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Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles Collection with Friends Kindle Edition
One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateApril 13, 2021
- File size5.8 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"There are some really good stories in here... The descriptions of village life were absolutely delightful and made me want to live in just such a place."
Flippin' Pages Book Reviews
" A brilliant boxed set with something for every reader. "
N.N. Night Book Heaven
Product details
- ASIN : B08L9X3TGF
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : April 13, 2021
- Language : English
- File size : 5.8 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 698 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #664,653 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #5,042 in Romance Collections & Anthologies (Kindle Store)
- #6,172 in Romance Collections & Anthologies (Books)
- #12,569 in Regency Historical Romance
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
I started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. I am the sixth out of seven children, and was raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life I spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. My first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy profession that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels (there is a trend here) I opened a law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (I had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
I eventually got up the courage to start pitching manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the writer's retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
You can contact me though email at graceburrowes@yahoo.com or through my website at graceburrowes.com
Cerise DeLand is the USA TODAY bestselling author who loves to write about dashing heroes and the sassy women they adore.
Known for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail, she's won awards for many of the more than 60 novels she's written.
Her work has been nearly life-long! First published in 1991 by Kensington, then Pocket Books, later by St. Martin’s Press and independent presses, she is now published by DRAGONBLADE PUBLISHING. Plus her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club and the Mystery Guild.
To research, she’s dived into the oldest texts and dustiest library shelves. She travels abroad taking good walking shoes, trusty notebooks and pens, plus a camera! She visits chateaux and country homes she loves to people with her own imaginary characters.
And at home every day? She cooks. Never dusts. (That can be a problem.) She goes swimming or pumps iron once a week and tries (desperately) to grow vegetables in her arid backyard in south Texas!
Do visit her website, http://cerisedeland.com.
Also visit her YOUTube Channel for her videos of her research travels here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCba82P_Q1kUrJUVVW0CwJmw/
Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of award winning historical romance, historical mysteries and other historical fiction. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into the Victorian era, and the world of historical mysteries.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://marylancaster.com/newsletter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancaster.1656
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancasterNovelist/
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-lancaster
Traveler, poet, librarian, technology manager—award-winning and Amazon best-selling author Caroline Warfield has been many things (even a nun), but above all, she is a romantic. Having retired to the urban wilds of eastern Pennsylvania, she reckons she is on at least her third act, writing family-centered historical romance set mainly in the Regency and Victorian eras.
Caroline believes firmly that love is worth the risk; she sits in an office surrounded by windows and nudges readers to explore the riskiest territory of all, the human heart.
In addition to her weekly blog, But First Coffee, she hosts guests on her Highlighting Historical Romance series, and contributes to The Teatime Tattler, a blog in the shape of a fictional nineteenth-century gossip rag.
Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was Jude ten years ago.
For as long as she can remember, she's wanted to be a novelist. She even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, her own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If she didn't put her stories out there in the market, she wouldn't risk making a fool of herself. She could keep the dream alive if she never put it to the test.
Then her mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of Jude's, and now it would never happen.
So Jude faced her fear and changed it--told everyone she knew she was writing a novel. Now she'd make a fool of herself for certain if she didn't finish.
Her first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, she feels foolish for not starting earlier.
Jude write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. She then tries to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. She’s mad keen on history, enjoys what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and loves to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture her characters.
Dip your toe into her world with one of her lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let her know what you think.
Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California and hasn’t looked back. She shares a midcentury home with her two rescued dogs, a spunky, blonde terrier and a super-friendly chihuahua.
The author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring, she is hard at work on her next story, but loves to hear from readers!
Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. An award winning and bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. When not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist. You can learn more about Sherry and her published work at www.SherryEwing.com where a new adventure awaits you on every page.
Sherry enjoys interacting with her readers. You can email her on her website or find her on these social media outlets:
Website & Books: www.SherryEwing.com
Bluestocking Belles: http://bluestockingbelles.net/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/33xwYhE
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-ewing
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SherryEwingAuthor
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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SherryEwingauthor
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Facebook Official Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/356905935241836/
Award winning romance author, Rue Allyn has a life long passion for happy ever after. She lives south of the border with her husband of more than forty years and their cat, Tonto. She has two sons and is a proud veteran of the US Navy. She writes heart melting romance in all sub-genres, but her favorite is historical romance, especially medieval. Receive a Free novella download when you sign up for Rue’s Newshttps://www.rueallyn.com/subscriber-entered-from-online-profile/
Customer reviews
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Customers praise this anthology as a best collection of interwoven stories, with each novella featuring a happy ending and wonderful characters. Moreover, the writing is well-crafted, and customers find it entertaining, with one review highlighting the sweet interactions between characters and kids. Additionally, they appreciate the pacing, noting the absence of cheating, and the concept receives positive feedback.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the stories in this collection, describing them as enchanting tales with clean narratives and intricate interwoven plots. One customer notes that each story concludes with a happy ending.
