To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock

 

*click here to purchase

Just as exciting as Book One
England, 1813.
This book is very fast-paced and wonderfully delicious! When a highwayman unexpectedly kidnaps Vivienne, who is already on the run, her life takes yet another turn. Sir Sebastian is a Yeoman for the Prince Regent and is working diligently to thwart enemies of the Crown. His sweet, feeble grandmother is declining quickly, causing him great worry. So many twists and turns in this story that I could not put it down.
My only regret is not knowing what will happen to the dastardly Barrister. That one actually woke me up in the middle of the night. I really want him to get his comeuppance! Hopefully, that will be resolved in Book three.
QUOTEABLE: He was a knight and, as such, a protector... despite the fact he was the reason she needed protecting.
Excellent romance, comedy, adventure story!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As part of the author's review team, I received an eVersion via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Best Laid Plans Series
*To Catch a Coronet (published 5/21/24)
*To Kiss a Knight (expected release 5/20/2025)
*TBD

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Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea,

GIVEAWAY A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1 A Lesson in Propriety by

Jen Turano

 

I LOVED every bit of this book. Jen Turano definitely stepped up her animal menagerie this time. This tale really leaves plenty of room to build a series upon. There are multiple mysteries in the works, and some wonderful characters. I stopped in the middle of another book the moment I found out I had been approved to read an advanced copy of this one.

QUOTABLE: "even though she was, indeed, one of the most proper ladies he’d ever met, underneath that prim and properness might very well be a lady possessed of a mischievous spirit."

I have read everything Jen has written and delighted in each one.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher's Synopsis: 
With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 1, 2025

Goodreads has a giveaway posted here:
CLICK HERE THROUGH 5/18/2025

The Tides of Time by Sarah M. Eden

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed this very much. Time travel stories always boggle the brain and cannot help but leave unanswered questions. 

But, still, the possibilities,  twists and turns hold my interest. This story is well done. The French Revolution was far more nefarious than I recalled or perhaps paid attention to. Lili and Armitage share so much and understand so little, but they care deeply. It's hard to describe their story, but I certainly recommend it.

I look forward to the next installment in the Storm Tide series!

I received an eVersion from the publisher.

All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Until next time,
Hugs and a cup of tea ~ Heather Elizabeth

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

 COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN

I started this book midday and read it to the end around 11pm. WOW. 

It is such a different kind of book.  It gave some H.G. Wells/Nicholas Tesla/Steampunk vibes. It is always told from 1st person, but the POV does shift around.

There are unexpected mysteries I was not able to guess at. Additionally, I loved the heroine (introverted tinkerer) and hero (compassionate French Pirate).  

The faith build is slow, and the author addresses that after the story.

QUOTEABLE: "I had done more than glimpse God out here. I had experienced him. Been driven to the edge until I tasted and felt him. And it left me starving for more."

This book is an incredibly well-written historical fiction novel. 

I highly recommend it, especially if you are ready for a change of pace!

I received this eBook from the Publisher via NetGalley. 

All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Until next time friends,
Hugs and a cup of tea from me!
Heather Elizabeth

Love and Order - a Old West Romantic Mystery by Jennifer Uhlarkik

Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery

What a Ride! 🐎

Calliope, Andromeda, and Orion Braddock and their respective love interests made for such an interesting novel. Being comprised of novellas, switching points of view were very enjoyable I found. However, Calliope's  & Joe's story was a bit rushed. 

Despite that, the book held my interest.  There is palpable evil and darkness, but a strong faith throughout. This tale is Western in every sense.

QUOTABLE:

“Hear ye! Hear ye! Court’s in session. All you mulligrubs in the back of the courtroom keep your traps shut and give these fellers up front a chance to talk.” 

I've never read Jennifer Uhlarik's work before, but based on this I'm interested in reading more.

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley.  All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
448 pages
Expected to be published 4/1/2025by Barbour Fiction

Until next time, Hugs and Cup of Tea
Heather Elizabeth

CLOAKED IN BEAUTY by Karen Witemeyer

5 Amazing Stars!

Texas, late 1800s 

Scarlett Radcliff aka Letty Hood, is such a strong, independent young woman, with a tender heart. Her faithful pet was a great addition to the story. 

Phillip Carmichael is the trusty Pinkerton detective tasked with her safe transportation.

Letty's mother, grandmother and uncle all play key roles in her future. 

Quotable: “We both have to be brave. And smart. Doing what we want isn’t always what is best. Doing what is best, even when it hurts, is what God calls us to do.”

"A chapter must end before a new one could begin, and whether she was ready for it or not, her page was turning."

Sooo so good. I absolutely loved this book. It really is a wonderful fairytale reimagined in a Western setting with the bonus of strong faith throughout. I am sad to see this series end, but happy to highly recommend it!

I received an eVersion from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

352 pages, Paperback First published December 17, 2024 Bethany House Publishers

Heart of the Glen by Jennifer Deibel

What a wonderful Irish tale; so rich with history, faith, emotion, and plenty of tea!

QUOTABLE:

"His words had soothed her raw and weary spirit like a cup of tea after a trying day."

I am immensely satisfied with  Owen and  Saoirse's story and all the turmoils they had to overcome. Additionally, I loved Stout, the dog.  I happily recommend yet another of Jennifer Deibel's books.

☘Heart of the Glen

Release Date Jan 21, 2025

Published by Revell a division of Baker Publishing 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eVersion from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

Today is January 12th, 2025 ~ National Tea Day... how fitting.

The Seaside Homecoming - On Devonshire Shores 3 by Julie Klassen

The Seaside Homecoming - On Devonshire Shores 3

12/2024 by Julie Klassen Published by Bethany House Publishers 

"She had no desire to make a spectacle of herself or to upset anyone. Yet she needed this— needed God’s presence and the comfort of corporate worship, even as she felt unworthy to join the faithful."

I found book 3, Claire's story, quite satisfying and enjoyable. The return of old characters (sweet Mrs. Denby) and the introduction of new ones was a delight (Mr. William Hammond; guests of Broadbridge's Boarding House).  Aunt Agnes was a difficult one and while I cannot agree with her ways, the ending outcome was a great surprise.   Even Claire's Mama was difficult for me to reconcile with. However, the extremely touching and unexpected scene near the end with the two of them brought me to tears.

I am greatly looking forward to the conclusion in Sept of next year, when A Sea View Christmas comes out and Sarah finally gets her turn, along with hopefully, dear Callum Henshall.

As an aside, I found it so endearing that Julie Klassen would include various versions of the nickname pumpkin for little Mira, just as Julie's own father called her.

Five Stars

I received this eVersion from NG and the publisher without expectation or compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

11/23/2024
Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea!
Heather Elizabeth

An Honorable Deception Book 3 Imposters by Roseanna M White

Book Jacket: 
As the leader of elite private investigative firm the Imposters, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon dangerous secrets.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects there's more to her oldest friends than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. Happy as she is for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing to bring laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the bad side of her best friend, his sister.

Tormented by a past that she doesn't dare to voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the darkest of society's secrets, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia soon learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . and truth isn't always honorable.

 My Review:
1910 England - 

I think we ALL wanted to read Yate's story!  This was a very satisfying read.  I found it amusing that Roseanna White shared he was never meant to end up with this particular heroine.  Consequently, we end up with a bonus romance in this story. We also find the return of some beloved characters from a previous series - but no spoilers here!  I highly recommend the entire trilogy filled with mystery, intrigue, romance, faith, personal growth and more.

Five Stars

I received this eVersion from NetGalley and the Publisher for my honest review without expectation or compensation. 

Blogger is being weird and glitchy today!

Hope your day is going well, you have a good book, warm tea and a cozy book nook to read in.
Until next time,
Hugs & a cup of tea -
Heather Elizabeth

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M White

Whimsical Christmas Tale

Really enjoyed this enchanting tale by Roseanna M White.

It has a bit of everything from villains to fairytales to happily ever after.  I found myself rooting for imagination & true love. The faith elements were gently woven in.  This story, reminiscent of The Nutcracker at times, is perfect to get one in the holiday mood. 

Highly recommend. 5 stars.

I received an eVersion from NetGalley and the Publisher. 

All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Hugs and a cup of tea,
Heather Elizabeth

Meeting Her Match byJen Turano

 Fast-paced, action-packed antics of a most entertaining sort. As always, Jen Turano pens a delightful, romantic tale that's hard to put down. Indeed, I stayed up far too late reading about 75% one night and gleefully finishing the rest the next morning.

Foisting the heroine-matchmaker into the unknown land of West Virginia opened an entire new world to Camilla. Adding a misunderstood gentleman, Owen Chesterfield, in the mix further expands her horizons.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Thanks to the author for an advanced eVersion which was provided without expectation or compensation.
Five stars!!

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea!
Heather Elizabeth

A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M White

 Book 2 of THE IMPOSTERS: A NOBLE SCHEME ROSEANNA M. WHITE

December 1909 Fairfax Tower Northumberland, England
Graham, the Architect, and Gemma, the Society writer, will have to put aside their looming differences and work together to save a kidnapped boy. But, it will take the entire team of Imposters to find who stole him and why.
As discoveries are made, hurts are worked through.
 
QUOTABLE:
"Words were wily things— but they were miraculous too. They created, they shaped, they breathed life."

While Yates, the young, acrobatic strong-man, is not the primary focus, I found him quite interesting. 
 "I have the list of likely buildings for this new job. I thought we could go over it while you offer me tea.”
..."[Graham] couldn’t help but chuckle. “How is it that you are always hungry?”

This story is well-rounded, but best read following book 1.
Five Stars 

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation. All opinions are mine alone. 

Until next time,
Hugs and a Cup of Tea ~ 
Heather Elizabeth

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

 WONDERFULLY WRITTEN; A NEW GO-TO-AUTHOR

I was so fully entertained while reading "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures", from the cover that draws you right in to the fantastical descriptions throughout the book! There were so many nods to beloved stories of whimsy from Around the World in 80 Days to Alice in Wonderland, to every Beatrix Potter tale, to Jane Austen and more. There was even a nod to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which I laughed right out loud at! Add a dash of steam-punk and 
some unlikely characters, plus such a beautiful interspersing of faith and wisdom that you will be sighing at close of this tale you'll want to revisit again and again.

Tea Quote (& there are plenty - huzzah!): "Clara had tossed and turned, dreaming of teapots steaming with Darjeeling and plates towering with chocolate éclairs."

Quotable: “You’ve given me an idea, Mr. Theodore, and it just might work too. It would employ our individual talents and involve a great deal of absurdity. Are you willing to give it a go?”

I really don't know how Angela Bell can possibly top this book, but I certainly look forward to finding out!!!!

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 
FLIPPIN THE SCRIPT ON CINDERELLA in such a fun way!

Another wonderfully westernized fairy tale from award-winning author, Karen Witemeyer.
This book had a bit of everything to suit my fancies, from never-ending danger, heroic rescues and gently growing romance between Asher Ellis and Samantha Dearing. Faith was masterfully woven throughout and the nods to the Cinderella story were charming. The story had me both laughing and crying at times.
Quotable: "Friends share thoughts and worries with each other. It's how we lighten the burden and find the strength to keep moving forward when situations try to beat us down."

"Gallopin' goose feathers, Fergus! Don't scare like that," His youngest brother snickered as he rounded the lean-to, milk bucket in hand.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND: I cannot wait for the next fairytale reimagining later in December!

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 3 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2024

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz - Emotional Ride - 4 stars

Amazon Link

 Filled with both beauty and savagery, love and pain, this story dives into a sad history I was unfamiliar with. 

It was hard to read and made me cry several times, reading all that the Acadian people suffered,  who wanted nothing more than peace.

But, there is within the story a love that spans both time and distant spaces (from Acadia; now Nova Scotia to Virginia). A love that shouldn't be, but clearly ordered by God.  That expectation of goodness yet to come is what pushed me to finish the book.

If you do not mind a deeper tale that is rocked with hardship and beauty at the same time, I recommend this book.

QUOTABLE:

Sylvie watched in horror as the fulfilling life they’d known shattered like centuries-old stained glass.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ = very good

This was a complimentary eBook for the Author's launch team.

All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. 

Book #1 - 2024 Reading Challenge.

author, Laura Frantz