ARC Reviews

Showing posts with label SydneyJane Baily. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SydneyJane Baily. Show all posts

19/03/2021

My Lady Marzipan (Rare Confectionery #3) by Sydney Jane Baily . Historical Romance Review.

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Step into Rare Confectionery on New Bond Street, where three talented sisters create treats as delectable to the tongue as they are appealing to the eye. One taste is all it takes to be captivated...

Charlotte hasn't had anything go wrong in her blissful existence as a confectioner. Always smiling, she loves working with her sisters, and she adores her customers. Moreover, she holds a secret in her heart.

The Viscount Jeffcoat watches the joy disappear from the eyes of the most appealing woman he knows, as sweet as her marzipan creations. Desperately trying to right whatever wrong she is facing, he hopes to woo and win her, only to discover the unthinkable.

When it seems all she has ever cherished will be lost—and by her own carelessness—Charlotte turns to the one man who has promised her nothing while giving her everything. Can she and Lord Jeffcoat overcome betrayal and ruin to build a life of love and laughter?


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Miss Charlotte Rare-Foure makes the Marzipan confection at the family's shop in New Bond Street.  With her sisters' recent marriages more of the work has been on her shoulders. Everything is going well and Charlotte finds someone to help out.  When things start to spin out of control there is one person who she can think of to help her. 
Charles,  Viscount Jeffcoat has known the Rare-Foure family since his friend married the eldest daughter, and has always seen Charlotte as flighty and immature. He soon learns there is much more to her than he believes. 
The daughter of a shopkeeper is maybe not refined enough for a serious minded Viscount and barrister,  but her sparkling,  happy personality can't help but draw everyone to her. 
This is a fast paced sweet historical story that will be better if you have read the previous books in the series,  but still enjoyable on it's own.  
Really good fun.  


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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub






07/05/2020

The Toffee Heiress (Rare Confectionery #2) by Sydney Jane Baily. Historical Romance. My Review.

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Step into Rare Confectionery on New Bond Street, where three talented sisters create treats as delectable to the tongue as they are appealing to the eye. One taste is all it takes to be captivated…

Greer Carson needs a wife, and not merely any wife, either. She must be a titled British lady so he can claim his inheritance—a country estate all but abandoned for a generation.

Beatrice can make treacle toffee without a doubt, the best in London! Yet sometimes she dreams of doing more with her life. When a handsome American comes into Rare Confectionery seeking assistance, she grabs hold of the opportunity for adventure with both hands.

Join Beatrice and Greer as they infiltrate the highest ranks of London’s aristocracy searching for spouses. As they each get closer to their goal, oddly enough, only the impossible choice becomes the most appealing one.

Engaging characters, attention to period detail, and heartfelt romance — you’ll find it all in the stories by USA Today bestselling author of historical romance, Sydney Jane Baily.
 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Miss Beatrice Rare-Foure makes beautiful treacle toffee in her family's confectionary.  They tend to keep her in the kitchen because she's not very good with some of the snooty customers.  This time though she's on her own because one sister is on honeymoon and the other has the sniffles.  Trying to keep her toffee from burning and serve someone who has no idea what they want is not best for her temper.
Greer Carson is a newly arrived American.  He needs to marry a titled Lady to qualify for his inheritance. Although he has more than enough money, the house and land in Scotland calls to his heart.  He has a lot to learn before any "Lady" will even look at him.  
This is a sweet historical romance filled with fun loving characters.  Our misfits have a connection that will let them have entry to events of The season, but will they be able to do what they want.  
This is the second book in the series,  and while it is better to read them in order you can read each on it's own.  
Great fun.


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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub




10/04/2020

Lord Wrath (Beastly Lords #6) by Sydney Jane Baily. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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 An affable, self-indulgent viscount suddenly finds himself with a singular purpose — to hunt down a vicious murderer. The unassuming, lovely lady who has caught his interest may be his best ally or a shockingly unexpected foe.

When senseless tragedy strikes his family, Lord Burnley takes justice into his own hands. Cutting a swath of vengeance through the heart of London, he nearly takes an innocent life by mistake.

Lady Adelia Smythe is known as a meek and mild wallflower. She has her private reasons for reticence. Yet, when she stands up to the angriest man in England, how could she ever dream her heart would end up yearning for him?

Rage fuels his lordship's life until he can't imagine having room for any other emotion. Will he take a chance on a love as strong and fierce as anything he's ever felt? And when Lady Adelia confesses the truth, will he choose his hatred or his heart?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Lord Owen Burnley found the body of his murdered sister and has gone on the hunt for her killer.  The loss of his sister has turned his parents into shadows of who they were. He needs to solve the mystery of her death to try and bring some sort of peace to himself and his parents.
Lady Adelia Smythe has spent her four London seasons trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible.  She's more interested in her writing and discovering material for it than trying to find a husband.  She's exceptionally shy and tongue tied around strangers.  
This is a fast moving and exciting murder / mystery / romance.  Its very hard to work out who the killer is.  There is also a lot of emotional upset,  and obviously danger.  
An absolutely fabulous story.  
I loved every page.

  

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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub





29/02/2020

The Duchess of Chocolate (Rare Confectionery #1) by Sydney Jane Baily. Historical Romance. My Review.

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Step into Rare Confectionery on New Bond Street, where three talented sisters create treats as delectable to the tongue as they are appealing to the eye. One taste is all it takes to be captivated…

The Duke of Pelham desires a brand-new confection to win the Season’s loveliest lady. Naturally, he turns to London’s premiere chocolatier for assistance.

Amity has never had a customer quite like the duke. In status, he’s far above ordinary men, yet he is one of the friendliest, funniest, and most engaging males she has ever met.

As the duke enters the scrumptious world of confectionery, he discovers the chocolatier is as delightful—and tempting—as her creations. While Amity designs the perfect proposal chocolate, her heart begins to wish the duke could be her very own mouthwatering reward.

Join Amity and her duke on a chocolate-filled romance in the heart of Mayfair, where nobility often acts in a less-than noble fashion. Will the upper-echelon of society sour their happiness and keep them from the sweetest of endings?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Henry, Duke of Pelham is intending to to ask the most beautiful woman to be his duchess and wants something special to help his cause.  There is a shop in New Bond Street that make special confectionery. He will have an original sweet made for his proposal.
Amity makes the most divine chocolates, and along with the other confections that her sisters make have made their shop very successful. So when the Duke asks for a chocolate to be created just for his ladylove she knows she's capable if she can find out what they lady likes.  
This is a fascinating story that is very different to most historical romance.  The characters are lots of fun.  I really enjoyed every page and can't wait to read the next book in the series.


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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub





01/11/2019

The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides: (A Gothic Regency Historical Romance collection) by Collected Authors. My REview.



When doors creak and ghostly whispers are heard in the midnight hour, this stunning collection of Gothic Regency Historical Romance is sure to leave you breathless with Poe-inspired, romantic dreams…

Welcome to the All-Hallows’ Brides collection. Seven of your favorite Historical Romance authors have come together for a collection of never-before published stories that will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them again and again. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, you’ve never seen a collection like this by some of the biggest names in Historical Romance.

The title of each story is named for their 'Bride':

Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
Aislin by Meara Platt
Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
Beth by Maggi Andersen
Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
Cora by Mary Wine


So, grab your candle and lock your door, and settle down to read this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic tales with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so Gothic.

And if you hear a knock on your door… don’t answer it.

Unless you are prepared to welcome a wandering wraith in a tattered wedding gown…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



A great set of stories. Some spooky some not but all really well worth reading. 

Emma,

by Kathryn LeVeque. 

☆☆☆☆☆

This might be a shorter story than usual from this author but it's still a wonderful one. 
It starts in the present time with characters that just might have met in a previous life. 
We go back in time to the traumatic time when our careless hero and unfortunate heroine first met. 
I would love this to have been fleshed out to a full length book but I loved it anyway. 
****************************

Aislin, 

By Meara Platt.

☆☆☆☆☆

William has lived as the pirate Lucifer for the last three years,  with very little memory of what happened before. Now however he has been having dreams of a woman who is obviously special to him.  So it's back to the place he hopes to find her for him. 
Aislin is apparently a very dangerous woman to know.  Her father holds a lot of power in the smuggling community,  and if anyone threatens what is his they have a tendency to dissapear forever. 
An action packed story with danger from all sides.  Both our characters are strong and possibly a bit too brave. The mystery they have to solve while not knowing who is on which side gives us a lot of excitement and a few giggles. 
I loved it. 
****************************

Sarah,

By Scarlett Scott. 

☆☆☆☆☆

Lady Sarah Bolingbroke is determined to have revenge for herself and her sister from the man who destroyed them both.  A masked ball seems like the perfect opportunity.  
Phillip the Earl of Markham gave up on love a few years ago when he was tricked but had a lucky escape. 
This is a lovely story that shows us that not everything we are told is true,  and sometimes it's those closest to us that lie the most.  Great characters that are easy to love,  and a mischievous story line.  
Good fun.  
**********************************

Madeline. 

By Mary Lancaster.  
☆☆☆☆☆

Miss Madeline Deare has returned to England to be with her brother after the death of her father.  Her brother seems intent on taking her to see as many unattached men as he can,  even though she's told him she not interested in marriage.  
Mr Robert Usher has been a soldier for years but has now returned home. It's not a particularly happy place.  The whole family has a reputation for being slightly crazy,  maybe it's true.  Maybe it's someone with evil intentions.  
A nice dark romance, with a damaged hero and a heroine with a good and strong heart.  
I always enjoy the "spooky" touch in this authors books.  
Loved it.  
**********************************

Beth, 

By Maggi Andersen. 
✰✰✰✰✰

Beth Harrismith was hoping to go to her first ball with her sister,  but a family emergency changes everything.  Little do they know there is mischief afoot.  
Marcus Neyland has been asked to keep an eye on friend's sister in law.  What starts as a pleasant evening turns into a race for a young girl's safety. 
A fast paced adventure with great characters.  
**********************************

Hyacinth, 

By Chastity Bowlin. 
★★★★★

Hyacinth is a companion to Lady Arabella and accompaning her on a visit to her cousin.  A near tragedy will put her in the arms of her host. 
Ian Blake Lord of Dumbarton knows his mother and cousin are matchmaking but that does help the way he feels.  
Really good fun.  

**********************************

Eleanor,  

by Sydney Jane Baily. 
★★★★★

Miss Eleanor Blackwood is staying with friends on the way to visit her sister.  There are lots of great memories and friends to see.  Including the handsome Grayson O'Connor. 
A lovely Gothic romance full of fun and adventure.  
Obviously part of a very good series. 
**********************************

Raven, 

By Violetta Rand. 
☆☆☆☆

James the Earl of Darkmoor has been morning the loss of his love for five years.  She vanished one night and he has never been able to put her out of his heart.  Maybe this anniversary will be easier, and he can move on.  
A very short spooky story.  
**********************************


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KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY's HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD'Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.
Kathryn's Medieval Romance novels have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure.

Kathryn loves to hear from her readers.

Connect with Kathryn:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
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Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

WEBSITE *   TWITTER * FACEBOOK * GOODREADS 
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Amazon bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, and one TV-loving dog.

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Mary Lancaster's first love was historical fiction. Since then she has grown to love coffee, chocolate, red wine and black and white films - simultaneously where possible. She hates housework.

As a direct consequence of the first love, she studied history at St. Andrews University, after which she worked variously as editorial assistant, researcher and librarian. Although she has always written stories for her own entertainment, she began to make serious efforts toward publication in order to distract herself from a job she disliked. She now writes full time at her seaside home in Scotland, which she shares with her husband and three children.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub

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Maggi Andersen wrote her first book for publication after gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives with her husband, a retired lawyer in an historic country town near Sydney, Australia. She wrote her first adventure story at 8 years old. Her novels are still adventure stories, but also seductive romances. Georgette Heyer and Victoria Holt among others, inspired her Regencies and she also writes contemporary romantic suspense, darker, Victorian mysteries and young adult novels.

Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books, IFAW and Youth off the Streets.

 Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

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Chasity Bowlin lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency. 

Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic. 

If you'd like to know more, please sign up for Chasity's newsletter at the link below: 
https://www.subscribepage.com/a6k1e7


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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub

*************************************************************

Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

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22/08/2019

Lord Misery (Beastly Lords #5) by Sydney Jane Baily. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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A hopeless, widowed viscount, and a woman who won’t take no for an answer. 

Book 5 in the "Beastly Lords" series is now available! Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Jameson Carlyle Turner’s life has been topsy-turvy, from illegitimacy to titled nobility, from a single gambling man to a happily married husband. When bent steel and a horrific wreckage upend his world, he buries his beloved along with his heart and his happiness. 

Maisie Darrow understands grief all too well. She also knows the only way to get over it is simply to decide to do so. When she encounters the distraught viscount of Jonling Hall, everything inside her reaches out to help him. 

Jameson vows neither time, nor the warm attention of the ever-cheerful Miss Darrow, will wear down the walls around his shattered heart, for he knows he cannot survive another blow. 

Will Maisie give up when he pushes her away yet again? Or can she convince him to risk loving once more despite the swirling winds of uncertainty surrounding them? 

The Beastly Lords Series 
Book 1 - Lord Despair 
Book 2 - Lord Anguish 
Book 3 - Lord Vile 
Book 4 - Lord Darkness 
Book 5 - Lord Misery 
Book 6 - Lord Wrath 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Lord Jameson Turner has become almost a hermit since the tragic death of his wife.  He cannot put his obsessive love for her aside to rejoin society. 
Miss Masie Darrow has come to stay with her brother for a while.  She can spend more time with her favourite cousin for the season when they go to London. 
Our heroine is young woman who wants everyone to be happy.  She has a fascination with Shakespeare and often uses quotes from his works.  There is a man drowning in misery nearby so Masie will do all she can to save him,  even if he doesn't want to be saved. 
Our hero knows the only way to prevent his constant fear of hidden danger is to not care enough about anyone again. 
A lovely, emotional story with fabulous characters.  It's very easy to get caught up in the emotions of both of them,  and see that just maybe his late wife was nowhere near as perfect as he believes. 
This is part of a series but each book can easily be read on it's own. 
I loved it. 


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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub




20/05/2019

Lord Darkness (Beastly Lords # 4) by Sydney Jane Baily. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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A marquess on the verge of greatness is devastated by tragedy... and only she can restore the man he used to be. 

Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited! 

Lord Christopher Westing, heir to a dukedom, is a magnificent marquess at the pinnacle of London society, darling of the ton. He is a veritable god to the women who pursue him, and furthermore, his future holds a prominent place in Parliament. Life grows even grander when he realizes the only woman for him has been right there all along. 
But his world is upended in a single devastating moment. When he is on the cusp of a once once-in-a-lifetime love, his world comes crashing down. When an unimaginable accident causes Christopher to plunge into a terrifying world of darkness, both his sunny disposition and his will to live disappear as swiftly as the light in his eyes. 
The esteemed but reticent Lady Jane Chatley has admired the marquess for years, though he’s never shown her a twinge of romantic interest. But in one extraordinary night, everything changes. A kiss like nothing she—or he—has ever imagined makes her irrevocably his. But with the marquess pushing everyone away, can the ever-capable Jane keep him from slipping into bleak hopelessness? Can she make him believe in what he can no longer see—before it is too late for both of them? 

The Beastly Lords Series 
Book 1 - Lord Despair 
Book 2 - Lord Anguish 
Book 3 - Lord Vile 
Book 4 - Lord Darkness 
Book 5 - Lord Misery (Coming Soon) 
Book 6 - Lord Wrath (Coming Soon) 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Lord Christopher Westing is a lucky man.  Surrounded by his loving if sometimes crazy,  family and good friends.  He enjoys his time in Parliament with his father,  learning how to be a productive member of the house of Lords.  Then an "improvement" to the town house turns everything to darkness. 
Lady Jane Chatley spends her time helping as many people and charities as she can.  She hopes that by the end of this season she can happily declare herself on the shelf and enjoy life as a spinster.  The only man she wants has just never noticed her. 
This story certainly puts all our emotions to the test.  There are times I wanted to smack our hero and others I just wanted to comfort him.  Much like our heroine.  She is a very strong and capable young woman who loves her mother,  even when she us pushing her to get married.  Her father unfortunately is not a respectable man.  Flaunting his excesses when he is in the country. 
I liked that there is no miracle quick fix.  It made for a much more interesting story. 
I loved it. 


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Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub