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 Winter of Sweet Secrets

 Description:

For generations, the Evergreen Candy Company has been a beloved small-town Alaskan tradition run by Jovi Wright’s family—until now. With her grandparents no longer at the helm, Jovi’s parents are considering selling it. When her sister calls with the news, Jovi hops on a plane back home to help rescue the family business. Her plan: launch Grammie’s salted caramel chews as a new product. But with Grammie’s memory fading and the recipe missing, Jovi has her work cut out for her.

Still reeling from being jilted by her fiancé, Jovi welcomes the distraction of trying to re-create the recipe from scratch. The distraction she’s not so sure about is single dad Burke Solomon. The disillusioned author and his adorable little girl have moved in to his late aunt's cabin just down the road from her grandparents' home, where she's staying. And the discovery that their families have been feuding since before either of them were born is too irresistible to ignore.

With a looming deadline and the stresses of single parenthood, the last thing Burke needs is a bright-eyed optimist like Jovi next door. But he finds himself asking for her help adjusting to life in Evergreen more than he'd like to admit. And untangling the history of what happened to the friendship between his late aunt and Jovi's Grammie provides an antidote to his writer’s block. But when Burke unearths several shocking family secrets, will revealing them settle the feud or bring everything he and Jovi have been working toward crashing down around them?

My Review:

As soon as I read that this book involved candy, I knew I wanted to read it. I’m so glad I did! Jovi must return home in order to help her sister save the family’s candy business. It seems like a nearly impossible task, but she is a wonderful optimist who is determined to see the business flourish. Jovi can’t help but see a need and do what she can to meet it. Unbeknownst to Burke Solomon, Jovi is exactly the key ingredient he needs in his life to help him heal from his deep sorrow and regret.

Things to love:

grumpy vs. sunshine

humor

forced proximity

single parent

best selling author

traveling nurse

scavenger hunt

secret candy recipe

faith thread

grand gesture

Favorite quote:

“What a gift to see God make something beautiful from the bitter ashes of our heartache.”

I enjoyed this story filled with faith, restoration and risking all for love. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages with its heartwarming characters and small town atmosphere.

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.

Out of Time

 

Description: 

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and centuries-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begin to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.
 
Sheriff Brad Adams has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues. But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow. 

Review: 

Cara Tucker is on a unique sabbatical from her professorship as she and her elderly friend, Natalie, work on translating a set of journals that are written in a dying language. There are several things happening in this story which creates a suspenseful story.

Readers will enjoy this romantic suspense that includes several points of view. Cara also has a cochlear implant that I thought lent interest to her character. I was happy to see her family in the story who were featured in the previous books in the series. This did not affect the story, but it was fun to see them taking care of their sis.

I didn’t know anything about this particular language nor about the old Mines settlers who spoke it. I found that very interesting and read more about them after reading the book.

I received a copy of the book from Revell as well as NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

The Heart of Bennet Hollow

Description:

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.

Review: 

This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that is set in the coal country of Virginia in the early 1900’s. I loved the adaptation of the story with its complexities of the quiet and seemingly arrogant William Drake who is wanting to purchase the local mine. Suspicions and rumors abound in what will happen to the surrounding land, and particularly the Bennet’s land. William has a kind heart and I was happy with the solution he arrived at for the mine and the town.

I thought Aunt Catherine would be more of a force to reckon with, but once she confronts William about pursuing his relationship with Lizzy, she is not really an obstacle. I was hoping Reverend Coburn would be more annoying, but he is only mildly so.

Things to love:
small town
the setting
twist on Pemberly
the library
equine friends
the sampler

Favorite quote:
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”

I recommend this historical romance to readers of all ages. William Drake is sure to become a favorite character, and you’ll love the Bennet family and the hollow.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

A Song in the Dark

 

Description:

Against the simmering backdrop of the impending WWII, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe despite the dangers. When she learns that Hitler's escalating regime of injustice is targeting other disabled people, Chaisley realizes she is in a prime position to help those who are threatened reach safety. But the Führer's growing fascination with the celebrated musician endangers her undercover mission and forces her to walk a tightrope between her fame and her calling.

When Rick Zimmerman receives his next assignment from the British Secret Intelligence Service, he's surprised to learn he'll be acting as the personal driver of a world-renowned pianist as she traverses Europe. The role gives him the perfect cover to complete side missions of sabotage and intelligence-gathering, but he soon suspects the brilliant, alluring pianist has secrets of her own. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate--and survive.

Review: 

Chaisley Frappier is a blind piano virtuoso who is world reknown for her ability to perform beautifully. With the world events happening as Hitler rises to power, she is torn whether to reveal her condition or keep it a secret. As she chooses to tell the world what happened, she runs the risk of being deemed inferior and therefore not necessary to a society that Hitler is creating. I loved how she chose to stand strong in her faith and stand up for what was right. Her grandmother was very influential in her life and showed her what kindness and compassion can do, one person at a time.

Rick Zimmermann becomes an integral part of Chaisley’s life. First, as an undercover SIS agent posing as her “chauffeur” and later as her protector. As he reveals his role to Chaisley and her guide Melanie, they join together to help people escape the atrocities that are occurring. The codes they created to communicate to others in the network were ingenious.

Things to look forward to:
faith
overcoming fear
fighting evil
danger
self- sacrifice

A favorite quote: “Fear will want to be our constant companion in the coming days, but we the Lord. Remind yourself that fear is not from him. Trust in that and in God.”

I recommend this if you enjoy historical romance, WWII settings, and a book where characters’ faith is evident.

I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Skating and Fakae DAting

 

Description: 

She’s a disaster with a planner. He’s a perfectionist with a past—and their fake relationship just might be the biggest mess of all.

Bailey
I’m a walking contradiction—professional on the job, a hot mess at home, and working my “I’ve got this” smile until my cheeks ache while hiding my hobbies: making maple butter and finding a husband. With my perfect sister’s recent engagement, I’m desperate to avoid Mom’s pitying looks and matchmaking attempts.

Carson
I used to be hockey’s laid-back southern charmer until a crushing rejection from my high school sweetheart transformed me into a workaholic. When I’m unexpectedly traded to a new team, rumors circulate about whether the gentleman wingman lost his edge. I’ll do whatever it takes to prove them wrong.

Bailey
When our worlds collide after a dessert disaster, we come up with a mutually beneficial solution to our respective woes: a fake relationship. The rules are simple: I get a “successful” boyfriend for family events. He gets a “stable” girlfriend for team image. No feelings, no complications, and a definite expiration date.

Carson
But between posing as a couple at the fall festival, midnight maple butter-making sessions, trying to keep our stories straight, and undeniable chemistry, what started as a convenient lie is beginning to feel inconveniently real. As the clock runs down on our arrangement, we’ll have to decide: walk away when the final buzzer sounds, or take a shot at the love neither of us saw coming.

***

Skating and Fake Datingis a heartwarming hockey romcom featuring Bailey and ‘Bama who are perfect for each other in all the most imperfect ways, plus, small-town charm, family shenanigans, and a guaranteed happily ever after sweeter than homemade maple butter blondies.

Review: 

Carson needs a reboot in his career and personal life. Going to a new team is the fresh start he is looking for. I’m glad he was paired with Bailey to help him find his footing in Maple Falls. He is the best kind of man, defending Bailey when her sister wants to always bring up her “faults”. He is supportive and encourages Bailey to go for her dreams. Bailey feels as though she never gets things right. But, she actually is quite the opposite, being a liaison for NHL players as they make transitions from one team to another. She is always putting others before herself and serving everyone she can.I loved her Pappa’s wisdom and sayings. I wish everyone had a person like that in their lives. He took the time to spend it with Bailey and left her a keepsake to remember what was important. Things to love: dual POV Blondie workplace romance funny forced proximity (more than one) My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibes Pinterest board Pappa maple butter Maple Fest Some favorite quotes: “My cousins would cage fight each other for a chance to go somewhere with you.” “My world was empty until you. Hockey fills my schedule, but you fill everything else.” I highly recommend this book. Ms. Hall did a terrific job of writing the comedic situations in this story. I laughed all the way through. It had physical comedy, funny family names as well as banter. This is the first book that I have read of hers and I can’t wait to read more. I received a copy of the book through Booked with the Emilys. All opinions in this review are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Icing on the Cake

Description: 

Rule #1: Never fall for a hockey player. So why does my dating coach—who also happens to play hockey—make me want to break every rule I’ve set? Neesha
It starts with one conversation with a stranger…and suddenly, everything changes.
He won’t tell me what he does for a living, and maybe that should be a red flag. But after the hardest year of my life, my new neighbor feels like a lifeline—calm, capable, and always there when I need him.

When he offers to be my dating coach, I tell myself it’s harmless. That he just wants to help.
But behind that cinnamon roll smile, he’s hiding something—and I’m starting to fall for him anyway.
I told myself we were just friends.
So why am I dreaming about kissing the one man I swore I’d never fall for?

Lucian
Keeping my hockey identity secret was supposed to be temporary—just long enough to figure out my next move with the girl next door.
There’s just one she’s sworn off hockey players for good.
She asked me to help her fall for someone else and be her dating coach.
But I’m the one falling.
And when she finds out who I really am, I might lose the only woman who’s ever made me want something more than the game.
I stopped pretending it was a practice date a long time ago.
But falling for her?
That’s the icing on the cake.

***

The Icing on the Cake is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. It's a slow-burn, secret-identity hockey romance featuring a cinnamon roll hero who falls hard for the sweet cupcake baker next door.

Review: 

Neesha  and Lucian become neighbors when he moves into Maple Falls after he joins the Ice Breakers hockey team. Neesha has had a difficult time accepting the idea that good things can happen after her mother dies and her controlling boyfriend breaks her heart. It takes Lucian’s patience and love and the town to come together to support her cupcake business to show her otherwise. Lucien is the super star in being there and showing Neesha unconditional love as she heals from her past experiences.

Things to love:

small town

baking therapy

townspeople

Mimi

dating practice

Maple Fest

nicknames

bachelor auction

friends 

the romance of Maple Falls

I highlighted quite a few things throughout the book, Here is one of my favorite quotes: “You can’t judge a cupcake by its frosting. Some look like perfect on the outside but taste like cardboard. Others might be a little rough around the edges, but they’re exactly what you need.”

I loved this story of Neesha finding out what love truly is like. It was so rewarding seeing her realize that she has a talent that she didn’t feel was special but discovering that her baking made people’s lives richer. It has Hallmark vibes, but better!

This is the last book in the series, and what a gratifying conclusion. In order to enjoy this story to its fullest, you will want to read the other books in order. 

I received a gifted copy of the book from Booked with the Emilys and the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.