Customer Comments

Heartwrenching and beautiful, this story touched on so many emotions. Parallel stories in post-Civil War south and a young teacher in the 80s.  We follow three young women looking for family and property deeds and legal papers. During the search, they find themselves in danger and not knowing whom to trust. Along the way, they discover "Lost Friends" posts in papers and document many former enslaved people searching for family. Finding family and uncovering truths leads to many secrets. A young teacher, thrust into a classroom where children segregate themselves by class and color, tries to find a way to engage them with limited resources, children forgotten with lack of funding. Her project to get the children interested in their community, the past, and history, stirs up the surrounding area. What they uncover will forever change many and connect the dots to a part of history some would prefer to ignore. Hannie and Benny show us history cannot be swept away. This book serves to open eyes, hearts, and minds with understanding while educating us on a forgotten history in our country. May the stories not be forgotten, the names not left unuttered. **received an ARC from the publisher** 

Ella works as a matchmaker, but her first loves outside of family were acting and Hank. Till Hank broke her heart. Ten years later, he walks back into her life, but is she willing to put her heart out there again? Hank knows he hurt Ella, but until he sees her again, he doesn't realize how much, and what it will take to regain her trust in order to earn her love again. As Ella works as an extra on Hank's film, she finds away to open her heart...a recurring phrase in the story is "let go and let love." Both characters have to find a way to let go and let love. Let go of the past, and hurts, let their love for one another rise to the top. The added cast of characters from the matchmaking service, Hank's cousin, the Nonnas and Ella's Italian family all play a role in helping these two open up and find love--and it's infectious as love abounds in the story. A wonderful way to end this beloved series. Fabulous story I recommend! Remember to "Let go and let love!" **Received an ARC from netgalley

Lorelei's keen eye saves Ash's life, though he has no memory of his past. Torn apart in young love by duplicity, Ash vows to come back for her--the memory of her sustains him. After many years, he returns to save her, and he leaves a gruesome wake behind him. "Kidnapping" her to his ship, he's an infamous pirate known as the Rook. Still unable to remember his past, Lorelei is unwilling to just be his wife. He must earn her trust and forgiveness to reclaim her love. As they pursue a treasure, more truths arise, his memory comes crashing back, and the revelations are amazing. Danger still lurks, and as their passion is rekindled, they face even more challenges which threatens their lives. Foes are allies and allies are foes...but the one thing which can bring them salvation is their love for one another in the fight to live. A passionate romance with twists you will love. I highly recommend. **Received an ARC from netgalley

Rachel has done all she can for her orphaned infant nephew, but she needs help from his father's family. After being ignored, she takes desperate measures, but Giovanni is not amused and turns the tables on her and calls her bluff. Strong personalities at war and passions ignite. Gio's solution: a marriage. But Rachel has always wanted to marry for love--she's torn between her wants versus the needs of the young child. Gio is a driven businessman and seems to lack romantic emotion. Somehow, they must find common ground while accepting the truth of their siblings, and somewhere along the way, they might even find love--if each can learn to give a little. This romance is full of fiery desire and just what's needed on a cold winter's night!

If you love your romance with a twist on a fairy tale, this has all the feels: a "fairy godmother," a pair of shoes, a prick from a spinning wheel, a little bit of mystery, and a love meant to be. Aurora was caught in a compromising position and sent to live with her aunt in the north of England. Content to live her life as a spinster until one day an elegant lady calls her home to help her sister, solve a blackmail within her family, and gives her a pair of shoes to help. In her search to find the blackmailer, she finds herself a lady's maid to a man from her past--a cold-hearted man who barely talked to her when she was in her Season. Thrown together in the search, there's an attraction, but to marry her, he would not be able pay all of the debts his father left after death. They uncover a lot of truths, and have to find a way to each other's hearts, and only a short time to do it. A slow-burn romance with a fabled love! **received an ARC from Netgalley**

This is an emotionally charged and wonderfully written story. Nick doesn't know how to love, but he has always felt protective toward his best friend's sister-in-law. He is honor and duty-bound to keep her out of trouble and when rewarded with a kiss, it sparks a desire he won't allow himself to act upon. Emma is an independent woman in a world where it's frowned upon. She'd rather stay a spinster than be forced into a marriage without love. Racked with guilt for not being able to save the life of her best friend, she's bound and determined to seek justice for her. Endangering her own life and risking compromise, she collects evidence, finds witnesses, and even uses subterfuge to leave town in her pursuit. Nick follows her to save her from overstepping and possibly causing harm to herself. He believes her, but he won't let her risk her reputation. When caught in comprising situation, Nick is willing to do what's right, but she doesn't want to be forced into a loveless marriage--neither one will reveal their feelings for each other. Still, they are married, and Nick supports her independence and helps her set up a business to help women. But they each have secrets not shared with one another and it threatens to divide their marriage. They must learn to open their hearts fully, divulge the deepest hurts hidden, and trust each other for the marriage to work. Will the passion they have for each other break through barriers and lead to forgiveness? This slow-burn romance is full of twists, a bit of mystery, and love. The best kind of happily ever after!

Meg has been crushing on Hart for years, if only she had a dowry...and he wasn't her best friend's brother. Hart is looking for a wife, but his family demands one with a marriage portion. Friends try matchmaking, but Meg wants a marriage of love, if possible, if not she'll settle for someone who will take her for her title and without means to avoid going to the Continent. Hart and Meg keep finding themselves in compromising situations, but they manage to escape with no one the wiser...until one night alone in a garden and caught together in the dark. A hasty marriage ensues. Can this marriage survive a misunderstanding, will Meg and Hart admit their feelings and affection for each other before it's too late? This star-crossed pair must decide to avoid the paths of their parents' horrible marriages to find a forever love. A wonderfully woven tale! **received an ARC on Netgalley**

Loved this story: a matchmaker is set up help a crush from her past. She is reluctant but still duty-bound to her family's wishes for a favor. She devises a plan to help him find a wife in exchange for his help; he agrees knowing he'd rather be matched to her than another and hopes to change her mind. They devise a fake engagement in order to travel abroad. Between desire and peril, these two must decide whether or not to make a real engagement and plan for a future together. I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!

Lady Daphne is brilliant at math, inept with social skills, but still manages to charm Dalton, the Duke of Maitland. When her secret quest puts her in danger, the Duke becomes her protector and sleuth partner. As they search clues to find the Cameron Cipher, they discover a passion for each other, but misunderstandings threaten to thwart their happiness and burgeoning love. When Daphne is kidnapped, Dalton stops at nothing to save her. Another brilliant story in the Studies in Scandal series. I was provided a review copy through NetGalley

Loved this latest in the series! Rivers makes a wager he can transform Lucia into an actress. Losing his heart and thinking of the future was unexpected. They come from two different worlds and classes collide. Sometimes, fighting for love is worth giving of oneself, even if it risks family ties. Love the allusions to Shakespeare! Fabulous read I recommend!