The Best Laid Plans By Sarah M Eden-Novella Book Review

 

Product Details

• Title: The Best Laid Plans
• Author: Sarah M. Eden
• Series: The Lancaster Family
• Genre: Regency Romance
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08PW54CQ5
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications (January 1, 2021)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2021
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 1206 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 128 pages

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Newton Hughes has long dreamed of pursuing a career in law, an acceptable choice for a gentleman of status and wealth. His parents, however, disapprove of his ambition, urging him instead to take his rightful place as a gentleman of leisure—with a suitable wife of their choosing, of course.

Ellie Napper would like nothing more than for her parents to abandon their incessant efforts to marry her off to the greatest possible advantage. Her lack of matrimonial enthusiasm drives her family mad, but she refuses to feign frivolity in order to make herself more palatable to potential suitors.

When Ellie and Newton are introduced through their mutual acquaintance, Charlie Jonquil, they commiserate over their shared plight. In desperation, they hatch a plan: Ellie and Newton will feign an interest in each other—enough to convince their parents not to push them toward unwanted matches but not enough to cause whispers or expectations. Their plot quickly spirals out of control, but the greatest complication is the one they didn’t see coming: their plan never included falling in love.

My Review

The Best Laid Plans is a novella in The Lancaster Family series. Frankly, you don't even realize it's a novella because of how fleshed out this book is. Many of the characters are familiar like Charlie Jonquil, Artemis Lancaster, and a few others. 

The story revolves around Ellie Napper and Newton Huges. Poor Ellie is the youngest sister in her family and is being mistreated by her parents and sister. The things they said about her in public were awful. They've made plans for the older sister to snag Newton as a husband and Ellie to do the same with Charlie. The plot thickens as Artemis and Ellie become friends and with the help of Charlie and Newton, they make plans to thwart the Elder Napper's plans. Ellie and Newton "pretend" to be interested in each other but fate had other plans for them.

This novella was fun, had great dialogue, and so wonderful to have Artemis and Charlie in it too. I loved Newton and Ellie and was happy to see them both gain courage and reach for things that they wanted in their lives. I kind of read this backward as I read Charming Artemis before this book. If you haven't read either of these books, I recommend reading the novella first and then the full-length novel, Charming Artemis. As usual, I love everything Sarah Eden writes and this was a great way to end my reading challenge of 90 books in 2021. 

*****Meet Author Sarah M. Eden*****

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. 

Sarah is represented by Pam Pho at D4EO Literary Agency.​

Sarah’s links

Sarah M. Eden on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMEden/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMEden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_m_eden/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-M.-Eden/e/B004XKCQZK

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-m-eden

​

​

Awards & Recognitions

• Seeking Persephone, 2008 Whitney Award finalist, Romance

• Courting Miss Lancaster, 2010 Whitney Award finalist, Romance

• Longing for Home, 2013 Foreword Reviews IndieFab “Book of the Year” Gold Medalist, Romance

• Longing for Home, 2013 AML winner “Novel of the Year”

• Longing for Home, 2013 Whitney Award finalist, Romance

• Longing for Home: Hope Springs, 2014 Whitney Award winner, "Best Novel of the Year"

• Longing for Home: Hope Springs, 2014 Whitney Award winner, "Best Romance"

• Longing for Home: Hope Springs, 2014 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, 2016 Whitney Award finalist

• Sarah M. Eden, 2017 Best of State, Gold Medal winner, Fiction

• Love Remains, 2017 Whitney Award winner, “Best Romance”

• Sarah M. Eden, 2018 Best of State, Gold Medal winner, Short Story

• Ashes on the Moor, 2018 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award, Silver Medalist, Romance

• The Heart of a Vicar, 2019 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• The Lady and the Highwayman, 2019 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award, Gold Medalist, Romance

• Healing Hearts, 2019 Holt Medallion finalist

• Forget Me Not, 2020 Whitney Award finalist

• The Gentleman and the Thief, 2020 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• Forget Me Not, 2020 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award, Gold Medalist, Romance

• 
  

Purchase Your Copy of

The Best Laid Plans HERE:

https://amzn.to/3znerEM

A Sleighride Kiss (A Christmas Match story) By Jen Geigle Johnson-Christmas Book Review

 

Product Details

• Title: A Sleighride Kiss
• Author: Jen Geigle Johnson 
• Series: A Christmas Match-Book #2
• Genre: Regency Christmas Romance
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jen Geigle Johnson (October 26, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 196 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1737592126

Book Summary

A man she disdains and a man she loves. What happens when she finds out they’re the same person?

Odette Goodson lives with her grandmother in the beautiful Cheshire County. This Christmas she wishes for caroling, snow, sleigh rides, plum pudding, and a lit yule log, with friends and neighbors all around. Her matchmaking grandmother wishes for her to marry the Marquis of Wilmington. She’s heard only unflattering things about him. To her grandmother's consternation, Mr. Wardly shows up on a country lane, a man who seems to be everything the Marquis is not.

Henry Wardlow, the Marquis of Wilmington, arrives from the East Indies in Cheshire County six months after his mother’s funeral. Mourning her loss, with a new shipping line at stake, and his own estate to salvage, responsibilities in Cheshire county frustrate him and slow his progress. But he cannot help but be jolly at Christmas time particularly after he runs into the lovely Miss Odette Goodson. Things grow complicated when she confuses him for a gentleman farmer and has shown nothing but disdain for the heretofore unknown Marquis.

Grandmother Amelie Laurent Goodson will work her matchmaking magic, but will it be enough to overcome the strong prejudice in Odette’s preconceived notions or the immediacy of Henry’s needs to be in London?

My Review

This was a perfect Christmas read. All of the wonderful Christmas preparations are underway as the two main characters meet. Odette meets a kind and handsome man who she can't wait to see often. Mr. Henry Wardly is instantly charmed by Odette. There is a secret that Mr. Wardly doesn't share and that he's really her neighbor, the Marquis of Wilmington. You can probably guess what happens from here. Sweet Odette lives with her Grandmother who hopes Odette will soon find a husband. Odette only has eyes for Mr. Wardly but a strong dislike for the Returning Marquis. 

Even though I knew how this would all play out, it was such an entertaining read. Everyone else in Cheshire County knows who Henry really is except Odette. She moved in with her Grandmother when she was ten years old and Henry had already left for school. As they grow closer, Henry knows he needs to tell Odette the truth. I so wished he'd told her the truth sooner. So many times he tried but was interrupted. Both of the main character's parents have passed so Odette and Henry are looking for more love and family. Even with all of their flaws, they both are great characters.

This novel is full of funny and romantic moments. I really loved the Sleighride scene the most. It is what I call truly "Sigh" worthy. This is a sweet story of love, forgiveness, and finding one's self. So for a nice afternoon, light a fire, get your hot cocoa ready, then curl up and read A Sleighride Kiss. 

****Meet Author Jen Geigle Johnson****

An award-winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. History is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter--@authorjen

Instagram--@authorlyjen

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGeigleJohnson/

Purchase Your Copy of 

A Sleighride Kiss HERE:

https://amzn.to/3Jmpwuk

Other books in A Christmas Matchmaker Series:

A Wish for Father Christmas by Laura Rollins

A Sleighride Kiss by Jen Geigle Johnson

A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet

A Mistletoe Mismatch by Sally Britton

A Tangled Wreath by Laura Beers

Sprout Book One:The Seed (Tree Boy Series 1) by Carolyn Twede Frank-Book Review & Gift Idea

 

Product Details

• Title: Sprout Book One: The Seed 
• Author: Carolyn Twede Frank
• Series: Tree Boy Series 1
• Genre: Children's Fantasy & Magic Books/Middle Grade
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09JBSYV64
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (October 12, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 295 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8489413473

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

A geek, and proud of it, twelve-year-old Pete is determined to win the school science fair in an effort to convince his sports-enthusiast dad into accepting science as a worthwhile endeavor and for once be proud of Pete. Upon discovering a giant seed in the forest, Pete figures he has the grand prize wrapped up in a nutshell. When the seed sprouts into a baby, the science fair is off—no one can know the truth about Pete’s newly “adopted” brother, Sprout. Not even his dad. But when Sprout grows at an alarming rate, his skin turns green in the sun, and he exhibits super-hero-like plant powers, Pete fears he won’t be able to protect his new brother for long from those who would view Sprout as a threat. To make matters worse, Pete fears his dad likes Sprout more than him.

My Review

Sprout was such a fun book. It is a Middle-Grade book written for kids ages 8-12 but this adult loved it! There were so many unique and interesting twists found in this novel. The main character, science-loving Pete finds a huge seed out in the forest. He thinks his science fair project is made. He takes it home to sprout and out comes a baby. The entertainment starts here as we get to know Sprout who is innocent, honest, and loyal. 

There are also other big themes interwoven into this story. The subjects of bullying, parental expectations, loneliness, and acceptance are a few. There is a mysterious plot of finding out who is counterfeiting money in the area. Readers are also left to wonder where Sprout really came from. I loved Sprout and I know kids will love him too. I'm so happy to know that there are two more books in this series that will explain more about Sprout and where he's from. The dialogue between Sprout and others made me laugh but everyone couldn't help but love him, even the bullies. 

I highly recommend this novel for classrooms, your kids, and your grandkids. Carolyn Frank has created this wonderful character Sprout who is special in many ways. This novel would make a great Christmas Gift.

Meet Author Carolyn Twede Frank

Carolyn lives out west in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and her plants, her five children having fled the nest. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, garden, sew, renovate houses, and play with her grandkids.

In 1994, she incorporated her basement sewing business, eventually moving it into a warehouse, hiring more people, and developing her unique line of puppets and educational curriculum into a full-fledged, international business. She sold the main arm of her business in 2009, retaining a small portion to bring in income while she pursued her writing career. In 2018 she sold the remainder of her business and now writes full-time. She has been writing seriously since 2006.

Learn more about Carolyn and her books HERE: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

****Purchase Sprout Book One: The Seed****

HERE: https://amzn.to/3e7M6bu

Cover Reveal for Royal Captive (Fate of Eyrinthia #3) By Heather Frost

 Title:

Royal Captive (Fate of Eyrinthia #3) 

Author:

Heather Frost

Genre:

YA Fantasy Romance

 

Release Date:

March 18, 2022

 

Book Blurb:

A DECOY trapped in a dangerous lie

A SERJAH searching for the truth

A PRINCE caught in a deadly game

A WORLD choked by secrets

Abducted during a devastating ambush, Clare is now the captive of ruthless mercenaries. Dragged through the wilderness while grieving a heart-rending loss, she must maintain the illusion that she is the princess. Because if she lets the mask slip, even for a moment, the Mortisians will have no reason to keep her alive.

After arresting traitors close to the crown, Desfan fights to rebuild his court, knowing that the imminent arrival of the Devendran princess will further upset the precarious balance in Mortise. But Desfan’s world is rocked when he discovers a rumor that rewrites the most devastating event in his life. He will stop at nothing to find the truth–no matter where it leads.

As Grayson struggles to find his footing in Mortise, he discovers new friends and enemies. His life is further complicated by the tenuous alliance with his spymaster brother. With secrets deepening around him, Grayson must decide where his loyalties truly lie. Through it all, his heart remains in Ryden with Mia. Unfortunately, his love for her is no secret, and the Black Hand is a coveted weapon . . .

Eyrinthia holds its breath as allies and enemies collide. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. Nothing will be the same.

Now, for the Cover reveal...

****************

***************

**************

*************

************

***********

**********

*********

********

*******

******

What a gorgeous cover! This series has been an

amazing one. If you love YA Fantasy you need to

read the Fate of Eyrinthia series!

Make sure to go to Goodreads to put this book

on your "Want to Read" list.

 

Of Daggers and Deception By A.L. Sowards-Blog Tour Review, Gift Idea, and Giveaway

 

Product Details

    Title: Of Daggers and Deception 

    Author: A.L. Sowards

    Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Medieval Adventure

    Series: Duchy of Athens #2

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications, Inc. (December 6, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524420549

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

After years as a soldier and mercenary, Rasheed has retired from battle to run the bathhouse in Thebes with his friends Gillen and Eudocia. The simple life suits them, so when Venetian strangers come to town looking to hire the renowned crew, their answer is no. But when one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed is left with no choice but to take up his weapons and join forces with the Venetians, including the beautiful and clever Cecilia, whose betrothed has also been seized by the unknown foe.

As the reluctant allies face ambushes and the looming threat of capture, Rasheed and Cecilia forge a surprising connection. But as the party races to rescue their friends, Rasheed discovers that nothing is as it seems. As his trust in Cecilia begins to waver, he realizes that in the end, they will both be forced to make a choice between love and duty. 

My Review

You can't always escape your past, and the main character Rasheed knows this better than anyone. Eleven years after the story told in Sword and Shadow, the novel starts with Rasheed, Gil, and his wife Eudocia living a quiet but busy life running a bathhouse. A quiet life that is, until Venetian strangers try to hire Rasheed and Gil for a job. After their refusal, Eudocia's kidnapping, then the action begins. There is so much action and suspense that there are only a few moments where readers can catch their breath. Sowards knows how to write colorful characters and bring to life an exciting story through her words. 

This time period of Greece in 1309 is so fascinating to me. It's not one that I've read a lot about. Sowards's fabulous research opens up this whole new/old world to her readers. The facts about the time period never boggle down the pace. The plot is detailed, a little romance, warfare, political maneuvering, spies, betrayal, and also forgiveness. I loved Rasheed's journey of finding love, and fulfillment in his life. Cecilia was also another great character, and I enjoyed Rasheed and Cecilia's moments together. 

This second novel in the series could be read as a stand-alone, but as I always state, reading the first will give you a wonderful background on these characters. It was so nice to pick up this second book and be swept away back into ancient Greece and the lives of Rasheed, Gil, and Eudocia. This novel would make a great gift for those who like action books, a plot full of twists and turns, and strong, likable characters. This is 100% another winning novel by A.L. Sowards. 

****Meet Author A. L. Sowards****

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

Contact the author and learn more about her at these sites:

 

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Newsletter

Goodreads

Purchase Your Copy of 

Of Daggers and Deception HERE: 

https://amzn.to/3EcuBBL

Enter The Giveaway to WIN 

a PAPERBACK copy of OF DAGGERS AND DECEPTION 

by A.L. Sowards  (US addresses only)

                                                                   a Rafflecopter giveaway