Finding Ever After: A Novella Collection featuring Pepper Basham, Rachel McMillan, Ashley Clark, and Betsy St. Amant

Book Summary:

Experience a touch of magic with these four fairytale-ish novellas that span over one hundred years. Linked by an illustrated book of fairytales, each novella is an enchanting combination of a beloved classic sprinkled with the author’s own brand of fairy dust.

Between Stairs and Stardust is set in 1913 Asheville, NC at the beautiful Biltmore Estate and includes a budding children’s book illustrator, an out-of-the box heir, and a teensy bit of Cinderella romance.

Entanglements has a Rapunzel twist and is set in 1920’s Boston between a reluctant heiress, a charming piano tuner, and a game of chess.

Twice Upon A Time is a Beauty-And-The-Beast inspired tale that brings a romance novelist back home to her family’s pecan farm… and the ex-fiance she left behind.

Once Bitten is a nod to Snow White that includes a fake date with a handsome woodsman, seven geeks, and the world’s best apple tarts.

 

My Thoughts:

Finding Ever After was a completely charming collection of fairy tale inspired stories! I loved novella collections featuring multiple authors because there is a little something for every reader! This collection includes two historical novellas and two modern day!  They were each unique, but were connected by a common thread and I really enjoyed the small connection between these stories!  Finding Ever After will undoubtedly leave you with all the warm and fuzzy feels!  I absolutely love happily ever afters and this collection delivered beautifully!

If you would like to purchase a copy of Finding Ever After or learn more about the authors, visit the links below!

Amazon: Finding Ever After

https://pepperdbasham.com/

https://www.rachelmcmillan.net/

Ashley Clark Amazon Profile

https://www.betsystamant.com/

 

*I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

 

Book Summary:

Eloise Drake’s prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she’s finally put behind her–or so she thinks. A mathematical genius, she’s now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town–but he needs Eloise’s help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he’d lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them before it’s too late.

 

My Thoughts:

This book was such a good read!  I was really intrigued by this story and it definitely delivered!  I was really hooked in the beginning of this book by the glimpse into Eloise and Alex’s past!  It really made me connect with the characters and made me feel involved in the story early on.   I expected a certain amount of conflict within this story due to the fact that Alex is the mayor and his town is scheduled for demolition. However, I wasn’t expecting the hope and coming together of this community to rally behind a seemingly impossible way to save their town.  Alex is pure determination and hope and it made me really believe that his idea could work!  The love and close knit feeling that this town has is truly what makes this book tug at your heart.  There are so many quirks and characters that make this town unique and you truly cannot bear to see it dissolved as you keep reading!  There is a bit of a mystery tucked into this story which adds its own share of issues and will definitely keep you guessing.  This was my favorite book of this series!  I loved it!

If you would like to purchase a copy of A Desperate Hope or learn more about Elizabeth Camden, visit the links below!

Amazon: A Desperate Hope

http://elizabethcamden.com

Bethany House Publishers: A Desperate Hope

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter

Book Summary:

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed–loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she’s come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford’s main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

 

My Thoughts:

Kristi Ann Hunter has once again written a regency novel with memorable characters and a story that is more than meets the eye as the details unfold.  Daphne and William seem to be at odds most of the time, however half truths and miscommunication between these characters keeps them from truly understanding each other.  Daphne in particular had to overcome a lot of personal obstacles and really allow her defenses to crumble in order to move forward with her life.  Daphne seemed to be equal parts fascinating and frustrating for William.  I definitely think that she kept him on his toes and perhaps brought a little bit of his snobbery down a few notches.  My absolute favorite thing about this book was the interactions with Jess.  She literally steals each scene she appears in with her humor and blunt manner.  She is so matter of fact and confident and was the perfect juxtaposition to Daphne.  While Daphne is a sensitive day dreamer, Jess is a matter of fact realist and I felt that Jess brought a bit of balance to Daphne’s whimsical manner.  This book had a few surprises along the way and I was satisfied with the conclusion of Daphne’s story.  No spoilers!  I cannot wait for the last book in the Haven Manner series!  Jess’s story!  You can count on me diving in as soon as it hits the shelves!

If you would like to purchase a copy of Return of Devotion or learn more about Kristi Ann Hunter, please visit the links below!

Amazon: A Return of Devotion

https://www.kristiannhunter.com/

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

Book Summary:

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent–and Willow’s ex-flame–Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they’ll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he’s spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow’s tender heart at risk.

 

My Thoughts:

I am always on the hunt for more romantic suspense authors and books! Never Let Go was my first Elizabeth Goddard book and I really enjoyed it. I was hooked by this story at the prologue! The cold case aspect of this story was really intriguing and it gave Austin and Willow a common goal, allowing them to interact without the situation seeming forced or contrived. I enjoyed the sparks of romance between the characters and also liked that they shared a history that they had to address before they could move forward.  Their obstacles as a couple were directly related to issues from the past which gave a lot of insight into their characters and made them seem really genuine.  Sometimes I find that romance in suspense books can be instant and unrealistic however, Austin and Willow’s story was easy to read, easy to root for, and it was believable because of their past relationship.  The suspense in this book really hit another notch as the story neared its conclusion.  I was really guessing until the end of this book!  And there were several nail biting incidents that I totally did not see coming.  All in all I felt like this was a really solid romantic suspense book and I am super excited to have another author to add to my must read list!  I will definitely be anticipating more novels from Elizabeth Goddard!

If you would like to purchase a copy of Never Let Go or learn more about Elizabeth Goddard, visit the links below!

Amazon: Never Let Go

https://bethgoddard.com/

 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother–who is battling dementia–compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns–and with it, Heidi’s fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

 

My Thoughts:

Jaime Jo Wright has written another eerily suspenseful split time novel.  The Curse of Misty Wayfair grabs the reader from the first page with its haunting, almost poetic dialogue.  The story lines, taking places during two separate time periods, are connected  by a common thread,  which only adds to the sense of mystery in this novel.  I do have to say that my preference was for the Historical timeline.  It was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end.  I had no idea until the end of the book what exactly was taking place and who was involved.    The conclusion of this book was both chilling and shocking!  I love being surprised by the end of a novel!

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of The Curse of Misty Wayfair or learn more about the author, visit the links below!

Amazon: The Curse of Misty Wayfair

http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

So Bright A Hope by Amber Lynn Perry

Book Summary:

When Caroline Whitney receives word that the brother she thought was dead is in fact a prisoner of war, she is frantic to rescue him. On the way to find help, she hides from the Redcoats, but is quickly discovered by a rugged British soldier who claims she must go with him, or be tried for espionage. The world would tell her this man is the enemy, but the veiled secrets in her captor’s eyes reveal he is more than he seems. If she fails to trust, more could be endangered than her life—her heart is bound to be broken a second time.

As a double agent in the service of Washington, British Captain James Higley must keep his true convictions a secret or face being killed as a traitor. On his newest mission, he discovers a courageous woman hiding in a barn, and is forced to capture her, or both their lives will be in jeopardy. When she offers her compliance in exchange for help in finding her brother, he accepts, despite his inner warnings. He must keep his distance from this alluring Patriot, or risk revealing not only his identity, but the true feelings of his heart.

 

My Thoughts:

I simply cannot get over this stunning cover!  The colors are breathtaking!  I love it when a Historical cover is eye catching and beautiful and this one is exactly that!  This book was such a surprise to me, in all the good ways!  Danger seemed to lurk one step behind these characters at every turn!  Caroline was an admirable heroine who showed great strength and growth as a character as this story progressed.  I loved James!  Brave, heroic, noble, with a complex background which gave him duty and purpose.   Captain Green was as villainous as they come! He was easy to loathe and gave this story a lot of tension!  It kept me invested in the outcome!  This story was action packed from start to finish.  While there was a lot going on, nothing seemed unrealistic or forced.  This book had a few twists and turns and one scene in particular at the end literally shocked me beyond belief.  I will not give any spoilers!  However, it was  a mouth dropping, didn’t see that coming, moment that was amazingly well done!  If you like exciting and adventurous historical romance then you should add So Bright A Hope to your reading list!

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of So Bright A Hope or learn more about Amber Lynn Perry, visit the links below!

Amazon: So Bright A Hope

https://amberlynnperry.com/

* I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

Book Summary:

Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.

When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.

 

My Thoughts:

I picked up this book because of one of my Bookstagram friends. We read a lot of the same books and seem to share similar tastes and opinions, so when she told me I absolutely had to read this book, I knew I did.   Y’all!  I am so thankful for my Bookstagram pals for so many reasons, and one of them is that they give recommendations for amazing books.  This book was truly memorable, sweet, and a story that touched me in many ways.  This is my second Lindsay Harrel novel and she truly has a gift for crafting a story that is filled with emotion, heart and enough humor and hope to keep a reader invested without the story feeling super heavy.  Her characters are so real that they feel like old friends by the time you read the final pages.  I loved this story.  I loved that this story focused on more than just a bucket list of adventure items.  Yes, these sisters had some unforgettable experiences, but the real magic of this story is the unfolding of their past hurts and how confronting those things affects their relationships.  Lindsay Harrel has a way of layering stories and characters in a way that brings depth and emotion in a natural way.  I may have cried while reading this book, twice.  It was that good.  Throw in the sweetest friendship turned romance, what more could you ask for in a good book?  I was glued to this book until the last page and it honestly is one that is going to stick with me.  So happy for friends to recommend books and amazing authors who write fabulous stories for us all to gush over!

If you would like to purchase a copy of The Heart Between Us or learn more about Lindsay Harrel, visit the links below.

Amazon: The Heart Between Us

www.lindsayharrel.com