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Letters to Love #3
Always, Ivette
Even villains can have a change of heart.
Barnaby Mavis has made many mistakes in his life and has been trying his hardest to atone for them. On his way to fix one of his mistakes, he gets thrown from his horse and tumbles off a cliff, the fall stealing his memories and placing him at death's door.
Ivette Danvers’ life changed the moment a man fell from the cliffside on her property. After nursing him back to health, she was shocked to find he remembered nothing of his past life. Not his name nor his home or family.
Could their blossoming feelings be true, even when he doesn’t remember his past identity?
But as Ivette’s past sneaks up on her, she realizes this stranger is the only one who can help her. But when he disappears, telling her not to come looking for him, she fears she will lose everything and everyone she holds dear. If she doesn’t find him, her entire future will crumble. Including her heart.
Barnaby Mavis has made many mistakes in his life and has been trying his hardest to atone for them. On his way to fix one of his mistakes, he gets thrown from his horse and tumbles off a cliff, the fall stealing his memories and placing him at death's door.
Ivette Danvers’ life changed the moment a man fell from the cliffside on her property. After nursing him back to health, she was shocked to find he remembered nothing of his past life. Not his name nor his home or family.
Could their blossoming feelings be true, even when he doesn’t remember his past identity?
But as Ivette’s past sneaks up on her, she realizes this stranger is the only one who can help her. But when he disappears, telling her not to come looking for him, she fears she will lose everything and everyone she holds dear. If she doesn’t find him, her entire future will crumble. Including her heart.
- GenresHistoricalFantasy
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 7, 2023
I've read other stories from Ms. Winward and thoroughly enjoyed them, and was looking forward to reading this one. It's a loose retelling of the fairytale 'Cinderella,' although without the evil stepmother or stepsisters. Miss Ivette Danvers finds herself in charge of her four younger sisters when her father takes off with the loan money, leaving them struggling to get through each day. Ivette does the best she can, but repayment of the loans is coming due, and soon they'll be evicted from their small farm. I liked Ivette's conviction to take care of their little family, but she can only do so much, and she tries hard not to let despair overwhelm her. It's a lot of responsibility on her young shoulders, but her sweet and generous spirit endears her to everyone she knows.
Lord Barnaby Mavis is on a quest to find the Danvers' farm. It isn't clear if he's the villain, going to collect the money owed on the loan or forgive it. When he's caught in a ferocious storm and thrown from his horse, he crashes through a fence and down a cliff, coming to rest in the field of the Danvers' farm. I wished the author had explained a bit more of Barnaby's mission through his internal dialogue before his fall and subsequent amnesia. It would have given me a different perspective of his character. The author does a great job of describing the effects of panic attacks that made Barnaby more relatable.
I also would have liked a bit more world-building in the story because while it was clear Barnaby was from another kingdom, it was never explained where Ivette and her family lived. Also, there was one subplot of the story that made no sense to me, that of Barnaby's friend stealing sheep from the Danvers' farm. What did that have to do with the story? It only added more despair for Ivette to lose any of her wool-producing sheep.
Once Ms. Winward returned to the basics of the fairytale plot of 'Cinderella,' I really loved the part that Barnaby's mother played in the story organizing the ball for all the fair maidens, both noble and commoner. Once again, Ivette shows her indomitable spirit, trying to make her dreams come true with the man she loves. The only real obstacle she faces is figuring out exactly where to look for Barnaby, but it seems Barnaby's mother had a way to resolve that issue as well.
The story is a quick read (less than 200 pages), although, with a bit more expansion of the story, I think it could have been a much more enjoyable read. I enjoy Ms. Winwood's writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by: Debra
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Lord Barnaby Mavis is on a quest to find the Danvers' farm. It isn't clear if he's the villain, going to collect the money owed on the loan or forgive it. When he's caught in a ferocious storm and thrown from his horse, he crashes through a fence and down a cliff, coming to rest in the field of the Danvers' farm. I wished the author had explained a bit more of Barnaby's mission through his internal dialogue before his fall and subsequent amnesia. It would have given me a different perspective of his character. The author does a great job of describing the effects of panic attacks that made Barnaby more relatable.
I also would have liked a bit more world-building in the story because while it was clear Barnaby was from another kingdom, it was never explained where Ivette and her family lived. Also, there was one subplot of the story that made no sense to me, that of Barnaby's friend stealing sheep from the Danvers' farm. What did that have to do with the story? It only added more despair for Ivette to lose any of her wool-producing sheep.
Once Ms. Winward returned to the basics of the fairytale plot of 'Cinderella,' I really loved the part that Barnaby's mother played in the story organizing the ball for all the fair maidens, both noble and commoner. Once again, Ivette shows her indomitable spirit, trying to make her dreams come true with the man she loves. The only real obstacle she faces is figuring out exactly where to look for Barnaby, but it seems Barnaby's mother had a way to resolve that issue as well.
The story is a quick read (less than 200 pages), although, with a bit more expansion of the story, I think it could have been a much more enjoyable read. I enjoy Ms. Winwood's writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by: Debra
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 3, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is book 3 of the Letters to Love Series and can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading Forever, Mirabelle as Barnaby first appears there and you will get a better appreciation for this book. The book's blurb gives you a good idea of what to expect. It's a great third person dual pov Cinderella retelling about two individuals who needed true love in their lives.
After his father's passing, Barnaby has been taking care of the affairs his father left behind and been under the pressure that comes with assuming the title of earl. He's not proud of his behaviors and how he had been coping so his accident, resulting in his loss of memories, proves to be a blessing in disguise for him. Although he can't remember who he was and exactly what he did, certain things don't feel right to him and he wants to be a good man. And, as he spends time with Ivette and her sisters, his desire to be worthy and helpful only grows.
As the oldest of five sisters who are without parents in their lives, Ivette is in charge and has taken on a parental role. She's worried about being able to pay off their loans and take care of their house but she does her best not to let her sisters see it. When she witnesses Barnaby's accident and nurses him back to health, she wonders if maybe he could be a solution to their troubles - though she doesn't want to get attached to him. However, his charm is too strong for her to resist and she finds herself enjoying the comfort that his company brings.
Although they are drawn to each other from the start, their romance is a slow burn. Ivette is hesitant to give into her feelings because she doesn't want to be "just one of his girls" and Barnaby is worried that she is too good for him. While Barnaby is flirty, it's clear that his intentions towards Ivette are different and that and her belief in him allow them to accept their feelings for each other. Their romance is clean, though the kisses are steamy and there a few choice words used. Readers will be hooked wondering when Barnaby's memories will return and what will happen afterwards. As someone who also read Forever, Mirabelle, I really enjoyed reading Barnaby's path to redemption. For fans of retellings, the Cinderella aspects are clear but there are also some Little Bo Peep aspects to the story. Overall, this was another great installment of the series and I can't wait for the next book!
After his father's passing, Barnaby has been taking care of the affairs his father left behind and been under the pressure that comes with assuming the title of earl. He's not proud of his behaviors and how he had been coping so his accident, resulting in his loss of memories, proves to be a blessing in disguise for him. Although he can't remember who he was and exactly what he did, certain things don't feel right to him and he wants to be a good man. And, as he spends time with Ivette and her sisters, his desire to be worthy and helpful only grows.
As the oldest of five sisters who are without parents in their lives, Ivette is in charge and has taken on a parental role. She's worried about being able to pay off their loans and take care of their house but she does her best not to let her sisters see it. When she witnesses Barnaby's accident and nurses him back to health, she wonders if maybe he could be a solution to their troubles - though she doesn't want to get attached to him. However, his charm is too strong for her to resist and she finds herself enjoying the comfort that his company brings.
Although they are drawn to each other from the start, their romance is a slow burn. Ivette is hesitant to give into her feelings because she doesn't want to be "just one of his girls" and Barnaby is worried that she is too good for him. While Barnaby is flirty, it's clear that his intentions towards Ivette are different and that and her belief in him allow them to accept their feelings for each other. Their romance is clean, though the kisses are steamy and there a few choice words used. Readers will be hooked wondering when Barnaby's memories will return and what will happen afterwards. As someone who also read Forever, Mirabelle, I really enjoyed reading Barnaby's path to redemption. For fans of retellings, the Cinderella aspects are clear but there are also some Little Bo Peep aspects to the story. Overall, this was another great installment of the series and I can't wait for the next book!
July 7, 2023
Always, Ivette is a standalone fairytale retelling romance, based on Cinderella, which is book 3 of the Letters to Love series by Sydney Winward.
This is a beautiful book. It is a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella story, but the added extras to the plot are just so perfectly enjoyable and lovely.
The Cinderella of the story is Ivette. She lives on the edge of a small town with her four younger sisters and her flock of sheep. Her father left her mother and their family for another woman, leaving behind the debts of loans he took out in his wife's name. Ivette is now essentially big sister and mother to her sisters now that they are alone and is desperate to save their home and farm.
The Prince Charming of the story is Lord Barnaby Allistair Mavis. He is an earl in the neighbouring kingdom, he spent his life trying to be perfect for his father. With the death of his father, he tried to continue this... then he was shattered to discover some illegal deeds. He also has a problem with alcohol. His Prince has told him that not only does he need to get married by the time he turns twenty-four, but he also needs to make amends to get his life back on track. All that changes on a stormy night when he falls from his horse and off a ledge. Ivette sees the accident but when Barnaby wakes up, he has no memory and so he becomes Ben (there are some other parallels to the story of Jane Eyre as well).
Wonderful with two strong heroes that are everything, and a story of seeking redemption, discovery, romance that transcends social class.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a beautiful book. It is a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella story, but the added extras to the plot are just so perfectly enjoyable and lovely.
The Cinderella of the story is Ivette. She lives on the edge of a small town with her four younger sisters and her flock of sheep. Her father left her mother and their family for another woman, leaving behind the debts of loans he took out in his wife's name. Ivette is now essentially big sister and mother to her sisters now that they are alone and is desperate to save their home and farm.
The Prince Charming of the story is Lord Barnaby Allistair Mavis. He is an earl in the neighbouring kingdom, he spent his life trying to be perfect for his father. With the death of his father, he tried to continue this... then he was shattered to discover some illegal deeds. He also has a problem with alcohol. His Prince has told him that not only does he need to get married by the time he turns twenty-four, but he also needs to make amends to get his life back on track. All that changes on a stormy night when he falls from his horse and off a ledge. Ivette sees the accident but when Barnaby wakes up, he has no memory and so he becomes Ben (there are some other parallels to the story of Jane Eyre as well).
Wonderful with two strong heroes that are everything, and a story of seeking redemption, discovery, romance that transcends social class.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2023
When I read the title of this book, I thought I would get a retelling of Cinderella, so I was waiting for an evil stepmother of some kind with the other obvious stepsiblings and godmother in the mix of characters presented... It's only after the 6th chapter that I finally understood why nothing was fitting, and I was still waiting for the presentation of the fated characters... This story is a rags-to-riches kind of trope, but has nothing to do with the actual Cinderella fairytale... (yes, I'm kind of slow, you got me!)
So appart from this unmet expectation that was unfounded, I really enjoyed the story. I really liked Ivette, a resilient woman, and I enjoyed getting immersed into the story and its twists and turns.
A lovely novel set in an alternative reality with an historical setting: just perfect!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So appart from this unmet expectation that was unfounded, I really enjoyed the story. I really liked Ivette, a resilient woman, and I enjoyed getting immersed into the story and its twists and turns.
A lovely novel set in an alternative reality with an historical setting: just perfect!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2023
Beautiful and sweet!
Barnaby Mavis has forgotten all his memories when he stumbled down a hill. Ivette nurses him back to health and a romance blooms between them. But when the memories of his past come to haunt him, it'll threaten the blooming love between them.
I loved every moment of this novella. I loved the characters and their palpable connection. Ivette is a wonderful, strong heroine who works hard for her family. Barnaby is a handsome but flawed character who learns how to mend his mistakes and forgive himself. The hints of the Cinderella story came to life, especially toward the end of the book.
Always, Ivette is a sweet romance full of heart-fluttering moments and a redemption worth rooting for. From the first sweet meeting between Ivette and Barnaby, I was swept off my feet and utterly entranced. Always, Ivette is a 5-star novella that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
Barnaby Mavis has forgotten all his memories when he stumbled down a hill. Ivette nurses him back to health and a romance blooms between them. But when the memories of his past come to haunt him, it'll threaten the blooming love between them.
I loved every moment of this novella. I loved the characters and their palpable connection. Ivette is a wonderful, strong heroine who works hard for her family. Barnaby is a handsome but flawed character who learns how to mend his mistakes and forgive himself. The hints of the Cinderella story came to life, especially toward the end of the book.
Always, Ivette is a sweet romance full of heart-fluttering moments and a redemption worth rooting for. From the first sweet meeting between Ivette and Barnaby, I was swept off my feet and utterly entranced. Always, Ivette is a 5-star novella that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
August 24, 2023
Barnaby Was such a pain in the last book. His redemption story though is very heartfelt and heartwarming. I love that this gave him a chance to come back and not be a jerk. It kept my attention and was so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
Great re-telling of the classic Cinderella with the author adding in a bit of her own scenes. She does a terrific job painting her scenes and delivers an enjoyable romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 5, 2023
This was a good book. The characters and storyline were written well. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2024
Lectura ligera y fácil de leer. Me gustó.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews