The Rules of Courtship

 

In The Rules of Courtship, by Kasey Stockton, Ruth Wycliffe is climbing high up in a tree attempting to hide from a would-be suitor.  Her friend Oliver Rose shows at just the right moment to distract this suitor and her father.  Ruth had not seen much of Oliver since his grandmother had died recently.  But oh had she missed this dear friend!

Little does Ruth know that Oliver wants to marry her; however, he knows she has vowed to not marry anyone from her hometown.  He must wait until just the right moment to ask the big question.  If Oliver makes a move too quickly, it would possibly drive Ruth away!

You are not sure what will happen when Ruth and Oliver end up at the same house party.  Ruth jumps in when Oliver asks her to help him find a potential wife.  Actually, she says they should help each other find spouses!

After a lot of craziness takes place at this party, Oliver's life suddenly gets much more serious.  His“father”/uncle is found dying.  Now this tale gets rather complicated.  Definitely a book worth a read!

Marrying the Matchmaker

 

Marrying the Matchmaker, by Jody Hedlund, is the next tale in her A Shanahan Match series.  Zaira Shanahan has finally published a story in the local newspaper.  The year  is 1849, so she is writing under a pseudonym.  Zaira suddenly runs into Bellamy McKenna  on the streets of St. Louis.  Bellamy hopes to be the next matchmaker in his family.  These two both have secrets they are protecting.  Zaira wants to be a writer and Bellamy has been painting landscapes in private!

Zaira hopes that after she finally experiences love herself, it will make her a better writer on the topic.  When Bellamy catches her pretending to pucker up and plant a kiss, Zaira discovers he is not there to spy on her but rather to ask her to help him with his latest matchmaking attempt.  Zaira agrees to help Bellamy with his matchmaking, but only if he shows her what a romantic hug is all about!

This romantic hug between Bellamy and Zaira somehow becomes a deep kiss in the midst of a St. Louis pub.  When Bellamy finally agrees to a temporary engagement, he does not how he will do it.  Just until any gossip about the kiss fades away.  Secretly in love with Zaira, Bellamy is not sure he can last that long!

This is a fun tale to follow.  You will discover what happens when both Zaira and Bellamy’s secrets come to light and more importantly their love for each other is revealed!

A Proper Governess

 

A Proper Governess, by Kasey Stockton, continues her Hearts of Harewood series.  Aurelia Beswick is headed to her new position as governess to a young boy.  She immediately makes a connection with her new pupil, Edmund; however, Aurelia is not sure about his father, Lord Ryland.  He does not remember that they have meet before.  Aurelia just hopes he does not recall the details!

Aurelia starts working on a trial basis.  Everything seems like a good fit with Edmond.  However, Lord Ryland is not sure how to proceed when he begins having feelings for Aurelia.  Definitely not appropriate towards an employee!

It is fun to watch as a relationship begins to develop between Aurelia and Lord Ryland.  Once possible conflicts are resolved, Aurelia’s life is going to change dramatically!

 

A Sea View Christmas

A Sea View Christmas is a holiday novella from Julie Klassen.  Miss Sarah Sommers cannot stop thinking about Callum Henshall.  This man from Scotland has occupied her thoughts from the moment she met him.  She had not encouraged him at the time; however, now she is having second thoughts!

This is an interesting tale as you learn all the ways these two try to make a connection.  It is fun to see how this story unfolds by the final page!

The Favored Cowboy

 

The Favored Cowboy, by Jody Hedlund, opens with Amelia Stone on her way to Colorado.  She is not sure what to except when she arrives.  All Amelia knows is that she must keep what is growing in her belly a secret at all costs!

Amelia heads into Breckenridge, Colorado not remembering the name of the man she is to wed.  Whether it is brain-fog from her pregnancy or that she is overwhelmed by all the mail-order bride registries she had entered, Amelia does not know.  However, before she knows it, veterinarian Thatcher Hoyt is her new husband!

As feelings begin to develop between Amelia and Thatcher, they are not sure how to move forward when the actual man Amelia had promised to marry shows up on one of Thatcher’s vet visits.  When this ruins Thatcher’s reputation, you wonder if these two will be able to build a life together.  Hang on to see if all the details finally work out!

Once Upon a Christmas Carol

 

Once Upon a Christmas Tale is another holiday novella from Melody Carlson.  This tale opens with Carol Langstrom thinking of her negative feelings about this holiday.  She is actually on her way to the airport so she can spend Christmas in the Bahamas.  However, all good plans often do not come to fruition.  When Carol’s plane is forced to make an unexpected landing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she must quickly readjust her plans!

When Carol remembers her mother’s sister lives in the area, she decides to reach out to her for lodging.  Carol is so excited to make her aunt’s acquaintance.  She even changes her travel plans to have more time to spend with her!

You wonder, when Carol meets her aunt’s friend, Victor Clarkson, if this man will change the direction of her life.  This is a fun tale to follow as Carol slowly builds new relationships with both new friends and family!

To Forge Her Fate

To Forge Her Fate, by  Kasey Stockton, describes Eliza Rose’s attempt to bring her family back into good standing after her sister’s scandal.  However, her plans are changed when she encounters Jacob Ridley, a local blacksmith!

After their carriages collide on a country road, Eliza soon finds that

Jacob is a kind, gracious and very helpful man.  She cannot stop thinking about this man.  Will Eliza’s plans change yet again?

As Eliza seeks out the man she will one day marry, you wonder if her feelings will grow for Jacob, who as a blacksmith is below her social class or perhaps for Lord Ryland, a viscount and member of the upper class.  Hold tight to discover her choice!