Available 8/29/22 Amazon Link to Preorder

Not one, not two, but THREE villains! 😱

I adore a good Harvey House story. Reading about the historic restaurant is a topic that fascinates me and The Finding of Miss Fairfield, Apron & Veils book #1 set in New Mexico, 1899, was no different. I always appreciate the faith elements that elevate a story and Grace Hitchcock does a wonderful job weaving them into her stories.

Favorite Quote: “Even the devil can quote scripture to suit his purposes.”

In her challenging escape, Sophia grows in courage and gumption and I quite liked her character and that of the kindly Carver Ashton. He is not the perfect hero, but that made him all the more real. Also, Carver disliked Earl Grey tea. RESPECT! I can’t stand that perfumed-tasting stuff! Blegh!

Amazon Link to Preorder

I look forward to the next installment, The Pursuit of Miss Parish coming May, 2023 (more information below).

Other Quotes from The Finding of Miss Fairfield that I enjoyed:

2. “Lord, give me direction. Send me someone else! Or give me a way out of this marriage.”

3. “To borrow a line from Keats, ‘I love you the more in that I believe you have liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.’”

4. “And you should include a little tea salon where the husbands or wives… can take their refreshments and also have a wall of only the best novels to entice them to linger and order cup after cup of expensive tea!”

5. “…when I come to New Orleans to see your shop, I will want to take tea and order a stack of books.”

A birdcage with a tiny gold finch caught her eye. She paused at the window display, her fingers splaying against the cool glass. “I know how you feel,” she whispered.

"Life is short, and let's be honest, tea is better with sugar, especially when it smells rather medicinal in nature."

8. Jenny sighed. “And this is the part where I fear we might lose any new Harvey Girl. The bowls of water deter scorpions from climbing into our beds.” Sophia’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” “Scorpions.”

I am honored to have been chosen to be
on the Launch Team. Thank you Grace.
I read this eBook without compensation or expectation.
All opinions are mine alone. 4 Stars.

Valmont House Publisher’s Description:

New Mexico, 1899, When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

GoodReads Giveaway:

Link to GoodReads Giveaway ends 08/28/22 - see their site for Rules

Author, Grace Hitcock: Click for her website

Link to Preorder on Amazon

Aprons & Veils #2, The Pursuit of Miss Parish, available on May 31, 2023

Publisher's Synopsis: Love's gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.
With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson's letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.
Colt Lawson didn't want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn't back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?