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Showing posts with label Regency Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Regency Romance. Show all posts

Thursday, August 6, 2020

The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch (Review and Giveaway!)


The Gentleman Spy is the second book in the Serendipity & Secrets series and once again, I found myself loving this engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from beginning to end.


BOOK DETAILS:

Title: The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch
Category: Adult Fiction, 304 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction / Romance
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release dates: July 28, 2020
Tour dates: July 28 to August 18, 2020
Content Rating: PG + M (themes of family abuse, prostitution and some violence)


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

MY REVIEW:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

The Gentleman Spy is the second book in the Serendipity & Secrets series and once again, I found myself loving this engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from beginning to end. Actually, I liked it even more than the first book The Lost Lieutenant

In that first installment, we meet Marcus Haverly who is the second son of the Haverly family and a secret spy for the Crown. He was a great secondary character and I'm happy he got his own story. Marcus' life is about to drastically change when his father and older brother unexpectedly pass away and Marcus suddenly inherits a title and becomes a duke. How will he continue working undercover as an agent when all eyes are on him since he is now one of the most sought-after bachelors?

His mother gets to work looking for a suitable bride among the pretty young debutantes but Marcus impulsively chooses Lady Charlotte, a bluestocking who dresses plainly and loves books. He figures he can leave her to her duties as a duchess while he continues his work, however, the educated Charlotte has other ideas and follows her heart to help women who are forced into prostitution when they become widows of war veterans.

As both Marcus and Charlotte navigate the waters of their marriage of convenience, they of course fall in love. The author builds this romance beautifully with these two characters that are both strong yet cautious as they discover each other's true passions in life. With lots of action, witty dialogue and some humor, this Regency Christian romance satisfies the reader on all counts.

The third and last installment of the series titled The Indebted Earl, the story of Marcus Haverly’s younger sister, Sophie,will be released in March 2021, and I eagerly look forward to that story. 


Disclosure: Thanks to Audra Jennings and the publisher for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.


BUY THE BOOK:


Praise for the Serendipity & Secrets Series

“Erica Vetsch brings such a fresh, true voice to Regency romance. She catches all that’s best about the genre while weaving together a fast-paced, intriguing story full of characters I cared about so much. I can’t wait for book two!”
~ Mary Connealy, author of the best-selling High Sierra Sweethearts and Wild at Heart series

“Love Regency? How about a swoon-worthy hero and a plot that twists and turns yet ties up in a neat bow at the end? Then get thee to a bookstore! The Lost Lieutenant is all that and more, from the battlefield of Salamanca to the gowns and suits at Almack’s. This is my favorite Erica Vetsch title to date and earns a place on my keeper shelf.”
~ Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series 

“A riveting Regency read, with captivating characters, that will tug at your heartstrings.”
~ Carolyn Miller, best-selling author of the Regency Brides series 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Twitter (@EricaVetsch), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).


Enter the Giveaway!
Ends August 18, 2020


Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch (Review and Giveaway!)



The Lost Lieutenant is the first book in the Serendipity & Secrets series and it's an engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from beginning to end.


BOOK DETAILS:

Title: The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch
Category: Adult Fiction,  304 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction / Romance
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release dates: April 21, 2020
Tour dates: April 21 to May 12, 2020
Content Rating: PG + M (themes of family abuse, PTSD and some violence)


BOOK DESCRIPTION:

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here!



MY REVIEW:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

The Lost Lieutenant is the first book in the Serendipity & Secrets series and it's an engaging historical fiction novel that captivated me from beginning to end.

Evan Eldridge, a recovering soldier has his life turned topsy-turvy when he is suddenly given a title, extensive lands with property, and unexpected of all, a young bride with a fortune. The world of aristocracy is thrust upon him as he tries to adjust to this new life while dealing with PTSD and fleeting memories on the battlefield that hint at something dangerous and urgent. 

Evan tries to keep his memory loss and panic attacks a secret from his new wife, but well-bred Diana Seaton has a secret of her own. Both must learn to trust one another as they navigate their new life together. I loved this couple with their insecurities and their trust issues. Both are strong characters that grow by the end of the book.

I found this novel to be well-written, with excellent secondary characters. The setting of a wounded soldier, a common man, who is now given the very different life of a gentleman was interesting and original in that it exposed the dark side of the Regency world and its aristocracy. I admired Evan for staying true to his beliefs and moral integrity, and I was quite touched by his advocacy for wounded animals and war veterans. It wasn't lost on me that the restoration of the manor house was symbolic of the restoration of both Evan and Diana from their past hurts to a new life of hope and love.

The bad characters are very one-sided though and seemed to always be sneering, making them almost caricatures of typical villains. Their demise was a little too obvious, too. The romance builds nicely, is very chaste, and was a bit anticlimactic. Apart from this, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel especially the author's portrayal of the spoiled Prince Regent which added a touch of humor to the story.

This first installment in the Serendipity & Secrets series has the perfect combination of two wounded people, a rich historical setting, and a plot that races to a very satisfying ending.

The second book in the series titled The Gentlemen Spy will be released at the end of July so I'm excited about that. I'm now a new fan of Erica Vetsch and look forward to reading all the books in this series!


Disclosure: Thanks to Audra Jennings for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.


BUY THE BOOK:





PRAISE FOR THE LOST LIEUTENANT:

“An enchanting tale, The Lost Lieutenant was quick to capture my heart and engage my hopes. A wounded hero meeting a heroine on the run is always a perfect recipe for romance; throw in a spy for good measure, and you’ve got a winner from Erica Vetsch! This is a Regency novel that will have fans begging for more.”
~ Jaime Jo Wright, Christy Award winner of The House on Foster Hill

“Original, engaging, and oh so romantic, The Lost Lieutenant is a delightful tale sure to satisfy Regency fans and inspirational readers alike. Evan, a battle-scarred war hero, earns his place alongside the leading men of Austen and Heyer, and Diana is a heroine you’ll relate to and root for as she falls in love with her unintended earl. Rich historical details, authentic faith elements, and a dash of intrigue combine in this winning first installment of the Serendipity & Secrets series, certain to gain a permanent place on your shelf . . . and in your heart.”
~ Amanda Barratt, author of My Dearest Dietrich


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Twitter (@EricaVetsch), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).




ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!
Ends May 12, 2020






Thursday, May 24, 2018

A Wager to Win by Jenna Thatcher (Review)


With brilliant dialogue, a smart heroine and a character-driven plot, this Regency romance captivated my attention from the first page right down to the last.

Book Details:

Book Title: A Wager to Win by Jenna Thatcher
Category: Adult Fiction, 332 pages
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Fiction
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release date: November 13, 2017
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

When Lord Harrington mysteriously leaves the London season much too early, he sets tongues wagging. He would wager he will never marry. His mother, frustrated that neither of her sons can seem to settle down, insists on a house party where only carefully selected guests have been invited. She would never be so vulgar as to wager.

The young lady Lord Harrington was courting is distraught that he left without proposing marriage. When she receives a coveted invitation to the house party, she views it as her chance to triumph. This paragon would wager she will be Countess of Harrington by Christmas. When an unwanted guest shows up, wagers of the most…interesting kind are made. Especially when anonymous letters begin to be exchanged. 

Fans of Sarah Eden, Georgette Heyer, and yes, even Jane Austen, will love this witty Regency romance. 

My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

With brilliant dialogue, a smart heroine and a character-driven plot, this Regency romance captivated my attention from the first page right down to the last. This was a clean Regency romance with a great cast of diverse characters and a realistic portrayal of the intricate rules of courtship and marriage. 

I loved Jane's character. She is strong and independent, is not considered the belle of the ball, but has a beauty that captivates. She propels the story forward with not one boring moment so that I devoured this book in two sittings. Of course, her aunt wants her to marry, and Jane is sensible and mature about what she can expect in terms of a marriage proposal, but suddenly she is exchanging letters with an anonymous friend and everything changes.

If you love Regency romance à la Jane Austen, then you will love this novel. Well-written, entertaining, witty and full of the beauty of friendships and first loves, A Wager to Win is sure to please. I'm thrilled to have discovered Jenna Thatcher and I'm now an avid fan.

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.


Buy the Book:

Meet the Author:


Jenna Thatcher lives in a quiet little valley surrounded by mountains. She has been to every state in the US (except Alaska) and has a soft spot for volcanoes. Her favorite job ever was as a children’s librarian where she ordered the 500s – 600s. Three kids and a smart-mouth cat keep her busy, but thankfully she has an amazing husband to juggle them all (not literally). You can find Jenna on Goodreads as she continues to publish a variety of genres, including fractured-fairytales, fantasy, and more historical fiction.

Connect with the author: Website 

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