Regency Romance

Midnight’s Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller – Review & Giveaway

June 3, 2022 by Suzie Waltner 2 Comments

Welcome to the Read with Audra blog tour for Midnight’s Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller.

About the Book

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?

Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend’s rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family’s estate, he can’t be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father’s stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn’t until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

Click here to read an excerpt.

The Marquis’s Pursuit by Lorri Dudley – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

April 14, 2022 by Suzie Waltner 6 Comments

About the Book

Book: The Marquis’s Pursuit

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 12, 2022

She’s desperate to keep her secret hidden, but he’s a determined Marquis.

As the son of a duke, Maxwell Oliver Weld, Marquis of Daventry, is allowed entry into the finest of London’s ballrooms, access to political figures, and advice from the best physicians. Yet, his wealth and contacts won’t heal his friend, Charlie, who’s dying from consumption. Hopeful for a miracle, Max persuades Charlie to sail across the Atlantic to stay in the Artesian Hotel on the island of Nevis and bathe in its famous healing springs. Max’s optimism is washed in doubt as the truth unravels about the hotel, its hot springs, and the beautiful caretaker.

The blaze of Evelyn Mairi Sheraton’s fiery side has long since been snuffed out. Hunted by a vengeful man from her past, only fortitude and the island’s sanctuary have kept Evelyn alive. She will do whatever it takes to keep her precious secret safe, even work for the demeaning Artesian Hotel owner, Edward Rousseau. However, when a jaunty marquis and his ailing friend arrive, sparks ignite, but Evelyn fears the revealing of her secrets will burn her to ash.

The elusive Evelyn may tend to Charlie’s well-being, but she stirs Max’s protective nature. He’d like nothing more than to remove her from the wretched employment of Edward Rousseau, yet that might endanger Charlie’s health even more. Refusing to give up on a miracle, Max waters her guarded heart, certain beauty will rise out of ashes. But when her secrets come to life, will love be worth the price?

Click here to get your copy!

Can’t Wait Wednesday: A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

October 9, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Do you have a favorite genre or do you only read in one? I tend to jump all over the place with what I read but mostly between romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and historical. My favorite historical period to read are set in the Regency period, and Kristi Ann Hunter excels and bringing that era to life on the page. Plus, in the series that will wrap up next month, she takes a look at some of the people society preferred to sweep under the rug. Those are just a couple of reasons why I can’t wait for A Pursuit of Home.

A Sapphire Season by Lynn Morris

August 9, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Lady Mirabella Tirel has determined this is the season in London in which she will find a suitable husband. Her desire is to be married and have children. With that in mind, she and her friend Josephine travel from their home in Camarden to London where they navigate the nuances of the ton. Mirabella sets her sights on three potential matches.

Sir Giles Knyvet is in love with his best friend. They have grown up together but it’s only been in the past few years he’s realized his feelings for Mirabella. But he knows he’s not a suitable husband for her. He’s merely a baronet and is trying to settle the debts of his family’s estate. There is no way he’s going to live off of his wife’s dowry.

As Mirabella and Giles spend time with the wealthy, titled upper class of England, they both seem interested in the other. Will Giles finally confess his love for Mirabella before it’s too late? Will Mirabella give up comfort and security for true love?

While I’m usually a fan of Regency fiction, this book felt a little lacking. First of all, I was disappointed I didn’t get to see more of Giles’s point of view. There were only a handful of chapters in the book that followed him and his friends. I found myself wondering a few times what Giles was up to. In addition, I was three quarters of the way through the book, wondering why it’s listed as Christian fiction before there was mention of God, prayer, or religion. Although, isn’t that the way it goes in life sometimes? We happily go along until something goes wrong and then we reach out to God. Finally, the narrative style was a little cumbersome and took some getting used to. I guess I prefer first or second point of view to being told a story.

With that said, if you enjoy the caste system of England, the costumes, the parties and balls, then this book is chock full of those details. The gossiping matrons, Gentleman Jackson’s boxing club, the ton, and etiquette were all in this book.

***Faithwords/Center Street provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.