An Uncommon Earl

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RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

BESSEY, SIAN ANN

AN UNCOMMON EARL

Alexander Allerton, the Earl of Bloxley's, greatest desire is to alleviate the suffering of the poor and less fortunate of England. So when his hackney carriage is involved in an accident that results in the death of one of those he is determined to help, he is devastated. Alexander vows to keep the promise he makes to the injured woman as she takes her final breaths: he will not rest until he finds her young son.

After a crippling accident years ago, Jane Hadford is accustomed to being largely ignored at social events. But being overlooked has allowed her to hone her observational skills -- and she quickly perceives that all is not well with the handsome Lord Bloxley. When an unexpected opportunity arises to talk to the earl, he surprises them both by sharing with her his fruitless search for the child. Touched by Lord Bloxley's story and by his desire to make things right, Jane determines to help him fulfill his promise. What she cannot anticipate, however, is that the quest she has chosen to undertake will bring into her life a small boy who will steal her heart and a gentleman who might well do the same.

My Review:

published in 2021

I am in a state of twitter-pated bibliophile ecstasy over this one! I'm calling it a Regency even though the series title is Georgian Gentlemen. From my pokey attempts at research it looks like the Georgian and Regency eras overlapped for a decade or so and this book has all the divine elements I've come to love in a Regency Romance.

Let's start with our hero, shall we? A very uncommon Earl so the title is spot on! Alexander is the rare kind of nobleman who cares about the plight of the poor and the rights of the working class. His work in parliament is concentrated on benefitting both. Absolutely loved the social justice elements of this novel.

Of course, he's highly sought after as husband material but the only woman who has caught his eye is Miss Jane Hadford but no one would consider her an advantageous match because...well, you have to read the book to find out. Just know that Jane isn't like all the other flighty females flitting about London's Season. She's compassionate and intelligent and eager to help the Earl on his quest to grant a dying mother's last wish.

What follows is a charming blend of bantering wits, oh-so-very-proper (mostly) letter exchanges and even a country outing or two. Along with the desperate search for an orphaned boy and the even more desperate bid to save him once found.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Jason Tatom and, while I prefer a female narrator if there is only one, I quite enjoyed Tatom's performance.

Goal Update: #2 Catch up on series I'm behind in, #5 Diversify my reading

 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for an ebook copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Uncommon Earl leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 28 2022. Offer open to International Readers.

The Gem Thief

 

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RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

BESSEY, SEAN ANN

THE GEM THIEF

Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond. But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.

Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancee. 

From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other. What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is -- because, apparently, it is worth killing for.

My Review:

published in 2018

Well, this was a treat of a mystery wrapped up in romantical bliss! Absolutely loved the exotic Mediterranean setting. I don't think I've read anything quite like it. Bessey does an amazing job of making a reader feel like she's been on a cruise too so if you like to armchair travel, this is definitely a book that will interest you.

The mystery is unique, as is Gracie's occupation. It boggles the mind that people actually pay those exorbitant prices for jewelry but I loved reading about the artistry Gracie brings to her crafting. And then there is the jet-setting chase to catch a thief!

 But what I love most about The Gem Thief is that it is unapologetically romantic. Quinn and Gracie kept my toes in permanent curl mode from their first rocky meeting right through to the swoon-inducing conclusion. I'm still in a giddy euphoric state basking in the afterglow of their love story.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Aubrey Warner who did a great job of showcasing these characters and their compelling story.

Please note: while not a Christian Fiction selection, this book is a page-turning clean read. :-) 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for an ebook copy 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Gem Thief, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday January 30 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

A Hopeful Christmas : a Regency Romance Collection

GIVEAWAY

WALKER, ANNEKA R.

BESSEY, SIAN ANN

KELLY, CARLA

JENSEN, KRISTA LYNN

A HOPEFUL CHRISTMAS : A REGENCY ROMANCE COLLECTION

Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.

Lord Blakely's Gift by Anneka R. Walker

When Miss ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.

A Season of Hope by Sian Ann Bessey

Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia's hope -- both for the future and for love. 

Christmas by the Sea by Carla Kelly

After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.

Expectations at Canterwood by Krista Lynn Jensen

Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throw them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance. 

My Review:

I'm in twitterpated Regency heaven! What an exceptional collection of Christmas stories! I was only familiar with one author (Sian Ann Bessey) and bought A Hopeful Christmas because I loved the two books I've read by her but now I have discovered three new-to-me favourite authors! Woohoo! How cool is that?! 

And this is definitely a case of all four novellas being equally matched. Gripping, well-written stories that speak to the true meaning of Christmas with engaging characters and emotional plots. I can't name a favourite for they all deliver exactly what the title promises -- hope. (And some delicious toe-curls besides!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for an ebook copy (you must have an Amazon.com account)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Hopeful Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 12 2020. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

For Castle and Crown

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RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

BESSEY, SIAN ANN
FOR CASTLE AND CROWN

After years spent fighting alongside King Richard in the crusades, Lord Edmund of Hawksford is finally returning to his ancestral home. But far from a joyful reunion, what awaits him is devastation. His elder brother is dead, killed in a tragic fire at Hawksford Castle -- and the title of duke now falls to Edmund.

When he strives to rebuild the fire-scarred castle, Edmund learns that his was not the only life the fire shattered: his childhood friend Lady Phillipa survived the flames that took Edmund's brother, but badly burned, she has hidden herself away from those she loves. Yet as the pair renews their acquaintance, they find that their affection runs deep -- perhaps even deeper than they'd ever realized.

As Edmund and Pippa begin to question whether the fire was truly an accident, they must discover the truth of the past before they can plan for their future. While coming perilously close to the answers they seek, Edmund and Pippa find themselves at the mercy of a dangerous foe who will stop at nothing to lay claim on Hawksford -- and he will destroy any who stand in his way.

My Review:

published in 2017

Well, if I'm going to break my Regency Reading Rampage it might as well be for the Middle Ages! I actually love this timeline but there aren't many authors (or, at least, ones known to me) who write either/or Christian or clean fiction in this genre so I kind of gave up on it. But I discovered Sian Ann Bessey recently and after reading A Noble Smuggler and now I absolutely have to read everything she's ever written! Now! So here we are in the midst of Prince John/King Richard conspiracies and the valiant (or not so) knights defending them. Happy, happy bibliophile sigh of sheer delight!

Love the way the author weaves history into every nuance of the story. She's never heavy handed and this untutored English history reader never felt bogged down in the unfamiliar (or highly distorted presumptions thanks to Hollywood...oh and Disney. I think everything I knew about Prince John came from the animated Robin Hood. lol)

I also love the subtle but binding faith thread she's incorporated into Edmund and Pippa's lives. It brought such a hopeful vibrancy to their love story. Which is toe-curling, by the way. Childhood friends who have suffered horrific ordeals and come together changed but just as connected as before Edmund left for the Crusades.

And those ordeals are far from over! There's intrigue and betrayal and adventures galore before these two can even contemplate a happily ever after together. Absolutely riveting stuff!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Aubrey Warner and loved every second of it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please Note: For Castle and Crown is not available in paperback format on Book Depostory so this giveaway is for an ebook. You will need to have an Amazon.com account int order to access the book.

If you would like a chance to win an e-copy of  For Castle and Crown leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 29 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Noble Smuggler

GIVEAWAY

BESSEY, SIAN ANN
THE NOBLE SMUGGLER

Despite living at her father's inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always manged to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him -- completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father's death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharacde, Jonas's life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler's daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again -- until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven.

Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past -- secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.

My Review:

SSSSQQQQUUUUEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP!!!!

I have just discovered yet another fantabulously talented new-to-me author and I am in such a twitterpated state I'm having problems collecting my thoughts about this swoonalicious Regency romance (with smugglers!) I can't even...but I'm gonna try.

Okay, here goes. Did I mention smugglers? Think Daphne Du Maurier's Jamaica Inn only not as dark and moody. But these aren't just smugglers -- they're wreckers!!! That means they deliberately guide ships to their doom so they can plunder their cargo. Kind of like land pirates. And Elizabeth's father is high up in their ranks. He is utterly vile and I do so love booing a nefarious villain, especially when he gets his comeuppance at the end. :-)

So there's Elizabeth, practically a captive in her father's tavern. She has nothing to do with the smuggling, but, of course, she'd never be allowed to leave because she knows too much. (Insert a cold shiver of dread here because scary awful things happen!) And then Jonas shows up disguised as one of the smugglers and Elizabeth's life suddenly gets even more complicated!

I loved every blissful second of this book. They mystery (and there's more than one!), the danger, the dastardly villains (again -- plural!!!) and an inn keeper's daughter with a secret she doesn't even know she possesses! Squeal! Eeep! Squeep! And that Jonas! I swooned a hole right through my fainting couch, I tell ya! I'm still a ditzy state of bibliophile bliss!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Noah Wall and she did such an amazing job I was completely spellbound!

Sidenote: While not a Christian Fiction selection (my usual genre) this is absolutely, positively a clean read! Woot!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Please note: Alas, The Noble Smuggler isn't available on Book Depository so this giveaway is for an ebook. You need to have an Amazon.com account to access it.

If you would like a chance to win an ecopy of  The Noble Smuggler, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 22 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck