Book Review: The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

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Title: The Number of Love

Author: Roseanna M. White

Series: The Codebreakers #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

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~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Roseanna M. White is a fantastic writer. Her latest novel, The Number of Love, starts a brand new series set during the Great War ... and actually focuses on a secondary character from her last series!

If you read A Song Unheard (SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND #2), you met the brilliant, young Margot De Wilde. I don't know if she intrigued you, but she did me! It was so exciting to dive into her personal story in the first book of THE CODEBREAKERS. She is now seventeen years of age and spends her days deciphering messages and breaking codes. Throw in a brave field agent named Drake, spies, emotional drama, and a journey of faith, and you have a superb historical novel.

Margot was such a fascinating character to follow. Her brain just works so differently ... always thinking in numbers. She's spunky, but also sweet and unassuming, in a way. The way she approaches people, friendship, romance, even God, is very interesting. I loved watching her grow. I loved seeing her faith expand. I loved the way she fell in love. At some points, I worried that The Number of Love would push that feminist rhetoric, saying stuff about how being a wife and a mother is such a drudge, and why do they force that on women, and Margot was made for more than that!! But I think that it actually turned out quite beautiful and sweet, and cherished Biblical womanhood.

This author does really well with historical detail and setting. It was intriguing learning more about World War I, and also going undercover with the spies and breaking enemy codes! So cool! Action, drama, intrigue ... this book has it all! Again, I loved the faith theme - it was heartfelt. And that romance was just so tender and adorable and fun! Drake Elton was definitely a great character. And also his sweet sister! It was great seeing characters from other books, as well.

Truly, a unique, exciting, and thoughtful novel. I loved it! So looking forward to Book Two!

I received a complimentary copy of The Number of Love from the author/publisher. This review is honest and all my own.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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Book Review: The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

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Title: The King's Mercy

Author: Lori Benton

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy - exile to the Colony of North Carolina - he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves - and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Lori Benton pens another riveting tale, filled with love, loss, darkness, danger, and faith. This author is one of those authors whose books you know will be a rich historical adventure. And in the 1700s, no less! One of my favorite eras! Her novels never disappoint.

In The King's Mercy we meet a Scotsman named Alex MacKinnon who has been exiled to the colony of North Carolina. Mistress of the plantation he's to be an indentured servant on, is a young woman named Joanna. While he's plotting escape, she's burdened heavily by the life her stepfather is adamant that they live.

Lori Benton's stories often have a heavy undertone to them, and The King's Mercy was no different. Although there were sweet friendship moments, a tender love story, and awe-inspiring acts of faith, this book also highlighted the heart-wrenching happenings in the lives of the slaves on Severn Plantation, as well as unfolded the story of a particularly disturbing villain. Sometimes I wanted to scream in frustration at a certain character! Other times I was sick to my stomach as a vile mystery unfolded. Yet, nonetheless, it was incredible. And when the darkness was cleared away, the beauty shone so radiantly! I loved following all the threads of this story ... with Alex, Joanna, little sister Charlotte, a slave girl named Jemma, and a Christ-filled minister named Reverend Pauling.

While the story mostly takes place on Severn Plantation, there are some intriguing surprises and twists in store ... that put me in the mind of Lori Benton's previous books! The King's Mercy truly is a masterful tale. I loved the faith theme so very much. It was raw and real and permeated the entire book. There were some amazing moments! I so appreciate how this author unashamedly shares her faith in her works of fiction. It is beautiful. And it makes the story so much more meaningful and relatable and beautiful for me!

There are definitely some mature elements in this book. Fornication, rape, and child abuse are discussed, though not in explicit detail.

Overall, another stunning historical fiction novel from Lori Benton. I eagerly look forward to her next book.

I received a advanced reader copy of The King's Mercy from WaterBrook and Multnomah. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: A Love Letter Life by Jeremy and Audrey Roloff

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Title: A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully.

Author: Jeremy & Audrey Roloff

Genre: Nonfiction

Audience: Young Adult/Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

More than 2.3 million people watched as Jeremy and Audrey Roloff shared their vows and committed their lives to each other. Now for the first time, the former co-stars of TLC's hit show Little People, Big World share their imperfect, resilient, and inspiring love story.

As Jeremy and Audrey write, if you can fall into love, you can fall out. True love is something you choose to live out each day through your actions, decisions, and sacrifices. To find and still seek, now that is love. From the moment you meet your potential spouse, you can be intentional about shaping a beautiful love story, uniquely written for who God created you both to be. Whether you're single and searching, in a serious dating relationship, or desiring to love your spouse better, Jeremy and Audrey equip you to pursue an intentional, creative, and faithful love story by sharing theirs.

The journey to their wedding day was the culmination of a bumpy and complicated dating relationship. From health problems, to emotional walls, to being separated by one thousand miles, the couple faced daunting obstacles. But their unique approach to dating empowered them to write an uncommon love story and prepared them for married life. Because as beautiful as their wedding was, the Roloffs made a point to prepare more for their marriage than their wedding day.

Told through both Jeremy's and Audrey's voices, A Love Letter Life tells a passionate and persevering story of relatable struggles, hard-learned lessons, practical tips, and devout commitment. In these pages, they encourage you to stop settling for convenient relationships, offer perspective on male and female differences in dating, tackle tough topics like purity, give their nine rules for fighting well, suggest fun ideas for connection in a world of technology, and provide fresh advice on how to intentionally pursue a love story that never ends.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully. was a really great read! I'd seen it around on social media - from Jinger Vuolo, "Marriage After God", and Dale & Veronica Partridge, I think - and became intrigued. Although I've never watched the TV reality show that Jeremy Roloff is a part of (Little People, Big World), I thoroughly enjoyed his and Audrey's book! It was an easy read; interesting, fun, and thoughtful.

So basically it tells the story of Jeremy and Audrey. Little bits of their individual lives, and a lot of how they became friends, fell in love, and eventually joined lives in marriage! I thought it was awesome how they emphasized the importance of friendship first, and also being intentional and faithful about getting to know, understanding, and caring for one another. There were some hot topics discussed! Such as physical purity and close friendships with the opposite sex after you're married. I appreciated how honest Jeremy and Audrey were about their relationship, purity, and where they failed ... and the fact that they wrote it as a warning: Make boundaries! Have accountability partners. Don't make the same mistakes that we did.

I loved the few pages of pictures near the center of the book. It's so fun to see snippets of what you're reading about! Absolutely lovely.

And the love letters they wrote each other? Absolutely precious! I love this idea - especially for dating couples! ^_^

This romance definitely wasn't perfect. It had it's ups and downs. It's bumps and break-ups. But no love story is perfect. What makes the difference is how you pursue. How intentional you are. How faithful you are. Are you willing to fight for this person, despite the setbacks? And, once married, are you willing to cling to each other until death parts you ... regardless if you "fall out of love" someday? Most importantly, are you actively putting Christ at the center? It's wonderful to see a fun couple like Jeremy and Audrey pursuing God's design for a man and his wife. Fighting for each other. Promoting a healthy marriage relationship that doesn't give up.

This book talks about how to creatively love your special person, work through baggage from the past and/or generational sin, understand each other's personality, respect each other, be intentional in a long distance relationship, and so on.

Jeremy and Audrey have a sweet story of coming together, and, overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book! I recommend to those who like learning about the real-life romances of Christian couples!

I received a copy of A Love Letter Life from Book Look Boggers Program. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

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Title: Flight of the Raven

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Series: The Ravenwood Saga #2

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Exiled and on the run, Selene Ravenwood is in search of the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking but first she must adapt to her marriage with the man she was originally assigned to kill. With war impending and a dark being after her gift, she finds herself at a crossroads but time is running out and soon her choice will be made for her.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

How exciting it is to dive back into the adventures of Selene and Damien! Flight of the Raven was one novel I was highly anticipating, and it did not disappoint! In book two of THE RAVENWOOD SAGA, Morgan L. Busse carries on with this epic story, following a would-be-assassin, her sister, and the young lord who is their target. With action, romance, mystery, and a journey of faith, this tale swept me away.

Truly, I'm always looking for new Christian fantasy novels, and this one has caught my attention. Just as with the first book, I loved the world. It is rich, diverse, and fascinating. We're learning a little more about each house, and with every tidbit of information, I get more excited! It's one of those fantasy lands that you could get lost in.

The Christian allegory is unfolding so wondrously! Selene is hunted by the Dark Lady whom she's sure she doesn't want ... and haunted by the Light that always seems out of reach. It was amazing to watch her wrestle within herself and slowly come to believe and trust this Light. The way the author writes this beautiful, intense allegory reminds me of Anne Elisabeth Stengl's TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD series. (Oh, how I miss reading from that series! It's good to get a taste of that kind of awesome fantasy in Morgan L. Busse's novels!)

It was interesting to get some of the story from Amara's point of view. I loved seeing some more of little Ophelia. Their mother makes me furious! *feeling all kinds of rage* So many great characters! That's what makes this series glorious!

Mark of the Raven definitely built up to the romance we get in Flight of the Raven. I was looking forward to it, and glad to see this couple blossom! *happiness* There were many sweet, tender moments. And some raw, sacrificial moments that made this love story that much more beautiful. Pretty far into the book, there were a few kisses and talk about the marriage and feelings. It was all pretty sweet, though some of the details weren't necessary (in my own opinion). And even though there was nothing explicit, since this book does have a marriage of convenience it felt more "adult" than "young adult".

I smiled, I cried, I was surprised, and my heart sighed within me. Flight of the Raven was an emotional, thrilling journey! I was sad to finish ... realizing I won't be feeling that happy feeling that I get when reading about these characters for awhile. And, whoa, that cliffhanger! (It made me think of the Marvel movies, for some reason. *laughs*) I can hardly wait to see what happens! Next book, please!

I received a complimentary copy of Flight of the Raven from the author and/or Bethany House Publishers. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

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Title: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Series: Cornwall #1

Genre: Regency Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall ... back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Lovely! I've read by Sarah E. Ladd before, and just had to pick up her latest novel because of the gorgeous cover! I'm happy to say that the story did not disappoint. Book One in the CORNWALL series, The Governess of Penwythe Hall pulls us into early 1800s, England, and Cordelia Graythorne's life. I love stories set during the Regency era, and this one was well-done. It's centered around a governess with a troubled past and a handful of dear, orphaned children, which I came to love. Plus Jac, who is quite nice, as well. *winks and smiles* It has a good amount of mystery/suspense, a warm faith theme, and sweet romance. This book definitely wasn't heavy on the romance ... and didn't have any steamy romance scenes - which is always a breath of fresh air. I love a good romance, but it has to be done right! Sarah E. Ladd unfolded this love story quite charmingly.

Overall, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is about family, faith, and finding freedom from dark pasts. It was enjoyable to read! For fans of Regency tales, I would certainly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall from BookLookBloggers program. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller

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Title: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

Author: Carolyn Miller

Series: Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1

Genre: Historical (Regency Romance)

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society - and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her - and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected - especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences - or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Carolyn Miller is a writer of unique and heartfelt regency romance novels. I'm quite a fan of this historical era, so it was a delight to discover these books! A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh was such an enjoyable read, and I so look forward to delving into the next two books in the REGENCY BRIDES: DAUGHTERS OF AYNSLEY series.

This story is about Caroline, the eldest daughter of Viscount Aynsley. Tying into Carolyn Miller's most recent series, REGENCY BRIDES: A PROMISE OF HOPE (Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, & The Making of Mrs. Hale), this book follows Caroline as she goes to stay with her grandmama in Devon as to sidestep possible scandal. There she meets a mysterious couple, gets involved in some scientific escapades, and is forced to confront her own selfishness and lack of faith. What does she believe about God?

I really liked the faith theme in this book, how it was woven so deep into the story. Caroline's journey to Jesus Christ was honest and profound, and brought tears to my eyes. It's not often you see a genuine coming to faith in fiction these days, so I very much value that aspect of this author's work.

There was excitement, drama, danger, tenderness, and a lovely thoughtful air about A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. Gideon Kirby's interest in science and fossils lent a different aspect to this book than other regency romances. The love story was very sweet and clean. I loved getting a glimpse of characters from previous books, and also briefly meeting Caroline's younger sisters, Cecilia and Verity. So excited to read their tales!

My caution is that there are some difficult topics raised, so be careful if you're a sensitive reader. Abuse and abortion are mentioned, and there was one or two scenes of violence. (view spoiler)

Overall, a very lovely Christian historical novel set during the early 1800s. As always with Carolyn Miller, I look forward to reading more.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh from Kregel publications through their blogger program. This review is honest and completely my own.

Historical Romance Regency (1811-1820) Reads

Hello, my reader friends! Today I want to share with you a few novels that I've enjoyed. The genre? Historical Romance set during the regency era (1811-1820). If I recall correctly, each story is set somewhere in England. Think Jane Austen and all the loveliness! *heart eyes*

Also, most of these are Christian fiction, though a scant few are clean, secular fiction. Almost all are geared toward adults, some YA.

(A note on that: some of these books I read years ago and can't remember all the details content-wise. Sometimes even Christian-fiction can get a little edgy as I have lamented about in a couple blog posts [Does What I Read Honor God? and Sexy Christians], so exercise caution. Be intentional about what you read. And be obedient if you feel a check in your spirit.)

I hope you enjoy and find some lovely, new reads! ^_^

***

Melanie Dickerson

A fun, suspenseful romance series! I wouldn't say these made my favorites shelf, but this author does have lovely characters and entertaining tales.

A Spy's Devotion {The Regency Spies of London #1} by Melanie Dickerson

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A Viscount's Proposal {The Regency Spies of London #2} by Melanie Dickerson

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A Dangerous Engagement {The Regency Spies of London #3} by Melanie Dickerson

Read My Review

***

Julianne Donaldson

These two books are absolutely delightful, clean, darling romances. They are not classified as Christian fiction, and I think they might be YA. (Blackmoore did have a darker theme to it, actually, as I recall.)

Edenbrooke {A Proper Romance} by Julianne Donaldson

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Blackmoore {A Proper Romance} by Julianne Donaldson

Read My Review

***

Camille Elliot

I've only read one book by this author (Prelude for a Lord), but was it ever delightful! Intriguing and unique! I hope to read some more regency romance from her!

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

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The Spinster's Christmas {Lady Wynwood #1} by Camille Elliot

***

Kristi Ann Hunter

I've only read perhaps three of these, but enough to know that this author writes some thought-provoking and sweet regency tales! They have some danger and drama, and the faith theme is usually stirring.

A Lady of Esteem {Hawthorne House #0.5} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Noble Masquerade {Hawthorne House #1}

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An Elegant Facade {Hawthorne House #2} by Kristi Ann Hunter

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An Uncommon Courtship {Hawthorne House #3} by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Inconvenient Beauty {Hawthorne House #4} by Kristi Ann Hunter

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A Search for Refuge {Haven Manor #0.5} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Defense of Honor {Haven Manor #1} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return of Devotion {Haven Manor #2} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Pursuit of Home {Haven Manor #3} by Kristi Ann Hunter

***

Julie Klassen

This author writes absolutely phenomenal historical fiction. So rich and authentic-feeling! I have fallen in love with her novels. I believe she writes with subtle themes of faith. A note of caution: I have found a couple of her books to have some edgy romance scenes, in my opinion. I probably mention it in my reviews. Use your own discretion.

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

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The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

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The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

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The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

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The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

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The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill {Tales from Ivy Hill #1} by Julie Klassen

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage {Tales from Ivy Hill #2} by Julie Klassen

The Bride of Ivy Green {Tales from Ivy Hill #3} by Julie Klassen

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

***

Carolyn Miller

One of my favorite regency romance authors! She weaves such wonderful themes of faith into these clean, sweet love stories! They're unique, endearing, and adventurous.

The Elusive Miss Ellison {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1} by Carolyn Miller

The Captivating Lady Charlotte {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #2} by Carolyn Miller

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The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #3} by Carolyn Miller

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Winning Miss Winthrop {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1} by Carolyn Miller

Miss Serena's Secret {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2} by Carolyn Miller

The Making of Mrs. Hale {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3} by Carolyn Miller

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1} by Carolyn Miller

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Underestimating Miss Cecilia {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2} by Carolyn Miller

Misleading Miss Verity {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #3} by Carolyn Miller