An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves

 
An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves is a sweet Regency romance that is stand-alone companion to An Improbable Season. Eleanor comes to London after the death of her husband. She is seventeen years old and desperately wants her independence. She is trying to survive the season, and figure out how to move forward as widow. Thalia is trying to start fresh in London and wants to be a published poet. She becomes Eleanor’s companion and friend.

This was a wonderful Regency read with romance, a compelling story and excellent historical details. I felt like I was visiting London and I did not want to leave all of my new friends. The alternating points of view with Elanor and Thalia made this an interesting read and helped me to feel very invested in the characters. The historical details were fascinating and gave the story depth. The book truly sparkled and kept me up late reading.

I adored An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves. It is filed with wonderful characters, sweet romance, and the setting of Regency London is one of my favorites. This will be one of my favorites this year. I highly recommend.

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

This is marketed for ages twelve and up.  

Rosalyn Eves grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories are still some of her favorite things to do. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle.

She has a PhD in English from Penn State and teaches English at Southern Utah University.

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Murder in Masquerade by Mary Winters

 

I have anxiously awaited reading Murder in Masquerade by Mary Winters since I finished the first book in A Lady of Letters Mystery series. Lady Amelia has the secret hobby of answering letters in a London Penny paper when she is not solving mysteries. Simon Bainbridge needs Lady Amelia’s help with his sister, Marielle. Helping him to discourage Marielle's choice of a suitor, to keep Marielle from hating him, and what to do when her suitor ends up murdered. The two of them embark on a journey to solve who has murdered Marielle's recent beau before anyone else gets hurt.

I was so thrilled to be back following Lady Amelia around Victorian London while she solves mysteries, continues to find her place in society, and becomes more acquainted with Simon. This novel has a wonderful mix of mystery, humor, and lovely banter. I found myself turning pages and guessing up to the end of the story.

I enjoyed how each chapter begins with Lady Amelia’s response to one of the letters she has received. I was laughing aloud at her pointed responses and looked forward to each new chapter.

This was a delightful read and I felt like I became better friends with all the characters. I am a big fan of Lady Amelia and am holding out hope that we may meet again. I highly recommend Murder in Masquerade by Mary Winters.


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

Although I have degrees in Literature and Creative Writing, my love affair with Victorian fiction didn’t start in the classroom but with a monthly book club. I was a young eighteen years old, working a job I didn’t particularly enjoy, when I made the fortuitous decision to join a subscription service. From the moment I received my first chunky paperbacks and pink wine glass, I was hooked. I loved coming home and delving into my historical romances. They were the gateway to other historical fiction, including mysteries, like the Amelia Peabody series.

When I enrolled in college, I had already written my first novel, not surprisingly a historical romance. My professors frowned upon the genre, but I saw the heroines as nonconformists, constantly challenging the conventions of the time. Their fortitude inspired my own writing a great deal.

By the time I entered graduate school, I put away my romance novel and wrote a literary novel for my thesis. Then, when I graduated, I put away my literary novel and started a mystery series with an amateur sleuth professor (see my cozy series at MaryAngelaBooks.com).

But always my love for Victorian literature remained, and in 2019, when my family and I took a trip to England, it was reignited. Seeing Regent’s Park, Piccadilly, Grosvenor Square—all those places I had first read about so many years ago—I knew I wanted to write another book, a mystery, set in the time period. That book became Murder in Postscript. I’m thrilled to see this first dream come true.

A Murderous Persuasion by Katie Oliver and read by Jennifer Jill Araya

 

Thank you PRH Audio for the complimentary audio book.

A Murderous Persuasion by Katie Oliver is the second in the Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery series, but can be read as a stand-alone.  Phaedra Brighton is college professor.  She is trying to help her Aunt Wendy save the Laurel Springs Inn by hosting an immersive Persuasion-themed murder mystery weekend.  They are hoping to draw attention to the inn, but after someone ends up murdered it may not be the attention they wanted.

The narrator Jennifer Jill Araya made the story for me.  She is very engaging and has the ability to draw me in and make the story come alive.  I am enjoying this series with its references to Jane Austen’s books, and looking for clues throughout the story.   I am a fan of the mystery, the delightful setting of Laurel Spring, VA, and wondering who Phaedra will marry.   Phaedra’s family is a bright spot for me.   

I look forward to reading more in the series, and am becoming a big fan of the author.  I recommend A Murderous Persuasion by Katie Oliver and read by Jennifer Jill Araya.

I was given a free copy of this book by PRH Audio and not required to share a review.   

  My name is Katie Oliver, and I love a cozy mystery… and Jane Austen novels. I decided to put the two together to create Professor Phaedra Brighton, an intelligent, outspoken Austen scholar who teaches 19th century literature at Somerset University, a small liberal arts college located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Phaedra soon finds herself in the middle of a puzzling murder mystery. What’s an amateur sleuth to do? Find the killer, of course – with a little help from her cat, Wickham, and her good friends and members of the Jane Austen Tea Society, Lucy Liang and Marisol Dubois.

I currently reside in South Florida with my husband, an assortment of neighborhood blue jays, cardinals, and woodpeckers, my computer, and an ever-growing stack of cozy mysteries waiting to be read. I’m also the author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy romantic comedy series body in the garden…

If you like clever cozy mysteries with a touch of romance, you’re in the right place!

The Cowboy's Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe

The Cowboy’s Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe is the third in the Lazy M Ranch series. Trevor Morgan has changed his life and helps run his family’s ranch. He has life in order including his heart. Hope Burke, a nurse, comes to the ranch to help with Trevor’s father. She is also in town to find the father of her nephew.

I loved the sweet romance between Hope and Trevor. They are two broken people who continue to work and grow through their issues with their faith, friends, and family. The Morgan family is a delightful close-knit family. I was so drawn into the story that I truly wanted to hang out at the Lazy M Ranch and sit at the Morgan’s table for dinner. I was very invested.

I have been thoroughly enjoying this series. I really connected to the characters, enjoyed the romance and the faith themes resonated deeply with me. I highly recommend The Cowboy’s Secret Past by Tina Radcliffe.

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

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Tina Radcliffe hails from Western New York. She left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa, she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. before heading to Colorado as a library cataloger. 

A freelance writer for over thirty years, Tina is a Romance Writer of America and American Christian Fiction Writers Honor Roll member. 

Tina is also a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist. She is a four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist. ​Her Harlequin books have won the ACFW Carol Award and the Holt Medallion. She has placed or won over thirty-five RWA chapter-affiliated contests in her career. As a short story writer, she has sold over forty short romances to Woman’s World Magazine. 

​Tina is a member of Romance Writers of America, the American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Central Arizona Writers, and FHL Christian Writers. A popular workshop speaker, she currently lives in Arizona, where she writes fun, heartwarming romances and cozy mysteries.

Rocky Road by Becky Wade

 In my world there is a wonderful week each year where I read Becky Wade’s newest novel, and then there are the other 51 weeks during the year where I wait for her next novel.     

Rocky Road by Becky Wade is the second in her Sons of Scandal Romance Series.  This is a stand-alone novel, but you revisit some characters from the first book which is always lovely.  Gemma Clare is a perfumer who is bold creative and a free spirit.  Jude Camden is an FBI agent who likes thing to run according to plan. Gemma makes her own plan.

Gemma is delightful, and Jude is a wonderful hero.  I enjoyed their banter, chemistry, and funny moments. It was a pleasure to get to know Gemma and Jude’s family and learn their history.  The setting of Maine, the mystery, and the perfume industry drew me into the story, and I did not want to leave.

Rocky Road by Becky Wade is a fabulous tory with great banter, romance and characters I cared about.  I loved this book and can not wait for the third book in the series! I highly recommend! 

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

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, then eventually returned to writing. She loves penning sweet contemporary romances laced with sizzling chemistry, mystery, faith, banter, and humor. Her thirteen novels and five novellas have been recognized with a Carol Award, INSPY awards, and a spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame.

When she’s not at her computer, you’ll find her power-walking her neighborhood, driving carpool, eating chocolate, doing yoga, or admiring her Cavalier spaniel.

He's So Not My Valentine by Savannah Scott

He’s So Not My Valentine by Savannah Scott is a sweet romance that takes place in Harvest Hollow. Heather is a single mom who runs the local coffee shop. She is not about Valentine’s Day nor falling in love. Rene is visiting a Heather’s brother-in-law from France. His charming ways make Heather a little nervous yet interested.

This was such a sweet story. I loved our main characters Heather and Rene and how the story is told from both of their point of views. They had great chemistry, banter, and a solid friendship. I enjoyed the humor, lovely setting in Harvest Hollow, North Carolina and the wonderful romance. I felt like I had a front row seat at the Cataloochee Coffee shop to watch Heather and Rene’s story.

He's So Not My Valentine is a sweet romance that is truly perfect for any time of year. The fantastic characters, romance, and lovely banter make this a win! I highly recommend He’s So Not My Valentine by Savannah Scott. 

He's So Not My Valentine is also on Kindle Unlimited.

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

I’m Savannah Scott – the girl behind the Getting Shipped! series, otherwise known as the founder of the town of Bordeaux, Ohio.

And yes, my hair is strawberry blond in that family photo. It has been dark brown, medium brown, and blond (current color) too–short, long, curled, straight … What can I say? I like changing my hair.

I want to tell you a little about me since you took the time to make it to this “about” page.
Life around the Scott Home

I’ve been married to my surfer husband for over 25 years. He has a heart of gold. In our relationship, I’m like the kite, and he’s the steady hand holding the string.

I’ve spent many years as the “den mom” in my own private Boy Scout troop … mom to two boys, one no longer living at home, and a whole slew of boys in our neighborhood too.

We also have a labradoodle puppy named Bella … she likes to eat shoes, tug the dishtowel off the stove, and chase squeaky balls. Sometimes she chills out and then we call her Bella-Snugarella because she flops against you like a living teddy bear. That’s my favorite.

Encouraging other moms is my jam. I’ve written several non-fiction books for women (under Patty H Scott), and I have a website dedicated to pouring out into mama hearts at slowdownmama.com.

When I’m not writing, I’m either reading, dancing zumba, or going on a walk or out to coffee with friends. I love road trips, especially when there’s adventure in the mix.

Pity Pact by Whitney Dineed

The Pity Pact by Whitney Dineen is book number three in her Pity series. Paige Holland is a middle school math teacher who is tired of being left behind. She enters a reality dating show in her hometown of Elk Creek, WI. But, can she really find love?

Paige is a delight and full of energy, humor and that girl next door charm. It was fun to revisit with my friends from past books in the series. I felt welcomed back to the town of Elk Creek and reestablished my commitment to visit. I enjoyed the author’s energy, romance, and laugh out loud scenes. The story had some funny twists and turns and kept my attention till the end.

I hope you visit Elk Creek and laugh with Paige as she stars in the Midwestern Matchmaker reality TV show. I recommend The Pity Pact by Whitney Dineen.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review. 

 

 

 

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017