or adding a title to one’s family name. Henry’s characters rise above these material issues and true love is found, pursued and defended stoutly. Because all the stories revolve around the land of Penruddock, albeit at different times in history, I always felt an affinity with the location of each new story. This is a long collection of stories, but one that can be delved into and read at one’s leisure. Each story stands alone and I can highly recommend this to anyone who loves, good, clean, but exciting romantic adventure. My favourite stories? Marigold: Love in Two Acts, closely followed by Peony: Forged in Love, but truth be told, I enjoyed them all immensely.
The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection from Ronnda Eileen Henry is a collection of seven substantial novellas that all focus on the mythical land of Penruddock, which Henry has created and expanded on over time. The novellas all take place over different periods of Penruddock’s history; a history, it seems, that is measured by before and after the rule of Good King Adelard. King Adelard was the last king to rule over a unified and united Penruddock. Upon his death, the island nation was divided up into six kingdoms, each to be ruled by one of his six sons. The story of Good King Adelard and what led to his decision to split his kingdom is told in the fourth novella, Hyacinth: Love Royal and True, and is in itself fascinating. Each of the seven novellas is named after the lead female character in the story, also being the name of a flower. So, we have Poppy, Rose, Violet, Hyacinth and more. As a bonus, at the end is a story written by the author titled Cousins One and All, a Jane Austen fan fiction story.
I loved this wonderful collection of simple love stories. There is nothing pretentious about Ronnda Eileen Henry’s writing and in The Flowers of Penruddock: A Romance Collection, she gives us simple, sweet and uplifting love stories about real characters. I particularly liked that age, occupation and social status had no bearing in the characters’ choices of who they fell in love with. Many of the stories are centred around nobility and royalty, where “love matches” are often the last consideration when arranging a marriage. More important are improving one’s status or adding a title to one’s family name. Henry’s characters rise above these material issues and true love is found, pursued and defended stoutly. Because all the stories revolve around the land of Penruddock, albeit at different times in history, I always felt an affinity with the location of each new story. This is a long collection of stories, but one that can be delved into and read at one’s leisure. Each story stands alone and I can highly recommend this to anyone who loves, good, clean, but exciting romantic adventure. My favourite stories? Marigold: Love in Two Acts, closely followed by Peony: Forged in Love, but truth be told, I enjoyed them all immensely.
Recommend this book:
The Rock at the Bottom
Lorna & Tristan Series Book 3
Cynthia Hilston
2023 Finalist
302 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
It is said that to err is human and to forgive is divine, and how this might play out is a foundational element of the Christian romance novel The Rock at the Bottom by Cynthia Hilston. But forgiveness of who? Your biological father? Yourself? Stephen starts his life under a cloud of hatred, his father's contempt for him further complicated by a penchant for drinking. Stephen tries his best to craft a place for himself in an imagination that thrives against a backdrop of abuse. He is a wordsmith, a writer, and proving his worth is a powerful driver. Once old enough to leave home, Stephen moves out with his childhood friend and marries the tenacious Anna “Julie”. Stephen's success and his life with Julie, along with those of two others, are abruptly interrupted when Stephen dredges up his father's own issues from within himself. Stephen is haunted by his mistakes but whether or not he can overcome his own worst enemy, himself, will determine the rest of his life, both lived and eternal.
I love a good redemption story and my goodness author Cynthia Hilston is able to serve it up in The Rock at the Bottom. The analogy of the title shows up unexpectedly as Stephen's story progresses, and the nuance of Hilston having one word or phrase narrated and a reader discovering it is the sign of a gifted writer. She does this a few times and it is fantastic. I admit that I did not read books one or two in the Lorna and Tristan series, Lorna Versus Laura and Rocks and Flowers in a Box, but it didn't impact the readability of book three. That said, I was clueless about how the story of a guy named Stephen tied into a series with a different name, but Hilston unveils the connection in a beautiful, metaphysical reveal. Readers should be warned that Stephen goes through a dark period where he is deeply troubled and, frankly, becomes a character so flawed that he morphs into one that is genuinely unlikeable. This is the moment we start to witness God's grace and mercy and, yet again, where Hilston proves the divinity of forgiveness that comes. I'm human and struggled with Stephen...but God is patient and loving, and readers who stay the course will see how amazing this can be, no matter how far we fall.
It is said that to err is human and to forgive is divine, and how this might play out is a foundational element of the Christian romance novel The Rock at the Bottom by Cynthia Hilston. But forgiveness of who? Your biological father? Yourself? Stephen starts his life under a cloud of hatred, his father's contempt for him further complicated by a penchant for drinking. Stephen tries his best to craft a place for himself in an imagination that thrives against a backdrop of abuse. He is a wordsmith, a writer, and proving his worth is a powerful driver. Once old enough to leave home, Stephen moves out with his childhood friend and marries the tenacious Anna “Julie”. Stephen's success and his life with Julie, along with those of two others, are abruptly interrupted when Stephen dredges up his father's own issues from within himself. Stephen is haunted by his mistakes but whether or not he can overcome his own worst enemy, himself, will determine the rest of his life, both lived and eternal.
I love a good redemption story and my goodness author Cynthia Hilston is able to serve it up in The Rock at the Bottom. The analogy of the title shows up unexpectedly as Stephen's story progresses, and the nuance of Hilston having one word or phrase narrated and a reader discovering it is the sign of a gifted writer. She does this a few times and it is fantastic. I admit that I did not read books one or two in the Lorna and Tristan series, Lorna Versus Laura and Rocks and Flowers in a Box, but it didn't impact the readability of book three. That said, I was clueless about how the story of a guy named Stephen tied into a series with a different name, but Hilston unveils the connection in a beautiful, metaphysical reveal. Readers should be warned that Stephen goes through a dark period where he is deeply troubled and, frankly, becomes a character so flawed that he morphs into one that is genuinely unlikeable. This is the moment we start to witness God's grace and mercy and, yet again, where Hilston proves the divinity of forgiveness that comes. I'm human and struggled with Stephen...but God is patient and loving, and readers who stay the course will see how amazing this can be, no matter how far we fall.
Recommend this book:
Roots Redeemed
Tracy Michelle Sellars
2022 Gold Medal
283 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Amber Graham was an orphan Christian girl with no roots. She longed for a family, and fate smiled on her. A sudden Valentine’s Day invitation to the Wright mansion introduced her to Trey Wright and Ryan Pierce. These two men resented each other but adored Amber. The Wright family was perfect, and to become part of it, she would give anything to marry their charming son. Then there was Ryan Pierce, who hailed from tainted roots but worked hard to succeed and sever ties with his dysfunctional family. While Amber reciprocated the affection of one man, she joined the other in an unrelated investigation that opened Pandora's box into her roots. Will Amber let go and let God guide her? Find out in Roots Redeemed by Tracy Michelle Sellars.
Roots Redeemed by Tracy Michelle Sellars is a riveting historical romance novel set in the late 1800s. This third installment in the Roots Run Deep series creates an intersection between love, crime, and faith. I enjoyed the realistic storyline because it was relatable, especially to people of faith. Often, we impose our will on God and expect Him to make it happen. Other times, we are so desperate that we lose our spiritual sensitivity and accept the devil’s gift that looks exactly like what we asked of God. If we have to jump through hoops and strip ourselves of all dignity to please a partner, then it’s not love. Love encourages advancement and wholesomeness. Tracy weaved a brilliant plot together with excellent character development and flowing dialogue. This third book was easy to understand even though I haven’t read the first two installments. Thank you for a refreshing book, Tracy.
Amber Graham was an orphan Christian girl with no roots. She longed for a family, and fate smiled on her. A sudden Valentine’s Day invitation to the Wright mansion introduced her to Trey Wright and Ryan Pierce. These two men resented each other but adored Amber. The Wright family was perfect, and to become part of it, she would give anything to marry their charming son. Then there was Ryan Pierce, who hailed from tainted roots but worked hard to succeed and sever ties with his dysfunctional family. While Amber reciprocated the affection of one man, she joined the other in an unrelated investigation that opened Pandora's box into her roots. Will Amber let go and let God guide her? Find out in Roots Redeemed by Tracy Michelle Sellars.
Roots Redeemed by Tracy Michelle Sellars is a riveting historical romance novel set in the late 1800s. This third installment in the Roots Run Deep series creates an intersection between love, crime, and faith. I enjoyed the realistic storyline because it was relatable, especially to people of faith. Often, we impose our will on God and expect Him to make it happen. Other times, we are so desperate that we lose our spiritual sensitivity and accept the devil’s gift that looks exactly like what we asked of God. If we have to jump through hoops and strip ourselves of all dignity to please a partner, then it’s not love. Love encourages advancement and wholesomeness. Tracy weaved a brilliant plot together with excellent character development and flowing dialogue. This third book was easy to understand even though I haven’t read the first two installments. Thank you for a refreshing book, Tracy.
Recommend this book:
Sadie
Sweet Historical Romance
Shanna Hatfield
2022 Silver Medal
427 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
In Sadie: Pendleton Promises Book 1 by Shanna Hatfield, the author has taken ordinary people with ordinary lives and written a story around them that is intriguing, romantic, and easy to relate to. The main characters are Harley John Hobbs and Sadie Thorsen as well as Sadie’s parents, Lars and Marnie, who run an orphanage and have adopted quite a few children over the years. There are a number of other family members, as well as other characters that appear throughout the book. The story starts in 1913 and ends at the end of the First World War in 1919.
The book showcases the struggle young women had to get recognized in various fields that were solely the domain of men, like becoming a doctor which Sadie aims to become. It also shows how the young men who went to war were unprepared for what was waiting for them. The story draws you in from the first page to the last as you find you want to know what happened. Where did Sadie and Harley end up and did their love, which started in a field in Pendleton, Oregon 1913, last through all the obstacles that life had thrown at them? Sadie by Shanna Hatfield is a book well worth reading. A delightful story and a book that you will return to and read again and again as the years go past. It helps one realize that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it and stick at it. This is a treasure of a book that should be on everyone’s bookshelf. I highly recommend it for all readers and young people just starting to find an interest in reading. Thank you, Shanna, for an exciting, and interesting read. I really enjoyed it.
In Sadie: Pendleton Promises Book 1 by Shanna Hatfield, the author has taken ordinary people with ordinary lives and written a story around them that is intriguing, romantic, and easy to relate to. The main characters are Harley John Hobbs and Sadie Thorsen as well as Sadie’s parents, Lars and Marnie, who run an orphanage and have adopted quite a few children over the years. There are a number of other family members, as well as other characters that appear throughout the book. The story starts in 1913 and ends at the end of the First World War in 1919.
The book showcases the struggle young women had to get recognized in various fields that were solely the domain of men, like becoming a doctor which Sadie aims to become. It also shows how the young men who went to war were unprepared for what was waiting for them. The story draws you in from the first page to the last as you find you want to know what happened. Where did Sadie and Harley end up and did their love, which started in a field in Pendleton, Oregon 1913, last through all the obstacles that life had thrown at them? Sadie by Shanna Hatfield is a book well worth reading. A delightful story and a book that you will return to and read again and again as the years go past. It helps one realize that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it and stick at it. This is a treasure of a book that should be on everyone’s bookshelf. I highly recommend it for all readers and young people just starting to find an interest in reading. Thank you, Shanna, for an exciting, and interesting read. I really enjoyed it.
Recommend this book:
One Dark Night
A romantic thriller mystery, dark and intriguing
Anna Faversham
2022 Bronze Medal
264 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
One Dark Night by Anna Faversham takes place in 1821 on the English Coast. Lucy is the star and heroine as we meet her as a young girl living in the prestigious home where her mother is a maid. She is friends with the privileged Dougie. This life is suddenly taken away from her as she and her mother find themselves suddenly poor. Lucy goes to work at a nearby farm, doing whatever is asked of her. Daniel, the farmer’s son, tries to protect Lucy but he cannot always do that. The coastal village has a smuggling problem because of high taxes being charged. When Karl enters the picture as the Revenue Officer, he is determined to put an end to the smuggling and the lives of those most responsible. Lucy soon catches his eye and he takes her to work in the Watch House. Lucy sees things she regrets, overhears things she shouldn’t, and many in the village consider her a spy. As events take place and situations change, Lucy learns secrets from her childhood and is forced to choose between Daniel and Karl for a husband.
One Dark Night by Anna Faversham is a very good book offering romance, danger, adventure, mystery, excitement and so much more and I found it was very hard to put down. I really was rooting for Lucy to end up with a good life for all the grief she had endured and was hoping she would pick the man I liked best. I also hoped that all the bad people would get what they deserved. Anna Faversham did a perfect job of combining all the elements into one winning story and I highly recommend One Dark Night be added to your reading list.
One Dark Night by Anna Faversham takes place in 1821 on the English Coast. Lucy is the star and heroine as we meet her as a young girl living in the prestigious home where her mother is a maid. She is friends with the privileged Dougie. This life is suddenly taken away from her as she and her mother find themselves suddenly poor. Lucy goes to work at a nearby farm, doing whatever is asked of her. Daniel, the farmer’s son, tries to protect Lucy but he cannot always do that. The coastal village has a smuggling problem because of high taxes being charged. When Karl enters the picture as the Revenue Officer, he is determined to put an end to the smuggling and the lives of those most responsible. Lucy soon catches his eye and he takes her to work in the Watch House. Lucy sees things she regrets, overhears things she shouldn’t, and many in the village consider her a spy. As events take place and situations change, Lucy learns secrets from her childhood and is forced to choose between Daniel and Karl for a husband.
One Dark Night by Anna Faversham is a very good book offering romance, danger, adventure, mystery, excitement and so much more and I found it was very hard to put down. I really was rooting for Lucy to end up with a good life for all the grief she had endured and was hoping she would pick the man I liked best. I also hoped that all the bad people would get what they deserved. Anna Faversham did a perfect job of combining all the elements into one winning story and I highly recommend One Dark Night be added to your reading list.
Recommend this book:
Pearl's Promise
Gems of Grace Book 2
Edwina Kiernan
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite
Pearl’s Promise by Edwina Kiernan is a romantic Regency novel, the second book in the Gems of Grace Series, and focuses on Pearl Acton and Nicholas Dalton. After attending Henry’s wedding to Ruby, Pearl makes her way home, only to discover that her family has lost their fortune and her dowry along with it. Bound by duty, Pearl travels to London on a mission to catch the attention of Mr. Clarence. Her father hopes to strike a match between the two due to a favor owed by the Clarence family. However, upon her arrival, Pearl meets Nicholas Dalton. The two can’t keep their eyes off each other and seem to settle for stolen glances across the dance floor. Pearl’s honor and obligation to her family is the only thing that stops her from forming an attachment to Nicholas. But Nicholas tries his best to break down the wall she puts up with his gentle manner and romantic poems.
This beautiful and wholesome story gives a new definition to the term slow-burn romance! Although there’s not any spice, the pureness of Pearl's and Nicholas’ characters is what kept me intrigued. Reading Nicholas’ poem to Pearl made me swoon and wonder where I could find a man like him. Edwina Kiernan’s Pearl’s Promise put a lot into perspective, especially the way parents pin their hopes and dreams on their children with no regard for what they want. Both characters come from a difficult parent-child relationship and try their best to help their families where they can. We see how both characters rise above their current circumstances and grow. This also teaches us an important life lesson that behind all the glitz and glamor one can be faced with difficult situations and tough decisions.
Pearl’s Promise by Edwina Kiernan is a romantic Regency novel, the second book in the Gems of Grace Series, and focuses on Pearl Acton and Nicholas Dalton. After attending Henry’s wedding to Ruby, Pearl makes her way home, only to discover that her family has lost their fortune and her dowry along with it. Bound by duty, Pearl travels to London on a mission to catch the attention of Mr. Clarence. Her father hopes to strike a match between the two due to a favor owed by the Clarence family. However, upon her arrival, Pearl meets Nicholas Dalton. The two can’t keep their eyes off each other and seem to settle for stolen glances across the dance floor. Pearl’s honor and obligation to her family is the only thing that stops her from forming an attachment to Nicholas. But Nicholas tries his best to break down the wall she puts up with his gentle manner and romantic poems.
This beautiful and wholesome story gives a new definition to the term slow-burn romance! Although there’s not any spice, the pureness of Pearl's and Nicholas’ characters is what kept me intrigued. Reading Nicholas’ poem to Pearl made me swoon and wonder where I could find a man like him. Edwina Kiernan’s Pearl’s Promise put a lot into perspective, especially the way parents pin their hopes and dreams on their children with no regard for what they want. Both characters come from a difficult parent-child relationship and try their best to help their families where they can. We see how both characters rise above their current circumstances and grow. This also teaches us an important life lesson that behind all the glitz and glamor one can be faced with difficult situations and tough decisions.
Recommend this book:
Daughter of the Boricua
Songs of the Boricua
Olivia Castillo
2022 Finalist
291 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Daughter of the Boricua: Songs of the Boricua is the second in the series by Olivia Castillo. When Moctezuma was dying, he cursed Hernan Cortes and his next generation of daughters. Moctezuma had no idea his daughter and her future generations would be caught up in the curse as well. The story follows three generations of women who face the consequences of their own decisions, and sometimes fate was cruel. Liani, Isabella, and Josephine were living different lives, but their goal was similar. A direct descendant of an Aztec princess, Isabella was cursed and had to learn to live with it. Liani was in love with a Spanish officer, but her loyalty to her people was stopping her from chasing after what her heart wanted. Josephine was Isabella’s daughter but her issues were different from her mother's. Josephine was stuck between choosing her career or her love because she could not have both.
I was expecting to read Daughter of the Boricua in a single sitting and call it a day. I was invested from the very first chapter, and as the story progressed, I knew I had to slow down to savor every aspect. It was magical and entertaining beyond my imagination. I loved the mystique and the supernatural elements surrounding our protagonists. The different points of view and periods could be confusing, but they aren’t. Olivia Castillo did justice to each of the women and this allows readers to enjoy their stories. The dilemma each of them faced was relatable, believable, and humbling. The pace was perfect, the chapters flowed flawlessly, and the story was fantastic. There was suspense, romance, a little bit of heartbreak, and a lot of growth. Loved this!
Daughter of the Boricua: Songs of the Boricua is the second in the series by Olivia Castillo. When Moctezuma was dying, he cursed Hernan Cortes and his next generation of daughters. Moctezuma had no idea his daughter and her future generations would be caught up in the curse as well. The story follows three generations of women who face the consequences of their own decisions, and sometimes fate was cruel. Liani, Isabella, and Josephine were living different lives, but their goal was similar. A direct descendant of an Aztec princess, Isabella was cursed and had to learn to live with it. Liani was in love with a Spanish officer, but her loyalty to her people was stopping her from chasing after what her heart wanted. Josephine was Isabella’s daughter but her issues were different from her mother's. Josephine was stuck between choosing her career or her love because she could not have both.
I was expecting to read Daughter of the Boricua in a single sitting and call it a day. I was invested from the very first chapter, and as the story progressed, I knew I had to slow down to savor every aspect. It was magical and entertaining beyond my imagination. I loved the mystique and the supernatural elements surrounding our protagonists. The different points of view and periods could be confusing, but they aren’t. Olivia Castillo did justice to each of the women and this allows readers to enjoy their stories. The dilemma each of them faced was relatable, believable, and humbling. The pace was perfect, the chapters flowed flawlessly, and the story was fantastic. There was suspense, romance, a little bit of heartbreak, and a lot of growth. Loved this!
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