The Thief Steals Her Earl

Craven House #1

by Christina McKnight

(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01I05Q460.)

Following the passing of his father and an unforgivable act by a family member ending in near ruin for his family, Simon Montgomery, the new Earl of Cartwright, is forced to return home without finishing his education. However, that doesn’t stop Cart from absorbing every morsel of knowledge he can.

Unfortunately, doing so and applying his every moment to restoring his family’s lost heirlooms while seeing to his sister’s upbringing and attempting to wrangle his mother’s frivolous spending habits has made him somewhat of a recluse, a man unsure of how to live life unless it’s focused around academia, order, and routine. But what happens when Cart is faced with a woman as intelligent as he but far more cunning?

Miss Judith Pengarden has lived her entire life under her eldest sister’s firm yet loving guidance. When she discovers her family is in jeopardy of losing their home, Jude decides to use her skills to help them pay off their unsettled debts. However, when Jude attempts to steal from the wrong house, she finds herself alone, locked in a dank room at the night watchman’s residence, and she vows to stop thinking so spontaneously and risking her family’s name to scandal. Unfortunately, there are some loose ends that need to be tied up before she can. Luckily for her, however, she may have just met the man who can help her family and also steal a piece of her heart.

When Jude meets Lord Cartwright at a London garden party, he seems the perfect man to solve all her problems—a recluse unfamiliar with London Society and studied in antiquities. A lord like none she has met, Jude soon realizes that Cart is more valuable to her than any painting, sculpture, or vase. But when she’s caught in possession of Cart’s long-lost family heirloom, completely unaware of what it really means, can she convince him that things are far from what they seem? That despite the deceit and subterfuge, her heart is in the right place. With her family…and with him.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Amazon, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction

336 pages, ebook

Published July 26, 2016

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books...don't forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

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Reviews

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Thief Steals Her Earl' by Christina McKnight is book one in the "Craven House" series. This is the story of Simon Montgomery, the Earl of Cartwright and Judith Pengarden. Judith and her twin sister Sam has taken to stealing to secretly help out there oldest sister who is like a mother to them and has also been helping abused women. Judith and Sam realized that their sister is in need of money to keep the house and to help others. So this takes Judith to break into a house were they steal a vase they can't get rid of and at one outing was spotted by a young girl. So Judith happens to meet Simon who dabbles in art, antiques and such. Judith thinks to get closer to him and see if he can help sale the vase. Simon is bookish, quiet and is not that popular with the town..but does have a reputation for Art and antiques. When he meets Judith he finds her to be smart than most women he runs into and she seems to be interested in what he likes too. So Simon starts a friendship of sorts with Judith.
When I started reading this book I could not put it down... it cause another book-hangover for me. I wanted to see how things would go when the truth of Judith came out and how Simon was going to handle it...loved it.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Series Book 1) by Christina McKnight is a magnificent start to want is sure to be an intriguing series.

Can a thief/Lady and a gentleman/Earl, whose an antiquities dealer, overcome secrets, deception and lies to find true love and their HEA?

Simon Montgomery, the new Earl of Cartwright, aka, Cart, whose birthright has been impoverished by his deceitful uncle. Has to stop us education to rreplenish his family's coffers, so he becomes an antiquities dealer. Something he enjoys and is making money doing. He avoids scandal at all cost, until....

Miss Judith Pengarden, of Craven House, aka Jude, learns her home is in jeopardy of being lost to debtors. Jude and her twin, Samantha, decides to use ther skills to help pay their families unsettled debts, by stealing antiques. Samanatha gets the information from unsuspecting gentlemen. However, their first attempt almost causes a diasterous event. Due to mistaken information from Samantha, Jude breaks into the wrong house. Therefore, nearly being caught by the young lady of the house. Thus causing an unforeseen chain of events.

Steady paced, well written with captivating and somewhat intriguing characters, who are indeed engaging, the reader can't help but be intrigued and fall in love with the wide cast of characters. An unexpected, unique, and intriguing storyline, makes for a facinating, magnificently written Regency Romance.

With danger of being caught and having to face the consequences, can Cart and Jude, continue their blossoming romance or will Jude loss all due to her lies and deceit? Can Cart, an uptight, straight laced Lord forgive the intelligent, well meaning, albeit misguided, Jude? Or is Cart willing to lose his one true love due to her deception and the scandal to follow?

There is so more much to this brilliantly written story, than just thievery, healing, forgiveness, and romance. The reader will be entranced, entralled and downright amazed, with this intricately woven romance. A fantastic read from beginning to end.
I can't wait to read the next installment of "Craven House" series. What a fantastic, series thus far!

"The Thief Steals Her Earl" is a Regency Romance lover's delight, with it's intricately woven characters, a bit of mystery, add in a touch of suspense, a romantic interest, and you have an awesome Historical Romance. A must read from Ms. McKnight! She certainly draws the reader in and holds them in awe. Fantastic read!
Received for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet to very Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Aleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on lampshadereader.com:ARC Review: The Thief Steals Her Earl by Christina McKnight.



The author stole my heart with this story. The heroine Judith was far from perfect; she broke the mold on the ideal historical romance heroine. Not all need to be genteel ladies, wallflowers, or rich. Matter of fact, why can’t they all be charming little thieves like this one? I think it made for a more interesting story line. It made me actually ponder out loud; how in the world is she going to redeem herself? How is she going to snag herself her hero with such baggage?

Those thoughts kept me plowing through this book, eager to see what happens. Alternating POVs keeps the reader in the know on both Judith and Simon’s thought processes.

Simon was also different than the norm. An academic with a title but with little funds. A shrewish mother and a sweet little sister, round out his character and I felt sorry for him; his family’s circumstances were not his fault. His defining traits, in my opinion, was his clumsiness and his lack of expertise in love. For his expertise in antiquities is a bond that ignites the flame between himself and Judith. Although, that flame did flicker from time to time, especially towards the end. I thought his stubbornness would be the end of him. He had to finally open up emotionally in order to be happy.

This was a sweet romance with the occasional bumps in the road. But truly a perfect love match. The pace was steady and the dialogue well written.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

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The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House #1) by Christina McKnight

I received this book from the author for an honest review. I really toiled with my rating in this book. I mean is it a 4.5 or 5. I was just back and forth. Then I went back and reread a scene…Christina will know…the Door scene…..yep it still gutted me so 5 stars it is.

AHHH!! OMG If you would have told me before reading this book I would be dumping Harold, from The Lady Forsaken Series, I would have said you are cray cray…GASP…however Harold I think we may need to take a little break so I can see how I am feeling about Lord Cartwright/Cart. No hard feelings right???

Lord Cartwright/Simon/Cart is so unlike any hero that Christina has written before. He is so nerdy and awkward but I fell in love with him. He is the person at a gathering with their nose stuck in a book. He is unsure of himself socially and really could care less about breaking a Ton rule. He is just after getting his family Earldom back in the right financial shape it should be after being stolen from by his uncle.

Judith/Jude wants to help her sister Marce but knows Marce will not have any of that. Her and her twin steal a vase to hopefully sell for money. This money she will give to her sister to call off the debtors who keep sending final collection notices.

When Jude and Cart meet, they are both thrown together and thought that they might just “tolerate” the others company but they actually get along. Then something happens to Cart and he gets upset at himself for making a fool out of himself. When any other Ton woman would have run away, Jude stays to help him.

The two are so similar and they both love art. Granted he loves to find it and she loves to steal it…Snickers…..but I just loved how put out she makes him. She makes him feel alive and actually interested in life again. I love how he uses scientific data to tell us the readers how he feels about Jude. I love how she is so confused because she is guilted by why she is friending him yet also she is so consumed with spending as much time with him as she can

The side characters are amazing. Sam I wanna throat punch. Payton just needs a hug. Garret *purr* needs to find the right woman. THEO!! OMG she steals the book!! LOVE HER!! But I am telling you …Christina is going to make us wait until the very last to know about Marce! I FREAKING need to know about her!! I am consumed with the need to know!!! AHHHHH,………….

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Judith Pengarden Loves her family above all else and when she and her twin sister realize that their oldest sister and matriarch of the family is in financial trouble they set out to help.

Samantha is better at getting people to talk so she finds out where things are and Jude goes in to steal them. They are stealing antiquities to sell. When Jude is sent into a house that holds nothing of real value but scares a young lady in the process. She begins to question what they are doing.

They have an antique vase they must sell and then maybe they will have enough to help Marce.

Simon Montgomery is the seventh Earl of Cartwright and known to his friends as Cart. When he meets Jude at Lady Haversham's picnic he is intrigued and very interested. She is beautiful but better yet she is intelligent and knowledgeable about antiquities something he himself does a lot of as he has to care for his mother and young sister Theodora or Theo as he calls her. Cart is having to support them by brokering antiques after his Uncle ran off with the family fortune and sold off their valuables.

Cart being a bookish and scholarly man has little time for the fripperies of the Ton. When he meets Jude he decides that maybe for her he can make the time, especially after that first kiss.

Jude decides to use his knowledge to help her sell the vase but once Cart sees it he knows she was the one who stole it.

Can Cart right the wrong she has done, saving her and his heart or should he just out her and let the chips fall where they may?

Will Jude come clean and tell Cart all or will she lose the heart she has stolen?

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

I have to say that Christina McKnight is such a good author that I would read her books anyway. So I honestly can recommend this book to any one who loves a good historical romance. This is the start to a new series by Christina and I can't wait for the rest!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous way to start a new series. Simon and Judith are a couple that both have deep loyalties to their families, are introverts and have a love of antiques and each of their families are in need of funds. They each have family members in their lives that have left them disillusioned and living on the fringes of society. They are stronger and better together, but each have issues that impede their HEA.

Judith and her twin sister, Samantha, are trying to take some of the financial burden off the shoulders of their older sister. They have decided that stealing is the best option and while in this era they truly have very few choices, several other ideas come to my mind. That being said, Ms McKnight uses this impulsiveness to create a delightful and fast paced story that has you wanting to keep reading. The family members that reside in Craven House are delightful, charming, and deeply developed. Ms McKnight has left crumbs about future stories with little hints and mysteries.

Simon is trying desperately to restore his family’s funds and treasures that his Uncle stole before leaving the country. His mother is critical and a bit of a harpy, he keeps making excuses for her in his mind. Simon has never refined his social skills and that leaves him uncomfortable as he finds he wants to spend more time with Judith.

I was enchanted with the younger sisters of both Simon and Judith. They are precocious, very observant, budding bluestockings and utterly delightful. The secondary characters in both families had me wanting to know more about them, what they wanted from life and what their HEA would look like. I have given it a 4 star rating because I feel there has to be room for future installments in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Christina McKnight's "The Thief Steals Her Earl".

I truly enjoyed this book. I looked forward to reading it every night. I anxiously awaited the forbidden physical contact between Jude and Cart. I absolutely love how real the characters are. There is nothing over-the-top with the way they fall for one another or struggle with their families' misfortunes. They are friends first with a unique mutual passion that leads to a tangled web of lies and secrets. The desire to be together and the inner battles they both fight are honest and well-described and sweet, with just the right amount of sexual chemistry. I adore a book that not only teaches me about history, which this one does and does well, but also focuses on the mental relationship of a couple more than the physical draw, and McKnight delivers. The historical setting heightens the difficulties that both families endure as well as the slips of proper etiquette. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story, loves learning about history and art, and loves a good conflict between propriety and desire.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Pengarden is one of two twin girls and one of four sisters living in what used to be a house of ill repute - The Craven House. Their home now serves as a place of shelter for women looking to escape brutality from men who have beat or abused them. Craven House provides food, clothing and passage to safety for these women. The women hope that this change in the reputation of Craven House will help them find some better standing among society, at least so that the sisters can marry. Family and home is very important to all of the girls. Judith and her sister Samantha see ‘delinquent notices’ coming to the house. The twins decide to take matters into their own hands to help save their home. Their options are limited, so they decide to steal a rare antiquity, sell it, and replenish the family coffer. Samantha scopes out the item and tells Judith where the valuable is located; Judith is to carry out the theft.

The twins are identical, but that is where similarities end. They are complete opposites. Judith is interested in artifacts and the history surrounding them. However, she is not your average bluestocking. Judith, Jude to her friends and family, is smart, affable, lighthearted, and always alert to her surroundings. Her sister follows societies dictates, and is more concerned with making the best social impression on all of the men. This ‘little adventure’ couldn’t’ come at a worse time. Jude and her sister are being sponsored for their first season. Jude has no interest in any of the men she has met so far; she finds them only interested in themselves. Sam's interest is not only in making a match, but she is very interested in the relationship between the couple. And there is Payton, the younger sister behind them. Jude realizes an arrest for thievery, especially with the history of their family, could send all of her family’s efforts to make them socially accepted by the bon ton for naught. But Jude and Sam focus only on losing their home, and she is confident of her skills. Jude sets out to steal a coveted and rare vase from the home of Lord Gunther. After all, she reasons, it would only be this once. Once Jude steals the vase, she finds that it is too ‘hot’ to sell. Everyone in London she could sell to has been alerted that the vase is 'hot.' They have to look for something else to steal. This time Samantha sends her to the home of another lord – one who is supposed to be out of town. This heist doesn’t go as planned, and Jude finds herself locked up like a criminal.

Simon Montgomery, the new Earl of Cartwright is sent home from Eton just shy of his 21st birthday, his studies discontinued for nonpayment due to his uncle’s solicitor. When he returns home he finds that his Uncle has stripped his earldom clean of all of its unentailed valuables and absconded to the Colonies. Simon is forced to work in order to avoid being sent to debtor’s prison. He uses his passion for history to support his family – his sister Theo and his mother – working to procure antiquities for people wishing his services. This may not make them rich, but it keeps them in funds and enables him to try and find some of the heirlooms hocked by his uncle. Simon, or Cart as his friends and clients know him, finds talking in public about mundane things difficult – unless it has to do with his passion, his work. He is intense with his work. His family and his work are the most important things to him, and he is steadfast in his vow to protect and provide for his family.

Cart is hired by Lord Gunther to find the stolen vase. He decides to circulate and work to find places and people that might have an interest in the rare vase. Jude is freed from the cell, but still feels compelled to help her family. She and her twin feel their best bet is to unload that vase. These two individuals’ destinies are set to collide. It is the collision that is their story – one full of fun, heart-tugging surprises and emotion.

Christina McKnight gives each of her stories a unique and vibrant storyline. Her book hooked me on page one, held me captive, and then ended the story beautifully, but leaving me wanting MORE of them. Christina’s characters are intriguing and fun. Her stories and characters feel real…not like a fantasy character. She shows the flaws or the Achilles heels of her characters in the very beginning of the story. You see their flaw or weakness, and then she has them work through the problem with you, enabling you to understand them, develop feelings for them. Almost immediately, you become hooked on the book. It’s a very subtle, yet effective. Each of the characters in this story is well developed, and ready for their own story to emerge. Her characters are so well done, that even though you are closing the book at the end of the story, you feel you might possibly have known or know a person like the one in her book.

I was given this ARC for an honest review. I’m giving the book five stars. My reasons? Honestly, I’m giving them for the creative story line, the rich character development, and because I had to MAKE myself put this book down in order to go to sleep. I picked it up as soon as I woke up to finish it! Read it and see how the thief stole the earl!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Pengarden is one of two twin girls and one of four sisters living in what used to be a house of ill repute - The Craven House. Their home now serves as a place of shelter for women looking to escape brutality from men who have beat or abused them. Craven House provides food, clothing and passage to safety for these women. The women hope that this change in the reputation of Craven House will help them find some better standing among society, at least so that the sisters can marry. Family and home is very important to all of the girls. Judith and her sister Samantha see ‘delinquent notices’ coming to the house. The twins decide to take matters into their own hands to help save their home. Their options are limited, so they decide to steal a rare antiquity, sell it, and replenish the family coffer. Samantha scopes out the item and tells Judith where the valuable is located; Judith is to carry out the theft.

The twins are identical, but that is where similarities end. They are complete opposites. Judith is interested in artifacts and the history surrounding them. However, she is not your average bluestocking. Judith, Jude to her friends and family, is smart, affable, lighthearted, and always alert to her surroundings. Her sister follows societies dictates, and is more concerned with making the best social impression on all of the men. This ‘little adventure’ couldn’t’ come at a worse time. Jude and her sister are being sponsored for their first season. Jude has no interest in any of the men she has met so far; she finds them only interested in themselves. Sam's interest is not only in making a match, but she is very interested in the relationship between the couple. And there is Payton, the younger sister behind them. Jude realizes an arrest for thievery, especially with the history of their family, could send all of her family’s efforts to make them socially accepted by the bon ton for naught. But Jude and Sam focus only on losing their home, and she is confident of her skills. Jude sets out to steal a coveted and rare vase from the home of Lord Gunther. After all, she reasons, it would only be this once. Once Jude steals the vase, she finds that it is too ‘hot’ to sell. Everyone in London she could sell to has been alerted that the vase is 'hot.' They have to look for something else to steal. This time Samantha sends her to the home of another lord – one who is supposed to be out of town. This heist doesn’t go as planned, and Jude finds herself locked up like a criminal.

Simon Montgomery, the new Earl of Cartwright is sent home from Eton just shy of his 21st birthday, his studies discontinued for nonpayment due to his uncle’s solicitor. When he returns home he finds that his Uncle has stripped his earldom clean of all of its unentailed valuables and absconded to the Colonies. Simon is forced to work in order to avoid being sent to debtor’s prison. He uses his passion for history to support his family – his sister Theo and his mother – working to procure antiquities for people wishing his services. This may not make them rich, but it keeps them in funds and enables him to try and find some of the heirlooms hocked by his uncle. Simon, or Cart as his friends and clients know him, finds talking in public about mundane things difficult – unless it has to do with his passion, his work. He is intense with his work. His family and his work are the most important things to him, and he is steadfast in his vow to protect and provide for his family.

Cart is hired by Lord Gunther to find the stolen vase. He decides to circulate and work to find places and people that might have an interest in the rare vase. Jude is freed from the cell, but still feels compelled to help her family. She and her twin feel their best bet is to unload that vase. These two individuals’ destinies are set to collide. It is the collision that is their story – one full of fun, heart-tugging surprises and emotion.

Christina McKnight gives each of her stories a unique and vibrant storyline. Her book hooked me on page one, held me captive, and then ended the story beautifully, but leaving me wanting MORE of them. Christina’s characters are intriguing and fun. Her stories and characters feel real…not like a fantasy character. She shows the flaws or the Achilles heels of her characters in the very beginning of the story. You see their flaw or weakness, and then she has them work through the problem with you, enabling you to understand them, develop feelings for them. Almost immediately, you become hooked on the book. It’s a very subtle, yet effective. Each of the characters in this story is well developed, and ready for their own story to emerge. Her characters are so well done, that even though you are closing the book at the end of the story, you feel you might possibly have known or know a person like the one in her book.

I was given this ARC for an honest review. I’m giving the book five stars. My reasons? Honestly, I’m giving them for the creative story line, the rich character development, and because I had to MAKE myself put this book down in order to go to sleep. I picked it up as soon as I woke up to finish it! Read it and see how the thief stole the earl!

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an ARC copy of The Thief Steals her Earl from the author for my honest review.
This was such an enjoyable story I found myself reading way into the night to finish it. It's not the typical story of a rogue/scoundrel who's looking to redeem himself to his true love, Lord Cartwright or Cart to his friends is a bookish hero more interested in history and documenting archeological artifacts. He's an Earl but an almost bankrupt one thanks to his uncle. All his life he has thought of nothing but to take care of his family especially his younger sister Theodora ( Theo). He does what he has to so that they could maintain what's left of his inheritance . Miss Judith/Jude Pengarden is on a mission, she has devised a plan with her twin Samatha to help their sister Marce with some of the families debts . Being knowledgeable in antiquities Jude steals a rare vase in hopes of selling it to help with the mounting debts. At a social gathering she overhears Cart talking and realizes that he's the perfect person to sell the vase to or introduce her to someone who is interested . But all her plans backfire and sent her in a tizzy , the more time she spent with Cart she knew she couldn't use him and it all started with their electrifying kiss it consumed them both , for Cart it was something his academic mind couldn't understand , for her it was bonemelting delicious . Throughout the story Cart attempts to understand his feelings toward Jude, but he's never felt this way about anything or anyone in his life before.
Will Jude's thievery be too much for Cart to handle and discard their budding love or will he throw his bookish uptight self and brace the future with her. This was a fantastic story of love truly being the real thief of hearts. Christina McKnight has a way of weaving magic in her stories that pulls you in and keeps you there until your done !t

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when 2 nerds find each other? Miss Judith (Jude) Pengarden has a secret that she needs help with. Simon Montgomery, Earl of Cartwright (Cart) seems to be her solution since he is an expert in antiquities. In order to help raise money to pay off the many Debt collectors that seem to be sending notices daily to Craven House, Jude (with the help of her twin sister, Sam) has stolen an antique vase. Little does she know but Cart is trying to find and return the vase.
Cart and Jude meet accidentally at a Garden Party and find they are both interested in collectibles. Jude thinks that Cart is just the person to buy her recently “acquired” vase. Meanwhile, they are slowly falling in love. The two of them aren’t your average ton participants. What others would find quirky they each find perfect.
Trying to get out of her predicament, Jude seems to be digging herself deeper in to trouble. She is facing the possibility of being jailed for robbery. The only one who knows, Sam, is the one person who is falling in love with her and would do anything to keep her safe.
The characters and plotline of this story are different from most easy-going Happily Ever After tales. Both families have histories of scandal and are on the edge of poverty. No one is marrying for money or a title. Christina McKnight produced an exciting story that is well worth the read.
I received an Advanced Copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Thief Steals Her Earl' is a delightful book about Miss Judith Pengarden has lived her entire life under her eldest sister’s firm yet loving guidance and she discovers family is in jeopardy of losing their home she and her twin decide to take action. They start stealing from and on one Jude steals from the wrong house ends up locked in a dank room at the night watchman’s residence. Her sister comes and bails her out. Jude decides she needs to stop thinking so spontaneously and risking her family’s name to scandal before her sister finds out what the twins have been up to. Simon Montgomery, the Earl of Cartwright, has been left broke by his scheming uncle who wasted all the estate funds when he was Simon’s guardian. Simon has decided to become a man of business and look for and restore his and others antiquities for a living to support his Mother and sister. Judith happens to meet Simon who dabbles in art, antiques and she thinks to get closer to him and see if he can help sale the vase she has stolen that is too hot for her to sell. It looks like she may have just met the man who can help her family and also steal a piece of her heart. For Simon he sees Jude for the intelligent woman she is, but will her lies and subterfuge destroy Simon’s life a second time.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pengarden family is not typical. With both parents deceased, the five siblings are being supported by their oldest sister Marce. When twins Samantha and Judith believe that money is tight, they will do anything to help, even stoop to the theft of valuable artwork. Flamboyant Sam provides the distraction and Jude silently slips in. Simon Montgomery the seventh Earl of Cartwright does not enjoy the life of leisure enjoyed by his peers. His own uncle siphoned away the young Lord's fortune disappearing just before Cart came of age. His love of antiquities has allowed him to do the unthinkable, to earn the funds needed to support his mother and young sister and to seek and reclaim what his uncle sold and piddled away. Thrown together at a garden party, Jude finds Cart's bumbling shyness endearing and Cart is quite taken with the lovely redhead. What happens to this budding romance when Jude underestimates Cart's expert knowledge of ancient art and tries to dupe him into purchasing a vase she recently lifted from another nobleman's home.....? I enjoyed this story. Christina McKnight has created well developed characters and adds the perfect amount of humor. This is a fun read

[Teri Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read the last words in this book and am sitting here in stunned silence. The beginning and middle were wonderful, but oh that ending. It reached right into my heart and gave it several good twists. The spoken words were just beautiful.
This is Jude and Cart's story. Jude is trying to keep her family from financial ruin by stealing valuable pieces from members of the ton and selling them to help save her family. Cart is trying to recover his family's finances by finding and selling valuable pieces for members of the ton.
This book takes the reader on an emotional journey. From the activities at Craven House, Cart's overbearing mother, Jude's family members, Jude and Cart's first meeting to their last and Jude's passionate desire to save her family, I kept furiously turning the pages to see what would happen next. But the last few pages were the best. I read them quickly. Then I read them slowly. Then I sighed.
I am hoping that we will get Sam's story next!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boundaries. Such a black and white word. The limit that is not to be crossed no matter what. Although on paper it's a reasonable word when emotion becomes involved there is a different meaning entirely. In the name of love lines get blurred and that invisible wall becomes an obstacle that needs to be demolished. Jude and Cart are not all that different. Cart's a planner, Jude's a plotter. His logical mind has been both a gift and a curse. Her active imagination and out of the box thinking are about to land her in a sticky situation. One thing's for sure these two will stop at nothing to protect the people they love. With her street savvy and his book smarts they may each succeed. As I read more and more of Ms. McKnight's romances it easy to see why so many enjoy her stories. She does not stick with the traditional love stories but like her characters creates a world center around the best of their talents and works from there. The Thief Steals Her Earl has personality and I respect any author who can make a story her own.

[AllyB92 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ARC of this book enabled me to discover a new author that I will certainly continue to read. I embraced this story because the characters are a breath of fresh air. The Earl of Cartwright is no Alpha male. He's a man trying to keep his family home together because a relative drained their fortune after the death of Simon's father. What he'd rather be doing is studying antiquities. Judith Pengarden, along with her twin sister, is trying to keep money in the box to keep Craven House afloat. Craven House is a port in the storm for abused women, but money to continue the work is hard to find. Judith and her sister turn to the theft of antiques to fund the family calling. When Judith meets antiques expert Simon, she believes his knowledge will help them get the best price for their plunder. When Simon meets Judith, he has other thoughts, which are very foreign to him. The innocence of both of the characters is both amusing and heartwarming. Add the wisdom, humor, and sternness of the secondary characters, and you have a delightful story that is a little bit different.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Craven House Series.
Both Simon (Cart) the Earl of Cartwright, and Jude have very strong family loyalties, his is to retrieve the family funds and possessions, stolen by his Uncle so his mother and especially his sister Theo have no worries. Hers is to gain funds for her sister to pay several delinquency notices. This is where the story starts and I was hooked. I especially loved the fact that Cart was so naive in the art of romance and shy.
The secondary characters sound intriguing as well, so I look for ward to reading more from Craven House, especially Marce, just where does she go to for a week every year?
I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review

[Vero Stro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 in the "Craven" Series and it was a wonderful read!
Simon and Judith are . Both are struggling with economic difficulties and their romance won't develop in the blink of an eye. It will build and we read about the common interests and how they start thinking about the other. Judith has brothers and sisters and they are very close. simon is in charge of a lovely sister and a terrible and overwhelming mother. The writing is dynamic, interesting and very sweet! Highly enjoyable!

I received a copy for an honest review

[BJ Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story line was different from what I am used to but an extremely exciting and entertaining one! It kept me guessing on how it could or would end happily. Great suspense!

“I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.”

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thief Steals Her Earl is a bit different from many historical romance stories. The hero and heroine are both from families mired in scandal. Both families are on the edge of poverty. Simon, the Earl of Cartwright, has become an antiques dealer in order to rebuild the family’s coffers after his uncle and guardian wiped them out. Judith Pengarden lives at Craven House, once a premier brothel run by her mother, now a shelter for abused women run by her older sister. She and her twin have cooked up a plan to steal a valuable antique vase and sell it to help their sister with the house’s finances. The plan fell through and they decide to try again. This one didn’t work either because Judith broke into the wrong house. Later when Judith and Simon meet, she decides that he can help her sell the vase so that she can help her family. As they become acquainted, they begin to fall in love. Their budding relationship is tested to its limits when Simon discovers that Jude has not been honest with him. Jude makes the situation worse when she tries to “fix” the mess she has made. Blaming herself for losing Simon and causing even more scandal for both families, she make one last desperate attempt to set things right. Well, thank goodness for butlers! The last part of the story will have you smiling, crying, and cheering.

The Thief Steals Her Earl is the first book in what promises to be a wonderful series. This is a delightful story with an engaging plot – a dose of drama, some humor, and a bit of mystery. The main characters are well done – strong and smart. The secondary characters are likeable, especially the two younger sisters. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Melody Tregear · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok -2.5 stars

For a large part of the book I didn't really enjoy the story. As the heroine belatedly realized, there were numerous legitimate avenues she could have chosen to raise money, rather than sneaking into people's homes and stealing. How she, as an adult, didn't realize she would hurt people in the process is beyond me. Much of the story did not seem believable to me. I cannot see the ton or Beau monde ever accepting them even though their sister moved away from their mother's profession as a madame of a bordello. Three of the five children were illegitimate. That may be casually overlooked today but it was a big deal back then. The ending didn't give one much satisfaction either as we still don't know the sister's secret, nor did we get a more detailed scene with Cart's mother's shock over his marriage choice. Considering how mean she was to her son, that would have been very satisfying. And on that, while he might not of cared what people thought about his choice for his countess, his sister would more than likely feel society's sensor. Not my kind of regency romance.

[Jessica Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet well written love story that the pages flow quickly with hidden secrets and familiar obligations. Jude and her twin Sam grow concerned when the overdue notices seem to be piling up. Together, they concoct a scheme to steal something valuable to help their older sister pay the bills. Jude meets Cart the Earl of Cartwright and his interest in antiquities seem an answer to their prayers to sell the vase. Cart and Jude fall in love the more time they spend together and her lies and thievery are uncovered. Still really from his uncle's betrayal in his past, Jude's secrets push Cart away until they both realize love is more important than anything else. Ending with a sweet HEA, this book is a clean good read that will leave you looking for more of the series. My review is based upon a review copy gifted from the author.

[Geoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book frustrating to say the least. If ever an author used 50 words when 10 would do it was in this book. The amount of times only two sentences were spoken between people over three or four pages was unreal. It was constantly the thoughts of the H and h but the worst thing is that these thoughts were just repeated over and over again throughout the book. Even in the epilogue they didn't even manage to get from the front door to the reception room. This was really a novella dragged out into a full novel with the ramblings of the author.

[Ruchika Pahwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read books from a variety of classic and modern-day authors, but I couldn't find the true depth of emotions in any of them. What a beautiful writer Christina is! She has captured the most complex of emotions in this divinely guided love story. I'd not just recommend this book to readers but also to the authors who want to learn the way a story should come out of their heart and soul. As a writer, I connected to this writing style, and as a reader, I truly enjoyed the story that resonates so much with me. Thumbs up!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is entertaining and romantic, the characters are unique and the storyline is enjoyable. It can be wordy at times, but it doesn't affect the flow of the story. Cart is amusing and charming, but a wuss. He's adorably insecure about himself, and abrupt when he gets nervous. Jude is is brave, strong and naive. I like these two as a couple, they give each other the confidence they need.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion of it.

[Anna Klein · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. This book was very slow to start, and then incredibly repetitive. I gave up when halfway through the book the author explained *again* how Lord Cartwright's family had ended up in dire financial straits, which is explained literally every time he thinks about money which is once a chapter. I normally really like stories of awkward people falling in love so I'm disappointed this one didn't win me over.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twins!

As Jude and her identical twin sister, Sam, team up to help their oldest sister pay off her debt, their creative plan is probably their worst idea ever. It could land them in jail! Not exactly a place ladies of the ton ever expect to reside. On the up side, there's always the possibility that Jude may run into a certain intriguing lord, again!
You'll want to be there to cheer them on!

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely story, if a bit repetitive. Not at all your typical lavish earl romance as both the hero and heroine are financially strained. This is kind of the nerdy version of an aristocratic romance as our characters bond of historical knowledge. Our hero is not suave, smooth, and debonair; but clumsy, bookish, and obsessive (with antiques). Check it out, it's a quick but satisfying and chaste read.

[naty saenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love plot

Great book , story of sterling art collection is a great plot
To help her family financially crisis and
Judith and Simon find themselves falling in love in this situation

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional!

I thought this book very well written and all the character's were believable.
I enjoyed that it was a book that drew out emotions in me and any author that can do that, in my book, is very creative indeed.