"...Be still my heart! A love story that stole by breath. "Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I have wanted you for my own. Sans title, money, land."..." Read more
"...Touch of violence, some suspense and wonderful character's. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue that ended things nicely. 3...." Read more
"...I enjoyed this short novella. There is romance, danger, and intrigue. Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise Deland 5*..." Read more
"In all, the many different novellas are all very intriguing and entertaining, I hope to be able to read those I lacked time to...." Read more
Customers enjoy this book collection, describing it as a delightful anthology of eight captivating novellas.
"...Russ followed her and they ended up together. Some intrigue, sweet emotions and a delightful epilogue bring together everything perfectly!..." Read more
"...This is a collection of eight captivating and distinctive stories, each and all enjoyable and entertaining...." Read more
"...Stockings authors knocked it out of the park once again with a delightful anthology based in normally sleepy coastal village...." Read more
"This set of books are so outstanding. I loved each and every one of these short stories...." Read more
Customers find the book entertaining and well worth their time, with one customer noting its HEA (happily ever after) ending.
"...To play off the title of this story, it was a dream to read! There is sadness in this story about how people can’t see past skin color...." Read more
"...I enjoyed this short novella. There is romance, danger, and intrigue. Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise Deland 5*..." Read more
"...is a collection of eight captivating and distinctive stories, each and all enjoyable and entertaining...." Read more
"...Having various characters appear in subsequent novellas was quite enjoyable and linked the stories in this anthology...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, which is filled with wonderful characters, with one customer noting the great variety of folks in the stories.
"...Jude is amazing with her historical knowledge and insightful creation of characters. Simply marvelous! Wait For Me Rue Allyn..." Read more
"...Touch of violence, some suspense and wonderful character's. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue that ended things nicely. 3...." Read more
"...I read to escape them. But these children were wonderful little characters. A Kiss By the Sea by Grace Burrows..." Read more
"...The cooperation found in surviving disaster. The confluence of a wide array of characters...." Read more
Customers find the book entertaining, with one customer noting the interesting and friendly characters, while another appreciates the sweet interactions between the characters and children.
"...Romance builds slowly and I found it sweet their interactions with the kids. No villains, still the inn is the place all meet...." Read more
"...weaves true history in this romance but does it with such grace and wit that it flows well...." Read more
"In all, the many different novellas are all very intriguing and entertaining, I hope to be able to read those I lacked time to...." Read more
"...While the weather is horrible, the fire is warm, the people are interesting and friendly (most of them), and the food is good...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer specifically noting the well-crafted sexual preludes.
"...This author can write very steamy stories and some with just a touch...." Read more
"...All of these stories were well written, but the ones that appealed to me the most were the ones by Mary Lancaster, Cerise DeLand, Caroline Warfield,..." Read more
"...about an anthology is the absolute delight in reading stories from great authors all in one place...." Read more
"...Having said that, I thought that all of the stories were well written and had characters that were fun to read about." Read more
Customers love the concept of the book, with one describing it as the best example they've encountered.
"...The author manages to tell a complex tale in an exciting manner. I think the hero Jasper is one of my favorites in this series...." Read more
"I loved this concept! Every story is set in the village of Fenwick on Sea...." Read more
"...This anthology was the best example I've encountered...." Read more
"I loved the concept and the characters in the stories...." Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one customer noting how the characters are selfless and always thinking of others.
"...Touch of violence, some suspense and wonderful character's. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue that ended things nicely. 3...." Read more
"...They have much in common. They are caring, generous, devoted to duty and each other, and they are in love. Good Read." Read more
"...fleeing lovers, heart-tugging orphans to hardened spies, I found love, lies and intrigue intertwined with accurate historical backdrops..." Read more
"...I loved Barney, he is so selfless, always thinking of others. Theo seemed to always know what to say in all situations...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2021When the Bluestocking Belles get together, I know I will be thoroughly entertained!! Some of the very best writers of historical romance, who always bring us swoon worthy heroes and wonderful heroines.
As they gather at the The Queen's Barque Inn, there is no telling what will happen! Love will be found, but often with a little intrigue, suspense, humor and shenanigans.!
Plus we get fodder from the Teatime Tattler before every Tale! It also appears the reporter is in the midst of the Inn and writing furiously as people of interest arrive!
The Tender Flood
by Caroline Warfield
What could be better than a school named "The Academy for the Formation of Young Gentlemen" that had a goat named George? Patience and her crew of delightful boys barely make it to the Inn, as the storm surges and leaves them no other place to go. Zach Newell worked as a coachman and while transporting some passengers, had to stop and take shelter as well. He was the quintessential wounded hero that makes my heart cry, but also fall in love. When he meets Patience and her rag tag bunch, he is totally taken with her. She on the other hand thinks while observing him, "A lover of books and small boys. What other surprises are in store?" Caroline always wins my devotion with her stories and imagination that always leave me wanting more!
Before I Found You
by Sherry Ewing
Sometimes what a lady thinks she wants is not always what she needs. She gets something much better. Such is the case with Miss Miranda de Courtenay and Captain Jasper Rousseau. When the two met out on the there was definately an attraction. Looking into his eyes, "her breath hitched in her chest and she suddenly found herself unable to breath." Of course it seemed the first man to really spark her interest was a captain of a merchant ship and all she wanted was to marry a titled gentleman! It had been her dream.that is until he kissed her! When he said "Every time you walk away, you're going to take a piece of my heart." Sigh. Yes the Captain is swoonworthy! The two were fated to meet again, when both got stranded at the Inn. Filled with wonderful characters, some we meet up with again as they all take shelter. I adore every story Sherry writes as she winds her words around my heart. Sigh again!
A Dream Come True
by Jude Knight.
An enchanting tale as Jude takes us on a journey with the local Vicar, Barnabas Somerville, who had just been made guardian of his nephew and niece with the death of his sister.When a shipwreck happens due to the weather, near the Inn, Barney rescues Theo, ladies maid to Lady Felicity. Barney was having a hard time adjusting to the children's care. Theo and Barney are drawn together and it seems the children take to her instantly. Such a lovely story that just kept me turning the pages, waiting to see what would happen next! Jude is amazing with her historical knowledge and insightful creation of characters. Simply marvelous!
Wait For Me
Rue Allyn
A beautiful pirate and a Captain come back together after having a trying encounter a few years back. Well it was more than trying, she left him on an island! .In an unexpected encounter, Esme tripped over an object as she made her way through the ratin. Of course it had to be none other than Capt Brandon Gilroy, the man who wanted her hanged no less! They made their way to the Inn to take refuge as every traveler around had.Thus begins a game of cat and mouse as the two circle around each other! Esme is "in disguise" but Brandon knows who she is but he wants to find out what she's up to!! Such an adventure with a lot going on which kept me excited to see what would happen! So much fun
Lady Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon
by Cerise Deland
Be still my heart! A love story that stole by breath. "Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I have wanted you for my own. Sans title, money, land." Josephine loved and yearned for Russell and she longed for him to feel the same. She worked with her father in the merchant business for the crown, as Russ also had his own operation. Married at last, it seemed they would finally be together, but fate was having none of it as they were both called out on emergencies. She had to go to the coast to find out about a shipwreck and see if her operative had survived and ended up at the Queen's Barque Inn due to the weather. Russ followed her and they ended up together. Some intrigue, sweet emotions and a delightful epilogue bring together everything perfectly!
An Improbable Hero
by Mary Lancaster
The ship was going down and a stranger grabbed her and they jumped into a lifeboat, then she found herself in the water. But he saved her again, Simon he said as she introduced herself as Letty. Next thing she knew she was on shore laying on the sand. When she woke up next in the Inn, she wanted to find him. Being taken to the Inn to recuperate, she told everyone she was married to Simon. What? You see her dastardly uncle was on the hunt for her, trying to make her marry his son. What follows is a wonderful story as these two pretend to be married! Superb.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2021Nice touch at the beginning of each story is a snippet from a reporter at the inn . Some of the people forced to seek shelter in the storm. Following the reporter's remarks is the blurb - which I absolutely love when that is at beginning. We never find out who the reporter is.
1. An Improbably Hero by Mary Lancaster - 4.5 STARS
Oh, how I didn't want this novella to end. This is a clean story with only a few kisses, but I felt a connection to them. Doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but you may feel like I do, I wanted to know about their future, did everything work out, were they happy and why didn't she live with the nicer relative, etc.?
