Robin Loves Reading: anthology

Showing posts with label anthology. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Review - Easter Egg Murder

Title: Easter Egg Murder

Author: Leslie Meier; Lee Hollis; Peggy Ehrhart

Series: Lucy Stone Mystery #31.6;

Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries; Knit & Nibble Mysteries

Genre: Cozy Mystery Anthology

Publisher: Kensington Books

Format: Kindle ARC

No. of pages: 368

Published: February 24, 2026

My Rating: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Light pink, robin’s egg blue, daffodil yellow, mint green—Easter eggs hiding sweet treats come in every pastel color. But in a few small towns this year, cracking them could be more fatal than fun…

EASTER EGG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER

In Provence to visit her daughter, part-time reporter Lucy Stone is soaking up the atmosphere, even if it includes one Carole Capobianco, the empty-nester she encountered on the flight over. Not exactly two peas in a pod, they’re both amused by the tale of a neighbor’s chickens refusing to lay eggs. The decoy eggs he’s set out to encourage the egg-centric hens are not only gorgeously Faberge-style, they’re being stolen! That’s confusing enough, but what’s happened to the cook is deadly serious.

DEATH BY ANOTHER EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS

When an ambitious young reporter dies mid-meal at Hayley Powell’s Bar Harbor restaurant, Hayley is horrified. Determined to save her eatery’s reputation, Hayley scrambles to crack the case wide open like an egg, discovering that the victim was about to break a juicy story—one that a number of people (er, suspects) did not order off the menu. Which makes finding the killer more than devilishly hard . . .

AN EGGY WAY TO DIE by PEGGY EHRHART

Cleaning up after the Easter egg hunt in the Arborville park, friends Pamela and Bettina are startled to find something else hidden—the dead body of a local cookbook author, surrounded by broken shells and slippery yolks. The pair are far from hard-boiled detectives, but as they search for clues, they find that the whole case smells distinctly like rotten eggs . . .

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

EASTER EGG MURDER by LESLIE MEIER

As a long-time reader and lover of the Lucy Stone series, I loved this quick novella. In this quick read, Lucy and her husband Bill travel to Paris to visit their daughter Elizabeth. As has always been the case with Lucy, there is a crime involved while she is in Paris and she shows off her skills when it comes to unearthing killers.

DEATH BY ANOTHER EASTER EGG by LEE HOLLIS

In this novella, I was introduced to Hayley Powell. When a murder occurs in her restaurant, she excels when it comes to solving the murder. This story is extra sweet as recipes are included.

AN EGGY WAY TO DIE by PEGGY EHRHART

Another Easter story in this anthology introduces Pamela and Bettina to me, and they are instrumental when it comes to solving a murder.

While Ehrhart and Hollis are newcomers to me, the stories were captivating enough to compel me to want to visit and read each series. Regarding Meier’s story, as a Lucy Stone enthusiast, I’m eager to explore her works whenever I have the opportunity.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I started writing in the late ‘80s when I was attending graduate classes at Bridgewater State College. I wanted to become certified to teach high school English and one of the required courses was Writing and the Teaching of Writing. My professor suggested that one of the papers I wrote for that course was good enough to be published and I sent it off to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine’s Department of First Stories. I got $100 for the story and I’ve been writing ever since. The teaching, however, didn’t work out.

My books draw heavily on my experience as a mother of three and my work as a reporter for various weekly newspapers on Cape . My heroine, Lucy Stone, is a reporter in the fictional town of Tinker’s Cove, Maine, where she lives in an old farmhouse (quite similar to mine on Cape Cod!) with her restoration carpenter husband Bill and four children. As the series has progressed the kids have grown older, roughly paralleling my own family. We seem to have reached a point beyond which Lucy cannot age–my editor seems to want her to remain forty-something forever, though I have to admit I personally am dying to write “Menopause is Murder!”

I usually write one Lucy Stone mystery every year and as you can tell, my editor likes me to feature the holidays in my books. Of course Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and my newest mystery “Eggnog Murder,” is included in an anthology with two other Christmas novellas by Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis. I’ve long been a fan of the classic English country house mystery, and was a faithful watcher of “Downton Abbey,” so I couldn’t resist trying to write one. I think I succeeded rather well, if I do say so myself, with “British Manor Murder,” which came out in October, 2016.

My books are classified as “cozies” but a good friend insists they are really “comedies of manners” and I do enjoy expressing my view of contemporary American life.

Now that the kids are grown — we have five fabulous grandchildren — my husband and I are enjoying dividing our time between Braintree and Cape Cod, along with our cat, Sylvester.

Find Her: Goodreads / Twitter / Web

Holly Simason is an award winning food and cocktails columnist who worked for the Mount Desert Islander newspaper in Bar Harbor, Maine for ten years. While working at the paper, she won her first award for her column in 2010. It was at that point her brother Rick Copp saw an opportunity. He writes mysteries and she writes recipes. Combine the two for a new book series. They would write under a pen name comprised of their middle names “Lee” and “Hollis”. And the successful Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery series was born. Holly now resides on the Crystal Coast in North Carolina where she continues to write the popular series with her brother. She is also busy creating and testing new recipes for a future Hayley Powell cookbook. Holly continues to visit her home town of Bar Harbor every summer where the series is set to reconnect with friends and keep her Maine roots intact. Any similarities between her and Hayley Powell are strictly coincidental.

Rick Copp is a veteran TV and Film scriptwriter whose many credits include The Golden Girls, Wings, Teen Titans, The Brady Bunch Movie, Scooby Doo, Barbershop among many others. Currently he writes, produces and stars in the hit web series Where the Bears Are. In 2003, he wrote his first comedic murder mystery The Actor’s Guide to Murder, which was followed by two sequels. He also penned a 2007 stand alone novel Fingerprints & Facelifts and a 2010 graphic novel Celebrity Zombie Killers. Once he read his sister’s food and cocktails column, he became an instant fan of her recipes and it was his editor at Kensington Publishing who first suggested a cozy mystery series with recipes featuring an intrepid food columnist with a nose for crime solving. Rick bounces back and forth between LA where he continues to work on TV and film projects and Palm Springs, California where he writes the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series.

https://www.leehollismysteries.com/

Peggy Ehrhart is a former English professor with a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature who now writes mysteries. Her publications include a prize-winning nonfiction book; she has also won awards for her short fiction. Her blues mystery series, featuring blues singer "Maxx" Maxwell, was inspired by her guitar-playing hobby. She currently writes the very cozy Knit & Nibble mystery series for Kensington Books, featuring amateur sleuth Pamela Paterson, founder and mainstay of the Knit and Nibble knitting club in charming Arborville, New Jersey.

http://www.peggyehrhart.com/

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Review - Love Comes in Small Packages

Title: Love Comes in Small Packages

Author: Lori Foster; Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle ARC

No. of Pages: 224

Date of Publication: March 31, 2026

My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A heartwarming duo of tales about unexpected love and family, from the bonds of sisterhood to the magic of friends to lovers, and the joys of infants and fur babies, plus all the surprises romance has to offer, even amid life’s missteps . . .

THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE * LORI FOSTER

Compared to her smart, responsible twin, Laylee has always been labeled the party girl sister. Now she’s really screwed up by finding herself possibly accidentally pregnant, and definitely not in love. With her sister away on her honeymoon, Laylee’s only confidant is her guy friend, Knox. There’s mutual attraction there, yet they’ve been tiptoeing around it. But telling Knox everything may change . . . well, everything. Especially amid a comedy of pregnancy test errors, a robbery, a cat rescue mission—and the realization that Knox sees her as so much more than a pretty face . . . .

THE RANCHER’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY * MAISEY YATES

Ellie Jones helplessly watched her beloved sister, Sarah, spiral into addiction in high school, thanks to her toxic relationship with Ty Porter. Ellie, now a teacher, hasn’t seen Sarah in over a year when she gets a call from Child Protective Services that Sarah has a baby—and she’s surrendered her parental rights. Ellie races to the hospital, but someone’s beat her to rodeo champion Clark Porter, the baby’s uncle. Clark’s a good man and he’ll be damned if his niece grows up without him. Until they find a custody solution, Ellie will just have to move into his ranch house. Temporarily. Obviously. Except that they’re attracted to each other. Risking the unconventional family they’re creating is the last thing they need. Then again, if what they feel is deeper than attraction, it may be what they need most . . .

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE * LORI FOSTER

Laylee suspects she might be pregnant, and her first thought is to share this news with her twin sister, Laura. Unfortunately, Laura is currently away on her honeymoon. Laylee now knows Knox through marriage and, before long, they start spending more time together. There’s definitely a strong connection between them. However, Laylee is concerned about how Knox would react to her potential pregnancy. Their story unfolds rapidly, but it’s filled with heartwarming moments. From friendship to chemistry to love, Lori Foster’s story is sure to warm your heart.

THE RANCHER’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY * MAISEY YATES

“Walked into that hospital as two single people and walked out as parents..”

Clark Porter and Ellie Parks, siblings to both parents of a newborn, make the heartfelt decision to adopt the baby that neither want to give up. As co-parents, they will embark on a journey of navigating their lives together. Despite a shared past, reconnecting now that they have a new niece, Marjorie, is bound to alter their lives forever. It soon becomes apparent that Marjorie is not the only link between them. In fact, Clark and Ellie share a chemistry that demands exploration. This heartwarming and tender story is a delightful read.

Lori Foster is my favorite author, so this book was an easy choice for me. I love that the proceeds from this anthology go toward helping pets in animal shelters. Although I received this as a review copy, I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy for my keeper shelf.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Foster is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author with over 10 million books sold. She received the Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews and her books have been chosen as editors picks by Amazon multiple times. Foster is actively involved in charity work, and all of the author proceeds from her anthologies have gone to various organizations, such as the Animal Adoption Foundation, the Conductive Learning Center, and One Way Farm. She lives in Ohio with her high school sweetheart.

web / facebook / twitter / Instagram / pinterest / goodreads

New York Times Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

Social Links:Author Website
Twitter: @maiseyyates
Facebook:@MaiseyYates.Author
Instagram: @maiseyyates

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Review - Lilac Time

Title: Lilac Time

Authors: Fern Michaels, Lori Foster,

Carolyn Brown

Publisher: Kensington

Genre: Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format: Kindle ARC

No. of Pages: 320

Date of Publication: April 29, 2025

My Rating: 4 Stars

SWEET AS HONEY * Fern Michaels

Natalie Simmons is through with pining over her ex. If only her efforts to be social again didn’t lead to repeated run-ins with an infuriating beekeeper at the local farmer’s market. Yet Garrett keeps buzzing around. And as Natalie watches his patience and dedication in tending his hives, she begins to wonder if life has a sweet surprise in store.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED * Lori Foster

Annabeth can see that her neighbor’s handsome nephew, Devlin, has his hands full, raising his little girl single-handed. Yet though his life is frazzled, it’s full of the kind of joy and togetherness she longs for. And when Devlin’s daughter and Annabeth’s tiny dog fall hard for each other, it might be the start of more than one beautiful friendship.

THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown

Jenna Stewart loves gathering at her Texas lakeside cabin with her girlfriends. It’s an annual tradition to reconnect with the women who helped her deal with her mother’s passing along with the end of her marriage. But this year, lives are changing, dreams are evolving. And perhaps Jenna’s heart has healed enough to welcome a new love that arrives with the first flowers of spring . . .

- - - - -

SWEET AS HONEY * Fern Michaels

Healing a broken heart while helping her father mend a broken hip provides Natalie with the perfect distraction. In fact, it doesn’t take long for her to realize that her heart wasn’t truly broken after all. Could a certain beekeeper find his way into her heart? Despite her initial reservations, Natalie can’t help but be drawn to Garrett. This story goes beyond simply being impressed with Garrett’s beekeeping skills and honey-making process. In this charming novella, Natalie’s compassionate nature shines through, and it’s easy to hope for her to find her own sweet and happy ending.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED * Lori Foster

AnnaBeth, with her unfortunate past, has always yearned for a family of her own. Devlin, with his sweet little girl Mia, captures her heart. This touching story demonstrates that tragedy can blossom into hope. What Devlin and Mia have experienced has shown this to be the case. I thoroughly enjoyed the unfolding of this sweet romance, particularly the unconditional love that Mia embodies.

THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown

Sparks fly instantly when Jenna and Carson meet, especially considering their shared history. This heartwarming romance includes the bonds of friendship as well as grief counseling, giving this book an emotional edge. While this was undoubtedly a wonderful romance, a tragic past and hidden secrets could have easily derailed everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed all three stories in this delightful anthology. It’s no surprise that each novella would have a happy ending. These heartwarming stories have an emotional depth that makes them a quick and enjoyable read.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Fern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.

As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.

I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.

web | facebook | twitter

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught.

A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job.

She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children.—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young.

When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.

web | facebook | twitter

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Review - The Two of Us

Title: The Two of Us

Author: Lori Foster; Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle ARC

No. of Pages: 256

Date of Publication: March 25, 2025

My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a rescue dog and their ability to bring people together as these meant-to-be-couples are about to find out in these brand-new sweet and romantic tales from bestselling authors Lori Foster and Maisey Yates.

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER

Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destine . . .

Who is the odd couple in this delightful novella by Lori Foster?

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES

Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

THE ODD COUPLE

Ford Caruso, a pharmaceutical representative, can’t help but be captivated by his neighbor Skye Fairchild’s stunning beauty. Despite having close friends, Ford yearns for a special someone in his life. When he agrees to a favor for the charming and gorgeous Skye, an undeniable spark ignites between them. As their relationship blossoms, I found myself deeply rooting for both Skye and Ford. Additionally, the two dogs they both chose added a touch of warmth and heart to the story.

FORCE OF NATURE

Remington Lane, a broken man, struggles to trust love. He adores Lydia Clay’s family, who rescued him. But Lydia Clay herself? Can he envision a future with her? On the other hand, Lydia Clay is a compassionate soul, and her love for animals is truly commendable. Seeking love of her own, she can’t help but wonder if Remington Lane could be the one. This novella skillfully weaves a blend of seriousness and steaminess, making it an excellent read.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Review - Send Her Back and Other Stories

Title: Send Her Back and Other Stories

Author: Munashe Kaseke

Publisher: Mukana Press

Genre: Essays

Format: Audiobook ARC

No. of Pages: 204

Date of Publication: July 25, 2022

My Rating:

DESCRIPTION:

In Send Her Back and Other Stories, Munashe Kaseke offers an awfully intimate, fresh telling of the immigrant black woman experience in the United States, equally awash with a myriad of challenges as well as the joys of exploring a new world. With sumptuous candor, her complicated, and often tangled, female Zimbabwean protagonists navigate issues of identity, microaggressions, and sexism in vibrant and indelible settings, and at times a tense US political climate. Yet again, these are not only stories of overcoming, they're also marked by characters who've risen to the top of their professional fields, seized the American dream, and who travel the world in glee. Kaseke peels back on the inner wranglings of characters caught between two worlds be it by stories of dating outside one's culture and race or failing to assimilate upon returning home after spending time abroad. Uncanny. Hilarious. Witty. Gripping. Send Her Back and Other Stories dazzles, leaving you newly awakened to the world we live in.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

This book of Essays covers experiences that the author, Munashe Kaseke, experienced during he life. Unrelenting racism and sexism were normal for her and also lack of recognition Struggling to stay in America while trying to earn a degree, a student visa is what helped her to stay and fight.

Reading this immigrant experience from this perspective and in short story format was truly eye opening. A woman from Zimbabwe trying to make it in American with fight after fight. This novel had sixteen stories written as essays and they were all linked in one way or another. POVs change from first person to third person, but remained interesting throughout.

Many thanks to Makuna Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Review - In Bloom

Title: In Bloom

Authors: Fern Michaels, Carolyn Brown,

Lori Foster

Publisher: Zebra Books

Genre: Women's Fiction; Romance

Format: Kindle ARC

No. of Pages: 291

Date of Publication: April 26, 2022

My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels—one of the most beloved authors of our time—is joined by two New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors in a spring-themed anthology of touching, uplifting stories about love, family, motherhood, and homecomings.

AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels

After years spent traveling the world as a flight attendant, Gracie Walden is ready to stay a little closer to her roots, starting with two weeks at home in Amarillo, Texas. But there’s unexpected turbulence between her mother, Ella, and her older sister, Hope—and it will lead to a revelation that changes Gracie’s life in amazing ways . . .

THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown

Monica Allen still hasn’t forgiven Tyler Magee for breaking her heart when they were teenagers. Ten years on, they’re back in Luella, Texas, visiting their respective grandmothers. and there’s just a white picket fence and a whole lot of awkwardness between them. Will two weeks be long enough for Monica to learn to stop holding a grudge—and hold on to love?

MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster

When Cory Creed was just a little girl, she knew she’d grow up to marry Austin Winston—and she made the mistake of telling him so. Tired of watching him avoid her ever since, Cory has decided it’s time to leave Visitation, North Carolina, and Austin, behind. But Austin has finally realized what Cory was once so sure of, and now it’s his turn to prove they belong together . . . with a little help from their mothers.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Three amazing authors come together in this warm and engaging antholopgy that demonstrates the power of love and family. The common theme in this book is Mother's Day.

AMAZING GRACIE * Fern Michaels

I have only read a couple of Fern Michaels books before reading her novella. and this was the perfect read to bring this talented author back into my purview. In this warm story, secrets and love seem in stark contrast for Gracie Walden, a flight attendant whp has taken some time off. She hopes to reconnect with her mother and sister, and to sort out some issues of her past.

THE MOTHER’S DAY CROWN * Carolyn Brown

Neighboring grandmothers Dottie and Winnie play roles as charming matchmakers for their grandchildren Monica and Tyler. Getting Monica and Tyler to be in town at the same time proved difficult before. With Dottie and Winnie moving into a retirement home, both Monica and Tyler are needed to sort out the houses where they lived. This second-chance romance gets a boost from these two meddling, but well-meaning grannies. Everyone in this story was a true delight as love proved to be the ultimate prize.

MEANT TO BE * Lori Foster

As a long-time fan of Lori Foster's, I loved Meant to Be. It only took a few words for me to recognize Visitation, North Carolina, as the setting. In fact, Say No To Joe, 2003, came to mind. I have easly read thousands of books since that title, but Joe, an alpha male, is still near and dear to my heart. Thank you, Lori Foster, for bringing Joe Winston and other favorite characters like Jamie and Faith back. In this novella, Meant to Be, we have Austin as an adult, a construction worker who finds his happily ever after with Cory.

Many thanks to Zebra Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

web | facebook | twitter

* * *

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She lives in Central Ohio where coffee helps her keep up with her cats and grandkids between writing books. For more about Lori, visit her website at www.lorifoster.com, like her on Facebook or find her on Twitter, @lorilfoster.

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* * *

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Thursday, September 30, 2021

Review - Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Title: Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Author: Suzanne Enoch, Amelia Grey, Anna Bennett

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Kindle ARC

No. of Pages: 344

Date of Publication: September 28, 2021

My Rating: 4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In GREAT SCOT by Suzanne Enoch, Jane Bansil knows she will never have a fairy-tale life. But even at three-and-thirty and well past marriageable age, though, she has to admit that the architect the MacTaggerts have hired could turn even a confirmed spinster’s head.

In CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW by Amelia Grey, Isabelle Reed has no plans to ever fall in love. Certainly not with Gate, a man who doesn’t live in Dewberry Hollow. She will fulfill her duty and help him keep his promise to have his ill grandfather back in London in time for Christmas dinner. The last thing Isabelle wants is for Gate to take her heart with him when he goes.

In MY MISTLETOE BEAU by Anna Bennett, Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish earl who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch and pretending to date the earl for the Christmas season.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

GREAT SCOT

Jane Bansil proved instrumental when it came to helping her cousin find her happily ever after. However, this is not something that she ever sees happening for herself. Taking employment as her aunt's companion seems to be the future that she will have. However, when she looks into the eyes of architect Brennan Andrews, she just might have her own chance at love. This lovely story proves that one is never too late for love and that second chances do indeed happen.

CHRISTMAS AT DEWBERRY HOLLOW

Isabelle Reed is a lady, and she enjoys working with her other at an Inn that hosts estimable guests. Isabelle finds contentment in her life, but that all changes when the grandson of a duke is one of the Inn's most recent guests. John Cabot Gagestone, referred to as Gate, finds Isabelle to be lovely and imagines that she just might be the woman for him. Having the example of the tender love of his grandparents leaves Gate wondering if Isabelle could be his. This second novella in this wonderful trilogy was quite a touching read.

MY MISTLETOE BEAU

Eva Tiding and Jack Hardwick are quite aware of a long-standing feud between their fathers. Jack has something that Eva wants, and she goes so far as to break into his home to acquire it. The two strike a deal that they will have a pretend courtship in order to please Jack's grandmother. This enjoyable novella does a fine job showing that pretend feelings could definitely lead to more.

Each novella in this trilogy proved heartwarming as true love shone through for three deserving couples. As these were historical romances, it was a nice layer to effective romances that were truly enjoyable.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Suzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.

She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.