Windvale

Sir Henry Ainsley is drowning. Years of debt have piled up, and the only thing keeping him afloat is the need to see his sister secure in marriage. When an unexpected lifeline appears to absolve his debts in return for information on a missing merchant ship, he jumps at the chance—though he thought he’d left such dangerous work behind him. The catch is it comes with attending a house party on the Channel Islands, hosted by Mrs. Alice Seymour. But what’s one more gamble, if it could see his sister safely married before his crumbling facade is revealed?

Alice Seymour has no interest in love. Widowed and painfully reserved, she hosts her yearly matchmaking parties more out of duty than delight; it is far easier to help others find their happily ever after. Yet when the inscrutable Sir Henry arrives, his charm and quiet kindness begin to stir feelings she had long believed were too fanciful to be real. But as secrets from his past surface—and pieces of her own begin to fall into place—she is not certain she wishes to open her heart.

But the truth behind the missing ship might be more dangerous than Henry believed, and the possibility of failure threatens to destroy his future and the fragile trust growing between him and his hostess. As the island’s shadowy dealings come to light, Henry’s options grow limited, and Alice must choose between the comfort of the life she knows... or risk everything for the one man who truly sees her.

Review: 

Spies, matchmaking, smuggling, and a love that develops over time between Alice and Sir Henry makes this a terrific story to be invested in their romance.Henry has the best kinds of friends. They never give up on him or trying to help him. Everyone needs people like that in their lives! I love that there are several suspects throughout the story as to who is the arch villain, and there are some surprises that kept me engaged until the very end. 

Things to love: 

beach scene

danger

mystery

Channel Islands

house party

redemption

I highly recommend reading this book that is the fifth book in the Regency Love Stories series. It can be read as a standalone, but I am sure you will want to read the other books too. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

A Novel Engagement

 A reckless wager. A forgotten promise. Two enemies in a race to the altar.

When a stormy night leads to a wager among bachelors, Rowan Ashworth finds himself bound by a formidable challenge: the last man to wed must pay one hundred pounds to the others. With several friends already married and another close behind, Rowan has little choice but to follow through on a childhood promise—to marry the woman his parents intended for him, a vexing woman who despises him.

Arabella Delafield has no intention of becoming Rowan’s bride—promises or otherwise. Rowan hurt her deeply when they were younger, and to forget it would be foolish. To escape the match, she launches a marriage campaign of her own, desperate to find a husband before Rowan can claim her hand. But when an unexpected encounter with a charming, bookish stranger derails her plans, she’s unprepared for just how familiar he feels.

A war of wills, mistaken identities, and surprise chemistry turn a childhood promise into a second chance neither expected—and a love neither can outrun.

Review: 

“It was quite possible that she hated me more than I detested her.” This is the perfect enemies to more story as Rowan Ashworth and Arabella Delafield have always been at odds with each other since childhood. Arabella has such a deep seated hatred of Rowan that she takes things in her hands to thwart her family’s plans of an engagement between the them. Her decision makes for some forehead-slapping and head-shaking that adds levity throughout the story.

Things to love:
dual POV
bookstore meeting
secrets
writer/ literary critic
Miss Page and Mr. Prologue
verbal sparring
humor
artwork
Mr. Clodwick

You’ll enjoy seeing how Rowan’s patience, understanding, and determination win Arabella’s heart. This is part of the six book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series. I recommend reading this if you love historical novels you’ll want to read this clean Regency romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

An Unconventional Lady

Ella Wilde is no ordinary young woman. Outspoken, curious, and fiercely independent, she grew up in a world of natural philosophy, encouraged by her scientist parents to question everything. But when her mother dies mysteriously while studying phrenology in Austria, Ella is left with more questions than answers. Especially when a study is released claiming that a phrenological examination of Ella's mother prior to her death indicated mental instability, calling into question what really happened the night of her death. Years later, at a scientific symposium hosted by her father's school and focused on phrenology, Ella seizes the chance to clear her mother's name and debunk phrenology as pseudoscience.

Gabriel Rowe is a barrister with a mission of his own. Tasked with finding a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist who will be speaking at the symposium, Gabriel's path leads him back to Keatley Hall--and to Ella, his childhood friend.

As the symposium unfolds, Ella and Gabriel join forces to expose the phrenologist's fraud. But with the audience enamored by the charlatan's charm and the stakes rising, they must navigate a web of deceit and danger. When the missing girl is found and the phrenologist vanishes with the symposium's funds, Ella and Gabriel embark on a thrilling journey to reclaim their reputations and discover the love and acceptance they've been seeking. 

Review: 

Ella Wilde has had the unique opportunity to grow up in a boys’ school. With a father as the headmaster, Ella is unlike other young women of her time. She is able to study, investigate, and attend the symposiums that the school hosts annually. Her mother died as a result of a fire, but was labeled as mentally unstable due to findings of a Regency-era science called phrenology. Ella is determined to prove that this was not true and to expose Dr. Bauer, the key speaker of the current symposium, as a fraud.

Gabriel Rowe, a former student of the school, is now a solicitor who also has questions concerning the doctor. Discovering the truth about Dr. Bauer was exciting and provides a very surprising ending. Seeing Ella and Gabriel’s relationship grow throughout the story through the investigation was done well. It wasn’t the primary focus, but yet you find yourself wanting to see what will happen next in their developing love story.

The study of phrenology was a central aspect of the book and one that I found unique to Regency romance. While I love reading about balls, I also appreciate learning about topics that I otherwise know little about through an interesting story such as this. Readers who enjoy history, mystery, and romance will enjoy this book.

I received a gifted copy from the publisher, UpLit Reads, and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review.

A Fortunate Miscalculation

 

A wager. An inconvenient love. A fortunate miscalculation that changes everything.

Andrew Langford is an honorable man. So it is deeply inconvenient when Sophie Renard, the woman he loved, appears at his door on the very day he’s reminded of a youthful wager that will cost the last unwed man a small fortune. She is beautiful, desperate, and, Andrew believes, married.

Sophie came to London for a prestigious mathematics position that she’s worked toward for six years. But after the promised job is withdrawn, she faces humiliating failure unless she can persuade her employer to reconsider. With no one else to turn to, she seeks help from her old friend, Andrew.

Andrew offers assistance where he can, determined to be nothing more than a friend. But proximity rekindles old feelings neither of them can afford, and Sophie’s charm and brilliance remind him why he once fell for her. As secrets unravel and the future threatens to pull them apart for a second time, they both must decide what they are willing to risk for love.

A Fortunate Miscalculation is a clean regency romance without any explicit content.

Seven Gentlemen. One Reckless Wager. A Fortune in Play—and Their Hearts on the Line.
***The Gentlemen's Gamble is a series about six men racing to the altar in order to avoid losing a wager. Starting January, the books will release in an unannounced order to keep the loser of the wager a surprise.***

Review: 

Andrew and Sophie, childhood friends, find themselves in a precarious position as Sophie must find a place to live while she tries to figure out her next step for employment. Andrew’s family townhome becomes her only option, but there are complications. With misunderstanding, secrets, and avoiding the local gossips, Andrew and Sophie have to find their way through a maze of growing feelings and a fake marriage.

Ms.Thornell wrote some splendid scenes that evoke a variety of emotions. I was laughing as Andrew and Sophie trying to avoid a nosy woman who will tell all if she sees them together. I was angry with the thoughtlessness of her parents, and was ready to join Andrew in doing something to Sophie’s employer who belittles her. I love how both Sophie and Andrew encourage one another in their dreams.

Things to love:
friends to more
bluestocking
amazing former classmates
supporting each other

I highly recommend this book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble and look forward to reading more in the series. Who will be the last to marry and lose the bet that these men wagered?

I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

A Madcap Arrangement

She was meant to be his bait, not steal his heart.

Richard Kendall, Marquess of Wilton, is a man on a mission. Determined to find the scoundrel who ruined his sister’s life, he tracks the elusive Mr. Smith to a quiet village—only to discover the man has vanished once again. In his place, Richard encounters Miss Theodosia Smith, a vexing young woman who insists she knows nothing of this mysterious relation. Unconvinced, Richard hatches a bold he’ll take her to London under the guise of serving as his sister’s companion, hoping her presence will lure Mr. Smith out of hiding.

Theodosia finds Lord Wilton to be arrogant, overbearing, and far too handsome for his own good. She has demanding responsibilities managing her deceased father’s estate. Yet the chance to see London is too tempting to resist, even if she must endure his constant suspicion. As their uneasy alliance grows, Theodosia glimpses a man weighed down by duty, while Richard discovers a woman far stronger and more capable than he imagined.

But Richard’s loyalty to his family leaves little room for trust—or for love. And when long-buried truths come to light, he must decide if protecting his family’s reputation is worth the cost of breaking Theodosia’s heart. Because this time, it isn’t just scandal he risks…it’s the only woman who could claim his guarded heart.

Review:

Ah, Theodosia and Richard! They are quite the pair that couldn’t be more different. He is the gruff, fierce, arrogant marquess and Theodosia is the independent, practical, and outspoken daughter of a baronet. I wasn't quite sure how Ms. Beers was going to be able to bring them around to caring for one another since they so vehemently opposed one another. But, the adage, "The lady doth protest too much," .But, she did it quite well and Theodosia grudgingly admires Richard, which then softens her heart towards him.

Things to love:

brooding MMC

enemies to more

mystery

banter

Richard's mother and sister

Richard was extremely brusque with Theodosia at times, but I loved how she saw beyond his crustiness and rudeness to the wonderful man he really was. We get to see his vulnerability and the self-imposed expectations of nobility he has in being a marquess. I loved seeing Richard and Theodosia's HEA. I can't wait to read more books in this series!

I received a copy of the book, but I was not required to write a positive review.

Mr. Eastwood's Match

Description: 

He is always second best. She has no idea how to play her part. And now they have to learn to grow together.

When Lyness Eastwood's elder brother, Lord Hartwell, begins a sensible courtship with the charming Lady Emily Sterling, Lyness’s quiet contentment shatters. Ever since their brief meeting in London, Lady Emily’s smile has haunted him. How can a man with a stutter and no title compete with a lord? He must settle for watching her from the shadows.

Lady Emily is determined to solidify her family’s place in Society. Lord Hartwell is a perfect match: respectable, stable, and acceptable. Yet every time she speaks with the quiet, insightful Lyness, she feels a spark and a genuine connection that Lord Hartwell cannot ignite.

As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Emily to accept the sensible match. But Lyness can no longer stand idly by. A devastating public scandal will throw their lives into chaos, forcing them to choose between stability and the courage to claim a true, imperfect love.

A sweet historical novel brimming with romance, Mr. Eastwood's Match is a tender tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to speak from the heart.

Review: 

Lyness and Emily had met a year previously in London, so it was a lovely reunion of the two of them with the season in Bath. Both of them are younger siblings and have spent their lives trying to be what their families have needed at the expense of their wishes.
I loved this story and connected with the role in their family. Much of what they felt was expected of them was self-inflicted, and it was gratifying to see when Lyness spoke to his brother and Emily spoke to her parents about their feelings instead of continuing to try and live up to their own ideals of the role they each had in their family.

I loved the way that Lyness took charge of a potentially damaging situation for Emily and protected her. He was clever in having it work towards himself instead of deferring to others. I was particularly pleased that he gave Emily the idea of creating a room for drying her flowers and herbs and advancing her love of medicinal tinctures and salves.

Things to love in the story:
the dedication
canary symbolism
gardening
mystery
courage
clean romance
friends to more

Favorite Quotes:

“A woman like her deserves to know when she is loved.”

“He didn’t want to be useful. He wanted to be chosen.”

“The only thing that I am certain offs that I wish to stand with you. No matter what comes.”

I highly recommend this book to readers both young and mature. This is the first book in the Gentlemen of York series, and I am looking forward to reading more!

I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

Dual Devotions

Description: 

In the heart of Northumberland, the adults of the prominent Roylance and Jenkins families cherish the hope that their children will someday marry. But when the Jenkins family is exposed and Alexander’s parents are cast into debtors’ prison, the Roylances unceremoniously cut him out of their lives, forbidding their children from any association with him and abandoning the boy to a lonely life of destitution. Despite his dire circumstances, Alex is determined: he will make it on his own.

It’s been nine years since Charlotte Roylance has seen Alex Jenkins, but she hasn’t forgotten him. When he returns to town a self-made man seeking to renew his relationship with her family and unite with them in a shared business venture, she sees it as an opportunity to put to rest old grudges. Her older brother does not share her sentiments and forbids her from seeing their old friend again. But fate—and Charlotte’s heart—has other plans. As the two serendipitously meet time and again, the secret rekindling of their friendship soon evolves into deep connections—and feelings that are decidedly romantic. But Charlotte’s brother will do anything to keep them apart.

Review:

Charlotte Roylance is caught in an unenviable position. Does she honor her brother’s wishes in not associating with Alexander Jenkins or following her heart and forgiving Alex and pursue their friendship? Alex exhibited turning the other cheek and rising above hatred and bitterness. This book had a depth to it that I was not expecting, but I totally loved and it deserves all the stars I can give it. I highly recommend reading this!

Things to enjoy:

childhood friends

digging for treasure

water rescue

trellises

worms

faith thread

forgiveness

To Love a Baron

Description:

He returned from war hailed as a hero, but a stranger to himself—and to the wife he never knew he had.

Dominic Stevens, Baron Warwicke, comes home bearing the physical and emotional scars of battle. Haunted by fragmented memories and burdened by duty, he’s stunned to learn he has a wife—a woman he does not remember marrying.

Dorothea rejoices when Dominic comes to remove her from her brother’s abusive household. But the man who stands before her now is colder, harder… a shadow of the husband she once knew. Still, she is determined to reach the heart he has forgotten, believing the man she married is still there, merely buried beneath the pain.

Intent on seeking an annulment to free them both, Dominic fights his growing feelings for the gentle, resilient woman who refuses to give up on him. But when danger threatens Dorothea’s life, Dominic must confront not only his past but also the possibility that the love he thought forever lost in his life may be the very thing that saves them both.


As the third novel in the Courting the Unconventional series by author Laura Beers, To Love a Baron continues the series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era.

 Review: 

Dominic Stevens has returned from war a broken man who feels guilty about surviving, what comes to realize to his surprise is that he also has a wife. Dorothea Haverleigh nursed Dominic while on the battlefield and came to love the gentle, caring man he was. I could imagine the shock that both of them had when Dominic returns home. I loved this story of Dorothea never giving up on Dominic, even against all odds. This was such a wonderful story of overcoming past hurts, looking forward, and choosing to hold onto hope. 

Things to love: 

war hero

second chances

grumpy/sunshine

villain

courage

A favorite quote:

“Treasure what you have. Life can change in the blink of an eye.”

I highly recommend this story. It is the third book in the Courting the Unconventional series, but it can be read as a standalone. There are several characters that are a part of the story whose stories were told in the  two previous books, but you will have no trouble following the story. I definitely recommend reading the other books as well. 

 * abusive brother

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

The Earl and Miss Muffet

 

A secret house party,
A hidden past,
A growing love she must fight to keep.

Never look a man in the eye. Never speak to him. These are the rules Elena must live by if she is to endure life with her sister. But Elena isn’t the shy, awkward girl she portrays herself to be. An invitation to a house party—without her sister—might be the very reprieve Elena has longed for. Determined to keep Lord Crawford at a distance to avoid repercussions, she nonetheless finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. Can she find the courage to forsake the strict guidelines that have ruled her life long enough to take a chance at love?

When Lord Crawford’s mother invites the quiet Miss Elena Muffet to stay with them, he is in no mood to force conversation with her. He’d rather dwell on his broken heart than play host. After a few days in Miss Muffet’s company, he discovers there is more to her than she portrays. Her timidity melts away in his company, and she blossoms into a woman he never expected. Time spent with Miss Muffet makes Anton the happiest he’s been in a long time, but she is not the woman he planned to spend his life with. Can he discern the dictates of his heart before her fears send her running from him forever?

The Earl and Miss Muffet is a sweet and clean Regency romance novella. Although it can be read as a standalone, it is the third book in the Regency Ever After series, featuring beloved shared characters from past stories.

Review:

I have never read a retelling of a nursery rhyme, and Ms. Walker did it so well in using Miss Elena Muffet as the main character. While she is very shy around Lord Anton Crawford (who I thought at first was going to be the spider), it was someone else entirely who reminded me of a black widow. 

I laughed when Elena tripped over the tuffet that was in the library. I thought seeing that particular piece of furniture from the rhyme woven into the story was cleverly woven into the story was perfect. 

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Anton and Elena grow. Both were shy to enter into anything more than surface conversation, but seeing them share with each other and trust their hearts were safe was very gratifying and just what I hoped would happen. Anton did a splendid job of defending and protecting Elena. Bravo! Miss Muffet for having the courage not to run away.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It is one that you could gift to a young lady or an elderly friend; all would be happy to have the opportunity to read it.

I received a gifted copy of the book. All opinions in this review are my own; I was not required to write a positive review.

A Scheming in Parliament

About the Book

 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

 Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

My Review:

Bertrand Thorndike has been given an assignment for the Crown that he’d rather avoid at all costs. He is to get involved in politics and infiltrate Parliament to determine what is happening with a particular member of the House of Commons. He finds this all new territory and rather tedious, so he must depend upon his team that includes the lovely Philippa Cashel. Pippa is familiar with the members of high society due to her past associations. I loved that Bertie and Pippa work together to make the perfect team that is needed to discover what is happening behind the scenes that threatens to topple the government and also stop human trafficking. 

Things you will love: 

Duke of Haverly

Mr. Fox

family

late night missions

danger

the school and pupils

secrets

disguises

Bow Street Runners

the rescue

This is the second book in the Of Cloaks and Daggers, and I can’t wait to read what happens with Bertie and Philippa. It is sure to be exciting! 

I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. 

More in this Series:

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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