THE LIGHT OF STARS by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

An Arranged-Marriage Regency Romance

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Captivating from page one, I was fascinated by the premise of Kitty seemingly kidnapped from her life in India to find herself secluded in the English countryside. With an arranged marriage in the near future, she feels manipulated and wants nothing to do with Sebastian. She has no fond memories of the one time she met him when they were younger. 

Sebastian travels to England from India where he is being groomed to oversee the vast East India Company. He too feel manipulated by his grandfather. After the marriage of convenience takes place, Kitty and Sebastian join forces to uncover mysteries that were long in the making. 

I felt the wariness of the characters and loved the slowly developing romance. The story was very atmospheric from the ballrooms of England to the sultry sumptuousness of India. I was also intrigued by the history revealed about the East India Company as well as facts about William Wilberforce and William Carey. This author has a winning way of incorporating history into an impressive story. I enjoyed the facts about astronomy and several women who were ahead of their time in scientific knowledge. 

Kitty and Sebastian had a strong faith and that played a part in how they perceived the obstacles they came across. This journey back in time was expertly portrayed by a talented author who used careful research to write an exceptional novel.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale and by NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville's grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she's appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he's a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather's orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he's abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather's control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.Sweet historical romance filled with hope, faith, and an arranged marriage dynamic
Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE LIGHT OF STARS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS by Melanie Dickerson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #ReleaseDay

A Rags-to-Riches Historical Romance 

set in Regency London England of Forbidden Love

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"If Miss Charlotte Robbins remains unattached, we would like to offer the position of governess to her . . . "

Aspiring to better her future, Charlotte Robbins leaves the only home she has ever known, Mrs Southey's School for Young Ladies, to accept a governess position at Lowndesbury House, where an earl resides while raising his much younger siblings. Never expecting to form a friendship with a man far above her station, Charlotte has a difficult time understanding her strong attraction to Lord Brookhaven and his seeming fondness for her.

Believing herself to have been orphaned, Charlotte is astonished when it comes to her attention that she has inherited a large sum of money from an uncle whom she never knew existed. Suddenly thrust into London society with many choices and little knowledge of how to proceed, Charlotte wonders if her simple life as a governess had been a gift far more valuable than wealth.

In a "tale as old as time" sort of way this story meanders through the corridors of an upstairs-downstairs imagining with a well positioned twist that turns the entire story on its head. Things are not as they seem, leaving Charlotte to wonder if anyone will ever truly love her for who she is rather than who she is not. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:

My only remaining marriage prospects were the head gardener, the vicar, and the steward. But how could I marry any of them when I was in love . . . with Lord Brookhaven?

Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings despite rumors of the earl's severe and mysterious demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love--with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl's friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she's no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing--or if it is the very thing that threatens the love she's always longed for.  

Bethany House Publishing, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MISS ROBBINS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY by Sarah E. Ladd, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #NewRelease

A Low-Spice Regency Romance

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Ella had always been too practical to think of romance. Too practical to assume that happiness could indeed be found in anything beyond the walls of academia and duty."

Yet, the clock was ticking. Ella Wilde was acutely aware of the fact that if she was not married before the death of her father, that the Keatley Hall School for Young Men would pass down to a distant cousin and Ella's dream of expanding the institution to include young women would be forgotten. A very public broken engagement already marred Ella's fragile reputation, and while her father had her best interests in mind, his eye was now focused in on an insipid suitor who frankly would most likely bore Ella to death.

Marital aspirations aside, Ella was more concerned about the upcoming meeting of the prestigious Natural Philosophers' Society which was routinely hosted by Keatley Hall. The group had invited renowned prenologist Thomas Bauer to keynote the event, a man who had contributed to the ruin of Ella's late mother's reputation, a bright philosopher in her own right. When Ella's childhood friend turned solicitor Mr. Gabriel Rowe inquires about an invitation, Ella's hopes for an ally in exposing Mr. Bauer as a purveyor of cheap parlor tricks takes an upwards tic.

This lovely story not only matches up to its characters in all the ways that matter, but the twists and turns go from curious to dastardly in all the right places, leaving only two viable options; a ghastly outcome or a happily ever after. . .  and I think we can all agree on which conclusion we prefer.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BackCover Blurb:
One woman works to expose a scientific fraud while also finding love in the latest sweet Regency romance by Sarah Ladd. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, An Unconventional Lady delivers what Publishers Weekly calls Ladd's "pitch-perfect blend of suspense and sweetness" (The Cloverton Charade).

She faces the worst ultimatum possible for a woman--marry a man she detests or lose the future she's always imagined.

Charming and headstrong, Ella Wilde always knew she was different than other women. Thanks to her unorthodox upbringing as the daughter of Keatley Hall School for Young Men's headmaster, Ella has long dreamed of opening a school for girls that would meet the needs of inquisitive, brilliant, unconventional young women just like her--girls who longed for the education exclusively reserved for boys. But there's just one catch: Unless she marries before her father dies, Keatley Hall will pass into the hands of a distant cousin. In that case, Ella will be left destitute, and at this point her only option appears to be an undesirable marriage.

Ella's family had long been proponents of phrenology, the belief that an individual's personality and dispositions were predetermined by the shape of their head. Shortly before her death, however, Ella's mother's views on phrenology changed, and she endeavored to expose phrenology as nothing more than a fraudulent parlor trick. Consequently, she earned the wrath of phrenologist community, who called her "unstable," "bizarre," even "dangerous"--and branded her daughter the same.

Now, renowned phrenologist Thomas Bauer is about to arrive at Keatley Hall to speak at the Natural Philosophers' Society gathering, and Ella embraces the opportunity to clear her mother's name--and her own--once and for all. And her partner in crime? None other than her childhood friend Gabriel Rowe, who's grown into an ambitious, handsome London solicitor.

Gabriel has his own scores to settle, and when he learns that Thomas Bauer is visiting Keatley Hall, he jumps at the chance to prove himself and right past wrongs. As he is drawn deeper into the unusual happenings, it's clear that he and Ella must work together if they want to unmask the truth. Over time, Gabriel's attraction to Ella's beauty and wit becomes impossible to ignore, and as the lines between professionalism and passion blur, they both must decide what they're willing to risk for happiness.

Thomas Nelson, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE BIRD OF BEDFORD MANOR by Michelle Griep, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

 REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"What can be seen, but not touched, heard but never caught?"

Footsteps in the dark of night; careful, quiet, intentional, desperate. It was the one and only reason that Juliet Finch had begun to practice the unthinkable in order to keep from starving, to keep her aunt from starving. Poaching. A dangerous business, punishable by death if caught, so obviously Juliet was determined not to be found out. Until she was.

Henry Russell never once considered that the thief stealing game off of his property could be a young woman, and a rather beautiful one at that. She told quite a sad story to justify her actions, he would grant her that, but equally as puzzling were her mannerisms, which bore testimony of fine breeding. Regardless, she had been caught red handed. As he struggled to make sense of it all, the idea that came to mind would not make sense to anyone else but him. Task her with finding his sister's stalker.

At this point, the story begins to take on a life of its own, twisting and turning in multiple directions; and while Henry and his sister Charity are inclined to trust their new houseguest, it appears that both of the young women have become the target of suspicious activity, unless Juliet has duped them all, which unfortunately for Henry's heart, becomes a distinct possibility.

A twisty, inspirational, romantic novel showcasing the author's signature ability to weave a good tale, inserting fascinating bits of historical interest with relative ease while pulling the tension between hearts to the breaking point. Thoroughly enjoyable! 
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
The story takes place in 1820 England when Juliet is forced to turn to poaching in order to keep her aunt and herself from starvation. Caught red handed by the heir of Bedford Manor, Henry Russell, they strike a deal. Juliet will help Henry track someone who is stalking his sister Charity and he will not send her to jail. 

Two proud people trying to find their way in the world, Juliet adapts to the situation and Henry wants to prove to his widowed father that he can handle running the family estate properly.
With lots of twists and turns, this book provided excitement, a sweet romance and saw the spiritual growth of both Juliet and Henry. The writing style was engaging, the characters fully drawn and the plot so intriguing that it kept my interest. I was glad to see some history of Doctors, apothecaries and natural remedies including information about laws and licensing. 

A thoroughly enjoyable story that is sure to please history loving readers.
*A complimentary print copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land--a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who's making a misery of his sister's life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all: 

-swoon-worthy romance
-clever turn-of-phrase
-colorfully memorable characters
-charming British setting

Barbour Publishing, February, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE BIRD OF BEDFORE MANOR at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie #ReleaseDay

Historical Regency Romance and Mystery Set in England 

for Fans of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another fabulous Regency story by Julie Klassen, Whispers at Painswick Court adds an element of intrigue that goes well with the setting of an old estate in the Cotswolds.
 

Anne Loveday, feeling unappreciated at home, travels to Painswick to spend time with an old friend. While there, she agrees to tend an elderly lady as a nurse in the old mansion at Painswick Court. This atmospheric read saw Anne finally seeing herself as a beloved child of God and switching her perspective on family and service to others. A certain young doctor, Ernest Finch, sees great qualities in Anne but circumstances and secrets interfere, not to mention sightings of the ghost of King Charles I.
 

Something is amiss and more than one person is in danger. Ms. Klassen kept me guessing as to who was at the center of the nefarious happenings.
 

Beautifully written, with engaging plot and characters, this one is definitely a keeper.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and Via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

WINNIE'S REVIEW: 

Talented author Julie Klassen has once again penned an absorbing Regency historical fiction story in her book, Whispers at Painswick Court. With obvious impeccable research, well-drawn and engaging characters, and some added mystery and suspense, this tale illustrates once again why Klassen is such a popular and well-known Christian fiction author.

Anne Loveday has trained by her surgeon father’s side and knows much about health care and the use of herbal remedies. When her mother’s friend invites her to Painswick, she quickly agrees in order to escape her stepmother’s matchmaking. Upon arriving at Painswick, she is asked to act as a nurse to Lady Celia and soon finds that someone is trying to do the old lady harm. Lady Celia’s two nephews show up, and along with two doctors and Lady Celia’s daughter, there are suspects galore. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages.

With plenty of suspense, an abundance of secrets, and a dash of romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy Christian historical Regency fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late? 

 

Bethany House Publishing, December, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

THE RED COTTAGE by Hannah Linder, Reviewed by Rebecca, Paula, and Trixi #ReleaseDay

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"If God were a mind to take memories, He should have taken them from them both."

Following a delicious night of playful flirtation, stolen kisses and innocent dreams of a red cottage surrounded by lilac bushes, Tom McGwen dropped off the love his life, Meg Foxcroft, at her uncle's home under the cover of darkness, and headed back to his room over the blacksmith shop. Only to be interrupted by her scream of terror. Turning back was just the beginning of Tom's nightmare, Meg was nowhere to be found and her uncle was dead.

Awakening in a beautiful room surrounded by the whispers and faces of strangers, Meg Foxcroft could not remember a thing about herself. Upon finding her battered body lying helplessly under a tree, Lord Benedict Cunningham had carefully transported her to his estate, where his personal physician and household staff was seeing to Meg's every need. As the details emerge about that fateful night, a brutish young man declares them to be the closest of acquaintances, scaring Meg into sending him away, then later musing that there was something hopelessly familiar about his handsome face and steady gaze.

This is by no means an ordinary romance, rather it's an extraordinary tale featuring misunderstandings, vicious criminal intentions and carefully veiled details. Beautiful word flow carries the narrative around every twist and turn, the author penning exceptionally layered characters with pasts entangled through wisps and whims of memory, and slips and slivers of faith, leaving readers poised to wonder if the past will be ever be remembered, and if so, will it even be enough.

Another ingenious, intriguing atmospheric romance which takes advantage of every opportunity to tell its story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 4.5 stars

PAULA' S REVIEW:
I am a fan of Gothic Regency romance and The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder checks all the boxes. With her atmospheric descriptions, I was put right in the story of Meg, Tom and the uncle who raised Meg after her parents died. 

 

A tragic fire finds Meg miles away at a prosperous estate with a Lord willing to care for her and marry her. Her memory has failed her and things get complicated and dangerous. Someone is out to harm her. It remains to be seen if she will succumb to the riches of Lord Cunningham or remember her first love, humble Tom who promised her a red cottage and lifelong love. 

 

What Meg has not lost is her faith and she prays through her troubles and danger.
 

This was a wonderful tale full of well-drawn characters. The story showed faith and redemption as well as foibles and a mystery that kept me guessing.
 

For fans of historical gothic stories, it reminded me of The Price of Privilege series by Jessica Dotta.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and an underlying faith thread 

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
Hannah Linder doesn’t disappoint when it comes to gothic tales of mystery and intrigue! I’ve read every story that she has written so far and I keep coming back for more.

Tom and Meg have known each other from childhood leading to a promise of marriage someday. Then an unthinkable tragedy happens to Meg and her uncle, which results in losing her memory of who she is. The amnesia angle added an extra layer to an already immersive read and also to the danger lurking just around the corner. With each turn of the page, things get even more complicated and tense….and I loved every moment of it. I definitely had a hard time putting this down because SO much happens!

The main reason I give it 3.5 stars was for the amount of violence displayed at the end of the book. It was extremely hard for me to read through those parts.

All in all, if you enjoy gothic tales full of mystery, danger, intrigue and that hard won happily-ever-after, then look no further than The Red Cottage.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *3.5 stars 

 

BackCover Blurb:
She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah Linder:
Beneath His Silence
When Tomorrow Came
Garden of the Midnights
The Girl from the Hidden Forest
Never Forgotten 

 

 

 AVAILABLE FROM BARBOUR FICTION in paperback, and digital ebook!

VYING FOR A GROOM by Sophie Leigh Fox, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

LOVE, MOST ARDENTLY SERIES #2

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
I absolutely adored the first book in the “Love, Most Ardently” series, so you bet I was happily anticipating this one. I quickly snapped it up to read and post my honest thoughts!

At first, I thought this was going to be a love triangle from what took place in just the first two chapters. I am definitely not a fan of those! Upon reading further, I found that was not the case in this novel. Both Cassandra and Sir Raleigh were secretly involved with other people when they first met. An instant connection was formed, but there was no way to make it a reality between these two. Cassandra was in love with the head groom Charlie and Sir Raleigh was engaged due to a compromised situation with a lady. What a complicated mess they found themselves in! I loved how Fox (eventually) worked everything out in the end.

This was an angsty, emotional, and deeply involved story that drew me in because I just HAD to know what happened at every twist and turn. Fox certainly knows how to write a story that includes a bit of drama, scandal and intrigue. I also loved revisiting Willa and James from the first book, it always makes me wonder what happens to these wonderful characters. I love when an author somehow includes them in the sequel novel!

I’m giving this a four-star rating because the end left me with a couple of important questions that left me hanging. I would love the answer for (a bit of a spoiler here); WHAT happened to Charlie and WHY did he leave suddenly? I think he was a character that deserved a more satisfactory conclusion!

All in all, this was a delightful tale and I think anyone who enjoys Regency romance with all the elements I mentioned above will love. Fox also includes a faith thread that warms my soul. Hopefully, there will be a third book? Because the ending leads to the possibility of Genevieve’s story next … and I say, bring it on! *smile*
*I received a complimentary copy from the author through Interviews and Reviews and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are mine alone. *

BackCover Blurb:
A lady’s companion and a Royal Navy captain are secretly involved…but not with each other.

Alarmed after receiving news of her adoptive parents’ perilous missionary assignment to India, Cassandra Lawton leaves her position as a companion to seek solace with her only remaining family in Surrey. At Heighbury Manor, the dutiful Cassandra reconnects with her childhood friend, now a ruggedly handsome groom. Their difference in class forces them to conceal a budding romance. As she struggles to navigate these new feelings, Cassandra’s hopes are challenged when an unexpected rival appears.

After Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, Royal Navy Captain Sir Raleigh Burgess returns home ready to settle down and marry. But the woman to whom he was forced to become engaged after being caught in an intimate embrace refuses to announce their plans to wed formally. After receiving a stark warning that casts doubts on her character, Raleigh’s misgivings about his betrothed further complicate his future.

Whilst visiting Heighbury Manor, Raleigh forms an immediate connection with Cassandra. Suspicious of the groom’s duplicitous advances despite his own concealed relationship, he attempts to protect Cassandra’s virtuous character. Raleigh’s frustration multiplies when his betrothed appears and stirs up Heighbury Manor with a shocking revelation.

Will Cassandra’s hidden romance ruin her lifelong friendship with the groom? Will Raleigh’s coerced proposal unveil his bride-to-be’s deceitful intentions?

After lies are exposed and romances are shattered, who will be left vying for a groom? 

Mellow and Mayhem Publishing, September, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

SENSE AND SUITABILITY by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

A sweet Regency, enemies-to-lovers rom-com

PAULA'S REVIEW:
With her signature wit, Pepper Basham has written another winner in a new genre for her: Sense and Suitability is patterned after the beloved Jane Austen tome.

Emmeline Lockhart is a secret authoress and has not found a suitor since Simon Reeves disappeared at a ball two years ago. Tragedy struck Simon and subsequently he inherits not only a title but plenty of problems and sizable debt. In true Austen and Regency fashion, hero Simon must find a wealthy lady to save his estate, when his heart yearns for respectable but not so wealthy heroine Emme.

The story is peopled with familiar characters such as clergyman cousins, interfering but well meaning aunts, jealous conniving female rivals, lovable but unruly siblings and bothersome unsuitable suitors.

And who can resist the romantic scenes with kisses to make you swoon, not to mention an unexpected splash in a pond and a Darcy-like hero emerging from said pond.

Loads of fun, romance, angst, and good spiritual lessons. It will be hard to wait for the next Regency from this author. I know it will be just as captivating.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson on behalf of the author and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel--until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate--or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs--has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic--no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the sweet Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, October, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook

Buy SENSE AND SUITABILITY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

A SCHEMING IN PARLIAMENT by Erica Vetsch, TOUR AND REVIEW with Paula Shreckhise #JustRead

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

 Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I love the Haverly universe as penned by Erica Vetsch. Bertie and Phillipa make an engaging couple as they are paired by Marcus for a new adventure in spying which could be a little matchmaking too!
 

Phillipa has a tender heart for the misused women trying to leave a life of sin. Since establishing Eleos, the refuge that equips ladies and finds them respectable vocations, Phillipa is busy fundraising and furnishing the estate. “The past is the past, and that is where it belongs. You are not defined by what you once were, but who you are now in Christ.”
 

Sir Bertrand Thorndike is the perfect gentleman and gains a seat in the House of Commons in order to ferret out corruption. He falls right into a seedy situation that someone powerful is behind the scenes pulling the strings.
 

Lots of intrigue, a little romance, and some mischievous animals round out a perfect story. The political attitudes of the era were surprisingly similar to what we see today. Showing that some things stay the same.
 

A favorite character was the new vicar of Eleos. Mr. Hewitt was a humble man who showed repentance and gave back to others by not only preaching a good sermon but worked hard to help renovate the grounds and buildings. He treated all with respect and gave grace.
 

If you love Regency tales, this book is not to be missed.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel on behalf of the author through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

More in this Series:

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Scheming in Parliament and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

NO STONE UNTURNED by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"How easy it was to have a heart of stone in this life. To bury oneself in noble pursuits and yet risk losing connection with those we loved."

Being the daughter of the parish vicar in a small English village, Bridget Littleton often went through the motions of her faith while falling headlong into her unbridled appreciation for history and antiquities, so it was no surprise that the discovery of an ancient mosaic tile in a neighboring field stoked her undivided attention. The wonder of it all began to dim when Lord Rafe Hawthorn suddenly appears to revitalize his family's estate, which may, or may not include the property in question.

It doesn't take long for the war-wizened captain and his impetuous neighbor to stubbornly vocalize differences of opinions while slowly discovering that they share many things in common. As danger encroaches and redemption is tested, can the Bridget and Rafe accept the fact that God never intended for them to fight life's battles alone.

A lovely setting with nuggets of history spun nicely into the fabric of a most engaging story!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

 

BackCover Blurb:
She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

-Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic
-Historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy NO STONE UNTURNED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

NO STONE UNTURNED by Jenelle Hovde, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
I have found a new favorite author of Regency romance. 

 

Ms. Hovde delivered an engaging story with a grumpy hero and a determined heroine with a captivating mystery added. Captain Rafe Hawthorne is the new Viscount of Hawthorne Manor, an estate that is steeped in mystery and scandal. Bridget Littleton is a vicar’s daughter and quite the bluestocking with her fondness for the antiquities she found on a neighbors farm.
 

With flawed characters who grow in their faith, the plot thickened as Bridget sought recognition from two competing antiquities societies. And more complications arise as Rafe tries to improve his holdings and serve his tenants.
 

I was excited to read of the discovery of a Roman villa in the British countryside. This tale has a mix of historical significance, and the villainous quest to greedily obtain the artifacts. Vicar Littleton provides a voice of reason and spiritual guidance and he and other supporting characters add color to the story.
 

I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to reading more from this author.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

BackCover Blurb:
She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

-Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic
-Historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs 

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy NO STONE UNTURNED at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

THE RULES OF MATRIMONY by Anneka R. Walker, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

The Matchmaking Mamas book #4

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

Anneka R. Walker’s Matchmaking Mamas series has been such fun, and the last book, The Rules of Matrimony is charming and delightful. I’ve been waiting for Lord Ian Reynolds to meet his match, and it was certainly worth waiting for. Ian made a vow never to marry, but when circumstances force him into a marriage of convenience, he insists on some rules for their marriage. Amie Tyler agrees to the marriage and the rules, but she wants to be independent. Neither Ian nor Amie intends to develop feelings for each other, but Ian’s Rebels group and the Matchmaking Mamas have other plans.

I loved these entertaining characters and their endeavors to keep to the rules of their marriage. Their banter and interactions are amusing. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from previous books in the series show up in this one, although it is easily read as a stand-alone tale.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

 

BackCover Blurb:
Forced into an unexpected marriage, Ian and Amie defy Society’s rules to ensure their independence but instead find themselves surrendering their hearts.

London, England, 1823

Ian has vowed never to marry, steadfast in his resolve to shield himself from the heartache his father’s infidelity brought upon his mother. Instead, he dedicates his heart and soul to reforming criminal law with his Rebel group. A chance encounter in a country graveyard with the infuriatingly bold Miss Amie Tyler only solidifies his resolve to remain single. That is, until his life descends into chaos when rumors of his engagement—an engagement he had no part in or prior knowledge of—force him and the vexing Miss Tyler into a calculated marriage, a mutual scheme to protect Miss Tyler from her lecherous cousin and to save Ian from a political marriage he dreads.

Amie never imagined her unsophisticated life would lead to an entanglement with Lord Ian Reynolds. Living on her relatives’ charity, she is resigned to remaining a wallflower. But when her mother concocts a wild lie of her engagement to Lord Reynolds, she chooses to trust a gentleman she hardly knows with her future. Amie is thrust into a whirlwind marriage and is overwhelmed to find herself falling for Ian despite their agreement to maintain their own separate lives and goals.

As they navigate their charade, Ian’s political ambitions clash with his growing affection for Amie, and Amie’s courageous attempt to help Ian’s family heal threatens to unravel their bond. However, a forbidden kiss and unexpected acts of kindness kindle the spark between them that neither can ignore. In a desperate race against societal expectations, the two must decide whether a future together is worth breaking their earlier vows of independence. 

Shadow Mountain Publishing, May, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE RULES OF MATRIMONY at Amazon

TO KISS A KNIGHT by Grace Hitchcock, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Filled with action, suspense, humor, and a good dose of romance, Grace Hitchcock’s new book, To Kiss a Knight, is a delightful mix of all I love in a historical romance. The characters are well-crafted and engaging, the plot has depth and creativity, and the story is entertaining and deeply satisfying. 

 

Vivienne Poppy, the spunky heroine, chose the name Lady Larkby as her writing pseudonym, but she obviously should have researched that name a little deeper, as the Larkby title is still in use. When Sir Sebastian Larkby finds that someone is using his title--although he isn’t married--a comedy of errors evolves and makes for a great escapade. I loved the rather madcap adventures of these characters and the way their relationship grows and develops.

Hitchcock has proven she can write successfully in varied historical eras. This book is the second in her Regency series. It can easily be read alone, however. I’m looking forward to more stories from this talented author.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW
"You should know that I was born with an extra dose of curiosity. It has never been kind to me, and no matter how hard I try to tame it  . . . "

Vivienne Poppy had just executed a bold plan . . . or at least it seemed so in the beginning . . . she ran away from home to escape the most dreadful of nuptials . . . only to be intercepted by a highwayman who absconded with all her money and treated her like a gentleman when it mattered the most? Curious, that. Landing on her feet and re-occupying the Bath townhouse that she had inherited from her father, Vivienne goes underground with an assumed name, her pseudonym as an author; Lady Larkby, never realizing that there was a Lord Sebastian Larkby about town who was shocked to discover that he had a wife.

If you can imagine all of the various conundrums that this criss-crossing of names might generate among polite society, then you have captured a glimpse of the adventuresome nature of this witty, romantic tale. But there's more, (there always is) for when the aforementioned evil suitor shows up demanding recompense for his broken betrothal, Vivienne and Sebastian made a wild decision . . . feign a marriage of their own.

The definition of swashbuckling is as follows: engaging in daring and romantic adventures with bravado or flamboyance . . . that about sums it up when "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8)
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

BackCover Blurb:
When everything is going right, something must go wrong

Vivienne Poppy's plans are working out quite well. She's run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought.

Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian's dying grandmother's heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman's wishes.

This witty novel from award-winning author Grace Hitchcock is filled with scandal, mishap, and just the right amount of romance. 

 

Kregel Publishing, May, 2025

Available in digital ebook and paperback

Buy TO KISS A KNIGHT at Amazon 

 

THE GIRL FROM THE HIDDEN FOREST by Hannah Linder, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Eliza Gillingham knew what no one else in the world did."

Eliza Gillingham had been hidden away deep into the forest since she was five years old, living with an old seaman aptly known as "Captain", the only true father she could recollect; the remainder of her childhood memories were collected in nightmares. Only now, fourteen years later, Felton Northwood was determined to bring the truth into the light, determined to clear his father's name once and for all of having any part in Lady Gillingham's brutal murder, the one which many believed her young daughter had witnessed.

When Felton arrives to forcibly retrieve Eliza, he is met with fierce resistance from the lovely young woodland creature. What Felton didn't anticipate was that bringing Eliza home to Monbury Manor would put her life in extreme danger, along with his heart and reputation . . . again.

Captivating!
*I own a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
The nightmares may free her … but destroy the man she loves.

Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.

That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.

When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?

As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves--and both of their lives?

Barbour Publishing, May 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy THE GIRL FROM THE HIDDEN FOREST at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House