My Dear Miss Dupré By Grace Hitchcock

My Dear Miss Dupré

by Grace Hitchcock

Publisher: Revell

Series: American Royalty

ISBN: 9780764237973

Anyone else ever won over simply by the cover of a book? That's how it was for me. I didn't even read the summary (once again) because the cover grabbed my attention. Thank you to Bethany House for sending me my copy.

Summary:

Thirty suitors, six months of courting . . .
would it be enough time for her to fall in love?

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, she is forced into a different future. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the business empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is told to to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets a gentleman who captures her attention, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

My Review:

This was such a fun read! A clever Regency era take on The Bachelorette! I've never read any of this author's books before so the cover totally sold me.

Just like in the TV show, Willow is presented with men who her parents think will make good matches. Unlike in other stories where children are forced to do their parents will, Willow joins in their quest. As the future sugar queen of Ducré Sucré, she knew that she had to make hard decisions in regards to her future.

I loved the variety of men, except for the shysters, of course. I thought the activities Mrs. Dupré thought up were cute. It gave them all the opportunity to learn more about the character of each man.

I think readers will have their favorites to root for. I know one of mine, but can't tell you his name or if he makes it to the end (although I want to)! I felt for Willow as she tried to be honest and up front with her feelings toward each man. I also liked that for the most part we could read her thoughts for each of the men and her decisions. The emotional hills and valleys Willow has to go through exhausted me on her behalf. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes.

One of the men's faith becomes real to him and you can see his spiritual growth through the story. The same goes for Willow in her reliance on His and not herself.

I'm not sure if book two will introduce us to some other "American royalty" or if maybe Flora, Willow's best friend will get her own story. I'm hoping so because of her part in My Dear Miss Dupré.

About the Author:

Grace Hitchcock (www.gracehitchcock.com) is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a master's degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. Grace lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dakota, and their son and daughter.

Facing the Dawn By Cynthia Ruchti

facing the dawn

by Cynthia Ruchti

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800737290

I haven't read a Cynthia Ruchti book before, can you believe it? So, I figured since it was available for review, why not give her a try. Oh boy, I had NO idea what I was in for. hahaha What an introduction to an author. Thank you to Revell for this story to review.

Summary:

While her humanitarian husband Liam has been digging wells in Africa, Mara Jacobs has been struggling. She knows she's supposed to feel a warm glow that her husband is eight time zones away, caring for widows and orphans. But she is exhausted, working a demanding yet unrewarding job, trying to manage their three detention-prone and needy kids, failing at her to-repair list, and fading like a garment left too long in the sun.

Then Liam's three-year absence turns into something more, changing everything and plunging her into a sunless grief. As Mara struggles to find her footing, she discovers that even when hope is tenuous, faith is fragile, and the future is unknown, we can be sure we are not forgotten . . . or unloved.

My Review:

Facing the Dawn was brilliant! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.

If you'd like a book that wrecks you while you also laugh in spite of yourself, welcome to your next read. I'm not kidding though, have your tissues handy.

When I first met Mara, she made me chuckle and groan. Poor woman could NOT catch a break, but she uses sarcasm to get through each issue that reared its ugly head. She has two teenagers on the brink of disaster and a preteen who is the helpful one. It seemed like just as Mara was about to take a breath, she'd get another phone call or letter, and I would be like, "NO!"

This woman, this family, goes through SO much. Thankfully "Miss Independent" has people around her to help her through the muck and mire. They continually turn her toward God. That is the deep driving force of this story. And Mara (which means "bitter"), her conversations with God give me a chuckle because I could hear myself saying the same things. There is also so much beauty in the story, especially her relationship with her forever friend, Ashlee. Ashlee plays such a pivotal role in Mara's journey throughout the story. We all need an Ashlee in our lives... or maybe we are an Ashlee. 

What I also liked about this story is that we don't get all of the answers. I mean that on a more personal level. I was wondering about the thoughts one of the characters had. What was their emotions? What were they going through over the past few years? It's frustrating as all get out, but true to life.

I honestly can't recommend this story enough.

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I do have a content warning, but it gives away a piece of this story that you might not want to know about. So read ahead only if you want to truly be warned. If you can read about difficult topics without reading the warning, I would encourage you to not read any further. There's nothing descriptive in the story, but it IS a topic that is covered.

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*The topic of accidental suicide is covered in this story. It's not graphic or descriptive. It is a piece of this story though and wanted to warn people who have dealt with this tragedy. I want you to know that the author covers the topic with grace and dignity. It's a powerful piece of the story and you feel God's presence all the way through.

About the Author:

Cynthia Ruchti is the award-winning author of more than 30 books, including the novels Miles from Where We Started, A Fragile Hope, Song of Silence, When the Morning Glory Blooms, and They Almost Always Come Home. Her books have been honored with more than 40 awards, including Romantic Times' Inspirational Novel of the Year, two Selah Awards, and three Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, and she has been a finalist for many others, including the Carol and the Christy. Former president of and current professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Cynthia lives in Wisconsin and can be found online at www.cynthiaruchti.com.

Philippa Holds Court By Jennie Goutet

Philippa Holds Court

by Jennie Goutet

Publisher: Independent

Series: Claverling Chronicles

ASIN: B08KY795DX

I was so surprised when Jennie's team reached out to me to see if I'd be willing to review her newest release. It's book 2 in the Claverling Chronicles. Of course, I said, "yes," and then I grabbed book 1 on sale in the audiobook version.

Summary:

At the start of their London Season, Philippa Clavering discovers her friend, Susan, is being pursued by the wrong gentleman and decides to turn Susan’s head to a worthier suitor. Not one to shrink from what she views as her duty and gift, Philippa sets plans in motion to bring about the happy ending her friend deserves. What she does not expect is to have Susan’s older brother watching—and criticizing—her every move.

After a respectable number of years on the town, Jack Blythefield is at last contemplating the idea of settling down. What he seeks is a compliant wife to provide him an heir or two and make his home comfortable while he spends his evenings at the club, where a man can get some peace. What he does not need is a termagant who sets his life on end with madcap schemes, which invariably involve his unwilling assistance.

However, when the reputation of Jack’s family is threatened, Philippa is the one he turns to. And as her most determined suitor grows assured of his conquest, Jack must decide if a comfortable and docile wife is truly what he seeks, or if he should throw down the gauntlet of his heart before Philippa closes court.

Philippa Holds Court is the second in the Clavering Chronicles series, after A Fall from Grace, and it is a clean & wholesome Regency romance, written in the traditional style. ♥

My Review:

I think Jennie has lured me in to clean, Regency fiction! With Philippa Holds Court I was introduced to a new family and fell in love with them.

I think if I were to ever embody a character from the Regency era it would be as someone like Philippa. She has her own mind and isn't afraid to use it. I just wish the people around her appreciated it more. I mean, her brothers do, but they're practically no help for much of the story. Ugh, MEN! And of course, the one man who is after her makes all of us shudder.

And then there's Jack. I wanted to poke him in the eye when we first meet him in this story. The way he sums up what he's looking for in a wife is probably exactly how men of his station were eyeing women in that day. I love that Philippa is thrown into his path and he has zero chance of avoiding her. hahaha See what I mean about Jack:

Philippa is such a wonderful friend to Jack's sister, Susan. I love how Philippa overlooks their family's quirky ways and helps them out however she can. She inadvertently displays all of her abilities of running a household with all of the help she gives Susan and their family. Philippa does this all while trying to avoid the schemes of her sister, Maria. I say we call her Maria the pariah. She and her husband are quite the pieces of work. After book one and not being able to keep Lucius from marrying Serena, why does she think she can control Philippa?

I really liked Jack's transformation throughout the story. Philippa's take on him made me laugh. At one point she thinks, "The man needed to unbend. Philippa would help him along." With no one doing a great job at protecting Phillipa from the advances of other men, I appreciate how he begins to see her discomfort... to an extent. lol When it comes to Mr. Thackery, (shiver) Jack seems to not be able to see the forest through the trees. Of course he's also incredibly focused on the making changes to the Corn Laws, which I had no clue about.

This was a wonderful book. It also helped that I was listening to A Fall From Grace at the same time so I was taking in both books in the series at once. I'll have to be sure to do a review of that book as well since I enjoyed it so much.

*I know that some of my readers want to be given a heads up on certain things, so I want you to know there is one use of "Oh my G**." in the story. As I'm not a fan of that phrase I wanted to be sure that it was pointed out to those who might take offense to the use.

About the Author:

Jennie Goutet is an American-born Anglophile, who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her Clavering Chronicles and Memorable Proposals series are set. Jennie is author of the award-winning memoir, Stars Upside Down, and the modern romances, A Sweetheart in Paris and A Noble Affair. A Christian, a cook, and an inveterate klutz, Jennie writes about faith, food, and life—even the clumsy moments—on her blog, A Lady in France. You can learn more about Jennie and her books on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.

A Fall From Grace By Jennie Goutet

A Fall From Grace

by Jennie Goutet

Publisher: Independent

Series: Clavering Chronicles

AISN: B08QL53L13

When I got started reading book two I hadn't read book one yet. I didn't even know there was a book one until I got started with book 2. The great timing was that book one was on sale on audiobook so I nabbed it for .99! I listened to this in tandem with book 2.

Summary:

She needs a champion. He needs one less person to worry about.

Selena Lockhart comes with neither fortune nor connections, and she knows better than to expect Society to give her a welcome—especially after her father gambled away his fortune, precipitating the family’s sudden fall from grace and Selena’s betrothed to break off the engagement. It therefore comes as no surprise that her new neighbor, Sir Lucius, treats her with disdain. Why should he look beyond appearances when her own promises so little? 

Sir Lucius Clavering is not married, but he may as well be, considering he is expected to escort his widowed mother to watering holes, round out the numbers at his married sister’s dinners, and come to the aid of his scapegrace younger siblings. It doesn’t help that single women and matchmaking mamas jostle each other for his face, fortune, and title so that he’s left without a moment’s peace. 

When Selena shows up at Lucius’s doorstep looking for help, he is sure it’s another ploy aimed at cutting up his prized bachelor existence. Although his prejudice does not last long, Lucius fears his first reaction might have ruined his chances with her. How can he save her from Society’s teeth when she continues to hold him at arm’s length?

My Review:

This was such a great story! The way the story begins had me chuckling. Poor Sir Lucius. All the ladies want him, but he's just not interested. Must be nice, eh? Then there's Serena. Who I just loved. Her job as a governess to a 16 yr old brat, Rebecca, who is the ward of Lady Harrowden. Woo, there are a lot of rude, uppity people in this story including the 2 I just mentioned.

It's so interesting to me how the ton so easily turns on one of its own when even just one family member, in this case Serena's father, has a fall from grace. How everyone treats her now that she has to live as a governess is so annoying and I felt for Serena throughout the whole story. Of course it endeared me to her easily. The nonsense she had to put up with Rebecca as well as the men around her was frustrating!

Lucius seems to have his interest piqued by Serena, but Rebecca has made a bid for him. The way he is constantly putting Rebecca in her place cracks me up. I love that the author doesn't have him shy away from being direct! Lucius' sister, Maria is also a piece of work. Whew, she and her husband only care about appearances and climbing the social and economical ladder. Let's just say Lucius and Serena both have their hands full!

About the Author:

Jennie Goutet is an American-born Anglophile, who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her historical romances are set. Jennie is also author of the award-winning memoir, Stars Upside Down, and the modern romances, A Sweetheart in Paris and A Noble Affair. A Christian, a cook, and an inveterate klutz, Jennie writes about faith, food, and life—even the clumsy moments—on her blog, aladyinfrance.com. You can learn more about Jennie and her books on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.

Instagram March Challenge

Did you know I do a monthly challenge with another book reviewer? Kelly-Ann and I have been doing the Inspired Book Challenge for a year now and thought I should start sharing it here in case anyone wants to join us.

How does it work? Well, there are all kinds of ways for you to participate!

1. You could join us every single day using the prompts we have to post to Instagram aka bookstagram.
2. You could join us when you feel like it. Sometimes there are other things you want to post on Instagram other than the prompt. No sweat! Hang out with us when the mood strikes or the prompt really grabs you.
3. When you see the prompt you can take it literally or creatively. There's room for interpretation with our prompts. We try to make them so you'll have to put your thinking cap on some days while on other days it's super simple.

We change them every month and we're always trying to come up with something new. If you can think of any prompts that would be fun, leave a comment and let us know!

You can download this image or you can screenshot it from our Instagram handles. We'd love to have you join us.