Can't Wait Wednesday: Miss Beresford and the Beast (Daughters of Somerset Book 1) by Mimi Matthews

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Miss Beresford and the Beast (Daughters of Somerset Book 1) by Mimi Matthews releasing August 25.

SYNOPSIS

A spirited Victorian beauty with a fondness for fairytales unwittingly falls under the power of a beastly, scandal-plagued nobleman in the first book in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s new Daughters of Somerset series.

Charlotte Beresford has spent far too long under the iron rule of strict governesses and unflinching finishing school teachers. When she’s offered a brief window of freedom—an invitation to spend the summer with a recent acquaintance in a remote corner of Yorkshire, far from societal expectations—she jumps at the chance. Never mind that her new friend is odd, their chaperone questionable, and the village rumored to be cursed. Charlotte knows how to look after herself. All she must do is show a friendly face, keep her wits about her, and—above all—avoid the derelict manor house that stands on the edge of the moors…

Battle-scarred and bad tempered, Magnus Sterling never intended to return to England, let alone Yorkshire. But now he’s inherited the title, it’s his responsibility to settle his late father’s affairs. It should be simple enough to do without riling up the superstitious locals. Indeed, they don’t even need to know that the infamous son of the equally infamous Earl of Eversleigh is back on British soil. Magnus will keep to himself, and to the crumbling manor house, and for once in his miserable life avoid any cloud of scandal. A straightforward enough plan, or so he believes, until he catches sight of the bold, auburn-haired intruder infiltrating the grounds of his estate…

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Every Longing Heart (Bonds of Blood Book 2) by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

Victorian London’s vampire society has a new ruler—just in time for Christmas.

Bluestocking turned vampire Genevieve has endured hell for twenty years, forced to obey by her loathed vampire maker because of the blood bond connecting them. Now with her maker finally dead, she’s free of his oppressive control but left with little hope and too many scars. This bleak midwinter, she has a slim chance at a different future, for better or worse—but that depends on the new vampire ruler choosing a different path and not being dispatched first.

One of the oldest vampires in England, Kendrick has returned to London wielding his sword to reform vampire society. He understands the mistakes and failings of the past but struggles to see a way forward after years of being alone. Attempts on his un-life don’t help either—but he is more intrigued than he has been in centuries by a comely woman who leaves him cryptic warnings and harangues him on the conduct of his new rule.

Genevieve has the foresight for what the relationship between vampires and humans could be. Kendrick has the power to make it come to pass. But to surmount the resistance from London’s vampires, they must join forces in a most convenient union to bring outcasts in from the cold and prove that not all bonds are forged with blood.

Love breathes life into the dead in this Christmas gothic Victorian romance, perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Jacquelyn Benson, and all those who like a little bite amidst their comfort and joy. Every Longing Heart is a cozy vampire marriage of convenience and the companion novel to Black and Deep Desires.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author, so to say I was excited for this book is an understatement. It did not disappoint. I loved that this was a Victorian vampire story set during Christmastime. You don’t really see that combination, but I loved it!

The characters were wonderful and so likable. Genevieve was so kind, and I loved her passion for justice. Kendrick was the very definition of swoonworthy. He was noble, sincere, and a strong and fair leader. I loved seeing his commitment to changing things for the better.

I loved the faith elements in this story. And the fact that it addressed a vampire’s struggles and longings for their faith.

If you’re a fan of cozy vampire tales, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Every Longing Heart (Bonds of Blood Book 2) by Claire Trella Hill

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Every Longing Heart (Bonds of Blood Book 2) by Claire Trella Hill. I haven't started reading this book yet but am so excited to this weekend. 

About the Book

Victorian London’s vampire society has a new ruler—just in time for Christmas.

Bluestocking turned vampire Genevieve has endured hell for twenty years, forced to obey by her loathed vampire maker because of the blood bond connecting them. Now with her maker finally dead, she’s free of his oppressive control but left with little hope and too many scars. This bleak midwinter, she has a slim chance at a different future, for better or worse—but that depends on the new vampire ruler choosing a different path and not being dispatched first.

One of the oldest vampires in England, Kendrick has returned to London wielding his sword to reform vampire society. He understands the mistakes and failings of the past but struggles to see a way forward after years of being alone. Attempts on his un-life don’t help either—but he is more intrigued than he has been in centuries by a comely woman who leaves him cryptic warnings and harangues him on the conduct of his new rule.

Genevieve has the foresight for what the relationship between vampires and humans could be. Kendrick has the power to make it come to pass. But to surmount the resistance from London’s vampires, they must join forces in a most convenient union to bring outcasts in from the cold and prove that not all bonds are forged with blood.

Love breathes life into the dead in this Christmas gothic Victorian romance, perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Jacquelyn Benson, and all those who like a little bite amidst their comfort and joy. Every Longing Heart is a cozy vampire marriage of convenience and the companion novel to Black and Deep Desires.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

November 1880, London

When the blood bond severed, she felt it. 

Friday 56

"Oh, please Miss Dryden, a Christmas song," Hannah pleaded. "Isn't Christmas coming soon?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book #2) by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . .

In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.

Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this book! I had very high expectations because of how much I adored the first book in the series. I'm happy to say that this book exceeded all my expectations.

After her father’s death, Eva is struggling and overwhelmed as she tries to take care of the family’s estate and her younger sister. The financial situation is looking dire, and she’s getting anxious for a solution.

With his uncle’s job on the line, Bram is on a mission to help him find proof of a lost refuge for Christians who were persecuted by the Roman Empire. Could Eva’s land hold the key?

This book is full of so many wonderful and likeable characters. Eva had a lot on her plate, but I loved her determination and strength. I also loved the bond that she had with her sister Penny. Penny was so resilient and such a bright light.

It was easy to fall for Bram. He was quite the charmer but had a good heart. I loved his uncle and how he looked out for him.

Archaeology has always fascinated me, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I also really enjoyed the Victorian setting. That’s one of my favorite time periods.

I was fully engaged with the story from beginning to end. I loved it! I highly recommend it to fans of sweet and intriguing historical romances.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book #2) by Michelle Griep

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book #2) by Michelle Griep. I loved this book! It comes out June 3 and I should have my review up then.

About the Book

Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . .

In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.

Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Royston, England

1889

The end of Eva's world started with a window she never should have left open. A small neglect, yet twelve years later, one that had culminated in a leaky roof, a ledger that refused to balance, and a blind sister. Not to mention her dead mother - for Eva wouldn't. She kept that memory locked tightly in a closet.

Friday 56

Wind rattled the shutters against the house, howling through cracks in the walls, a violent echo of Eva's demand to know his secrets.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

About the Book

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book was a ton of fun! I had a blast reading it! There were several times when I was literally laughing out loud. It wasn’t all fun and games, though. I appreciated that it touched on some serious topics too.

Clara was responsible, serious, and always trying to keep her family out of trouble and free from gossip. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders. I really liked Theodore. He was kind, selfless, and just an all-around good guy. Clara was kinda antagonistic towards Theodore, and while I could completely understand why, I wished that she had trusted him sooner.

I loved Clara’s eccentric family. They were hilarious, but they meant well. I loved how supportive and loving they were, and I especially loved her mother’s menagerie of rescued animals.

The scavenger hunt was a ton of fun and a great experience for Clara. I loved seeing the character growth she experienced on the journey.

This was a great story! My favorite part was the strong message of faith. So inspiring! If you're a fan of whimsical historical fiction, give it a try! I think you’ll love it! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell. This is such a fun story! 

About the Book

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

February 1860
London, England

For Miss Clara Marie Stanton, the task of preventing her family from being committed to an asylum had become as commonplace as it was exhausting.

