Book Review: An Alleged Rogue

I was so excited to read the next book in Sian Bessey's Georgian Gentleman series, An Alleged Rogue. The back copy sounds so good!

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is rumored to have been keeping his sister Emily nearly captive in their country manor, so when they make an appearance at a local dinner party, everyone is shocked. Phoebe Hadford has such a good heart and when she sees the ghastly gown Emily is wearing, she decides to help her. And the more she helps Emily and comes in contact with Lord Dunsbourne, the more she realizes those rumors might not be true about him. Adam has been keeping secrets, however, and as he sees the sincerity in Emily's eyes and how she truly wants to help, he must decide if he can trust her enough to be her friend and maybe more. But when his past threatens his future, Adam and everyone he loves is in grave danger. Can he save them or will he lose everything?

I loved our hero Adam. He is working so hard to be a good brother and neighbor, but it carrying a heavy burden of guilt and wanting justice for the wrongs that have been done to his family. His interactions with Phoebe were sweet and proceeded at just the right pace. Phoebe also evolved during the story to someone who started out with a good heart, and added more goodness to her character as she saw a need and did her best to fill it. She was easy to like and root for and her developing feelings for Adam were so sweet! The secondary cast with the beloved servants at Dunsbourne Manor and Phoebe's family really added depth and made the story feel fully developed. (I hope that Emily will get her own book!) There is an element of suspense in the book that really kept me turning pages at the end to see how it would all turn out. It was so well done and very well-researched. This is one book that will go on my keeper shelf!

Get your copy here:

Here's the back copy:

Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained.

New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe.

Adam, though unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as his and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from his past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cherishes most—including the woman he loves.

A Christmas Musical!

My family was able to attend the new musical, The Best Thing About Christmas, last night. I was worried we wouldn't be able to make it because it was snowing pretty hard and the roads were bad, but we powered through and it was worth the drive!

The show is about a family who suffered a terrible loss right around Christmas and how they are dealing with everything a few years later. The father in particular is having a hard time and is working on finding his Christmas spirit again. There were some back and forth on when the tragic event happened to present-day, and at times it was confusing as to what time period we were in and whether the events were really happening or if the dad was just writing a song in his head, but eventually the timeline became clear. The actors did a wonderful job, but the younger daughter, played by Savannah Lawrence, stole the show. She was so believable in her role and I loved her voice. They also had a children's choir in several numbers and their voices really added a nice depth. The songs are touching and the message is sincere. My children teared up, especially in the second act. It was a fun family Christmas event that will definitely start some conversations on what the true meaning of Christmas is.

You can find out more information here

See the trailer below:

 

Christmas Romance Freebie!

If you need some Christmas romances to read this weekend, the Timeless Romance Silver Bells Anthology with SIX novellas to read, is free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

In New York Times & USA Today’s bestselling author Lucinda Brant’s delightful novella, FAIRY CHRISTMAS, Kitty Aldershot is orphaned and forced to live on others’ charity. Offered a home under the generous roof of her relatives, the Earl of Salt Hendon and his countess, Kitty wants for nothing, not even the affections of Mr. Tom Allenby. But when Kitty stumbles across a letter written by Lady Caroline that reveals how Mr. Allenby would be ruined should he marry the likes of Kitty, she realizes she has been fooling herself all along. Kitty’s world crumbles around her as she recognizes she will forever be alone with no prospects at all.

Sarah M. Eden’s charming romance novella A CHRISTMAS PROMISE, Sean Kirkpatrick is trying to get to his new place of employment, Kilkenny Castle, in order to start as the new stablehand. His only requirement is to drive a team of high-spirited nags from Dublin to Kilkenny in a certain amount of time. Unfortunately he winds up in a muddy field, stuck, lost, and running out of time. He’s about to lose the job before he can prove himself capable of finishing his first assignment. When Maeve Butler arrives on the scene, Sean isn’t sure if she’s intent on rescuing him or bent on torturing him with her fiery wit and lovely dark eyes.

In Heather B. Moore’s enchanting novella, TWELVE MONTHS, Lucien Baxter’s best and most incorrigible friend, Will, dies unexpectedly, leaving behind his new bride and unborn child the week before Christmas. Will’s last request is that Lucien watches over Cora, not just as a benefactor, but as a husband. When Lucien does his duty and proposes to Cora, he’s turned down flat. But over the course of the next few days, Lucien discovers that marrying Cora wouldn’t be any sort of duty after all, but a matter of following his heart.

In Lu Ann Staheli’s sweet romance novella, A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS, Dick Wilkins and his best friend Ebenezer Scrooge have been looking forward to the annual Fezziwig Christmas dance for weeks. Ebenezer is practically engaged to Annabelle Fezziwig, and Dick hopes to start courting her younger sister, Pricilla. Once the dance starts, and Pricilla arrives, as pretty and charming as ever, Dick discovers that he’s not the only man vying for her attention. His best friend advises Dick that he has to win Pricilla’s heart, as well as her mother’s favor. Losing his heart has suddenly become very complicated.

A TASTE OF HOME, a captivating romance by Annette Lyon, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.

Becca Wilhite’s entrancing novella, MY MODERN GIRL, follows Margie, who lands her dream job as a clerk at Macy’s department store in New York City. Margie might be new in town, but she’s determined to succeed and prove to Henry that moving to the city was the right decision. As the Christmas season approaches, Margie realizes that being a “modern girl” might not be all she had dreamed of, and Henry might have more to offer than she ever imagined.

Book Review and Giveaway!

Karen Tuft's new regency romance, An Accidental Romance, is out and is full of details and depth and characters from previous novels. It was fun to see where they are in their lives now!

In An Accidental Romance, Rebecca Jennings is excited that she'll soon be leaving for her first Season in London, but her hopes are dashed when her new neighbor, Mr. Ben Fortescue startles her and causes her to lose her footing and break her ankle. She must miss her long-anticipated season and she is not happy about it. Ben feels terrible and tries to make up for his part in the mishap. As they get to know each other better through Rebecca's recovery, could there be something more than friendship between them?

This is a romance between two people from very different backgrounds. Rebecca has been sheltered and is somewhat young and naive. Ben has seen enough of life to feel jaded and world-weary. He is mourning his wife and his marriage and at times, his seemingly fresh emotions made it hard to see how he could fall in love with Rebecca. The romance between them is a slow-burn, however, and Ben is easy to like in how he treats his servants and those around him. Readers will sympathize with his grief and the ways it manifests throughout the story. Rebecca wasn't very kind or easy to like in the beginning, but the author does a wonderful job of showing her journey as she experiences more of life and the heartaches and joys that it brings. I did enjoy the author's descriptions of Rebecca's recovery and the "foot corset." It made me wonder if that really was a thing! There is enough to the courtship between Rebecca and Ben to hope for a happily-ever-after for them and readers will close the book with a smile. The authors truly shines, however, in her descriptions of Rebecca's musical ability. The reader will be as carried away as the audience in the book with the passionate playing described so beautifully. Those scenes were definitely my favorite!

You can get your copy HERE

And don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Here's the back copy:

Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enters the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home . . .

For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go.

With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.

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In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren: Real Talk Real Life

Real Talk, Real Life by Ganel-Lyn Condie and Scott Sorensen 

Condie and Sorensen have a podcast and now they have a companion journal to go with it! They are clever, funny, and so much fun to listen to. Their podcast is organized and gets to the point, and their Come Follow Me journal is the same way. 

Each page has a scripture, briefly explains the main point of the lesson that week, and asks a thought-provoking question for the reader to respond to. There is plenty of space and I love that these questions are called “talking points” and promote discussion between you and whoever you meet with for Come Follow Me. They also include “real facts” that have extra information or quotes that enhance the lesson and teach you things you won’t find in the manual. 

I can’t wait to see how this podcast and journal that goes along with it influence my study of the Old Testament in the coming year!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Take your gospel study to the next level with the Real Talk, Real Life through the Doctrine and Covenants journal, a companion volume for popular video and podcast series Real Talk, hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and Scott Sorensen. This guided journal is designed to support a study of the Doctrine and Covenants and Real Talk s weekly podcast discussions of the 2021 Come, Follow Me lessons and also allows you the freedom to use any Come, Follow Me or scripture resource. You will be able to delve deeply into your understanding and real-life application of the Doctrine and Covenants like never before. Featuring related scriptures and quotes, as well as weekly talking points to guide your reflection, this unique journal will enrich your understanding of the Doctrine and Covenants as you chronicle your personal insights and experiences.

Book Review: A Matchmaker's Lonely Heart

Nancy Campbell Allen is one of my favorite authors so I was really excited to read her new book, The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart! It's a Victorian mystery romance that readers will have a hard time putting down.

Amelie Hampton is a columnist who is trying to help her readers find love and she wants a glimpse of the first meeting of a couple she thinks might be perfect for each other. A detective, Michael Baker, is also watching the meeting, however, because he is certain the "gentleman" a Mr. Harold Radcliffe, is a murderer and he's gathering evidence. Both of them have their opinions about Mr. Radcliffe's guilt or innocence and the book is a rollercoaster of emotion as Michael and Amelie unravel the mystery.

I love how Ms. Allen is able to balance both the mystery and the romance so well. The chemistry with Amelie and Michael starts with a few sparks and slowly burns until the reader is turning the pages just to see if they finally move to the next step with their relationship! The banter between them is as fun as the chemistry and I loved that Michael's life is changed the more he gets to know her. He is grieving a terrible loss, and Amelie is the perfect person to help him see that hiding away his heart so he doesn't get hurt again is a terrible idea. The mystery has some great red herrings to keep readers guessing and a fun supporting cast to keep us all emotionally engaged. And the ending is perfect for both the romance and the mystery itself. This one will join all of Ms. Allen's other books on my keeper shelf and is one of my favorites this year. 

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

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 dies 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.

Christmas Books on Sale!

Do you need some Christmas stories to read? You won't want to miss out on these three titles on sale for just .99 cents each!

Until We Kissed by Heather B. Moore

Livvy knows Dr. Slade McKinney is the perfect man for her, but when she keeps running into Mason, Livvy discovers fate has a different plan.

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Pine Valley!

Pine Valley librarian Livvy Harmon has big dreams, which include marrying Dr. Slade McKinney. Trouble is, he’s only kissed her once in their four months of dating, and it wasn’t all that great. But Livvy isn’t ready to give up yet on hooking such an amazing man, even though Slade seems to have time for everyone but her.

When Livvy keeps running into writer Mason Rowe, who seems to be camping out in her library to finish his book under strict orders from his agent, Livvy at first keeps him at arm’s length. But the more their friendship grows, the more she finds that her dream relationship with her doctor boyfriend isn’t so dreamy after all.

Get your copy HERE

Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon

Two wounded hearts. Two matchmaking dogs. One miracle needed.

After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle---or at least two matchmaking dogs---for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

Get your copy HERE

Hawaiian Holiday by Michelle Paige Holmes

Ten strangers. Six days in paradise. One unforgettable Christmas.

Hailey Walsh has always loved Christmas, and this year the holiday was supposed to be the most magical of all, spent with her large family and her fiancé in preparation for their wedding just two days after. Then Gage broke their engagement.

Now, instead of playing in the snow with her nieces and nephews, Hailey’s building a playground with children she’s never met before, spending her Christmas with strangers in Hawaii, on a service program she hopes will lift her spirits and help her begin to pick up the broken pieces of her life and heart.

Gage Stevens didn’t want to spend Christmas in Hawaii any more than he wanted to break his engagement, but sometimes fate has a way of slamming a guy against a wall and forcing him to tough decisions— for the good of others, be that his ex-fiancée or his mom. And while he’s certain that no ocean breeze or tropical wonderland can heal what’s wrong, one glimpse at a familiar head of red hair and Gage realizes fate may not be done with him yet.

Get your copy HERE