Tag: clean

More Than Meets the Eye (Patchwork Family #1) – Review

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eyecover

by Karen Witemeyer

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 5, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764212834
ISBN-13: 978-0764212833

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Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes–one bright blue, the other dark brown–Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world’s judgments, and Eva has two–Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father’s death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach’s sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

As a fan of Karen Witemeyer, I knew right away that I wanted to read More Than Meets the Eye. She is a master of dialogue and descriptions and her characters are always interesting and unique.

This book wasn’t just about Logan and Evangeline. It was about an entire patched together family and I felt invested in each character.

The prologue immediately pulls you in and is so incredibly emotional. I had heard it was a “tear jerker” and I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t! It was that moving.

eyequotes
This was one of my favorite quotes from the book and really pulled the characters and the entire story together.

Evangeline spent her entire life being judged for her different colored eyes. It was sad when she was a little four year old being bullied. It was even worse when “Christians” at her congregation judged her and were superstitious.

Logan is not only outwardly scarred, but he holds the scars of his past in his heart. He is intent on taking revenge on someone he feels wronged his family.

“Vengeance doesn’t heal pain, Logan. Love heals pain.”

Zach is a complex character who has a wide range of emotions. He is vulnerable and fiercely protective of his family, yet he puts on a hard exterior. I would love to see what his future holds after this book concludes.

Seth is asthmatic and Christie is deaf and was abused in her past. However, they find a kindred spirit in each other and have such a sweet relationship.

They are great characters on their own but even better when they are together as a family.

There was action and a mystery surrounding Christie that was interesting to follow throughout the book. There were also secrets between Evangeline and Logan. A lot of times secrets do not come out until the end of a book. I liked that they came out earlier and were addressed.

I also liked the lighthearted moments in the book. Evangeline had a unique pet named Hezekiah that made for some funny scenes. Logan also named his pet, Shamgar, a Biblical name.

More Than Meets the Eye had action, mystery, some comedic moments and a lot of heart. I highly recommend this book.

Some other favorite quotes:

“Go peddle your pessimism somewhere else, mister, I’m not buying.”

“I want honesty, even when the truth is less than palatable.”

“Love stayed. Even when things became messy and unpleasant, love stayed.”

A Tangled Inheritance – Review

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tangledcoverby Chalon Linton

Paperback: 218 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications (February 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1524404616
ISBN-13: 978-1524404611

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Nora Ellsworth, darling of London society, has her choice of eligible suitors, but since childhood, she has been expected to marry Jonathan Browning, a gentleman whose wealth and stability will someday secure the futures of Nora and her mother and sister. The family estate will pass to an odious male cousin upon the death of Nora’s father, and when he suddenly takes ill, her need to marry well becomes vitally important.

As Nora struggles with the idea of marrying without love, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Devlin Fausett, a man with dark eyes and intriguing conversation. But Devlin’s reputation as an indebted gambler is difficult to ignore. Despite the rumors from the ton and the marriage decision before her, Nora is determined to befriend the dashing Mr. Fausett, and his charms soon make it all but impossible to remember her duty. Until she learns the truth of her fortune. There is a way to keep her family’s estate, but the price is high: Nora must wed, as soon as possible. Torn between two very different men, she must make the ultimate decision. Will she be guided by her head or her heart?

A Tangled Inheritance is a standalone book, however, I would suggest reading An Inconvenient Romance first. Not only is An Inconvenient Romance a good book, but it’s nice to see some characters show up in A Tangled Inheritance.

There were a lot of things I really liked about A Tangled Inheritance. I liked that Devlin Fausett is imperfect and we get to know his thoughts and reasons behind why he gambles.

I liked that Nora insists on standing behind a friend and supporting them regardless of the gossip surrounding them. A lot of people abandon others in times like this and care more about themselves.

When Devlin falls back on his old ways, Nora doesn’t let him get away with it. She make sure he knows what he did is wrong which makes him less likely to slip again.

I liked the fact that a lot of time passes and they really get to know each other as friends first.

I loved the relationship between Devlin and his mare Raven. Their relationship made it even harder when he lost her.

There was a mystery throughout the book which I enjoyed and the book moved along at a good pace.

Mr. Trenton reminded me of an evil version of Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice.

A Tangled Inheritance was an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

The Mail-Order Brides Collection: 9 Historical Stories of Marriage that Precedes Love – Review

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mobcoverby Kathleen Y’Barbo, Megan Besing, Noelle Marchand, Donna Schlachter, Sherri Shackelford, Michelle Shocklee, Ann Shorey, Liz Tolsma, Jennifer Uhlarik

Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (February 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683224442
ISBN-13: 978-1683224440

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What kind of woman would answer an advertisement and marry a stranger?

Escape into the history of the American West along with nine couples whose relationships begin with advertisements for mail-order brides. Placing their dreams for new beginnings in the hands of a stranger, will each bride be disappointed, or will some find true love?

Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing
1897, Indiana
Fresh from seminary, Amos Lowry believes marriage will prove to his skeptical congregation that he’s mature. If only his mail-order bride wasn’t an ex-saloon girl, and worse, pregnant.

The Outlaw’s Inconvenient Bride by Noelle Marchand
1881, Wyoming
After a gang of outlaws uses a mail-order bride advertisement to trick an innocent woman into servitude, an undercover lawman must claim the bride—even if it puts his mission in jeopardy.

Train Ride to Heartbreak by Donna Schlachter
1895, Train to California
John Stewart needs a wife. Mary Johannson needs a home. On her way west, Mary falls in love with another. Now both must choose between commitment and true love.

Mail-Order Proxy by Sherri Shackelford
1885, Montana
A mail-order marriage by proxy goes wrong when a clerical error leads to the proxies actually being married instead of the siblings they were standing in for. In their quest to correct the mistake, the two discover outlaws, adventure, and even love.

To Heal Thy Heart by Michelle Shocklee
1866, New Mexico
When Phoebe Wagner answers a mail-order bride ad that states Confederate widows need not apply, she worries what Dr. Luke Preston will do when he learns her fiancé died wearing gray.

Miss-Delivered Mail by Ann Shorey
1884, Washington
Helena Erickson impulsively decides to take advantage of her brother’s deception and travels to Washington Territory in response to a proposal of marriage intended for someone else. How will Daniel McNabb respond when Helena is nothing like he expected?

A Fairy-Tale Bride by Liz Tolsma
1867, Texas
Nora Green doesn’t feel much like Cinderella when her mail-order groom stands her up. But could the mysterious jester from the town’s play be her Prince Charming?

The Brigand and the Bride by Jennifer Uhlarik
1876, Arizona
Jolie Hilliard weds a stranger to flee her outlaw family but discovers her groom is an escaped prisoner. Will she ever find happiness on the right side of the law?

The Mail-Order Mistake by Kathleen Y’Barbo
1855, Texas
Pinkerton detective Jeremiah Bingham is investigating a mail-order bride scam bankrupting potential grooms. When unsuspecting orphan May Conrad answers his false ad, she becomes the prime suspect in the case.

The Mail-Order Brides Collection brings us nine historical stories of women who choose to marry a stranger for convenience rather than to marry for love.

Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing
-This story is about someone who has trials that she had to go through and how she became more faithful through it.
-There is a lot of judging other people and forming prejudices but then knowing that God’s forgiveness is for all and we are all sinners.
-One of my favorite movies is While You Were Sleeping. There is a scene in the movie that reminds me of the way Margaret kept jumping topics during dinner.

The Outlaw’s Inconvenient Bride by Noelle Marchand
-Mariah tried to leave a life of crime behind and yet she ended up right in the middle of it.
-It has the message of trusting God and trusting those you love
-I liked the action and adventure in this story.

Train Ride to Heartbreak by Donna Schlachte
-There is a message in this story of finding joy even in bad circumstances.
-I liked the plot and the characters. I especially liked that the characters weren’t perfect.
-The children in the train were a little unbelievably resilient in tragic circumstances.
-I found it odd that John can fall in love and propose even without knowing her last name.

Mail-Order Proxy by Sherri Shackelford
-There is a struggle of trying to prove yourself to others and is it really worth it?
-I loved this story and it was one of my favorites in the collection.
-There were lots of funny moments and I loved the banter, characters and storylines.
-Some quotes:
“They each wanted to feel as though they mattered.”
“Would you rather have your life matter to a thousand people or to one person?”

To Heal Thy Heart by Michelle Shocklee
-This story is about a Yankee doctor who doesn’t want a mail order bride who is a southern sympathizer but Phoebe Wagner hides her beliefs and marries Dr. Luke Preston anyway.
-I liked most of the story but the confession and forgiveness would have been better if it had been expanded.
-Phoebe was completely wrong for being married to one man but still in love with another even though he had died.
-Luke was a very likable character except for his flaw in not loving all people.

Miss-Delivered Mail by Ann Shorey
-This was about looking for something better and taking a chance but not asking God to lead you.
-I liked the other family but wish there was more interaction between Daniel and Helena.
-There was also a lot of wasted money on tickets.
-One of my favorite scenes was the one where Helena received a letter from her brother and Daniel recognized the handwriting.

A Fairy-Tale Bride by Liz Tolsma
-This story was another one of my favorites. The characters were well developed and the story didn’t seem rushed, which is often the case with novellas.
-I really enjoyed this story. It was a sweet and different version of Cinderella. It was a clever take on Cinderella using the play instead of the ball.
-I liked the play and the jester scenes as well as their interactions at Maude’s house.
-I have known people like Maude and I feel for those kids.

The Brigand and the Bride by Jennifer Uhlarik
-Jolie is a strong female character, but she put up with too much abuse from her brother.
-I liked that there was lots of action and adventure and the story was filled with details.
-Jolie and Del had a great connection.
-I didn’t actually see a twist coming in the story which made for a nice surprise.

The Mail-Order Mistake by Kathleen Y’Barbo
-I liked the details about the different locations throughout this story.
-I also liked the mystery.
-Things really did seem to fall into Pinkerton detective Jeremiah Bingham’s lap. I would have liked to see more detective work.

The Bartered Bride Romance Collection: 9 Historical Stories of Arranged Marriages – Review

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barteredby Cathy Marie Hake, JoAnn A. Grote, Kelly Eileen Hake, Amy Rognlie, Janelle Burnham Schneider, Pamela Kaye Tracy, Lynette Sowell

File Size: 3540 KB
Print Length: 448 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (May 1, 2018)
Publication Date: April 15, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B078WKSTV9

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Treasure this beautiful collection packed with all the angst of romance founded upon practical arrangements. Four sisters travel in answer to an ad before even corresponding with potential husbands. Two women bend to the will of their parents in taking husbands. A widow commits to a stranger in name only. And two women on the Oregon Trail hitch their lives to men they’ve just met. Will love blossom for convenience sake?

Barbour Books has put together another enjoyable collection of historical romances. This set of stories spans a number of time periods and locations and focuses on arranged marriages.

Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell

When Josée Broussard turned 18, she thought if she had to marry someone it would be her childhood friend. Instead, his parents have arranged for her to marry their reclusive oldest son, Edouard LeBlanc.

-I like when there are troubles and a character has to go through a hard time; unlike Edouard’s brother who wasn’t responsible and lived a charmed life.

-I found Josée too fickle and she and Edouard fell in love too fast.

-I enjoyed learning about the culture, especially during this time period.

 

Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake

Charity Davis loses her parents along the grueling Oregon Trail. She combines wagons with widower Ethan Cole so he can help her and she can take care of his children. When a potentially embarrassing situation happens they must turn to God and follow his will.

-This was one of my favorites in the collection! There were lots of interesting details and I liked the characters, plots and time period. I really liked learning about the traditions like the button string.

 

The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake

Bethany Handley grew up without a family. After meeting her friend’s brother, Joshua Rogers, at Christmas and exchanging letters they decide to marry before hitting the Oregon Trail. While learning more about each other, they must also learn to put each other before others.

-I liked a lot about this story. The time period, historical details, and characters were excellent. I also liked the real life relationship issues and the fact that they were struggling to put their spouse first. There were so many true to life situations.

-The ending seemed abrupt and I wish it could have been extended with more details.

 

From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake

James Collingswood sends a request for horse bridles and instead receives 4 mail order brides. Despite his every intention, will he lose his heart?

-I really enjoyed this one. This was such an interesting and funny concept for a story! For a short story, I was surprised at how much depth each character had.

-This story, along with the next 3, really fit with the book title because the brother in law was bartering for the women and treating them like chattel.

-I stayed up late finishing this one then realized the next one was a continuation. I was excited that the story would continue, yet sad I would have to wait to read it. 🙂

 

From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider

The story continues with Luke Collingswood and Corrine who is a recent widow and in the family way. While Luke feels protective of all the sisters, he begins to fall in love with Corrine. If he rushes things, will he lose any chance with her?

-This was an adorable continuation of “From Halter to Alter”.

-Luke was my favorite character in this story. I love how he acted with all the sisters as well as the children.

-Even though the story will continue in “From Pride to Bride”, I still wish the last scene in this story would have been a little longer.

 

From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote

The “bridle” sister stories continue with Bess and Bertie moving into town and running a baking business. “Bossy Bess” pushes her way into saloon owner Gideon’s life by taking over his saloon for a church and a school. Will she also be able to take over his heart and lead it back to God?

-Like the previous ones, I loved this continuation.

-The message in this story that God wants us to help all souls was a great one. I also like that the hero wasn’t “perfect” and that Bess could see his hurting heart and the reasons he made the choices he did.

-Like the other sister stories, I would have loved for this story to be longer.

 

From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy

Tomboy Bertie Craig meets Thomas Hardin and wishes that she was more mature, feminine and no longer a squirt. Thomas comes back years after he and his father had been run out of town on charges of cattle rustling. Will Thomas be able to get over his past? And will Bertie always be seen as a squirt?

-The series continues with interesting characters and good storylines. However, this book definitely could have benefited from being longer. The shorter length did not do it justice.

-Though I appreciate seeing more on the characters, I am not a fan of epilogues with so many new characters in such a condensed space. It seemed more like a listing of names.

-Overall, this story was a good wrap-up to the series.

 

A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie

Through letters, James and Caroline agreed to marry. Instead of his fiancée, James is greeted with Caroline’s pregnant widowed niece, Abby, who arrived in her place. James instantly falls in love but Abby has made a vow to God that she will never love again.

-Unfortunately, this was my least favorite story in the collection.

-It was dishonest of elderly Aunt Caroline to correspond with James and agree to marry him when she had no intention of doing so. She also most likely misrepresented herself.

-I didn’t like that James fell instantly in love, even though he admits he doesn’t even know Abby.

-Throughout this story, I was wondering how this situation could possibly resolve itself successfully. I don’t think it ever did. James agreed that his marriage would be one of convenience and knew that Abby didn’t want a real marriage but he expected to change her mind and would get angry when she didn’t agree. This wasn’t just about a small issue, Abby made a vow to God.

Numbers 30:2 – If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:21 – When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

 

Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake

Right before Gregory’s wedding, his future bride Tabitha runs away and elopes with another man. Due to pride and a financial arrangement, he is forced to marry Tabitha’s sister Libby who has secretly had feelings for him. Will Gregory be able to forget Tabitha and love Libby for who she is?

-I liked most of this story, however, the way Gregory’s heart started to turn seemed superficial.

-Gregory’s actions bothered me at times. While I can understand the emotions he was going through, he reacted to them in a negative, though entirely human, way. Libby was a strong, faithful character. There were many times she could have hidden herself away but she strived to do God’s will and be the best wife she could be.

-This story was a nice ending to this collection.

Miss Wilton’s Waltz – Review

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wiltoncoverby Josi S. Kilpack

Series: Proper Romance
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (May 1, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1629724130
ISBN-13: 978-1629724133

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Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls’ boarding school. She is different in Bath—more comfortable with herself—and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there.

When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine—Lenora’s newest and most troublesome student in the school—is Mr. Asher’s niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl.

When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever—until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything.

Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.

wiltonquote

The Vicar’s Daughter was my favorite book written by Josi S. Kilpack, so I was extra excited to read Miss Wilton’s Waltz.  While Miss Wilton’s Waltz is a stand alone book, you will love it even more if you have read The Vicar’s Daughter.

I always felt bad for Lenora in the Vicar’s daughter. Though Cassie was always meant to be with Evan, Lenora’s personality held her back from a lot of things in life. It seemed she was finding her braver self in Bath when she fell in love with a man she didn’t know was engaged bringing her back to the girl she used to be.

The characters were all written as realistic people with a lot of depth who found themselves in complicated situations. I like that everything wasn’t so simple and straightforward.

Catherine’s situation really resonated with me. There are so many children with tough childhoods that make them act out and people give up on them. I love how dedicated they are to helping her. I also like that they realize things won’t ever be perfect and to look for the good in the improvement.

I would love a future story that features Catherine.

Some of my favorite quotes:

You fight for what is important to you

Avoiding pain was not the same thing as healing. Being safe was not the same as being right.

 

The Weaver’s Daughter – Review

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weavercoverby Sarah E. Ladd

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 10, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0718011880
ISBN-13: 978-0718011888

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Kate’s loyalties bind her to the past. Henry’s loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder –including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father’s pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather’s goals to modernize his family’s wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family’s livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry’s side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village’s future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls – even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

weaverquote

I grew up in a mill town and the history of its heyday has always interested me.  Sarah E. Ladd brings this time period to life with not only the history, but realistic characters and an interesting plot.

Henry Stockton and Kate Dearborne are caught in a Romeo and Juliet family war while an actual battle between the weavers and the millers is happening all around them.

While respecting their families, they must also decide if they should follow what their parents and grandparents believe, or if they should follow their hearts.

The characters are strong and I felt a connection to them. I could also tell that Ladd put a lot of research into this book which I appreciated.

I really enjoyed this book. However, there was one negative for me.  I liked that Henry’s sister wasn’t shunned. After all, a sin is a sin. However, I fell that Henry glossed off his sister’s sin and treated it as only an “indiscretion”. If his sister had only repented, we would have been left with the positive message of forgiveness of all sins.

I would still recommend this book and look forward to more from Ladd.

Winning Miss Winthrop (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1) – Review

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36809331by Carolyn Miller

  • Series: Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope (Book 1)
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 27, 2018)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0825445337
  • ISBN-13: 978-0825445330
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Years ago, the man who stole Catherine Winthrop’s heart rejected her–and she’s never recovered from the grief. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn’t her heart he’s taking, it’s her home and her family’s good name.

Jonathan Carlew’s serious demeanor and connection to trade, not to mention the rumors surrounding his birth, have kept him from being a favorite of the ladies, or their parents. Now, suddenly landed and titled, he finds himself with plenty of prospects. But his demanding society responsibilities keep pressing him into service to the one woman who captured his heart long ago–and then ran off with it.

These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.

Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England’s royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters–or appearances by their old favorites.

winthrop

My favorite book of all time is Persuasion, and Winning Miss Winthrop reminds me somewhat of it.

Catherine Winthrop and Jonathan Carlew fell in love but ended their relationship after a misunderstanding. Years later they are forced back together when Jonathan becomes Lord Winthrop.

The characters in this book had a number of misunderstandings and a lot of that stemmed from their lack of communication.  They also assumed way too many things.  If they had just been better at communicating, it would have cleared up a lot of things.

I liked the main characters, however, I do wish there were more interactions between Catherine and Jonathan.

The next book in the series is Miss Serena’s Secret (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2) which I am looking forward to. I am even more excited to read The Making of Mrs. Hale (Regency Brides: Promise of Hope #3).

Lies Jane Austen Told Me – Review

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lies

 

  • by Julie Wright
  • Series: Proper Romance
  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain (November 7, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1629723428
  • ISBN-13: 978-1629723426

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Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she’s been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.

But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she’s good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake’s younger brother, Lucas.

Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate.

What she can’t understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake’s arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him.

Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it’s time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it’s time for him to love her back.

I rarely read contemporary novels but after reading the description, I knew I wanted to read it.  Immediately, the title is going to grab any Jane Austen fan but as the main character questions, can you really break up with Jane?

I was completely engaged in this book and didn’t want to put it down.  Each character was multi-dimensional and I felt for them and was invested in their lives.

I liked the strong female characters and everyone seemed to have real emotions and the relationships felt realistic.

There is a theme of feeling broken due to Emma and Lucas’ pasts and their struggles to get beyond that. Like Mr. Knightley and Emma, we all have our faults but we want to find someone who looks past us and loves us anyway.

I recommend reading this and am interested in more from Julie Wright.

So, can you really break up with Jane? I think the real question is, should you even want to? 🙂