Friday 56

Dreaming beneath the roof of the Canopy of Stars Hotel was a notion Clara could fathom, but total dependence on another - even the Maker of the heavens - was a thought her mind struggled to comprehend.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen

About the Book

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a fun read. The whole series has been a blast. I love a good retelling, and when you add steampunk into the mix, how can I resist?

This was probably my least favorite in the series, but in no way was it bad. I loved that Emme and Oliver finally got their happily ever after, and I enjoyed getting to see the previous characters. It was neat seeing what they were up to now. I did feel like the pacing was a little uneven at times, which made for a slower read than I expected. And while I felt like we got to know Emme really well, Oliver wasn't quite as fleshed-out and three-dimensional as her.

I loved all the nods to Cinderella. I thought the first part was a little light on the retelling aspect and I was beginning to wonder when the fairy tale parts were gonna show up. But they did eventually appear, and I thought they were cleverly done. (I loved Gus Gus!)

If you're a fan of steampunk, or just wanting to give it a try, I definitely recommend this series. I'd say start with book one, though. This one could probably technically stand alone, but there's a lot of backstory that would be missed out on. Plus, Beauty and the Clockwork Beast is one of my all-time favorite retellings.

3.5 STARS

Review: The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

About the Book

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun read. It's a slower-paced book (except for the last fourth where things really ramped up), but it was exactly what I needed at the time.

This book was full of wonderful and likable characters. Amelie and Michael had great chemistry. Their banter was lively and so entertaining. And I really liked Amelie's cousins, Eva and Charlotte, and am hoping they get their own books.

I really enjoyed the mystery. It was fun to play detective alongside Amelie and Michael. To try and figure out what was really going on with Harold Radcliffe. He seemed like a perfectly nice, proper, and charming guy, but was there a darkness lurking inside? Did he kill his wife? I was so invested in finding out the truth.

All in all, this was another great historical romance from Nancy Campbell Allen. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romance and cozy mysteries.

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen.

About the Book

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

Book Beginnings

Amelie Hampton blinked in surprise as her normally unflappable aunt called her to task over a mistake that, frankly, Amelie didn't believe was a mistake at all. Poor judgment, at most.

Friday 56

Another sound near the door startled her, and she squinted around her fingers, trying to sit up in bed. There was something off about the room, as though a door had been opened then closed, a puzzle she couldn't put together. The more she grasped at the wispy thought, the quicker it blew away.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Lady and the Highwayman (The Dread Penny Society #1) by Sarah M. Eden

About the Book
Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school in 1830s Victorian London. She is also a well-respected author of ”silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories--the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Charles King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats, intelligent detectives solving grisly murders, and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.

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

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

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

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“For the poor and infirm, the hopeless and voiceless, we do not relent. We do not forget. We are the Dread Penny Society.”

I adored this book. I forgot just how much I enjoy Sarah Eden's books. The historical details are always so on point, the characters are realistic and easy to root for, and the romance sweet and sigh-worthy.

I loved that in addition to the main story, The Lady and the Highwayman also included two Penny Dreadfuls written by the main characters Fletcher and Elizabeth. I loved that whole concept and enjoyed both of these additions immensely. Fletcher's The Vampire's Tower was ominous and intriguing, and Elizabeth's The Lady and the Highwayman was exciting, mysterious, and suspenseful.

Fletcher was my absolute favorite part of this story. He's such a good guy. Yeah, he's a little rough around the edges, but he was so likable and had a heart of gold. He had a rough childhood living on the streets, so now that he's found some success with his Penny Dreadfuls, he's made it his mission to save street kids from dangerous situations like the ones he faced growing up.

If you're a fan of historical romance, especially the Victorian era, I highly recommend The Lady and the Highwayman. I had a great time reading it and am looking forward to the next one in the series.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Lady and the Highwayman (The Dread Penny Society #1) by Sarah M. Eden

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring The Lady and the Highwayman (The Dread Penny Society #1) by Sarah M. Eden.

About the Book

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school in 1830s Victorian London. She is also a well-respected author of ”silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories--the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Charles King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats, intelligent detectives solving grisly murders, and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.

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

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

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

Book Beginnings

London 1865

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

Friday 56

"We are going to go boating?" She couldn't quite hide her excitement. "You don't think that will be viewed as inappropriate, do you?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Manor for Sale, Baron Included (A Romance of Rank #1) by Esther Hatch

About the Book

She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.

Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?

But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.

And so he sticks with his plan.

What a horrible mistake.

Amazon / Goodreads

My thoughts

This was a ton of fun. It was full of lots of laughs and tenderhearted moments.

Jonathan and Sally's introduction was hilariously memorable, thanks in large part to Jonathan's friend Oliver. (I hope he gets his own book later on.) Most of Sally and Jonathan's interactions, especially in the beginning, brought so many laughs.

Jonathan seemed annoyingly snobbish to begin with but as we got to know him better, we learned that there was a whole lot more to him. There was a lot of depth there and he ended up being a genuinely good guy.

Victoria was my favorite character. She had so much spunk and fire. She didn't let her disability slow her down and I'm very much looking forward to her story.

While I loved the first half of this book, I didn't enjoy the second half quite as much. One of my biggest pet peeves in novels is when the conflict between two parties could be solved with one simple conversation. Well... the second half of this story was rife with that issue. There were multiple issues that could've been solved had they just had one conversation. I wanted to scream at them to just talk! I got so frustrated with them.

Despite that issue, I did enjoy the majority of this book and will be on the lookout for the next one.

Three stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Manor for Sale, Baron Included (A Romance of Rank #1) by Esther Hatch

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a fun Victorian romance, Manor for Sale, Baron Included (A Romance of Rank #1) by Esther Hatch.

About the Book

She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.

Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?

But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.

And so he sticks with his plan.

What a horrible mistake.

Book Beginnings

Jonathan's solicitor was a horrible human being.

Friday 56

Miss Duncan's soft laughter was so out of place in his world of boxing that he landed flat on his left foot. If she hadn't been so delighted with herself about missing his jab, she could've caught his kidneys with a quick hook. But she hadn't noticed him losing his rhythm. He stepped away and went back to his defensive stance once again. "Well done."

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Manor for Sale, Baron Included (A Romance of Rank #1) by Esther Hatch

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Manor for Sale, Baron Included (A Romance of Rank #1) by Esther Hatch releasing February 25.

About the Book

She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.

Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?

But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.

And so he sticks with his plan.

What a horrible mistake.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #1) by Michelle Griep

About the Book

When CLARA CHAPMAN receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds. That’s enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, BENJAMIN LANE.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar.

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the Twelve Days of Christmas, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

Amazon / Goodreads

Barnes & Noble / ChristianBook.com

My Review

4.5 Stars

A small group of eclectic people are sent an invitation to stay at Bleakly Manor during the Twelve Days of Christmas with the possibility at the end of their stay getting exactly what their hearts desire. Ben was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit while Clara's family has been left nearly destitute after being swindled of their fortunes. The formerly engaged duo are not happy to see one another at Bleakly Manor, but can they put the past behind them and work together to find out what's truly going on at Bleakly Manor?

I was completely entranced by this tale. There were many intriguing mysteries to solve and the strange 'accidents' and mishaps kept me glued to the page, wanting to know what happened next. There's a whole cast of entertaining and quirky characters, Miss Scurry my favorite.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor reminded me of one of those good, old-fashioned mysteries. I absolutely loved it! And even though it takes place during Christmastime, it's a story that can be enjoyed any time of the year. There's a short excerpt at the end that has me excited for the sequel! I highly recommend this book for any lover of historical fiction!

Favorite Quote

“Worrying doesn't stop the bad from happening. It keeps you from enjoying the good.”

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

To learn more about Michelle Griep, visit her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.