Jen Geigle JohnsonCritiques

Witty banter and heart throbbing romance abound in this Regency novel! I really enjoyed the two main matchmaking characters and found their lively interactions to be entertaining. They are both facing financial situations that give their characters some realistic struggles, and they had sweet vulnerable moments woven among the humor to give the book some depth. Lord Featherstone’s sincere pursuit of Lady Loveluck is truly endearing. I found a few plot points a bit confusing and the story jumped around too much, especially with the secondary characters, but I did enjoy the novel overall. I think perhaps this first book was setting us up for future novels. I love Regency novels and this book has all the history, balls, gowns, and manors of that time period well described and incorporated. I wish the ending hadn’t been quite so rushed, but I’m hoping we read more of these two in the next book. For those who love Regency novels, give this one a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A male matchmaker? Absolutely! In this charming Regency tale, Lord Featherstone and Lady Loveluck match wits in a type of matchmaker showdown. Both are struggling to keep their estates afloat. Lord Featherstone has several younger brothers he needs to provide for. Lady Loveluck’s husband left her with terrible debts when he died. Both entertain clients via word of mouth to help them find matches by teaching them proper ways to dress, speak, and even smell. But, what happens when the matchmakers fall for each other?

This was such a fun read! This is perhaps Jen Geigle Johnson’s wittiest book that I’ve read. The banter between Lord Featherstone & Lady Loveluck was delightful. I enjoyed every time they were together and their determination not to be attracted to each other. Both have so much to lose and can’t risk falling in love with someone who is equally financially strained. But, the pull is just too great. I loved how not one but two of Lord Featherstone’s clients fall for Lady Loveluck. How frustrating for the man when they want advice from him on how to woo her!

Lady Loveluck is a sympathetic character. She’s learned not to trust her heart or flirtatious men for that matter. It’s hard for her to believe that Lord Featherstone is real. But, the more time she spends with him, she sees his sterling character shining through. Along with their witty banter, I loved their walks, the slow build romance, the house party, croquet, Charles’ singing, and the stormy rescue.

I also became invested in the secondary romance between the clients. Miss Anna was so sweet, and while I didn’t like Mr. Hartsworth, I did like how he finally came around. I also can’t wait to find out what happens to Lord Featherstone’s brothers and the widow society.

A sweet, fun, witty romance, Regency fans will enjoy! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.½

What an absolutely enchanting way to begin an anthology! I adore stories where the main characters have already established a strong bond, as friendship is the perfect foundation to love.

I instantly connected with Lottie, as kindred spirits we are, and Denny I immediately fell in love with, “a regular entertainer” which is right up my alley. Plus, his knowledge and passion of horse breeding shines through so how could I not be smitten? The friendly and familiar banter between Denny and Lottie is refreshing, especially with most novels in this era being very stiff, and Grace is hands down the cherry on the trio.

The ending was positively swoon-worthy, and I loved that the villain of this tale got what he deserved! Very strong start to this anthology.

I was pleased that the more relaxed regency vibe continued with Letters to a Wallflower. The banter between Ellen and Dinah is immensely pleasing. It is so refreshing to see a spinster that is perfectly content with her lot in life, instead of the wayward and wishing woman that is so often featured in regency reads.

The spice of friendly wagers abound with several of the characters, giving the story a nice edge, and showing that sometimes stubborn individuals need a challenge to push them in the right direction.

In true Heather B. Moore fashion, the flow is perfection, and the overall story went by way too fast! All the characters are endearing, the plot is engaging, and honestly I could’ve seen this being a full length novel. I loved it so much!

There is quite a bit of deception going on in To Marry a Wallflower, but the trickery only makes for one interesting and entertaining read! Luke and Charlotte both find themselves in unique situations that end up with them being in an arranged marriage. The problem is they don’t know one another, and each is fearful of their unknown intended, so they decide to separately play sleuth to garner information, and end up coming together without either of them knowing who the other is. It’s such a charming premise that had me falling in love right along with them both!

There is a bit of letter writing between the pair that was so sweet to me. It took me back to a simpler time, when I would right long notes to my beloved about anything and everything. It is an art that I wish was more prevalent in our day and age, and I enjoyed getting lost in the nostalgia.

This was a strong ending to a wonderful anthology that I immensely enjoyed.

Reading A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson gave me a calm respite from life. It’s the type of sweet romance novel that makes me root for the characters without feeling desperate to gobble up their story. It’s relaxed and fun and pleasant. In other words, it’s a classic Jen Geigle Johnson novel.

I liked that A Tenuous Betrothal held story tension without the main characters acting as adversaries. Rhianna’s natural leadership skills give her the necessary stubbornness and strength she needs to do good for her hometown. Marc is a born leader with a bent for protecting others, but these two characters partner together throughout the novel. Whether it’s finding a spouse or bettering the lives of others, Marc and Rhianna respect each other and willingly support the other’s goals. Although their romance felt a tad angsty as they rehashed their reasons to not be together, Rhianna’s uniqueness, plus the strong partnership between her and Marc, kept me turning pages until I finished this agreeable story.

A Tenuous Betrothal lands as book three in Jen Geigle Johnson’s Royal Regency Romance series. I read book one, but not book two, and A Tenuous Betrothal worked fine as a standalone story. Though the events involving Napoleon and France take a backseat to the characters’ relationships, that background setting does carry over from book to book. I suggest reading the novels in sequence to see how these six royal brothers navigate political happenings and personal romances.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

“Marc was just plain ridiculous. And if he wasn’t going to see what was plain to everyone else, then she wasn’t going to try to make him.”

What happens when a father’s wish beyond the grave changes the life of a newly orphaned Welsh beauty forever? Rhianna Davies has gone from being the daughter of a wealthy Welsh mine owner to living in a cold barren cottage on her father’s estate while her greedy uncle has taken over her property and mines. When she’s summoned by her uncle to her former home, she learns her father left a provision in his will for her to marry a handsome prince from Oldenburg. But, when neither Rhianna nor Prince Marc are disposed to marry a virtual stranger, they decide to strike a bargain to still honor their fathers’ wishes but marry whom and when they want. As love begins to bloom though, Prince Marc is still determined not to wed. Will he give in to his feelings or will he maintain his stubborn nobility and duty?

Jen Geigle Johnson knows how to write characters who evoke strong emotions. While I was reading this, there were times when I loved Prince Marc and then wanted to shake him! He’s every bit the handsome prince with integrity and passion, but his desire to protect his family’s kingdom virtually by himself frustrated me to no end. It’s so obvious he’s in love with Rhi, but he doesn’t want to put her in danger.

I absolutely loved Rhi! She’s daring, bold, smart, strong, and extremely patient. She also has a kind heart which at times gets trampled upon. She cares deeply about her people who work the mines and is willing to do what it takes to ensure their safety. She doesn’t hesitate to risk her life for others. She’s also extremely forgiving when it comes to Marc and his mercurial personality.

I also loved the other princes of Oldenburg as well as the king and queen. The princes who attempt to woo Rhi are so fun and I have to admit there were times I wanted her to choose one of them. I look forward to reading more of their stories.

There’s plenty of action and adventure as well as swoony romance. Despite my frustration with Prince Marc, circumstances lead him to question his beliefs and I was so happy with the way things turned out. It’s definitely an action packed story that takes the reader on a journey from Wales to England to Oldenburg and deals with treacheries from Napoleon sympathizers.

Though this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone! I hadn’t read the previous books, but now look forward to going back and reading them. I recommend this to fans of Regency and historical clean romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

What a fabulous anthology! I loved the premise of a wallflower finding love. Each story was so well written and just when I thought I’d found a favorite, I’d read the next story and fall in love with it. These authors are all fabulous and to have them all in one collection was fantastic!

The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson is a best friends to lovers trope with swoony romance and a bit of intrigue. Lottie is happiest when she has a good book or is spending time with her best friend Denny. She tends to be shy and tongue tied around others, but with Denny she can be herself. When she suddenly receives an unexpected inheritance, men who wouldn’t look at her twice, suddenly are interested. The two friends start seeing each other in a new light, but one man is determined to woo Lottie away from Denny.

I enjoyed the friendship between Denny and Lottie. It was so fun seeing their relationship turn from friends to more. The other suitors give Denny some definite competition though and cause for concern. I loved the scene where he visits Lottie late at night and they talk in the kitchen.

Letters to a Wallflower by Heather B. Moore is a delightful tale of mistaken identity and a fake relationship. Miss Ellen Young is a beautiful diamond of the first water, however rather than seek a suitor, she’d prefer tending her flower garden. She disguises herself as a wallflower in order to win a bet for some prized rose cuttings. Lord Aaron Ravenshire’s mother is determined to have him wed. She encourages him to look to the wallflowers because one of them would easily accept him. He decides to take her advice and meets Ellen. As the two talk, it’s clear they enjoy each other’s company. To appease their mothers, they agree to pose as a courting couple, exchanging letters while Aaron returns to his estate to take care of his sheep.

I loved this story! The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The dialogue was so good and the premise kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I liked the letters they exchanged and the way their fake relationship turned into something more. I loved the scene where she sees the baby lambs for the first time and of course the library scene. The epilogue is so good!

To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker takes marriage of convenience and turns it on its head with double mistaken identity. Charlotte Winters is on the verge of spinsterhood. When she turns down a marriage proposal, she’s dubbed a flirt and her name is dragged through the mud. Lord Luke Templeton is looking for a wife. He’s lonely without any close relatives and both parents deceased. When his friend Mr. Winters tells him about his daughter’s plight, Luke decides to offer a betrothal. He’s never met Charlotte, but believes he could make a marriage of convenience work. Charlotte is not at all happy with this arrangement and decides to observe Lord Templeton from afar before introducing herself. Confusion ensues when Lord Templeton meets Charlotte and doesn’t properly introduce himself. She thinks he’s Lord Templeton’s friend and she introduces herself as a fictional cousin Miss Lambe. As these two exchange letters and meetings as a way of helping their fiction “friends” they begin to fall in love with each other. But, what happens when both must reveal their true identities?

This story was so much fun! There’s romance, witty dialogue, and humor as these two try to reconcile their hidden identities with the truth. It’s such a great story and one I’ve never read before. I loved the scene in the rain and those endearing little touches like Charlotte’s fans, and Luke talking to his horse. There’s just so many things to love about this story.

Highly recommend this anthology! Fans of regency romance will love it. Each story is amazing and completely satisfying, yet could easily be read in a day. I received a complimentary copy from the authors. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

One of my favorite genres is Regency romance, so I jumped at the chance to read To Kiss a Wallflower by some of my favorite authors. I’m also glad when so-called wallflowers get a chance to shine and have a happy ending, so it was a fun read for me. This Timeless Regency Collection is a charming anthology of delightful stories. They are well-written and feature engaging characters.

The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson has Lottie and her friend Denny in a friends-to-more trope with Denny attempting to help Lottie be more comfortable in social settings. I enjoyed their camaraderie and the way Denny is protective and caring with Lottie.

Heather B. Moore’s story, Letters to a Wallflower, stars Ellen and Aaron each making bets with others which ends up with them intrigued by each other. Both of them would prefer being in the country away from the London social scene. As they pretend to court by writing letters to each other, their feelings begin to develop.

The last tale, To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker, is an arranged marriage trope which evolves into a concealed/mistaken identity situation. As they concoct a scheme together to find out more about the persons they are about to marry, some amusing scenes occur.

Because the stories are novellas, they are a perfect length to finish in one sitting. They are all fairly predictable but also charming and satisfying. I would recommend this collection to those who enjoy clean and wholesome Regency tales.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Loved this final book in the Lords for the Sisters of Sussex series! It’s a great conclusion to an amazing series. It’s also the launching story for a new series that I can’t wait to read. Jen Geigle Johnson is definitely a favorite author and I enjoy the way she’s able to create swoony clean romance with plenty of heat. This story is a unique take on the arranged marriage trope.

Grace is the youngest Standish sister and tired of always being the third wheel. Her sisters all made successful matches, but she doubts her judgment where men are concerned after escaping near disaster with a previous suitor. She’s convinced her eldest sister June and her brother-in-law will find the perfect match for her. She’s leaving it to logic rather than her heart. Though attracted to the local vicar, when his older brothers come at her brother-in-law’s invitation, Grace doesn’t know whether to trust her family or her heart.

Oliver dubbed the Handsome Vicar is attracted to Grace and wants nothing more than for her to see him as more than her spiritual advisor. He tries to show Grace that he’s a man as well as a vicar. When his brothers arrive for the season in Brighton and his eldest brother is vying for Grace’s hand as well, Oliver pulls out all the stops to show her that he’s the best choice. When an unexpected illness hits the town, will he be able to convince Grace of his love before it’s too late?

Loved Oliver! He definitely earns the Handsome Vicar title. He’s not only thoughtful and caring, but debonair and flirtatious. That first waltz with Grace was amazing! I loved how he respected Grace and tried not to cloud her judgement too much. His eldest brother Charles is a delightful flirt and an expert at making matches himself. While he gives Oliver a run for his money with Grace, it’s obvious that he has another agenda. I can’t wait to read his story!

I loved the way Grace finally gains enough confidence in herself and her love to make the best choice for her. I enjoyed watching her growth as the story progresses. It’s a fun, delightful romance with plenty of romantic moments. Thanks to the author for providing an advanced complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.½

The Foibles and Follies of Miss Grace is an entertaining Regency romance that kept me engaged until the very end. I loved watching the friendship that develops between Grace Standish and Oliver Stewart. Friendship that turns into a strong physical attraction, but there's also a Lord Featherstone in the picture. He's been handpicked by Grace's own family, so what will she decide?

This is the last book in the Lords for the Sisters of Sussex series, and author Jen Geigle Johnson ends it in a delightful way. If you enjoy historical Regency fiction and 'take-your-breath-away 'romance, you'll want to grab a copy of The Foibles and Follies of Miss Grace.

I received a complimentary digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Music, beautiful settings, and the Orient Express. What more could a reader ask for? How about great characters and a sweet romance? All of these are found in Song of Salzburg, and it is a great introduction to the writing style of Jen Geigle Johnson. Song of Salzburg tells of Freya Winter's passion for music, her exceptional talent, and her struggles to be taken seriously, because Freya's parents consider music to be a hobby, instead of a suitable vocation for a young woman in the 19th century. What follows is an intriguing adventure that follows Freya as she and a chance acquaintance travel back and forth between Paris and Salzburg on the Orient Express. Johnson's descriptions of the luxurious train, the beautiful fashions, and the soul-stirring music are vivid and stunning, and watching Freya and Erich Schumann explore their mutual love of music was a treat indeed!

As with all good stories, there are questions, obstacles, and a mystery surrounding Erich's true identity. There's also a special encounter with Edward, the Prince of Wales. If you enjoy historical fiction and sweet, clean romance, treat yourself to this captivating book!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Pining for Lord Lockhart by Jen Geigle Johnson offers up a sweet romance as Charity and Lockhart’s story unfolds. The short novel is aptly named as Charity and Lockhart spend much of the story pining for each other, tethered to the people and things that keep them apart. At times, the romance felt angsty and I wished for greater emotional maturity in the characters. However, both Charity and Lockhart achieve some character development as they endeavor to overcome the obstacles to their love.

Pining for Lord Lockhart by Jen Geigle Johnson stands as the fifth book in the Lords for the Sisters of Sussex series. It reads easily as a stand-alone even though Charity’s older sisters make short appearances. Although this is not my favorite installment in this series, readers following the Sussex sisters will likely want to read Charity’s story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

First, thank you to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book although it took a number of chapters in for the book to hold my attention. As much as I wanted to I couldn't get completely engaged with the four main characters as I usually do when I thoroughly enjoy a book. I am not sure why that is the case. The story moves forward at a good pace (I finished it in two days) so it held my attention after it took pace, but it was just a good read for me.

As others stated, perhaps I may have needed to read the previous book but I do think this was written well enough to stand on its own as the author does a good job of filling a new reader in with Molly's backstory.

A great balance of history of the women's suffrage movement and would still recommend.

The connection of widowhood that binds these stories together is collectively heartbreaking. Being a woman of divorce myself, and left with absolutely nothing, gave me even more sympathy for these widows, especially when you put their situation into context, as far as the time period, and how women had no rights back then.

I believe that's why I fell in love with Lady Joanna's character so much. Her advocacy and mission are commendable, and I love how she too is a leading player in each novella.

I adored each story in their own right, but I must admit out of the three, An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly was my favorite, thanks in part to the incredibly charming Lord Lyndham.

I have included brief reviews of each novella below if you would like my thoughts in more detail.

♡ An Heir to Spare by Rebecca Connolly

So cute!! I instantly fell in love with Anna, feeling her plight deep in my heart. Ned could not have been more amazing, their chemistry and flirting bringing a smile to my face. I truly wanted to see these two have the happily ever after they both so richly deserved. This story was endearing from beginning to end, and I enjoyed every moment.

♡ The Widow of Lavender Cottage by Jen Geigle Johnson

Another cute story!! Oliver is so incredibly charming, it's hard not to love him! I also admired how down to earth Lillian is! It's very rare, when reading Regency's, that you read about a lady of higher station being so pragmatic, helping the help, and taking charge of her own household. I loved the change from the normal Regency read - very refreshing! I could feel the chemistry instantly and loved all the scenes with Lillian and Oliver. Such a good story!

♡ A Promise Forgotten by Heather B. Moore

Long lost loves reunited again under grave circumstances is always a love that I cheer for! Both Charlotte and Brand made choices that changed the courses of their lives but still, their bond was so powerful that it brought them back together again. I adored watching Charlotte fight to get her mothers estate right again, the moments between Brant and baby Emily were absolutely precious, and who wouldn't love a friend like Thea! Such a sweet and heartwarming tale!

All in all, this was quite the enjoyable read and another magnificent addition to the wonderfully addictive Timeless Regency Collection.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.

Widows of Somerset is a collection of novellas set around a common theme of young widows in Victorian times in England left destitute by the death of their husbands. With a creative theme and elements that tie the three stories together, these stories were a delight to read. It was interesting to see the different takes on the subject that the three authors used. Lady Joanna connected the stories with her heart for helping and tutoring young widows navigate the waters of widowhood and prepare themselves for the future. I’d love to hear her story sometime. All of the stories by these three talented authors were enjoyable. The characters were colorful and engaging and fun to meet. This is a great addition to the Timeless Regency Collection series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness! A Foreign Crown was a fun book to read. I loved that the book was based primarily in the royal court before the Regency of Prince George became King. I was fascinated with the intrigue and the illness of King George III.

I really liked Lady Aribella. She was a down to earth lady and was kind to everyone, including the servants. She was put in a hard position as a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. But somehow, she remained an example of grace and integrity.

Prince Layton was also a man of honor. He worked hard to help his country and wrangle his way through the social structure of the Royal Court of England. I loved the banter and the attraction that he and Aribella shared. With the setting, they had to be careful to not cause some sort of scandal or political faux pas. It was interesting to see how they were able to circumvent expectations while remaining true to each other.

This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to see what Jen Geigle Johnson will come up with next!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.½

The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of my favourite novels, so of course I love to read spin-offs, and I've had Jen Geigle Johnson's gender flip retelling on my Amazon wishlist for AGES. The only snag was the price, which was ridiculously high for a 250 page e-book. The author even stepped in after I complained about the prohibitive cost on Instagram, but she couldn't find a solution, sadly. Anyway, the price finally dropped, and I have never clicked on 'Buy' so fast! But was Scarlet worth the wait?

Overall, I would say yes - with disclaimers! I love the idea of making the 'masked hero' a woman - although I would have gone with the 'Marguerite' character, as a French citizen, rather than making 'Percy' a wealthy English widow. And I was a bit disappointed that the Pimpernel's true identity was explained right from the start - I know that any readers familiar with the original novel will instinctively recognise the character's dual role, but calling the heroine 'Scarlet' and writing the first chapter from her perspective, wasn't half as much fun as Percy's foppish first scene coming straight after one of the Pimpernel's heroic rescues in France.

Scarlet Cavendish is the widow of a marquess, living on her nameless estate somewhere in England, while setting the (slightly anachronistic and definitely colour blind) fashion of the ton and charming the Prince of Wales. She is also the Pimpernel, leading her league of men on daring rescues in France. When she meets the charming and handsome Matteo Durand, the son of a nobleman and childhood friend of Eleonore Duplay, Roberspierre's common-law wife, Scarlet is smitten, instantly taking him home with her so they can sit around canoodling in the garden. Eleonore, who becomes a female Chauvelin, is incensed by this betrayal, but quickly recognises a way to follow Matteo to England and blackmail him into finding the Pimpernel for her. So far, so familiar.

I loved the ingenuity of the gender flip characters, although I'm not sure why Robespierre's wifelet would have the same diplomatic pull in London as a former ambassador and representative of the Republic, but unfortunately the greatest strength of the original Pimpernel novels for me is the characters, and Scarlet and Matteo are woefully lacking compared to Sir Percy and Marguerite. She is good in the role of the Pimpernel, disguising herself as a seamstress to meet F-Rev feminist icons like Claire Lacombe, actress turned revolutionary, while setting out to rescue Marie Antoinette (which even Percy balked at!), but the 'romance' between Scarlet and Matteo felt forced and slowed the story down. And the author seems to shy away from giving either character upper class backgrounds, despite writing Scarlet into the same echelon as Sir Percy - she married into English society, after her parents were killed in some sort of Spanish uprising, while Matteo is the son of a nobleman who allied himself with a carpenter's daughter while supporting the plight of the peasantry. So frustrating! At least the Baroness wrote Marguerite as an actress who stupidly denounced a noble family to get revenge for her brother - she's flawed, that's part of her charm! And why I think making the French half of the pairing into the Pimpernel would have been a more daring reversal.

Matteo is also dumber than a box of hair, blind to his wife's true identity because she's a woman - he finds her 'pimpernel' seal ring, like Marguerite does, but his first thought is 'how sweet that my wife loves flowers, I shall buy her some'. He finally comes to realise that she might in be in league with the Pimpernel, but needs the final connection spelling out for him after the action is over. He crosses paths with her in France, in various disguises, and she even saves his life, but nope, the Pimpernel can only be a man - although why a group of men would take orders from a woman in late eighteenth century England is never explained, so perhaps Matteo's ignorance is the most historically accurate!

The author acknowledges in the afterword that she has followed the original novel in places - complete with a paragraph taken directly from the text, which she bizarrely points out in a footnote - and 'may have been influenced by the film adaptations as well as the musical', but there are a couple of persnickety errors that even the Baroness would have avoided without the benefit of Wikipedia. Most obviously the Bastille, where Robsepierre bizarrely sets up office despite the building being famously torn down long before. I applaud the author's research into the female faces of the Revolution and the decoration of Carlton House, but I couldn't help getting distracted by incorrect use of titles, muddled servants roles and anachronistic dialogue too, which made some of the lighter chapters read like a Wodehousian spoof ('Ta ta, citizens!')

Short version - an interesting reversal of roles, but lacking the elegance and excitement of the original (which I now want to reread!)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson. Prince Layton and Lady Aribella suited each other and I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship and mutual admiration to a full-blown secret romance with plenty of chemistry. Both characters feel duty-bound to others and must make difficult, life-changing decisions. More character development would have been welcome, but Layton and Aribella enchanted me as they were. A Foreign Crown felt light and was so entertaining that I didn’t want to put it down.

A Foreign Crown commences Jen Geigle Johnson’s Royal Regency Romance series and I can’t wait for more!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

The Earl’s Winning Wager proves to be a sweet, light Regency romance that makes for delightful afternoon reading.

Lord Morley wins a game of cards and acquires a family’s worth of responsibilities. He aims to be a worthwhile guardian for the Standish sisters, yet the eldest Miss Standish hesitates to fully welcome his regard. In navigating the new situation, the story surrounding the pair unfolds with great entertainment.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in Jen Geigle Johnson’s second Lords for the Sisters of Sussex novel. Since the story is fairly low-stakes, the range of personalities and family dynamics make it fun and heartwarming to read—it is definitely one to check out if that is exactly what you are hoping to feel with a Regency romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.½

3.5 Stars

Jen Geigle Johnson once again throws a little twist into the Regency aristocratic romance. This time, there are five sisters with a royal bloodline and no livelihood other than the charity bestowed on them.

I enjoyed getting to know the sisters and their unique personalities. And I sincerely hope each of them gets her own story.

Overall, The Earl’s Winning Wager is a sweet, easy-paced romance without a lot of conflict, other than will they or won’t they get together. But sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of read I’m looking for.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Seventeen-year-old Lady Elizabeth refuses to allow her father to sell her into marriage with the odious Lord Pinweather. To save herself, she passes herself off as a housekeeper and sets sail for America. Along the way, she meets Lord Barton who sees through her disguise almost immediately. Will love grow between them despite the "class divide" that separates them, or will Lord Pinweather find her first?

What I liked about this story was the unique nature of where part of it happened. It was interesting to see the Regency Era set on a ship and in Philadelphia. I did like how real life people, Richard and Sarah Allen, were woven into the story.

But I just didn't like the rest of the story. I especially didn't like Liz. From the start she comes across as a headstrong and immature young woman, and she didn't grow much by the end. It seemed highly unlikely that anyone would hire her for a position that a mature woman would have taken on. I couldn't understand why Lord Barton fell in love with her.

There were other points in the story that were too much a stretch. Perhaps this author's style is just not for me.

I received a free copy through NetGalley and am reviewing of my one wish. All opinions expressed are my own.½

I escaped into a good book and loved it! There is so much stress happening in the world around us. Finding a good book that I could read without being distracted by the news or the fact that I had the privilege of staying home was a huge blessing. It was also nice to be reminded that somewhere out there (including fictional characters) someone is going through something hard. #flattenthecurve

Elizabeth Davenport is a remarkable character. The courage in adversity she shows is remarkable. I don't think I could have left a privileged home at 17 to escape marriage to a vile man. (Well, when I write it that way, maybe!) She voyages across the ocean to America to make her way as a housekeeper. She is young and untried but she is determined to make a life for herself on her own terms.

Fortune smiles upon her when she is sleeping in a jolly boat and that comes loose from its riggings and she finds herself alone at sea in a raging storm. Yes, fortune! That is when Lord Barton comes to her rescue and saves her. This is where the fun begins! I loved the friendship and respect that forms between them. There is attraction, but Lord Barton knows that it cannot last because of their "differences" in station.

This is a regency romance told on two continents. I fell in love with the story and the characters. The book holds romance and the desperate desire of a woman seeking escape from the future that her father planned for her. There is also the menace that Lord Pinweather holds, he is not willing to give up the prize that he has plotted and planned for.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.½

I was so captivated by His Lady in Hiding, by Jen Geigle Johnson. When I was almost halfway through the book I foolishly stopped to go to sleep. Every time I woke up my mind went to the book and what would happen next. It drew me in completely. Courage, inner strength, bravery, and goodness. These words describe the character of Lady Elizabeth well. She and each of the characters are so well-written. I loved the ending of this book. There were so many twists, so much change and unexpected occurrences. The love story was so sweet and enduring. Truly beautiful. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

His Lady in Hiding by Jen Geigle Johnson rates as a clean romance with a lovely strain of romantic tension that made me reluctant to put it down. I rooted for Liz and Lord Barton to get together as the obstacles to their relationship kept arising. Though there was limited character development, the story held my attention from beginning to end. I especially liked seeing the way the household (and later the community) rallied together to protect and care for Liz. The novel briefly touched on themes of advocating for others and loving one’s neighbor, but the spiritual content is pretty light.

His Lady in Hiding by Jen Geigle Johnson is a stand-alone novel that will appeal to readers looking for a clean romance with faith-based themes lightly woven in. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

I enjoyed reading A Lady’s Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson. Though it’s billed as a historical romance, the novel is more about characters slowly working out their relationships than swoony, romantic moments. Both the plot and content focus heavily on England’s social movements and issues. Women’s suffrage takes the lead, but sub-topics include gender equality, child labor, and poverty. Though Molly (the lady’s maid) works to expose darkness and advocates for its victims, the novel didn’t feel heavy. Hope and light weave throughout to balance out the dark situations.

A Lady’s Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I wish I’d read The Nobleman’s Daughter first. Events, presumably from that novel, received considerable mention in A Lady’s Maid and I think I might have connected quicker with certain characters. Molly, however, did not delay in capturing my attention. She’s passionate, brave, determined, and impulsive. In short, she’s flawed, but quite entertaining and her penchant for getting into danger kept the plot moving along. I loved her letter at the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS by Regina Scott

I loved the premise of this book, the longing of a simple kiss under the mistletoe, that is chased throughout the novella. I was rooting for Mary, not only hoping that she would get her kiss, but also that she is able to make her feelings known to Julian, the man that she loves, and seal her fate for the future. A sweet ending is perfect for this simple and sweet novella.

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden

Porter is a single father in search of a mate, so he calls in the infamous Adelade with help to find him a wife. Little does he realize that his lady love is right under his nose. Adelade takes great pleasure in pretending to create a love connection when she is really trying to make Porter, and his lady friend Chloe, realize their true feelings for each other on their own.

While I normally love the stories of the matchmaker Adelade, I did not connect with any of the characters nor the story itself. I felt like the story was rushed and as a whole lacked depth. Porter's personality seemed dry and dull to me, but I loved Chloe and her carefree attitude. I really wanted to love this story but it was a struggle for me to reach the end.

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson

Family secrets. Feuding families. A chance meeting that brings a Salsbury and an Aster together, which is forbidden, though neither Stephen, the new Duke of Salsbury, or Lady Catherine, from the house of Aster, can understand. The attraction between Stephen and Catherine leads them both to uncover family secrets that can threaten their very wellbeing, creating a mini-mystery of sorts.

While the plot was intriguing, I never quite connected with the characters. I didn't feel the strife of feuding families was there which made me lack that connection and sympathy for their plight. Though there was an alluring premise, I felt The Forbidden Duke lacking.

MISTLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon

A love that is confessed as a young sailor to a young woman many years ago, before he is to ship out, is shrugged off as a youthful act, with the true meaning shrouded in mystery. Years later, when the two are reunited at Christmastime, questions abound as both parties wonder what is going through the mind of the other.

With a sweet premise, this short novella is quite charming. There is no real drama, the only tension lying on the whole will they/won't they aspect. The imagery of the Willowsmeade house and the excitement for the upcoming holiday is contagious. This truly is a sweet and perfect little holiday read.

FOLLOW THE RIVER HOME by Krista Lynne Jensen

War brings with it a huge price. Some pay with time away from family, some pay with a permanent injury, and many pay with their lives. Those that are left often deal with guilt, wondering how or why they are still here. Isaac has lost his hand and leg in battle. While he is on leave his best friend and his best friends' wife fall gravely ill and die soon after. So much loss.

Arabelle has lost her brother and sister-in-law, leaving in their wake a sweet one-year-old daughter named Eleanor, and their mother, Mrs. Hygatt, to all fend for themselves. The situation is dire and Mrs. Hyatt feels their only solution is for Arabelle to marry a man not for love but for means.

It is easy to feel their plight through the pages. Your heart aches for the situation that they are all left in and pray for a happy solution. This novella is jam packed with emotion, drama, and even a little suspense. It is an enjoyable story that is beautifully written and a joy to read.

THE NEW EARL by Heather B. Moore

Normally when you read a regency novel the duke or earl's character is well-polished and in complete control of whatever situation they are in. That is not so in The New Earl. Aaron has become the new earl due to a death, and he is completely unprepared, never having such an important role. Celia is still mourning the death of her brother and now she has to deal with a new earl, and is being pushed out of the only home she knows.

The tension between Celia and Aaron is immediate, the chemistry flowing between them without either of them really realizing it. Aaron's curiosity about Celia's late nights and zest to learn his new role as earl is charming and I love that Celia is a strong, independent woman who knows and understands both her situation and her lot in life.

Heather B. Moore hit a home run with this novella and it is the perfect way to end A Yuletide Regency. I loved the flow and almost wish The New Earl could've been a full novel! Wonderful read!