Three Little Matchmakers Novella by Susanne Dietze

Three Little Matchmakers in The Regency Brides Collection

By Susanne Dietze

A Trio of Delights!

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I am an unabashed Susie Dietze fan, and I wasn't disappointed! 

5 Stars for this Novella!

Set at Staffordshire, England 1817, this is an adorable story! Miss Caroline Dempsey was close childhood friends with the new Earl of Marsden’s sister. When Caroline’s friend, Esther, and her husband die, their children are left with their uncle Henry Graves and move to Marsden Hall. The daughter of a parson, Caroline grew up nearby and spent a lot of time on the estate. She had a big crush on Henry. But when she becomes governess, she wonders what kind of man he has become.

In the British aristocratic tradition, Henry believes the children would benefit from boarding school. But Caroline has other ideas. She is looking at the needs of the kids. Family needs to be first. The children feel the same way. They take matters into their own hands with disastrous results.

Unfortunately, I did not get to read the rest of the novellas in The Regency Brides Collection yet! But I’m longing to do so as they all look wonderful and by some of my favorite authors! I downloaded my copy from NetGalley and am under no obligation to post a positive review.

This book will be available in large print hard-cover format from Thorndike Press, Gale division, in February 2018. 

Giveaway: Ask your library to pre-order this hardcover book and leave your comment below for a chance to win a copy of any one Barbour book with a story from Susanne Dietze (click here to see her books.)

Guest Review by Tina Rice of The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

The Elusive Miss Ellison #1 Regency Brides A Legacy of Grace by Carolyn Miller

Five Stars *****

Review by Tina Rice

Carolyn Miller's debut Regency novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison, is a delightful story! The reader is swept away to 1843 England with the arrival of the new Earl of Hawkesbury, Nicholas. The villagers are all aflutter at his arrival, all, it would seem, except for one person, the reverend's daughter, Lavinia Ellison...so love their first meeting! She has good reason to not be thrilled at his being there...which I will not share, don't want to give anything away.

Nicholas arrives as a proud, self-centered man, who doesn't realize he is about to embark on possibly the most challenging journey of his life. Lavinia is a sweet, giving, godly woman who cares for the poor in the village and is a bit outspoken. However, she too is about to experience a journey that will be challenging and freeing in ways she would never have envisioned. Both Nicholas and Lavinia have tragedy and grief from their past that has affected their lives in similar ways and may even impact their future. Unexpected surprises and twists in the storyline brings about a possible hope that seemed impossible just months earlier. Never saw that coming!

I love the banter between Lavinia and Nicholas. They soon captured my heart as my favorite characters in the story. I enjoyed the historical detail of the village, England and the people. I have never been to England, but I could envision the countryside, the ballroom and so much more from the detailed descriptions. The dialect adds authenticity to the era and helped “carry” me there. I especially appreciate the inspirational elements woven throughout the story and the importance of faith to the characters. A delightful, heartwarming story! I am looking forward to reading the second book.

~I received a copy of the book from the author via TBCN, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

GIVEAWAY: Carolyn Miller is graciously giving away an ebook copy of her debut book!!! Leave a comment to enter!

Audiobook Review of Melanie Dickerson's "A Viscount's Proposal"

A Viscount's Proposal by Melanie Dickerson

A Viscount's Proposal
by
Melanie Dickerson
(Brilliance Audio, 2017)

A very enjoyable listen!

At first Leorah Langdon was not a very sympathetic character, seeming rather shallow and seemingly determined to show she could thumb her nose at society's rules. However, as the story progresses, her faith and her dislike of social behavior that is all for show and that restricts women, becomes more understandable. She perceives her parents have had an unhappy passionless relationship. Her nemesis, Edward, the Viscount Withinghall, seems to show up everywhere she goes and always has some complaint about her which he seems only too happy to announce in public, making him come across as a pompous prig. Edward has his life mapped out. He's in line to become Prime minister and has a suitable woman in mind for wife. But he does have a big heart and a huge sense of justice. 

Leorah's brother is friends with Edward and speaks highly of him. But she has already formed her own opinion of him. When she is injured and rescued by the Viscount and then a frightening accident occurs, the two are pressured to consider marriage. But strong-willed Leorah isn't about to be forced to accept a proposal from a man she can never imagine falling in love with and returning that love. 

Both the heroine and hero have to work through their pasts, their current relationships, and fend off a potential killer. A satisfying ending makes it worth it to have to have listen to the accident recounted over and over again in the audiobook. The narrator is pretty awful but I've heard worse. The plot is rather slow and redundant in parts but it really suits the audio format, making it easier to keep track of the plot lines. This reminds me of some Georgette Heyer audiobooks and should please her readers. Unlike many Regency stories, there aren't a lot of party scenes or social settings in this book but the plot doesn't need it for "dressing."

I am a member of audible.com and listened to a download from their site. This book is available in paperback, ebook, audio download, and MP3. As of February 17, 2017 this book was the #1 Bestseller in Historical Romance

Giveaway: We have a giveaway (USA only other than ebook) for one of our commenters on this post. Which of Melanie's books have you enjoyed most and why?

Review & Giveaway: The Reluctant Guardian by Susanne Dietze

The Reluctant Guardian by Susanne Dietze

The Reluctant Guardian 
by Susanne Dietze
(Love Inspired Historical, 2017)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Exceptional Regency by an 

Exceptional 

Inspirational Fiction Author!

Gemma is being held "emotional hostage" by her narcissistic and toxic sister-in-law. Her love for her two darling nephews keeps her in place as she awaits a long-expected forthcoming marriage proposal. Then Tavin Knox interrupts her life, turning everything around.

Initially subtle, the spiritual thread weaves stronger as the novel progresses. I've loved all of Ms. Dietze's other stories and this book was also wonderful. 


I received an advance copy PDF from Susie Dietze, upon my request. I am under no obligation to give a positive rating or review. 

I highly recommend this 

delicious read!!!

Giveaway: Susie has offered the giveaway of a signed paperback copy to one of our lucky readers! Answer this question: What makes you like Regency romance?

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd Audiobook Review

Blurb: For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

Carrie's Audiobook Review

It is so difficult to find a good Christian fiction new release audiobook to listen to, so was I ever thrilled when I learned Sarah E. Ladd's newest Regency from Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins was available as a download from Audible.com! I have a membership and I promptly downloaded it and listened!

SPOILER: I love a rags-to-riches story and I've written some myself. Isabel is such a sympathetic heroine, orphaned and working in a girl's school. One begins to realize, pretty quickly, that all is not well at Emberwilde.

This story includes elements of extreme betrayal and avarice as well as criminal behavior and murder. For Isabel, almost no one is beyond suspicion. She's a strong young woman who takes a while to "push back" at some of the nonsense being hoisted upon her. But she eventually does rise to the occasion.

This was a very good listen! Narration was good but could have been better, but it wasn't a deterrent to the listen.

Note: I did receive a paperback from the publisher but am under no compulsion to post a positive review. As mentioned, I purchased my own audiobook copy and listened.

Giveaway: A Paperback copy of Sarah's lovely Regency, Dawn at Emberwilde (a gorgeous cover on this paperback!) Leave a comment as to why you enjoy Regency stories.  I like them because some of my ancestors lived in England during Regency (my great-grandparents immigrated to Michigan later) and because I loved Jane Austin.  

Unmasked Heart by Vanessa Riley - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blurb: Shy, nearsighted caregiver, Gaia Telfair always wondered why her father treated her a little differently than her siblings. She never guessed she couldn't claim his love because of a family secret, her illicit birth. With everything she knows to be true evaporating before her spectacles, can the mulatto passing for white survive being exposed and shunned by the powerful duke who has taken an interest in her? 

Ex-warrior, William St. Landon, the Duke of Cheshire, will do anything to protect his mute daughter from his late wife's scandals. With a blackmailer at large, hiding in a small village near the cliffs of Devonshire seems the best option, particularly since he can gain help from the talented Miss Telfair, who has the ability to help children learn to speak. If only he could do a better job at shielding his heart from the young lady whose honest hazel eyes see through his jests as her tender lips challenge his desire to remain a single man

Compelling Listen!

My review of Unmasked Heart: Challenge of the Soul, Book One. 

The narrator did a good job with Vanessa Riley's latest release. What a delight to be able to read this as an audiobook listen! Gaia is a sympathetic heroine whose heart belongs to an undeserving man with fickle romantic aspirations. William is a heartsick hero who has been betrayed. The two have the common experience of gut-wrenching betrayal by the very ones who should love them most.  Gaia also has the shocking discovery that she is not the person she's been told she is all her life.  

William has been receiving threatening letters for some time, as a blackmailer warns that the truth about William's unfaithful wife will be disclosed. And that blackmailer is getting bolder and bolder. Will the blackguard prevail? Can a biracial Regency-era young lady and a wealthy Duke possibly make a match -- against all odds? Or is Gaia right, and there is no way it could happen? Will her first love prevail and steal her from William?

I received an audible.com download of Unmasked Heart from the author, the beautiful Vanessa Riley - pictured below, and am under no requirement to write a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Unmasked Heart (winner's choice of format). Answer this question -- have you experienced rejection or prejudice because of something you have no control over?

Noela reviews A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson

A Spy's Devotion

A Spy’s Devotion

by Melanie Dickerson

Waterfall Press (February 9, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 STARS *****

A Riveting Regency Romance

Melanie Dickerson’s sweeping new Regency novel encompasses a delectable Jane Austen aura and an exquisite charismatic romance. And with the combination of the additional heart-pounding suspense and thrilling pace, you’ll be left utterly breathless and completely spellbound!

In an era gone by where society was divided by classes and propriety was of the utmost import, Julia, the niece of Robert Wilhern of England’s high society, constantly strives to excel in gentility. She hopes it will help her to be accepted and loved without the condescension that accompanies being an unequal to her cousin, Phoebe Wilhern. When the self-absorbed Phoebe sets her heart upon marrying Nicholas Langdon who has temporarily returned from the war due to an injury, she enlists Julia to help garner Nicholas’ attention. What is Julia to do except assist her cousin, even while battling against her own intensifying affections for the handsome army officer. It is the way of things, for she has neither title nor worthwhile inheritance.

Before Nicholas Langdon returns to the war, he determines to fulfil a dying soldier’s wish for Nicholas to deliver a coded diary to a relative. Little did Nicholas realize the significance of the diary concerning England’s future or to the danger it held for him and others. When suspicions point towards Julia’s uncle, Nicholas must lean on her for help. Together they must stand against the evil intended for their country at enormous risk to themselves. Will they also have the fortitude to protect their hearts as well?

It’s hard to believe this is author Melanie Dickerson’s first Regency novel for it is a pure masterpiece! I flew through this novel in record time and while I wanted to linger, it was impossible to do so. I was swept up in a world of balls and dancing, of lowly maids and lonely governesses, and of treason and traitors. Filled with irresistible characters, surprises around each bend, and capped with palpable romantic tension, this was one satisfying novel! Highly recommended!

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.**

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You can purchase this book from: AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE

GIVEAWAY: Melanie Dickerson is generously giving away a paperback copy or e-book of A SPY'S DEVOTION to one blessed commenter! *Outside of US, e-book only.* To be eligible, please leave your e-mail address for contact purposes, written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.

Giveaway: The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen
Recorded Books Dec.3, 2015

Sigh Worthy Listen!

The narrator, James Gillies, could not have been more perfect for this wonderful novel! Julie was able to choose the actor she wanted to narrate the audiobook - a BBC actor and he is fabulous!  I fell in love with Captain Overby as personified by the fabulous narrator! (To LISTEN to a sample of the narration go to Audible.com  and press "Play Audio Sample" beneath the cover image at this link CLICK HERE

This Regency novel includes the trademark Julie Klassen style of secrets, a dashing hero, imperfect people whose spiritual arcs draw them to a deeper relationship with God, and cool architectural features in the settings that add to the ambiance and the plot.

Sophie Dupont has been her prominent artist father's assistant for years. But now her stepmother's relation, a young man, had begun to serve as his helper. And he has his own agenda - pursuing Sophie while wealthy "gentleman" Wesley Overby has made the lovely innocent young woman his "muse."  Apparently abandoned by him, Sophie faces grave consequences for her choices. In sweeps a gruff military man who is referred to as "Captain Black" by his carefree brother but Captain Stephen Overby is anything but a blackguard.  He saves young Sophie from an untenable situation. But, when his brother returns, and Captain Overby has been called to action, what will happen?

Sigh-worthy listen and one of Julie's best yet!  Brava, Julie! Well done! Definitely a candidate for my Best Novels of 2015!

GIVEAWAY: Winner's choice of ebook or audiobook format for The Painter's Daughter!

Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep - Valentine Giveaway!

Brentwood's Ward

Brentwood's Ward
by Michelle Griep

Shiloh Run Press (January, 2015)

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

5 Stars *****

GREAT VALENTINE's DAY SELF-GIFT!!!

It's been a while since I've read a novel with writing at such a stellar level! Because I'm often writing and editing my own stuff I've just become super critical of what I read. Argh!!! Then I read Noela's review of Michelle Griep's new Regency. Because of what she wrote, I decided to read the copy I'd downloaded from NetGalley. (Full disclosure, I was under no compulsion to give a positive review.)

Characterization and story line were well done and writing craft exceptional. In fact, periodically I'd stop reading and just decide I should stop bothering to write anything more myself because Michelle's beautiful wordsmithing floored me!

She captures a time in London's history, early 1800's, when there were no police. Those who did work as Bow Street Runners" were mocked for their efforts and many, to earn a living, had to also perform detective work.  Hero, Nicholas Brentwood, is losing his sister, and can't turn down the offer to guard the daughter of a wealthy slave ship owner (another nice twist is that law has just been enacted to END this horrible practice in England.)  Emily Payne, although lovely and entitled is also embued with a fragility that makes her more likable plus her father has been unloving and even placed her in an unsafe situation which resulted in terrible consequences for her maid.

In a time when one's marriage matches determined the future, the underbelly of that system is fully exposed in this novel.

Faith messages included placing trust in God instead of self, finding one's own faith, and drawing on faith in difficult circumstances.

Bibliotherapy elements: This wasn't a strong bibliotherapy book per se and I'm loathe to indicate them all because I'm concerned that they'd result in spoilers. There's so much happening in this book that I'd have a long list of potential themes but my recommendation is just enjoy the great writing and don't worry about the therapeutic value of the story.

LIKELY TO BE ONE OF MY BEST OF 2015 BOOKS!!!

Purchase 'Brentwood's Ward' at: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM; Book Depository.

GIVEAWAY: A copy of Brentward's Ward to one of our Valentine's Day weekend commenters!

Noela Nancarrow reviews BRENTWOOD'S WARD by Michelle Griep

Brentwood's Ward

Brentwood's Ward
by Michelle Griep

Shiloh Run Press: Gld edition (January 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Michelle Griep pens an exquisite Regency novel that’s set in London 1807, incorporating shades of suspense, mystery, and romance in such an atmospheric story that it gives you the impression that you’ve just fallen into another era. And much like the misty rain blanketing London, a cloak of intrigue envelops this story, wholly enticing the reader to lose themselves within.

How difficult could guarding an heiress be? Lawman Nicholas Brentwood wonders this, especially after discovering that some of his colleagues had already turned down this lucrative assignment that was handed to him. Intent on earning enough to help his ailing sister, Nicholas takes on the challenging task of protecting the beautiful, although spoilt and headstrong heiress Emily Payne, and unwittingly lands in an evolving world of mystery and murder. Nicholas was as unprepared for that, as he was with the unraveling of his heart to Emily.

Emily Payne believes her entire future depends upon the upcoming ball, where she intends to garner a husband – and she has a particular man in mind! But is her new tag-along guardian going to mess up her plans in snaring a wealthy husband? However, as the grave danger around Emily increases, this may end up being the least of her troubles!

A master at words, author Michelle Griep adeptly molds her prose to bring life to every sentence in an invigorating story that serves up scads of suspense, peril, romance, and faith. I adored the richly-crafted characters such as the extremely perceptive hero Nicholas, and the self-indulgent Emily that has a penchant for hats, and found that these two inspired the most delightful dialogue. Woven throughout and tying this novel together, were the heartening messages on building trust and developing more positive attitudes in spite of circumstances, knowing that God is in charge.

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Purchase 'Brentwood's Ward' here: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM; Book Depository..

GIVEAWAY: A $10 Amazon gift card will be given away to one blessed commenter!

Diana Flowers Reviews The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie

The Forgiven Duke  Book 2 in The Forgotten Castles series 
by Jamie Carie

(B and H Publishing House,  2012)
5 stars~*****

Forgiven But Not Forgotten!

This is the second book in The Forgotten Castles series; sweeping us away from the rolling gray green hills of Ireland, to the beautiful land of Iceland...the land of fire and ice. Our heroine, Alexandria, has reason to believe her parents are alive and follows their trail to Iceland, along with her fiance, John Lemon. However, memories of Gabriel, the Duke of Easton, standing at the shoreline as her ship sails away still haunts her, and she questions her hasty decision to marry John. Together her and John encounter many dangers amongst the Black Castles of Iceland, as many other evil people are also after the treasure her parents are searching for.

As Gabriel continues to follow Alex, he is kidnapped, beaten, and imprisoned on a Spanish ship. Will he ever be reunited with the woman he has seen but only once; the beautiful lady who has stolen his heart forever? One nightmarish night with John Lemon turns Alex's life upside down, and she wonders if her future will ever be the same again, for surely the duke would never have her now...and perhaps he never wanted her to start with. As plans are underway to marry John, will the duke's plan work to get off the prison ship and continue his search for Alex? Can the guardian duke save her from treacherous people and from herself as well? Are Alexandria's parents dead or alive? Will the duke regain his hearing and will Alex learn to trust God's plans for her life? 


Jamie Carie just "wows" me with her writing. There is never a dull moment in this series filled with twists and turns. I love the way the characters have evolved from the first book. I see a change in the duke's perspective concerning his affliction, and in Alexandria, who had alot of growing up to do! As always, Jamie's writing is superb---I love her use of imagery, and I could see in my mind's eye so clearly, every country they visited. I know she did extensive research on this series and I applaud her! Nicely done!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Jamie’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Diana Flowers Reviews The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

The Guardian Duke 
by Jamie Carie
(B and H Publishing Group, 2012)


5 stars~ *****


A Delightful Cliffhanger!


Jamie Carie has spun a delightful yarn, that takes us on a journey to England; replete with crumbling, old English castles, dukes, and masquerade balls, to the beautiful purple heather-filled rolling hills of Ireland. 


Our heroine, Alexandria, receives word that her parents are presumed dead, while on a high profile treasure hunt, and Gabriel, the Duke of Easton, is ordered by the king to be her guardian. All of her life, Alexandria's parents have left her alone to pursue their treasure hunts, and she feels compelled to find them at any cost (refusing to believe they are dead), and ignores the duke's missives to come and let him watch over her.


Gabriel begins to have strange, unexplicable attacks of deafness and nausea, and finds strange comfort in Alexandria's return letters. As he realizes she has gone to Ireland to find her parents, he feels he must find her, only to be met with disappointment as she eludes him at every turn. Not only has Gabriel received orders from the king to protect Alex, but what else is driving him to seek out this woman whom he has only "met" through letters?


Will Alex find her parents?...and will Gabriel find her? And as he
unknowingly closes in on her, what happens at a masked ball that left my heart palpitating wildly? :) What is causing Gabriel's strange attacks of deafness and will he find healing...for his physical being and his heart?


I can honestly tell you that some of the above questions are not answered in this book (major frustration!), for Ms. Carie has left us with a wonderful cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting more! And in Book Two, The Forgiven Duke, I'm sure we will get some answers. I love Jamie Carie's books, and this was no exception. I was actually covered in goose bumps at the conclusion, with tears in my eyes, and feeling frustration at the same time. What a mixture of emotions! Wow, does Jamie ever know how to tell a story! Jamie's characters wrapped themselves around my heart, and I found the duke particularly endearing, and I was so moved by the emotions he displayed in his affliction, for I have been there and done that. Well, my Kindle awaits me with The Forgiven Duke...I must get off this cliff I'm hanging on!


I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.



Jamie Carie's books can be found on Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway, and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Jamie’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.