The Vagabond Vicar
William Brook is a young cleric in London hopes for nothing more than an assignment in a faraway land with adventure, hard labor and the ability to spread the word to new people. Instead, he is given a placement as a vicar in Amberley Village, a small town with gossiping women, young ladies looking for a suitable match and men who would rather not have a young vicar in their business. Conversely, Cecelia Grant was not expecting someone quite so young or handsome to take the previous elder vicar’s place. Cecelia would love to stay in her beautiful home town and spend her days painting, teaching and wandering; however, her mother would love nothing more than for Cecelia to be married to someone of a higher station and with much more money, someone like John Barrington. Cecelia’s inquisitive nature and intelligence often comes off as an eccentricity, but to the vicar, Cecelia seems to be the only one he can relate to in the small town.
The Vagabond Vicar is a sweet and charming regency set historical romance with many swoon-worthy moments. Though I don’t usually read regency romances, I was intrigued by the plot and as I read, I fell in love with the characters. Cecelia is definitely more interesting than everyone in town makes her to be, especially because she does not want to be pushed into a marriage just for the title, money, and lands that go with it. William is definitely more that the average vicar, he does not want to be tied down to such a small and dull town, but he is still kind hearted and feels the need to help people where he can. From William and Cecelia’s first meeting, I could feel their draw to one another. Through the book, their temptation for one another kept me reading. Even the dastardly villain, Mr. Barrington, intent on taking Cecelia for no reason other than to keep her from William, added suspense and scandal to the story. For a classic romance, the characters felt fresh and complex and I would definitely pick up the next two books in the series which seem to focus on supporting characters in Amberley.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Vagabond Vicar is a sweet and charming regency set historical romance with many swoon-worthy moments. Though I don’t usually read regency romances, I was intrigued by the plot and as I read, I fell in love with the characters. Cecelia is definitely more interesting than everyone in town makes her to be, especially because she does not want to be pushed into a marriage just for the title, money, and lands that go with it. William is definitely more that the average vicar, he does not want to be tied down to such a small and dull town, but he is still kind hearted and feels the need to help people where he can. From William and Cecelia’s first meeting, I could feel their draw to one another. Through the book, their temptation for one another kept me reading. Even the dastardly villain, Mr. Barrington, intent on taking Cecelia for no reason other than to keep her from William, added suspense and scandal to the story. For a classic romance, the characters felt fresh and complex and I would definitely pick up the next two books in the series which seem to focus on supporting characters in Amberley.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Gloved Heart
Amy Miller has found herself in a desperate situation. Used and discarded after becoming pregnant by her employer's brother, Amy had nowhere to go. She refused to be shamed by her situation and was graciously taken in as a ward. At the Fortesque's, Amy is relishing in the comforts of being a mother, but is feeling overwhelmed at Mrs. Fortesque's demands for her to learn ladylike qualities. In addition, Amy is still suffering from the attack and cannot feel that she can trust another man. When the Fortesque's house becomes stifling, Amy escapes for a bit with her new son and runs into a longtime friend, Henry Russell. The meeting ignites feelings for both Henry and Amy. Henry wishes he would have asked for Amy's hand long ago, but now Amy can't even bear to touch Henry's hand. Henry is determined to help Amy and give her time to heal, but a suspected secret may ruin his chances.
Gloved Heart is a Regency romance complete with many swoon-worthy moments. Though I felt that the story line was very predictable, I loved the characters and felt invested in their story; especially since I have read the first book in the series, The Vagabond Vicar. Amy is clearly a woman who knows what she wants in life; however, the past trauma she has suffered has left her scarred. Amy's past has led her to be independent and headstrong, but has lacked love. The big secret being held from Amy is strongly foreshadowed early on and suggested by Henry, so there was not a lot of suspenseful buildup there. Instead, the focus is on Amy's realization that she might be able to love once again. Henry is perfect for Amy, with a relationship rooted in friendship and an understanding nature. I loved watching the trust build and Amy's confidence rise as she and Henry got to know one another again. Everything about them seemed pure and true. As a bonus for me, a look into the characters lives from the first book of the series is tied into Amy's story. Overall, a delightful Regency romance with engaging characters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Gloved Heart is a Regency romance complete with many swoon-worthy moments. Though I felt that the story line was very predictable, I loved the characters and felt invested in their story; especially since I have read the first book in the series, The Vagabond Vicar. Amy is clearly a woman who knows what she wants in life; however, the past trauma she has suffered has left her scarred. Amy's past has led her to be independent and headstrong, but has lacked love. The big secret being held from Amy is strongly foreshadowed early on and suggested by Henry, so there was not a lot of suspenseful buildup there. Instead, the focus is on Amy's realization that she might be able to love once again. Henry is perfect for Amy, with a relationship rooted in friendship and an understanding nature. I loved watching the trust build and Amy's confidence rise as she and Henry got to know one another again. Everything about them seemed pure and true. As a bonus for me, a look into the characters lives from the first book of the series is tied into Amy's story. Overall, a delightful Regency romance with engaging characters.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
