The Flipped Page

His Lady in Hiding by Jen Geigle Johnson GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Liz (Lady Elizabeth) and Anthony's (Lord Barton) romance was sweet, unexpected, and well-done. The journey across the ocean, treacherous and awful, the time in America, and the surprise for Lord Barton.  Liz's adjustments to her new life and station, trying to leave her old life behind and do her best with her new job as a housekeeper, as well as her passion for the social issues she finds in America.  The pulls toward home (England) with all the complications for both of them, tied together well. Some of the side characters felt a little forced, but overall a fun, interesting, suspenseful at times, and of course, sweetly romantic read for me.  More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up with the lush cover.  I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

To Win a Lady's Heart Sian A. Bessey GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; historical setting Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas' story was so well done! Intrigue, suspense, romantic, tender moments, along with a well depicted setting and dilemma in the story. Loved all the little pieces that wove together to make this so realistic. Even the animals in the story were so well done. The minor characters were so well done, so many things that made this a very good read. Joanna and Lukas' moments were so very sweet. The looks, the realizations, the final choice were all so well done.  Along with this, Joanna's character, her kindness, caring for others including those of lower class, her dogs, the people around her who were struggling, she was such an honorable character. Lukas and Sir Edwyn the same, strong character, morals, caring for others, and honor commitments, noble, and dutiful. They were perfect examples of how a noble should comport them...

For Castle and Crown by Sian A. Bessey GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Historical Perfect historic setting for this novel. While it can be categorized as a romance, it's period setting with historic figures and battles made for a perfect, suspense filled novel with intrigue and perfect backstory with the monarchies and crusades. Pippa and Edmund's story wove together so beautifully as they both worked through their pains, and concerns. Gorgeous period setting, strong side characters and back story, and of course the tender moments between Pippa and Edmund. Pippa and Edmund, both with their personal challenges, Edmund returning as a Duke after his brother's death, and his capture in Germany, the physical challenges he faced, was characterized so well. Strong, courageous, kind and encouraging to Pippa and those around him, while expecting the best from those under his leade...

The Shipbuilder's Wife by Jennifer Moore GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Lydia and Jacob's story set during the War of 1812 was heartfelt, honest, hurting, and a well done imagining of the American revolt, and of the War of 1812 British attack on Washington City as part of the story.  Their sweet romance also an integral part of the story.  The backstory of Lydia's and Jacob's first meeting, the attack on her home and her injury during the attack, the servants, the other side characters, and their life in Annapolis, all well described.  Lydia's care for her servants, her pain and worry with her physical 'trial' (no spoilers here!), and Jacob's worry, and misunderstanding of her interactions with him, made it all the sweeter at the conclusion of the novel. Loved the setting, the backstory, and their sweet moments throughout the novel.  J.L.M. had some fun historical details that she included as part of the novel that made it ev...

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker GoodReads reveiw ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Gorgeous, subtle, period romance. As Amelia and her sister Clara are on the brink of poverty, they have one last chance for Clara and possibly Amelia to make a match that will secure their future and keep them out of poverty at their stepfather's passing. Sir Ronald and his mother have invited them both to a house party, and Clara hopes to secure his affections. They chance meet Mr. Peter Wood, and later see him and his sister Georgiana at the house party. Amelia is at odds with Peter for a good portion of the novel, but we see subtle glimpses of his affection for her throughout the novel. They are at cross purposes with him trying to help his sister secure Sir Ronald's affections, and she trying to help her sister do the same. Amelia, at one point, seeks to marry for convenience, but when she recognizes that she has grown to know him, and his heart, and see how much he actuall...

Romancing the Rake by Nicole Van GoodReads Review Romance, clean; series but stand alone read  4 star read   Lovely, honest, hurting, healing, hopeful romance. Beautifully crafted, strong side characters, and sweet romance with a lovely chemistry between the two main characters. N.V. Does a wonderful job creating this world, set partially in England and partially in Scotland. The Brotherhood saga continuing in this novel. Loved reading this, an can't wait for the next installment in the next novel in this series.

The Noble Smuggler by Sian A. Bessey GoodReads Review Romance, clean, period; Mystery, intrigue 4 star read Elizabeth/Miss Doyle and Jonas/Reynard/Lord Langton's story was well-paced with the intrigue back-story, and Miss Doyle's semi-noble past, and her uncertain future. She was intelligent, kind, and brave in so many ways, and as Reynard, Jonas was seeking to uncover those doing wrong. As the mystery unfolded as Lord Langton/Jonas tries to discover which noble is mastermind behind the smuggling operation, even perhaps with some even weightier past crimes, these two honest, sincere hearts also discover their mutual attraction and affection. Elizabeth's gentle kindness to Lord Langton's mother, who is losing her sight, and her willingness to help assist with the discovery of the criminal as she worries about her safety and future in her determined, kind and sincere manner, only further endear her to Lord Langton, who is tired of the machinations of t...

"Before I Called You Mine" by Nicole Deese Romance; clean, contemporary; Christian faith elements Lauren and Joshua's love story is complicated, and heart wrenching at times. The attraction and moments that Lauren skirts around between Joshua and herself were well-drawn, and added to the story line well. The complications of their relationship, mainly due to Lauren's adoption commitment, are heart wrenching as Lauren realizes how much she is attracted to Joshua, and finds out the kind of man he truly is at heart. Well-drawn side characters, including Lauren's teaching friend and her husband, some family and other characters along with their romance made for a compelling, inspirational, compelling romantic read. This was a gorgeous, inspirational, and life well-drawn novel, you truly feel in the moment. I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.