Winner - - A Duke Worth Fighting For

 

The randomly chosen winner of 

a print copy of

A Duke Worth Fighting For by Christina Britton is:

Annmarie Weeks

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - Just Make Believe

 

The randomly chosen winner of a signed, print ARC of

Just Make Believe by Maggie Robinson is:

Glenda

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review & Giveaway - - A Duke Worth Fighting For

A Duke Worth Fighting For

by Christina Britton

Isle of Synne - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Daniel Hayle, Duke of Carlisle, returned from Waterloo a hero, and he has the wounds to prove it. But he dreads the coming London season as he never did the battlefield, where his lack of social skills is certain to make it difficult to find a wife. What he needs is someone to help him practice socializing with the ton. Someone who isn’t frightened away by his scars . . .

Margery Kitteridge is still mourning the loss of her husband. So when she receives a blackmail letter accusing him of desertion, she’s desperate to protect his reputation. The answer to her troubles appears in the form of a damaged, reclusive—and much-too-desirable—duke in need of a wife. She proposes an alliance: she’ll help him find a bride, in return for the money to pay off the blackmailer. But working so closely together awakens passions they never imagined possible, and reveals secrets that might tear them apart.

PJ's Thoughts:

Oh, my heart! Christina Britton has really outdone herself with this book. Tender, poignant, and deeply emotional, while sprinkled with enough humor and wit to keep it from turning dark, A Duke Worth Fighting For tells the story of two wounded souls who, together, find support, respect, healing, and unexpected love. I adored it! Also, if an experienced widow and a virgin hero are your jam, this one is calling your name. 

Usually, I gravitate to couples where the hero is the stronger of the two but Britton has flipped the script with this story and it really worked for me. That's not to say Margery doesn't have her struggles - she does - but she's such a pillar of strength for Daniel, especially in the first three quarters of the book. I loved how she defended him, nurtured him, and helped him begin to realize his own worth. But I also appreciated, and understood, the tenuous foundation of her strength, especially as pesky feelings of desire and affection began to creep in, causing confusion and guilt. Grief is a tricky path to navigate and sometimes, just when you think you've mastered it, the pain and anger come rushing back to overwhelm you. As a widow myself, I applaud Britton for facing Margery's emotions head on and allowing them all to come pouring out. It is only after she confronts those emotions surrounding not only her husband's death at Waterloo but also the betrayal from someone she should have been able to count on that she is able to fully heal, find forgiveness, and move forward, with the realization that she has room in her heart to love again without guilt or regret.  

And then there's Daniel. I just wanted to wrap his wounded, socially awkward self up in my arms and tell him everything would be okay. My heart ached for all he had endured, for the pain to both his body and his soul from the events at Waterloo, the pain of the rejection he had suffered since his return, and especially the childhood events that had so severely undermined his confidence and self worth. The evolution of his character was incredibly satisfying. I cheered aloud when he finally confronted his adversary and wept tears of joy when the love and acceptance from Margery allowed him to finally be vulnerable enough to open his whole self - body and soul - to her keeping. 

Britton surrounds Margery and Daniel with a vividly depicted secondary cast of characters (both two and four-legged) who bring humor, intrigue, and wisdom to our couple's journey. Fans of the series will especially enjoy seeing the earlier couples living out their happily ever after while readers new to the series should be able to jump in here without too much confusion, though I enthusiastically recommend all three stories, with their intertwining characters. They are, in order: A Good Duke is Hard to Find, Someday My Duke Will Come, and A Duke Worth Fighting For (click the title to read PJ's review).

Have you discovered Christina Britton yet? 

Are you reading the Isle of Synne series?

Are you as excited for Margery's story as I have been?

What books have you read recently that had you laughing, crying, and cheering?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 21 will receive a print copy of A Duke Worth Fighting For. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Sneak Peek Excerpt - - Farewell Blues

Maggie Robinson's Lady Adelaide Mysteries has been an absolute delight. I've laughed, gasped, cheered, and sighed through each of the books in the series and even though I'm sad to wave farewell to these wonderful characters, Robinson sends them out on a high note with Farewell Blues. If you haven't discovered this madcap, 1920's mystery series yet, you're missing out on a fun ride. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. As characters and relationships evolve over the course of the series, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. They are:

Nobody's Sweetheart Now

Who's Sorry Now

Just Make Believe

Farewell Blues (review coming 9/16)

*Click on the titles to read the Dish's review of each book. 

Don't miss the giveaway at the end of the post! 

Farewell Blues

by Maggie Robinson

Lady Adelaide Mysteries - Book 4

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Release Date: September 14, 2021

The Society Scandal of the Season...

Lady Adelaide Compton had prepared herself to say goodbye forever to Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter. It would be a welcome relief not to get mixed up in any more murders, even if it meant never working alongside the handsome detective again...wouldn't it?

But then Addie's prim and proper mother, Constance, the Dowager Marchioness of Broughton, is accused of murdering her secret lover, and there can't be enough gentlemen detectives on hand to find the truth. The dead Duke of Rufford appeared to lead a blameless life, but appearances can be deceiving. And unless Addie and Dev work together, Constance will hang—which is no one's idea of a happy ending.

Excerpt

Farewell Blues

Addie gets more than she bargained for when she goes sleuthing at the Savoy Hotel to speak to a suspect.

Damn damn damn. Addie hoped for help, but it seemed she had to do this on her own. Leaving Mr. Reeves-Smith to enjoy his tea, biscuits, and integrity, she stood in line before the registration desk in the crowded lobby like any ordinary person. A young man beckoned her forward, and she approached. 

Addie smiled brightly, crossing her fingers behind her back. “Good afternoon. Is Graf von Mayr in? We had, um, an appointment, but I’m afraid I mixed up the time.” 

The desk clerk picked up the house phone. “Allow me to check for you, madam. Who may I say is calling?” 

“Uh, Miss Beckett. Maeve Rose Beckett.” Cee was not the only sister who could pose as a maid. She would tell von Mayr who she really was at once if he came down to meet her. She stopped herself from tapping her gloved fingers on the veined marble counter as the clerk turned away from her. 

His conversation was remarkably brief. “You’re to go straight up, Miss Beckett.” 

“I beg your pardon?” 

“Graf von Mayr is expecting you.” 

“He is?” 

The clerk nodded. “As per usual. Do you remember the room number?” 

“I’m afraid it’s slipped m-my m-mind,” Addie stuttered. 

“Room 348. The lifts are that way.” 

“Thank you.” Obviously there was some mistake, but Addie was not going to argue. She dodged a bellhop with a pyramid of luggage, entered the lift, and told the operator the floor number. 

The doors opened. “Three four eight. Three four eight,” she muttered to herself, noting she had a fair walk on the floral carpet ahead of her. With each step, the butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She slowed her pace a bit, mustering calm. She wasn’t here to accuse von Mayr of killing his father-in-law, just to gather information. She hoped Mr. Hunter would come to Mount Street tonight and they could compare notes. 

If she survived the next fifteen minutes. 

She arrived at the correct door and raised a fist to knock. Before she could, it was opened by a tall, extremely handsome blond gentleman with a dashing dueling scar slashed across his right check. He was wearing…absolutely nothing. Addie took a step backward and closed her eyes. 

The desire to scream—or flee—was powerful. 

That simply wouldn’t do. 

He was still naked when she looked at him again, and frowning. “Du bist nicht, Rosie.” He pronounced the name with a soft c sound as opposed to a z. 

Addie noted that this Rosie was a “du” and not a “Sie” to him, familiar or beneath him in social standing. She struggled to keep her eyes on the scar, shining silver on his tanned cheek. “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding,” she croaked. All her mother’s deportment lessons had not prepared her for nude men in hotels. In fact, Lady Broughton would probably not approve of Addie going to a strange man’s room under any circumstances, even if it might exonerate her. 

“Ach, well.” He looked her up and down, and Addie felt as if she was the naked one. “Come through.” Come true. “You will do.” 

She certainly would not. But the graf pulled her in by an elbow and shut the door. “Is Rosie unwell?” 

His English was excellent except for his difficulty with “th,” so Addie presumed he would understand that whatever arrangement he had with Rosie, it definitely did not apply to her. 

She clutched her bag tightly to her bosom. “Forgive me. I’m afraid I’ve gained entry under false pretenses. If you’ll permit me to explain—” 

He moved to a fully stocked drinks table, and Addie noted that his bottom was as firm as the rest of him. It came as somewhat of a belated shock to her that she’d only ever seen one man completely undressed. There had been museum trips, of course, but that was not quite the same thing. No artwork hanging on a wall or standing on a plinth conveyed such smoothness of skin, the musculature beneath, the patches of golden fur. And none Addie ever encountered were blessed with von Mayr’s considerable male protuberance, which in her opinion would require two or more large fig leaves for a semblance of decency. Goodness, this detecting business certainly was expanding her horizons at a rapid clip. 

He poured himself a whisky and added a splash of soda. “Your colleague and I have agreed to terms. Do not think because I am a foreigner that you can take advantage. Shake me down, as it were. I went to Eton College.” 

Bully for him. “I am not what—um, who—you think I am.” Should Addie be offended to be taken for a woman of easy virtue? A—a—courtesan? Her charming Reboux hat cost the earth, and the Lord knew the buttercup-yellow dress was not cheap. But perhaps real money could be made in the oldest profession if one had the appropriate clientele. 

The drink stopped midway to his lips. “Gott in Himmel! You are not one of those bloody reporters, are you?” He put the glass down, snatched a decorative jacquard pillow from the sofa, and held it strategically in front of the von Mayr family jewels. 

Addie felt a brief stab of disappointment that her education was being curtailed. “Oh, no! Nothing like that. I had hoped Mr. Reeves-Smith—the Savoy’s manager, you know—might introduce us, but I was unsuccessful in persuading him. I’m so sorry I gave a false name to the clerk, but I thought if you knew who I really was, you might not agree to see me.” 

“Who the devil are you, woman?” His face paled. “Wait! Did my wife send you?” 

She saw a narrow avenue open. What had Mr. Hunter said? They had to redraw the map. She’d acted in a handful of school plays at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Perhaps it was better not to tell him who she was. She was a terrible liar, but if she was playing a part… 

Addie tutted and shook her head sadly. “Poor dear Penny. I don’t know what I shall tell her about all this.” 

If possible, he grew paler. “Wait right there. Do not move,” the graf ordered. He nearly ran to the door that closed off the bedroom from the drawing room, slamming it behind him. 

He couldn’t mean that she should actually stand in place while he slipped into something less comfortable, and in truth, her knees were knocking a little at her brazen scheme. Addie dropped into a wing chair in front of a fireplace that was filled with fragrant flowers. The room was beautifully appointed; she’d expect nothing less at the Savoy. The soft furnishings were a soothing combination of cream, ecru, and ivory, which must be a challenge for the housekeeping staff to maintain. She certainly had regrets regarding the décor at Mount Street, which was altogether too fashionably white and caused Beckett to complain endlessly. 

Clad in a striped silk robe, the Austrian emerged from the bedchamber sooner than Addie expected. She had hoped he would come out in a suit, for it would be easier to be businesslike. The man was still barefoot, for heaven’s sake. 

He picked up his abandoned drink and swallowed it in one go. “Explain yourself.” 

“It’s you who needs to explain. I thought you were trying to reunite with Penny,” Addie said, conjuring up her old governess and giving him a stern look. 

“Are you from an inquiry agency? How much is she paying you?” 

“Certainly not! Please sit down, Graf von Mayr. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement.” 

He continued to loom over her. “Blackmail so you won’t tattle on me? What kind of friend are you? I have nothing to hide. Nothing. Rosie is my, uh, masseuse. Our afternoon appointments are all perfectly innocent. My war wound is a constant bother.” He rubbed a silk-covered shoulder for emphasis, but Addie wasn’t fooled. Rosie was no doubt skilled at rubbing everything.

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The entire first chapter of Farewell Blues can be found at Maggie Robinson's website: www.maggierobinson.net

While Farewell Blues won't be released until September 14, 2021, it is currently available for preorder at the following locations:

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon (print)

Apple Books

BN (Nook)

BN (print)

Google Play

BAM

Indie Bound

Book Depository

Have you discovered Maggie Robinson's Lady Adelaide Mysteries yet?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 20 will receive a signed print advanced review copy of Just Make Believe. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited 

Review - - When You Wish Upon a Duke

When You Wish Upon a Duke

by Charis Michaels

Awakened by a Kiss - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

All it takes….

After a childhood spent cavorting around Europe with a dangerous crowd, Miss Isobel Tinker has parlayed her experience and language skills into a safe, reliable life. Working as a clerk in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, she dreams of someday owning her own travel agency and has vowed never to leave the familiar shores of England ever again. When a handsome duke arrives at her doorstep, she realizes her staid existence is about to take flight.

…is faith and hope

Jason “North” Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland, desperately needs a travel guide. He’s inherited a dukedom but has a final mission for the Foreign Office—rescuing his wayward cousin from Nordic pirates. Isobel Tinker is the ideal translator, discreet and unknown, but she’s also uncooperative, stubborn, and disarmingly beautiful.

And a little bit of trust

In exchange for her help, North promises Miss Tinker her own travel agency upon return and strict professionalism at sea. Isobel cautiously agrees but soon realizes “strict” and “professional” are not how she would describe her feelings for the irresistible duke. As their adventure sweeps them to the shores of Iceland and beyond, can temptation and growing trust give way to the magic of wild, passionate love?

PJ's Thoughts:

Maybe it's because Peter Pan was my favorite holiday television special when I was a child, or because I couldn't get enough of Disney's Peter Pan's Flight ride that carried me off into the magical world of Neverland. Maybe it's because I was thoroughly captivated the first time I saw Tinkerbell sweep through the night sky, sprinkling fairy dust as she flew overhead. Or maybe it all comes down to Charis Michaels' charismatic writing and spellbinding storytelling. Whatever the reason, once I started reading this fresh, original, and thoroughly entertaining historical romance inspired by Tinkerbell and other characters from Peter Pan, I couldn't put it down. Michaels snagged my interest almost immediately, then took me on a twisty adventure from England to Iceland and back again, weaving together an unlikely romance between two intriguing characters. Is it a bit over the top at times? Yes. Did I care? Not in the least. 

Isobel and North are both fully fleshed characters whose personalities and back stories gradually unfurl as their journey progresses. I love that both of them turn out to be so much more complex than they seem at first appearance, with intriguing layers as well as surprising strengths and weaknesses, and a few twists I wasn't expecting. The chemistry between them sparks almost immediately, leading to wonderfully delicious friction, tension, and snappy banter. No easy road for these two but what a fun, adventure-filled, and thoroughly satisfying journey. 

The nods to elements from Peter Pan, seamlessly woven into the story, felt like a delightful gift each and every time I stumbled upon them. And the characters inspired by Peter, Hook, Tinkerbell and more, while all true to their time, place, and part in this story, still honored those earlier characters from whom many of their characteristics were taken. 

You know those books that charm you, enthrall you, and make your heart flutter with glorious butterflies? This is one of those books. It's an adventurous, heartwarming, happily ever after that pays homage to one of my favorite characters who never got a happy ending - until now - in a way that made me laugh, cheer, sigh, cheer some more, and pretty much grin from beginning to end. It's going straight to my keeper shelf where it's destined to become one of my comfort reads, a story I can revisit whenever I need an infusion of joy. 

Review - - The Dating Playbook

The Dating Playbook

by Farrah Rochon

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

When it comes to personal training, Taylor Powell kicks serious butt. Unfortunately, her bills are piling up, rent is due, and the money situation is dire. Taylor needs more than the support of her new best friends, Samiah and London. She needs a miracle.

And Jamar Dixon might just be it. The oh-so-fine former footballer wants back into the NFL, and he wants Taylor to train him. There's just one catch—no one can know what they're doing. But when they're accidentally outed as a couple, Taylor's game plan is turned completely upside down. Is Jamar just playing to win . . . or is he playing for keeps?

PJ's Thoughts:

Farrah Rochon's The Boyfriend Project was one of my best books of 2020. I loved it. I loved The Dating Playbook even more. 

Taylor and Jamar are such a wonderful couple. I loved their journey from trainer/client to friends to lovers to lifetime partners. Their relationship is so sweet, sexy, and genuine. I really liked these two and cheered them on from beginning to end. I appreciated the fact that Rochon gave them each complex - and realistic - issues to overcome, and stumbles along the way, before reaching their happy ending. It gave their story a realism that allowed me to view them as people dealing with the anxiety, guilt, fears, and family complexities that so many of us face in life. It made me want to be their friend. I was so proud of Taylor for all that she is and the courage it took to finally face her fears and realize all can be. And Jamar. Wow, what can I say about this guy? Let's go with this: Everyone should have a Jamar in their life. Yes, he is just that special and yes, I adored him. He captured my heart just as securely as he did Taylor's. I'll let you discover why when you read the book. He deserves to be savored, one page at a time. ;-)

One of my favorite aspects of this series is that it not only features romance but also equally important female friendships. The three women - Samiah, Taylor, and London - who meet in book one are the heart and soul of this series. Watching their unlikely friendship (they were all unknowingly dating the same guy when they met) strengthen and grow, alongside each of their romantic relationships, makes my heart so very happy. Kudos to Rochon for continuing to give this very important part of their lives the attention and nurturing it deserves.  

Some weighty issues are dealt with in this book yet it is not a heavy or angsty story. Rochon keeps things moving, sprinkling humor (I'm still laughing over the kitchen scene with Jamar and his parents), snappy banter, sizzle, and fun throughout the story without sacrificing the depth of emotion some of those weighty issues demand. It's a balancing act that the author executes with perfection.

Two other facets of this book that I enjoyed are the authentic diversity (a Black author writing Black characters) and the representation (a character with hearing loss, another with learning disabilities), seamlessly woven into the story, not with a blinking "look what I did here" neon sign, but as a natural part of everyday life, as it should be. 

For all these reasons and more - football and a love of Disney cannot be overlooked - I not only want to walk in this world and be friends with Farrah Rochon's characters but also with the author herself. I cannot wait to discover what she has planned for London. 

The Dating Playbook has my enthusiastic recommendation. The romance is this book stands well on its own but for a full appreciation of the evolving friendship among the three women, I would suggest reading the books in order. Whether you begin with The Boyfriend Project or jump in with The Dating Playbook, you have a great read ahead. 

Review - - Battle Royal

Battle Royal

by Lucy Parker

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Reviewed by Hellie 

 

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere. When Sylvie's unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has used her fame to fulfill her dream of opening a bakery. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they fight to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

 

Hellie’s Heeds: 

In Hellie’s World, there is no such thing as too much glitter...or buttercream. Sylvie is a girl after my own heart; and as an avid watcher of The Great British Bake Off--and Paul Hollywood, well, obviously Dominic’s piercing eyes and impossibly high standards sound gloriously familiar. From the opening salvo, where the dear Reader is transported four years ago to when a unicorn hoof brained Dominic on film for YouTube prosperity and Sylvie was thus voted off the baking show, to the present day where Sylvie now happens to have a gloriously glittery, fantastical sugar factory right across the street from Dominic’s sleek, elegant and traditional cake-and-candy shop, I was immediately hooked by the hilarious banter, energetic pacing, and larger-than-life characters I wanted to be friends with (more with Sylvie than Dom, but you know…)  

In addition to the obvious conflict of two “enemies-to-lovers” characters who have to work together on a show, each for their own valid reasons, there are other subplots also tying them together, namely trying to win the contract to bake The Cake for the upcoming royal wedding. The author did a fabulous job building scenes that felt organic and realistic to the evolution of these characters falling in love with each other, building a friendship and respect for each other’s work and humanity, and overcoming obstacles to being together. Best of all, the author did not go for an obvious dark moment where one of the characters suddenly believes the other betrayed their trust, and then there’s a big Grovel moment where they promise not to jump to conclusions again. Instead, that moment became an “Of course, they wouldn’t do that. They have too much integrity” and the black moment and struggle was shown in a different way. It was glorious! 

If, like me, you too are in love with Love, you will be delighted there are two more romances within the story, and you will root for their HEA as well. There might be one or two more, actually...you’ll have to read it. There is lots of love to go around. In fact, I’ve got my hopes and dreams pinned to another of the secondary characters having their own book and HEA and have now begun following Lucy Parker’s page.  

In the realm of rom-coms, I am a purist in loving rom-coms that overflow with witty banter, side-splitting slapstickesque scenes that you can’t turn away from, and characters that start off on the wrong foot...but come around to liking each other in the end. This story gave me the feel and thrill of old school rom-coms but with a fresh voice and a more realistic and positive relationship modernity of how love should be. I adored it. And if you love cake, I think you will too.

 

Winners - - Sally Kilpatrick

 

The randomly chosen winners from the Sally Kilpatrick 

Much Ado About Barbecue Spotlight are:

Laurie G

(an e-ARC of Much Ado About Barbecue)

and

Martha Lawson

(a print copy of Bless Her Heart)

Please send your email (Laurie) and postal mail (Martha) address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - Herons Landing

 

The randomly chosen winner of a

Kindle copy of

Herons Landing by JoAnn Ross is:

Annette N

Congratulations!

Please send your email address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - Wait For It

 

The randomly chosen winner of a print copy of

Wait For It by Jenn McKinlay is:

robinb

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - The Viscount Made Me Do It

 

The randomly chosen winner of a print copy of

The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy is:

Karen H

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Someone to Cherish

Someone to Cherish

by Mary Balogh

The Westcott Series - Book 9

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Reviewed by Santa

When Harry Westcott lost the title Earl of Riverdale after the discovery of his father's bigamy, he shipped off to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, where he was near-fatally wounded. After a harrowing recovery, the once cheery, light-hearted boy has become a reclusive, somber man. Though Harry insists he enjoys the solitude, he does wonder sometimes if he is lonely.

Lydia Tavernor, recently widowed, dreams of taking a lover. Her marriage to Reverend Isaiah Tavernor was one of service and obedience, and she has secretly enjoyed her freedom since his death. She doesn't want to shackle herself to another man in marriage, but sometimes, she wonders if she is lonely. 

Both are unwilling to face the truth until they find themselves alone together one night, and Lydia surprises even herself with a simple question: "Are you ever lonely?" Harry's answer leads them down a path neither could ever have imagined...

Santa Says:

Someone To Cherish by Mary Balogh is the ninth book in her latest series. This five-star book can be read as a stand alone, too. That a book so deep into a series can be read as a stand alone can be attributed to the story and this author’s brilliance. The series follows the Westcott family after they discover that their father was married before they were born and fathered an illegitimate daughter. However, that daughter was not actually illegitimate since he married her mother and promptly forgot about that fact when he married again. This news came as a shock to the heir apparent Harry Westcott, the Earl of Riverdale, his two sisters and their mother. With that news, a/k/a the Great Disaster, Harry lost everything - the earldom went to a second cousin, including all the entailed holdings and fortune. 

Harry’s family scatters to the four winds and Harry decides to join the army in the fight against Napoleon. Harry fought valiantly and was wounded several times. His gravest wounds were sustained at Waterloo.  Though it was a close thing, Harry recovers but is not the same person anymore. He goes from a cheerful and outgoing person to somewhat of a recluse. He likes his own company and that of a few childhood friends. Both his immediate and extended families worry about him. His mother and sisters have all settled down into wedded bliss. That is what they want for Harry. 

But Harry is content with his life and perfectly happy to stay at his childhood home, Hinsford Manor. He enjoys the company of a few of his childhood friends who still live there. But he wonders if there could be more. An unlikely source asks him, “Are you lonely?” and he does not answer right away. 

Lydia Tavernor is a quiet and unassuming vicar’s widow. Her husband was a devout and pious man. Lydia stayed in his shadow and was the perfect helpmate. He died as he lived in saving a young boy from drowning.  Following his death, her family encourages her to return with them. She decides to stay in the village and is able to get a cottage at the edge of town. This affords her the opportunity for the first time in her life to be independent of a man’s dominance in her life which she never had before. She is content but after a year of mourning she wonders if it is enough.  

Harry and Lydia’s relationship starts innocently enough from a walk home. They come out of the shadows to one another. Still, Lydia hesitates because she does not want to lose herself in another man again. Lydia is called home to see her father, her family encourages her to return to them. Upon her return she and Harry reunite and share dances at the local assembly.  Sadly, this and an innocent kiss become the fodder of malicious gossip.  

At the same time, Harry’s family arrives en masse to celebrate his 30th birthday. This only adds to the mayhem but Harry soon asks his mother to intervene on his part when Lydia refuses his marriage proposal. Having a duke, an earl, a marquess and I’m pretty sure a viscount along with a formidable dowager countess can come in pretty handy in swaying gossips and a reluctant bride. Here is where Mary Balogh excels in crafting happily ever afters that are filled with such joy you can’t help but smile as you read. Yes, the prying gossip is put in their place. And Lydia does say yes and their happily ever after will leave you swooning with delight. I adore Mary Balogh and am fairly certain I have read all her books. I treasure them all and I include this book in their numbers. 

Enjoy!

Spotlight and Giveaway - - Much Ado About Barbecue

Much Ado About Barbecue

by Sally Kilpatrick

Publisher: NYLA

Release Date: September 2, 2021

Return to Ellery, Tennessee for Sally Kilpatrick’s saucy new novel about two warring barbecue houses.

Emma Sutton promised herself three things: she would never move back to Ellery, never work in the family barbecue restaurant, and never have anything to do with Ben Cates ever again. Losing her job and her home might’ve forced her to break the first two, but she’s determined to keep the third.

Unlike Emma, Ben Cates has made peace with his hometown. He wants nothing more than to make his restaurant something his father couldn’t: a success. But between his hellraising little sister and Emma Sutton’s return to Ellery, his dream could easily be snatched away.

Emma and Ben might’ve made each other’s childhood a living hell with their endless pranks, but the only way to finally get rid of the other is to win the coveted contract for Ellery’s annual barbecue festival. Seems easy enough—until attraction ignites like a charcoal flame, and happiness seeps in like a surprising new flavor.

Can they find the courage to forgive bitter past mistakes and let trust into the mix, or will devastating secrets burn everything down again?

PJ says:

If you enjoy sassy, Southern humor, heart-tugging emotion, drool-worthy food, and an enemies-to-lovers romance between two characters with a complicated past (Boy howdy, is it ever complicated!), you'll want to pick up a copy of Sally Kilpatrick's next novel: Much Ado About Barbecue. It's filled with all the snappy banter, quirky characters, complex emotions, and down-home wisdom you could ask for. Plus, barbecue, baked beans, mac and cheese, and more. The descriptions of the food are so vividly depicted, I swear I could smell the pork smoking. Fair warning: reading this book will make you hungry!

Kilpatrick's books all have a place on my keeper shelf where I can turn to them when I'm in need of a feel-good story that lifts my spirits.  Her characters tickle my funny bone, touch my heart, and are as authentically Southern as the author herself. 

Much Ado About Barbecue releases September 2. It will be available in print but is currently available for preorder only in e-book format at the following locations: 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Apple

Google

Readers, Ben and Emma have opposing opinions on barbecue, how it should be cooked, and how it should be served. So tell me...

What kind of barbecue do you enjoy? Pork, beef, chicken, ribs? All of the above?

Do you like sauce with your barbecue? What kind?

For most people, the meat is the star, but for others it's all about the sides. What's your favorite side dish to accompany your barbecue?

Sally Kilpatrick has generously offered two giveaways today. 

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 14 will receive an e-ARC of Much Ado About Barbecue. 

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM,  August 14 will receive a print copy of Bless Her Heart. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited