What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts on Display #5
Worth Keeping
Not yet published
Expected 9 Sep 26An American businessman. A British vicar’s daughter. A choice that could change everything.
Max Dennison arrives at Akethorpe Hall with every intention of selling the English country estate he’s inherited. Instead, he finds himself drawn into the life of a West Suffolk village—and increasingly captivated by the vicar's daughter.
Eliza Davies has long since learned that trusting the wrong person can come at a high cost. The last thing she needs is a charming American who has no intention of staying.
As summer unfolds, unexpected friendships, family secrets, and difficult choices begin to reshape both their futures. But when duty and opportunity pull in opposite directions, Max and Eliza must decide what matters most—and what is truly worth keeping.
Worth Keeping is perfect for fans
✓ Fish-out-of-water hero
✓ Small village romance
✓ Opposites attract
✓ Slow-burn romance
✓ Duty vs. love
✓ Community and found family
✓ Faith-filled historical Gilded Age and Victorian romance
Max Dennison arrives at Akethorpe Hall with every intention of selling the English country estate he’s inherited. Instead, he finds himself drawn into the life of a West Suffolk village—and increasingly captivated by the vicar's daughter.
Eliza Davies has long since learned that trusting the wrong person can come at a high cost. The last thing she needs is a charming American who has no intention of staying.
As summer unfolds, unexpected friendships, family secrets, and difficult choices begin to reshape both their futures. But when duty and opportunity pull in opposite directions, Max and Eliza must decide what matters most—and what is truly worth keeping.
Worth Keeping is perfect for fans
✓ Fish-out-of-water hero
✓ Small village romance
✓ Opposites attract
✓ Slow-burn romance
✓ Duty vs. love
✓ Community and found family
✓ Faith-filled historical Gilded Age and Victorian romance
- GenresRomantic
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 9, 2026
About the author
Kimberly Keagan
9 books55 followersAt the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn't put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God's grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance. Her debut novel, Perfect, released in 2025.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 18, 2026
Worth Keeping is the fifth book in the Hearts on Display series, and I really enjoyed this one.
I really liked Eliza and Max as the main characters, and their story kept me invested from beginning to end. I also especially loved getting Augusta’s POV! It was so nice to see grandma again after the last few books, and her perspective added something really special to the story.
The Christian faith elements were another highlight for me. I loved the way faith was naturally woven into the story, along with the Bible verses and quotes. The subtle mystery running throughout the plot also worked really well and added an extra layer of intrigue without taking away from the romance.
Overall, Worth Keeping was an enjoyable addition to the series, with characters I cared about, a sweet faith element, and just enough mystery to keep me in suspense.
I’m looking forward to the next one.🤍
*I received an ARC from the author; all thoughts and opinions are my own*
I really liked Eliza and Max as the main characters, and their story kept me invested from beginning to end. I also especially loved getting Augusta’s POV! It was so nice to see grandma again after the last few books, and her perspective added something really special to the story.
The Christian faith elements were another highlight for me. I loved the way faith was naturally woven into the story, along with the Bible verses and quotes. The subtle mystery running throughout the plot also worked really well and added an extra layer of intrigue without taking away from the romance.
Overall, Worth Keeping was an enjoyable addition to the series, with characters I cared about, a sweet faith element, and just enough mystery to keep me in suspense.
I’m looking forward to the next one.🤍
*I received an ARC from the author; all thoughts and opinions are my own*
August 11, 2026
“Hearts on Display” has been a good series, but this book five is in a class of its own! I really enjoyed watching the emotional growth of Keagan’s main characters as they bantered and studied each other. It wasn’t just that Max and Eliza fell in love- they also each came to understand themselves at a deeper level. Faith and family, rather than old relationships and expectations, steer their future choices (*kleenex alert!). Set mostly in the lush Suffolk countryside, this book has ‘all the feels,’ even moments of danger and suspense. I received an ARC via BookSirens and was not required to post a review.
Review of advance copy
The purpose of Kimberly Keagan's book, "Worth Keeping," was to write a story that was uplifting. Her desire was to write a historical romance which explored how faith, community, and vulnerability would heal past emotional wounds. This book was the final one in her five-book series, Hearts on Display. She employed the fish out of water genre to reveal how interconnected village life had the ability to shift the priorities of a career-driven American businessman. Her book displayed her unwavering Christian faith. The story provided a wholesome reading experience for all. The story expressed the author's Christian values. These values were essential to the characters' romantic compatibility.
The historical elements of the story consisted of the blending of the two worlds of the American Gilded Age and the British Late-Victorian Era in the late 19th century. The historical setting drove the plot forward and the characters dynamics. What was happening in England at this time was the owners of the large estates were being forced to sell them. This was due to severe financial stress. One must remember whole villages centered around the estate. With the selling of these estates, the character and economics of a village changed permanently. This was the main intention of Max Dennison was to travel to England to sell the estate he inherited.
In my opinion, the author chose this specific time period and setting because it offered to her the perfect canvas to paint her vision for historical romance. Her background revealed her deep love for researching family genealogies, old maps, archival history, and her faith in Jesus Christ. The Victorian village was a perfect setting for her faith and infatuation with history. The traditional structure of the Victorian village provided a seamless natural setting for the author to weave her inspirational faith arcs without it being forced. This was exampled in the Father Brown series, and Grantchester.
The book is worthy of your time. The story is fast paced keeping your interest throughout the reading of the story. Most importantly, the author's emphasis the face that we are all on a faith journey. The story will permit to escape your surroundings for a time due to its heartwarming story. As readers. we should embrace this story in order to begin understanding oneself and a gain a fresh perspective on life based on the hope derived from the story.
The historical elements of the story consisted of the blending of the two worlds of the American Gilded Age and the British Late-Victorian Era in the late 19th century. The historical setting drove the plot forward and the characters dynamics. What was happening in England at this time was the owners of the large estates were being forced to sell them. This was due to severe financial stress. One must remember whole villages centered around the estate. With the selling of these estates, the character and economics of a village changed permanently. This was the main intention of Max Dennison was to travel to England to sell the estate he inherited.
In my opinion, the author chose this specific time period and setting because it offered to her the perfect canvas to paint her vision for historical romance. Her background revealed her deep love for researching family genealogies, old maps, archival history, and her faith in Jesus Christ. The Victorian village was a perfect setting for her faith and infatuation with history. The traditional structure of the Victorian village provided a seamless natural setting for the author to weave her inspirational faith arcs without it being forced. This was exampled in the Father Brown series, and Grantchester.
The book is worthy of your time. The story is fast paced keeping your interest throughout the reading of the story. Most importantly, the author's emphasis the face that we are all on a faith journey. The story will permit to escape your surroundings for a time due to its heartwarming story. As readers. we should embrace this story in order to begin understanding oneself and a gain a fresh perspective on life based on the hope derived from the story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the first book from Kimberly Keagan in the series that I read, and I plan to go back and read books one through four. In this fifth book of Hearts on Display we meet Eliza Davies, a vicar’s daughter who is has spent most of her life tending to the needs of the people in her community. To expand her horizons, she is invited by Augusta to accompany her to Philadelphia for Augusta’s granddaughter’s wedding. While there, her stepson and present Earl dies unexpectedly and the property and title pass to her grandson, Max Dennison, who lives in Philadelphia. He always planned to continue his life in America while visiting Philadelphia periodically.
He returns to West Suffolk with Augusta and Eliza planning to look at the property and turn it around quickly before heading home. However, upon arriving at Akethorpe Hall he is confronted with the realisation that the estate has been left in a state of disrepair by the last Earl and needs work. At the same time, the villages are such lovely people who warmly welcome him and he fits right in. Added to this, they all seem to want to throw Eliza and Max together in the hope of a relationship developing. The Christian faith, woven into the story in very naturally done and something I enjoyed. The banter was clever and witty and the interaction between the various secondary characters is well developed was lovely to read, especially Grandma Augusta’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I received an ARC from the publishers and Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.
He returns to West Suffolk with Augusta and Eliza planning to look at the property and turn it around quickly before heading home. However, upon arriving at Akethorpe Hall he is confronted with the realisation that the estate has been left in a state of disrepair by the last Earl and needs work. At the same time, the villages are such lovely people who warmly welcome him and he fits right in. Added to this, they all seem to want to throw Eliza and Max together in the hope of a relationship developing. The Christian faith, woven into the story in very naturally done and something I enjoyed. The banter was clever and witty and the interaction between the various secondary characters is well developed was lovely to read, especially Grandma Augusta’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I received an ARC from the publishers and Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Worth Keeping is book 5 in the Hearts on Display series. I enjoyed returning to familiar characters and it felt warm and comforting as I sank into this story. The story had lots of banter and fun along with questions of destiny and expectations. I enjoyed seeing the main characters, Max and Eliza, grow and develop throughout the book. The importance of faith, family and finding your purpose was shown throughout the story.
Max is an American businessman and grandson to the Countess of Akethorpe. He is happy to visit England and his grandmother but his life is firmly set in America. That is, until he unexpectedly inherits Akethorpe Hall. In good faith he goes to check it out and quickly discovers it needs work and the locals are a friendly bunch who quickly welcome into their ranks. Eliza is the vicar's daughter and involved throughout the community. She is happy to be friendly with Max but knows to hold back too. It doesn't help that everyone keeps pushing them together.
A wonderful book full of the 'good feels' with just a bit of mystery and tension to it to balance out the romance. I really enjoy books set in the Gilded Age time period and this series has become a favourite. It is probably best read after books 3 (Risky Business) and 4 (Schooled in Love) to appreciate the family connections.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Max is an American businessman and grandson to the Countess of Akethorpe. He is happy to visit England and his grandmother but his life is firmly set in America. That is, until he unexpectedly inherits Akethorpe Hall. In good faith he goes to check it out and quickly discovers it needs work and the locals are a friendly bunch who quickly welcome into their ranks. Eliza is the vicar's daughter and involved throughout the community. She is happy to be friendly with Max but knows to hold back too. It doesn't help that everyone keeps pushing them together.
A wonderful book full of the 'good feels' with just a bit of mystery and tension to it to balance out the romance. I really enjoy books set in the Gilded Age time period and this series has become a favourite. It is probably best read after books 3 (Risky Business) and 4 (Schooled in Love) to appreciate the family connections.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book I have read from this author/series (missed the first few).
I thoroughly enjoyed it, including the Christian underlying themes (not overt, but a reference).
Yet again, Augustina is determined to oversee matchmaking for her relations, without seeming to do so. She is a remarkably likable character, and a joy to have in the story.
Eliza is the Vicor's daughter, and spends most of her life tending to the needs of others in the community.
To expand her horizons, she is invited to accompany Augustina on a trip to Philadelphia for a wedding of her granddaughter, who had been the focus of the previous book. Once there, she meets the other family members, including one of the grandsons.
Unexpectedly, the death of the Earl, her stepson, leaves the inheritance of the property/estate to the Grandson, and he returns with them to England to evaluate what his responsibilities entail. His initial goal is to do a quick turnaround, but realizes that an entire community exists and relies on the survival of the Estate, which his uncle had left in a state of disrepair.
He quickly becomes part of the community, and when a telegram arrives to ask him to return to Philadelphia, he is unsure of how he should decide, even though that has been the goal he worked towards his entire life.
Watch as they navigate their friendship and decisions.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, including the Christian underlying themes (not overt, but a reference).
Yet again, Augustina is determined to oversee matchmaking for her relations, without seeming to do so. She is a remarkably likable character, and a joy to have in the story.
Eliza is the Vicor's daughter, and spends most of her life tending to the needs of others in the community.
To expand her horizons, she is invited to accompany Augustina on a trip to Philadelphia for a wedding of her granddaughter, who had been the focus of the previous book. Once there, she meets the other family members, including one of the grandsons.
Unexpectedly, the death of the Earl, her stepson, leaves the inheritance of the property/estate to the Grandson, and he returns with them to England to evaluate what his responsibilities entail. His initial goal is to do a quick turnaround, but realizes that an entire community exists and relies on the survival of the Estate, which his uncle had left in a state of disrepair.
He quickly becomes part of the community, and when a telegram arrives to ask him to return to Philadelphia, he is unsure of how he should decide, even though that has been the goal he worked towards his entire life.
Watch as they navigate their friendship and decisions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an enjoyable book with a great slow-building relationship between our two main characters, Max and Eliza. They feel attracted to each other early on, but they don't fully pursue it right away.
I would give this book 4.5 stars. I have not read the previous books in the series, although I would definitely consider reading them. While the book made sense for the most part without the previous books, the beginning of the book and a few other places throughout the book were mildly confusing because I had not read the previous books. It wasn't confusing enough that I'd round down. It was just a matter of trying to figure out how each character fit into the story. That's not the author's fault. I think if I'd read the previous books, I would have understand these parts without any issues.
This was a clean book. There's no swearing, graphic sexual content, or violence. There's some kissing, but that's as far as it goes. It has some Christian elements, mostly in the sense of trusting God's direction in your life.
I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
I would give this book 4.5 stars. I have not read the previous books in the series, although I would definitely consider reading them. While the book made sense for the most part without the previous books, the beginning of the book and a few other places throughout the book were mildly confusing because I had not read the previous books. It wasn't confusing enough that I'd round down. It was just a matter of trying to figure out how each character fit into the story. That's not the author's fault. I think if I'd read the previous books, I would have understand these parts without any issues.
This was a clean book. There's no swearing, graphic sexual content, or violence. There's some kissing, but that's as far as it goes. It has some Christian elements, mostly in the sense of trusting God's direction in your life.
I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
Kimberly Keagan has crafted a remarkable Gilded Age/Victorian world with her Hearts on Display series. "Worth Keeping" is the heartfelt story of Max Dennison and Eliza Davies as they navigate class differences and vast distances as they discover what's truly important.
Keagan's prose is a joy to read, and the banter is clever and witty. There's an intriguing mystery that resolves without undue violence. It's the characters who really shine. Grandmother Augusta is a delight, and well-developed secondary characters play important roles. Several Dennisons and Walravens make appearances (or are mentioned). The faith element is essential to the plot, and the author seamlessly weaves references throughout the book. I prefer to read series in order, and I did so here. I look forward to Keagan's next work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Keagan's prose is a joy to read, and the banter is clever and witty. There's an intriguing mystery that resolves without undue violence. It's the characters who really shine. Grandmother Augusta is a delight, and well-developed secondary characters play important roles. Several Dennisons and Walravens make appearances (or are mentioned). The faith element is essential to the plot, and the author seamlessly weaves references throughout the book. I prefer to read series in order, and I did so here. I look forward to Keagan's next work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like Regency TV shows or period dramas, you will enjoy this book. Max Dennison is surprised by the fact that he has suddenly inherited an estate in England, and he quickly finds that the estate is in financial trouble. As he tries to right the situation, he also finds that several people in his life are bound and determined to play matchmaker between him and a young lady named Eliza.
The romance starts slowly in the beginning, but quickly warms up. And of course, there are many challenges and a mystery to solve, but it does end on a very happy note.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The romance starts slowly in the beginning, but quickly warms up. And of course, there are many challenges and a mystery to solve, but it does end on a very happy note.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Worth Keeping is Book 5 in the Hearts on Display by Kimberly Keagan. I enjoy historical fiction. American businessman, Max, has inherited to the house and and comes to England in sell his inherited property. He meets the Vicar's daughter, Eliza, and he begins to have second thoughts.. This story has very interesting characters and just enough twist and turns to keep the story moving. Have a cup of English black tea and a scone, curl up in your favorite reading place and enjoy this wonderful story. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Max is part of the Denwall stores run by 2 families. The story starts at of one his sister's wedding. His long lost grandmother comes to the wedding in Philadelphia and brings the vicar's daughter, Eliza. Soon after the wedding, she receives a telegram that her stepson and the current Earl has died without a heir. That changes a lot for Max. Max, Eliza and his grandmother all leave for England.
Max has a lot to navigate and everything affects Eliza.
Read this and see how they cope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Max has a lot to navigate and everything affects Eliza.
Read this and see how they cope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
I liked the characters. They were realistic and relatable. I liked that they dealt with their issues with prayer first and then sought the advice of people they trust.
I really like that the women were intelligent and capable and that, for the most part, the men were men of honor and integrity. (Hey, there's an actual bad guy in the story.)
I liked the characters. They were realistic and relatable. I liked that they dealt with their issues with prayer first and then sought the advice of people they trust.
I really like that the women were intelligent and capable and that, for the most part, the men were men of honor and integrity. (Hey, there's an actual bad guy in the story.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved “Worth Keeping” by Kimberly Keagan. It is a wonderful book with well developed and relatable characters with their own struggles and challanges. It is also a very well written story with lots of twists and turns and difficulties to overcome that make it hard to put down. I enjoyed the clean historical romance style with Christian themes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes clean historical fiction!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This historical Christian romance addressed some hard issues that couples everywhere have to deal with on a regular basis… family dynamics and work obligations, combined with sinister events made a fascinating story! I also enjoyed the research that made this book historically accurate, and the obvious Christian elements that were there, but not too pushy. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh how much I love this book series!
In book 5 of Kimberly Keagan’s Hearts on Display series, we get Max and Eliza’s story. This is a transatlantic love story that will warm your heart. It’s about trusting the Lord’s plan for your life ans being willing to give your heart. This was a quick and easy read (I couldn’t put it down) and I cannot wait for book 6 later this year!
Many thanks to Booksprout and the author for the ARC to read and review.
In book 5 of Kimberly Keagan’s Hearts on Display series, we get Max and Eliza’s story. This is a transatlantic love story that will warm your heart. It’s about trusting the Lord’s plan for your life ans being willing to give your heart. This was a quick and easy read (I couldn’t put it down) and I cannot wait for book 6 later this year!
Many thanks to Booksprout and the author for the ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked this book as its a continuing family saga. Easy reading; not too much drama. About a family and a village. I read during a stay in the hospital. It's a relaxing read for sure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I usually read this authors books and will again in the future.
Review of advance copy
This a great addition to the series. I enjoyed the story of Eliza and Mr. Dennison and his unexpected inheritance. The characters are lovable and don't make stupid decisions like so many books from this era. I enjoyed the religious aspects and it was well done and not overpowering to the story but still gave it a great foundation in faith. Thank you for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy
Another lovely read by this author. Wonderful, believable characters and detailed world building. After reading the previous books in this series, I invested in the families and what becomes of each character. Eliza is such a sweet caring person I am glad she and Max are now together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews