Book Review with Featured Author: A Lady Never Swears by Christina Woodham

A Lady Never Swears 

by Christina Woodham

 

 

Publisher & Release: March 19,2022

Setting:  Regency England, 1817

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 358 Pages

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Some people want order…
Aaron Reynolds never expected to return to Glenfield Park. Not even after his brother died, leaving him as the new Earl of Stanton. But when a military mission forces him to return to catch a traitorous viscount, he has to face the life he left behind. And he has to do it with an unruly woman in tow.

Some people want fun…
Peyton Walker doesn’t know how she got caught up in a military scheme, but she does know she wants out. Fast. All she has to do is help the fierce captain-turned-earl catch some bad guys while pretending she’s a born and bred lady, which would be a simple matter if there weren’t so many rules. 

And sometimes the two find they need a little of the other.
Aaron is determined to finish this mission before the ghosts of his past overwhelm him. Peyton wants to regain her freedom and have a little fun along the way. What they don’t expect is to find themselves caught up in one another, no longer certain if their connection is real or if they’re simply playing a part. All Aaron and Peyton know is that they need to catch the villain quickly before they lose their sanity… or their hearts.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Lady-Never-Swears-Have-Ever-ebook/dp/B09VDNJFVP

 

FREE for Kindle Unlimited members

 

Add to Goodreads:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60654662-a-lady-never-swears

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

I am so glad I found A Lady Never Swears by Christina Wordham. The novel has with engaging characters and fascinating plot. The pacing pulled me in and kept my attention until the end. I found this book refreshing as it’s a traditional Regency romance, and I loved returning to the glittering world of Regency England.

 

Peyton walker is our heroine, and she’s feisty, smart and determined. I liked her and wanted her to succeed. Talk about an underdog, Peyton did not have an easy childhood, and she deserves to find happiness.

 

Aaron Reynolds is the hero of this tale, and he’s carrying a lot of guilt because he has inherited his father’s title when it should have been his elder brother. Fate had other plans for Aaron. He has one final mission before he resigns his commission.

 

The romance between Aaron and Peyton has plenty of the sexual tension I adore in Regency romance. It’s a slow burn that bursts into a volcanic fire. This couple is perfect for each other, and I wanted them to find their way to each other.

 

If you enjoy a lovely Regency romance with characters you can fall in love with, and a plot that has a good bit of suspense, then you will love A Lady Never Swears as much as I did. I look forward to reading the next book in this series when it’s released. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Christina is a Northern Virginia native, making her home with her fiancé, two cats, and dog in Clifton. Writing and storytelling run in her family, and she loves sinking her teeth into new characters and plots, no matter the genre. She received her Bachelor's degree in English from Christopher Newport University in 2015, and she makes a living writing technical documents for government proposals. 

Christina is always happy to engage with fellow readers and writers and can be contacted at christina.wordham.writer@gmail.com.

 

 

Book Review with Featured Author: One Night in Beniton Hall by Iris Lim

One Night in Beniton Hall by Iris Lim

 

 

Publisher & Release: Independently published, April 5, 2022

Setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 162 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

When an arranged compromise goes awry, whom can Heather count upon to come to her rescue?

Heather Nottingham, the eldest of four daughters, has everything and nothing when it comes to making a match. When London is packed to the brim with heiresses and beauties, most gentlemen don’t bat an eye for a lady who is adequate and average in almost every single way, even if she is a viscount’s daughter.

As her second Season plods on with nary a suitor in sight, Heather’s anxious mother and overbearing aunt persuade her to set her cap for the wealthy, if untitled, young Mr. Avington. But is the flirtatious heir to the Avington fortune even ready to settle down? And what is Heather supposed to do about the quiet, searing stares of Mr. Avington’s younger brother, a man she has actually come to admire?

Iris Lim’s first formal foray into original fiction explores the fates and loves of the Nottingham sisters and the people they hold dear. Book 1 in the Avington-Nottingham Series.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Beniton-Hall-Avington-Nottingham-ebook/dp/B09H4D1HD8

Available for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60603474-one-night-in-beniton-hall?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_25

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/one-night-in-beniton-hall-by-iris-lim

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

One Night in Beniton Hall is a lovely Regency romance with endearing characters and a delightful plot. The pacing pulled into the story and kept my attention until the end. There is a lovely Regency feel to the narrative and the dialog. 

 

The heroine of this tale is Heather Nottingham, and she has many of the characteristics I look for in a Regency female protagonist. She’s a loyal daughter and sister, and her gentle manner is perfect for this genre.

 

Edgar Avington is the hero and is very much the Regency gentleman I love. He’s exemplary in every way. His tender care of Heather warmed my heart and had me in his court from the start. While Heather didn’t see his affections for her, I certainly did.

 

The romance between Heather and Edgar follows along the path of a traditional Regency, reminding of a Georgette Heyer novel, and I was a huge fan of her books many years ago and still am today. I wanted them to find their happy ending.

 

If you enjoy sweet Regency romances with characters that will pull on your heartstrings, then you will love One Night in Beniton Hall as much as I did. While recently, I’m reading historical fiction set during WWII, I’m glad I took a short break and returned to Regency England, an era I’ve loved forever. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Iris grew up reading and rereading every novel in her small family library in Southeast Asia. Her favorite authors have always included Jane Austen, C. S. Lewis, and Agatha Christie. Now, thanks to modern technology, she gets to breathe life into her own re-imaginations and forever-love for all things romance.

When she’s not writing or reading, Iris is probably wrangling her adorable twins, chilling with her husband, or burning her latest meal. She dreams every day to save up for a trip to England and to write all she can about that. She has a love-hate relationship with plot bunnies, who are alternately her greatest enemies and most beloved friends, depending on the day of the week.

Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated: http://eepurl.com/dGtZ6T

 

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006700334657

Twitter: https://twitter.com/purpleproselady

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CcYGgBWJa3y/?igshid=YTgzYjQ4ZTY=

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/iris-lim

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17452483.Iris_Lim

 

Book Review with Featured Author: A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

 

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, September 28, 2021

Setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 336 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The first in a new regency romance series about two feuding families and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.

Maddie Montgomery's family is in debt, and her hope rests on the rival Davies clan missing their yearly “pledge of goodwill,” ceding the land that separates their estates. With Maddie's teenage nemesis, Gryffud “Gryff” Davies, Earl of Powys, away, hope is in reach.

But then, Gryff shows up and is stunned that the tomboy he once teased is now a woman. When Gryff and Maddie discover contraband on their land, they realize it can benefit both families. But they've also uncovered a dangerous plot, and they need to work together to get out alive. Soon, their hatred for each other starts to feel more like attraction.

Kate Bateman brings crackling banter, steamy romance, and a dash of adventure into the first book in the Ruthless Rivals series.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reckless-Match-Ruthless-Rivals-Book-ebook/dp/B08R2JJ2P4

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-reckless-match-kate-bateman/1138462046

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-reckless-match

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kate_Bateman_A_Reckless_Match?id=sSYQEAAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Reckless-Match-Audiobook/1705039758?qid=1632667294&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=DHCT5PC948B32FYWHHHT

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56269023-a-reckless-match

BoobBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/a-reckless-match-by-kate-bateman

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman. I have voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

A Reckless Match is a well written Regency novel with endearing characters. The setting put me in the era of the Regency period. The pacing of this tale didn’t keep my attention though, until I was well into the story, which is unfortunate.

 

Maddie Montgomery is the heroine, and her determination to save her family appealed to me. While the last thing she wants to do is wed the disgusting old lecher, she will do it if she can’t find a way to get the funds to meet her father’s debts. I could feel her emotions going from hope that a Davies would not appear, and her despair when the Earl of Powyes shows up.

 

Gryff Davies is the hero, and he’s a bit dashing and debonaire. The evidence he doesn’t detest Maddie is obvious when she sees the scarf she’d lost as a young girl. The feud between the families is not strong enough to keep their attraction from surfacing whenever the pair are together.

 

The romance between Maddie and Gryff is delightful with sexual tension abounding between the pair. I enjoyed watching them fight the forbidden attraction. I wanted the couple to find a way to be together.

 

This is what didn’t work for me. As I mentioned previously, the pacing took me until I reached the middle of the story. If I hadn’t agreed to read the complimentary copy, I would have given up and not finished the book. However, I’m glad I did because the second half picked up dramatically and pulled into the characters and the plot.

 

If you enjoy historical romances set in the Regency period with engaging characters, I encourage you to hang in there, because as the story progresses, you’ll fall in love with the hero and heroine. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of Regency, Victorian, and Renaissance historical romances. All her books feature her favorite feisty, intelligent heroines, (badasses in bodices!) wickedly inappropriate banter, and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss...

Her Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, was a 2019 RITA® Finalist for Historical Romance. 

Kate wrote her first historical romance in response to a $1 bet with her husband who rashly claimed she'd 'never finish the thing.' She gleefully proved him wrong. When not traveling to exotic locations 'for research', she leads a not-so-secret double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK, each of which has up to 2.5 million viewers. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England, and writes despite three inexhaustible children /monsters and a number-loving husband who still owes her that dollar.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://www.kcbateman.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katebateman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_bateman/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kcbateman1/_saved/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-bateman-d2c2c72e-b329-4ed9-afa8-dbe5b9a2291c

Goodreads: https://smile.amazon.com/Kate-Bateman/e/B07XBTRNBT?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

 

 

Book Review with Featured Author: The Liar's Child by Sheryl Browne

The Liar’s Child by Sheryl Browne

 

Publisher & Release: Bookouture, September 21, 2021

Setting:  Worcester, England

Genre: Psychological Fiction

Length: 359 Pages

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…

When I pick my beloved daughter Poppy up from school one afternoon, my mind races when I see the little girl holding Poppy’s hand. With the same heart-shaped face, long brown hair and dark eyes, the two girls look identical. In fact, they look like sisters.

Is the secret I’ve been holding on to for so long about to be revealed? 

That night, I cuddle Poppy even harder, desperately trying to decide what to do. And then my husband’s phone vibrates. A message. And then another. And another. All from a number I don’t recognise.

Is someone going to tell my husband what I did? Could I be about to lose everything I have worked so hard to protect?

But I’ve spent so long hiding the truth, I never stopped to wonder if I was the only liar in the family… The only thing I’m sure of is that nobody is going to take my child away from me.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Liars-Child-gripping-nail-biting-psychological-ebook/dp/B09BB9MZFM

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-liars-child-sheryl-browne/1139987775

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-liar-s-child-2

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sheryl_Browne_The_Liar_s_Child?id=LTs6EAAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Liars-Child-Audiobook/B09FQF1DFB?qid=1631456218&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=05D30CRJ8FBAMKRFR6ZS

 

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58658132-the-liar-s-child

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-liar-s-child-a-totally-gripping-and-nail-biting-psychological-thriller-by-sheryl-browne

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of The Liar’s Child by Sheryl Browne. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

The Liar’s Child is a novel with plenty of twists and turns which leads to a climax full of surprises. The plot is enhanced by the complex relationships between the characters makes this an intriguing tale. The pacing pulled me from the start and kept me enthralled to the end. This was a very hard book to put down.

 

Kay Young is the primary protagonist, and her immense love for her sick daughter had me rooting for her right away. She feels a deep abiding love for her husband, but as events play out, her conviction in that love is shaken. I could feel her pain and confusion that what seems to be true goes against all that she thought she knew about her him. Then add in a recurring dream plaguing her, no wonder she’s frightened and confused. It’s the last thing she needs on top of her fears for her child’s life.

 

Matt is the primary male protagonist, and he’s as confused as his wife. Mad with fear for their daughter and the suspicion regarding his brother and what might have happened between Kay and Jason at a wedding they attended years before, it’s no surprise he feels like his life is falling apart.

 

What starts as an unshakeable love for each other, turns into a marriage falling apart. Each are being played by a woman using a different name. Kay knows her as Amanda, a student in her class at the college where she teaches, and Matt, a doctor specializing in neonatal medicine, believes she’s a nurse at the hospital named Rachel. There’s some astonishing gaslighting going on in this tale of woe.

 

Next, Kay meets the little girl who has become her daughter’s best friend. Olivia is a mirror image of Poppy! Knowing this was only possible if the girls shared the same father. This has her questioning her husband’s fidelity. Never in a million years would she have imagined Matt would be unfaithful and possibly abandoned his own child.

 

If you enjoy a story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting to find out how all the parts fit together, then you will love The Liar’s Child as much as I did. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Bestselling Author, Sheryl Browne, writes taut, twisty psychological thriller. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies where she completed her MA in Creative Writing. Sheryl has also obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Science and – according to readers – she makes an excellent psychopath. Sheryl’s latest psychological thriller THE LIAR'S CHILD comes to you from fabulous BOOKOUTURE. Her previous works include eight previous psychological thrillers, all with Bookouture, and the DI Matthew Adams Crime Thriller series, along with contemporary fiction novels, The Rest of My Life and Learning to Love published by ChocLit.

Sheryl lives in Worcestershire UK with her husband and her rescue dogs, Brie and Pablo. She expects her family to grow, however. imminent arrivals being other rescue dogs with disabilities who need that extra special bit of love and care.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://sherylbrowne.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherylBrowne.Author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SherylBrowne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheryl.browne/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sherylbrowne/_saved/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sheryl-browne

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5456781.Sheryl_Browne

 

Book Review with Featured Author: The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes

The dishonored Viscount 

by Sophie Barnes

 

Publisher & Release: Independently Published, September 21, 2021

Setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 246 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

He knows he doesn’t deserve her, yet he can’t get her out of his mind…

Stripped of his title because of a crime his father committed, Marcus Berkly has struggled to find a new place for himself in the world. Now, as London’s most skilled eye-surgeon, he dedicates his time to his patients while steering clear of Society. Until a chance encounter with a determined young woman upends his life.

When Lady Louise discovers that Mr. Berkly’s surgical method could save her from permanent blindness, she decides to enlist his help. Against her father’s direct orders, she takes charge of her fate, and falls desperately in love in the process. But can a proper lady and an ill-reputed scoundrel have a future together? Or are the odds against them simply too great?

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Dishonored-Viscount-Diamonds-Rough-ebook/dp/B08SGLVWRH

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dishonored-viscount-sophie-barnes/1138584099

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-dishonored-viscount

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sophie_Barnes_The_Dishonored_Viscount?id=ZegrEAAAQBAJ

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56612193-the-dishonored-viscount

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-dishonored-viscount-diamonds-in-the-rough-8-by-sophie-barnes

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of The Dishonored Viscount by Sophie Barnes. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

The Dishonored Viscount is a well written novel with compelling characters and an absorbing plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page to the last. The unique aspects of this story kept me reading to find out how it would resolve.

 

Lady Louise is the heroine, and she captured my heart right away. She had such a heavy burden to bear that could have crippled her, but her bravery makes her strong as she faces the possibility of losing her sight forever. 

 

Her difficult relationship with her parents adds to her fears, but her courage and determination to circumvent her father’s control is amazing. As the attraction for the hero grows while she recovers from her surgery, they get to know each other, and  her growing affection for Marcus frightens her, but she is unable to fight it.

 

Marcus Berkly is the hero, and he’s such as amazing character. He has fought to find a place of respect, after living under his father’s scandal. At last, his skill as an eye surgeon has brought him acclaim, and he devotes his time to caring for his patients. I admired his determination, his humility, and his integrity. After the shadow he’s lived under, he’s amazingly resilient.

 

As he gets to know Lady Louise, he realizes his affections are growing into love, and believing he’s too far below her, he fights his attraction by trying to stay away from her. Ms. Barnes shows his frustration and heartache at never being enough, and his unwarranted believe he’s unworthy of Lady Louise is so sad, it brought tears to my eyes. 

 

The romance between Lady Louise and Marcus develops slowly as both characters fight their growing attraction. I could feel their despair, each believing their love unrequited. They are so perfect for each other, and I wanted them to find a way for their love to flourish against the odds stacked against them.

 

If you enjoy historical romance with more substance and depth than others in this genre, then you will love The Dishonored Viscount as much as I did. Ms. Barnes’ novel are always compelling love stories with characters that will touch one’s heart. I’m so glad I had an opportunity to read this intriguing novel. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian.

She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing.

When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.

 

Social Media:

Website: https://www.sophiebarnes.com/sb/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophieBarnes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarnesSophie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiebarnesromancewriter/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sophiebarnes/_saved/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sophie-barnes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5400052.Sophie_Barnes

 

Book Review with Featured Author: The Secrets of Latimer House by Jules Wake

The Secrets of Latimer House 

by Jules Wake

 

Publisher & Release: One More Chapter, Harper Collins, August 30, 2021

Setting:  WWII 1943, England

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length:  Full Length

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In the war against Hitler every secret counts…

 

Society heiress Evelyn Brooke-Edwards is a skilled interrogator – her beauty making her a non-threat in the eyes of the prisoners.

Farm girl Betty Connors may not be able to type as she claimed, but her crack analytical skills soon find her unearthing covert connections.

German ex-pat Judith Stern never expected to find herself listening in to German POW’s whispered conversations, but the Nazis took her father from her so she will do whatever it takes to help the Allies end this war.

Billeted together in the attic of Latimer House – a place where secrets abound – Evelyn, Betty and Judith soon form a bond of friendship that carries them through the war. Because nothing is stronger than women united.

Tucked away in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Latimer House, a grand country estate, stands proudly – a witness to some of greatest secrets of WW2.

Used by the SOE to hold Nazi prisoners of war, this stunning historical novel is inspired by the untold story of the secret listeners of ‘M Room’ who worked day and night to help the Allies win the war. A must-read for fans of Dinah Jefferies, Fiona Valpy, Elaine Everest, Jean Fullerton and Deborah Burrowes.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Secrets-Latimer-House-gripping-historical-ebook/dp/B093D2DCJ7

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secrets-of-latimer-house-jules-wake/1139348297

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-secrets-of-latimer-house

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jules_Wake_The_Secrets_of_Latimer_House?id=qAkrEAAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Secrets-of-Latimer-House-Audiobook/B09DGNX2PW?qid=1630325006&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=GV9V35GFCMG55SX1864Y

 

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58181149-the-secrets-of-latimer-house

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-secrets-of-latimer-house-by-jules-wake

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of The Secrets of Latimer House by Jules Wake. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

The Secrets of Latimer House is a well written novel, and the central theme is based in part on a true historical fact regarding the “M Room”, and I enjoyed that. However, the execution of this was a bit superficial. The basis of the story is the friendship between three young women and how the war affected them with a great deal of emphasis on their love life.

 

Whenever multiple characters are primary, the depth of them is less than what is found in most novels, whether they are historical fiction or romance. It becomes a bit convoluted to follow multiple characters. It helped that the three women come from vastly different backgrounds.

 

While I enjoyed the romantic elements involving the three women, there wasn’t as much heart pounding action I’ve come to expect in most of the WWII novels I read, and I’ve read quite a few of them this year.

 

If you enjoy historical fiction set during WWII with engaging characters and an interesting plot, then you will like The Secrets of Latimer House. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Wake, and from what I can tell, her other works are romances, which explains why this novel leans heavily on that aspect of the story. I love romance, but the book description is a bit misleading since it focuses on the women and their work at Latimer House. Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable read, and I will check out the author’s other books. Several of the book descriptions sound delightful. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

Jules Wake's earliest known declaration that she planned to be a writer came at the age of ten. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands, taking journalists on press trips to awful places like Turin, Milan, Geneva, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and occasionally losing the odd member of the press in an airport. It gave her the opportunity to eat amazing food, drink free alcohol as well as providing opportunities to hone her writing skills on press releases and to research European cities for her books.

