An Artful Decision

The Art of Love #5

by Holly Newman

Lady Guinevere Nowlton, known as Gwinnie, possesses a talent for the violin and a heart dedicated to helping women from the stews of London. Though the daughter of a duke, at eight-and-twenty, she considers herself on the shelf. She doesn’t think any man in society wants a large-boned woman for a wife who stands eye-to-eye, if not taller than her husband! She long ago tucked away dreams of love as she focused on concerts and her charity work at Mrs. Southerlands' House for Unfortunate Women. Concealing her noble heritage behind the name Sarah Knolls, Gwinnie enjoys the freedom to cross class lines and befriend many people, including Mr. Lewis Martin, a Bow Street agent. But when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of Mrs. Southerlands, the lines between her worlds blur. Who would want to harm Mrs. Southerland? Gwinnie and Mr. Martin delve into Mrs. Southerland's life to uncover the motive behind her murder. The mystery draws them into a web of secrets and intrigue. As they race to unravel the murder, an undeniable attraction blossoms between them, and though they fight against it, their desires become near impossible to ignore. Can a duke's daughter and a Bow Street agent defy society's constraints and find a way to happiness amidst the shadow of a murder investigation?

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and strong character development, we have Lady Guinevere Nowlton, or Gwinnie, a violinist with a heart for helping women in need. At eight-and-twenty, Gwinnie considers herself “on the shelf,” convinced no man would want a tall, large-boned woman as a wife. She pours her passion into music and her charitable work at Mrs. Southerlands’ House for Unfortunate Women, where she hides her noble birth under the name Sarah Knolls, freely crossing class lines and befriending many, including Bow Street agent Mr. Lewis Martin.

When Lewis comes to escort her home, their night takes a tragic turn. Mrs. Southerland, who runs the house, asks them to stay while she runs an errand. When they hear screams, and go to see what happened, they discover Mrs. Southerland’s lifeless body. With Gwinnie’s father receiving threatening letters, the mystery deepens, and Lewis takes on the task of not only protecting Gwinnie but also solving the murder. As they work together to unravel the secrets behind Mrs. Southerland’s death, the chemistry between Gwinnie and Lewis becomes undeniable. Despite their differences in height and social status, their growing attraction is impossible to resist.

I loved how Gwinnie wasn’t portrayed as the typical duke’s daughter, and her entire family had a refreshing uniqueness. The author skillfully weaves in the romantic tension between Gwinnie and Lewis, capturing the internal struggle Lewis faces due to their class differences. Their banter was sharp and playful, adding a touch of humor to the story, and I especially enjoyed how Gwinnie’s teasing lightened the mood.

The mystery kept me engaged, with plenty of twists and turns, and the secondary characters were an added delight. The pacing was spot-on, with just enough humor sprinkled in to keep things lively without overshadowing the tension. I was eagerly rooting for Lewis to fight for his happiness, and the resolution was both satisfying and heartwarming.

This is a wonderful story filled with witty dialogue, intriguing mystery, and a romance that is both tender and passionate. I particularly appreciated Gwinnie’s insecurities about her height and how Lewis saw her true beauty, making her feel cherished just as she was.

This was my first book by this author, and I was impressed by her characters and writing style. I’m eager to explore the rest of this series and her other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I love this series. I have read all the books and each is very different. This one was a surprise for a number of reasons. First, I have to say the cover Is all wrong! One of the main points that is said over and over again is that Lady Guinevere, Gwinnie is a very tall, large bone woman who towers over most man. Yet on the cover the male is taller than her!! What! It needs to be changed. Now on to the story, I usually write a sometimes-long review but with this story I don’t want to give too much away. It is better to read it and find out the clues and what happens without being told. Gwinnie and Mr. Martin, Lewis a Bow Street agent met in one of the previous books. Gwinnie’s father is the Duke of Malmsby and is in to inventions that will help farmers, and other live easier. There are those who don’t want changes and have made threats against him and his family. That is why he hired Lewis to watch over Gwinnie. Gwinnie has said a number of times that now she is a spinster, she will devote her time to her music and her concerts as she will not marry except for love. Lewis has seen a very different Gwinnie then most men of the ton. He knows her love of music and how she plays the violin. He has seen all she does with her charity work. He has hidden his thoughts and feeling for a long time. As they work together to find out her killed Mrs. Southerland secrets start to come out and so do feelings. Both Gwinnie and Lewis will have a lot of ups and downs and many twist and turns before the end. I was more than surprised that I couldn’t put this book down. I usually like some steam with my stories, and while we see the witty banter between our couple and hear their thoughts this is a very sweet story. With the mystery, accidents, and threats there is a lot going on. It was a great read and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Artful Decision (The Art of Love, Book 5) by Holly Newman (Oliver Heber Books / October 2024) is a delightful Regency romance.

An Artful Decision was a charming mix of romance and mystery with likeable characters, witty banter, and plot twists and turns.

The heroine, Gwinnie, was intelligent, level-headed, and strong-willed, but she struggled with body insecurity issues due to her above average height (over 6’), and her full figure. I think many readers can identify with similar insecurities. BUT! I agree with another reviewer who pointed out (and rightly so) the cover erroneously depicted the hero as taller than the heroine! I’m sure the author had no control over the artwork, but the heroine’s discomfort with her height was a key part of her personality, and it should have been represented as such on the cover. I admired Gwinnie’s quick thinking to use graphite shavings on Mrs. Southerland’s correspondence in a search for clues, but we never find out who the “darling” was Mrs. Southerland referred to. The hero, Lewis Martin, a Bow Street runner, floats between two worlds (which is plot related, so I’ll say no more). He was a likeable hero -- strong, intelligent, and reliable. He was searching for happiness (which we can all relate to). I liked how Gwinnie and Lewis navigated the danger as they found their way to their HEA/HFN.

I highly recommend An Artful Decision. I only read this particular book from the series. It can be read as a stand-alone romance, but, I would recommend readers start with book one; there are characters from previous books with whom I was unfamiliar, and I didn’t understand their connection/importance to Gwinnie and Lewis’ story or to the overall premise of the series.

I received an ARC in eBook format from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lady and the Bow Street Runner

“An Artful Decision” written by Holly Newman is the fifth book in her series the Art of Love. Mr. Lewis Martin, Bow Street Runner, has been hired to protect Lady Guinevere “Gwinnie” Nowlton after threats have been made against her family. Gwinnie is an enigma, she towers over most everyone and shuns society to engage in charity work as her alter ego Miss Sarah Knowles, not the daughter of a duke but the daughter of a solicitor. The fallen women she teaches live in the charity home run by Mrs. Southerland. The story draws the reader in quickly with a murder but slows down from there. The two main characters, Gwinnie and Lewis, are very likable. They are drawn to one another. But Lewis believes he is not good enough for a duke’s daughter since he is only a bow street runner and was born out of wedlock. He feels his height is also a disadvantage, as he is several inches shorter than Gwinnie. This book is full of murder, mayhem, and misdirection as there are several issues happening at the same time which split the focus of Gwinnie, her family, and Lewis. But never fear, all is tied up with a nice neat bow in the end, a little to quickly, a little to easily. The romance of the two main characters is a slow one, this should definitely be considered a clean romance. Overall this slow moving story has many high points and is perfect for those who prefer a clean story. Personally, I wanted more steam between these two. As a side note, I was annoyed with the cover. Gwinnie should be looking down at Lewis, not the other way around. A big part of the story was her height. Why not glorify it on the cover to acknowledge it is okay for a woman to be taller than her suitor?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Statuesque

What compels readers to relish and reread a novel? Easy! A talented author who offers a compelling story, characters with depth, witty and humorous dialogue, and, as in this novel, snippets of the romantic thoughts sprinkled throughout. As a 28 y/o very tall woman, Lady Guinevere Nowlton has basically placed herself on the shelf because she is taller than most men. Her focus is helping unfortunate women at a charity shelter where she teaches them the behaviors necessary for gainful employment. After her father has received a series of threats regarding his inventions, he has placed based born son of an Earl, Mr. Lewis Martin, a Bow Street runner as Gwinnie’s guard. Their relationship becomes entangled in the course of a murder investigation. How does an honorable untitled young man convince himself and a lady, taller than himself, that they deserve a chance at romance? Read how a family portrait influences Lewis and Gwinnie’s decision.
The author also tickles us with the Nowlton family names…Lady Guinevere, her twin brother Lancelot, her physician brother Merlin and her father Arthur, a duke…he just happens to study Arthurian legends. Enjoy this lovely 5 star 🌟 read. It is easy to see the influences of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen in Newman’s writing style.
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful blend of mystery, romance and strong characters who were perfect for each other. Lady Guinevere Nowlton (“Gwinnie”) is a violinist with a heart for helping women in need. At twenty-eight she is a spinster. She is a tall, large-boned woman, which leads to most men being a tad intimidated, preferring a small sized woman instead. She works unendingly in her charitable work with Mrs Southerland’s House for Unfortunate Women. Of course, no one knows she is of noble birth as this would make it harder to help the less fortunate women she interacts with daily.

When Mrs Southerland is murdered, while running an errand. Gwinnie’s father also receives threatening letters. All this has the bow street agent, Mr. Lewis Martin taking the case to solve both issues. Of course, this brought them into proximity with each other and romantic feelings were hard to ignore. The banter between Lewis and Gwinnie is witty and playful adding a touch of humour to the story. Twists and turns that keep you engaged in the story and waiting till they realise they are perfect for each other is quite satisfying. An author I plan to read more from.

Delightful story that will keep you entertained from start to finish. I received an ARC from Booksprout and submit my review voluntarily.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of The Art of Love series. It is an entertaining story filled with romance mystery, and intrigue. Gwinnie is a lovely and strong character. Although the daughter of a duke, she considers herself firmly on the shelf. She's not built like most of the delicate ladies of the ton and doesn't believe any gentleman would accept her tall and large boned structure. She focuses her time on concerts and charity work with Mrs. Southerland and becomes acquainted with Mr. Lewis Martin, a Bow Street agent. When Mrs. Southerland turns up murdered, she and Lewis work together to find the culprit responsible for her death and secrets are revealed. As they work together, they start growing closer and the chemistry between them is strong. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I do think, however, the cover does not accurately portray the physical appearance of the characters. Gwinnie's discomfort with her height was a big part of her personality, and I think that could have been portrayed a little more clearly on the cover. In any case, that did not take away anything from the story itself which was really quite enjoyable!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwinnie aka Lady Guinevere is helping out at a charity house when Lewis arrives to escort her home. Mrs. Southerland, who ran the house, asks them to stay while she runs an errand only to find her dead when they hear screams shortly after. It then becomes a mystery of who killed her and why since Gwinnie's father has been receiving threatening letters. Lewis, a Bow Street Runner, is already hired to watch Gwinnie, but adds finding out who the murderer is to his duty. As he goes along asking questions, we see the romance blossom between him and Gwinnie despite the difference in height and their difference stations in life. There is all the adventure of solving the mystery and the nice addition of several secondary characters. A touch of humor comes out throughout to add to the story. It's a great blend of romance and mystery that ends in happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighthearted Romance 3.5*
As book 5 in a series there is mention of a lot of the characters from other books, so whilst this can be read as a standalone, it is probably best to read the other books first. This is a murder mystery with some strong character development and a delightful romance. I did have some concerns with the story: Lewis Martin as a Bow Street Runner seemed to have no other cases, nor bosses in Bow Street, which seemed rather strange. He was more like a gentleman of leisure, who dabbled in investigation. The fate of Mrs Southerland’s School was left up in the air, as was Rose’s and Lewis’ future careers. And I was disappointed that the story never got to the bottom of Mrs Southerland’s correspondence, why she was ecstatically delighted and who her ‘darling’ was.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part mystery, part romance, part historical fiction and all a rousing read! Gwinnie considers herself on the shelf so she decides to indulge in her passions the violin and helping the poor women of the stews of London as she puts it. When the woman who runs the home for young women which she supports is killed she must cross boundaries again as she works with a Bow Street agent to solve the case.
A delightful trip back in time with a fascinating woman one might say a force of nature even. I enjoyed this story very much as it blended historical mystery and romance seamlessly. The characters drew you in and before you knew it you’re caught up in the case and cannot put the book away! Definitely recommend giving this a go!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for good mysteries and this one is good! Being a “tall” woman, I can understand Gwinnie’s feelings about her height. Lewis may be an Earl’s son, but not legitimate, or is he? I adored Grandmother and her schemes, especially the ballroom scene. Watching Gwinnie and Lewis’s relationship grow was so sweet. Daniel is a hoot and it was good to see a “ton” father love his daughter, instead of “using” her for his own benefit. Well plotted, well written, with characters I would love to meet personally! Finding out who the real villain(s) are will take many twists and turns-which makes the story very fun to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Spier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is as much a light romance as it is a mystery. Gwinnie and Lewis are pleasant characters and obviously belong together but I was hoping for a bit more depth and suspense than I got. The circumstances of the lives of Gwinnie and Lewis should have made for a more intense story and relationship. The crime took place almost immediately but actual investigation, or any kind of action, took much longer to get going. Almost half the book was the introduction of characters and description of their lives. Things did move faster towards the middle of the book, where the plot finally caught my interest. It was an OK book but not what I'd consider a keeper.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Artful Decision to Love

An Artful Decision by Holly Newman is not a fast read, but it is an entertaining read. The slow and steady pace is punctuated with tense moments of action and meaningful dialogue. Gwinnie and Lewis (lead characters) are both strong and likable. Even the secondary characters are likable and an intricate part of the well-woven plot. Best of all, the ending is a romance-lovers HEA with a very sweet epilogue.

Content 411: This book contains five uses of the word h*ll, but no other swearing or vulgarities. This book also contains some kissing, but no other intimacies. All in all this is a clean read.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I voluntarily read this book and am submitting my honest review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance develops between a Duke's daughter and the Bow Street Runner who is meant to guard her, but when a murder is committed, Lewis Martin finds it very difficult to maintain his composure. Gwinnie, as she is known to her friends and family, refuses to be left behind and persuades her father to enlist Lewis with the task of finding the killer of Gwinnie's friend. There is more than one plot afoot in this fast-paced novel and unravelling the motives throws Lewis and Gwinnie off course. With the help of the mudlarks, relatives with long memories, and strategic thinking, the novel is neatly wrapped up with Lewis finally seeing the light. I received a copy of this enjoyable and well-written book as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a couple of mysteries - one is a murder mystery and the other is who is threatening a duke and his family. The heroine has built up a wall around her heart as she is past the debutant stage, is large boned and stands taller than most men so she feels no one would love her. She dedicates herself to helping women who are lower in station. The hero is a Bow Street Runner and a bastard child who was raised and loved by his late father. They get together to solve the mysteries as she could be the target of a murderer. There is some nice dialogues between the two. I enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lewis Martin is a Bow Street runner assigned to investigate the threats against the family of the Duke of Malmsby. He is with the duke’s daughter, Gwinnie, on a visit to Mrs. Southerlands’ House for Unfortunate Women, when Mrs. Southerlands is murdered outside the back door to her house. As they work together to solve the mysteries, an attraction that is already present becomes stronger. This is a fast-paced entertaining story with two mysteries and an unlikely, but delightful romance. It comes with a well-written plot, great characters, and a duke with just the right picture of romance.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Gwinnie is assisting at house that retrains fallen woman into more respectable professions when the lady who runs the house is murdered. She works with detective Lewis Martin to uncover the murder while dealing with multiple threats against her. The story took several turns and it didn’t end when the murderer was apprehended. Lewis fights his attraction to Gwinnie because she is a duke’s daughter and taller than him, and he is bastard who has been belittled by his stepmother and half brother all his life. I liked that they both enjoyed playing music and helping others.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Murder Mystery

A woman was murdered; her throat was slit. Was she mistaken for Gwinnie, or was she the intended target? As Gwinnie, a duke’s daughter, and Lewis Martin, a Bow Street runner, investigate, they uncover a web of lies, treachery, and murder. They also fall in love.

Who was the killer? Would Gwinnie survive the deadly investigation? If she did survive, would she defy convention and marry a Bow Street runner who also happened to be the by-blow of an earl? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical murder mysteries with romance.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some really bad family members
When Mrs. Southerland is murdered, Gwinnie and Lewis think first that Gwennie, the daughter of a progressive duke, is targeted. Her father has received threats because he is interested in industrial inventions. During the inquest, it appears that some neighbours are resistant to her House for Unfortunate Women and even go so far as pretend that it is a house of ill repute. In the course of their investigation, Gwinnie and Lewis discover far more ominous leads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwinnie is the daughter of a Duke volunteering to help other women when her mentor is murdered. Lewis is a Bow street runner who is enamoured of Gwinnie but he was born on the wrong side of the blanket. Together they try to solve the murder mystery with some fun twists and turns from family and greedy relatives of the mentor.
Enjoyed the banter and evolving relationship with a few quirks.
Wonderful love story.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. Lady Gwinnie has always believed love and romance was not for her. But while working with a Bow Street Runner she begins to wonder if she may have been wrong.

This book has not only romance but also suspense and a mystery. A very enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder mystery that has many suspects to consider but during their investigation they also found true, abiding love for each other. Lovely read with interesting twist to the murder plot and wonderful characters who have faith 8n each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwinnie and Lewis are unusual pair. With very disparate class differences, this unusually tall Dukes daughter comes into this Bow Street gentlemans orbit when they discover a dead woman. With witty banter, an intriguing mystery, and a romance, this book is worth a read.

#Booksprout #OliverHerberBooks #HollyNewman

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Gwinne and Lewis's story of a bow street runner and a Duke's daughter. A lady who hides her titled status to play her music to ours and a man who will do whatever it takes to stop the person or persons who are out to do her harm. This story is written in the author's wonderful distinctive style full of twists, turns and mystery with a dash of romance and love.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An Artful Decision” The Art of Love, book 5 by Holly Newman
A SWEET READ !!
Loved my time in this story. There were lots of twists and turns; and love is obvious but crime abounds in the most unexpected ways. This certainly was a page turner story. Happy Reading ! !

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the series for me. I love the length. It allowed me time to get totally engrossed in it. A look at a different family dynamic for that time where you crossing the line in society from high to low and vice versa, was frowned upon and had consequences.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts with a murder…

Gwinnie, a dukes daughter needs protection when her good friend is murdered wearing her coat.

Bow street runner, Lewis Martin is sweet in her, but he’s an illegitimate earls son. He’s shorter than her, as she’s six feet tall.
I liked both leads.
Recommend.

[muriel somervell · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the series

God writing! Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the whole series! Would recommend to read in order. Can’t say I would rate any book above the other. But as I am a 6 foot tall woman this book has a piece of my heart! Enjoy and start reading!

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting and entertaining love story. Deaths, murders, attempted murders, thieving, lying, action, intrigue, mystery, and many more emotional and dramatic issues that kept me engaged. I enjoyed the witty and humorous banter between the main characters. I also enjoyed how a surprising romance began despite everything. I recommend reading!