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Recommend this book:
Enticing the Earl
Kathleen Ayers
2023 Finalist
166 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
The third book of The Arrogant Earls series, Enticing the Earl focuses on Oleana Honeywell and Lord Jason Montieth. Author Kathleen Ayers portrays Oleana’s quandary as a housekeeper who doesn’t know how to do the job. She is a vicar’s widow and the owner of a large farm that her in-laws want. Her grandmother gave her a recommendation letter from the aunt of Lord Monteith, but Oleana shows up and presents the letter to the arrogant butler, Wilbert. She gains the affection of Elizabeth Monteith, and Lord Monteith notices Elizabeth’s happiness has improved; he starts to see Oleana is quite desirable, and the possibility of a romantic connection may exist. However, he knows something is off about what Oleana has told him.
Oleana’s clumsiness constantly draws unwanted attention, especially from the snide butler. Wilbert was just plain snobby, and I felt he overstepped boundaries by constantly chastising her. Carrot the cat was a wildcard, as the feline seems to use Montieth’s private study as the perfect place to hide. I loved how endearing Elizabeth appears to be; having lost her mother when she was young, she is polite and caring. Lord Montieth’s actions with Oleana increase the tension throughout the story. One moment he is passionate towards her and the next, he is berating her. Oleana’s hidden secrets become Lord Montieth’s focus and this engrossed me in the story. The supporting characters filled the house with rumors and influenced the unpredictable direction of the story. Enticing The Earl by Kathleen Ayers will capture the hearts of readers who enjoy a light read with a little dramatic content.
The third book of The Arrogant Earls series, Enticing the Earl focuses on Oleana Honeywell and Lord Jason Montieth. Author Kathleen Ayers portrays Oleana’s quandary as a housekeeper who doesn’t know how to do the job. She is a vicar’s widow and the owner of a large farm that her in-laws want. Her grandmother gave her a recommendation letter from the aunt of Lord Monteith, but Oleana shows up and presents the letter to the arrogant butler, Wilbert. She gains the affection of Elizabeth Monteith, and Lord Monteith notices Elizabeth’s happiness has improved; he starts to see Oleana is quite desirable, and the possibility of a romantic connection may exist. However, he knows something is off about what Oleana has told him.
Oleana’s clumsiness constantly draws unwanted attention, especially from the snide butler. Wilbert was just plain snobby, and I felt he overstepped boundaries by constantly chastising her. Carrot the cat was a wildcard, as the feline seems to use Montieth’s private study as the perfect place to hide. I loved how endearing Elizabeth appears to be; having lost her mother when she was young, she is polite and caring. Lord Montieth’s actions with Oleana increase the tension throughout the story. One moment he is passionate towards her and the next, he is berating her. Oleana’s hidden secrets become Lord Montieth’s focus and this engrossed me in the story. The supporting characters filled the house with rumors and influenced the unpredictable direction of the story. Enticing The Earl by Kathleen Ayers will capture the hearts of readers who enjoy a light read with a little dramatic content.
Recommend this book:
Darcy
A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Alice McVeigh
2023 Honorable Mention
326 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Alice McVeigh places us back in the Regency era with the familiar Charles Bingley considering renting Netherfield, and Jane and Elizabeth Bennet jesting about Mr. Bingley's intentions. The family is excited and hopes are high when the ball follows with the titular Mr. Darcy in attendance. The classic story is left intact with McVeigh filling in Darcy's blanks in Austenesque prose. George Wickham's arrival causes tension, Elizabeth cares for her sick sister Jane at Netherfield amidst Miss Bingley's criticism, and Darcy's defense of Elizabeth's family status emerges in conversations. Miss Bingley's aversion and Darcy's growing admiration for Elizabeth are revealed through his diary entries, as are family concerns, and eventual tensions. Darcy, however, has a dark secret that he left pining for him back in Italy. He must work through his deepening feelings for Elizabeth while trying to mitigate two potential scandals.
Alice McVeigh delivers one of the best expansions on Jane Austen's most beloved novel that I have come across in Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation. There is an onslaught of books that attempt the similar floating around there, but McVeigh succeeds as a result of prose that sings with intelligent wit and a collection of voices that sound deeply authentic. We know these characters already, and McVeigh understands and respects this. I enjoyed the murkiness of Darcy's connection to a songbird in Rome and having that in my back pocket went a long way in fleshing out his probable resistance to Elizabeth. It is through journal entries that this is revealed and, as Austen herself would have done, McVeigh sends the wonderful Colonel Fitzwilliam to Italy to try to salvage Darcy's reputation. Giuditta is a spanner I had so much fun working through, piling up on top of the familiar Lydia Bennett and the backstory of the prior Georgiana mess. The period details, dialogue, and storytelling are all spectacular, and Darcy was an absolute joy to read. Very highly recommended.
Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Alice McVeigh places us back in the Regency era with the familiar Charles Bingley considering renting Netherfield, and Jane and Elizabeth Bennet jesting about Mr. Bingley's intentions. The family is excited and hopes are high when the ball follows with the titular Mr. Darcy in attendance. The classic story is left intact with McVeigh filling in Darcy's blanks in Austenesque prose. George Wickham's arrival causes tension, Elizabeth cares for her sick sister Jane at Netherfield amidst Miss Bingley's criticism, and Darcy's defense of Elizabeth's family status emerges in conversations. Miss Bingley's aversion and Darcy's growing admiration for Elizabeth are revealed through his diary entries, as are family concerns, and eventual tensions. Darcy, however, has a dark secret that he left pining for him back in Italy. He must work through his deepening feelings for Elizabeth while trying to mitigate two potential scandals.
Alice McVeigh delivers one of the best expansions on Jane Austen's most beloved novel that I have come across in Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation. There is an onslaught of books that attempt the similar floating around there, but McVeigh succeeds as a result of prose that sings with intelligent wit and a collection of voices that sound deeply authentic. We know these characters already, and McVeigh understands and respects this. I enjoyed the murkiness of Darcy's connection to a songbird in Rome and having that in my back pocket went a long way in fleshing out his probable resistance to Elizabeth. It is through journal entries that this is revealed and, as Austen herself would have done, McVeigh sends the wonderful Colonel Fitzwilliam to Italy to try to salvage Darcy's reputation. Giuditta is a spanner I had so much fun working through, piling up on top of the familiar Lydia Bennett and the backstory of the prior Georgiana mess. The period details, dialogue, and storytelling are all spectacular, and Darcy was an absolute joy to read. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Dutiful Son
A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Kelly Miller
2023 Bronze Medal
326 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
A Dutiful Son by Kelly Miller retells the phenomenal classic Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen. This Regency variation follows the story through Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy belongs to the upper echelon of society. He has always been a loyal and dutiful son to his father. However, a change in his father's perspective on social classes and emphasis on maintaining one's high social standing makes it difficult for Darcy to navigate his relations with friends and family acquaintances. Also, his budding relationship with Elizabeth threatens his role as a son. As the story advances, Darcy wishes nothing more than his father's approval to pursue Elizabeth. His duty is on one side and love on the other.
Through this retelling of the much-loved classic romance, author Kelly Miller gives an in-depth look into the character of Mr. Darcy. The development of all the significant characters like Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana is incredible. Readers learn why Darcy is the way he is. In the original plot, we do not understand the reason behind his cold attitude toward Elizabeth, but the answers can be found in this version. It helps in understanding the complexity of his character, like why he doesn't associate with people outside the upper classes and doesn't smile like everyone at parties.
The narration presents an apt depiction of the Regency period. The vivid descriptions of the dress, music, dances, the lush green estates of the countryside, etc., create an excellent pictorial representation. It is exciting to get glimpses of people's lives from that era. It's like time-traveling into the past. The storyline has kept the essence of Austen's work intact. It also represents the prevalent class structure of the era. For instance, Elizabeth and her sisters belonged to a well-known family in Hertfordshire. Still, due to their lower status compared to Darcy and Bingley, their romantic lives were not initially smooth. Overall, this was an excellent reading experience, and I highly recommend A Dutiful Son by Kelly Miller to classic fiction fans.
A Dutiful Son by Kelly Miller retells the phenomenal classic Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen. This Regency variation follows the story through Fitzwilliam Darcy. Darcy belongs to the upper echelon of society. He has always been a loyal and dutiful son to his father. However, a change in his father's perspective on social classes and emphasis on maintaining one's high social standing makes it difficult for Darcy to navigate his relations with friends and family acquaintances. Also, his budding relationship with Elizabeth threatens his role as a son. As the story advances, Darcy wishes nothing more than his father's approval to pursue Elizabeth. His duty is on one side and love on the other.
Through this retelling of the much-loved classic romance, author Kelly Miller gives an in-depth look into the character of Mr. Darcy. The development of all the significant characters like Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana is incredible. Readers learn why Darcy is the way he is. In the original plot, we do not understand the reason behind his cold attitude toward Elizabeth, but the answers can be found in this version. It helps in understanding the complexity of his character, like why he doesn't associate with people outside the upper classes and doesn't smile like everyone at parties.
The narration presents an apt depiction of the Regency period. The vivid descriptions of the dress, music, dances, the lush green estates of the countryside, etc., create an excellent pictorial representation. It is exciting to get glimpses of people's lives from that era. It's like time-traveling into the past. The storyline has kept the essence of Austen's work intact. It also represents the prevalent class structure of the era. For instance, Elizabeth and her sisters belonged to a well-known family in Hertfordshire. Still, due to their lower status compared to Darcy and Bingley, their romantic lives were not initially smooth. Overall, this was an excellent reading experience, and I highly recommend A Dutiful Son by Kelly Miller to classic fiction fans.
Recommend this book:
Winning Her Highland Warrior
Maeve Greyson
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Winning Her Highland Warrior by Maeve Greyson is an endearing flight of fancy time-travel romance in which a brilliant microbiologist with poor social skills accidentally plunges into the murky depths of a Highland loch, only to emerge in 14th-century Scotland after being saved by a Scottish warlord. The warlord, Kane Macpherson, believes that our gal, Satia St. Clair, is of royal blood, a rare beauty in need of help, and Kane is happy to be of service. Satia tries to maintain a safe distance from this fine specimen of masculinity, and the thought of being drawn to him frightens her. She has important research to do and needs to get back to her time in 2021 to continue her work on cancer studies. Besides, she thinks that true love does not exist anywhere but in books.
Time travel involves so many technicalities so you can buy the idea that Satia tries to remain realistic despite the bizarre experience. In a romantic fantasy such as Winning Her Highland Warrior, it works. You can tell the level of diligence that went into this work judging from Maeve Greyson’s narrative and research. Satia and Kane are polar opposites that reflect the time or period where they belong. In this regard, the novel becomes more about Satia’s social anachronisms in a world saturated by ancient weapons, leather belts, and heavy Scottish accents. What’s great about this story is that it does not depend too much on the developing romance between the protagonists. Instead, Greyson throws intense conflict into the plot that truly puts Satia in a 14th-century predicament. It’s a powerful blend of plot, setting, and character that keeps you engaged. If you enjoy watching romantic fantasy films like Kate and Leopold, this novel will strongly appeal to you.
Winning Her Highland Warrior by Maeve Greyson is an endearing flight of fancy time-travel romance in which a brilliant microbiologist with poor social skills accidentally plunges into the murky depths of a Highland loch, only to emerge in 14th-century Scotland after being saved by a Scottish warlord. The warlord, Kane Macpherson, believes that our gal, Satia St. Clair, is of royal blood, a rare beauty in need of help, and Kane is happy to be of service. Satia tries to maintain a safe distance from this fine specimen of masculinity, and the thought of being drawn to him frightens her. She has important research to do and needs to get back to her time in 2021 to continue her work on cancer studies. Besides, she thinks that true love does not exist anywhere but in books.
Time travel involves so many technicalities so you can buy the idea that Satia tries to remain realistic despite the bizarre experience. In a romantic fantasy such as Winning Her Highland Warrior, it works. You can tell the level of diligence that went into this work judging from Maeve Greyson’s narrative and research. Satia and Kane are polar opposites that reflect the time or period where they belong. In this regard, the novel becomes more about Satia’s social anachronisms in a world saturated by ancient weapons, leather belts, and heavy Scottish accents. What’s great about this story is that it does not depend too much on the developing romance between the protagonists. Instead, Greyson throws intense conflict into the plot that truly puts Satia in a 14th-century predicament. It’s a powerful blend of plot, setting, and character that keeps you engaged. If you enjoy watching romantic fantasy films like Kate and Leopold, this novel will strongly appeal to you.
