Spotlight on Sunday

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Spotlight on A Countess to Remember

A Countess to Remember

By Sherry Ewing

Patience, the young Dowager Countess of Seahaven has the weight of the world on her shoulders. With a bevy of stepdaughters under her care, a Season to find them all husbands is completely out of reach. But with the help of her family, they’ll scrap up enough money to see to a Season in York for the younger eligible daughters. Still… there’s been no chance at all for romance for Patience until fate intervenes. Will she allow herself time for love?

Richard, Viscount Cranfield has no desire to find a wife. He’s been perfectly content leading his carefree life until he’s charged with finding a suitable husband for his sister. He’ll travel to York for the Season only to become enchanted with a lovely young widow. Can he look past a ready-made family to possibly find love to fill his heart?

When several events have Patience and Richard crossing paths, she is hard pressed to forget her infatuation with the gentleman. Then there is the matter of her many responsibilities, along with Richard’s jealous ex-mistress who just may put an end to any sort of a relationship blossoming between Patience and Richard. Only time will tell if they can overlook their differences and allow love to conquer all.

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it…

Released on 14 March: https://www.amazon.com/Countess-Remember-Sherry-Ewing-ebook/dp/B0BRK2DCS7

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Spotlight on The Raven’s Last Bet and a bonus book

The Raven’s Last Bet
By Cerise DeLand

She won’t be sold into marriage.
He won’t wed her for any amount of money. Only love.
If he can just figure out a way!

Harry Seymour arrives home from years of fighting abroad to learn he must clean up the family mess. His father demands Harry honor a deal he made with his best friend for Harry to marry the man’s daughter…for money.
Harry, who’s loved Sara Fleming since she was four, has no problem marrying her. He never did, even when she was denied him because she was the Whiskey King’s daughter.
But he won’t wed her for money.
Sara cannot accept the bargain her father made. She’s already left two men at the altar because she didn’t love either one. And if she can’t wed Harry for love, she’ll marry no one. But she wagers she’ll walk away a spinster…and happy if Harry will do her the favor of ruining her.
It’s a bet Harry can’t refuse.
Can he?
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Bonus Book!

LORD STANTON’S SHOCKING SEASIDE HONEYMOON

She is so wrong for him.
Miss Josephine Meadows is so young. In love with life. His accountant in his work for Whitehall. Her father’s heir to his trading company—and his espionage network.
Lord Stanton cannot resist marrying her. But to ensure Wellington defeats Napoleon, they must save one of Josephine’s agents.
Far from home, amidst a horrific storm, Stanton discovers that his new bride loves him dearly.
Can he truly be so right for her?
And she for him?

 

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Spotlight on Lady Beast’s Bridegroom

 

Welcome to book 1 in the new series with an exciting new twist on traditional fairy tales!

Lady Ariel lives retired in the country after being badly scarred by a fire. She hides her burns from others by donning a mask, only enticing more gossip by Society who has dubbed her “Lady Beast”. Now, her second cousin, who inherited her father’s title but not his private wealth, wants to have her committed so he can manage—and steal—her fortune. Only finding a husband will prevent the cousin from having his way.

Peter, Lord Ransome, a man so handsome Society has dubbed him “Beau”, inherits not only his father’s debts but also his burdens. He must manage and care for a stepmother who loathes him, her daughters, and his own two half-sisters, who spend more money than the estate can provide.

His only recourse is to find a wealthy bride to save his estate and his family. For him, that means marrying “Lady Beast”. It’s merely a business transaction, after all. But then Beau learns that true beauty lies in the heart.

When Society tries to turn them away, is the union and love of Beauty and the Beast strong enough to overcome prejudice and rejection?

A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
Lady Beast’s Bridegroom
One Perfect Dance
Snowy and the Seven Doves
Perchance to Dream

Published this come week. Get it now! https://amzn.to/3uJByrr

Enter the contest: https://judeknightauthor.com/2023/02/09/week-3-of-lady-beasts-bridegroom-launch-giveaway/

Excerpt:

In his bath, Peter contemplated his own disappointment that he’d been exiled to another bedroom. He should be grateful that, after their first joining, she had removed the mask in the dark and gone to sleep in his arms. She had trusted him that much, and when she woke in the night and reached for him, he had had the joy of kissing her without any obstruction in the way. Which had led to round two.

In the morning, he woke to hear her behind the dressing screen, and when she returned to bed, the half mask was back in place. He expected too much, too soon. She had trusted him enough to give him her body. It would take time before she could bear to be naked with him.

The small bit of distance was to his benefit, too. This marriage was a civil arrangement. He did not intend to spoil it by becoming besotted with his bride.

He was already serving his breakfast when Arial arrived in the dining room. He had not been joking about his hunger. Despite the crumpets, he was ravenous.

And not just for food, he decided, when she entered the room and his male organ stood to instant attention. It seemed he could not get enough of his wife. It was probably just that he hadn’t been with a woman for a long time, though that thought seemed so disloyal that he quelched it immediately.

Whatever the reason for his sudden surfeit of lust, he had to content himself with a peck on the cheek and a cheeky comment whispered in her ear so the attending footman could not hear it.

Her blush would have to be satisfaction enough for the moment, especially as Miss Tulloch took that moment to join them.

The girls had already eaten but came hurrying down from the schoolroom when they heard the newly-weds were up and dressed. They were delighted with the day’s plans but took exception to Arial’s plain mask.

“But the one you made for my wedding will not go with this gown,” she protested. It was some tailored confection in a dark maroon, almost the color of a good port. Peter had signed for payment of enough dressmaker bills for his stepmother and stepsisters to know that daytime costumes could fit into categories of day dress, walking dress, and afternoon dress, but which this was he had no idea. It was charming, anyway.

Rose agreed. “Not at all, but we can do something quickly with pastels. I think some of the ones that old artist gave me are the right colors. Come on, Vi.”

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Spotlight on Enticed by a Governess

Enticed by a Governess

by Jane Charles

RELEASE DATE OF ENTICED BY A GOVERNESS: January 31, 2023

Charlotte Hawthorn had everything she could ever want. She lived alone, enjoyed freedoms that few women ever experience, was a governess and an artist, and she had not seen her husband in four years. Theirs was a marriage in name only, a convenience.

Victor Hawthorn, Viscount Blackmar, had not wanted to marry a stranger at the age of one and twenty. However, when a wealthy merchant purchased all his father’s debts, Victor was given the choice to either marry the man’s soon-to-be sixteen-year-old daughter or his family would face complete ruination. Victor had chosen marriage then left his young bride on a small estate and returned to his life.

When he reluctantly returns four years later, Victor doesn’t find the girl he left behind, but an enticing, independent woman who not only creates beautiful art but would rather be a governess than married to him. Will they find their way to love and happiness or will all be ruined by an enemy who sets out to destroy their future?

EXCERPT from ENTICED BY A GOVERNESS:

“So, we finally meet.” As a smile graced his lips, a small dimple appeared on the left side.

“It appears so.” Charlotte turned away from him. He was so much more handsome when he smiled. A girl couldn’t think straight looking at him. “You were not supposed to meet me until tomorrow.”

“Yes, I know,” he said coming to stand beside her. “But my curiosity got the better of me.”

“They say curiosity killed the cat,” Charlotte mumbled.

Victor chuckled. “In this case curiosity only brought relief.”

Charlotte tipped her head so that she could study him from the corner of her eye, skeptical of his words.

“Your appearance has been much of a mystery, and after overhearing my parents, as you did, I feared my imagination had me marrying a witch with a huge wart on the end of her nose.”

Charlotte laughed lightly. At least she wasn’t that ugly, she hoped.

“I do apologize for their words. I can only offer that they are rude and smug for no reason other than they feel entitled to belittle others because they are in possession of a title.”

“It is not necessary to apologize for what many believe is the truth,” she explained.

Mr. Hawthorn pulled back and opened his mouth to speak but said nothing. He likely wished to insist that they were wrong but could not bring himself to lie to her.

“How old are you?” There was hesitation in his voice.

She looked young, that she knew, but had her father failed to mention her age in all of this? “Fifteen, soon to turn sixteen.”

He stilled and she could almost feel the tension radiate from him. Was it too much to hope that he would stomp off and refuse the marriage, or insist that it take place when she was older?

After a moment he heaved a sigh and settled on the hillside and invited her to sit. “As we have been given this opportunity, we might as well become acquainted.”

“We should not be out here together.” She had never been alone with a man before, let alone anyone who looked like him.

Mr. Hawthorn smiled up at her. “As we are marrying tomorrow, I see no harm.”

Charlotte sank to her knees beside him. “You are still going to marry me?” She couldn’t believe he wasn’t trying to find a way to back out of the agreement. His family must really be in a most dire financial state.

LINKS FOR ENTICED BY A GOVERNESS:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Enticed-Governess-Love-4-ebook/dp/B0BNYBL4QC

Apple: https://apple.co/3WXsHyM

Nook/BN: http://bit.ly/3WWGKou

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3GOIuu8

Smashwords: https://bit.ly/3GOp2xz

Books2Read:  https://books2read.com/u/b6zdBE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. Lifelong Cubs fan, world traveler and mother of three amazing children, Jane lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She is currently writing her next book and planning her dream trip to England. Be sure to join Jane on Facebook @JaneCharlesAuthor for Wine Pairings Wednesdays.

FOLLOW JANE:

 

Website:  https://www.janecharlesauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneCharlesAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4879172.Jane_Charles

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-charles

Jane’s Reader Group – Romance & Rosé: https://www.facebook.com/groups/romanceandrose

 

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Spotlight on A Curio for the Count

A Curio for the Count

By Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Raised as an Englishman, Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres, is troubled by a dream from his childhood that leaves him speculating on his French past.

He is convinced an elaborate clock belonging to his late father, executed in the French Revolution, holds the answers he seeks.

Miss Jade Bridges works as a valuer in her family’s London antiques shop and auction house. One day she receives mysterious letter from an anonymous client willing to pay any price for a very specific statue clock.

While in pursuit of the clock, Jade and Armand meet and there’s immediate attraction. But how can it amount to anything when they are rivals for the very same object?

As the couple grow closer and attraction deepens, they agree to join forces to find the timepiece together.

Then an antiques dealer is killed. It appears someone else is willing to extract a fatal price to possess the clock for themselves.

What is it about this curio for the count that someone is willing to commit murder for it?

Release date 19th January: https://www.amazon.com/Curio-Count-Gems-London-Book-ebook/dp/B0BQ4C6DHK

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Spotlight on A Pirate Duchess

Congratulations to Rue Allyn on the release this coming week of The Pirate Duchess.

The Pirate Duchess: Book 2 of The Duchess Series

They meet during a brawl.

Esmeralda Crobbin first encounters Brandon Gilroy during a brawl. Once their opponents are vanquished, she admires the man’s skill with his fists, his intelligence, and a number of other attributes until she learns that he is a British Naval Officer. He would be eager to see her hang, if he knew she was the American privateer, Irish Red.

Other retailers

Amazon

My comments

Where you were fascinated by Esmeralda and Brandon in the story Wait for Me, in Storm & Shelter, the Award -winning collection from the Bluestocking Belles. Did you want to know how they met, and whether they ever met again? You need to read this book. If you haven’t read Wait for Me, now is your chance to get the whole story.

Esmeralda is on a quest for her past–fulfilling a promise to the pirate who gave her a home, a name, and the love of a father. Her attraction to Brandon is impossible. When they are trapped in a village during a storm, his suspicion of her doesn’t prevent him from falling in love. But each has a mission to complete, and so they part. When they meet again, the secrets between them are exposed one by one, threatening to tear them apart for all time. I was with each of them every step of the way, as these enemies each found it impossible to resist the other. It’s a delightful story, with mystery, adventure, danger, and a whole heap of romance.

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Spotlight on Flowers for His Lady and An Angel’s Promise in Belles & Beaux

Flowers for His Lady: By Alina K. Field

Shamed into spinsterhood by a fall from grace years earlier, Eleanor Gurnwood has found a home for herself in the tiny village of Upper Upton, and a quirky, sometimes annoying family in the villagers she’s been serving as her vicar-brother’s minion. Now, with his rising career, she’s faced with a choice: succumb to his pressure to keep house for him elsewhere or stay on in genteel poverty with her new “family”.

For now, she has only one goal in sight: to make this year’s Christmas service beautiful for the parishioners of St. Tancred’s. Until the Christmas eve when a man from her past rides in on a white horse.

Major Sir Bramwell Huxley, late of his Majesty’s 95th Foot, has ventured on one last mission, a quest for a Christmas miracle: finding the lady he abandoned before leaving for Waterloo.

My comments:

I love second-chance love stories, and Alina has given us a delightful one. The device of an interfering family member who secretly intercepts messages is managed here with a deft hand. No long drawn-out disbelief once the machinations are disclosed. And the romantic gesture that Bram makes to win his loved one warmed my heart. I’m sure it will warm yours.

An Angel’s Promise: By Rue Allyn

Artis MacKai might be only a little girl, but she is not going to let a blizzard, wolves, or a deadly enemy stop her from rescuing the stolen mare and foal who are the hope of her family. It will take the spirits of her parents, a determined boy, and her desperate brother to save her.

My comments:

True love never dies in this little story by Rue Allyn. The love story of Artis’s parents doesn’t end when they are foully murdered. Nor does their love for their children. Artis and the boy she finds in the blizzard engaged my sympathy from the first. This story was unexpected, since the heroine was only eight, but it truly deserves its place in this set. It is a heartwarming tale of love, courage, and determination. And just long enough to read with a cup of coffee and a piece of Christmas cake.

Find out more

Read all about the set on the Bluestocking Belles website, and preorder at the special prerelease price.

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Spotlight on A Mistletoe Kiss and The Magic Christmas Stew in Belles & Beaux

Each week for the next four Sundays, I’m going to tell you about two stories in the coming box set by the Bluestocking Belles.

A Mistletoe Kiss: By Sherry Ewing

All she wants for Christmas is a mistletoe kiss…

Miss Sophie Templeton has been waiting a lifetime for the one man who owns her heart, but he seems to court a different woman every Season. As Christmas approaches, Sophie’s one wish is a kiss from him beneath the mistletoe.

Spencer, Earl of Wilmott has quietly watched Sophie through the years, holding her in his heart, and biding his time until he can offer for her. He appeases his parents by being seen with a variety of eligible women. But Sophie is grown up now, and he must put aside his worries that she’ll find him too old and make his offer.

One chance encounter, one dance in which he all but claims her; can Spencer convince Sophie to make this a Christmas romance that will last a lifetime?

My comments:

Sherry has given us another delightful heroine. Years ago, Sophie gave her heart to the Earl of Wilmott, a friend of her sister’s husband. Of course he could never be interested in someone so much younger, poorer, and less well born. She hopes for a kiss, but will be surprised when he wants more. You may remember Sophie from Margaret’s and Frederick’s story in the box set Holiday Escapes. It is lovely to see old friends again, and this story was a lovely journey back into Sherry’s Regency world.

The Magic Christmas Stew: By Susana Ellis

When we join together to share what we have, we can make a difference

The life of an idle spare is no life at all for retired Captain, Daniel Winthrop. He is capable of doing many things, but they all required a wealthy bride, and he’ll not be a fortune hunter. He’d like to be a husband, though–of the governess who looks after his brother’s children. As he thinks about his options, he throws his energies into a project to encourage people to help veterans and their families, called ‘the magic stew project’ after the meals that Daniel and his comrades created from donated bits and pieces.

Governess Emily Bainbridge fled her home because her unpleasant cousin was plotting to force her into marriage. To avoid being pursued by another fortune hunter, she keeps who she is a secret. Soon, she will be twenty-five and able to control her own property. In the meantime, she cannot help but notice her employer’s brother. He is handsome, generous and kind. And his kiss is magical. But how can she allow him closer when she is pretending to be someone she is not?

Will this pair find the courage to conquer their pride and risk all for love?

My comments:

I’m so thrilled that Susana joined us for her box set. She has a deft touch with characters and plots, and this short but charming story is a fine example of her work. Emily’s dilemma is very real. Who among us has not kept something hidden for good reason, and then feared what others will know when they find out? And, too, I am always a sucker for a good villain. The villain in this story is a true scoundrel, and his attempt at abduction gives us readers a few nasty moments (and even more so, the heroine, who has no way of knowing that her happy ending is inevitable).

Find out more

Read all about the set on the Bluestocking Belles website, and preorder at the special prerelease price.

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Spotlight on Chasing the Tale: Volume II

Monday sees the publication of my second volume of newsletter subscriber and made-to-order stories, Chasing the Tale: Volume II

Read more about it and order at the link! Early reviews are up on Bookbub and Goodreads, mostly 5 star with a smattering of 4. Here’s what one of those reviewers had to say:

Ten entertaining bite-sized tales

Ten wonderful short stories! Some even include characters previously introduced in other books. Some are just entertaining little ditties; but each story contains a snippet of a pivotal event in the main character’s life. These are diverse, clever, and well written bite-sized tales designed to bring you respite and enjoyment!

Christmas at Hollystone Hall A reconcilliation between an interfering mother and her Duke of a son. This story gathers the gang together, reminding of of pairings and offspring.

Lady Cicely’s Forfeit Cicely and Mr. Carelton An unconventional lady; a holiday house party; an ice skating challenge and a man determined to win.

Lord Dependable to the Rescue Millicent and George A Lord in debt; a broken engagement; imprisonment; flood waters rising; a daring rescue and a charming reward.

Miss Winston’s Honor Lily and Ralph A lecherous lord’s illegitimate child; an ex-governess on the run; a secretary enroute to his new position and a Marquis with a bad reputation and a kind heart, all come together to create an unexpected family.

Only a Kiss Cecily and Andrew Five young ladies, nicknamed the alphabet girls, made a game out of kissing selected men. Each girl would kiss him and then rate those kisses. However, when Cecily kissed Andrew, it was a revelation….and things changed.

The Abduction of Miss Amaryllis Fernhill Laudanum used to compromise her, and an Elf King used to free her. Rilla was saved from being forced by her uncle to marry his horrible friend…. and it was performed in such a way that it became a village legend.

The Easter Bonnet Lady Paula wanted a special Easter bonnet made, hoping it would help her catch the eye of Lord Raines. …. and thanks to a kitten and puppy, it did.

The Major’s Homecoming Magda and Luke An earl; his brother returning from war; a witch’s by-blow; two childhood friends and a physician’s daughter work together to thwart two conniving cousins intent upon taking the earldom.

The Kindest Gentleman Audrey and Tristam Tristam acted as the vet for the people in his community. Audrey was the neice-by-marriage companion (slave) to one of his neighbors. They both secretly admired each other, but he took no action until one night when she came to him with a kitten needing tending.

The Truant Lord Clairmont Serafina (Seffie) and Clairmont Because her father was expected to die, Serafina was married, at the age of twelve, to the son of her father’s best friend. Three years later, when her father actually did die, she went to live with her father-in-law, but her husband was out of the country on business. Now, six years after the death of his father, her husband has been spotted in England and she intends to bring him up to snuff. So much anger and heartache could have been avoided, but circumstances and secrets interfered. Their reunion is unconventional and exciting, and the healing begins.

And if you don’t normally read short stories, how about this review?

I usually don’t read short stories because I enjoy getting involved in a plot and reading its developments. But since I enjoy this author’s works, I decided to give it a trial. I wasn’t disappointed. Some stories are more entertaining and I especially liked Lady Cicely’s Forfeit and The Abduction of Miss Amaryllis Fernhill but all of them were exciting and endearingly romantic. I highly recommend this book!