The Flipped Page

A Joyful Christmas: 6 Historical Stories Various authors GoodReads review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; collection; Christian faith elements Collection of Christmas romance, some set in the Civil War.  I chose to review this collection as I love one of the authors.  This was a mixed read for me. Some of the novellas were strong and compelling, with good pacing and natural resolution. Others felt a bit forced, or rushed. Novellas are a tricky genre sometimes to 'complete' a story without those faults. All in all though, it was a fun holiday read, and a fun way to pass some time.  Would still recommend to others to read. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

A Hopeful Christmas A Regency Romance Collection Various Authors GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Novella collection   Beautiful Christmas novella collection. This grouping was very well done. The authors were so varied in their perspectives, themes, and story lines. I loved Carla K.'s novella in particular, as it truly was so different from the others, with a family situation that was very different, and so compelling. However that being said, all the novellas were very strong. Oftentimes in a collection, I find with the shorter length, one or two of the novellas feels incomplete, or choppy. This collection really was very beautifully done by all of the authors. This is one I know I will re-read in Holiday seasons to come. Plus, beautiful cover!   I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.

Gentleman Jim Mimi Matthews GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; M.M. creates a vivid period novel of romance, and revenge.  Maggie is upper class, and Nicholas the bastard son of a loose woman, rumored to be the son of a notorious highwayman.  They have an innocent friendship, that grows into a romance. Maggie is however intended for the son of a neighboring landowner.  As they are pulled apart, Maggie has to try to remain true to her promise to keep her heart for Nicholas.  The neighboring son, tyrannically holds Maggie's home, and her ability to inherit and live there after her father's passing in order to force her hand. Maggie will have to choose between her heart and her home. St. Clare appears, and there are hints to the reader as to his real identity.   Lovely romance, sweet revenge, and Maggie staying true to her heart's promise to Nicholas.  St. Clare is a great character as well, and his backstory and relations made for an interesting subplot.  M.M. a

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown Heather B. Moore GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Historical fiction novel; Strong thematic elements PG-13  Historical novel, with intrigue, and based on real people and events that bring the Occidental Mission home, the girls, and Donaldina Cameron, and the underbelly of this city into full portrait. HBM brings incidences, individuals, and the supporting characters in this history to vivid detail and drama.  Highlighting the struggles, highs, lows, and historical moments so vividly, you can feel the tension, fears, determination, and highs and lows of this portion of Donaldina Cameron's life, the spotlighted girls, and the Mission Home history. Highly recommend if you love historical fiction.  I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

 The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Series but stand alone read  This was definitely a beautifully detailed book, with strong characters. George, the Duke of Aylesham was a wonderful character.  Strong, loyal, and determined. Susan, older and well-past a debutante, speaking her mind, not afraid to stand her ground, and I loved her gumption and courage.   This is a bit of a 'My Fair Lady' tale in a way, although not to the extreme of Eliza's poverty, and Susan wasn't taken on by the Duke like Eliza with the Professor, but with Susan getting gowned and coifed after living in the country, getting lessons in Royal protocol, and Aylesham giving her some lessons in courage and determination, after being at odds with her, it reminded me a bit of that story line. Susan is such a strong character, sticking to her ground, trying to make a way for herself as she is thrown into this maelstrom that is Prinny and the circum