#NetGalley Book Review: Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton

I did enjoy this sweet historical romance.

Forever Phoebe
by Chalon Linton

ASIN : B08KYM3Q47
Publisher : Covenant Communications (February 8, 2021)
File size : 1582 KB
Print length : 217 pages
Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as fiery as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism from the gentleman she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe’s spirited nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park. Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe’s attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.

Review:
Red-haired Phoebe has three older brothers, so she tends to be a bit bolder than most young ladies her age. She does have interest in one long time neighbor although he doesn’t seem to see her yet as anything other than as his friend’s younger sister whom he can correct on decorum issues.

Franklin Everly is a new neighbor taking over management of a nearby estate. He seeks assistance from the men at Primly Park and discovers that he is interested in their fiery sister, Phoebe. He begins to develop a friendship and soon seeks a more significant relationship.

Meanwhile Phoebe is a little concerned that her eldest brother may be leading on her best friend. This violates the pact the brothers made not to become involved with Phoebe’s closest friends.

While life moves on for these young people, there is concern and danger in the area. Several young women have gone missing and there is a hunt out for the “Bride Snatcher”. The brothers and Franklin think they can keep Phoebe safe but her independent spirit may defeat their best efforts.

This is a gentle romance that focuses on the characters and their life interactions. I enjoyed the slowly developed romance which carried most of the story. The author reveals Phoebe’s natural confusion between her interest in one man and the sweet pursuit by another. I kept anticipating the danger from the kidnapper. It was well done although it did not occur until late in the book.

I would be glad to read more by Ms. Linton. I recommend this easy reading, sweet historical romance to those who enjoy the genre.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley, and 2021Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Kit and Elizabeth by Karen Tuft

I totally enjoyed this delightful, easy Regency romance.
Kit and Elizabeth
by Karen Tuft

Print Length : 296 pages
File Size : 1438 KB
Publisher : Covenant Communications (December 1, 2019)
ASIN : B07YF4PBBW
Genre: Historical, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Lady Elizabeth Spaulding’s world has fallen apart. Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth’s second failed betrothal, her father’s debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth’s fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can’t refuse.
Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady’s companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth? Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit’s enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

Review:
Elizabeth is deeply aware that she was a disappointment for not being born a male and heir for her father. She has spent her life trying to be a properly behaved Duke’s daughter in hopes of gaining the affection of her parents. She was aware as a teen that marriage arrangements had been made for her with Alex. Although Elizabeth was infatuated with the handsome Earl, it became clear after a season or two that he was avoiding the marriage. Then he died unexpectedly leaving Elizabeth and her family in an awkward circumstance.

When Alex’s brother, Anthony, who was believed to be dead, returns home, Elizabeth’s father makes it clear that the marriage contract is shifted to him. But Elizabeth knows that Anthony’s interest is engaged elsewhere. Elizabeth releases him from the commitment raising the extreme anger and disgust of her father. Her father creates a scandal and then abandons Elizabeth and her mother with destroyed finances.

Elizabeth has spent the last year in seclusion with her angry mother at the family country manor. An elderly friend, Lady Walmsley, coerces Kit, an Earl and friend of Alex, to help retrieve Elizabeth to become her companion. They arrive just in time as news arrives that the Duke has died and the new Duke and Duchess are ready to move into the family home. Lady Walmsley and Kit are dismayed to find a dispirited young woman instead of the charming and assured young woman of the year before.

Kit sets out to push Elizabeth out of her complacent self-deprivation and to realize that she is more than the disappointment her parents belittled. Slowly Elizabeth begins to break out of her shell and a surprising event makes Elizabeth even more aware of the lack of approval in her childhood. 

 I enjoyed this historical romance that was focused on the characters. Elizabeth is emotionally injured but she is kind and determined. Kit is a lovely light-hearted hero, seeking to help Lizzie find a place of joy. There is tension in the light and growing attraction all supplemented by family drama. I often like a little mystery in my romance but this book shows that the right author can deliver an engaging romance even without mystery. I will look forward to reading more by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, Regency romance.

Source: NetGalley (2019 request received 2020). This qualifies for my 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: All Hearts Come Home for Christmas Collection

This is a wonderful collection!
All Hearts Come Home for Christmas
by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker

File Size: 2029 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications (September 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07W6J5RJG
Genre: Christmas, Historical Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Christmas at Falstone Castle - Sarah M. Eden - The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield - When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring - Esther Hatch Elizabeth - Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society’s rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport’s unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress - Joanna Barker - Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

Review:
This is a lovely holiday collection and a nice way to “meet” new authors. Faith is a low key part of the stories. I would enjoy reading more by any of these, especially by Ms. Eden and Ms. Elizabeth. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy gentle historical romance.

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden.
Adam, known as the Dangerous Duke, became the Duke at age seven when his father died. Adam’s face had been scarred as an infant and he believed his mother struggled with caring for him. Adam had been taught that “Duke’s don’t cry” and he hid his hurt when his mother returned to London after a short visit for his father’s funeral. He remained estranged from his mother for all these many years but this Christmas his mother has come home unexpectedly.

Adam was fortunate to have married a bright, beautiful woman, Persephone. They have been blessed with a boy, Oliver, and are expecting their second child which is due after Christmas. The local Vicar, Roswell Duncan, is visiting as a houseguest, rather than traveling back and forth in the snow.

Vicar Roswell and Dowager Duchess, Harriet, begin to enjoy keeping each other company. They decide on a special surprise for Christmas, hoping the plans will allow Harriet to heal the rift with her son.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the way the author brought them together. This is a lovely story. My rating 4.5.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield.
Addie escaped a bad home life and was thankful to find a position as a seamstress that provided room and board although money for savings. One early morning a local businessman, Theo, sees the shop light on and stops in. He asks Addie to sew a button on his jacket. After they chat a bit, he asks her to come manage his home as his sister-in-law has become ill and can no longer take care of his daughter, Becky, and the household.

Addie is thrilled to find a better position. She is happy to step in and begin preparing food, and cleaning and straightening the house. Addie is especially glad to find herself caring for Theo, Becky and Marla. They all begin to flourish but sadness still pervades the house. As Christmas nears will Addie be able to find a way to bring joy to the season and the family?

The characters seemed very real and this is another lovely story. My rating 4.25.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is in her second season and is fighting her mother’s plans to marry her to a wealthy nobleman, no matter how much older he may be. Her friend gives her the idea to be just a little daring to put off the current matchmaking. She learns that Lord Hawthorne, Davenport, is on the outs with society and he is not interested in marriage. Elizabeth decides to solicit his help in her plan.

Davenport is a delightful young man who is misunderstood by society. He is high enough in society to ignore rules but he will also be careful not to compromise Elizabeth. He agrees to help her and they are soon delighting in their shared adventures.
Elizabeth is charmingly natural and Davenport an unusual nobleman. This is wonderfully fun and I would love to read more by Author Elizabeth. My rating 5.0.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker.
Nell Addington was gently raised as a Vicar’s daughter. After his death, she had to take work as a seamstress to help support the family. She is very pleased when her childhood friend, Jacob Hammond, commissions a dress for his shy sister.

Jacob is surprised to learn Nell is working as a seamstress. He has been away at town avoiding his own father and he didn’t realize the circumstances that impacted Nell’s life after her father died.

Nell agrees to come to the house for fittings and Jacob is pleased that her visits are helping to draw out his sister. A snowstorm causes Nell to have to spend extra time at Jacob’s estate. Even as she realizes she would like a deeper relationship with Jacob, she fears she may lose her job with her strict seamstress boss.

These characters are gentle, and the story is sweet. My rating 4.25.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.