Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: So This is Love by Laura Hile

 

About the Book

Book: So This Is Love

Author: Laura Hile

Genre: Historical Christian Romance; Regency Romance

Release Date: May 29, 2020

“I am not romantic, you know. I never was.”

Newly escaped from a loathsome engagement of convenience, Charlotte Lucas has no interest in romance. More than ever, she is convinced that no man would—or could—love her. As companion to an aging aunt, Charlotte’s new life is as predictable as it is circumspect.

But then she is rescued from a robbery by her uncle’s heir, a masterful man who is disastrously handsome. Why has he remained as a guest in the house? Why is he so determined to draw Charlotte out and make her talk? And what of his invitation to visit his home by the sea?

Romance is not on the chart for Captain Jack Blunt. Never again will he be played for that kind of fool! He is ashore only to heal from an injury and see to business, nothing more. And yet the pointed disinterest of his cousin’s pert niece is intriguing. She is forthright, refreshingly honest—and altogether lovely. She will make a fine wife for one of his officers. But not, of course, for him.

So This Is Love is a joyride of a Regency, bringing whirlwind romance and happily-ever-after to Jane Austen’s staid and practical Charlotte Lucas.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What if Charlotte Lucas, from Pride and Prejudice, did not end up with Mr. Collins after all? What if she decided to remain a spinster and finds true love instead? Well that is what this delightful story that gives Charlotte her happily every after is all about.

I have always kind of felt bad for Charlotte. She does get a comfortable home with Mr. Collins, but lets face it, Mr. Collins had some annoying habits. But what would cause Charlotte to end her engagement? Well, a very different Mr. Collins than what she thought she was getting.

Author Hile writes Charlotte as a steadfast and strong woman. Once she realized a certain life was not for her, she stuck with her decisions. No matter the unhappiness and displeasure of her family or what society would gossip about her. And she was rewarded richly in the form of Captain Jack Blunt, who also was a character that went against society norms. A man that though is not Mr. Darcy, certainly stands out in a crowd.

If you are looking for an out of the box story/retelling of Charlotte Lucas filled with adventure and romance while still staying true to Austen's times, than pick this one up. First, that cover is gorgeous and second I liked Charlotte's character getting more fleshed out. Simply an enjoyable and a fun story to lose yourself in.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Encourager. Believer. Author. Teacher. Friend.

By day, Laura Hile teaches at a Christian school. By night—or rather, in the early morning when she can think! —she writes Jane Austen and Regency romance with laughs and happy endings.

The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There’s never a dull moment with middle school students!

She enjoys gardening (she is a weed warrior!), choral singing, and having coffee with friends.

Laura lives in Beaverton, Oregon, with her husband and a collection of antique clocks. One day she hopes to add a cat or three.

 

More from Laura

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas is stuck marrying the awful Mr. Collins. It is a prudent choice, given her age and circumstances, but still.

Generations of women readers have felt badly for her, including me. “No, no!” we want to shout. “The man’s a spineless braggart! Don’t marry him!”

Charlotte claims that she is not romantic. We don’t believe that for a minute. She simply hasn’t met the right man.

With an eye on the rugged seaside setting of the classic movie The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), I decided to change all that. With two little words, I sent Charlotte’s story spinning from its Pride and Prejudice rails: What If?

What if, when Collins returns to Meryton to negotiate the settlement, his lustful thoughts overpower good sense? What if, before they are married, Collins gets handsy—and something within Charlotte snaps? What if she abruptly ends the engagement?

That’s what we would do in real life, right? We’d kick Collins to the curb!

What if, to escape gossip, Charlotte is sent to live with her father’s sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Allen (borrowed from Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey). Mr. Allen’s heir is also a house guest, and thus we have a perfect opportunity for romance.

Although I intended to use The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’s Captain Gregg as a model, Captain Jack Blunt wasn’t having any. He strode onto the story’s quarterdeck as very much his own man. For one thing, he is Royal Navy (1812), not merchant marine. And for another, he is surprisingly devout. Although he has a gentleman’s beard like Gregg, he is blond.

If you’re thinking Chris Hemsworth in Thor, you’re getting the right idea.

Look, if our girl Charlotte is brave enough to give Collins the heave-ho, she deserves to meet a swoony hero, right?

Captain Blunt’s house by the sea in Dorset plays the role of Captain Gregg’s Gull Cottage. Cliff House, and the cove it’s built above, almost become characters themselves as Charlotte and Jack share daily walks beside the sea. This book is filled with delicious banter between the two. Isn’t that our favorite thing about a romance?

So This Is Love is a swashbuckling, sweep-away Regency that is just plain fun to read. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 31

deb’s Book Review, October 31

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Mary Hake, November 1

Inklings and notions, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, November 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 4

Beauty in the Binding, November 4

Connie’s History Classroom, November 5

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connect in Fiction, November 6

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 9

Emily Yager, November 9

She Lives To Read, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 12

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/102f0/so-this-is-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Cover Reveal: Sleep Like Poison by Jes Drew

 

Introducing the next book in the Clockwork Faerie Tale Series by author Jest Drew:

Now, get ready for it...

 

Another beautiful cover by 100 Covers

 

And now-

The inauguration year of Queen Victoria hasn’t yet reached across the ocean to the Caribbean Islands . . .

Aurora has everything she could ever want now that her childhood sweetheart is her betrothed. Everything, that is, except her brother’s freedom from a dishonest life and the ability to move on from her mother's mysterious death. When an opportunity arises that will both repay her brother’s debt and grant her a chance to learn what really happened to her mother, Aurora seizes it. If it means becoming a novice in a sisterhood of thieves, so be it. But sometimes the worst nightmares happen when you’re awake . . .

Henry Huntsman turned his life around and left behind all he ever knew to start fresh. Everything, that is, except the only woman he ever loved. But when Aurora is offered the opportunity to rescue her brother from the life Henry left behind, nothing he can say will stop her. But when Aurora goes missing, there’s nothing Henry won’t do to find her. All is not what it seems on the islands. Not when there is alchemy in the water . . .

The Clockwork Faerie Tale Novella series can be read as standalones or together, for whenever you want your steampunk happily ever after.

 

 

Coming August 31!

Pre-order now for $0.99

What do you think, agents? Which cover do you like more? What is your favorite fairy-tale? Share in the comments below!

Review and Giveaway: A Very Austen Romance by Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Chautona Havig, and Mandy H. Cook

About the Book

Title: A Very Austen Romance
Authors: Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Chautona Havig, Mandy H. Cook
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: June, 2020

A Very Austen Romance features a delightful medley of novellas, each set in Jane Austen’s Regency world. Your friends from Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility, enjoy new adventures in this lovely collection of stories by Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Mandy Cook, and Chautona Havig.

Be treated to prequels, spin-offs, and sequels of Austen’s novels, along with original and supporting characters in starring roles. If historical romance is your preference, you’ll love these well-crafted stories written by beloved authors in the genre.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What a super fun set of Austen themed stories these were. There are six of these little stories that are sure to help you escape reality for just a little while.

I enjoyed how each author left her touch on these beloved characters. Whether it was focusing on secondary characters of these beloved novels or taking the main characters and twisting and tweaking their stories while still staying true to their characteristics. Especially changing some of the circumstances and still showing how, for example, Darcy and Elizabeth are still meant for each other. I enjoyed them all and look forward to more of these retellings and continuations.

So if you like intrigue, kidnappings, damsels in distress, and more don't miss your chance on having a cup of tea and getting lost for just a little while in the pages of this book. I won't say anything more because the part of the fun was going in without knowing how the authors would leave their marks. Bravo to the storytellers and for some new and memorable stories. I also want to say that the cover is beautiful and sets the tone well.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Robin Helm’s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction.

Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy; the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, and Forever Yours; Understanding Elizabeth;  More to Love; and Lawfully Innocent. Ms. Helm also contributed stories to A Very Austen Christmas and A Very Austen Valentine.

She plans to publish Maestro in 2020.

Her life in (usually) sunny, small town South Carolina is busy, but affords time for writing, reading, teaching piano, and playing games on her phone. (Would you believe she’s an elder in a war game?)

Readers are loving Laura Hile’s joyous Regency novels. Her signature style—with intertwined plots, cliffhangers, laugh-out-loud humor, and romance—keeps them coming back for more.

The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There’s never a dull moment with teen students!

Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a collection of antique clocks.

Her fiction is for everyone, even teens.

Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. While searching for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed of an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since: Promises, Dreams and Expectations; All Hallows Eve; The Keys for Love; Safekeeping (with just a dash of Austen); The Gypsy Blessing; Foundation of Love (The Gypsy Blessing 2); and A Lesson Hard Learned.

The Marriage Pact, and some of Wendi’s works-in-progress, have branched away from JAFF to Regency Romance (the Loving an Aldridge Series) and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries (the Implicated series). Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together again and again in an unusual manner.

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

Mandy Cook was an RN for over ten years, half of which she served in the Navy, living in far-flung places, enjoying experiencing the world while following her calling. Just before she and her handsome Marine were both deployed to different places, they married. They now have three children, ages five and younger.

She previously published The Gifted, using her nursing experience to lend accuracy to her story about an ER nurse who is handed a gift that changes her life forever. Adversity, and a long history of secrets, constantly battle against her natural instinct for truth and justice, but will the truth be worth the dare?

Mandy also contributed a story to A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 1.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

Take a Book-Themed Quiz

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7

Inklings and notions, July 8

deb’s Book Review, July 9

For Him and My Family, July 10

Holly Jo Morris, July 10

Blossoms and Blessings, July 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 12

She Lives To Read, July 13

Rebecca Tews, July 14

Through the fire Blogs, July 15

Texas Book-aholic, July 16

Read Review Rejoice, July 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 17

Connect in Fiction, July 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 19

Pause for Tales, July 20

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the A Very Austen authors are giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f5be/a-very-austen-romance-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Darcy By Any Other Name by Laura Hile

About the Book

Book: Darcy by Any Other Name
Author: Laura Hile
Genre:  Historical Christian Romance, Regency
Release Date: May 13, 2016

Discover the Pride and Prejudice body-swap romance that has readers laughing in surprise and delight.

For most, this is a glorious evening of music and dancing. But out in the garden two men are arguing, while a ferocious rainstorm swirls round. And then the unthinkable happens: a lightning bolt from heaven strikes. In that instant everything changes.

Jane Austen’s heartthrob hero becomes the bumbling Reverend Collins. Shorn of his fortune, his social standing, and his good looks, Mr. Darcy is trapped in Mr. Collins’ body. And Mr. Collins wakes up to discover that he is master of Pemberley.

Could there be anything worse?

But the inner man is still Darcy. He is in love with Elizabeth Bennet. And now he is living in her house.

If you enjoy a smart, sparkling Regency romp in the classic “Heyeresque” style, then you will love Laura Hile’s Darcy By Any Other Name.   

Click here to get your copy.

My Thoughts:

This was a very interesting read and take on Pride and Prejudice. Body swapping Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins was a bold but intriguing notion. This is a rather large book, over 600 pages but it seemed to be a fast read as this unique plot unfolded with familiar characters and places.

Through a freak accident, Darcy and Collings swap bodies. Even today that would be something to get your head around, I cannot imagine what it would be like in the Regency period. But this story takes a hold of that line and we are immersed in the mind of Darcy for the most part. How his life changes in a instant and how will he cope with the reality he is now living? However, Darcy is still Darcy no matter and not only Elizabeth but others see the changes in Collins and even "Darcy", as he is acting a little crazy.

I felt this story was told in the spirit of Austen. I enjoyed it and even chuckled at it. I liked how Mr. Darcy's eyes were opened and that some of his prejudice and pride was shaved off as he saw others, even the bumbling Mr. Collins, in a new light.

I do recommend this new take on a classic and a bit of escape from real life. 

I was provided with a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.     

About the Author

My journey as a writer began with the Internet.  And with Jane Austen. 

How is that for an unlikely combination? 

I have always loved classic Regency romances. You know the kind – with a dashing, honorable hero and a lovely, intelligent heroine. Delicious banter, unexpected plot twists, humor, and a happy ending. If faith is woven into the story, so much the better. 

When I discovered an online forum for Jane Austen-related fiction, I was hooked. With Jane’s characters for inspiration, I began writing and posting serialized Regency stories. To keep readers coming back for more, I developed my signature style: intertwined plots, cliffhangers, and laugh-out-loud humor. 

The comedy I come by in my job as a middle school teacher—there’s never a dull moment with teens! 

I live in Beaverton, Oregon with my husband.   

More from Laura

I see that double-take you just did.  Darcy By Any Other Name is a what? A Pride and Prejudice body-swap romance? Seriously? 

Indeed yes. And it’s a really fun read. I blame my sense of humor. And the fact that I think too much.

Here’s the thing: we women are captivated by Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy—we are! Handsome, aloof, and wealthy, he embodies the perfect male. By comparison, the ordinary guy has no chance. (And heaven help the fellow who is plain!) 

Yet we know that attraction involves more than good looks and a fat wallet. 

I began to play with this thought. Because Mr. Darcy is also honorable, intelligent, kind, and funny—qualities that transform an ugly man and capture a woman’s interest. The shared smile, the twinkle in the eyes, the finishing of her sentences. These are endearing! These are why we women fall in love!

Once the body swap idea showed up, I knew I had struck story gold. Will Darcy-as-Collins capture Elizabeth Bennet’s heart? 

No, wait! She cannot fall for him because he’s the wrong man—no, the right man! But he’s in that podgy body! She cannot love Mr. Darcy when he’s—ugly! Can she? 

Ah, but of course she can. Now what? 

Think of Darcy By Any Other Name as a happy roller coaster ride. And you know what they say about those: “Get in, sit down, and hold on.” 

Do leave a comment and enter the giveaway. I think you will enjoy this fun, romantic book. 

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, September 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 30

A Baker’s Perspective, October 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 1

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 2

Back Porch Reads, October 3

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4

Mary Hake, October 4

Remembrancy, October 5

Emily Yager, October 5

Bigreadersite, October 6

Rebecca Tews, October 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7

Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, October 8

Creating Romance, October 8

Blossoms and Blessings, October 9

janicesbookreviews, October 9

By The Book, October 10

Moments, October 11

Pause for Tales, October 11

Texas Book-aholic, October 12

A Reader’s Brain, October 12

Inklings and notions , October 13

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ef43/darcy-by-any-other-name-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: More to Love by Robin Helm

About the Book

Book: More to Love  
Author: Robin Helm  
Genre: Christian Historical Sweet Romance  
Release Date: February 12, 2019

“She is tolerable, I suppose, but there is rather too much of her to tempt me.” Overhearing Mr. Darcy’s rude dismissal of her shocks and mortifies Elizabeth Bennet to the core. She is living her worst fear, and it galvanizes her into action. Soon, the gentleman cannot keep his eyes from her, but can she forgive his thoughtless judgment of her appearance and character? Especially since he faces a worthy competitor for her attention? Who will win the lady’s hand, along with the right to love her through thick or thin?

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book I have read by author Helm, and the second Pride and Prejudice retelling by her. I really enjoyed the first novella of hers so I was quite excited to see what she would do with a full length novel. Well…I was not disappointed.

The familiar characters and places are back along with all their pride and prejudice. This time Elizabeth overhears Darcy make a comment about her weight in unflattering terms. This understandably upsets Elizabeth and now she has a plan to change her appearance to prove him wrong. I am all for eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight, but what Elizabeth was missing at first was that she needed to do so for herself.

Darcy realizes his mistake and is truly sorry for the hurt he caused and the more he gets to know her the more he realizes how beautiful she is on the inside as well on the outside and how well they would suit each other. However, this is where the author takes the story and really makes it her own. We have another handsome suitor who also finds Elizabeth charming and then she throws in a bit of suspense and some big secrets and you have a delightful tale.

I enjoyed this retelling very much and I am a fan. I will pretty much read any Darcy and Elizabeth author Helm will write.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Robin Helm’s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy (Christian paranormal romance); the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, and Forever Yours ( ChristianTime Swap romance), and Understanding Elizabeth (Christian Regency romance). She contributed to A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1, an anthology featuring like-minded authors, in 2017, and A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2, in 2018. New releases for 2019 include More to Love, a stand-alone Christian historical sweet romance dealing with body image; Lawfully Innocent, a Christian historical U.S. Marshal romance book in the Lawkeepers series; Maestro, a Christian historical sweet romance featuring a brilliant musician and his student; and A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies, Book 3. She lives in sunny South Carolina where she teaches piano and adores her one husband, two married daughters, and three grandchildren.

More from Robin

Have you ever been judged on the basis of your appearance – what you weigh, how you dress, how you wear your hair or do your makeup? I am a professional dieter, and I have been on all of them. I lose, and I gain it back. I know the lengths a woman will go to after she overhears remarks about how she looks, so I relate to Elizabeth in More to Love in a way that’s a bit beyond my comfort zone. Another aspect of this book which is personal is that I chose to base a supporting character on a wonderful, Christian lady at my church (with her permission). Mrs. Donna Bailey has been a constant encouragement to me in regards to my writing. She often gives me beautiful sugar cookies she painstakingly decorates with holiday themes. Mrs. Bailey is the housekeeper and dessert cook at Longbourn, and she helps Elizabeth through thick and thin, so to speak.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, May 13

Genesis 5020, May 14

Through the Fire Blogs, May 14

Carla Loves To Read, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16

Just Your Average reviews, May 17

Hallie Reads, May 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 19

Pause for Tales, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

A Baker’s Perspective, May 21

Maureen’s Musings, May 21

My Devotional Thoughts, May 22

Remembrancy, May 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 23

janicesbookreviews, May 24

Inklings and notions, May 25

A Reader’s Brain, May 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away

Grand Prize: a $25 Amazon gift card 1st Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2 2nd Place: An autographed paperback of More to Love 3rd Place: A set of three eBooks – Reader’s Choice of any three of my books!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e270/more-to-love-celebration-tour-giveaway