Recommend this book:
Master of the Dawn
A Medieval Romance
Kathryn Le Veque
2023 Gold Medal
301 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Master of the Dawn is the fifth book in the De Rayne Domination series by Kathryn Le Veque. The book is set in medieval England, filled with castles, knights, and politics. Lorica de la Beauvriere does not wish to see Sir Galen Burleson; he is rude, arrogant, and full of himself. However, Sir Galen is smitten by Lady Lorica of St. Nicholas Court, who is angelic and brilliant but has too many suitors. When Galen and Lorica find themselves bound in marriage, they cannot ignore the sparks that fly between them, but dark secrets from the past haunt them. Will their love conquer the world, or consume them?
Master of the Dawn is a delectable romance in a historical setting. The reader is transported to a world of flowing dresses and looming castles. The plot is not very complex and is driven mainly by the characters, from Galen and Lorica through to the supporting cast, and all are delightfully portrayed. I especially enjoy the bonding of Galen with the Rayne brothers. The romance is gentle and charming, with a tinge of spice, particularly within the arranged marriage, which is handled beautifully. The banter between the two main characters was an absolute delight to read and although the story moves slowly, the political intrigue keeps the book engaging. Le Veque makes the reader giggle with delight at times and grieve with the characters when sadness prevails. This is a beautiful novel with complex characters and an enchanting romance; the editing throughout is flawless. Readers who adore medieval England and epic love stories will enjoy this book, especially lovers of tales about arranged marriages. I loved Master of the Dawn and highly recommend it.
Master of the Dawn is the fifth book in the De Rayne Domination series by Kathryn Le Veque. The book is set in medieval England, filled with castles, knights, and politics. Lorica de la Beauvriere does not wish to see Sir Galen Burleson; he is rude, arrogant, and full of himself. However, Sir Galen is smitten by Lady Lorica of St. Nicholas Court, who is angelic and brilliant but has too many suitors. When Galen and Lorica find themselves bound in marriage, they cannot ignore the sparks that fly between them, but dark secrets from the past haunt them. Will their love conquer the world, or consume them?
Master of the Dawn is a delectable romance in a historical setting. The reader is transported to a world of flowing dresses and looming castles. The plot is not very complex and is driven mainly by the characters, from Galen and Lorica through to the supporting cast, and all are delightfully portrayed. I especially enjoy the bonding of Galen with the Rayne brothers. The romance is gentle and charming, with a tinge of spice, particularly within the arranged marriage, which is handled beautifully. The banter between the two main characters was an absolute delight to read and although the story moves slowly, the political intrigue keeps the book engaging. Le Veque makes the reader giggle with delight at times and grieve with the characters when sadness prevails. This is a beautiful novel with complex characters and an enchanting romance; the editing throughout is flawless. Readers who adore medieval England and epic love stories will enjoy this book, especially lovers of tales about arranged marriages. I loved Master of the Dawn and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Heart of the Highlands
The Raven Prequel
April Holthaus
2022 Finalist
215 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Set in 1529 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus follows the experiences of Adelyn Scott, a descendant of Roland de Velville, as she seeks refuge from her cousin, King James V of Scotland. Pursued by powerful men for the alleged murder of her husband, a violent and unfaithful English duke, Adelyn pleads her innocence and seeks her cousin’s help. One of the men listening to her plea is Eamon MacLeish, a personal guard and advisor to the king, whom she had met earlier. Adelyn is drawn to his kindness, a sharp contrast to her deceased husband’s selfish nature. Eamon and Adelyn work together to solve the crime she is accused of. But Eamon has a lot to lose and must choose between his loyalty to Adelyn or to the king.
In Heart of the Highlands: The Raven, April Holthaus weaves a mystery within a moving romance story between Eamon and Adelyn. The book begins with an exciting scene as Adelyn flees from her late husband’s men for King James’s castle. At first, she is refused entrance until Eamon intervenes. The feeling of anxiety for Adelyn’s fate continues throughout the book as she and Eamon try to prove her innocence. Details about the era are included and enrich the story. Adelyn's and Eamon’s interesting backgrounds are explored including Adelyn’s short time with the duke. The details provide more comprehensive descriptions of the two main characters. Various characters in the story face intriguing personal conflicts. Fans of historical mysteries and romance novellas will love reading Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus.
Set in 1529 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus follows the experiences of Adelyn Scott, a descendant of Roland de Velville, as she seeks refuge from her cousin, King James V of Scotland. Pursued by powerful men for the alleged murder of her husband, a violent and unfaithful English duke, Adelyn pleads her innocence and seeks her cousin’s help. One of the men listening to her plea is Eamon MacLeish, a personal guard and advisor to the king, whom she had met earlier. Adelyn is drawn to his kindness, a sharp contrast to her deceased husband’s selfish nature. Eamon and Adelyn work together to solve the crime she is accused of. But Eamon has a lot to lose and must choose between his loyalty to Adelyn or to the king.
In Heart of the Highlands: The Raven, April Holthaus weaves a mystery within a moving romance story between Eamon and Adelyn. The book begins with an exciting scene as Adelyn flees from her late husband’s men for King James’s castle. At first, she is refused entrance until Eamon intervenes. The feeling of anxiety for Adelyn’s fate continues throughout the book as she and Eamon try to prove her innocence. Details about the era are included and enrich the story. Adelyn's and Eamon’s interesting backgrounds are explored including Adelyn’s short time with the duke. The details provide more comprehensive descriptions of the two main characters. Various characters in the story face intriguing personal conflicts. Fans of historical mysteries and romance novellas will love reading Heart of the Highlands: The Raven by April Holthaus.
Recommend this book:
The Montesoro Legacy
Brandon Brothers - Leo
Stella Riley
2022 Honorable Mention
415 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Montesoro Legacy is the third novel in the Brandon Brothers series by Stella Riley. Leo, the youngest Brandon brother, is slowly but surely making a name for himself as a portrait painter. While he is quite successful as an artist, his luck in the romance department has not been very good. Leo was considering marriage to a young widow when he was commissioned by Sir Jerome Farrell to paint a portrait of his little sister Charlotte. There, Leo comes across Mariella (Jerome’s step-sister), and sparks fly. Somehow, Mariella has a surprise inheritance, and Jerome wants it. The only problem is that Mariella is not alone anymore. She has Leo and Leo’s family on her side now. With romance blooming between them, Leo is sure Mariella is the one, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Mariella from the clutches of Sir Jerome. Can love truly prevail over all?
What can I say, I am a sucker for a good romance, and this is exactly what I needed to feel better after some tedious days! I liked Leo, but I loved Mariella. Her story is worth reading. Her living conditions are not that great and her opportunities are few. Considering that she has a younger autistic brother to protect and keep herself out of Jerome's clutches, she was handling herself pretty well before Leo came into her life. The chemistry between Leo and Mariella is not intense; it simmers and grows as the story progresses. The readers watch their relationship bloom and then catch flame as their feelings mature. I hated Jerome with a passion and didn’t care about Charlotte, to be honest. The narrative was intense, the characters were interesting, and the overall feel of the plot was entertaining! An easy-to-read romance novel that many will love! Highly recommended.
The Montesoro Legacy is the third novel in the Brandon Brothers series by Stella Riley. Leo, the youngest Brandon brother, is slowly but surely making a name for himself as a portrait painter. While he is quite successful as an artist, his luck in the romance department has not been very good. Leo was considering marriage to a young widow when he was commissioned by Sir Jerome Farrell to paint a portrait of his little sister Charlotte. There, Leo comes across Mariella (Jerome’s step-sister), and sparks fly. Somehow, Mariella has a surprise inheritance, and Jerome wants it. The only problem is that Mariella is not alone anymore. She has Leo and Leo’s family on her side now. With romance blooming between them, Leo is sure Mariella is the one, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Mariella from the clutches of Sir Jerome. Can love truly prevail over all?
What can I say, I am a sucker for a good romance, and this is exactly what I needed to feel better after some tedious days! I liked Leo, but I loved Mariella. Her story is worth reading. Her living conditions are not that great and her opportunities are few. Considering that she has a younger autistic brother to protect and keep herself out of Jerome's clutches, she was handling herself pretty well before Leo came into her life. The chemistry between Leo and Mariella is not intense; it simmers and grows as the story progresses. The readers watch their relationship bloom and then catch flame as their feelings mature. I hated Jerome with a passion and didn’t care about Charlotte, to be honest. The narrative was intense, the characters were interesting, and the overall feel of the plot was entertaining! An easy-to-read romance novel that many will love! Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Lula Mae
Love Train Series Book 4
Charlene Raddon
2022 Bronze Medal
165 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Lula Mae: Love Train Series is a work of fiction in the historical romance and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is suited to the general reading audience owing to its sweet style and non-graphic storytelling approach and was penned by author Charlene Raddon. In this fourth novel of the Love Train series, our titular character Lula Mae has some real turmoil on her hands. Tasked with traveling all the way to Cheyenne to get her niece, Lula has nothing but her wits to survive on when a robbery leaves her broke. So when she encounters US Marshal Gannon Calloway, complications arise, especially as she’s posing as a boy whilst she travels.
Fans of Christian American fiction are sure to enjoy the adventurous trip back in time that author Charlene Raddon has gifted us with. One of the things I adored most about this novel was how clever the characters are, from Lula’s ruses and sharp dialogue when posing as Lou through to Gannon’s investigation and the search for his mysterious star witness. The love story develops sweetly and gradually with a strong emotional forefront which many readers are sure to appreciate, and it makes you feel personally attached to Lula’s journey by the end of the tale. I also loved the historical detailing, from the clothing to the customs, the laws, and the courtship ideas. Everything was accurately penned to enhance the storytelling. Overall, I would highly recommend Lula Mae for western romance readers to enjoy from cover to cover. A gem of a novel indeed!
Lula Mae: Love Train Series is a work of fiction in the historical romance and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is suited to the general reading audience owing to its sweet style and non-graphic storytelling approach and was penned by author Charlene Raddon. In this fourth novel of the Love Train series, our titular character Lula Mae has some real turmoil on her hands. Tasked with traveling all the way to Cheyenne to get her niece, Lula has nothing but her wits to survive on when a robbery leaves her broke. So when she encounters US Marshal Gannon Calloway, complications arise, especially as she’s posing as a boy whilst she travels.
Fans of Christian American fiction are sure to enjoy the adventurous trip back in time that author Charlene Raddon has gifted us with. One of the things I adored most about this novel was how clever the characters are, from Lula’s ruses and sharp dialogue when posing as Lou through to Gannon’s investigation and the search for his mysterious star witness. The love story develops sweetly and gradually with a strong emotional forefront which many readers are sure to appreciate, and it makes you feel personally attached to Lula’s journey by the end of the tale. I also loved the historical detailing, from the clothing to the customs, the laws, and the courtship ideas. Everything was accurately penned to enhance the storytelling. Overall, I would highly recommend Lula Mae for western romance readers to enjoy from cover to cover. A gem of a novel indeed!
Recommend this book:
Lily of the Valley
The Gents, #2
Sarah M. Eden
2022 Silver Medal
390 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Teresa Syms for Readers' Favorite
Lily of the Valley, The Gents, #2 is a beautiful story penned by Sarah M. Eden. Kester Barrington is determined to create a place for himself in the Royal Society. His fiendish dedication to inventing has yet to give him the ‘in’ he has hoped for. Kes’s young life was overwhelmed by the Gents, his loss from family, and the death of his dearest friend Stanley. Deep in his grief, Kes prefers the quiet and tranquility of his estate, Livingsley Hall. Kes only ventures into society when the Gents gather and pressure him into participating. Kes, the Gents, and Julia, wife of Lucas, welcome Violet Ridley and her family into their lives. Little do they know that all of them have been searching for meaning in life and peace. In accepting Violet into their group, their lives will be forever changed. A deep trust develops between Kes and Violet. They work together on a new prosthetic arm for Violet, as her left arm was amputated due to infection. Will they each find the peace they are looking for?
Sarah M. Eden has created a heart-warming historical romance book. Lily of the Valley is a beautifully written story of love, grief, friendship, and dedication. Eden’s character development is to be applauded. The reader will see each character standing in front of them in their mind as they read. Each Gent has a unique nickname given to them, which they absolutely live up to. I found it very difficult to put the book down. The story growth was perfectly laid out and exceptionally planned. The reader can envision themselves standing in the library of Livingsley Hall, searching through the vast volumes of books, as well as becoming involved in the nightly games the Gents and the Ridleys played after dining. I highly recommend Lily of the Valley by Sarah M. Eden. If you are looking for a heart-warming story of strength, love, and dedication, this is it!
Lily of the Valley, The Gents, #2 is a beautiful story penned by Sarah M. Eden. Kester Barrington is determined to create a place for himself in the Royal Society. His fiendish dedication to inventing has yet to give him the ‘in’ he has hoped for. Kes’s young life was overwhelmed by the Gents, his loss from family, and the death of his dearest friend Stanley. Deep in his grief, Kes prefers the quiet and tranquility of his estate, Livingsley Hall. Kes only ventures into society when the Gents gather and pressure him into participating. Kes, the Gents, and Julia, wife of Lucas, welcome Violet Ridley and her family into their lives. Little do they know that all of them have been searching for meaning in life and peace. In accepting Violet into their group, their lives will be forever changed. A deep trust develops between Kes and Violet. They work together on a new prosthetic arm for Violet, as her left arm was amputated due to infection. Will they each find the peace they are looking for?
Sarah M. Eden has created a heart-warming historical romance book. Lily of the Valley is a beautifully written story of love, grief, friendship, and dedication. Eden’s character development is to be applauded. The reader will see each character standing in front of them in their mind as they read. Each Gent has a unique nickname given to them, which they absolutely live up to. I found it very difficult to put the book down. The story growth was perfectly laid out and exceptionally planned. The reader can envision themselves standing in the library of Livingsley Hall, searching through the vast volumes of books, as well as becoming involved in the nightly games the Gents and the Ridleys played after dining. I highly recommend Lily of the Valley by Sarah M. Eden. If you are looking for a heart-warming story of strength, love, and dedication, this is it!
Recommend this book:
A Cold Wynter's Knight
De Reyne Domination
Kathryn Le Veque
2022 Gold Medal
386 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Adolescent love is always a dream, and Wynter Ashington felt Gage de Reyne would be the one to spend her life with. A Cold Wynter’s Knight by Kathryn Le Veque is a medieval romance story. Gage grew up as a respected knight, but when his father died, his older brother, Boothe, became the lord of Septentrion Castle. He exiled Gage. Wynter’s sixteenth birthday celebration fell short when she learned that Gage had left England without a second thought about her. Wynter and her sisters visit Durham six years later. One evening, her younger sister, Spring, convinces Wynter to sneak out to a tavern. Spring becomes extremely inebriated, and a man attempts to fondle the young woman. To her astonishment, a knight intervenes. Wynter thanks him when she recognizes his face.
Kathryn Le Veque’s accurate depiction of knights and mercenaries is astonishing compared to the historical books I have read. Wynter frustrates her sisters by refusing to think of anyone else. I wonder why her father couldn’t override tradition, so her younger sisters could proceed with their lives. I recognized how Spring attempts to manipulate Gage and Wynter so they cannot avoid each other. Gage repeatedly has his honor questioned, and the way he handles each moment is exemplary. The pace of the story makes this an easy-to-read, slow-burn romance. The vivid depictions of the surroundings made me shiver with the chill in the air. I have no qualms in admitting that I even shed tears in parts of A Cold Wynter’s Knight. Medieval romance fans will enjoy the battles and antics of the well-developed characters in this novel.
Adolescent love is always a dream, and Wynter Ashington felt Gage de Reyne would be the one to spend her life with. A Cold Wynter’s Knight by Kathryn Le Veque is a medieval romance story. Gage grew up as a respected knight, but when his father died, his older brother, Boothe, became the lord of Septentrion Castle. He exiled Gage. Wynter’s sixteenth birthday celebration fell short when she learned that Gage had left England without a second thought about her. Wynter and her sisters visit Durham six years later. One evening, her younger sister, Spring, convinces Wynter to sneak out to a tavern. Spring becomes extremely inebriated, and a man attempts to fondle the young woman. To her astonishment, a knight intervenes. Wynter thanks him when she recognizes his face.
Kathryn Le Veque’s accurate depiction of knights and mercenaries is astonishing compared to the historical books I have read. Wynter frustrates her sisters by refusing to think of anyone else. I wonder why her father couldn’t override tradition, so her younger sisters could proceed with their lives. I recognized how Spring attempts to manipulate Gage and Wynter so they cannot avoid each other. Gage repeatedly has his honor questioned, and the way he handles each moment is exemplary. The pace of the story makes this an easy-to-read, slow-burn romance. The vivid depictions of the surroundings made me shiver with the chill in the air. I have no qualms in admitting that I even shed tears in parts of A Cold Wynter’s Knight. Medieval romance fans will enjoy the battles and antics of the well-developed characters in this novel.
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