Sunday, February 12, 2023

Romances from the past


The Reluctant Baronet
By Elizabeth W. Watkins
Publisher: Covenant Communications (March 7, 2023)
Language: English
Paperback: 192 pages
ISBN-10: 152441980X
ISBN-13: 978-1524419806
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

When faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scottish chemist Russell Parkinson finds himself thrust into a role he has never wanted: that of British aristocrat. Bearing his new title of baronet, Sir Russell circulates among the ton for the sole purpose of improving Society and saving lives. His plan is moving forward―but he did not anticipate meeting the charming Selina Clifton.

 

Selina is a survivor. She battled smallpox and won, her scarred beauty a testament to her strength. But she has no idea how she will survive what is now required of her. With her family’s estate in jeopardy, it is up to Selina to marry and produce an heir. She agrees to enter into a courtship with a gentleman deemed eligible but is less than smitten with him. When handsome new baronet Russell arrives in London, she is immediately swept up in their easy camaraderie. But as their feelings deepen, the complicated tangle of forbidden love that ensues will threaten friendships and futures―everything they’ve fought to protect.

 

My Thoughts:

Set in the very beginning of the time when science was able to provide vaccinations to prevent disease, this book deals with some of the issues we’re still dealing with today—people who don’t trust the science, with deadly and disfiguring consequences. I received a smallpox inoculation when I was almost 9, in preparation for a trip to England. I had a severe reaction to it. But smallpox is now nearly eradicated from the planet. It’s worth it.

 

Off my soapbox, back to the book. I enjoyed the idea of the “reluctant baronet,” who accepted the title only because it would give him a platform to continue advances in providing healthcare to the common people of the country. He is frustrated by the rules of society, and has not real intention to court anyone—he’s too busy with his medical practice.

 

Selina carries the scars from her experience with smallpox; her father stopped her from being fully inoculated, though she did have some protection. Her father has chosen her a potential suitor, whom she finds to be rather ridiculous. There’s a reason for that! There is a subplot with Mr. Hallett and his brother that is a bit of a mystery, and which is resolved in an interesting way.

 

I particularly enjoyed seeing Selina with her two best friends, both of whom are as strong and independent as they can be for the time, and both of whom are still available after more than one season “on the market”.

 

Seeing all of the characters stories intertwine is particularly fun, and I like that, while the story belongs to Selina and Russell, their friends get some attention as well.

I really enjoyed that this wasn’t a straight romance, but had the bit of intrigue to it as well. I would definitely read more from this author.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

A little bit of sneaking around. The practice of bleeding, with leeches (ew!). Near poisoning. Talk of illness and vaccination. A duel. A character is very ill; it is hinted that he has a sexually transmitted disease. He is violent and makes threats.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like romance, a little bit of intrigue, and a little bit of medicine.

 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 


The Sheriffs of Savage Wells
Savage Wells #1
By Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (September 27, 2016)
Language: English
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1629722197
ISBN-13: 978-1629722191
Reading age: 16 years and up
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.


Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.


Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.

 My Thoughts:

This book makes me want to break into the song “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better” from Annie Get Your Gun. It’s a classic battle of the sexes. Paisley really needs this job in order to support herself and her father, who is slipping into dementia. But…she’s a woman. And wears dresses. Even though she is the best shot around.

 Cade doesn’t need the job the way Paisley does, but he’s ready to settle into a peaceful town and stop constantly watching his back and fighting the worst bad guys. But, while he’d like to settle in, he’s not thinking of settling down.

 But Cade can’t help at least respecting Paisley for her skills—both at handling the colorful townspeople and at being a trial sheriff.

 When they discover a plot to rob the bank—and suspect that Paisley’s former beau is involved—it’s time to get serious. Cade’s friend, US Marshal Hawk, might have the solution—for the bank robbery and for who should be sheriff in Savage Wells.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Crime, lots of guns and shooting. As mentioned, Paisley’s father is in the early stages of dementia. Some minor deceptions. A character has what we would call PTSD from his service in the Civil War.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like books set in the West during the Westward Expansion. Those who enjoy towns with quirky characters. Fans of strong female characters who aren’t defined by their gender.

 

 

Healing Hearts
Savage Wells #2
By Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (February 5, 2019)
Language: English
Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1629724580
ISBN-13: 978-1629724584
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her.

 

But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara's message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople. But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.

 

I enjoyed this story. The side characters are well-developed, and it’s a town full of interesting people. There are a few minor characters that drift into cardboard cutout territory, but not to the degree that it lessened my enjoyment of the story.

 

My Thoughts:

This second of the series still has plenty of Paisley and Cade, but the focus is now on Dr. MacNamara and new character Miriam. Miriam is fleeing west because of some serious issues in her past, which are gradually revealed as the story progresses. Gideon is tired of being alone, and plans to marry, via a mail-order bride service. He asks for a woman who is a nurse, figuring that even if it’s not a love match, at least she’ll understand the demands of his job. But Miriam wasn’t told about the marrying part. Imagine her shock when, on her arrival in town, she’s taken straight to her wedding! Of course, the townspeople are not very pleased with her when she rejects their beloved doctor.

 

However, Gideon still needs a nurse, and he reluctantly hires Miriam to fill that role, even though she won’t be his wife. She turns out to be very capable at her job, and eventually townspeople warm up to her.

 

Even when Gideon learns her secret, he respects Miriam’s strength and intelligence. But when someone from her past arrives in town, ready to bring her back, they both have to face their feelings for each other.

 

I think this is my favorite of the three books in this series so far. I just really appreciated Miriam’s character and her desire to be seen past her hidden disability. As in the previous book, the townspeople are an interesting cast of characters. It’s always nice in series like this to see all the characters continue to develop.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Descriptions of injuries and medical treatments. A little violence. An overbearing parent. One character has dementia, another has PTSD.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like books set in the West during the Westward Expansion. Those who enjoy towns with quirky characters. Fans of strong female characters who remain compassionate, even in adversity.

 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

 

Wyoming Wild
Savage Wells #3
By Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (March 7, 2023)
Language: English
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1639930922
ISBN-13: 978-1639930920
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

 

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in her fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at in intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

 

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of this lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town.

 My Thoughts:

This third installment about the people of Savage Wells brings us the story of Marshal Hawk, who is certain he will never marry. After all, his job is quite dangerous. But he can’t help but admire Liesel and her fortitude in fighting he corruption in her town—corruption led by her father.

 Liesel really liked Hawk’s cover identity. Too bad he turned out to be deceiving her. And he’s a lawman—someone she inherently doesn’t trust, due to her father’s corruption.

 Naturally, they have to work together to solve the problem. And Liesel’s continued bravery and compassion can’t help but make an impact on Hawk. And his strong drive for justice impresses her. Will those be enough when Liesel is constantly being asked to put her life on the line?

 It was nice to see Hawk, who has been a relatively minor character until now, get his moment. And Liesel is a worthy partner for him.

 It is also good to see the continuing development of the relationships of Cade and Paisley, and Gideon and Miriam. Sadly, Paisley’s father continues to deteriorate, and there are some sad scenes there.

 I’m hoping the next installment in this series will feature Andrew, the shy and damaged former Civil War soldier.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Domestic violence, corruption, greed, danger.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like books set in the West during the Westward Expansion. Those who enjoy towns with quirky characters. Fans of strong female characters who aren’t defined by their gender.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 


The Sergeant and the Girl Next Door
By Laura Rupper
Publisher: Covenant Communications; First edition (April 4, 2023)
Paperback: 248 pages
ISBN-10: 1524421162
ISBN-13: 978-1524421168
 

Publisher’s Blurb:

World War II may be over, but Sergeant Davis Wilson feels no peace. Burdened by the loss of his best friend, Patrick, Davis has returned to his small town determined to make sure his friend’s mother and little sister are cared for. But the fiery young woman who greets him isn’t the “little sister” he remembers.

Faith Penwilliger lost both her brother and father during the war and had to grow up fast. The last four years molded her into a strong woman who runs the family business, cares for her widowed mother, and loves going out dancing with her boyfriend, Freddy. And she doesn’t need anyone else in her life, especially not Davis―the boy she idolized until the night he enlisted and the subsequent humiliating argument she had with him that she would rather forget.

Davis is puzzled and frustrated by the new version of Faith. Even more disconcerting are the unexpected feelings he’s developing for the girl next door. As Faith plots revenge and shows Davis what it feels like to be meddled with, it doesn’t take long for the line between love and dislike to blur. Now only the truth of the past can unlock the possibility of building a future together.

 My Thoughts:

It’s nice to see a historical romance that’s set in the 20th century.

 Faith has been forced to grow up fast, as her father died shortly after learning of the death of her brother in WWII, leaving Faith and her mother with a business to run. Faith had to sacrifice her dream of college in order to support her mother. She has also had to deal with people who believe she isn’t capable of running a business—she’s a woman, and a young one at that. The one indulgence she has is her dance dates with Freddy. She knows he’s not perfect, and doesn’t think of the relationship as serious, but it’s comfortable.

 Davis returns home to his attorney father’s expectation that he’ll go to law school. But Davis would much rather work with his hands. His experiences during the war have left him with a couple of problems—smoking, and nightmares. He’d like to make up with Faith for an argument they had the night before he and her brother left to join the Army, but she’s not having it. She blames him for her brother’s death, saying that her brother, a promising musician, would never have joined up if it hadn’t been for Davis.

 The author does a good job of presenting post-war life and the struggles faced both by those who stayed behind and those who went and served. I really didn’t like Freddy, but I don’t think I was meant to.

 What I did like is the way the relationship between Davis and Faith develops. Once they decide they like each other—independently, after annoying the heck out of each other and some really awesome scheming on Faith’s part—the road doesn’t suddenly become easy. They both have baggage to deal with, and it’s that journey that makes things particularly satisfying.

 Of course, being the swing dancer that I am, I also loved the references to the great old standards of the time!

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Drinking, smoking, possible domestic violence, divorce. Mention of war and its effects on those who served.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like the WWII era. If you like watching someone figure out who they are and what they want, this is a good choice.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

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