I adore this time period (as long as I don't have to live in it) and
marriage-of-convenience stories, so I've been looking forward to this
publisher's new release. Read my thoughts and enter the giveaway below...
marriage-of-convenience stories, so I've been looking forward to this
publisher's new release. Read my thoughts and enter the giveaway below...
Unexpected Love:
A Marriage of Convenience Anthology
by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth & Ashtyn Newbold
by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth & Ashtyn Newbold
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
March 1st 2017 by Sweetwater Books
Summary
Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons--whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
Though decidedly against marriage, when Ambrose Notley discovers it may win him his uncle's good opinion (and his inheritance), he marries the orphaned Kate Mowbray. But will Kate be able to break down the walls that Ambrose has built around himself?
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
When Letty's sister and husband unexpectedly die, a greedy uncle threatens to steal custody of the children and their money. David, Letty's brother-in-law, marries Letty in the hopes of retaining custody of their niece and nephew. But will this love for show become something deeper?
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
When Faith McKinney witnesses a crime she shouldn't have seen, she's forced into hiding to protect her own life.As part of this, her uncle arranges her marriage to small-town sheriff Geoffrey. But when the men searching for her find Geoffrey as well, will he be able to protect her?
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
When a marriage arranged by chance brings Fanny and Percy together, they quickly learn that clashing personalities and battles of wit are not a recipe for a happy match. How could a marriage between quick enemies ever result in something such as love? But fate has a way of bringing even the most unlikely hearts together...
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My Review
UNEXPECTED LOVE was an enjoyable novella collection. It contained five stories that each revolved around a marriage of convenience in some way. Sweet and historical romance readers will find something to like here.
In the end, was it what I wished for? An overall sweet collection that I enjoyed reading. I would have like a little more development here and there and some of the endings worked through differently, but I still really liked reading this one. This can join the ranks of novella collections that leave a smile on my face.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman. I thought this was a really sweet story. I really liked the characters, including the meddling uncle. I really enjoyed the two main characters getting to know each other and the chemistry that develops between the two. 3.5 stars.
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser. This was an enjoyable story with a unique situation and one I've never read before, especially as it is set in historical New York. I really liked the characters and the romance was sweet. I would have liked a little more development in their relationship, but still a fun read. 3 stars.
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth. This story was probably one of my favorites from the collection. The humor (really sarcasm) and a few of the situations pulled a laugh right from me. I loved the heroine in all her self-depreciating humor and the way her and the hero interact from beginning to end. The only thing that felt slightly off was the ending being a little too unrealistic (I would have thought there would have been more people standing by to help out, realistically). Definitely a story I'd re-read. 4.5 stars.
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold. This story was another enjoyable one. I pretty much was all for it until the end when things just didn't quite work for me. I like characters and settings to be fairly consistent and I felt like the situation should have played out slightly differently. It was a little too manipulated and perfect. I did enjoy how these characters' relationship developed and quite a bit of the sparing. 3.5 stars.
In the end, was it what I wished for? An overall sweet collection that I enjoyed reading. I would have like a little more development here and there and some of the endings worked through differently, but I still really liked reading this one. This can join the ranks of novella collections that leave a smile on my face.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
About the Authors
Heather Chapman: Being the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, and the other staples of female literature and moviedom. These stories inspired Heather, and she began writing at a young age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and settled down in a small farming community with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and just about anything creative.
Mandi Ellsworth: Mandi is an avid reader, a slow jogger, and disinterested in board games of any kind. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children and no pets.
Paula Kremser: Paula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, “Sophia,” and second, “To Suit a Suitor.”
Ashtyn Newbold: Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family and is the author of “Mischief and Manors.”
Giveaway
1 ebook of Unexpected Love
Provided by the publisher
Open interntaionally
Ends April 13th
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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