Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden

 

If you're searching for a delightful escape into the enchanting world of Regency romance, Sarah M. Eden’s "Seeking Persephone" is a charming pick that promises sweet romance with a dash of humor. This is one of my all time favorite books! 

 Here's why this novel won over my heart:

Set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England, "Seeking Persephone" introduces us to the witty and independent Persephone Lancaster. 

Enter Adam Hunt, the formidable Duke of Kielder, whose imposing presence and stern demeanor belie a kind heart and a determination to protect his family’s legacy. He needs to marry and asks for a woman from a family who needs financial help. 

What sets "Seeking Persephone" apart is its ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments. Eden’s writing style effortlessly weaves together witty banter, endearing characters, and tender romance, creating a narrative that feels both light-hearted and emotionally satisfying. The interactions between Adam and Persephone crackle with chemistry, evolving from initial misunderstandings to genuine affection as they navigate the complexities of their new relationship.

As the story unfolds, "Seeking Persephone" not only explores the growing love between its protagonists but also delves into themes of family loyalty, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness. Persephone’s journey from skepticism to trust, and Adam’s transformation from duty-bound duke to devoted husband, are portrayed with sensitivity and grace. 

In conclusion, "Seeking Persephone" is a delightful read for fans of Regency romance seeking a blend of sweetness, humor, and heartfelt emotion. Sarah M. Eden’s skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this novel a charming addition to any bookshelf—a perfect escape into a world where love triumphs over societal expectations.

7 Must-Read Books with Strong Females

I love finding stories about every day women who are strong, fearless and fierce. From woman who live through a brutal regime, to those who make it through the American frontier, they all share one things: their strength.

Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng

 In August 1966 a group of Red Guards ransacked the home of Nien Cheng. Her background made her an obvious target for the fanatics of the Cultural Revolution: educated in London, the widow of an official of Chiang Kai-Shek's regime, and an employee of Shell Oil, Nien Cheng enjoyed comforts that few of her compatriots could afford. When she refused to confess that any of this made her an enemy of the state, she was placed in solitary confinement, where she would remain for more than six years. 

Opening line:
"The past is forever with me and I remember it all."



 Deborah: Prophetess of God by H.B. Moore

Deborah, a young Israelite woman, lives a quiet and isolated life with her father and brothers. As a shepherdess in the hills near her home, she knows well the perils of her work. But when faced with incredible danger, she witnesses a series of remarkable events that preserve her life. The hand of the Lord is apparent, and it is clear that hers will be no ordinary life.    
  
Opening line:
"Laughter echoed against the hillside where Deborah crouched as she watched the two dozen Canaanite soldiers set up camp."


 And They Called it Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton

 Few of us can claim to be the authors of our fate. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy knows no other choice. With the eyes of the world watching, Jackie uses her effortless charm and keen intelligence to carve a place for herself among the men of history and weave a fairy tale for the American people, embodying a senator’s wife, a devoted mother, a First Lady—a queen in her own right.

 Opening line:

"The pink pillbox hat and Chanel-inspired bouclè suit awaited her on the bed." 




Longing For Home by Sarah M. Eden

 Twenty-six-year-old Katie Macauley has placed all her hope in Hope Springs, a small town in the 1870 Wyoming Territory. But if she wants to return home to Ireland to make amends with her estranged family, she'll need to convince the influential Joseph Archer to hold true to his word and keep her on his payroll as his housekeeper despite her Irish roots.

Opening line:
"Eighteen years had passed since Katie Macauley had killed her sister." 



 These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner

  A moving, exciting, and heartfelt American saga inspired by the author's own family memoirs, these words belong to Sarah Prine, a woman of spirit and fire who forges a full and remarkable existence in a harsh, unfamiliar frontier. Scrupulously recording her steps down the path Providence has set her upon--from child to determined young adult to loving mother--she shares the turbulent events, both joyous and tragic, that molded her and recalls the enduring love with cavalry officer Captain Jack Elliot that gave her strength and purpose.

Opening line:
"A storm is rolling in and that always makes me sad and a little wistful so I get it in my head to set to paper all these things that have got us this far on our way through this heathen land."


Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montegomery

 As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . . . but will the Cuthberts send her back to to the orphanage? Anne knows she's not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. IAnne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.




 Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen

 Twenty-five years after her passing, Audrey Hepburn remains the most beloved of all Hollywood stars, known as much for her role as UNICEF ambassador as for films like Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Several biographies have chronicled her stardom, but none has covered her intense experiences through five years of Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. According to her son, Luca Dotti, “The war made my mother who she was.” 

 Opening line:
"Baroness Ella van Heemstra stood in the office of Adolph Hitler and offered her hand to the most famous man in the world, the man whose name was on simply everyone's lips."

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ALL HEARTS COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Sarah M. Eden Anita Stansfield Esther Hatch Joanna Barker Regency Christmas

 It's never too early for Christmas, right?! And you just know that all these authors will be amazing to read! 

I was so excited to read Christmas at Falstone Castle. The Duke of Kielder is one of my favorite characters from Sarah Eden. The love story of his mom was so sweet!

 The Heart of Christmas is a sweet story about lost, and found, love and healing hearts.


 I love romantic stories where the two main characters have no thoughts to love, but through wit and witty dialogue and circumstances, they always fall in love. Tis the Season to Be Daring is my kind of story!

A Christmas dress and a romance! What could be better! 


Christmas at Falstone Castle · Sarah M. Eden

The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas · Anita Stansfield

When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring · Esther Hatch

Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress · Joanna Barker

Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN by Sarah M. Eden

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school in 1865 Victorian London. She is also a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats, intelligent detectives solving grisly murders, and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.

Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of  authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the social and political causes of their working-class readers. The group knows King could be an asset with his obvious monetary success, or he could be the group’s undoing as King’s readership continues to cut into their profits.

Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. What neither author anticipated was the instant attraction, even though their social positions dictate the impossibility of a relationship.

For the first time Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

Opening line:
"Rumor had it, Fletcher Walker wasn't born but had simply appeared one day, swaggering down the streets of London."

GUYS! You get the bonus of THREE stories in one with this book!

Fletcher Walker writes a weekly series for the penny dreads (the lower class can buy the paper for a penny) called And Urchins of London Adventure (vampires in this one!). He uses the money to help fund the Dread Penny Society, which helps gets street urchins away from terrible masters and worse fate. Fletcher is street wise, funny, smart and always on the look out to help others. 

Elizabeth Black writes "silver fork" stories and she runs a school for the middle-classes girls. She loves her work and loves the girls. She's smart, kind and has a secret. She also writes a weekly series for the penny dreadfuls called The Lady and the Highwayman (there is the cutest romance in this one). But it's under the name Mr. King. She also uses her money to help the children of London. 

When the two meet, they are drawn to each other only because of their oppositeness. Fletcher wasn't expecting a woman of means to be witty and forthright and able to banter with the best of the men. She hadn't expected someone who acted in a higher station be so kind and honest. 

They are soon joined together in the mission to help the urchins who are being kidnapped and keeping them safe while also trying to find the circle of people who are taking the kid.

There is only one thing that bothered me and that was someone seemed to drop out of the story about three-fourths of the way into the story. I''m not sure why and maybe it's because he's a secret??

What a cute story. Okay, cute might not be the right adjective, but I loved  the main characters and their love story. 

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!!

THE HEART OF A VICAR (The Jonquil Brothers #6) by Sarah M. Eden

Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.

When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

Opening line:
"According to his brothers, Harold Jonquil was born a vicar."

That sentence sets up a lot of expectations, and possible foreshadowing, of what is to come for "Holy Harry."
Harry is doing the work that he feels he was destined to do. "Act well your part" is the mantra Harry's father often repeated, and Harry feels he needs to live up to that. So he is acting well the part of a vicar, or what Harry believes is the part. The reality is, he is not living up to acting will A part of who Harry really is.
Sarah and her brother have been in America and were summoned back when their uncle sent them word that he is dying and the heir needs to take over the estate. Sarah looks forward to being back in the neighborhood where she has so many good memories. A certain Jonquil brother is prominent in most of those memories. But all is not well in the uncle's household, and soon, Sarah is the brunt of anger and hate from the uncle, which in turn shatters some of her expectations of a warm welcome back. The reality is, people change.
I loved the interchanges with Sarah and Harry. From the time they meet to the ending, is a sweet journey, though full of heartache, insights and a few misunderstandings. They came to love each other slowly and with care, helping build each other up.
I also loved seeing more of Phillip and Mater. I really love this fictional family and how they take care of each other and love each other. "No one is abandoned. No one is forgotten." I love the boys motto. There was a lot of side stories that really added to Sarah and Harry's story.
I really want to go back and reread all of the Jonquil and Lancaster books. But I think I'll wait until I hear a release date for Charlie's story.

Sarah Eden has a knack for witty dialogue, deep characterizations and pacing that moves the story along and engages the reader.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S (Timeless Regency Collection) Sally Britton, Elizabeth Johns, Sarah M. Eden

I think I'll enjoy these Timeless collections, no matter the era or genre. The stories are good, the authors fantastic and they come just when I need a good read!
 

The Heart's Choice by Sally Britton
Opening line:
""Do stop dawdling, Matilda.""

Old friends meet again, a family in need of saving, an older sister willing to sacrifice her future for her family, and a younger sister who needs a good spanking.

My Unfair Lady by Elizabeth Johns
Opening line:
""What shall we play for this time?""

A regency-type Pygmalion.

Six Wishes by Sarah M. Eden
Opening line:
"Felicity and Angelina Banbury share a bond even stronger than most sisters."

Sweet story of a sister trying to make her older sister's London dreams come true, with the help of a dear friend who used to live close to the family.

HEALING HEARTS (Savage Wells #2) by Sarah M. Eden Book Birthday!

Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara's message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.


Opening line:
"Miriam Bricks sat in the cramped and rancid interior of a rickety stagecoach and contemplated for the hundredth time how fortunate she was to be there."
Ms. Eden hooked me right from the start of the story as Miriam met Gideon, or "Doc," in the unfortunate event of a wedding that she hadn't planned. She stays in town and Gideon hires her as his nurse, which Miriam thought was the reason she was in Savage Wells.
Miriam is trying to outrun her past; Gideon is where he wants to be. Miriam is sick, Gideon is a doctor. What could be better?
The start of their professional relationship was a little rocky but they both developed a respect for each other. And the respect deepens to where the start to have feelings toward each other. Then something happens, and something else happens, and something bigger and there are twists and sweetness and changes and I really loved it.
If you love Ms. Eden's books, you'll need to add this one to your collection!

Thanks to netgalley for the early read.

A YULETIDE REGENCY ~ A Timeless Romance Anthology

Ready for Christmas??? This book will get you started! I love the romance and the season in all of these stories!!

ALWAYS A KISS by Regina Scott
Opening line:
"If she couldn't win an offer at Christmas, there was no justice in the world."

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Opening line:
"If Adelaide Northrop ever found herself short of funds, she fully intended to ply her trade composing a very detailed and, at times, scathing accounting of the traveling inns of England."

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
Opening line:
"The new Duke of Salsbury hardly noticed the guests as he took each hand, welcoming them into his London townhome."

MISLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
Opening line:
""Do you think we'll have snow for Christmas?" Suzanne asked, loking up from her book in the nursery."

FOLLOW THE RIVER by Krista Lynne Jensen
Opening line:
"Mr. Forbes sat across from Arabelle in the drawing room of Hybrigge House, studying the painting above the fireplace, running his hand along the carved arm of the settee, and patting the upholstery as if assessing the value of a racehorse he wasn't quite impressed with."

THE NEW EARL by Heather Moore
Opening line:
"Celia Thompson read the horrible words of the letter in her hands."

A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE by Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, Heather B Moore

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Heather B. Moore
Another great Regency antholgy from three fantastic authors!

A Match for Princess Pompous by Sarah Eden
"If Adelaide Northrop had to listen to one more ode praising Charity Goddard's eyes, she was absolutely going to strangle the offending amateur poet with his own overlarge cravat."

Love this one about the matchmaker!

Confections and Pretense by Annette Lyon
"In the back of Gunter's Tea Shop, Anne eased the back of mold into a basin of tepid water, then slowly counted to ten before pulling it out again, just long enough to release the ice cream from the metal."

Loved the American hero!

Little London by Heather B. Moore
"Harpshire Village was a far cry from London in both architecture and entertainments, and the type of people who lived in the village were simple fold."

I LOVED how the two love birds meet in this story.

Thanks for the early read! 


A MATCH FOR PRINCESS POMPOUS by Sarah M. Eden
Matchmaker Adelaide Northrop may be embarking on her greatest challenge yet. Miss Odette Armistead has been dubbed “Princess Pompous” by Society’s elite, and Odette’s parents are desperate to see her married off to a respectable gentleman. When Adelaide first meets Odette, she is expecting a young lady who fits the pompous description. Instead, Adelaide discovers that Odette is far from conceited, but has chosen to wear a mask in a desperate attempt to hide her love for a gentleman who has been chosen for someone else. It seems that Adelaide has far more than matchmaking to accomplish.

CONFECTIONS AND PRETENSE by Annette Lyon
Anne Preston dreams of opening her own dessert shop some day and saves every spare penny she earns working at Gunter’s Tea Shop. She makes ice cream molds to perfection, bakes and decorates cakes, and hopes to one day be an independent shop owner. When an American man orders an ice, Anne is immediately taken with Davis Whitledge, but he is far above her station in life, so she tries to forget about his cordiality. Soon, she finds herself in a dangerous situation when confronted by two troublemakers, and Davis happens to be nearby. He sends the scoundrels on their way, but this only makes Anne more of a target. He doesn’t understand London ways, and his generosity has the potential to steal Anne’s dreams, or to make them soar.

LITTLE LONDON by Heather B. Moore
Ellen Humphreys has never had a Season, has never danced the waltz, and will likely never do so while confined to watching over her ill mother at their country estate. Therefore, Ellen creates her own Little London, and imagines all the gentleman she’d dance with and all of the friendships she’d have with other young ladies, if only she were allowed to have a Season. When Quinn Edwards, the Marquess of Kenworth, comes upon her quite by happenstance while Ellen is imagining herself in a London ballroom, she is mortified about her playacting. But a chain of events is set off from this one meeting that has Ellen questioning if her reputation would ever survive a Season or another encounter with the marquess.

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN

Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.


 Opening line:
"Through a thick fog of grief, Evangeline Blake suffered the blow of each clang of the distant funeral bells."

Another lovely romance from Sarah M. Eden.
Evangeline Blake lost almost everyone in her family, except her younger sister, whom she promised would always be with her. Her mean, bullying aunt has different ideas, however.
Dermot McCormick is an Irish man in England and feels very excluded in the little village where he and his son are now living. He keeps to himself and works hard to prove himself. And he's just fine staying away from everyone--until he meets Evangeline.
This is an interesting story about change; not only in circumstances and of the heart, but change that makes us a better human. Evangeline came from wealth and privilege and is thrust into poverty and hard work. She's stubborn enough and determined enough to make her way that she changes and her heart is opened to the village and their children. The same can be said of Dermot and of the village. They all find they can be strong and change (except maybe on person who I wanted to kick really hard).
I really enjoyed learning the history of the era and the dialect and hardships these people faced. And I REALLY loved what Evangeline did to help the children.

Thank you for the early read netgalley and Shadow Mountain!

Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.


 Opening line:
"Daphne Lancaster stood hidden in the shadows of her brother-in-law's terrace, spying on Society's first introduction to a young lady of unparalleled beauty."

Poor Daphne! She is overshadowed by her beauty sisters; placed in the corner and ignored. She feels this is justified as she had been told many times how plain she is. A chance encounter with a kind young man gives her hope that she isn't forgotten, and she falls in love.

James Tilburn was the young man who called the young girl Little Sparrow and stole her heart, unbeknownst to him, of course. Six years later they chance to meet again. But it turns out to be more than chance and the lies and manipulation could ruin James and Daphne's hope at love forever.

Sarah Eden does a superb job at giving her readers character they come to love as one of their own family members. The plot moves along nicely as we move deeper into the story and intrigue that is keeping the couple (or couples) apart.
I really liked Daphne. I enjoyed watching her overcome her shyness and become a stronger person. I liked James too but I really wanted him to man up and tell Daphne the truth! I do have a confession...I ADORE the Duke of Kielder!

Thanks to netgalley and Covenant Communications for the early read!

5 STARS!

A FINE GENTLEMAN by Sarah M. Eden

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.

Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear.

When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.


  Opening line:
"The commotion outside his office ought to have served as something of a warning, but Jason Jonquil, barrister and proud perfectionist, had done nothing more than glance up from his ruler-straight stack of papers when the first noises had drifted through his closed door."

Hurrah! Another story about the Jonquil boys!!

5 STARS

 

The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.

So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.

Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.

Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.

First line:

"Sheriff Cade O'Brien was heartily sick of shooting people."

And with that line we know we are about to begin a fun and witty ride into the Wild West, courtesy of Sarah M. Eden, who is also fun and witty.

The Sheriff of Savage Wells (nice name!) has up and left his post for trees. Now, Savage Wells needs a new sheriff and the application pool is full of men and one woman.
Paisley Bell filled the temporary position and feels she should keep the job. But most people is the 1800's don't think a woman should be the sheriff. Paisley is spunky and smart and the conversation between her and Cade is brilliant. Paisley is also very caring and loves her little town.
Cade O'Brien is sick of rounding up and/or shooting bad guys. He wants to move somewhere boring. Savage Wells may just be the place. He also doesn't want any complications but Paisley might be a problem to that goal.
The characters in the book are all unique and it's easy to fall in love with them.
Sarah Eden is a great storyteller and writer. You should read her books!!

Thanks to Shadow Mountain and Netgalley for the early read!

V: a tad bit
L: in this day and age? No!
S: holding hands *blushes* talk of courting *blushes*

5 STARS

Mail Order Bride Collection ~ A Timeless Romance Anthology

I have a confession: I LOVE these anthologies! I love the short stories from some of my favorite writers. I love that I can read something from them all in one night.  
Clean, well-written, romantic and sweet stories.

Keep them coming, ladies! 



Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West. 

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie, Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can't understand why she's not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her.

In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract. 

In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas.

In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know.

Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella AN INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place.

THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

A TImeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection

Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance ~ Know why it's #1? Because every single story is awesome. Seriously. I loved every story. 
These novellas come out just in time for summer reading. 

Six brand new contemporary romance novellas with bestselling and award winning authors.

In the sweet novella TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore, Gwen uses her wedding photography business to keep her life simple and focus on something other than her own broken heart. When Jack, a guy too handsome for his own good, helps her clean up after a photoshoot, then asks her out, she doesn’t know if she can handle dating again. But Jack’s charm wins her over, and she agrees to meet him for dinner. The more she gets to know Jack, the more she likes him, but everything about him seems too good to be true. 

GONE FISHING, a charming novella by Kaylee Baldwin, follows Claire as she tries to convince her dad to leave his start-up company as a boat guide and come back home to Colorado. He’s the only one who can defend Claire against her domineering mother. But when she arrives at the San Diego harbor, she’s met with more than one surprise. First, that her dad is truly living his dream and has never been happier, and second, she’s unexpectedly attracted to his business partner, Miguel.

In THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING, an enchanting novella by Annette Lyon, Alexandria has one last task to perform for her late husband, who died much too young: scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She goes to the Santa Monica Pier to do just that, but her plans get sidetracked after meeting Michael and feeling an immediate connection to him. They grab lunch, and the more time they spend together, the more they discover that they have in common—including past romantic hardships. As the day wears on, Alexandria begins learn that her heart just might be able to find love again.

In Jennifer Moore’s captivating novella A HERO’S SONG, AnneMarie’s career as a romance novelist is skyrocketing and her agent books her on a late night talk show. The host gets her to admit that she was in love once, with a guitar player. Moments after her segment, Lance Holden appears on the same stage, to perform his newest song. Is it a terrible coincidence? AnneMarie hasn’t seen Lance ever since he broke her heart ten years ago, and she has refused to think about him again. Their lives are worlds apart, but as Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance. 

In STAY WITH ME, an endearing novella by Shannon Guymon, Jolie moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position for the summer, since apparently having a degree in art doesn’t translate to getting a job as a graphic designer. When Fitz, the family’s chauffeur, picks her up at the airport, she wonders if every man in LA is model-gorgeous. When Jolie meets her two charges, she finds them adorable and needy. But it’s harder to hold onto her job than she thought with a hostile Mrs. James and her spoiled brother. Fitz becomes both the silver lining of her job and the man who just might convince her to stay in L.A.

In the delightful novella, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, by Sarah M. Eden, Ada is the best realtor around. The best. She prides herself in matching each client with the house that will fit all of their needs. She hasn’t failed yet. So when Craig hires her to find him the perfect condo for him and his son, Ada is up for the challenge. What she may not be prepared for is her unforeseen attraction to Craig, her immediate attachment to his nine-year-old son, and her heart telling her that it’s okay to take another chance.

An Unlikely Match by Sarah M. Eden

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed ... except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?


Poor Nickolas. He is poor, he's invited to parties to round out the numbers and he has a crush on a woman whom he can't have. And he's a total playboy.
Until he's distant cousin dies and Nickolas Pritchard becomes heir to an estate and loads of money. Now that young lady and her parents look favorably on him. But the more he gets to know the  Ms. Castleton, the more he finds she's not quite what he wants in a woman. It's probably Gwen's fault his interest has changed. Only, it doesn't matter how much Nickolas falls for Gwen, she's a ghost. The Ghost who haunts the estate Nickolas just inherited. How can a person fall in love with a ghost?
Once again, Ms. Eden delivers on story, wit and character development. Throughout the story, the reader gets to watch the main characters grow. I especially enjoyed watching Nickolas change and deepen.

Rating: PG
S: No
V: No
L: No

Liked:
Love ghost story
Having characters tell us how to say certain names or words

Disliked:
Use of (lots) of unfamiliar words that were only used once and were confusing

4 STARS

The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden

When Crispin, Lord Cavratt, thoroughly and scandalously kisses a serving woman in the garden of a country inn, he assumes the encounter will be of no consequence. But he couldn't be more mistaken--the maid is not only a lady of birth, she's the niece of a very large, exceptionally angry gentlemen, who claims Crispin has compromised his niece beyond redemption. The dismayed young lord has no choice but to marry Miss Catherine Thorndale, who lacks both money and refinement and assumes all men are as vicious as her guardian uncle.

Trapped between an unwanted marriage and a hasty annulment, which would leave his reputation tainted and Catherine's utterly ruined, Crispin begins guiding his wife's transformation from a socially petrified country girl to a lady of society. Their unfolding relationship reveals encouraging surprises for both of them, and privately each of them wonders if theirs may become a true marriage of the heart. But their hopes are dashed when forces conspire to split asunder what fate has granted. As a battle of wits escalates into a life-threatening confrontation, will it be possible for Crispin and Catherine to live happily ever after?

Opening line: "Blast it all!" Crispin Handle, Lord Cavratt, did not generally resort to muttering under his breath, but an exasperating female could push even the most levelheaded gentleman to extremes."

Loved, loved this book. Who doesn't  love a good, clean romance? And a Regency Romance is even better.
Sarah has a great way with words and humor in her writing and her 'real' life. She's funny, smart and short. But we can't all be tall. Then who would be find all the pennies and pick them up for good luck?
I digress. Back to the review.
I read this book in one day, not because it's not well-written, but because I couldn't put it down. I felt like I was friends with Crispin and Catherine and wanted to make sure everything worked out for them. It's the classic tale of misunderstandings, love growing stronger, villains, caveats and yummy food.
In a fit of pride, Crispin kisses a servant who turns out to be the abused niece of a rich man. Catherine has been emotionally and physically abused for so long she believes it's common practice. 
The uncle announces Crispin has taken advantage of Catherine and forces them to marry. Crispin vows to get the marriage annulled. In the meantime, while waiting for the annulment, he falls in love with Catherine, his accidental wife.




Rating: G
V: A few slaps and punches
L: No
S: kissing


25% test (p. 63):
""I see someone I'd like to introduce to you," he told Catherine in low tones and began moving in Mr. Ritfield's direction Around them the murmur picked up again in the room and the latest arrivals were announced.
"Lord Cavratt!" Mr. Ritfield smiled as they reached him. "A pleasure!"
Crispin undertook the introductions, miraculously managing to quite smoothly utter the phrase "my wife."
Mr. Ritfield paused only long enough for a breath before launching into a one-sided conversation with Catherine. "Only the other day I said to my wife, 'lord Cavratt really ought to find himself a wife.' And now I find out he has. Capital! Capital!"
Cripsin had forgotten Ritfield's tendency to grin unceasingly. That would either prove relieving to Catherine or unnerving. Crispin watched her, ready to move on if the encounter didn't look promising.
"Lord Cavratt is quite a favorite in the neighbourhood. We've all been hoping he would find a lovely lady to bring home to Kinnley."
"Kinnely?" Catherine whispered to Crispin.
"My estate in Suffolk," he answered quietly.
"Lord Cavratt is quite the catch, I understand." Ritfield's grin only grew. "Quite sought after by the ladies--er, that is he was quite the catch. But then, you surely knew that."
Catherine nodded, not appearing at all overwhelmed by Ritfield's ceaseless flow of words.
"He is genial and polite. A gentleman to the core, of course. Bang up to the mark, I've always said. His estate is the envy of all of Suffolk. And we must certainly add to his talents that of discovering hidden treasures."
"I think that is sufficient flatter for on evening, Ritfield," Crispin said the man really was a very good neighbor but had a tendency to be too effusive in his praise. "I will be sure to enlist your services if ever my good name is in question."