A Marriage Made in Secret by Jenni Fletcher

Mathilde Gosselin is young and naive when her father sends her to the Parisian court of Isabella, Queen of England. Overwhelmed when the queen singles her out for attention, she pledges her loyalty. Unbeknownst to her lady, however, Mathilde meets Henry Wright, illegitimate but honourable, and thereby blossoms a friendship that as the months pass, blossoms into something more. The queen isn't content to live in comfortable exile, however, and her ambition will force Mathilde to choose between her queen and her love.

I'm not terribly familiar with this turbulent period in English history, but I was very impressed with how the author managed to weave two believable and sympathetic characters into historical events. Their relationship grows slowly with gaps of weeks or months as Henry's duties take him away from Court but I was fully invested, especially as it became clear that certain choices were going to cause tension between the pair, not least Mathilde's devotion to her queen. While both leads (and many supporting characters) are well-fleshed out, this is not at the expense of plot, for history marches on and there is little time for naval gazing.

Beautifully researched with brilliant characterisation and just a pang of heartbreak to deepen the emotional resonance, this is a fabulous historical romance set in a less usual time period. I'm definitely keeping an eye out for this author in the future!

A Marriage Made in Secret is available in ebook or hard copy.

I received a copy of this book from the author; all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: The Girl With Flaming Hair by Natalie Kleinman

Sophie is plagued by the shadows of the past…

While driving his curricle, Rufus Solgrave, Earl of Luxton comes across Sophie Clifford lying unconscious in the road, having fallen from her horse.

Not too far from home, he takes her back to Ashby, his country seat, leaving her in the care of his mother, Elizabeth, Countess of Luxton, and his sister, Lydia. Under their kindly supervision, Sophie soon begins to recover.

Upon discovering that Sophie has never mixed with London society, Elizabeth invites her to accompany the family to town for Lydia’s come-out. Unhappy with her homelife and eager to sample the delights of the season, Sophie accepts.

However, her enjoyment is marred when talk of an old scandal surrounding her birth resurfaces. What’s more, her devious stepbrother, Francis Follet, has followed her to London, intent on making her his bride.

Sensing Sophie’s distress, Rufus steps in to protect her from Francis’s unwelcome advances.

And although neither Rufus nor Sophie are yet thinking of marriage, both soon begin to wonder whether their comfortable friendship could blossom into something warmer…

Purchase Link -  https://amzn.to/3s4UEEA

Review

When Rufus Solgrave comes across a beautiful woman lying unconscious in the road and takes her home to recover, he has no idea that this Season will be unlike any other. Sophie Clifford has spent her entire life in the countryside, so when Rufus' mother and sister invite her to accompany them to London, she jumps at the chance. Life is a whirl of parties and invitations until her odious stepbrother arrives in town and rumours start to swirl around the circumstances of her birth. Sophie's one solace is in her new friends, particularly one Rufus Solgrave...

The Girl With Flaming Hair is a stately coming of age, where Sophie learns first how to stand on her own, and then that she doesn't need to. All her life, she's been emotionally neglected, but through the actions and with the support of the Solgrave family, she discovers there's far more to life than she ever dreamed. The dresses are sumptuous and the parties dazzling, but the heart of this book is in the relationships, both romantic and familial. Especial mention goes to the older ladies who take Sophie under their wing, particularly Elizabeth Solgrave, Rufus' mother. There's something very special about seeing women supporting women, especially across generations.

Of course, there are always obstacles on the path to a happy ever after, not least of all Rufus' inability to spit it out, but the ending is satisfying and leaves me in no doubt of their lasting happiness. I enjoyed how while everything is wrapped up, actions still have consequences.

I did find the inclusion of two side romances a little distracting, as most of those characters didn't get a chance to be properly fleshed out. I hope they get their own story, or at least a novella, to give them the page space they deserve!

If you're looking for a lower stakes Regency romance with plenty of characters and found family, pick this book up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio
Natalie’s passion for reading became a compulsion to write when she attended a ten-week course in creative writing some sixteen or so years ago. She takes delight in creating short stories of which more than forty have been published, but it was her lifelong love of Regency romance that led her to turn from contemporary romantic fiction to try her hand at her favourite genre. Raised on a diet of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, she is never happier than when immersed in an age of etiquette and manners, fashion and intrigue, all combined into a romping good tale. She lives on the London/Kent border, close to the capital’s plethora of museums and galleries which she uses for research as well as pleasure. A perfect day though is when she heads out of town to enjoy lunch by a pub on the river, any river, in company with her husband and friends.
Natalie is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists.

You can find out more about Natalie on Twitter @NatKleinman, Facebook /NatalieKleinmanAuthor or on her Website nataliekleinman.com

Social Media Links
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https://www.facebook.com/NatalieKleinmanAuthor/
https://twitter.com/NatKleinman
https://www.instagram.com/nataliekleinman6279

Blog Tour: The Return of Her Lost Knight by Melissa Oliver

Her second chance

With her lost love…

 To avoid a forced marriage, Lady Gwenllian plans to escape to a convent. She couldn’t possibly honor another when her heart still belongs to Ralph de Kinnerton, the man she had to betray to save his life—only to hear of his death shortly after. So how is it possible he’s here at this knight’s tournament? Now the pull of their unfinished past forces Gwen to question the choice she’d made for her future…

Purchase Links
Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/2Pls4l0
Amazon US - https://amzn.to/3czoVXW
Mills and Boon - https://bit.ly/3ft8HkK
Harlequin-  https://bit.ly/39obh7M

Review

After faking his death, Ralph de Kinnerton is back in England in order to win enough silver to reclaim his family estates from the Crown. He is unprepared to come face to face with both the woman who broke his heart and the cousin who betrayed his family. After so many years away and now wearing the armour and name of a friend, his focus must be on the tournament - but Gwen haunts his thoughts.

Poor Gwen and Ralph have gone through a lot, each thinking the other hates them and Gwen even believing Ralph dead. Life has scarred them both but they refuse to give up. Ralph's duty to his lands is pretty standard, but Gwen's secret hobby - I won't give it away - sounds incredible. I absolutely loved how enthusiastic she was about it and how Ralph reacted with support when he understood what it meant to her. It's lovely to watch their childhood affection, much trampled by the last six years, blossom into something more. I liked that their past informed their present without being overwhelmed by flashbacks.

This is the third in a loosely-connected series of romances where previous couples make appearances but thankfully do not impact heavily on the plot, so it's easy to pick this up. I'm also keen for Ralph's friend Thomas to get his own book - I definitely get a hint of something between him and Gwen's friend Brida! If you enjoy introspective storytelling, the bond between two injured souls, and more than a hint of danger, this is definitely worth it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio
Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and three daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, grand palaces and all things historical. She is the winner of The Romantic Novelists' Association's Joan Hessayon Award for new writers in 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight. When she's not writing she loves to travel, paint and visit museums & art galleries.

Social Media Links
Twitter - @melissaoauthor
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/melissaoliverauthor/

Blog Post: Midsummer Magic at Miss Moonshine’s Emporium

Are you ready to meet Miss Moonshine? Life may never be the same again…

It’s summer in Haven Bridge and Miss Moonshine is getting ready for a busy season. From the window of her Wonderful Emporium, at the heart of the pretty Yorkshire town, she watches and waits, weaving plans to bring happiness to all who step through her door. For Miss Moonshine is no ordinary shopkeeper. She may not have what you want, but she will always have what you need…

Nine romantic novelists from Yorkshire and Lancashire, including best-selling and award-winning authors, have joined together to create this anthology of uplifting stories guaranteed to warm your heart. This magical collection of contemporary romances will make you laugh, cry and wish for a Miss Moonshine in your own life.

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midsummer-Magic-Miss-Moonshines-Emporium-ebook/dp/B094W5FVWF/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Midsummer-Magic-Miss-Moonshines-Emporium-ebook/dp/B094W5FVWF/

Review

In the town of Haven Bridge is a little second-hand shop run by an eccentric old woman. You might not find what you're looking for, but you will find what you need - especially if what you need is love! This is a charming anthology of short, sweet romances, tied together by a little old lady who might just be magic.

Each story is a perfect bite-sized morsel filled with a range of main characters and themes (non-spoilery synopses ahead, skip if you want to go in fresh!):

We start with A Glitch in Time where some of Miss Moonshine's more overt magic helps Nicola gain a new perspective on life. I loved seeing the different reactions and how they each adjusted.

Second is Caught Red Handed, where a very bad beginning at Miss Moonshine's somehow leads to the best time. Eventually. There's a hilarious scene with fruit, which is all I will say without spoilers.

Next is the gorgeous Three Butterflies, an opposites attract where uptight perfumier Olivier must share a houseboat with free spirit Tamsin.

One of my favourites is GU1909, about a woman who runs a mechanics, overshadowed by grief. I loved the unconventional setting and Maddie's delight in the old car.

The Secret of Greymoor Hall is a fun treasure hunt of a story and a love letter to antiques as Miss Moonshine pulls off one of her bigger miracles.

The bittersweet The Treasure Seekers also investigates grief and how what you want might not be what you need.

In Ginny's Ghost, idle conversation with a friend leads to great inconvenience for baker Ginny, whose delectable creations almost floated off the page (I wish!).

Another of my favourites is I Shall Wear Purple, about a widow, abandoned in a rest home after her children convinced her to sell up. I really liked this second chance romance with older leads.

Finally, Music, Love, and Other Languages is a lovely story about the joy and universality of music.

If you're looking for some low-conflict, high-sweetness romance to brighten your day, please give this a go!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

The nine Miss Moonshine authors – Mary Jayne Baker, Sophie Claire, Jacqui Cooper, Helena Fairfax, Kate Field, Melinda Hammond, Marie Laval, Helen Pollard and Angela Wren – meet up regularly in the little mill town of Hebden Bridge, on the border between the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire – hence their group name, Authors on the Edge. This picturesque town, home to many writers, artists and musicians, was the inspiration for their magical character Miss Moonshine, and their uplifting series of anthologies featuring romance and happy endings.

Blog Tour: The Summer Island Festival by Rachel Burton

When Willow walks out on her own wedding, there's only one place she can go...

Growing up in the island village of Seaview, Willow always dreamed of a bigger life. Then her childhood sweetheart Luc betrayed her and she ran, resolving never to look back. Now, twelve years on, her glamorous London life is a mess and the island is her only option.

But she's not the only one back for the summer. Luc is now a world-famous heartthrob musician, and he's finally come home to headline the Isle of Wight's annual music festival.

As Willow untangles her messy past, she stumbles on a secret that could destroy her family, the island's fragile community - and her second chance at love...

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Island-Festival-Burton/dp/1800246064
US - https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Island-Festival-Burton/dp/1800246064 

Review

After leaving her fiance at the altar, Willow retreats to her childhood home in Seaview on the Isle of Wight. She hasn't really been back since the summer when she was eighteen, the summer when everything changed, but she can't face the idea of returning to the upmarket flat she shared with her fiance. Also back on the island is her childhood sweetheart Luc, who has troubles and secrets of his own, and their parents, who have held family secrets close for far too long...

As the summer progresses, we get a dual POV from Willow and Luc, interspersed with flashbacks to Willow's mum Cathy in the eighties. While initially heavy on the exposition, through the flashbacks we begin to understand just how events decades ago led to the mess right now. There are twists and turns, and a fair bit of cheating (not between the leads), but I can assure you of a happy ending

It's a delight to watch Willow slowly reacquaint herself with who she wants to be, not who her fiance expects her to be, as she realises her life in London isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her self-deprecation is balanced by Luc's admiration of her. Luc's got a secret or two that he's held onto for far too long, but once he gets them into the open, it's not hard to feel sympathy for him, especially as he does good grovel.

There's some beautiful themes of family and honesty against the backdrop of musicians - both on tour (in the flashbacks) and preparing for the titular festival - so what could be quite a heavy read is mellowed into a sweet story about following your own dreams, and how it's okay to reassess those in light of new information or events. We might get Luc's POV, but in the end, this is Willow's story, and it's a lovely one.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys homecoming / second chance romances.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks.

She has spent most of her life between Cambridge and London but now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and their three cats. She loves yoga, ice hockey, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes.

Find her on Twitter & Instagram as @RachelBWriter or follow her blog at rachelburtonwrites.com. She is always happy to talk books, writing, music, cats and how the weather in Yorkshire is rubbish. She is mostly dreaming of her next holiday....

Social Media Links
Twitter: @rachelbwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachelburton74/
Website: rachelburtonwrites.com

Shh… It's Our Secret by Lizzie Chantree

Downtrodden waitress Violet runs her boyfriend's failing cafe and loves her regulars like family. When Kai wanders into the cafe, searching for some peace and quiet, he discovers that Violet has a secret that could change her life - and he's the perfect person to help her. As Kai begins to fall for Violet, he finds that his help could make Violet's dreams come true - or ruin her life.

Violet is an absolute sweetheart who deserves far more than her no-good boyfriend and recently-dumped sister give her credit. I liked how Kai gave her confidence to stand up to her boyfriend and can totally sympathise with her desire for the quiet life. I also like that she managed to befriend (or at least see a more sympathetic side) most of the women who she initially sees as rivals or enemies, though this is partially undone by her insistence on describing her ex-brother-in-law's new partner as 'horse-face' and blaming her for the breakdown of her sister's marriage.

I'm less keen on Kai, who seems like a generally good guy who can't keen his hands off Violet but won't actually talk to her or define their relationship because he recognises that she's recently out of a bad relationship, leaving her with mixed signals. There's a whole thing about his 'friends' constantly turning up at his house, which leads me to think that he's very bad at boundaries. He's lucky his poor communication didn't backfire worse than it did.

While there is no sex on the page - it fades to black - the language used makes it clear what is going on so it sometimes feels like scenes end abruptly on the way to intimacy. The plot also got overly complicated, with at least one love triangle, profit sharing with a confidentiality clause and growing sisterly tension. Overall I didn't mind this book but I think a good edit could've done it a world of good.

Shh... It's Our Secret is available now

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own

The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance by Lucy Morris

A challenging wife

For a warrior Viking 

When Thorstein Bergson rescues a beautiful woman from a storm-tossed longship he little expects to broker a powerful marriage alliance with her. This high-status ice queen is not the comfortable wife this warrior chief is seeking, but maybe the bittersweet pain in Gyda’s eyes hides another woman beneath? The one he tasted that first night, when she kissed him with such pent-up longing…

Purchase Link - http://books2read.com/u/b5kD17

Review

The death of Gyda's much older husband leaves her free to start a new life, but a shipwreck smashes her dreams of a comfortable life against the rocks. Though she is saved by a nearby chief, he takes an obvious dislike to her. Thorstein is surprisingly philosophical about his first wife abandoning him but is certain beautiful women can never be trusted, which of course sets him up to think the worst of Gyda from the very start. Of course, Gyda's brother-in-law Sven happens to be Thorstein's liege, and he sees an opportunity...

I absolutely adored Gyda! Having lost her identical twin, her beauty is a source of grief as well as a shield. Her life has been full of tragedy, compounded by one youthful mistake, but she is determined to make the best of a bad hand. From starting a new life overseas, to facing the loss of her possessions, and her brother-in-law's decision to marry her off, I loved how she made the best of whatever situation in which she found herself and she deserves every happiness.

Thorstein is generally a good guy. He wants the best for his people and isn't afraid to put in the work to get there, but he was rather a jerk to Gyda. It took him a bit longer than I would like to realise that she's more than a spoiled, shallow ice queen, but once he gives his loyalty, it sticks. Even when lies come between them, he doesn't doubt her character, which made the resolution that much sweeter.

Even Sven and his second wife are sympathetic side characters who I wanted to see more of! He was thinking more of practicalities than matchmaking, but he is ultimately responsible for setting the happy ending in motion.

This isn't a historical period with which I am particularly familiar but the author paints a believable, interesting world with protagonists that had me rooting for them to get together. I'm definitely excited to read more from this debut author!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.

Author Bio

Lucy Morris lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two young children and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves gin, bubbly and Irn-Bru. A member of the UK Romantic Novelists' Association, she was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval and Highlander romances.

Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!

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