Books You Can Feel Good About: social pressure

Showing posts with label social pressure. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Kissing Kate: A Sweet Regency Romance (Hearts of Cornwall Book 4) by K. Lyn Smith

"Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact."

Very sweet Historical Regency romance. Part of a wonderful series, this is the town that has more men than women, and there's a published list of bachelors that brings in women from all over. What's not to like about Kate who is both very proper with the height of etiquette, yet has spunk? And she likes plants, botany, which are close to my heart. Even though they're best friends, she's unsure of Ben and doesn't know why he goes to London, appearing to be a bit of a rogue. They're working through issues of self-doubt, holding yourself to higher standard, being a perfectionist, grief and misplaced guilt as well as peer pressure. They have close family and friends who see them for themselves and help them to discover their own feelings and strengths. Ben has to be the most devoted friend ever. Sweet, fulfilling read with lots of depth and beauty.

I received this book free from the author and Book Sirens book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#KissingKate #BookSirens #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #DavenwoodPress #HistoricalFiction #KLynSmith

Purchase on Amazon (I don't get anything from this)

About the book

“Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.”

A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING

Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford's eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed.

A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION

Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more.

AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED

When Kate sets her sights on Ben's dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town's inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom.

But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it's too late?

Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone.

About the author

K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion and the Maggie Award.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?

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My reviews

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen

1819 Sidmouth England. When their father dies, his estate goes back to an heir. Their Mother and four sisters own the house at Sea View but have little to live on. Their former lady's maid helps them to consider taking in borders to help keep them going. This is the start of a fabulous series with shadows of Jane Austen. It's easy to settle in and feel involved in their lives. The struggle of starting this business after being a Gentleman's family, lost loves, new interests, new people and their lives, social norms and their reduced state add flavor to the story. Originally, they had come there because their mother was in need of the healing of the sea. One sister was born with a cleft palate has had several surgeries, left more scarred inside than she is outside now. Interesting things to learn about the area, healing baths and cleft palates. Beautifully written, keeps you enthralled to the end and looking forward to the next in the series.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSistersofSeaView #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #JulieKlassen #ChristianHistorical

My reviews

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

This was not what I expected. It's a murder mystery that's up there with the rest. Told with a great sense of humor. It is a bit of a page turner. We take working women for granted these days. In this time it was not common at all, and was socially frowned upon by the upper class. Great story, well told and engaging.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheMatchmakersLonelyHeart #NetGalley.

My Reviews