Our h is running away from an arranged marriage with a cousin because she is an heiress. I loved her spunk and quick thinking. The H isn't the Gentlemen he portrays. I enjoyed how the h got him to admit certain things about his life.
2. Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise DeLand - 4.5 STARS
This author can write very steamy stories and some with just a touch. This is a clean story, kisses and talk of bedroom antics, but the bedroom door is almost totally shut - heat level .5 out of 5. But I felt it was more romantic than her steamer ones.
I enjoyed this couple. It took them both awhile to declare their love to each other. But, their actions spoke of love if the words were hard to say.
When I started this bundle I didn't realize it all has part of the action at the same inn - loved that.
Touch of violence, some suspense and wonderful character's. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue that ended things nicely.
3. THE TENDER FLOOD by Caroline Warfield - 5 STARS
How can a story be bad when it includes children and puppies?
My heart went out to the H/h. He because he had to quit the military because of an awful injury. The h because she wanted to help orphans and open a school.
Romance builds slowly and I found it sweet their interactions with the kids. No villains, still the inn is the place all meet. This is a clean story with only a few kisses. Enjoyed the epilogue, no cheating, HEA, romance and clean.
4. BEFORE I FOUND YOU by Sherry Ewing - 4 STARS
Took me awhile to like the h. She just didn't come across as warm and fuzzy., plus she always made the wrong decisions. She wanted a Titled gentleman, even though she felt a connection to the H. I liked the H, but wanted him to have more backbone with the h because she was always dismissing him because he was in trade.
Their relationship did improve about 75% into the book when she realized what she had in front of her. There is a villain and we aren't told what was his fate.
This is a clean story with only kisses. Loved the epilogue one year in the future.
5. THE COMTESSE OF MIDNIGHT by Alina K. Field - 3.5 STARS
I found most of this story confusing, many character's and how all related and who really was the Earl. It was like coming in the last 1/3 of a play.
Kisses, and some suggestive talk, otherwise clean.
6. WAIT FOR ME by Rue Allyn - 4.5 STARS
This is my 2nd story by this author and she can pull you into a story and hold you until the end. The journey this author takes you on with the h/H is exciting. No-one plays their rolls as you would think. My special feeling for this story, is she discovers information that he needs and she doesn't hold it hostage. Loved that!
This was 5 star review until the ending left out a huge chunk I wanted more of. The H/h have to separate and she leaves him a note when to meet up again if he is desires. Obviously by the epilogue all works out for them, BUT I wanted to know about her journey to another country, how was she received, who is the 3rd villain? I know I am being vague, but don't want to do spoiler's.
How the story starts out was so sweet, by someone telling these two children how their parents met. I knew it was going to be a special story from then on and it didn't disappoint.
Another clean story with only kisses but it was romantic to me and I felt a connection to them.
7. A DREAM COME TRUE by Jude Knight -5 STARS
To play off the title of this story, it was a dream to read!
There is sadness in this story about how people can’t see past skin color. A young man, age 14 is considered useless because his mom was white and his father black. My heart ached for him because it isn’t fiction when it still happens in this day and age. He is kind, helpful and loving but certain people can’t see that.
There are two nasty people in this story and happy to say they got theirs in the end! Story was so enjoyable to read and see how our couple and the village made their way to HEA.
Clean sweet story that shows you don’t need sex to feel a connection. Their love for each other and
the children blossomed in the sweetest way.
8. A KISS BY THE SEA by Grace Burrowes - 4 STARS
This one had lovemaking in it - the only one of the bundle. Heat level 3 out of 5 and several times on page. I felt the h in this novella didn't behave or talk as the time period would suggest. It was more modern as were her opinions on sex.
Enjoyable town that all the stories took place. I hated to leave it behind because people are friendly and help each other.
The H is an Earl but hasn't fully embraced it and for the last 5 years has assisted as a blacksmith. The h is a wealthy women who is suppressed by her uncle. She becomes betrothed to a man her uncle suggests and they have sex (this is off page but she does discuss how he took her to the H). Her betrothed is trying to get her pregnant so she can't back out of the wedding. She runs away and is having to settle into the same seaside town as everyone in the previous stories do.
I wanted an epilogue. I wanted to know how she liked where the H had his real home. Was she able to get pregnant since she had sex all the time with her betrothed and never got pregnant. We do get HEA, little on romance for me.
