The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson

 

Title: The Last Witch in Edinburgh

Author:  Marielle Thompson

Narrated by:  Siobhan Waring

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Length: Approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes

Source: Audiobook Purchased from Audible. Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @kensingtonbooks for the review copy of the paperwork version of the book.

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Nellie is a young beautiful woman that is trying to keep her motherless brother alive and happy in 1824 Edinburgh.  She encounters the Roe Women’s Apothecary and learns about the Cailleach and magic.  After a fire destroys the shop, Nellie is adrift in the world, mourning for her lost love.  After 200 years she finally returns to Edinburgh with her daughter and finds both friends and foes waiting.

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The narrator of the audiobook had a nice Scottish accent. 

·       Fear lingers over all with women being seemingly selected by random to be hanged as witches.

·       This novel was historical fantasy, there were no witch hunts in the 1820s, but the author researched the witch hunts that did take place in Edinburgh and used the historical detail for this novel.

·       The focus of the story was of men trying to keep powerful women down and to keep them from expressing their ideas and helping each other. 

·       The novel switches to modern times as witches live very long lives. 

·       The novel got very preachy at the end about the patriarchy.  There were no good men in the story.  I got tired by the end of only women being good and all men being evil.

·       I didn’t like the turn in the story in the second half of the book.  The first half of the book, Nellie’s brother was so important to her and then she just abandons him.  It seemed out of character.  I also didn’t understand why it took her 200 years to check back on who had survived the fire.

·       The novel focused on social issues and feminism.

·       A same sex romance was featured in the story.

·       It was an engaging story, but the second half was not as good as the first half.

Overall, The Last Witch in Edinburgh was a good fall read and interesting historical fantasy.

My Dear Friend by Heather Moll (Book Tour and Giveaway)

 

Have you ever been on a blind date or used an app to find a match?  My Dear Friend explores matchmaking, Regency style.

Elizabeth Bennet is in London visiting her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, while consoling her sister Jane after her heartbreak.  The town is a twitter with news of a new matchmaking service.  People are put into anonymous tiers based on their social status, wealth, looks, etc.  You then can pick an anonymous person from your tier and write them letters.  You only meet if both people agree.  Elizabeth Bennet decides to subscribe to raise her sister’s spirit.  Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Darcy has also subscribed to try to stop his feelings for her.  As the two correspond, they get to know each other better.  Will their mutual admiration continue once they know the identity of their mysterious friend?

My thoughts on this novel:             

·       This is a sweet novel that I read quickly.  

·       I enjoyed the fun and witty letters that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth wrote back and forth to each other.  I thought it was a unique way for the two to develop their relationships.

·       The side characters, Jane, Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, and the Gardiners were also wonderfully drawn.

·       This story reminded me of a movie I’ve always enjoyed, The Little Shop Around the Corner starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan.  Or of the newer version, You’ve Got Mail with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

·       I also enjoyed that Elizabeth discussed the plight of women during that time and how the matchmaking service might give them agency to help find a good partner to support them.

·       This novel is a clean read.

·       Author’s note was very interesting and described real matchmaking services that did exist during the Regency time.

·       I also enjoyed the “Coming Soon” section about the new book Without Undue Pride that is coming in April 2025.  It sound like a fascinating variation.

Favorite Quote, “For herself, she saw the value in both.  She wanted to engage with the world and could mix with strangers, but she needed moments alone for introspection and to regain her spirits to be sociable once again.  For all her friendliness there were few people she truly loved, and F appeared to the be the same.”

Overall, My Dear Friend by Heather Moll is a captivating Pride and Prejudice Variation with a unique spin that puts one in mind of You’ve Got Mail or The Little Shop Around the Corner.

Book Source:  Review copy from author Heather Moll as part of the Book Tour. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Heather Moll writes romantic variations of Jane Austen's classic novels. She is an avid reader of mysteries and biographies with a masters in information science. She found Jane Austen later than she should have and made up for lost time by devouring her letters and unpublished works, joining JASNA, and spending too much time researching the Regency era. She is the author of Rising Courage, An Affectionate Heart, Nine Ladies, and My Dear Friend. She lives with her husband and son, and struggles to balance all the important things, like whether to clean the house or sit down and write.

About the Book

My Dear Friend

THEY NEVER GET ALONG WHENEVER THEY UNFORTUNATELY CROSS PATHS. BUT WHEN A MATCHMAKING SERVICE ANONYMOUSLY LINKS THEM UP, WILL THEY PEN A ROMANCE?

Elizabeth Bennet is an excellent judge of character. Eager to prove to her brokenhearted sister that worthy men do exist, the spirited and witty young woman subscribes to the new matchmaking service taking London by storm. And she’s pleasantly surprised when the female-empowering agency anonymously connects her with a fascinating correspondent. 

Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined to move on from unwanted feelings for the alluring but inappropriate Bennet girl. He hopes his captivating prose partner from the matchmaking service might be the distraction he needs. But when he inadvertently reveals his inner thoughts, he can’t keep the letter-exchanging relationship from becoming something more.

As Elizabeth starts to fall for the mysterious man, her dislike for Mr. Darcy only grows whenever they meet in person. While the man in question still admires Elizabeth, he realizes in alarm that he may have also given his heart to his anonymous correspondent…

Have their letters opened an unexpected path to happily ever after?

RAFFLECOPTER SWAG GIVEAWAY

Swag Grand Prize Giveaway

1 entrant will win:

• Signed paperback copy of My Dear Friend
• Art of the Love Letter mini kit
• Black feather quill pen

The giveaway is open from 09/06/2024 12:00am EST through 09/20/2024 12:00am EST. Giveaway is open worldwide.

One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email on September 21, 2024. Winner will have 24 hours to reply and claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.

Entrants must leave a comment on the blog or subscribe to Heather Moll's newsletter to enter. Entrants can leave a comment at every blog.

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Social Links 

website: heathermollauthor.com 

FB: @HeatherMollAuthor 

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Twitter: @HMollAuthor

Rising Courage by Heather Moll (Book Tour) and GIVEAWAY!

 

Have you read any books that feature kidnapping?  The book I always think of that featured kidnapping was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney, which I read in middle school.  I always enjoy the suspense of kidnapping, and especially enjoy when the main character escapes and is able to return home.

Rising Courage is a Pride and Prejudice variation which asks the question, what if Elizabeth and Darcy were kidnapped after his first proposal?  How will forced proximity alter their romance?

My thoughts on Rising Courage:

·       I love that instead of reading a response letter from Darcy after her refusal of his first proposal, she learns everything directly from him while they are held hostage.

·       I REALLY loved the forced proximity.  I felt like they really got to know each other better than a typical couple would during Regency times.

·       The romance was tender and romantic.  The novel does get steamy.

·       I chuckled when I realized that of course Lady Catherine was the cause of all the problems.

·       I thought it was an interesting side note that Darcy didn’t use sugar due to the slave trade and I loved learning about his bees and beekeepers.

·       I enjoyed the action in this novel as well, although I was worried about what the kidnappers would do.  It was thrilling.

·       I enjoyed the child Kirby in the story.  He had a difficult life, and I liked the humanity that both Darcy and Elizabeth showed him.

·       Author Heather Moll has a great writing style and really captures the personalities of Elizabeth, Darcy, and other Pride and Prejudice characters.  I especially like the inside jokes that Elizabeth and Darcy had with each other.

·       Elizabeth makes a decision towards the end that I did not agree with, but I did enjoy the suspense.

·       Isn’t the cover of this novel beautiful?  I love it.  Darcy is very dreamy.

Overall, Rising Courage was an enjoyable romantic suspense story with a great forced proximity storyline.  This is a great read for all lovers of Austenesque fiction.

Book Source:  Review copy from author Heather Moll as part of the Book Tour. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A Brilliant Match by Jennie Goutet Book Blast! (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 I am excited to be a part of a Book Blast today to announce an exciting new Regency Romance - A Brilliant Match by Jennie Goutet.  I am excited to read this new book. Details on the book and a giveaway are below.

QUICK FACTS

·       Title: A Brilliant Match

·       Series: The Earl's Sisters (Book 1)

·       Author: Jennie Goutet

·       Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance

·       Publisher: Millefeuille Press (November 21, 2023)

·       Length: (244) pages

·       Format: Trade Paperback, & eBook 

·       ISBN: 978-2494930186

·       Book Blast Dates: November 27– December 4, 2023

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A love match would not do. She would make an advantageous match—a brilliant match!

At the age of nineteen, Lady Dorothea Rowlandson was practically on the shelf. Had she not suffered her father, the earl’s, untimely death weeks before last year’s season, she would surely by now be a married lady—the established wife of an illustrious peer. With such a regrettable delay, time was ever more of the essence if she wished to secure her own future and that of her sisters.

Miles Shaw holds an encumbered estate. It is only logical, therefore, that he commence the London Season on the hunt for a well-dowered wife. His personal code of honor requires he be upfront about this goal, so that he deceives no one. And as he fully intends to love and cherish the wife of his choosing, he will naturally bring as much to the union as he receives. After all, he is a landed gentleman with no shortage of charm.

When chance forced Miles and Dorothea to partner one another for the first dance of the first crush of the season, Fortuna could only have been in a funning mood. To have fostered so unsuitable a connection was nothing short of absurd. For what could a peer of the realm’s daughter and a gentleman of no consequence, with his pockets to let, possibly have in common?

 

PRAISE FOR TO A BRILLIANT MATCH

• “This book was an absolute delight and without a doubt belongs on the reading list of any fan of sweet regency romance!”— Merilee Loves to Read
• “A creative and delightful historical romance, especially for lovers of a good P&P-type story!"— My Literary Love

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of twelve Regency romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and Daughters of the Gentry series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla and are translated into five languages.

 

An American-born Anglophile, Jennie lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her best-selling proper Regency romances are set.

 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY

Check out my Instagram Post (link is top right corner) for details on the Giveaway!

Loving Miss Tilney by Heather Moll (Book Tour and GIVEAWAY)

 

What secondary character from a favorite novel would you like to see get their own story?  I was so excited to read this novel where Eleanor Tilney from Northanger Abbey finally gets her own story.

Loving Miss Tilney starts at the point where Catherine Morland has been thrown out of Northanger Abbey by General Tilney.  Eleanor also sees her beloved brother Henry leave to follow Catherine.  She decides that she can no longer stand to live with her father General Tilney.  He whisks her away to a house party and she decides she will find a rich husband among the gentleman attending the house party.  Complicating matters is that her second cousin, Philip Brampton is also attending the house party.  Eleanor loves Philip, but he is unacceptable to her father because he does not have money.  How can Eleanor find happiness for herself?

I enjoyed both Eleanor and Philip as characters. I loved how they enjoyed the same things and had great conversations.  Eleanor and Philip had such great chemistry too.  They had a very passionate kiss after an argument about the choices Eleanor had for the future.

It was hard to see Eleanor looking for another husband with Philip right there, but it was also understandable with the limited choices that women had at that time.  It made me really think again about the impossible situation that many women found themselves in during that time period where marriage was your only option, and you had no choice of your own. 

I liked that Philip was a mathematician.  I love it when math, science, or engineering show up in novels.

General Tilney is one of Austen’s best villains and he is really brought to life in this novel.  He would be a very difficult man to live with.  He doesn’t appear to care for his children except for how their success reflects onto him.

Heather Moll’s writing really brings the Regency world to life.  I have enjoyed her novels in the past.  I really liked that this book was a Northanger Abbey variation.  I have always wondered about what happened to poor Eleanor and this book gives the reader the details.  As much as I love Pride and Prejudice variations, I love to read variations for her other novels as well.

I would say the steam level is medium as there is one steamy scene in this novel.

Book Source: Review Copy from author Heather Moll.   Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the book tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Heather Moll writes romantic variations ofJane Austen's classic novels. She is an avid reader of mysteriesand biographies with a masters in information science. Shefound Jane Austen later than she should have and made up forlost time by devouring her letters and unpublished works,joining JASNA, and spending too much time researching theRegency era. She is the author of An Appearance of Goodness, An Affectionate Heart, Nine Ladies, and Loving Miss Tilney.

She lives with her husband and son, and struggles to balance allthe important things, like whether to clean the house or sit down and write.

Social Links

website: heathermollauthor.com

FB: @HeatherMollAuthor

Instagram: @HeatherMollAuthor

Book Bub: bookbub.com/authors/heather-moll

Goodreads: goodreads.com/heathermoll

Twitter: @HMollAuthor

Newsletter: https://bookhip.com/DQDJWVP

About Loving Miss Tilney

SHE’S FORBIDDEN TO WED A NOBODY.

HE’S NOTHING IN SOCIETY’S EYES. WILL THEIRDESPERATE SCHEMES BACKFIRE BEFORE THEY FINDA WAY TO BE TOGETHER?

Northanger Abbey. Eleanor Tilney can’t bear her lonely life any longer. Distraught when her tyrannical father throws her friend out of the house because the girl lacks an inheritance, the long-suffering general’s daughter decides anything is better than a future all alone. So in a frantic bid for freedom, she puts aside her tender feelings for a man of no standing to pursue a wealthy husband.

Philip Brampton understands that fortune is against him. And he tries gallantly to bury his distress and support his lonely beloved, even after she starts pursuing an arrogant buffoon. But when he catches the fellow about to kiss her, their resulting harsh words cause a heartbreaking rift.

Stiffening her spine in a world that refuses to acknowledge her value, Eleanor attempts to navigate the impossible situation without quashing her desires. And though his shy nature abhors a scene, Philip braces himself for a confrontation with her cruel and abusive patriarch.

Do these childhood sweethearts have any hope of achieving lasting happiness?

Available in paperback, audiobook, and ebook.

Published on August 1, 2023 by ExcessivelyDiverted Press

194 pages

book link: https://mybook.to/LovingMissTilney

Loving Miss Tilney RAFFLECOPTER SWAG GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is open from 08/01/2023 12:00am EST through 08/12/202312:00am EST. Giveaway is open worldwide.

One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email on August 12, 2023. Winner has 24 hours to reply and claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.

Entrants must leave a comment on the blog, tweet about the blog post, or subscribe to Heather Moll's newsletter to enter. Entrants can leave a comment at every blog and tweet once a day.

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Of White Ashes by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto

 

How is your May 1st? Do you have any May Day traditions? I used to pick wildflowers as a kid and give them to people. We woke up to snow today in Northeast Wisconsin, which makes for a strange May Day.

I am very excited to read Of White Ashes by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto this month. It sounds like a riveting new historical fiction novel. It is being published today, May 1st.

Book Synopsis

Inspired by the true stories of the authors’ family, Of White Ashes crosses oceans and cultures, illuminating the remarkable lives of two Japanese Americans who endure seemingly unbearable hardship during World War II. Their experiences compel us to reflect on the resilience of humanity and the risk of history repeating.

What do you think about Of White Ashes by Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto?

To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What are your thoughts on Daylight Savings Time?  Yay or nay? 

I feel like I lost an hour of reading time this weekend!  I wish we just stuck with one time all year round with no time changes.

I did read To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson very quickly.  It was a gentle and enjoyable story.  Lady Loveluck appears to be a wealthy widow, but she has a secret.  Her late husband gambled away their fortune and she can hardly make ends meet.  In order to eat and keep the roof over her head, she has turned to being a paid matchmaker.  Lord Featherstone also is keeping his finances straight by being a matchmaker for gentleman.  As the two meet over their clients, will they discover that they may be the most perfect match of all?  Will Lady Loveluck be able to trust a man again after her disastrous first marriage?

I loved the characters.  Lord Featherstone was a worthy gentleman and Lady Loveluck was a wonderful woman.  I also loved their clients.  The setting was also fantastic.  It was mostly set at a Regency house party.  The dialogue was witty and the ending was one that you want to celebrate.

This was the first novel in the new Gentleman’s Match series.  It looks like Lord Featherstone’s brother is next which I am eager to read.

This novel was a clean read.

Review Copy from author Jen Geigle Johnson.   Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

QUICK FACTS

·       Title: To Win Her Hand

·       Series: A Gentleman’s Match (Book 1)

·       Author: Jen Geigle Johnson

·       Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction

·       Publisher: King’s Row Press (December 15, 2022)

·       Length: (272) pages

·       Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, & eBook 

·       ISBN: 978-1737592174

·       Tour Dates: February 27 – March 13, 2023

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

An expert at winning a woman's hand. A woman who cannot be won.

Lord Featherstone has the world on his shoulders. Or at least his world. With two brothers and a failing estate he must make funds somehow. But what happens when he falls for a woman? Will his tactics work when the situation is so close and personal?

Everyone thinks Lady Loveluck is a wealthy widow. What they don't know is that she is on the brink of hiring herself out as a Governess in order to pay for her next meal. The only thing keeping her from employment is a growing reputation as a matchmaker. As long as she never falls for another man, as long as she doesn't allow herself to be fooled into marrying, she will be just fine.

But she never counted on being caught up in the beguiling tactics of London's renowned and not so secret matchmaker for men.

 

PRAISE FOR TO WIN HER HAND

• "I loved the character growth, watching them learn more about the other’s heart and hardships, and the realization that perhaps they had more choices than they first thought. Such a sweet regency. I’m so grateful I had the chance to read this one."— Makayla Branson, Reading Past Bedtime
• “The house party, the quiet moments, the collection of other characters, and much more all combined together made this is delightful read.”— Julie Carpenter, Goodreads
• “Two matchmakers with a wager. What fun for all! [A] heart touching story.”— Shauna Jones, Goodreads

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Jen Geigle Johnson is an award-winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance,

Jen has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. History is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well.

Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What is your favorite fairytale?  Do you like when fairytales are incorporated into other books?  The Maid of Ballymacool is a Cinderella type story and I loved it!

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House her entire life. Ballymacool House is a boarding school for wealthy girls.  She was left there as a small child and all she has of her own was a locket that was left with her.  She works from early morning far into the night.  Her only pleasure is treasure hunting in the woods near Ballymacool House.  Why are there treasures in the woods and what do they mean?

Michael Wray is the son of a local gentry and has been sent to Ballymacool House to help deal with his cousin, Adeline.  He is dismayed by his cousin and her actions, but he is also drawn to Brianna.  Why does she seem so familiar?

I loved the characters and story in this one.  I especially liked the evil headmistress Magee.  There was a mystery involved with Magee that I liked learning more about.  I also enjoyed the Irish setting and the use of Gaelic throughout the novel.

This was a clean read and I loved the slow build sweet romance that grew between Brianna and Michael.

The author’s note at the end was very interesting as well.  Ballymacool House and woods is a real historic location.  I’m putting it on my bucket list of places to visit!  I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland.

The Maid of Ballymacool is a good Cinderella story with a great clean and sweet romance.  I highly recommend it.

Review Copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing   Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

QUICK FACTS

·         Title: The Maid of Ballymacool: A Novel

·         Author: Jennifer Deibel

·         Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction

·         Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Co (February 21, 2023)

·         Length: (352) pages

·         Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, & eBook 

·         ISBN: 978-0800741747

·         Tour Dates: February 13 – 27, 2023

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

ADVANCE PRAISE

·         “Deibel’s update on the “Cinderella” story features sympathetic, three-dimensional characters that readers will find easy to root for as they navigate the page-turning plot and find their way to one another. This heartwarming entry will keep readers hooked till its satisfying close.”— Publisher’s Weekly

 

·         "A slow-building, delicious romance wrapped in a mystery!"— Erica Vetsch, author of the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BAKER PUBLISHING | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS