To Love a Lady

For fans of My Fair Lady and The Gilded Age

New York City, 1883. Keira O’Day has spent her life scraping by in the tenements, haunted by the mystery of her parents’ abandonment. When wealthy widow and social climber, Maude Hill, offers her a daring proposition—to be adopted, polished, and presented as a society bride for an English lord—Keira sees an opportunity she can’t pass up.

Maude’s nephew, Alexander Paxton-Hill, is skeptical from the start. Tasked with teaching Keira the art of charm and flirtation, he soon finds himself captivated by her honesty and warmth as she challenges everything he thought he knew about love—and about himself.

After navigating the glittering, treacherous world of New York society, Keira arrives in England and catches the eye of the elusive Duke of Severton. She’s poised to win everything until a lavish ball, a long-buried secret, and one reckless act of love threaten to unravel it all. Now Keira must choose: the role she’s been prepared to play—or the woman she’s become.

Review: 
Keira O’Day is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave the tenements behind and become an heiress. But, everything comes with a condition. Keira will have to help save Maude Hill and her hotel dynasty by marrying a person of nobility. As you can imagine, Keira is bewildered by all of the things she must learn of society. But, she has made a friend and ally, Alexander Paxton-Hill who helps her with all that she will need in order to succeed. The details of the opulence of New York's and London’s societies were described in such detail that I felt that I was experiencing things along with Kiera. The Worth gowns, the furnishings, and being introduced to the queen and prince was all so exciting and a bit breathtaking. I loved the retelling of my Fair Lady and the way that it ended for Keira and Alec. It was the perfect ending for Keira and even better than what I could have imagined. Thank you to the author for doing that, otherwise I would have been very disappointed. Things to love: classic movie retelling cottage secrets flirting lessons flower brooch ballroom dances wardrobes faith of characters We are introduced to some other characters who I came to love in the story, and I am excited to see they will be featured in a future book in the Dollar Princess series. I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

A Lesson in Propriety

About the Book:

With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather’s privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she’s inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family’s safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

My Review: 

When Drusilla is dumped by her fiancé and has to move to Chicago in order to take care of her family, she is probably at her lowest. But, she is a courageous and resourceful young woman who has a brilliant idea to convert the house that her aunt left her into a school for young ladies. Little does she realize the mishaps she will find herself encountering, but also being rescued and helped countless times by the handsome Rhenick Wittenbecker who helps her to see the remarkable young she truly is.

Author Jen Turano uses humorous situations to keep you turning the pages. A Lesson in Propriety is a prime example of hilarity with attack ferrets, eccentric friends, and a “haunted castle” that is filled with rampaging goats, a goose, and aggressive suits of armor that swings weaponry at Drusilla and her family.

This is the first book in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies, and you will want to read the next book since the school is getting ready to open. I look forward to reading what antics the students will be involved in throughout the series.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Summer at the Niagara of the South

 

About the Book

Book: A Summer at The Niagara of the South

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 28, 2024

She came to the resort to heal her voice, only to discover her heart needed healing more.

Breaking under the stress of being a rising star, opera singer Grace Galveston travels to Tallulah Falls in search of reprieve. With its multiple waterfalls, spectacular gorge and mountain scenery, and lavish resorts, “The Niagara of the South,” seems the perfect place to do just that. Even amid the crowds and excitement of an aerialist’s attempt to cross the gorge, Grace hopes to find peace.

Daniel Monroe basks in that peace as minister of a local church. He’s the perfect tour guide for Grace during her visit—until his heart gets entangled with the red-haired beauty with an angel’s voice. The trip sheds light on the secret pain in Grace’s heart. And does she even share the faith that’s so vital to his ministry? Can the blessing of friendship and the possibility of love guide her toward healing, or will the call of her life back in New York mean even greater heartbreak?

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Join Grace Galveston as she and her aunt retreat to a magical place called Tallulah Falls. I have enjoyed this resort series, and Georgia sounds like a fantastical and beautiful place to relax. The author described things so well that I would love to visit here some day. 

This story of a wealthy young woman and a pastor and their blossoming relationship was enjoyable to read. Readers of all ages will enjoy this story as well as the faith message that is presented. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through Celebrate Lit. All views are only my opinion. I was not required to write a review.

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

 

 More from Denise

A Vanished Gilded Age Resort on the Edge of a Gorge

I first discovered Tallulah Gorge in Northeast Georgia when I was a student at Toccoa Falls College, only a couple years before the area was designated a state park. It was considered a perfect place for a day out hiking, tracing whatever faint trail one could find to an overlook into the thousand-foot-deep canyon or down to the series of waterfalls below. The more daring (or crazy) would jump off the rock cliffs into the pools—without a clue that the dangerous currents feeding the rapids had whisked many an adventurer to their death.

 

As a young mom, I moved to Habersham County and learned that over twenty lavish resorts had clung to the rim of the gorge during Gilded Age and Edwardian times. In fact, Tallulah Gorge with its series of six spectacular falls had drawn people from all over the nation and been dubbed “The Niagara of the South.” To power the city of Atlanta, Georgia Power Company dammed the river and constructed a large hydroelectric facility at the site in 1912, greatly reducing the amount of water flowing through the gorge. In 1921, a fire destroyed most of the hotels and brought an end to the glamorous tourist era.

The idea of recreating on the page something lost to history has inspired many a story idea for me. I had set aside my quest for publication with the birth of my daughters, but Tallulah Falls called to me. I soon penned my first published novella, Redeeming Grace, set during the summer of 1886 when tightrope walker Professor Leon crossed the gorge before a crowd of around six thousand. (The stunt was repeated in 1970 by Karl Wallenda.) That little book was a tiny initial stepping stone on my journey to becoming a multi-published author and editor.

 

Another more recent novella of mine, A Winter at the White Queen, set at Hotel Belleview in Florida, kicked off Wild Heart Books’ Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series in January 2023. It took quite a while for it to dawn on me that after being released from its original contract, Redeeming Grace was pretty much gathering digital dust—and with a light edit and new cover and title, it could perfectly bookend the series. So we give you A Summer at the Niagara of the South, the story of a New York opera singer breaking under the stress of newfound stardom, and the Tallulah Falls minister who doesn’t dare to dream she could fit into his humble world.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 30

Book Looks by Lisa, July 31

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pause for Tales, August 7

Devote To Hope, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Connie’s History Classroom, August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Bizwings Book Blog, August 12

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d08d/a-summer-at-the-niagara-of-the-south-celebration-tour-giveaway

Meeting Her Match

  

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.

After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.

Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and at JenTurano.com. 

MY REVIEW

From the lap of luxury in New York to the countryside of West Virginia,  Camilla Pierpont, matchmaker extraordinaire is comfortable wherever she goes. The crazy way in which Camilla and Owen Chesterfield meet, along with its misunderstanding, will have you laughing from the very beginning of the story. But the smiles and giggles doesn’t stop there! 

Jen Turano is an author whose books I can easily recommend to readers from teens through adults. It has love, adventure, mystery, surprises, and lots of fun. This is the third book in The Matchmaker series. While it can be read as a standalone, you’ll enjoy the stories of the other love matches that Camilla has helped make happen.

 

Things to look forward to reading:

Owen’s family

Esmeralda the pig

Fashion

Humor

West Virginia sayings

Chickens and whitewashing fences

Apple pie recipe

Annoyance to love

Multiple love matches

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, NetGalley, and AustenProse. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

The Hudson Collection

 

About the Book: 

Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience, friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

My Review: 

Author Jocelyn Green has written a world from the 1920’s filled with such rich detail that I wish I could visit the mansion she described along the Hudson River. Choosing a the profession of an ornithologist for the main character, Elsa Reisner, was interesting. I loved the rambling home of a reknown millionaire and his wife, and the task that Elsa is given to catalog and retrieve the birds from their collection. I am familiar with many of the birds that are described and loved learning more about them as well as new ones too. 

The misperception of how Elsa’s family felt about her contracting polio and its aftereffects caused her to see things in a different manner. I loved that she was courageous and spoke with her parents about what took place. I can imagine how freeing it was for all involved to confess their feelings and move forward in their relationship. 

There are so many wonderful characters in this story. Luke, the wonderful, caring, and protective man. I wish everyone had a person in their life like him. He was the perfect match for Elsa. Danielle, a child with autism who could see things in a way that was uniquely her. Tom, a man who was carefree and loving and recovering from the horrors of war. 

The topic of eugenics is part of the story and shows the devastation that it creates. I loved how many of Ms. Green’s characters would be labeled as imperfect but how distinctive each one of them is. I could see the tapestry of  each of them fitting into Elsa’s life.

Other things to love:

Treasure hunt

Mystery and Danger

Faith of characters

Things aren’t always what they seem

Restoration

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction. It can be read as a standalone even though it is part of the On Central Park series.  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley and Austen Prose. All views are only my opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. 

A Spring at the Greenbrier

About the Book

Book: A Spring at the Greenbrier

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 30, 2024

Marilla will sacrifice anything for her family. So when her sister’s doctor suggests daily sulphur spring baths, an amenity her family could never afford, Marilla takes a job at The Greenbrier resort bathhouse in order to give her sister the care she needs. When her sister befriends another girl staying at the resort with a similar health condition, Marilla finds herself crossing paths with the girl’s handsome, charming, older brother. And despite their growing attraction to each other, courting Wes must remain a dream. After all, resort staff cannot court guests and Marilla will not risk her sister’s health for her own happiness.

Wealthy resort guest, Wes Bakersfield, has dreams for a future and plans to make his family’s business his own. And while he finds himself drawn to Marilla, despite their differing social classes, he can’t help but wonder if she is really interested in him, or in his wealth.

Can the couple find the trust to help their love succeed, or will their differences pull them apart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

Bathing in the hot springs of the elite the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia was helpful to those who had arthritis and other ailments. Here we find resort employee, Marilla Stevens, acting as a bath attendant for those guests needing assistance. As part of the perks for working there Marilla is allowed to have her sister, Katie, use the hot springs in hopes of seeing if it helps her with the effects of polio.

This is a unique story as Marilla helps a young girl named Ina Bakersfield and her family, including her older brother Wes who she would never have met otherwise. The friendship that Inga and Katie develop was a nice addition to the story as it not only helped the girls, but brought both families together. The secondary story of the Bakersfields being on the leading edge of the automobile age and the manufacturing aspect make this interesting and one that I enjoyed learning about.

The faith of Marilla’s family, combined with the caring natures of Wes and Marilla make this an inspiring story. It is part of the Romance of the Gilded Age Resorts and is a standalone.Read this if you want to escape to a lovely romance from a bygone age.

I received this complimentary book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

 

 

 

 

More from Sandra

In A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series, Marilla, our heroine, is as desperate as her mother to find healing for her younger sister’s polio. When the doctor recommends daily bathing in the sulphur springs, her family cannot afford the cost. Marilla transfers to the bath wing at The Greenbrier where her new boss allows her to bring her sister at the end of each day after the guests have finished their bathing sessions. It makes for a long day yet the sacrifice is worth her exhaustion if the springs can help her ten-year-old sister.

The Greenbrier, a beautiful and elegant resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, first received its fame from healthy benefits of drinking the sulphur springs and bathing in its waters.

Both the hero and heroine in A Spring at The Greenbrier have younger sisters who can benefit from heated spring baths.

The bulk of my research for this story was for the springs and what illnesses benefit from them. I had to discover the illnesses for which doctors recommended the baths historically.

Soothing soaks in hot springs are recommended even today. They can boost blood circulation, reduce pain, improve skin conditions, reduce stress, decrease inflammation in joints, and detoxify the body.

Most resort guests in the early days drank tumblers of the water before each meal. A resort doctor in the 1800s cautioned taking a maximum of 12 glasses daily. Health benefits for the bowels, liver, kidneys, and skin most often appeared between three to six weeks. The resort began to sell it in bottles at drug stores. It was labelled as A Natural Laxative.

Major renovations were done by new owners for a grand reopening in September of 1913. Marilla, our heroine, begins working at the Women’s Department of the new bath wing. Female guests enjoyed heated sulphur spring baths in bathing rooms. Doctors sent their wealthy patients to the springs with a recommended regimen of bathing that might also include drinking the spring water. The temperature of the water, the frequency, and the length of the baths were set by their doctor.

Folks suffering from a variety of ailments sought benefits from the spring waters, including gout, rheumatism, arthritis, neuritis, dyspepsia, jaundice, scurvy, hay fever, malaria, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic diseases of the skin, stomach, bowels, and liver.

Mineral waters can harm people with aneurisms in the heart and large arteries, cancer, tubercular consumption, and some brain complaints.

The springs were of great benefit for folks suffering from chronic complaints. These benefits happened so gradually that patients started to feel better “without being able to account for it.”

So there were a lot of conditions to choose from for my two ailing girls in my story.

A Spring at The Greenbrier is a nostalgic story set in 1914. I invite you to read the whole series!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Book Looks by Lisa, May 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Devoted To Hope, May 3

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 5

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 6 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, May 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 7

Blogging With Carol, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For him and My Family, May 9

Blossoms and Blessings, May 10

The Lofty Pages, May 11

Bizwings Book Blog, May 11

Connie’s History Classroom, May 12

Holly’s Book Corner, May 13

Pause for Tales, May 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 14

Cover Lover Book Review, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b35d/a-spring-at-the-greenbrier-celebration-tour-giveaway

While the City Sleeps

 While the City Sleeps 

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.

My Review: 

I loved this book as Ms. Camden writes like only she can with her attention to details and an intriguing plot that make her stories come to life. Dr. Katherine Schneider learns of a dangerous plot that threatens New York City. She is one, bold young woman as she doesn't stop at seeing things made right and helping avert a disaster if at all possible. I enjoyed when she goes into the territory of a deadly Mafia family. I laughed when she faces off with Jonathan's grandmother. It took real guts to find her and ask for help.

I highly recommend this story with danger, suspense, interesting characters, and intrigue, you are sure to want to read this first book in the Women of Midtown series. Readers of all ages will certainly enjoy it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through AustenProse book tours. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.