Maid in the Stars Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

She loves gazing at the stars and never expected to fall in love. 

Lilith Bradley wasn’t born to the serving class, but with her father’s death, she finds herself in the position of scullery maid on Earl Norwood’s country estate. Hard work isn’t supposed to lead to love, but a handsome man and stargazing turn into an emotional disaster as she can’t stop thinking about him while she scrubs dirty floors and empties chamber pots. 

Nate Richardson is a lover of science and dreams of joining the Royal Astronomical Society to work alongside the greatest minds in the field. Everything changes when he meets a guarded and mysterious lady who refuses his courtship and discussion of anything personal. When he realizes she doesn’t care about his wealth and is only there for stargazing, he finds his scientific goals no longer matter. He must win her heart. 

Lilith and Nate discover nothing in life is simple, especially when it involves family and societal expectations. However, following one’s heart shouldn’t lead to pain, especially if the relationship is made in the stars.

REVIEW

Maid in the Stars shares a sweet romance between two star crossed lovers who also happen to love the stars and a secondary story that felt like a retelling of the Frog Prince. I love the intertwining stories, characters and how it all comes together. The story was well told and was an entertaining page-turner. The characters felt well-rounded and likable. I felt like it was well-written and developed, and I especially liked the message of forgiveness and second-chances. This story has a lot to offer to the reader. If you enjoy Regency romances, I suggest checking it out. To learn more about the Maid in the Stars, click here. 

Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links that help support this blog.

The Explorer's Daughter Review

About the Book 

When Adeline Dawson arrives at Fairstone Hall, her past is enshrouded in mystery. She comes as if she's running from something, with nolady's maid and little to carry. The only thing of importance she brings with her is an invitation - because the residents of Fairstone Hall are technically family. 

William Wakefield is the young, brooding earl who resides at the grand manor. He knows Adeline only as his recent sister-in-law, but has never laid eyes on her until she came to his home. After less than amiable first impressions, the two seem unlikely to be friends. But as William observes her, he sees her kindness, resilience, and an invisible burden she carries. He becomes determined to overcome his broody demeanor to to help her if he can - but could never predict that his heart would be at risk. 

Della is equally determined to protect herself - and her secret. But as she races the clock to save the things she loves most, she fights an unexpected battle between love and loyalty. Things begin to spiral out of control, and she begins to doubt both herself and her ability to choose what's right. 

As the mystery of Fairstone Hall unravels, the truth seeps into the light: one of love and burdens that surround the standoffish earl and the explorer's daughter. 

The Explorer's Daughter is a clean regency romance and mystery. It is a standalone novel and Book 1 in The Reluctant Heirs series.

Review

The Explorer's Daughter easily captures my attention with the first few pages. The story is easy to read and an entertaining read. I did expect more of a reaction from characters when societal norms for the time period were pushed aside. The mystery was intriguing and I liked the build-up, but I was still left with several questions at the end that were never answered. I liked the twists and turns and the storytelling in this novel. The author does a good job with the flow of the story and the pacing was just right. The romance was sweet, clean and wholesome. To learn more about The Explorer's Daughter, click here. (Please note that the ebook is really inexpensive right now on Amazon.)

Please note that I received a free copy of this book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links that help support the maintenance of this blog.

Heart of the Frontier: A Western Romance Collection Review

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Gamble by Brittany Larsen 

British aristocrat Thomas Clayborne anticipated a grand adventure in America—but what he imagined is a far cry from the rough-and-tumble reality. When his journey West brings a bold young woman into his life, will he risk everything for true love? 

Her Frontier Bandit by Jen Geigle Johnson

When Rebecca and her physician father relocate to a frontier town in desperate need of a doctor, Rebecca believes it will be an opportunity to mend her recently broken heart. But she quickly realizes that no matter how far she runs, true love always finds a way. 

Sagebrush Sally by Jennie Hansen 

English rose Sally is finding it difficult to bloom in the rugged wasteland of the West. But with two handsome cowboys vying for her affections, it seems that even amid cattle thieves and gunfights, the truest danger lies in losing her heart. 

Celebration for Celia by Carolyn Twede Frank 

Though Celia generally adores Fourth of July festivities, she finds herself weighed down by uncertainties that dim her anticipation of the holiday. Then fate brings into her life a dashing stranger who is determined to give Celia a celebration she’ll never forget.

REVIEW

Heart of the Frontier shares four different western romance novellas set in the time of the Wild West. The stories are each unique, engaging and fit the western theme from bandits to cattle ranchers to pioneer fronts. 

The Gamble shares how a young woman's life changes and how she tries to help a British aristocrat from a cattle rancher's Ponzi-scheme. This novella was really interesting and I wished there was more background information in the back of the book on how the author came up with the idea and if there was any historical context. It was very different and I liked the boldness in the characters and in the story.  

Her Frontier Bandit has a mystery for the main character to discover. The story's suspense turned this into quite the page turner. It was well written and the characters seemed to come alive in the story.

Sagebrush Sally gave me several misdirects as a reader. I felt like the author did a good job in a short amount of time to provide a plot twisting, suspenseful story with exciting action scenes. 

Celebration for Celia is a sweet story on second chances and doing something for others. 

Although each of these stories are different, I found them to be diverting and captivating reads. To find out more about Heart of the Frontier, click here.

Please note that I received a free book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post also contains affiliate links that help support the maintenance of this blog.