Category: Low Romance

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance

More than Romance

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“Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.”

I’ve frequently commented on Sarah Eden‘s ability to connect readers to characters in a deep and meaningful way. A way that leaves a lasting impression. Violet and Kes were no exception. Violet in particular spoke to my heart, I saw so much of myself in her.

Sarah’s stories are about so much more than Romance. They’re about real relationships in various forms: friendships, romances, familial connections and how we navigate them.

Her writings encourage me to be a better friend, a better, sister and daughter, a better wife, a better me.

Despite her disinterest in kissing scenes, her  books will make you swoon too, but they also connect, uplift and inspire.

This book addressed grief, disability, and mental health awareness in a beautiful story about learning to trust yourself and others with such heavy things. I loved it.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Contemporary Romance, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Just Enough

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Just Enough Luck by Aspen Hadley

“Lucy Moore never lost faith in her fairy godmother, and when she lands an unbelievable dream job working for Drake Enterprises, she knows exactly who to thank for the opportunity. That dream job, however, comes with a twist that has her heading to northern Montana for the month long annual family retreat at The Lucky Wolf ranch. She packs a suitcase of warm clothes and a fake it ’til you make it attitude, prepared to do all she can to win the family over. Once there she comes face to face with the Drake brothers.

Alexander, Lucy’s new boss, is literally a magazine cover model. He’s also a numbers geek like her, which makes him dreamy beyond belief, and Lucy can’t stop staring. He’s too perfect to be real. Daniel is the first person Lucy meets when she arrives at the ranch in the most humiliating way possible. His warmth and humor quickly put her at ease, and she’s grateful to have a friend in this unknown, way off the beaten path, frozen part of the country.

In one short month Lucy contends with animal attacks, a temporary roommate who’s more robot than human, some ranch-hand flirting sessions, and a little eavesdropping, all while attempting to show her new boss that she can do the job.

When the month ends, and it’s time to return home, her story is far from over. Now her heart belongs to the one man who seems perfect for her. Can they overcome all the obstacles in their way?”

I adored this book. Though at first I had a hard time with her infatuation with her boss, I really liked how well Aspen morphed and changed her view of him and of Daniel, it was very well done.

I loved their meet cute, I loved his nicknames for her. I loved how they were both a little quirky. Mostly I loved how Aspen wrote them as real people, who had real arguments, but dealt with them like real adults. This book made me smile from cover to cover.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence,

Just Enough Magic

The first time I saw Alexander Drake, I was looking at his picture on the cover of a Financial Life magazine. I’d have to have been blind not to notice what a total catch he was. Rich, handsome, and completely make believe. Only, he wasn’t some fake cover model. He was a real person, soon-to-be brother-in-law of my best friend Lucy, and when she introduced us for the first time, I swooned. Hard. Me. Kayla Benson. Master of male-female relationships, strong, independent, and the one usually being swooned over. The worst part? While I was busy catching my breath – my eyes so dazed they might as well have been crossed – he hadn’t even bothered to look my way. Suddenly I wanted nothing more than to ruffle his feathers and see what could happen if I became a force in his life’s bubble. So . . . I did.

After finishing the first I immediately wanted the second. I was more than looking forward to this story. I was anticipating all the fun directions the author could go with Alex and Kayla.

I was a little hesitant when Kayla started working for Alex. I didn’t want a repeat of the first book. Luckily I didn’t have to worry about that, this story was so uniquely its own. With its own set of unique and fun characters while still giving you glimpses of the characters you fell in love with in the first book.

I loved watching Alex’s walls come down. I loved how Kayla worms her way into his life. I loved how well Aspen wrote the foundation of friendship with the slow burning chemistry in the background. So we’ll done!

I felt a little bit of a double standard at the beginning of the book. With the struggles Kayla experienced in the work place, for her to turn around and try and throw herself at her boss left me feeling a little uncomfortable. I think it was more of a personal thing, than how Aspen wrote it. I may or may not have a little bit of a soap box when it comes to those kinds of things. I feel like there should be respect going both ways regardless of gender.

I loved how Aspen had Kayla recognize her own ridiculousness and apologize. I love the honesty between them and the barefoot scene and the conversations about flirting. I really loved so much about this book.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Jane Austen Re-telling, Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Religion, Moderate Violence

The Murder of Mr. Wickham Book Tour

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“The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In this tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.”

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Have you ever thought, if Jane Austen held a house party and invited all her character, how would that go? Who would be friends?

As a Jane Austen fan I was delighted to be asked to be a part of this book launch. Who wouldn’t want a little more from this world. My one concern was if I would really feel as if I was back in Jane Austen’s world again. And Oh did I.

Claudia Gray did an amazing job of showing us what might have happened after happily ever after. Each character had a completely believable background since we last met them, a distinct voice and intriguing emotions.

Have you ever thought to yourself, why in the world did Wickham marry Lydia? Claudia portrays in her book, one of the best explanation I’ve ever heard. And if that’s not enough to get you to read it, the mystery alone would be.

How could any of our beloved characters be a murderer? You can’t turn pages fast enough. The author is really good at pointing the finger at everyone. Claudia’s mystery is woven wonderfully, giving you morsels of clues without any idea of who it really is.

There was one little moment that felt a bit like a soap box that seemed unnecessary. Until I kept reading. I was pleasantly surprised at how she encouraged a deeper thinking, and granted me a much needed dose of compassion for the era and what others may have struggled with. I came away impressed with how she handled all the complicated relationships on the page. Including the dimension she gave characters we thought we knew so well, and the new ones we are introduced to.

I would recommend this to not just fans of Jane Austen, but fans of historical fiction, romance, mystery, or just a good intelligent, entertaining read.

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (the reason for this label is a spoiler alert, if you want details please don’t hesitate to message us here or on social media), Moderate Violence (the murder does not happen on page, but seen after the fact. The descriptions aren’t gory, but this is a murder mystery so it is referenced occasionally. There is also a moment of sexual assault told in flashback, but it is not detailed.), Moderate Religion (because two of the character’s professions have to do with the church, there is some intense discussions about morality and religious law. I felt however that these discussions only added to the depth of the characters and the intrigue of the story.)

Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Suspense, Four Stars, Giveaway, Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Religion, Moderate Violence

Facing the Enemy Blog Tour

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“Lady Elise Henderson lives two separate lives. At home in Scotland, she’s the titled daughter of the Marquess of Roxbury, an heiress in her own right. In London, however, she’s Elise Taylor, a top MI6 operative for the “home office.” But when a devastating accident threatens to end her career, Elise is left with far too much time for self-reflection and the regret of a decision made long ago that features one man: fellow MI6 agent Harry Benson.

Harry Benson, the son of servants, has loved Elise for the better part of a decade. But life took them on separate journeys until their worlds converged once more. An immediate assignment to the Scottish Borders leaves Harry little time to make provisions for his small, rambunctious son, Sammy. Harry knows only one person he can rely on for the boy’s care—Elise. When Elise brings Sammy to her ancestral estate, she never imagines that a nemesis from her past looms in the shadows, hungry for revenge. Stalked at every turn, Elise and Harry discover that fighting their feelings for one another is futile, but can they survive long enough to get another shot at true love?“

Paige Edwards sets the stage for the suspense really well. So much, that I realized I’m still a wuss. Her villain had wonderfully fleshed out background and motive. Not the kind that makes you empathize with him, but the kind that ups the creep factor, in the best way possible.

I would have loved that much depth in the backstory of Harry and Elise. I felt like their romance was a little hot and cold at times and their relationship backstory skimmed the surface of what I hoped to know. We did get cute glimpses into the past and plenty of swoony moments in the present. I was hoping for just a little bit more meat.

One of the relationships I did love was between Sammy and Elise. In a single dad romance, the relationship between child and significant other is almost as important and Paige did a fabulous job with them. It wasn’t instant connection and understanding. It was something Paige built slowly overtime in a beautiful way. Their relationship was genuine and definitely upped the suspense factor by the end. I loved how she wove that together.

She also built the relationship between Elise’s family really well too. Their complex family dynamics held all the hooks and I’m completely attached to all the siblings, I’ll need to read every single one of their stories!

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence (this is a suspense novel so their is a moderate amount of violence, some of the passing comments of the villain bordered on super creepy/violent for me, but it was never graphic), Moderate Religion (a relationship with God is discussed a time or two in a natural and plot enhancing way, but no specific religion is ever discussed.)

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Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Five Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance

Fairy Tale Come True

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Do you believe in fairy tales? Sometimes we think fairy tales and happily ever afters are for the young, but Josi Kilpack presented a Cinderella reimagined in her book The Valet’s Secret that spoke to every heart, young or old.

“As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—-Kenneth Winterton.

Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca’s life does that …except how he feels when she is with him.

Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.”

This story was incredibly refreshing and mature. Not only were the characters of a more mature age, but I was extremely impressed with the writing. The styles and juxtapositions Josi used in creating her fairy tale and the subtly it was told with were beautiful. The Cinderella elements were built slowly, until bam there they were, one after another, and the reader could only sit there and smile.

I loved the energy and the goodness amidst hard genuine emotions. The relationship started with emotions that were deep and genuine regardless of how little they knew each other. Josi built on that to create a connection that was so much more than chemistry and hugely more fulfilling for the reader.

I loved this story from start to finish.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence

Stars and Ice

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I have a confession. I have never seen the move Titanic. I’ve seen clips of it, but I’ve never seen the whole film. Obviously I’m very aware historically of what happened with the great ship Titanic, however I’m kind of glad I was not familiar with the intimate details before reading this book. I think it made the images more real and the emotions more poignant, then again with Rebecca’s writing it probably would have been that way regardless.

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“Shortly after midnight on April 15, 1912, the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, is awakened by a distress signal from the RMS Titanic, which has struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Though information is scarce, Rostron leaps into action, determined to answer the call for help. But the Carpathia is more than four hours away, and there are more questions than answers: Will his ship hold together if pushed to never-before-tested speeds? What if he also strikes an iceberg? And with the freezing temperatures, will there be any survivors by the time the Carpathia arrives?

Kate Connolly is excited to join her sister in America and proud to be traveling on the grand Titanic. As a third-class passenger, she is among the last to receive instruction and help after Titanic hits an iceberg. Despite the chaos of abandoning ship, Kate is able to reach the upper decks and manages to board a lifeboat, though after seeing the Titanic sink into the abyss and hearing the cries from the hundreds of people still in the water, she wonders if any rescue is even possible.

Told in alternating chapters from both Captain Rostron on the Carpathia and Kate Connolly on the Titanic, this historical novel is a compelling, heart-pounding account of two eyewitnesses to an epic disaster. Rostron’s heroic and compassionate leadership, his methodical preparations for rescue, and his grit and determination to act honorably and selflessly to save lives and care for the survivors, sets the course for this awe-inspiring story.”

We are happy to tell anyone that will listen of our love of Rebecca Connolly‘s writing. She is an expert at swoony moments and witty banter. This book isn’t a romance. However, Rebecca is also an master story teller and that fact shone through this book.

The writing was incredibly well researched and impressively empathetic. I loved how the focus was more on the ramifications of the disaster, than it was on the disaster itself.

As a work of historical fiction, Rebecca has stated that all the names are real, and she does an amazing job of helping you feel like them as people and not just names on a page. She uses her amazing story telling to give them fictional moments, but those fictional moments just make the experience as a whole seem that much more real. Your heart breaks and stutters and heals as theirs does.

Her story did what historical fictions ought to do. It made me want to know more; more about the people, more about their moments and more about the rest of their lives.

This book was so hauntingly spectacular while also being a stunning message of hope. The dual perspectives was genius. It allowed the story to represent both the tragedy of the Titanic, told with detail and precision until you think your heart just can’t take it anymore. And the sacrifice and goodness of those on the Carpathia that came to their rescue.

I closed the book thinking, this is why we tell stories. So that people like this, and moments like this, can be remembered and honored. Thank you Rebecca for telling their story in such a beautiful way that it will linger with us and we won’t forget the heartache and the compassion you brought to life.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence (Though Rebecca is detailed in the story, I would still put it here. Her descriptions are never gory and they’re a result of a natural disaster not physical force intended to harm), Lowish Religion (Captain Rostron was a religious man and his introspective thoughts are sometimes portrayed in a spiritual in nature. Rebecca uses it in a fabulous way in the novel that feels natural and in line with the captain’s character.)

Contemporary Romance, Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Three Stars

Enemies or Lovers?

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Love in Bloom by Jenny Proctor

“I’m basically a golden retriever puppy. I love everyone and want everyone to love me. But Cameron is the singular exception to my “love everyone” rule, and the hatred goes both ways. First of all, he’s one of THOSE guys. The kind that looks like he belongs on the cover of Yacht Club Weekly. Second of all, he’s way too good at his job. The man is a walking Wikipedia. His walking tours of historic downtown Charleston stay booked weeks in advance. Did I mention I run tours along the same route? When we’re both up for a magazine feature that could kick our respective careers to the next level, our rivalry turns into a heated competition. Then we unexpectedly kiss (it’s a looooong story), and things get really complicated. Now my blood is boiling over Cameron for an entirely different reason. Only one of us can win. Can I trust a man who used to be my enemy, or is everything—even our relationship—just a part of his plan to take me down?“

This book has everything you want in an enemies to lovers. The banter is spot on. The chemistry and tension is really well balanced with laugh out loud pranks. I especially loved that the misunderstandings are written in a genuine way. Their feelings for each other, the frustrations and the attraction, are composed naturally, you never get the feeling of them being contrived.

Jenny wrote this as so much more than just an enemies to lovers book. There are layers of character growth and authentic relationship development that have you loving both Darcy and Cameron and who they can be together.

I really enjoyed reading every part of this book.

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

On Schedule by Summer Dowell

“Avery: I’m a simple woman. All I want is for my wedding planning business to thrive. That’s it. I don’t want some annoying photographer (Okay, I’ll admit it. He’s attractive. In a guy-you-want-to-hate kinda way) that tries with moderate success to get under my skin. I don’t need some adorable stray puppy that’s just dying to make me a dog mom. I don’t want any of it. All right?

Tyler: I mean, am I attracted to Avery? Sure. If you’re into the big brown eyes and full soft lips kinda thing. She may or may not have sneaked her way into my film roll more times than I can count this week. But as enticing as Avery is, she has a bite to go with it. Like a tiger, just waiting for you to come close and count its stripes so it can attack. But what if there’s more to her than the human checklist vibe she gives off? And what if I’m drawn to that part?”

This enemies to lovers romantic comedy had really fabulous back and forth flirting.

Sometimes there was a little too much embarrassment, without enough time in between for the pacing and believability, but Summer definitely kept me laughing. The roller coaster love/hate was completely believable and done incredibly well. I loved the tug of war of attraction and irritation.

She wrote scenes with fabulous metaphors and double meanings that make your heart thump without any awkward innuendos. I love how well she writes a clean sizzle.

This is definitely a fun romance that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

High Heels and Big Deals by Jennifer Youngblood

“It all started when the deal of a lifetime came knocking at my door. I never imagined that my shot at fame and fortune would come with such outrageous conditions. I’ve been dreaming of a music career ever since I was old enough to hold a guitar. I have no idea what to do. Oh, did I mention that things aren’t so great with my boyfriend and manager? Alden thinks I’m a moron for even questioning the music label’s demands. He’s too starry eyed over the big, fat record deal to think about what might be best for me.

Just when I think my life can’t get any more complicated, I find myself in a freak snowstorm. Fate must be having a heyday with this one because who rescues me? The guy I love to hate—Beau Primrose! Yeah, the rough and tumble firefighter is as hunky as ever with his crooked grin and piercing blue eyes. I’ve got his number though. The player broke my heart in middle school, and I have no intention of letting him hurt me again. I can remain immune to his charm … I think. Good Gollie, Miss Mollie, did I actually kiss him … AGAIN?“

This is a really sweet read. It’s a one sided enemies to lovers, that provides just the right amount of tension.

The heavy southern drawl dialect was a little hard to get into at first, but in pulled me in and felt natural before long.

I felt like there were one or two plot holes left at the end, but it was a fun and lighthearted story.

*** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Five Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance

Her Country Gentleman Book Tour

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When you put Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden and Rebecca Connolly in one collection you can guarantee that it will be a good read, and it was! All of them were five star reads in our books!

When Charlotte’s grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister’s wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay.

Not only is it lambing season, but he’s also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant.

Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William’s sheep’s disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

Sian’s story had all the wit and adventure you expect from her stories. Her characters were fun and easy to engage with and yet there was always that sense of mystery and anticipation in the background that she weaves so well. The pacing kept you turning the pages quickly.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle.

What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?

Sarah is so incredible at creating characters that speak to your heart and address the struggles and yearnings of many of us. Cordelia and Sebastian are characters you want to know, want to cheer on and want to see more of.

The hidden identity was done really well and made for such a fun story.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

Martha Smith wants to marry for love, and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status, but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother’s approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha’s romantic sensibilities, and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great.

Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he’d already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he’s more than willing to work for it. Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything.

Rebecca is, and always will be a favorite of ours. Her conversations are entertaining, and her romances are swoon worthy. Rebecca’s writing always leaves me with a smile on my face. The story felt both real and empowering at the same time.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

4 1/2 stars, Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Moderate Violence

An Awfully Big Adventure

Our Book Confessions

When I heard Annette K. Larsen was going to do fairytale retellings in her Winberg world, I was completely on board. When I heard it was a Peter Pan retelling, I was at the edge of my seat with anticipation. I love the adventure in the Peter Pan fairytale. It’s a tale that has something for everyone: mermaids, pirates, fairies and an awfully big adventure.

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Cecily doesn’t want to grow up—not if growing up means marrying. Having escaped a life of abandonment and mistreatment, she refuses to put her life in the hands of a man ever again. She’s happily settled into her life as lady’s maid to Princess Marilee when the princess’s personal guard, Falstone, expresses a wish to know her better.

His kind heart and playful nature pull her in, but while she would trust him with her life, she can’t seem to trust him with her heart. Not only that, but Falstone has pledged his life for the protection of another. The choice to give their budding feelings a chance is taken out of their hands by the appearance of Captain Huckley, the man she ran from years ago, who insists he has a claim on Cecily and her future.

A story about bravery and vulnerability, this reimagined version of Peter Pan will carry you on an adventure that brings romance to the forefront of a beloved tale.

Even though Annette’s tale was based more in a world with out magic, her story still contained everything that makes Peter Pan magical. She had incredibly clever work ins; from the Rogue, to Cecily’s stories, to Falstone’s training the boys, to the thimble. Her reworking of the fairytale was masterfully done.

At first I had as hard a time as Cecily merging the character of Falstone I knew to the Peter Pan he is. I admit to not completely understand his game at times. However one of my favorite things is the dichotomy of Annette’s characters. She doesn’t ever leave you frustrated at inconsistencies. She always writes them as multifaceted and layered individuals that you’re intrigued to know more about.

The more I learned about Falstone, the more I loved his character. He added a light and fun side to the more adventurous plot. Which only added to the overall really good ebb and flow of the plot.

I was enchanted by her imagery, and entertained every step of the way.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence (I would put the rating here, the violence doesn’t take up a lot of the book, nor is it gory, but it is an important plot point), Low Religion

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence

We’re all Stars

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She needs his help—almost as much as she needs to get rid of him.

“Glenna Douglas may be the daughter of a humble crofter, but she dreams of becoming the innkeeper of Glengour Inn, where she has worked for years. Her problems are two-fold: first, she cannot read or write; second, the landlord has chosen a gentleman who has never set foot in Glengour to manage the inn. She is determined to prove herself more capable than the newcomer—but she may need a bit of help from him to do it.

With confidence, charm, and a bit of assistance from his good looks, Alistair Innes has found achieving his goals fairly straightforward thus far in life. His next ambition is somewhat more daunting: return his childhood home and birthright to its former glory so he can inhabit it himself—hopefully with a genteel wife at his side. His plans are temporarily foiled, though, when those capable of financing his venture require him to prove himself first. The challenge? Turn a Highland inn to a higher profit.

Alistair and Glenna are not the only ones concerned with the future of Glengour, though. Indeed, Angus MacKinnon—newly appointed justice of the peace—seems in turns determined to help and hinder them. With the vision of Alistair’s future at stake and the desires of Glenna’s heart rapidly expanding far beyond a simple inn, they must determine how far they are willing to go for their dreams—and exactly who those dreams include.”

Endings of a series are always bitter sweet, but this one was done so well. Those who have been following this series couldn’t wait for Glenna’s story, and I loved that it was with Alistiar.

The ‘will they/wont they’ was fabulously done. There was a lightness and fun with these two layered amidst the struggles. Martha Keyes writes the best dual perspectives in a way that you know they’ll end up together, but even near the end of the book you can’t figure out how.

I loved how the historical aspects she pulled in were both relevant to the time and place and added depth to the story.

I found it interesting that she chose not to redeem Angus. And yet it fit really well for the story. There was such a beautiful focus on worth to other and ourselves, and he was the perfect foil for that. An absolutely beautiful ending to a series we’ve loved.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence