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Engaging Irene
Can Peter win her hand and her heart?
Two years ago Peter Jamison left home to train as a clergyman. Now he's returned with his ordination only to find that while some things have changed, others have his eldest brother is still not engaged to his longtime crush. Eager to see Geoffrey happily settled, Peter relies on his talent for bolstering others and proposes a brotherly the first man to the altar wins.
Irene Stephens is new to Halsham. The orphaned ward of Lord and Lady Granby, she can’t seem to find her place in her new situation. Until she meets Peter Jamison, who enlists Irene's help in prodding his brother to action. He also encourages her to establish a society to assist the less fortunate.
As Irene and Peter work to aid others, they are oft in one another’s company, and they soon find their pretended attraction feels all too real. Peter finally receives an offer for a vicarage in Northern England, far from the society that has a hold on Irene’s heart. Will Peter see his brother wed, find a church to call his own, and muster the courage to tell Irene how much he cares, or are they destined to be separated forever?
Two years ago Peter Jamison left home to train as a clergyman. Now he's returned with his ordination only to find that while some things have changed, others have his eldest brother is still not engaged to his longtime crush. Eager to see Geoffrey happily settled, Peter relies on his talent for bolstering others and proposes a brotherly the first man to the altar wins.
Irene Stephens is new to Halsham. The orphaned ward of Lord and Lady Granby, she can’t seem to find her place in her new situation. Until she meets Peter Jamison, who enlists Irene's help in prodding his brother to action. He also encourages her to establish a society to assist the less fortunate.
As Irene and Peter work to aid others, they are oft in one another’s company, and they soon find their pretended attraction feels all too real. Peter finally receives an offer for a vicarage in Northern England, far from the society that has a hold on Irene’s heart. Will Peter see his brother wed, find a church to call his own, and muster the courage to tell Irene how much he cares, or are they destined to be separated forever?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Chalon Linton
16 books339 followersChalon Linton is an air force spouse, a mother of four, and a fan of all things romance. Jane Austen has long been a favorite because who can resist handsome men in tailcoats? Manners, wit, and true love, combined with a faith in God, guide her stories to a happily ever after. She has met friends from around the globe and is grateful for each experience that adds to her own faith in the goodness of people. Chalon currently lives with her handsome husband in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 4, 2026
I loved this sweet and lovely Regency story! Peter has recently returned home after being away being trained to be a clergyman. He has a heart of gold and is going to need it as he navigates some past hurts between some of the Ladies in the neighborhood. He does so with grace and goodness and lives up to his profession!
Then we have Irene! She is a spunky and delightful character who has a great outlook on life, especially after the loss of her parents and brother. She still mourns them but is trying to honor them by living her life in a meaningful way.
The first meeting between these two at a dance was really sweet. They had me smiling and excited to read all of their story after that first meeting. I loved how the author created an instant connection between the readers and Irene's story with this first introduction of her. There's the chance that readers could feel pity for her, but she is a fantastic heroine who is in charge of her story. I loved it all!
So many great scenes throughout this one. There are mistakes made on multiple characters' part but I loved how there was love and forgiveness and a willingness to change and be better. It all added a great depth to this story and had me cheering for these characters to help each other and find joy for themselves! I love the Jamison family!!! I hope you feel the same way as you read this one! I loved seeing previous characters and can't wait for more to come for this wonderful family!!!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Then we have Irene! She is a spunky and delightful character who has a great outlook on life, especially after the loss of her parents and brother. She still mourns them but is trying to honor them by living her life in a meaningful way.
The first meeting between these two at a dance was really sweet. They had me smiling and excited to read all of their story after that first meeting. I loved how the author created an instant connection between the readers and Irene's story with this first introduction of her. There's the chance that readers could feel pity for her, but she is a fantastic heroine who is in charge of her story. I loved it all!
So many great scenes throughout this one. There are mistakes made on multiple characters' part but I loved how there was love and forgiveness and a willingness to change and be better. It all added a great depth to this story and had me cheering for these characters to help each other and find joy for themselves! I love the Jamison family!!! I hope you feel the same way as you read this one! I loved seeing previous characters and can't wait for more to come for this wonderful family!!!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
April 13, 2026
Peter is a clergyman looking for a position at a vicarage. Irene is in the care of her Aunt and Uncle. Peter wagers his brother that he will make a match before him. This is to give his brother the incentive to go after the woman his brother has longed for. In the meantime, Peter meets Irene and they go in on a fake courting scheme together. Of course it doesn’t stay fake for long. I really enjoyed this story! There are other books in this series but it works as a standalone. There are reoccurring characters though. I loved how well Peter and Irene worked together. Not just in the fake relationship, but in helping the less fortunate and helping one another. I loved Peter’s teasing nature. And I loved how sweet Irene was. I also enjoyed seeing the rest of the Jamison family again. Overall, a great story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
May 8, 2026
I was so happy to return to the wonderful Jamison family in this new release by Chalon Linton. Every time I pick up one of these books, it feels like visiting old friends, and Peter Jamison quickly became another favorite. His steady kindness, encouragement, and genuine care for others made him impossible not to love.
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching Peter and Irene work together in Irene’s Halsham Aid Society. They complemented each other so naturally that I honestly forgot this was supposed to be a “fake relationship” story. Their chemistry felt effortless from the start, and I loved seeing their friendship deepen into something more meaningful while they worked side by side helping others.
Irene was such an easy heroine to root for. Her uncertainty felt real as she struggled to find her place in her new life and a new society. I loved watching her confidence grow as she found purpose through the aid society. Peter’s support and belief in her made their relationship even sweeter.
The way the Jamison family interacts with each other was another highlight for me, especially Peter’s determination to help his brother finally pursue the woman he loves. The brotherly competition added a fun layer to the story while still allowing plenty of heartfelt moments. I also really liked Lord and Lady Granby, Irene's aunt and uncle. They added warmth to the story, and I appreciated the care and support they showed Irene as she tried to find where she belonged.
I loved how we got to know these characters through their conversations. A lot of times we get to know them through what is said about them or watching their interactions with other characters. The way Ms. Linton wrote them made the characters feel more real to me.
This was a warm, charming, and uplifting romance filled with faith, family, and lovable characters. Fans of sweet Regency romance and fake relationship tropes will definitely want to pick this one up. I received a copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
One of my favorite parts of the story was watching Peter and Irene work together in Irene’s Halsham Aid Society. They complemented each other so naturally that I honestly forgot this was supposed to be a “fake relationship” story. Their chemistry felt effortless from the start, and I loved seeing their friendship deepen into something more meaningful while they worked side by side helping others.
Irene was such an easy heroine to root for. Her uncertainty felt real as she struggled to find her place in her new life and a new society. I loved watching her confidence grow as she found purpose through the aid society. Peter’s support and belief in her made their relationship even sweeter.
The way the Jamison family interacts with each other was another highlight for me, especially Peter’s determination to help his brother finally pursue the woman he loves. The brotherly competition added a fun layer to the story while still allowing plenty of heartfelt moments. I also really liked Lord and Lady Granby, Irene's aunt and uncle. They added warmth to the story, and I appreciated the care and support they showed Irene as she tried to find where she belonged.
I loved how we got to know these characters through their conversations. A lot of times we get to know them through what is said about them or watching their interactions with other characters. The way Ms. Linton wrote them made the characters feel more real to me.
This was a warm, charming, and uplifting romance filled with faith, family, and lovable characters. Fans of sweet Regency romance and fake relationship tropes will definitely want to pick this one up. I received a copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
May 13, 2026
Engaging Irene
(A Jamison Family Novel Book 1)
by: Chalon Linton
@lintonloveslife
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~Seeing other’s happiness will either muster the courage to follow one’s heart or to be destined in being separated forever…
-Engaging Irene, is a dear story blended beautifully of hope, friendship, and love. It immediately pulled me and held my attention past the last words in the page. Weaved within the pages, is a dear journey of the heart. While some things have changed, others have not when coming home. I thoroughly enjoyed the endearing characters, who in their wonderful ways blossom along the way. Working to establish a society to assure to the needs within the community around them, wonderfully sets the stage for being more often in one another’s company, and “pretended attraction,” surely begins to feel all too real. While there are obstacles, and a variety of emotions built up, it was these dear characters whose happiness I was rooting for all along the way. Watching their unselfish ways in serving to bless the specific and individualized needs of others, to taking the courage in following one’s heart was heartwarming! The swoony, tender, vulnerable moments with characters choosing to move forward, by risking it all, had my heart. Where the journey leads, was so satisfying. Also, the genuine love, support, and kindness of dear family within this story shines wonderfully. What a support system within. My friends, Engaging Irene, is a dear story worth the read!📚💜
“…he realized she had not asked him to make great strides. She only asked that he take one step at a time - by her side.”
•Content: death of family members (in past; mentioned on page), some loss, feelings of insecurities/not measuring or being enough, some grudges from side characters over a past misunderstanding/unfortunate event, attention to less fortunate within community, no danger, no language. Kisses only. Clean closed door!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#engagingirene
#ajamisonfamilynovel
#lintonloveslife
#allaboutthebestreads
(A Jamison Family Novel Book 1)
by: Chalon Linton
@lintonloveslife
••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
~Seeing other’s happiness will either muster the courage to follow one’s heart or to be destined in being separated forever…
-Engaging Irene, is a dear story blended beautifully of hope, friendship, and love. It immediately pulled me and held my attention past the last words in the page. Weaved within the pages, is a dear journey of the heart. While some things have changed, others have not when coming home. I thoroughly enjoyed the endearing characters, who in their wonderful ways blossom along the way. Working to establish a society to assure to the needs within the community around them, wonderfully sets the stage for being more often in one another’s company, and “pretended attraction,” surely begins to feel all too real. While there are obstacles, and a variety of emotions built up, it was these dear characters whose happiness I was rooting for all along the way. Watching their unselfish ways in serving to bless the specific and individualized needs of others, to taking the courage in following one’s heart was heartwarming! The swoony, tender, vulnerable moments with characters choosing to move forward, by risking it all, had my heart. Where the journey leads, was so satisfying. Also, the genuine love, support, and kindness of dear family within this story shines wonderfully. What a support system within. My friends, Engaging Irene, is a dear story worth the read!📚💜
“…he realized she had not asked him to make great strides. She only asked that he take one step at a time - by her side.”
•Content: death of family members (in past; mentioned on page), some loss, feelings of insecurities/not measuring or being enough, some grudges from side characters over a past misunderstanding/unfortunate event, attention to less fortunate within community, no danger, no language. Kisses only. Clean closed door!
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#engagingirene
#ajamisonfamilynovel
#lintonloveslife
#allaboutthebestreads
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a sweet regency romance that will have you falling in love with the characters.
This book can be read as a standalone, but please note that there are character crossovers and mentioned events from "Forever Phoebe" and "Chiara's Choice." If you read this book as standalone, you won't feel like you are missing pieces of the story, but you will get great details of the past events by reading the other books.
Peter is the third son to an untitled gentleman and has returned home after leaving to train as a clergyman. He is now trying to find a position and finding it is taking longer than anticipated. Irene was only supposed to visit Halsham, but became the ward to Lord and Lady Granby after her parents and brothers passing. While Peter is from Halsham, they both are trying to find their place. As they team up together, in a wager and in service, their relationship starts to grow.
Chalon Linton has a way of weaving a story that draws you in and keeps your attention until the last page. I love the relationships between the Jamison family. I love that even through this book is focused on Peter and Irene, it also pulls in Geoffrey's story. **Sigh** got to love a story with a bonus ☺️
I received an advance copy. All throughs and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Hope was indeed a powerful force."
"...he realized she had not asked him to make great strides. She only asked that he take one step at a time - by her side."
This book can be read as a standalone, but please note that there are character crossovers and mentioned events from "Forever Phoebe" and "Chiara's Choice." If you read this book as standalone, you won't feel like you are missing pieces of the story, but you will get great details of the past events by reading the other books.
Peter is the third son to an untitled gentleman and has returned home after leaving to train as a clergyman. He is now trying to find a position and finding it is taking longer than anticipated. Irene was only supposed to visit Halsham, but became the ward to Lord and Lady Granby after her parents and brothers passing. While Peter is from Halsham, they both are trying to find their place. As they team up together, in a wager and in service, their relationship starts to grow.
Chalon Linton has a way of weaving a story that draws you in and keeps your attention until the last page. I love the relationships between the Jamison family. I love that even through this book is focused on Peter and Irene, it also pulls in Geoffrey's story. **Sigh** got to love a story with a bonus ☺️
I received an advance copy. All throughs and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Hope was indeed a powerful force."
"...he realized she had not asked him to make great strides. She only asked that he take one step at a time - by her side."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sweet and charming regency romance.
Peter has been away studying to become a clergymen, now he just needs to find a living. Going home, he found many things changed. Although his brother Geoffrey was still pining after Miss Vane, a young lady he has adored for years, Peter enlisted a newly acquainted Irene Stephens to help him with his plan to unite the two resisting love birds.
I really enjoyed this story. Peter, from previous books in the series was always the flirtatious, fun loving brother. Now we get to see his more serious side. Don’t get me wrong. He is still a mischief maker and flirt but a little more mature and wise. I loved watching the characters develop and grow. The storyline was interesting. you might even get two love stories for the price of one. This is the third book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the books in order as they are well worth it. It is a delightful, clean, wholesome Christian historical romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Peter has been away studying to become a clergymen, now he just needs to find a living. Going home, he found many things changed. Although his brother Geoffrey was still pining after Miss Vane, a young lady he has adored for years, Peter enlisted a newly acquainted Irene Stephens to help him with his plan to unite the two resisting love birds.
I really enjoyed this story. Peter, from previous books in the series was always the flirtatious, fun loving brother. Now we get to see his more serious side. Don’t get me wrong. He is still a mischief maker and flirt but a little more mature and wise. I loved watching the characters develop and grow. The storyline was interesting. you might even get two love stories for the price of one. This is the third book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the books in order as they are well worth it. It is a delightful, clean, wholesome Christian historical romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book and love reading books by this author. The author has a way of drawing you straight into the plot of the story. In this case the youngest son has came home after being away becoming a clergyman. His oldest brother still hasn't proposed to his longtime crush, so they make a wager. That is one of the things that the Jamison's brothers have done growing up. Mostly from racing horses and the loser has to muck out the stalls. This wager is on a whole new level, there are hearts on the line. Can Peter convince his brother to propose before Peter, himself proposes and loses his heart in the process? Will Peter be able to convince his neighbors that he is more than a jokester and ready to become the clergyman he has always dreamed of being? I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are what I thought of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sweet regency romance by Chalon Linton felt like a fresh breath of air for this genre. I've read many regency books lately try a bit too hard to have a lot of dramatic moments. This story felt much more believable. I enjoyed seeing the characters grow close just doing ordinary things. I also loved how much dialog we had with these characters! Great pacing and a lovely story.
Parent's Guide: Nothing to worry about.
My rating scale:
1 star (awful, don’t waste your time)
2 star (not that great, but not the worst)
3 star (decent, had potential)
4 star (good, enjoyable)
5 star (amazing, highly recommended)
My Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Parent's Guide: Nothing to worry about.
My rating scale:
1 star (awful, don’t waste your time)
2 star (not that great, but not the worst)
3 star (decent, had potential)
4 star (good, enjoyable)
5 star (amazing, highly recommended)
My Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful story of love and friendship. I love these characters. The Jamison family is so loving, supportive and kind to each other and others. This is Peter and Geoffrey's story. Peter wants to see his brother Geoffrey happy and proposes a bet between them to see who can get to the altar first. Peter wants to give Geoffrey the extra nudge he needs to court Hannah. In this endeavor Peter asks Irene to help him.
Through service to others they all grow close. But what started as a friendship between Peter and Irene becomes much more as they try to push Hannah and Geoffrey ever closer to the altar.
Through service to others they all grow close. But what started as a friendship between Peter and Irene becomes much more as they try to push Hannah and Geoffrey ever closer to the altar.
May 30, 2026
I love the Jamison family! They are portrayed as a kind and loving family and yet they have the flaws and concerns of everyday people.
This book does contain characters that had their own story in “Forever Phoebe” and “Chaira’s Choice”. That being said they can all be read as standalone books, but I recommend each book for wonderful storytelling.
I enjoyed how this story unfolded with a friendly wager between the brothers and yet it helps more than those two.
I loved how the characters moved forward with kind and faithful hearts.
I recommend this book and author and look forward to seeing more of the Jamisons and their town/friends.
This book does contain characters that had their own story in “Forever Phoebe” and “Chaira’s Choice”. That being said they can all be read as standalone books, but I recommend each book for wonderful storytelling.
I enjoyed how this story unfolded with a friendly wager between the brothers and yet it helps more than those two.
I loved how the characters moved forward with kind and faithful hearts.
I recommend this book and author and look forward to seeing more of the Jamisons and their town/friends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fun story that gives you that historical vibe, but with some fun twists and turns! I love how things seemed confusing, but life has a way of working out! Loved these characters!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews