Tuesday, November 19, 2024

 

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews is a wonderful book that is number four in The Belles of London series, but is also a stand-alone novel. Stella Hobhouse is a an amazing horse rider, friend, artist, and her hair has completely gone gray making her stand out wherever she goes.   She has a brother who is controlling and does not see her potential.  Teddy Hayes is an artist who is in a wheeled chair and thinks Stella is breathtaking! Hope!  

I always enjoy falling into a Mimi Mathews story.  I enjoyed watching both Stella and Teddy come into their own,  become confident in who they are, and slowly realize they were good together.  Teddy and Stella had great chemistry, banter, and a beautiful relationship.  It was great to visit with other characters from the series and see everyone’s happy ending. I felt like I was attending a beautiful family reunion. 

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews is a delightful story filled with romance, fascinating historical details, and a satisfying ending.  I enjoyed enjoyed visiting with the four furies of Victorian London and am sorry the series has come to an end.  I highly recommend!  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Excerpt from The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews.


Teddy Hayes rolled his wheeled chair into the dim interior of the anteroom. He wasn’t about to wait for a gilt-edged invitation. Not after he’d spent the last three months excoriating himself for not discovering the mysterious young lady’s name on the last occasion they’d met.

He'd been so thunderstruck by her then, so jaw droppingly dazzled, that it hadn't even occurred to him to ask until after she'd gone. By then, it was too late. There had been no one around who could enlighten him. No fashionable acquaintances who might know her identity.

Such was the price of being new to London.

Teddy was a visitor here. A guest, not a member of polite society. Aside from the small circle of friends that his older sister, Laura, and her husband, Alex Archer, surrounded themselves with, there was no one to whom Teddy could apply for information. Love his relations as he did, he was reluctant to ask them for help in such matters. Some things were private. Especially when it came to the subject of silver-haired goddesses he'd encountered in the British Museum.

"Why did you run away?" he asked.

The young lady stood with her back to the wall. Her white pearl- and crepe-festooned skirts bowed out in front of her in an arc of petticoats and crinoline. "I did no such thing," she said stiffly.

It was the first she'd spoken since he'd entered the room. She had a soft, even voice, with a hint of velvet at the back of it. The kind of voice that could soothe as easily as it could seduce.

Teddy's blood thrummed with an unexpected pulse of heat.

He instantly dismissed the feeling. He hadn't gone after her because he was attracted to her. Not as a man, anyway. His interest was purely artistic. "You did," he said.

The same moment he'd clapped eyes on her from across the crowded ballroom, she'd spun on her heel and disappeared out the doors in a flurry of glittering skirts. He'd been left staring after her in dismay as the orchestra struck up the opening waltz, wondering for all of fifteen seconds whether he'd been mistaken.

"I felt a little faint," she replied, a trifle defensively. "I needed air."

"And you're taking it here?" He cast a dubious glance around the anteroom as he wheeled himself to the nearest lamp. It sat upon a low inlaid walnut table beside one of the damask-upholstered settees. Striking a friction match, he lit the wick. The room was at once bathed in a soft halo of light. "You might at least have opened a window."

"It's storming outside," she replied as he turned his chair to face her. "In case you hadn't noticed."

Teddy examined her in the glow of the lamp. She looked different than she had that day at the British Museum. He should know. The memory of her had been etched into his brain for months.

It wasn't because she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen-though she was beautiful. It was because she was different. And not just an oddity in her manner, or in the style of her dress or coiffure. She was strikingly different.

When he'd encountered her that day in the King's Gallery, her hair had been uniformly silver-the color of fine platinum or sterling. When coupled with her silver-blue eyes and the tender gravity of her manner, it had given her the look of a shimmering, vaporous spirit, newly alighted from the heavens to engage with lowly humankind.

She'd reminded him of one of the mythological Pleiades-the seven sisters the Greek god Zeus had famously transformed into stars to grace the night sky. Teddy had never in his life seen a woman who better embodied the myth. As an artist, the sight hadn't failed to make an impression on him.

"I notice everything," he said.

