Description:
Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.
Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a remote hospital, you’ll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.
Moonlight Promises by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love one a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?
Lessons in Love Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler’s Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that “M. M.” is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?
One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn’t marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive she hopes she’s found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.
A Saving Grace Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, when lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?
About the authors:
Jane Kirkpatrick is the award-winning author of many novels, including A Flickering Light. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and lives in Oregon. Visit www.jkbooks.com for more.
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. She lives in Wyoming. Visit www.amandacabot.com for more.
Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of The Midwives series and The Daughters of Bainbridge House series. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband. Visit www.lauriealiceeakes.com for more.
Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series and the Sisters at Heart series. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Visit www.annshorey.com for more.
My review: 3 1/2 stars
Good book!
I should probably start by saying that I don’t generally care for novellas that much, so you should keep that in mind while reading my review.
This is Revell’s (a division of Baker Publishing Group) first historical novella collection, featuring the well-loved authors Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes, Jane Kirkpatrick, and Ann Shorey. I had only read 2 of the authors’ books, so I wasn’t sure what to anticipate. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. The stories, while well written, did not connect at all. The only similarity in each novella is that the heroines received letters that send them on an adventure.
Moonlight Promises by Laurie Alice Eakes
While this novella was quite good, I wanted a little more character development, and I struggled with the two main characters falling in love in such a short time. The romance was rather unbelievable at times, while being sweet at others. I had a hard time with Camilla’s character. I didn’t like her very much, which meant I didn’t connect with her like I normally do. She was lying by omission and when found out, both her and Captain Black’s reactions seemed a little unrealistic. On the positive side, the descriptions were excellent, the story was fast paced, and it held my attention.
Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
This one I believe was my favorite. I loved Merrie and her quirks, and Colin was sweet. The romance was also believable, because the characters had known each other for some time and it wasn’t rushed or forced.
The spiritual aspect was also there, though it was a little underdeveloped, in my opinion. I did like that each of them struggled with the situation and that Merrie finally made it right in the end. The ending was a little rushed. I wished the story could have been a few pages longer, in order to make it seem more complete.
One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Amanda Cabot did an excellent job with this story. The characters were well rounded, the descriptions vivid, and it didn’t lag anywhere. I liked Lorraine and Jonah, each character had their quirks, which just made them more believable. The romance wasn’t rushed and I liked their relationship and sparring.
My only complaint about the novella is that it was so predictable. I just wanted them to figure it out and get on with it.
Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
If Ann Shorey’s gets the label of being my favorite, then this one gets least favorite. I didn’t care for it at all and wasn’t able to finish it. At first I just couldn’t get into it, then Grace was such a ninny! She kept changing her mind, her thoughts made little sense, and we never get to see Claude’s point of view. I honestly don’t know how he fell in love with her. She was loony and kept getting into trouble. This story actually ruined the whole book for me. I won’t be able to read any of them again, simply because I disliked this one so much.
Over all, this book was okay. I really wanted to love it, but I couldn’t. I recommend this book if you really enjoy historical books and are looking for a few quick reads.
I received this book through The Book Club Network for my honest review, which I have given. I was not require to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
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