Rachelle J. Christensen

Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author

Book Review: Highcliffe House by Megan Walker

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I have been very happy with the previous novels I’ve read by Megan Walker and this new one didn’t disappoint. I loved meeting the characters of Anna Lane and Graham Everett set in 1813, Brighton, England.

This was a fun, clean romance set to the enemies to lover’s trope. Anna despises Graham mostly because she thinks he takes too much attention from her father. It’s interesting to see Graham’s point of view and how he’s working to make business deals to provide for his family. His character is instantly endearing and as I read, I kept hoping that Anna could see truly who Graham was.

Of course, as the story developed, there were many opportunities for Anna to learn about his true character. A fun twist happens when Anna has to go with Graham to Brighton to help be the deciding factor in a business investment for her father. There, she gets to see another side of Graham and learn that there is much more than meets the eye.

The interactions between characters was so well done. Graham’s sisters and mother provided great contrasts and fun ways for Anna and Graham to start building a friendship that later turned into more.

I like how the author showed some of the challenges of the times for women, marriage, and business. It was very difficult for Anna to trust her heart with anyone because of her father’s wealth and her large dowry. The friendship and romance that develops between her and Graham is beautiful because of what they faced together.

Highcliffe House another proper romance you won’t want to miss!

Here’s more about the book:

Love ignites when two rivals vie to secure a possible fortune at the seaside town of Brighton.

Brighton, England, 1813

When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time friend and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spoiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Luckily, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they want, with one stipulation: Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.

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Book Review: The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I love reading all of the Proper Romance books and am always intrigued by the different types of stories I find. The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall felt quite different to me as it is more of a gothic romance so the story is a little darker. It took me a bit longer to get into the storyline because of that, but I pushed through and enjoyed the outcome.

Hyacinth Bell loves all things that grow and is especially skilled at caring for orchids. She travels to the Cornwall Coast in 1887 to a mysterious haunted Ashthorne Hall to take up residency. While caring for orchids, Hyacinth stumbles upon a mystery, a handsome man, a nefarious plot, and more!

I enjoyed the elements of a ghost story and a mystery for the main character to solve. I especially liked learning about a certain historical event that took many lives and led to a very ghastly and ghoulish outcome which I can’t reveal because it’s a spoiler.

Here’s more about the book:

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall—that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls—but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate’s extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love—like an orchid—must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn’t expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth’s worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate.

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Book Review: Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden brings together the saga of the Jonquil family and Lancaster family. If you’re like me then you’ve been fortunate enough to read over a dozen novels about these families. If not, then I highly suggest you go and read those first. It isn’t necessary, but you’ll have so much more fun checking in on all of the characters from the previous novels. There are so many different characters in this book that I’m tempted to go back and read all of the novels again to be reminded of the nuances in each of those romances.

Artemis Lancaster and Charlie Jonquil are sworn enemies, but in this enemies to lovers trope you will laugh, swoon, and maybe cry at the antics of the unlikely couple. There is a lot going on in this story and dozens of characters to follow. The Lancaster and Jonquil families are made up of wonderfully spirited and unique individuals. I enjoyed reading the banter between certain family members, (ahem, Adam and Phillip). I also enjoyed reading the kind, loving encounters between others and the way they solved problems together.

Artemis and Charlie have a careful, slow courtship after their marriage that will be sure to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart!

Here’s more about the book:

Charlie Jonquil is mild-mannered and kind—except when it comes to his one true adversary, Artemis Lancaster. Though Charlie has a brilliant mind for mathematics, Artemis poses a problem he can’t seem to comprehend: how can one be so lovely and so infuriating? A party in London brings him into the company of the maddening young lady, and it is clear that Charlie’s disdain is mutual. But when an unfortunate incident between the pair involving Charlie’s jacket and a glass of raspberry shrub leads to scandal, the sworn enemies are left with only two options: be ruined or be married.

So it is that Artemis finds herself in a most outrageous predicament: she must wed a gentleman she’s hated for years—and she pledges to avoid him at all costs. But it is only when they enter into this mockery of a marriage that Charlie and Artemis learn things are not as simple as they once appeared. As their tentative ceasefire leads to friendship, it seems their marriage born of desperation might lead them to a love that was destined to be.

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Book Review: The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

Another fabulous addition to the Dread Penny Society books from one of my favorite authors, Sarah M. Eden! I enjoyed reading this story about Dr. Barnabus Milligan and his marriage of convenience to Gemma Kincaid. This was a fun twist on the classic trope because we enter the story to discover that the marriage took place some time ago. A supposed bachelor, Dr. Milligan is actually married and working hard behind the scenes to rid London of crime, but his wife is in hiding from her family.

When new developments require Gemma’s assistance, she returns to aid Dr. Milligan hoping that he wants to make their marriage something more. She is disappointed to learn the real reason behind his request for her to return to his home, but doesn’t lose hope. Gemma’s personality is wonderfully developed and I loved the nuances of her upbringing trying to find footing in Dr. Milligan’s world. The ever-present danger and intrigue of her crime family ties brings a solid mystery to the plot.

The mystery of the Dread Penny society combined with the romance of a secret marriage make this book a page-turner. Familiar characters from other books made appearances but I think The Bachelor and the Bride could be read as a stand-alone.

Here’s more about the book:

London, 1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.

But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.

When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he’ll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London’s criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma’s life might now save Barnabus—and his lonely heart.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they’ll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.

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Book Review: The Art of Love and Lies by Rebecca Anderson

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

A dash of humor, intrigue, and history in this romance

The Art of Love and Lies was a unique read set in Manchester, England 1857. The premise is that Rosanna Hawkins paints forgeries which are called “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces. This was a common practice at the time with a lot of unscrupulous sellers taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Rosanna gets tangled in the web of illusion she has created with her recreations.

When she meets Inspector Martin Harrison, an unlikely friendship begins that adds a layer of intrigue to this clean Proper Romance.

I enjoyed the playful banter between Rosanna and Martin and the way their games at the art gallery turned into something so much more. I liked the layer of mystery and intrigue added to the storyline that sprinkled this romance with a dusting of suspense. I also enjoyed the true to life connection of what actually happened at the Art Treasures Exhibition. It’s always fun to learn about history while enjoying a great read.

Here’s more about the book:

Manchester, England, 1857

Rosanna Hawkins is one of Manchester’s finest artists, even though no one knows her name. She reproduces “parlor versions” of classic masterpieces with near-perfect precision, which her employer then sells to the emerging upper-middle class families.

When the largest art exhibition ever to be held in England opens in Manchester, Rosanna is excited to visit. She meets the handsome Inspector Martin Harrison, who is head of security, and is immediately intrigued by his charm, confidence, and portrait-worthy good looks. The two spend many a flirtatious afternoon exploring the exhibition hall, discussing art, and sharing their secret hopes. Rosanna dreams of painting something original and meaningful, and Martin hopes to one day shed the shadow of his father’s notorious past.

But when they discover the theft of some of the paintings—and all the evidence points to Rosanna—she must convince Inspector Harrison she is innocent and proposes a plan to capture the real art thief.

It is a daring race to catch the criminal before he disappears with the most priceless piece in the collection—Michaelangelo’s The Manchester Madonna. If Rosanna and Inspector Harrison fail, not only will the painting be lost forever but so will their chance to paint their own happily ever after.

Other books you may enjoy:

Isabelle and Alexander (Proper Romance) by [Rebecca Anderson]   

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Book Review: Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I loved this absolutely splendid turn-of-the-century Rom Com!! I laughed out loud so many times. Krista Jensen did an amazing job with the banter and camaraderie of the characters in Hearts of Briarwall. I devoured it as I chuckled, swooned at the sweet romance, and thoroughly enjoyed being placed in 1906 England.

Lydia Wooding is coming of age to make decisions about her inheritance and life in general, but her protective older brother Andrew seems to be holding her in place. A nod to Peter Pan can be found here in Andrew never wanting Lydia to grow up. The author has cleverly created the Wendy League involving Lydia and her friends who loved the recent Peter Pan play as this is set in 1906. Throughout the story the reader will be delighted at the references to the play as well as the women’s suffrage movement going on and the fantastic shift in the world for women.

When Lydia gets to know Andrew’s friend, Spencer, she is sure that she is only interested in his business ideas but of course there is so much more to Spencer than that. I loved the way this relationship developed while showing development of characters at the same time.

When I finished reading this book I felt like I had a pocketful of new friends to laugh and smile with. This was a refreshing tale from the Proper Romance line of books that I have come to love. There is a hint of more stories to come from the Wendy League and I certainly hope that Krista Jensen is madly writing those tales now because I can’t wait to read more!

Here’s more about the book:

A TURN OF THE CENTURY ROMANCE

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew’s once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he’s not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia’s social status and her fortune.

Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.

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