Violets for Veronica : Victorian Valentines

by Janice Cole Hopkins

One scandal, one season, one shy baron, and a heart that doesn’t want to follow the plan.

With her family insisting that she have a season to find a husband, Veronica Smith has one restore her family’s reputation with a match that dazzles society. After her sister’s scandalous elopement with a dockworker, Veronica convinces her parents to send her to Bath instead of London. Determined to secure a husband of rank and refinement to offset the scandal, she navigates the glittering assemblies with grace and charm. But her plans begin to unravel when she meets Baron Andrew Westley, a man of quiet strength and the lowest title in the aristocracy. He’s everything she wanted to avoid but can’t seem to forget. Can she stay true to her goal? Will her head or her heart win in the end?

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Janice Cole Hopkins grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. As an only child, she learned to love the stories of Appalachian culture, and when she started school, she discovered a even wider world of stories through reading. She was writing her own by third grade and had published poetry by eighth grade. After graduating from Appalachian State University, she first wrote for magazines because the shorter articles were more manageable while she taught school. She retired early and became her mother’s caregiver, which is when she wrote that first novel, and she hasn’t stopped since. Soon she will have over a hundred books listed on Amazon with more to come.
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Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica is put in a position to find a man to marry, not just any man, but one who has a title and will help the family in societal status. She quickly is drawn to Andrew, a man who lacks the much coveted title of a duke but is kindhearted and a bit shy in large crowds. I loved that he took the time to learn what Veronica liked and chose to put aside the things that made him uncomfortable in order to pursue a relationship with her. I was totally cheering him on to court Veronica since a “faint heart never won fair lady.”

I loved that this took place in Bath instead of London because it gives the feeling of a slower pace and smaller settings to get to know people during the Season. The carriage rides, balls, outings to concerts and tea rooms had me looking forward to what Veronica was going to do next and made me feel like I was there too.

Throughout the story we see there are many men in competition for Veronica’s affections including well titled men and those who were more handsome and gregarious than Andrew. But, Veronica was wise and had to help her aunt that is acting as chaperone see that “a man’s character meant more than his title.”

You will enjoy this book if you like clean romance and a couple who are willing to follow their hearts to a happy ending. This is the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading more of the books.

I received a copy of the book, but I was not obligated to write a positive review.

[Virginia Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical romances that are clean and sweet. Following the characters through several holidays is an added bonus.

Veronica must marry well to bring back honor to her family name. Andrew needs to fulfill his father's dying wish. Both leave their beloved country estates and reluctantly go to Bath for the season.

They find kindred spirits in one another and soon feelings deepen on both sides. Although strict societal rules as well as familial obligations keep getting in the way.

The relationship between Veronica's parents is lovely and how supportive they are of their daughters.

Both the hero and heroine have close bonds with their respective families. It is easy to imagine happy future gatherings with all involved.

The declarations toward the end brought a smile to my face.

I received an ARC and share my honest review of this delightful story which has been added to my Keeper shelf.

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violets for Veronica is an engaging sweet romance set in Victorian era Bath (although for some reason, my brain kept trying to picture it as happening in the earlier Regency era, perhaps because Bath is so strongly associated with that time). The characters are well protrayed and likable, the story is quite cosy and sweet and sweeps through some the the famous sites in the historic township. It is an enjoyable and charming quick(ish) read.

I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Aimee Winmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought "Violets for Veronica" was a sweet and endearing romance. I love that the season takes place in Bath rather than London, I thought that was a nice change of pace.

I am one that hesitates putting in too many details in fear of giving away spoilers.

I loved this story and its characters!!