I received an early copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Top reviews from other countries
- Sandra WReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars An imprisoning storm allows love to unexpectedly blossom!
The minds of eight authors entwine the lives of sixteen intriguing characters and craft an array of highly enjoyable romance driven tales to explore. In the storm cut off village of Fenwick on Sea, as the need to remain anonymous binds eight unlikely couples together, to seek shelter, understanding and a desire to be bound by the seed of flourishing love.
With the continuity of linked characters and, in many cases, a delightfully perceptive, matchmaking, mastiff named Hector as chaperone and a meddlesome tattling maid, bent on exposing their secrets, all add to the fun. Can a happily ever after truly be possible? Let alone eight? With past histories, conflicting social statuses, vulnerabilities and loathsome scheming to overcome, I rather enjoyed finding out.
An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster:
The allusive saviour and the runaway heiress come together in a desperate need of rescue.
I was really sucked into this one from the churning tempest that tossed them together to the mysteries that surrounded Simon and Letty. Can Simon's haunting past be soothed by Letty's goodness, innocence and understanding?
With a great chemistry and a smooth flowing plotline of touching moments and subtle wit, interwoven within an intriguing web of tantalising going ons at The Queen's Baroque Inn, allowed the simmering connection, that continued to spark and build between the pair, to provide the glue for me to want to keep reading. Whilst the odious villians who drew near as Simon's harrowing past threatened to pull them apart, added to the mystery and drama as the pair grasped at the need to rescue the other from their encroaching demons.
Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise Deland:
Sweet endearing chemistry binds these well crafted, highly intelligent characters together as they formed a clear image in my mind.
I really adored the anticipation that built between this besotted couple as desire hummed beneath the surface, masked by their undeclared feelings, in this delightful bumbling, sweet, love affair. Josephine and Russ' love radiated off the page as mutual love at first sight, left to simmer and grow for six years, led to a highly desired marriage - even if unbeknownst to the other at the time - as the subtle wit threaded throughout captivated me and proved it to be anything but one of convenience. As covert operations, espionage, storms and shipwrecks force them apart will their true abiding feelings ever be revealed and sweep them finally, where they most want to be, tucked up tightly in each others arms? I really enjoyed entangling myself up in this one to find out!
The Tender Flood by Caroline Warfield:
Teacher Patience escapes the storm with a wagon full of small boys, that are so heartmelting and brimming with inquisitive energy that, when she bursts straight through the torrential rain and into ex soldier, Zach's surprise grasp, he can't prevent them burrowing deeply into his heart.
Both are such marvellously beguiling characters that defy convention in their own way. Zach for his determined nature not to let his war injury define him and Patience for her need to better the lifes of others even at detriment to herself. The sense of rightness, comfort, trust and sexual allure that simmers when they are together emcompasses everything they wants in a life partner. However, despite his mutual growing magnetic attraction, which not only makes for some fab tension, finds Zach fighting his potent feelings of yearning for her due to his belief he is unworthy. In conjunction, with his increasing feelings of admiration for her tenacity and ability to surprise as well as her open genuineness, caring and level headed nature, a spot of straight talking and the disappearance of one charge may just be enough to open his eyes and will him to fight to jump each hurdle before them and not erect them himself.
Together they create a sweet slow burning story I had fun unravelling, exploring and sighing at as it pulled at my heart strings and left me feeling uplifted.
Before I Found You by Sherry Ewing:
I really liked and admired Jasper, his depth of character and frustrated determination not to give up on Miranda really kept me reading.
The instant attraction that burned between them caught my attention but conflicted with Miranda's dream to be a lady and, as a result, stood in the way of their happiness. Miranda's need to have a title began to upset the flow a little despite making it easy for me to sympathise with Jasper all the more as I couldn't help but feel annoyed and frustrated by her mixed signals, where in places it even started to effect my warmth towards her. However, Ewing's well written style of writing, my love of Jasper, some engaging sub characters and a subplot entangled in sabotage, not to mention the moments of conflicting desire Miranda allowed to slip on occasion wouldn't let me give up. Especially as their connection radiated in waves whenever they were together which saw their chemistry simply crackle that I couldn't help but want a happy ending regardless. Making Miranda's dreams of being addressed as a lady not the only spot of sabotage lurking under the surface to sour their growing feelings and add a darker, enjoyable undercurrent to the tale.
The Comtesse of Midnight by Alina K. Field:
Zaps you straight into the storm alongside Malcolm as he stubbles upon the enigmatic Marielle. The closeted secrets they hold tightly, binds them, as attraction flares to drive the tale towards the need to seek answers, as an air of danger lurks in the shadows.
I loved the emphasis on mystery and motive as a battle of wits ensues to elicit trust and information from the other which simmers to mask the undercurrent of intense attraction that builds between them.
Despite, feeling I now need to read the linked series to fully understand the characters on a deeper level and seek a few answers of my own, the chemistry remained a draw between the clever and likable Malcolm and Marielle, as the dynamics between the younger man and older lady compels you to keep reading. Sucking you in as well through the want to solve the mysteries surrounding his parentage.
Wait for me by Rue Allyn:
A tantalising past history and blossoming great romance sparks amongst secrets steeped in piracy, smuggling and treachery.
Despite only impling that Brandon and Esme will attain their happily ever after in a future release this didn't detract from my enjoyment of this tale. In affect promising me more time to wallow in their deliciously heated clashes and battles of wit, that these strong, intriguing characters so delightfully indulged in, in the future.
A cat and mouse game of wiles, wit, admiration, sexual tension and a deeper desire to wipe the slate clean and to fall into each others arms quickly unfolded. Where a burning need to understand the other and forge a stronger bond, without compromising their integrity and principles, will have me waiting with keen anticipation for the release of The Pirate Duchess.
A Dream Come True by Jude Knight:
A sweet romance blossoms through understanding and a deep desire to belong together.
Through sickness, mean spirited gossip and a need for purpose, a connection blooms from attraction to sweetly tender love, forever binding four floundering souls as family.
This is a beautiful tale of selflessness, generosity and quiet love that builds between the intensely kind but struggling vicar, Barney, a displaced, self sacrificing lady's maid, Theo, and two struggling to be accepted orphans as they stand steadfastly together to fight for their own combined happiness, love and sense of belonging. A journey entangled with a subtle humour and heart melting thread that really endeared the four to me.
A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrowes:
An internal journey that see both Sarah and Thad escaping a path of manipulation and machination which will ultimately force them to join forces to forge a new fullfilling and happy future together.
A tale fueled by tenderly honest revelations, heated intimacy and well fleshed out characters.
Thad and Sarah's paths cross, misperceptions will morph into understanding whilst intense connection and heated desire will force them to reassess and discover who they truly are and what they ultimately need to be happy.
The chemistry and shift from trusted confidant to lovers is so sweetly charming in its tenderness that it mades the new found assertiveness and confidence they find so much more potent and compelling enough to hold your attention as you wish to champion their happily ever after.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed each tale, some admittedly burrowed emotionally deeper than others, but each held such intriguing characters, many of which made a cameo appearance in more than one of the tales, but all allowed me to eagerly anticipate my next chance to indulge in a two hour, bite sized slice, of heartening escapism!
- Betty LouReviewed in Canada on November 9, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars So much fun
Well written stories. This book has made me an anthology fan. Intrigue, adventure & happily ever afters
- Bree YardleyReviewed in Australia on June 28, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars The Belles do it Again!
An anthology from the Bluestocking Belles is always an auto-purchase for me, and I've never been disappointed. This one takes place in the little village of Fenwick on Sea during and after an enormous storm. We have survivors of shipwreck, travellers who can't travel because the roads are washed away, runaways, and all stories entwine and enmesh beautifully. Of course, they all end happily, romantically and without disgrace. I only noticed one continuity error that pulled me out of the story a little, I challenge you to read & find it!!
- MommyHannibalReviewed in Germany on April 27, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely collection - perfect for culring up in the evening
The Stories by Grace Burrowes, Caroline Warfield, Jude Knight and Sherry Ewing were excellent as usual. I have yet to read something from them that I have not enjoyed in one way or the other. The other authors were not as familiar to me but I was pleasently surprised by all of them, especially Mary Lancaster (right now, I am reading all her available books).
The overarching story was believably included in all stories and quite interesitng to see from different perspectives. The preluding snippets from the gossip collum were always a nice teaser to the following story - well done!
I would love to visit Fenwick on Sea in another Collection again if possible.
Can highly recommend for anyone in search of heartwarming lovestories, wistful reminiscences of vacations at the beach and/or a fairly short read with gratifying happy ends :)
- Janine TaylorReviewed in Australia on April 26, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars Generally enjoyable!
Most of the stories are quite short, some are better developed than others but on the whole, good escapism with satisfying HEA. I will certainly look at books by some of these authors for future reading.