The young lady's throat worked on a delicate swallow. She edged toward the door. "I beg your pardon. I must return to the ballroom. My friends will be wondering-"

"I trust you're not afraid of me?"

She stilled. Her lips compressed in a vaguely affronted line. "Indeed, I am not."

"You appear so."

"If I do, it's only because I don't know you."

"We've met before," he reminded her. "It was some months ago. You were in the King's Gallery of the British Museum admiring a Van Dyck drawing."

"I remember," she said frostily.

His mouth quirked. Naturally, she did. He'd offended her then. Been too blunt. Too free with his opinions. It was a failing of his, one made worse by the virulent strain of scarlet fever he'd contracted in his youth. The illness had left his legs partially paralyzed, but had done nothing to curb the sharpness of his mind. Indeed, his sister often remarked that the more Teddy felt constrained by his disability, the less of a guard he was willing to set on his tongue.

It wasn't deliberate. He didn't mean to be rude or unkind. But he knew firsthand how short life could be, and how suddenly it might all come to an end. The time one had left was too precious to squander. He had no patience for mincing words.

"I recommended a painting to you," he said. "Mr. Whistler's new piece-The Woman in White. It was on display at the Berners Street Gallery at the time."

She blushed to the roots of her hair. Her auburn hair. It was now the same shade as the titian-haired lady depicted in Whistler's painting. "I could hardly forget," she said. "It doesn't follow that I know you. We haven't been introduced. Not properly."

"That's easily remedied." He wheeled a half turn closer to her. "My name is Edward Hayes. Most everyone calls me Teddy. And you are?"

"Stella Hobhouse," she blurted out, "but that isn't the point-"

"Stella," he repeated. A pleased smile tugged at his mouth. "Like a star." Surely it was a sign? He was meant to find her again.

She drew herself up with offended dignity. "I did not give you permission to use my Christian name."

"Why shouldn't I when it's so beautiful?" He wheeled nearer. "By the by . . . what happened to your silver hair, Stella?"

Her mouth fell open. "Why that's . . . that's none of your business!"

"You dyed it, I suppose." He frowned. "I wish you wouldn't have."

"How dare you, sir? To presume to make personal remarks about my-" She broke off. "Is this how you address ladies of your acquaintance?"

"With honesty and candor? Indeed, it is how I address ladies. It's the same way I address gentlemen. I see no need to insult you by dancing about with euphemisms."

"It's not an insult. It's decorum. Politeness. There are rules-"

"Yes, I've heard of them. I suppose that's how it must be in London. But we're not in London any longer. We're in Hampshire." His smile returned. "And house parties are wild places, I'm told."

She stared at him, the expression in her silvery blue eyes both intrigued and appalled. "How is it that you come to be here at Sutton Park? Do you know Lord March?"

"I don't," he admitted.

"Then what are you doing at his house party?"

"I'm not here by choice," he said. "My sister and brother-in-law were invited. As I traveled with them from France, they thought it best I accompany them."

It had been the only way to set Laura's mind at ease. He'd been in his chair for nearly five years, the first several of which she'd been his caregiver. It was a difficult role for her to relinquish. Never mind that Teddy was better now than he'd been in ages. She still worried about him to an excessive degree.

"They told me there would be great opportunities for sketching." He cast a grim glance at the rain beating down upon the windows. "I'm reserving judgment."

She inched toward the door. "Your relations are acquainted with Lord March?"

"Only slightly. My brother-in-law is arranging to purchase a new strain of the earl's roses for our perfumery in Grasse. Hayes's Perfumes. Perhaps you've heard of us?"

Again, she stilled, her curiosity seeming to get the better of her. "Hayes's Lavender Water?" She brightened with recognition. "Is that you?"

For once, Teddy was grateful for the negligible fame that his late father's perfume business brought to the family name. "It's partly me. I inherited half of the company when my father died. But it's my sister and brother-in-law who run it. My interests lie elsewhere."

"You're an artist," she said.

"I am." He paused. "May I ask you an impertinent question?"

She huffed a reluctant laugh. "Haven't you already?"

His smile broadened. "Tell me, Stella-"

Her chin dipped. She shook her head. "Please don't call me that."

"Tell me, Miss Hobhouse," he amended. "Would you object to my painting you?"

Excerpted from The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews Copyright © 2024 by Mimi Matthews. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Mimi Matthews is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. Her critically acclaimed works include The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee.

Mimi’s novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and have been mentioned in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, Oprah Daily, Parade, PopSugar, Goop, Paste Magazine, BookPage, Book Riot, and BuzzFeed. They have been translated into eight languages. 

When not writing historical romance, Mimi authors nonfiction books and articles on all aspects of nineteenth century history—from animals, art, and etiquette to fashion, beauty, feminism, and law. Her work has been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, the Costume Society UK, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.


Thursday, November 14, 2024

Pictures of You by Emma Grey



Pictures of You by Emma Grey is one of the most interesting books I have read this year! Evie Hudson wakes up from a car accident and thinks she is 16 years old and has no idea that she was married and much older. She begins to put the pieces of her life back together.

This was an absolutely fascinating, thoughtful and well written book. I was drawn in and read it so quickly. It is told from two different points of view and it goes back and forth through time seamlessly. The characters were very engaging, believable, and so so interesting. I held my breath as I read through the story trying to unravel Evie’s past and understand her present.

This is a wonderful story that will draw you in and keep you wondering right up until the end. I think it is masterfully written. I highly recommend Pictures of You by Emma Grey and this will be a highlight of 2024 for me.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.


It is better to not know too much in my opinion before reading. The book is so interesting!


ABOUT EMMA
Emma is a novelist, feature writer, photographer, professional speaker and accountability coach.​

She has been writing fiction since she first fell for Anne of Green Gables at fourteen and is the author of the YA novels Unrequited: Boy band meets girl, Tilly Maguire and the Royal Wedding Mess, the non-fiction title, I Don’t Have Time (co-authored with Audrey Thomas), and the parenting memoir Wits’ End Before Breakfast! Confessions of a Working Mum. ​

Along with her schoolfriend, dual ARIA-winning composer, Sally Whitwell, Emma co-wrote two musicals, Deadpan Anti-Fan and Fairytale Derail, based on her teen novels.

She wrote her first adult novel, The Last Love Note, in the wake of her husband’s death. It’s a fictional tribute to their love, an attempt to articulate the magnitude of her loss and a life-affirming commitment to hope.

Emma lives just outside Canberra, where her world centers on her two adult daughters, young son, loved step-children and step-grandchildren, writing, photography and endlessly chasing the Aurora Australis.  


Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith read by Alex Finke

 

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith and read by Alex Finke is an adventure rom-com filled with action, funny moments, and romance in a closed door setting. Andee Paxton is a fireworks designer who does not know who who her biological father is until the CIA comes to tell her. Her biological father, Holt, is an international arms dealer who has escaped prison and is looking for her! Officer Adam Chan is talking to her until they are captured and their adventure begins.

This was a very fun book. It was filled with adventure that kept me on my toes. The story is told from Andee’s point of view and hearing her side of the story kept me laughing. I enjoyed the romance, chemistry and the banter between Andee and Chan. The story was a great listen and kept me on my toes right up until the end. Listening enhanced my experience and I kept trying to find errand to run to listen to the rest of the story.

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith is a fantastic story filled with romance, humor and great adventure. I highly recommend!

I was given an advanced listening copy and not required to write a positive review.

Tiana Smith is a web designer turned novelist who grew up in the Rocky Mountains. She graduated from Westminster University with double degrees in Honors and English with a focus in creative writing. In her spare time she’s learning sign language with her hard of hearing husband and she volunteers with special needs individuals attending the biweekly activities for Utah County’s SNAP program. She is the author of MATCH ME IF YOU CAN and HOW TO SPEAK BOY, both from Macmillan. Her latest books, THE SPY AND I and MR. NICE SPY are out now from Berkley / Penguin Random House.

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle


Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle is a heartwarming romance.  Sheila is invited by her friend Natalie to visit Chestnut Ridge and her help to create a Christmas tree for the Christmas Tree Stroll.  Sheila is a big city girl, but cares about her friend Natalie.  Tucker is the town’s fire captain and an all around great guy.  Sheila and Tucker realize how much they enjoy helping others and becoming better friends. 

This was such a sweet story that drew me and made we want to move to Chestnut Ridge.  The characters were so engaging and I loved watching them grow, find peace, and find love.  The story had a special charm that was like a warm hug.  The themes of friendship, family, and serving others resonated with me. 

This was a delightful story filled with sweet romance, a wonderful small town in the mountains, and shared the beauty of giving.  I highly recommend Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.  


USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of whose many contemporary romance novels include The Shell Collector now streaming on FOX Nation, and the Adams Grove, Boot Creek, and Christmas in Evergreen series. Several of her novels have been adapted to the television screen, airing on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, including the popular Christmas Joy and The Secret Ingredient. Nancy makes her home in Virginia



Monday, November 11, 2024

Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amoii


Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi is a closed door rom-com. Nolan proudly runs the Zamboni for the Sea Lions hockey team. His life is pretty smooth sailing until his boss, Mr. Dalton, tells him he wants him to fake date his daughter, Zena, to save the team. What?

This was a fun story with lots of heart and very engaging characters. It was a pleasure to watch the characters transform and figure out what is important in life. I laughed out loud throughout the story and enjoyed watching this one play out. There was great banter, chemistry and great behind the scenes hockey action. This was a win.

Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi i
s a great rom-com that will bring you joy. I greatly recommend!

I was given copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review!  
This book is also available on Kindle Unlimited  



Rich Amooi is a Taleflick Discovery Winner, Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Recipient, Holt Medallion Finalist, and the bestselling author of 24 romantic comedies. A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a Spanish Princess. He believes in silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.


Saturday, November 9, 2024

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber read by Andi Arndt


Thank you to PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook.

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber and read by Andi Arndt is a delightful Christmas story. Hailye Morgen loves music, but has had a writing block over the last few years. She is thrilled to visit her friends remote cabin over Christmas to work on songs. While ridding her home of pests she meets Jay who also happens to be a musician and they become fast friends.

I love getting lost in a Debbie Macomber Christmas novel. The only thing that makes it better is when it is beautifully read by Andi Arndt! I was so engaged as I listened to the story driving my daughter to and from fall break. I found myself drawn into the world of Podunk, Oregon and wanting to find a remote cabin to visit. This is a sweet love story and I enjoyed watching the characters transform and become better versions of themselves. It was a great listen!

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber and read by Andi Arndt has characters that are engaging, humor sprinkled throughout the story, and a wonderful small town setting at Christmas. It is the perfect listen for any season! I highly recommend this highlight of 2024.

I was given an ALC and not required to write a positive review.  


Debbie Macomber, the author of It’s Better This Way, A Walk Along the Beach, Window on the Bay, Cottage by the Sea, Any Dream Will Do, If Not for You, and the Rose Harbor Inn series, is a leading voice in women’s fiction. Thirteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and five of her beloved Christmas novels have been hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, including Mrs. Miracle and Mr. Miracle. Hallmark Channel also produced the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber’s Cedar Cove books. She is, as well, the author of the cookbook Debbie Macomber’s Table. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.
 



Saturday, November 2, 2024

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley read by Stephanie Németh-Parker

 





My thanks to MacMillan Audio for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley read by Stephanie Németh-Parker
is a delightful Christmas story and I loved listening to the story narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker . The story shares about three women who are going through big changes around Christmas time who get a second chances at true love.

Reilly comes come to help her mom run her Inn when she breaks her foot They draw closer together and enjoy the guests which include Riley’s old boyfriend from school. The story has a wonderful cadence and inspired me to embrace the Christmas season. I was very invested in this character driven story. Just adored!

The Christmas Inn is heartwarming with beautiful dialogue, interesting characters, and a wonderful setting at the Inn. It will help you to embrace Christmas and remember what is truly important! I highly recommend.

I was given an ALC and not required to write a positive review.