Eventually the voices in her head persuaded her it was time to sit down and write the novel she'd always talked about. Her debut novel in 2014, was quickly followed by the bestselling From Italy With Love, published by One More Chapter, HarperCollins, which reached number 1 in the Amazon Kindle charts. 

 

Social Media:

Website: http://juleswake.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.wake

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Book Review with Featured Author: Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

 

Publisher & Release: Berkley, August 24, 2021

Setting:  Regency England

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 316 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The brooding, illegitimate son of a duke meets his match in the determined woman hired to transform him into a gentleman from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell—perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Rafe Audley lives to thwart his father, the Duke of Bentley. The ne’er do well who abandoned his children claims he wants to make up for his failures, but Rafe only cares about protecting the people of his mining community and providing for his three siblings, who've been his sole responsibility since childhood. So far, Rafe has turned away the duke's man of affairs, solicitor, and other interlopers, until the clever duke sends the unlikeliest of people to convince Rafe to join English High Society—a bold and intriguing woman.

Edwina Dalrymple has never failed a charge. She's quite adept at successfully transforming young women of the gentry and daughters of newly minted lords to take their place in society. Taming a bastard son of a duke will be child's play, plus this job promises to enhance her reputation within the ton. All she has to do is fetch the wayward Rafe and groom him to be presentable to Polite Society. 

As the tenacious teacher and her domineering, stubborn, refuses-to-be-taught pupil engage in a fiery battle of wills, their chemistry ignites and the true lesson becomes clear: opposites attract and hearts must be heard.

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Along-Came-Lady-Dukes-Sins-ebook/dp/B08TTWF6VB

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/along-came-a-lady-christi-caldwell/1138668537

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/along-came-a-lady

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christi_Caldwell_Along_Came_a_Lady?id=8bMWEAAAQBAJ

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Along-Came-a-Lady-Audiobook/0593458273?qid=1629401241&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=850HKKPBFDJ5847DFJFA

 

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56982982-along-came-a-lady

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/along-came-a-lady-by-christi-caldwell

 

Vikki’s Musings

 

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this emotional novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

 

Along Came a Lady is another well-written Regency romance with delightful characters and a heartfelt plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and held my attention to the last, and there’s no slow-down in the middle!

 

Edwina Dalrymple is the lovely heroine. She’d had to find a path professionally that will give her access to the ton as a woman who can train young debutantes to face the rigors of high society. Because of her illegitimacy, she carries a lot of shame and doesn’t believe she can fit in anywhere. I could feel her emotions and sympathized with her. I loved her grit and her never take no for an answer!

 

Rafe Audley is the hero, and his loyalty to his family won me over right away. He’s had to carve out a place of importance as a foreman in the coal mine. When his powerful father finds a way to circumvent his determination to never give in to the man who sired him and abandoned him and his sibling, my heart went out to him.

 

The romance between Edwina and Rafe is sweet and grows into what I believe is an abiding love. Another aspect of this romantic tale is the sexual tension between the pair. I love this in Regency romance. I truly wanted them to find their way to each other. This is difficult since both suffer from feelings of abandonment and find it nearly impossible to trust anyone. At least Rafe has his siblings who support and love him. Edwina has no one.

 

If you enjoy Regency romance with endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot, then you will love Along Came a Lady. Ms. Caldwell is an amazing author. I have yet to read one of her books that didn’t pull on my heartstrings. Happy reading!

 

Author Bio:

 

USA TODAY Bestselling, RITA-nominated author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well-deserved happily ever after! 

Christi makes her home in southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances and caring for her three spirited children! 

If you'd like the latest information about Christi's releases, future books, and free bonus material, be sure and subscribe to her newsletter! 

 

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