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Evelina's Garden Book Review

 

After a failed romance, Evelina Adams spends the rest of her days pouring her love into her garden. When her young cousin, Evelina Leonard, comes to town and begins a relationship with the local minister, will her romance end in the same fate?

This was a fanciful romance with some frustrating decision-making from most of the protagonists. However, its short length (apx 60 pages) and purple prose are its saving grace. It reads as a dreamy fairy tale and ends on a high note. This would be a great story to read aloud to young children, or a perfect "starter romance" for young teens. Originally published in 1899, this novella is widely available to read for free .

A Holiday by Gaslight Book Review

 

Aristocratic Sophie Appersett invites wealthy tradesman Edward Sharpe to spend Christmas at her father's estate. There, she will give him one last chance to win her heart and secure the future of her father's floundering estate.

This was a charming novella filled with lush historical scenery. The lead romance was mild without any major angst or fighting, which I appreciate in a holiday read. The secondary characters were well drawn. It is clear that Mimi Matthews has a passion for research and a talent for bringing her setting to life.

I would have rated this five stars but for two personal preferences. (Warning! Minor Spoilers!) First, Sophie's character was rather money driven which I did not like given the Christmas setting. Second, her emotionally abusive never got the comeuppance I felt he deserved.

Overall, I would highly recommend this sweet, little read and I will be looking for more works from the author.

Snippet Release

 

Now Available for Pre-Order

Gold Country, California 1885

When Ada Jackson’s groom is shot dead at the altar, her future dies with him. Though she was only half-married, the salacious gossips of Harmony Ridge don’t care. Ada is no longer allowed to serve as the mistress of the one-room school house. Stripped of her calling, she is left in a cloud of grief with no prospect of having her own children. Her father, however, has a plan. A marriage between his daughter and his business partner, Callum Oake, would bring a vast fortune to his family. Yet, the man in question is an unconventional match at best.

Callum has sworn never to marry. If his orphanage upbringing, his service in the Civil War, and his experiences in the rugged hills of the west have taught him anything, it’s that people hurt you. Solitude does not. Though he does his best to fight off Malick Jackson’s suggestions of marriage, he is no match for his manipulations. Almost before he knows what has happened, he finds himself wed.

Bound by mutual respect as well as their vows, Ada and Callum agree to try to love one another. But, when a ghost from their past returns to torment them, can their fledgling relationship survive?