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I received a paperback copy of this book via the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
What a sweet story! A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay is the first book in the small town romance series Chapel of Love. It tells the story of coming home again and finding love after loss. Heart-warming and uplifting A Christmas Bride is sure to put a smile on your face.
Willow Peterson left home and never really looked back. After losing her dream job, Willow returns looking to find a purpose to her life now. I instantly understood Willow. She’s driven and full of passion. Losing her best friend a few years prior affected her in ways she didn’t fully admit to herself until she’s home, seeing her friend’s inn and their old stomping grounds. Willow finds herself drawn to her friend’s daughter, seeing a bit of the friend she misses in her. And then there is the inn that is falling apart since Shelly’s death and her husband who has closed himself off to anyone that might give a care for him. Determined to make her friend proud, Willow sets out to do the impossible: resurrect the inn.
David Lyndon is Shelly’s grieving husband. Even two years later, her death is still at the forefront of his mind. When we are first introduced to David, I think he’s a bit of a jerk. Then Ramsay gives us some time from his POV, and my heart just broke for him. He works to keep the status quo. His mother wants him to run for Congress, has groomed him for that since he was a kid. So he’s making a bid for it. That means it’s time to sell the inn and everything that reminds him of Shelly. Losing her around the holidays makes him a bit of a Scrooge (rightfully so). Then Willow shows up and turns his life upside down.
While the book focuses on the budding relationship between David and Willow, it also focuses on the town and those people affected by Shelly in one way or another. I love that about small town settings. This book packs a lot of people into its pages, and yet they all felt real and relatable. I know a Gracie and Poppy, even a Pam Lyndon
What a sweet story! A Christmas Bride by Hope Ramsay is the first book in the small town romance series Chapel of Love. It tells the story of coming home again and finding love after loss. Heart-warming and uplifting A Christmas Bride is sure to put a smile on your face.
Willow Peterson left home and never really looked back. After losing her dream job, Willow returns looking to find a purpose to her life now. I instantly understood Willow. She’s driven and full of passion. Losing her best friend a few years prior affected her in ways she didn’t fully admit to herself until she’s home, seeing her friend’s inn and their old stomping grounds. Willow finds herself drawn to her friend’s daughter, seeing a bit of the friend she misses in her. And then there is the inn that is falling apart since Shelly’s death and her husband who has closed himself off to anyone that might give a care for him. Determined to make her friend proud, Willow sets out to do the impossible: resurrect the inn.
David Lyndon is Shelly’s grieving husband. Even two years later, her death is still at the forefront of his mind. When we are first introduced to David, I think he’s a bit of a jerk. Then Ramsay gives us some time from his POV, and my heart just broke for him. He works to keep the status quo. His mother wants him to run for Congress, has groomed him for that since he was a kid. So he’s making a bid for it. That means it’s time to sell the inn and everything that reminds him of Shelly. Losing her around the holidays makes him a bit of a Scrooge (rightfully so). Then Willow shows up and turns his life upside down.
While the book focuses on the budding relationship between David and Willow, it also focuses on the town and those people affected by Shelly in one way or another. I love that about small town settings. This book packs a lot of people into its pages, and yet they all felt real and relatable. I know a Gracie and Poppy, even a Pam Lyndon
The Peasant's Dream by Melanie Dickerson is the eleventh book in the series Hagenheim, which is a cross between historical fiction and fairytale retellings. Here we get the story of the youngest daughter of the duke of Hagenheim, Adela, and an aspiring woodcarver, Frederick. This gender bent retelling of Cinderella is an easy read, though tedious at times, and wholly predictable.
As the youngest daughter of the duke, Adela is pampered and sheltered from the world outside their castle. She is exactly what you'd expect from a duke's daughter: accomplished in needlework and painting, well educated, and beautiful. The story opens with her being courted by a nobleman's son, Lord Barthold. He isn't at all what Adela pictured in a suitor. He is handsome and a bit reserved, but she feels none of the things her elder sisters and sisters-in-law described upon meeting their spouses. She wants more, and she fears this makes her "spoiled" as she has overheard the guards say about her. Adela, unfortunately, falls flat for me. She isn't really fleshed out. As a result, it was hard to care for her, even if I liked the woodcarver she meets in the Marketplatz.
Frederick is the son of a farmer who dreams of being something more. His father is an abusive man, who takes all his anger out on his son. Frederick prefers this to the anger being directed at his mother or younger sisters. I respect him. He's kind and gentle, yet extremely protective. When the opportunity comes for him to show his woodcarving work to the Bishop in Hagenheim, it is one he cannot pass up. When the bishop offers him a job carving the new doors to the cathedral, it feels like a dream he never could have dreamed for himself. Then he meets Adela and a new life, one he never dared hope for is within reach. Clearly you can tell which of the two I like better
As the youngest daughter of the duke, Adela is pampered and sheltered from the world outside their castle. She is exactly what you'd expect from a duke's daughter: accomplished in needlework and painting, well educated, and beautiful. The story opens with her being courted by a nobleman's son, Lord Barthold. He isn't at all what Adela pictured in a suitor. He is handsome and a bit reserved, but she feels none of the things her elder sisters and sisters-in-law described upon meeting their spouses. She wants more, and she fears this makes her "spoiled" as she has overheard the guards say about her. Adela, unfortunately, falls flat for me. She isn't really fleshed out. As a result, it was hard to care for her, even if I liked the woodcarver she meets in the Marketplatz.
Frederick is the son of a farmer who dreams of being something more. His father is an abusive man, who takes all his anger out on his son. Frederick prefers this to the anger being directed at his mother or younger sisters. I respect him. He's kind and gentle, yet extremely protective. When the opportunity comes for him to show his woodcarving work to the Bishop in Hagenheim, it is one he cannot pass up. When the bishop offers him a job carving the new doors to the cathedral, it feels like a dream he never could have dreamed for himself. Then he meets Adela and a new life, one he never dared hope for is within reach. Clearly you can tell which of the two I like better
I received an eARC of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Oh my chickens! Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid is the first book in her new spin-off series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. To all the fans out there that wanted more of Cletus and Jenn, this is it! Taking place after the events of [b:Beard Science|23337872|Beard Science (Winston Brothers, #3)|Penny Reid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1412692519l/23337872._SY75_.jpg|42897371], the book follows Jenn and Cletus as they navigate their relationship and Jenn’s work with her mother. Engagement and Espionage is full of suspense as the two work together to find the chicken murderer (yes, you read that right).
Cletus is my favorite Winston brother, though if he was a real person that I had to interact with, we’d have issues. He plays mind games with everyone he encounters, purposefully makes himself look stupid so no one knows how intelligent he really is, and loves his family with a scary devotion. It’s that last one that makes me love him. He truly puts them first. Every maneuver and deal he makes is for his family. It’s kind of endearing. In this new book, we see a different side of the cunning Cletus. He’s insecure in his relationship with Jenn, not knowing where they stand after his impromptu proposal. He meant it, but did she?
Jenn is the complete opposite of Cletus, or at least that is what I thought. She was living in an abusive household before he helped her stand up for herself. He gave her the confidence to live her own life. However after her mother leaves her father and begs Jenn to return to the bakery, she falls back into her old routine: working long hours, doing all the chores, and breaking promises to Cletus. She hates herself for it because Cletus is the best thing to ever happen to her and she’s hurting him. Jenn wants to be there for her mother, but she needs Cletus more. How will she juggle her time and find a new balance before she loses the man she loves?
With all the problems in their relationship brewing under the surface, something is amiss. All of Jenn’s suppliers are no longer able to supply: chickens murdered, a dairy farm auctioned off, bees burned alive. Who is behind it? Cletus and Jenn hatch a plan to find the culprit, but it will test their relationship to the core. I love how Reid combines the mystery with the romance here. Suspense drives the plot, and I couldn’t be happier!
Overall I really enjoyed Engagement and Espionage. It was refreshing to return to Green Valley, see the family and friends, and fall in love with Jenn and Cletus again. While this could be read as a standalone series, I do not recommend it. I recommend at least reading the Winston Brothers series through [b:Beard Science|23337872|Beard Science (Winston Brothers, #3)|Penny Reid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1412692519l/23337872._SY75_.jpg|42897371]. I would’ve been lost if I hadn’t with the names and places mentioned in the story. If you enjoy cozy mystery with some steamy romance, you are in for a treat with this book. Can’t wait to read more of the series!
Oh my chickens! Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid is the first book in her new spin-off series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. To all the fans out there that wanted more of Cletus and Jenn, this is it! Taking place after the events of [b:Beard Science|23337872|Beard Science (Winston Brothers, #3)|Penny Reid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1412692519l/23337872._SY75_.jpg|42897371], the book follows Jenn and Cletus as they navigate their relationship and Jenn’s work with her mother. Engagement and Espionage is full of suspense as the two work together to find the chicken murderer (yes, you read that right).
Cletus is my favorite Winston brother, though if he was a real person that I had to interact with, we’d have issues. He plays mind games with everyone he encounters, purposefully makes himself look stupid so no one knows how intelligent he really is, and loves his family with a scary devotion. It’s that last one that makes me love him. He truly puts them first. Every maneuver and deal he makes is for his family. It’s kind of endearing. In this new book, we see a different side of the cunning Cletus. He’s insecure in his relationship with Jenn, not knowing where they stand after his impromptu proposal. He meant it, but did she?
Jenn is the complete opposite of Cletus, or at least that is what I thought. She was living in an abusive household before he helped her stand up for herself. He gave her the confidence to live her own life. However after her mother leaves her father and begs Jenn to return to the bakery, she falls back into her old routine: working long hours, doing all the chores, and breaking promises to Cletus. She hates herself for it because Cletus is the best thing to ever happen to her and she’s hurting him. Jenn wants to be there for her mother, but she needs Cletus more. How will she juggle her time and find a new balance before she loses the man she loves?
With all the problems in their relationship brewing under the surface, something is amiss. All of Jenn’s suppliers are no longer able to supply: chickens murdered, a dairy farm auctioned off, bees burned alive. Who is behind it? Cletus and Jenn hatch a plan to find the culprit, but it will test their relationship to the core. I love how Reid combines the mystery with the romance here. Suspense drives the plot, and I couldn’t be happier!
Overall I really enjoyed Engagement and Espionage. It was refreshing to return to Green Valley, see the family and friends, and fall in love with Jenn and Cletus again. While this could be read as a standalone series, I do not recommend it. I recommend at least reading the Winston Brothers series through [b:Beard Science|23337872|Beard Science (Winston Brothers, #3)|Penny Reid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1412692519l/23337872._SY75_.jpg|42897371]. I would’ve been lost if I hadn’t with the names and places mentioned in the story. If you enjoy cozy mystery with some steamy romance, you are in for a treat with this book. Can’t wait to read more of the series!
I received an eARC of this book from the authors. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Dark and twisted just like I like them! Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle is the first book in their new fairytale inspired series Twisted Pages. This story hooked me from the start. I didn’t just devour this book, I consumed it body and soul. I lived in the world and felt bereft when it was over. If you are a fan of slow burn romance, characters that live in the moral gray area, and Beauty and the Beast, I highly recommend you add Of Thorns and Beauty to your shelves ASAP.
The story opens with Zaina being transported to her soon to be husband. She’s not happy, slightly scared, and more than a little angry at the situation her “mother” has put her in. Like a rose, Zaina has both beauty and thorns. Her life has been anything but easy, and now she is sent to marry a man she has never met for a purpose she isn’t sure she entirely understands. Her life up to this point has been to do whatever Madame (“mother”) has asked her to do in order to protect her sisters. If I had to describe Zaina in one word, I’d say broken, but like fine china, she’s been carefully repaired, the cracks only enhancing her beauty.
Einar is another story entirely! King of a wintery Northern kingdom, he initially comes off as cold and uncaring. With every interaction though, you quickly see that isn’t the case at all. Einar stole my heart little by little as more of his story and history are revealed. I love how the authors show his love for his servants. This says so much about the man, even when he seems to be unable to stand Zaina.
The story itself focuses on Zaina and Einar’s fledgling relationship and the mystery surrounding the castle and its inhabitants. Told entirely from Zaina’s perspective, you get a sense of her loneliness and despair over what Madame has asked her to do. While we are unclear what her mission is, it is clear from the start that a happy ending isn’t in sight for poor Zaina….or is there?
Overall, I loved Of Thorns and Beauty. I could not read it fast enough, and if I’m being completely honest here, I’ll be going back to reread it soon. I found myself fully immersed in Zaina’s world, both mesmerized at its beauty and haunted by its mystery. I cannot recommend this one enough!
Dark and twisted just like I like them! Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle is the first book in their new fairytale inspired series Twisted Pages. This story hooked me from the start. I didn’t just devour this book, I consumed it body and soul. I lived in the world and felt bereft when it was over. If you are a fan of slow burn romance, characters that live in the moral gray area, and Beauty and the Beast, I highly recommend you add Of Thorns and Beauty to your shelves ASAP.
The story opens with Zaina being transported to her soon to be husband. She’s not happy, slightly scared, and more than a little angry at the situation her “mother” has put her in. Like a rose, Zaina has both beauty and thorns. Her life has been anything but easy, and now she is sent to marry a man she has never met for a purpose she isn’t sure she entirely understands. Her life up to this point has been to do whatever Madame (“mother”) has asked her to do in order to protect her sisters. If I had to describe Zaina in one word, I’d say broken, but like fine china, she’s been carefully repaired, the cracks only enhancing her beauty.
Einar is another story entirely! King of a wintery Northern kingdom, he initially comes off as cold and uncaring. With every interaction though, you quickly see that isn’t the case at all. Einar stole my heart little by little as more of his story and history are revealed. I love how the authors show his love for his servants. This says so much about the man, even when he seems to be unable to stand Zaina.
The story itself focuses on Zaina and Einar’s fledgling relationship and the mystery surrounding the castle and its inhabitants. Told entirely from Zaina’s perspective, you get a sense of her loneliness and despair over what Madame has asked her to do. While we are unclear what her mission is, it is clear from the start that a happy ending isn’t in sight for poor Zaina….or is there?
Overall, I loved Of Thorns and Beauty. I could not read it fast enough, and if I’m being completely honest here, I’ll be going back to reread it soon. I found myself fully immersed in Zaina’s world, both mesmerized at its beauty and haunted by its mystery. I cannot recommend this one enough!
