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A Stolen Heart
1813, Regency England
Miss Ruth Grainger’s coach jolts to an abrupt halt when it is stopped by a highwayman.
Fearing for her life she is surprised when this highwayman seeks only to retrieve papers carried by a fellow traveller, her guardian, Mr Robert Grentham’s business associate, Mr Archibald Upton.
Ruth abhors thievery, but she is even more disgusted by the cowardice of the man, Upton, as he uses her as a shield.
Released unharmed, she is haunted by the dark blue eyes of the stranger.
What is his connection to Upton? And what is in the papers he was so intent on stealing?
Ruth returns to Grentham’s home, and along with his silly, young wife Eliza, prepares for an upcoming ball.
Little does she know that Grentham is orchestrating events so that the despicable Upton will become her husband.
As Ruth starts to suspect the truth, another stranger steps into her life, and once more she is bewitched by a pair of blue eyes …
Headstrong and independent Ruth is determined to marry for love, and on her own terms.
But everyone around her has other ideas ...
Will Ruth be forced into a match she doesn’t desire?
Or will she end up with the man who has stolen her heart ...?
A Stolen Heart is a charming regency romance about mistaken identities, and following your heart’s true path.
Valerie Holmes has had thirty-five titles published, both historical and contemporary. Two of which have been shortlisted for awards by the Romantic Novelists' Association. Valerie is an experienced creative writing tutor of manuscript appraisals for the RNA or independently. She also works as an online tutor for the London School of Journalism and Writing Magazine. As well as being an author herself she enjoys being a reviewer of books for the Historical Novel Society and is also member of the Crime Writers Association and the Society of Authors.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
Miss Ruth Grainger’s coach jolts to an abrupt halt when it is stopped by a highwayman.
Fearing for her life she is surprised when this highwayman seeks only to retrieve papers carried by a fellow traveller, her guardian, Mr Robert Grentham’s business associate, Mr Archibald Upton.
Ruth abhors thievery, but she is even more disgusted by the cowardice of the man, Upton, as he uses her as a shield.
Released unharmed, she is haunted by the dark blue eyes of the stranger.
What is his connection to Upton? And what is in the papers he was so intent on stealing?
Ruth returns to Grentham’s home, and along with his silly, young wife Eliza, prepares for an upcoming ball.
Little does she know that Grentham is orchestrating events so that the despicable Upton will become her husband.
As Ruth starts to suspect the truth, another stranger steps into her life, and once more she is bewitched by a pair of blue eyes …
Headstrong and independent Ruth is determined to marry for love, and on her own terms.
But everyone around her has other ideas ...
Will Ruth be forced into a match she doesn’t desire?
Or will she end up with the man who has stolen her heart ...?
A Stolen Heart is a charming regency romance about mistaken identities, and following your heart’s true path.
Valerie Holmes has had thirty-five titles published, both historical and contemporary. Two of which have been shortlisted for awards by the Romantic Novelists' Association. Valerie is an experienced creative writing tutor of manuscript appraisals for the RNA or independently. She also works as an online tutor for the London School of Journalism and Writing Magazine. As well as being an author herself she enjoys being a reviewer of books for the Historical Novel Society and is also member of the Crime Writers Association and the Society of Authors.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
- GenresRomance
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 15, 2018
Miss Ruth Grainger was traveling with her party in a coach when they were stopped by a robber seemingly only to want to retrieve papers carried by a fellow traveller. Scared for her life though Ruth is even more upset when her guardian's business associate Mr Archibald Upton uses her to hide behind during the robbery. After it was all over though all Ruth could remember of the robber was his deep blue eyes.
After Ruth returns to the home of her guardian she finds that his wife is only concerned with preparing for an upcoming ball. Before she knows it Ruth finds herself being prepared to be forced in a marriage with Upton. Appalled by the idea of arranged marriage Ruth only wants to marry for love and when a stranger with blue eyes enters her life she is determined that is exactly what she'll do.
A Stolen Heart by Valerie Holmes isn't a bad read at all but it just wasn't anything that really stood out to me to make me overly excited either. All we seem to have in the story is the usual fighting an arranged marriage to an almost comical bad guy while falling in love with another.
But, when I mention falling in love it really is more implied than shown in the story as the book tends to focus more on the set up than the actual romance seemingly to take until the last second to try to add a bit of chemistry. If just wanting a peek into a historical time without much out of the ordinary though this one was a fairly quick read.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
After Ruth returns to the home of her guardian she finds that his wife is only concerned with preparing for an upcoming ball. Before she knows it Ruth finds herself being prepared to be forced in a marriage with Upton. Appalled by the idea of arranged marriage Ruth only wants to marry for love and when a stranger with blue eyes enters her life she is determined that is exactly what she'll do.
A Stolen Heart by Valerie Holmes isn't a bad read at all but it just wasn't anything that really stood out to me to make me overly excited either. All we seem to have in the story is the usual fighting an arranged marriage to an almost comical bad guy while falling in love with another.
But, when I mention falling in love it really is more implied than shown in the story as the book tends to focus more on the set up than the actual romance seemingly to take until the last second to try to add a bit of chemistry. If just wanting a peek into a historical time without much out of the ordinary though this one was a fairly quick read.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 20, 2026
Valerie Holmes excels at creating vivid characters and social tension, particularly with the scheming adults who believe they know what is best for Ruth. The romantic moments are tender and heartfelt, and the emotional pull builds steadily toward a rewarding conclusion that celebrates courage, choice, and following one’s heart.
apuntados
March 5, 2017Amazon - 02/02/2016
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2016
I found this story too short. it could be a great read as the plot is interesting, but sadly it was not developed to its fullest potential... but if you're looking for a quick read, and love historical romance than this is definitely a book for you.
April 3, 2016
I enjoyed this short historical romance. It is well-written with interesting characters and enough of a story to keep me engaged. I particularly liked the main characters - the heroine is a very strong, outspoken, and smart woman. Will probably read more from this author.
February 4, 2016
The writing was pretty good, but the plot was sometimes confusing and the romance went at light speed. It was a clean read but not very romantic IMO.
June 21, 2016
A Stolen Heart
I love novellas and I am sure you will love this one. It's a story about a young lady who is involved with a man she believes is a highway thief.
I love novellas and I am sure you will love this one. It's a story about a young lady who is involved with a man she believes is a highway thief.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews