Audible Book Review: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

This is an enjoyable romance with supernatural characters and mystery.
Beauty and the Clockwork Beast: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
By: Nancy Campbell Allen
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Series: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 08-02-16
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Paranormal, Steampunk, Victorian Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Like the classic Beauty and the Beast, this steampunk romance features an unlikely love story.
The Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles, is plagued by a family curse that changes him into a shape-shifting wolf every month during the full moon.
Lucy, a smart, attractive, and well-respected botanist, travels to Blackwell Manor to take care of her sick cousin, Kate, who is married to Miles' younger brother. For Lucy, the trip is a welcome respite from her work and recent discovery of a breakthrough serum that could eliminate the scourge of vampires from London. But Lucy finds more than she bargained for when she arrives at the Manor.
Miles, who is brash and inhospitable, does not take kindly to visitors. He is still unsettled by the mysterious death of his newlywed wife. And then there's Marie, Miles' sister, who was attacked and murdered just weeks earlier. Miles is horrified to think that he might be to blame for the deaths. And who is the ghost that haunt the halls?
Lucy is convinced that the death of Miles's wife and sister - as well as her cousin's mysterious illness - are tied together, but how? Lady Charlesworth has her eye on inheriting Blackwell Manor for her family. Could her daughter, Candice, or her son, Arthur, have had a hand in the mysterious deaths? The clues make a vampire suspect highly likely. During her investigation, Lucy finds herself caring deeply for Miles, but he fights to keep his distance in order to protect Lucy from his family's secret. And, yet, he feels attracted to the woman who is able to look past the fearsome-looking scar that has marred his handsome face. With no other option, Miles and Lucy must work together if they are to find the answer to the mysteries at the manor.
But that's not all Lucy wants to solve. There's a deeper mystery behind Miles. Can she solve that too? Ultimately, she must decide if she can love the man - beast and all.
Includes bonus novella, Marie's Story.
©2016 Nancy Campbell Allen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Lucy is busy with her scientific and botanist tasks. She recently discovered an anti-vampire serum and wants to continue the work on this project. But she is quick to rush to her cousin’s side when she hears that Kate is ill. Kate recently married Jonathan, a younger brother to the dark Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles. Lucy doesn’t know much about the family but there are rumors that the Lord’s may have been involved in the death of his new wife and his sister shortly after.

Miles is plagued by a family curse that is a closely held secret. He goes to his family’s hunting lodge every month at the full moon – and that is only one of his secrets. He is distressed by the unsolved murder of his wife and the brutal killing of his sister. Miles doesn’t like having strangers around and although he appreciates that Lucy wants to help her cousin, he is not so thrilled to have her snooping around. He also isn’t happy to have his aunt, Lady Charlesworth, and her adult children, Arthur and Candice, swooping in for extended visits whenever they want.

Lucy is sure Miles is hiding something but doesn’t think he is guilty of the murders in his household. Lucy soon believes that Kate is being poisoned. She also suspects that the household robotic servants are being used in the plot. Can she get enough evidence to convince the reclusive Miles to listen to her and take action before it’s too late?

I really liked the complex characters of Lucy and Miles. There is a reluctant attraction that develops slowly as they learn about and begin to trust each other. There is a lovely dance scene that changes the dynamic between them. Miles has some strong friends who are willing to stand with him, including Lucy’s brother. Several of these characters appear in the rest of the series. I enjoyed reading book 3, The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, and I just got the other books from Audible Plus. I like the mix of mystery, steampunk, shifter, and Victorian romance. I recommend this to fans of these genres.

Audio Notes: Saskia Maarleveld does a lovely job with the narration. I liked the accent and the pacing of the delivery. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: May 17, 2021 free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: It Happened One Autumn: Wallflower Series #2 by Lisa Kleypas

This historical romance is nice and moved along quickly.

It Happened One Autumn: Wallflower Series #2
by Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: Wallflowers #2
Length: 11h 29m
Published January 8th 2010 by Brilliance Audio
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.75.

It happened at the Ball….
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren’t entirely “the thing.” And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London’s most eligible aristocrat.
It happened in the garden…
When Marcus shockingly – and dangerously – swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn’t even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed…thank goodness they weren’t caught very nearly in the act!
It happened one autumn.…
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable…as his bride.
Published January 8th 2010 by Brilliance Audio.

Review:
Lillian Bowman is a beautiful, head strong American daughter of a man who made his money in soap manufacturing. Lillian and her sister, Daisy, struggled to be accepted by society in New York and will struggle in London too unless they get an aristocratic sponsor. Lillian met Lord Marcus Westcliff at a ball, and they immediately disliked each other. She sees him as snobbish and insufferable. He sees her as crass and overly bold, especially after he comes across her and her friends playing rounders in their undergarments.

Marcus wants to do business with Lillian’s father, so the Bowman family has been included in a two-week house party at his lavish estate. He hopes that he can avoid the daughters, especially headstrong Lillian. He finds the American sisters playing rounders again, this time with their clothes with his stable hands. This time he steps up to try to help Lillian’s bat swing. They soon realize that they need to sneak back into the house and Marcus leads them along a back path. Nearing the door, Daisy escapes into the house but Marcus and Lillian are trapped behind a hedgerow as a group of men pass by. Inexplicably Marcus finds himself mesmerized by this inappropriate young woman and begins kissing her. This begins a reluctant draw between the pair who keep trying to tell themselves and each other that they don’t like the other who would be totally unsuitable.

Marcus’ roguish friend, Lord St. Vincent is willing to play escort to Lillian to keep her out of the way of Marcus. As the days go on it seems that St. Vincent may have plans of his own.

I enjoyed the reluctant relationship between the protagonists. The conflict showcases some class bigotry which is interesting. I was expecting and hoping for a bit of intrigue which finally appears in the last part of the book. I also enjoyed the elements involving Lillian’s skill at distinguishing scents which plays a fun role in the story. My only disappointment with this second book was there were more sexual encounters than were necessary for my taste. Still, it was a quick and mostly enjoyable listen. I have the next book, Devil in Winter, in print but I may have to pick up the audio.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is always a joy to listen to. She provides wonderful voices and seamless narration that enhances the story for me.

4.5 Source: Audible September 2021. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and my season goals.

Wallflowers Series #1: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas; my rating 4.5

Audible Book Review: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1, by Michelle Griep

This is a sort of haunted house Christmas Mystery/Romance which I read and enjoyed for Ladies Book Club.
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Book 1
By: Michelle Griep
Narrated by: Nan McNamara


Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-11-18
Language: English
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Victorian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger...and love?
England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend - for if she remains the duration of the 12 day celebration, she is promised a sum of 1,000 pounds.
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, 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.
Pour a cup of tea and settle in for book 1 of the Once upon a Dickens Christmas series - -a pause-resisting Victorian-era holiday tale by Michelle Griep, a listener and critic favorite.
©2017 Shiloh Run Press (P)2017 Oasis Audio

Review:
Clara and Ben were separated on the morning they were to be wed. He was sent to the jail for theft and she was left jilted at the altar believing her fiancé’ had run off with the family fortune.
Clara is struggling out a meager living caring for her elderly aunt and wondering: “Why, God? Why?” She receives a strange invitation that promises her 500 pounds if she spends 12 days at Bleakly Manor. Although a strange request, and reluctant to leave her ailing aunt, Clara welcomes this one chance to restore her circumstance.

Ben believes Clara abandoned him during the rigged trial proceedings and wonders: “Why, God? Why?” When Ben is called to the warden’s office, he suspects that his time to be deported has come. Instead, he is given an invitation that promises his freedom if he stays at Bleakly Manor for 12 days without trying to escape.

As Clara and Ben arrive at the bleak manor house, they realize they are not the only guests invited. There are a handful of others and each person has been promised something unique to their circumstances but only one of the participants can gain the promise by staying the full time. At first, the manor seems warm, if dark, but as soon as everyone has arrived, most of the staff disappears leaving the group to fend for themselves without proper food or warmth.

Tensions are high between Clara and Ben who are shocked to see each other and even more startled when they finally agree to listen to what happened to each other. Soon tensions begin to rise among all of the guests as the conditions deteriorate starting the first morning with an alleged jewel theft. The police inspector guest claims he will investigate but his procedures leave a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Ben is certain he feels “eye” watching from the halls.

This plot was great fun, reminding me of the Agatha Christie mystery “And Then There Were None” and making me think of the movies Clue or Murder by Death. It appears that I haven’t read enough Dickens recently enough to catch all of the connections to Dickens's characters and locations (Bleak House). Still, I had great fun following the mishaps that helped to eliminate the guests and the dilemmas that Clara and Ben had to face.

I have enjoyed several books by Michelle Griep and look forward to more! I recommend this to fans of Victorian and noir mystery, and clearly to any true Dickens fans.

Audio Notes: Nan McNamara’s narration drew me into the setting and kept me following the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: December 2019 Audible Sale purchase $5.24. This qualifies for Ladies Book Club and 2019Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen

This was a good fantasy mystery.
The Lady in the Coppergate Tower
by Nancy Campbell Allen

Series: Proper Romance Steampunk
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (August 6, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629725544
Genre: Mystery, Steampunk, Victorian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. But as of yet, that skill has remained frustratingly elusive. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.
Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.
Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.
Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.
Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.

Review:
Hazel is a gifted healer but also thinks she has skills as a Medium. She constantly dreams of a different version of herself, a young woman with different color hair who is going mad. Hazel has an unrevealed ‘thing’ for her employer, Dr. Sam MacInnes. She does not see them in the same social set so she tries to resist her feelings for him.

Sam is a talented surgeon who is attracted to Hazel, a young woman whose life he saved before she became his employee. Sam runs in the higher social circles but doesn’t let that impress him.

Wealthy and impressive Romanian Count Petrescu arrives in town telling Hazel that she is his niece who was abducted at birth. He claims that she has a twin who is seriously ill and needs her help. As Petrescu convinces Hazel to travel with him to Romania, Sam insists that he accompany her, along with his personal automaton, Eugene. Sam, who doesn’t like closed places, suffers some qualms when they realize they will be traveling by submarine.

Sam and Hazel agree that Petrescu is darkly mysterious and not to be easily trusted. He has a rough bodyguard who becomes a suspect in an attack on Hazel’s maid. The closer they come to their destination the more Hazel connects (even unwillingly) with her sister. She begins to realize her sister is trapped in a tower and her life under abusive manipulation is distressing and driving her mad.

I enjoyed the steampunk aspects of the automatons, the submarine and the wicked tower. It was easy to be drawn to Hazel and Sam who are both warm characters who are very respectful of their growing affections. Petrescu and his right hand man are appropriately villainous while Eugene makes a fun, rather smart alecky robot. The pacing was mostly good with consistent mystery even though the crisis seemed to peak as a rush to the ending. Still and all this is an engaging story and I recommend it to reader’s who enjoy steampunk, mystery and fairy tale elements.

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

Audible Book Review: The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized) by Oscar Wilde

This was more fun then I expected.
The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)
By: Oscar Wilde
Narrated by: James Marsters, Charles Busch, Emily Bergl, Neil Dickson, Jill Gascoine, Christopher Neame, Matthew Wolf

Length: 1 hr and 58 mins
Performance
Release date: 11-12-09
Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works
Genre: Drama, Humor, Theater, Victorian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

 
Publisher's Summary
This final play from the pen of Oscar Wilde is a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, complete with assumed names, mistaken lovers, and a lost handbag. Jack and Algernon are best friends, both wooing ladies who think their names are Ernest, "that name which inspires absolute confidence". Wilde's effervescent wit, scathing social satire, and high farce make this one of the most cherished plays in the English language.
Includes an interview with director Michael Hackett, professor of Theater in the School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA.
An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring:
James Marsters as Jack
Charles Busch as Lady Bracknell
Emily Bergl as Cecily
Neil Dickson as Lane and Merriman
Jill Gascoine as Miss Prism
Christopher Neame as Chasuble
Matthew Wolf as Algernon
Sarah Zimmerman as Gwendolen
Directed by Michael Hackett. Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles.
©2009 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2009 L.A. Theatre Works

Review:
Jack and Algernon are two Victorian gentleman who are wooing young ladies who think their name is “Earnest”, a name which inspires these rather frivolous women. The witty dialogue is like watching a tennis match – lobs back and forth. There is mockery of courtship and societal expectations that make it fun listening.

This is a satirical play written in Victorian time. Wilde clearly makes fun of the two-faced shallowness through the Victorian characters. The introduction and interview add some interest. It is a quick read/listen and makes an easy classic read.

Audio Notes: This is a dramatization which makes it a fun listen. I did have to adjust to the voices, accents and background additions, but once I settled in and thought of it as a play/drama, the performance became a fine couple of hours of entertainment.

Source: 3/2012 Free Audible. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters

This is a fun, entertaining historical mystery.

The Curse of the Pharaohs
The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 2
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Series: Amelia Peabody, Book 2
Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-02-04
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical, Victorian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The sun rides high over the British Empire and the light still sparkles brightly in Amelia Peabody's eye as she returns for her second adventure in archaeology and romantic mystery as recounted in her lively journal, The Curse of the Pharaohs.
It was Sir Henry's intention to ensure that no tomb had been overlooked in the previous expedition. Scarcely had the men been at work for three days when their spades uncovered the first of a series of steps cut into the rock.
The Times gave the story a full column, on page three. The next dispatch to come to Luxor, however, rated front-page headlines. Sir Henry Baskerville was dead. He was found next morning stiff and stark in his bed. On his face was a look of ghastly horror. On his high brow, inscribed in what appeared to be dried blood, was a crudely drawn uraeus serpent, the symbol of the divine pharaoh.
Instead of digging up the treasures of a lost age, it appeared that Amelia and her friend Radcliffe were excavating a deadly curse.
Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.
©1981 Elizabeth Peters (P)1990 Recorded Books LLC

Review:
Amelia is a strong minded, multi-talented woman in 1892 England. She met her scholarly, archaeologist husband, Radcliffe Emerson, in Egypt. Now they are more or less quiet at home with their precocious 4-year-old son, Ramses. But it is clear that both Radcliffe and Amelia are restless and looking for a way to get back to the field. An effort to get a small dig from the neighbor fails gloriously (well more accurately gory and muddy).

Fortunately, an old friend, Lady Baskerville, appears seeking Emerson’s leadership to take over her recently deceased husband’s dig. Amelia and Radcliffe are not perturbed nor deterred by the fact that Sir Henry Baskerville’s death has been reported a result of a black curse, the Curse of the Pharaohs. Baskerville’s assistant has also gone missing and the photographer is currently ill.

Amelia is bound to share in the adventure with her best friend and husband, Radcliffe. They plan ways to approach the dig and minimize the fearful reactions of the native workers. They also have to deal with a jaunty, Irish reporter, a flirtatious widow, a boisterous, domineering woman who claims Radcliffe was her lover in a former life, and a few other unique characters.

The story is told in first person by Amelia with her intractable and irrepressible strength and humor. Amelia addresses women’s issues and primitive superstitions while determinedly investigating the death of Sir Henry, which she insists is murder, and finding the missing assistant who is her prime suspect. Soon other accidents, ghostly appearances and outright attacks begin to stir other suspicions.

I appreciate Amelia’s courage insisting on working with her husband in her era and the exotic setting. The mystery meanders a little but eventually everything pulls together. This is a fun series that is easy to listen to. There is adventure, mystery and humor. I recommend the series to readers who enjoy strong heroines, archaeological settings and cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: Barbara Rosenblat does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides a fitting setting and era tone as well as good character voices. She also provides good emotions that help carry the humor. I enjoy listening to this series.

Source: July 2007 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock

This is a nice historical romance with a good blend of romance and suspense.
Gallagher's Pride
By: MK McClintock
Narrated by: Alan Philip Ormond


Series: Gallagher, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian, Western
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
She was a on a quest of discovery. He was on a quest for revenge. Together they would discover a second chance.
Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.
As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.
The Historical Western Romance Montana Gallagher Series:
Book One - Gallagher's Pride
Book Two - Gallagher's Hope
Book Three - Gallagher's Choice
©2012 MK McClintock (P)2014 MK McClintock

Review:

Brianna is a strong Scottish lass who thinks she is alone until her dying father tells her of her mother's parents in America. Apparently her grandfather disowned her mother when she married her Scottish father instead of the fiance her controlling father had picked for her. Armed with a letter rejecting her mother and children, Brianna heads to America for answers.

Brianna arrives in rough Montana where her PI located her grandparents. She is lucky to meet Ethan Gallagher and his brother when she is accosted by a leering drunk right after stepping off the stagecoach. Brianna is invited to stay at the Gallagher ranch with their sister and housekeeper to keep things respectable. Little does she know that the ranch borders her grandfather and the relationship between the two families are strained at best.

Brianna learns that her grandfather is a mean and bitter man who drove off his own wife. She decides to follow the path of her grandmother in case she can be found. That quest sets off events of suspense and danger, including kidnapping and a shootout.

As they travel, Ethan begins to see a remarkable strength and bravery in Brianna. He might be interested if only he can get past the betrayal of his former fiancé who was found with another man the eve of their wedding. Brianna is falling for Ethan but she won’t accept less than a full commitment.

This is a charming story with characters I really liked. There is a little mystery and suspense to fill out the romance which is on the edge of sweet (simmering, as noted). Ethan’s siblings are lively characters and I am sure there are more good stories coming for the family. I recommend this to readers who enjoy warm, historical romance.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the rich accents of the narrator, Alan Philip Ormond. He captures the Scottish brogue and good old country Midwest. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible 2017 April $1.99 Purchase. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review: What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series) by Grace Burrowes

I really enjoyed this story with warm characters and a sweet building romance.
What a Lady Needs for Christmas (MacGregor Series)
by Grace Burrowes

• File Size: 1325 KB
• Print Length: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 7, 2014)
• ASIN: B00L5QGB7O
• Genre: Historical Romance
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 7, 2014
The Best Gifts are the Unexpected Ones...
To escape a scandal, Lady Joan Flynn flees her family's estate in the Scottish Highlands. She needs a husband by Christmas, or the holidays will ring in nothing but ruin.
Practical, ambitious mill owner Dante Hartwell offers to marry Joan, because a wellborn wife is his best chance of gaining access to aristocratic investors.
As Christmas—and trouble—draw nearer, Dante and Joan's marriage of convenience blossoms into unexpected intimacy, for true love often hides beneath the most unassuming holiday wrapping...

Review:
Lady Joan returns from a night where she hoped to share her dress sketches with another fashion enthusiast. Instead she was slowly primed with drink so that she doesn’t fully remember what happen. But she thinks that she has been compromised and after a week or so she begins to fear she may be pregnant. She seeks to escape Edinburgh to spend Christmas in Scotland where family are to meet. She is having trouble getting a ticket for the train until Dante Hartwell and his young daughter step up and invite her to join them in their train cars.

Mr. Hartwell is “an unlikely” rescuer. He is a Scotsman and a man in trade as the owner of several mills. He is a widower with two children, Charlie the exuberant child and Phillip the serious plodder. Dante’s sister, Margaret, is along to help and her presence makes it possible for Lady Joan to join their group. Dante had been in town looking to find a wife but felt out of place, not knowing the right protocols of the aristocracy.

Lady Joan longs for more than being a sedentary English aristocrat lady. She loves fabrics and designing and would truly love to work in fashion if only that were permitted and... provided she can deal with a child. Dante is a man in trade who wants an introduction to English aristocrats who might invest in his mills. He also needs a wife for his high spirited children. These might not seem like a likely pair but bit by bit they realize they like each other’s qualities. They decide to marry as a means of fulfilling each other’s needs. But they both hope for more and are excited to discover that love can grow, especially if they stop and communicate with each other.

I enjoyed the diverse views of the main characters and distinct personalities of the lively children. I also loved the descriptions that are rich with textures of touch and color. Grace Burrowes has an amazing ability to develop rich characters and build a warm, charmingly natural story around them. The sexual scenes are beautifully done to be an exploration of newlyweds, one totally innocent and naive and the other seeking to be gentle while finding a way to share passion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story and recommend this, and Grace Burrowes, to all those readers who love Historical, Victorian Romance.

I received this from Sourcebooks through NetGalley for an honest review.