All for Love

The Cimarron Legacy #0.5

by Mary Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter, Jen Turano

Stories of giving it all to find a happily-ever-after love

Bestselling, award-winning Christian fiction authors Mary Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Jen Turano are well-known and beloved for their sweet and humorous historical romances. For the first time in print, these three novellas offer delightful and heartwarming stories of couples finding a love worth giving it all for.

Mary Connealy's "The Boden Birthright" journeys to the Old West, where ranch hand Chance Boden's determination to be his own boss is challenged by his employer's pretty daughter.

Kristi Ann Hunter's "A Lady of Esteem" follows a Regency-era young lady whose reputation in society and chance at love are threatened by a nasty rumor.

Jen Turano's "At Your Request" tells of a young woman who is humbled at her newly lowered status in society when she is reunited with the very man whose proposal she rejected.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian Romance, Regency, Fiction

273 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

About the author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.

Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super, super fun! In fact, after reading Ms. Turano’s novella in this one, I promptly bought and read her newest, Behind the Scenes, because I loved Permilia so much!! But all three authors gave me lots of laughs and swoons during their respective stories. Ms. Connealy never fails to make me enjoy a good western (and a really adorable romance!) and this one was no exception. Ms. Hunter's was a reread, but oh how much I love Amelia's journey! And Ms. Turano? Made me want more time with all the wallflower ladies! I confess to rereading these stories several times (it helps that they're short and sweet!) and most certainly love seeing them on my bookshelf. This is a collection well worth checking out, friends! Believe me.

**I received a complimentary copy via Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review on Faithfully Bookish

These three short, sweet, quirky, and completely cute happily ever afters will tickle your funny bone, put a smile on your face, and maybe even a bounce in your step! These stories have faith and heart AND humor PLUS they open the door to three delightful series which I have read (with the exception of the yet to be released final Apart from the Crowd installment) and highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful novella collection! I was already familiar with the series' by Turano and Hunter, but the Connealy one was new for me. They are all fun reads and you will be able to follow what is going on even if you haven't read the rest of the series, but it will definitely make you want to!
I just love how the authors all have their own unique voices, yet there is humor and romance in every single one.
Highly recommended for a refreshing read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does it bother you to have an entire series on your bookshelf with the EXCEPTION of the prequel novella that first introduces some of the characters? I mean, it’s great that we get peeks into what’s coming and those novellas are a great way to introduce new readers to our favorite authors, but for those of us who prefer to have the complete series in physical copies, it’s sometimes disappointing to not have the option to purchase one.

Well, All for Love solves that issue for three beloved Bethany House Authors. They’ve bound three novellas in one collection for all of us to enjoy!

Mary Connealy kicks off her Cimarron Legacy series with Chance Boden and Veronica Chastain. If you’ve read the series, you know these are the parents of the children who get the full-length books
Kristi Ann Hunter’s introduction to the Hawthorne House series has some interesting twists and turns as Amelia Stalwood is introduced to the Hawthorne clan and a close friend.

And readers are introduced to the Wallflowers from Jen Turano’s Apart from the Crowd series as Wilhelmina Radcliff attempts to hide from the man she once refused a marriage proposal from at a ball.

Each novella in this collection will make you laugh and then sigh at the happily ever after endings. Whether you’re looking to introduce someone to a favorite author (or three) or complete your collection, All for Love is the perfect fit!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little something for everyone can be found in this enjoyable collection of stories. From heart-broken, handsome cowboy with a huge heart and an adorable son. To feisty heroines in the Regency era that are sure to keep you on your toes!

I went from gasping from surprise to laughing in merriment! The talented authors in this collection didn't hold back from writing delightful, page-turning stories that are just the right length when you are needing a little break from the daily hum-drum. The perfect escape back in time to explore a different setting.

A fun trio of stories is sure to bring a smile to your face and keep you turning pages late into the night. I give this collection 4-stars.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

These three novellas are so fun and quirky. It was sheer genius to put these three authors together in one collection. Great introductions to each series by Maty Connealy, Kristi Ann Hunter and Jen Turano.

Mary Connealy:The Boden Birthright.

Great prequel to the Cimarron Legacy! Great writing as usual from Mary Connealy .
Come ride along with Chance Boden as he and his four year old son try to escape the clutches of the overbearing parents of his deceased wife.
Chance and Cole begin an adventure to carve out a place for themselves on a ranch in Texas. Little did he know he would find the perfect wife for himself and a mother for his son.

Tragedy strikes just as he is starting to realize his feelings for Veronica Chastain
The puzzle to a murder is not solved by the end of the novella but that sets up the intrigue for the rest of the series.

Mary Connealy is a master with dialogue. I've always loved her writing and can't wait to see what is in store for the Boden family. Next up is : No Way Up!

Kristi Hunter: A Lady of Esteem.
Fun prequel that sets up the first full length novel in the series. I like this author’s humor and writing style. Very nice start to the series.

The meeting of Amelia and Anthony:

The opening scene had me giggling as Amelia, who is Quality, is dusting the library of Lord Raebourne where she literally falls into his arms. Amelia knows no social boundaries and is a friend to all, showing Christian charity. When her friend Emma falls sick, she sneaks into the house where Emma is a maid and helps her so she won’t lose her job. Amelia has been a ward of a distant relative for many years and had led a somewhat sheltered life. Anthony, Lord Raebourne, has returned to his London lodgings after a lengthy absence. He has become a Christian and hopes to show he has left his less than stellar reputation behind.
This novella was all kinds of fun and showcases Kristi’s wit and expertise in writing Regency.

Jen Turano: At Your Request

Jen Turano has been a favorite of mine. I enjoy her humor . She also educates about the time period she writes in. This one had a quirky heroine and a very persistent hero. Even though the plot is ordinary, she puts a humorous twist on it. This also introduces characters for the next full book in the series. Very enjoyable read.

* I received this book from the publisher on behalf of the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of these authors are excellent in their own right but I am thrilled that now their e-books are being released in this print collection. While these historical romance novellas are each part of a different series, they can be read as standalones without any problem.

The Boden Birthright by Mary Connealy

I thoroughly enjoyed this sometimes bittersweet novella. When tragedy intertwines two lives unexpectedly, the monumental changes it brings about are both difficult and funny. The author believably blends the dark and light moments for a beautiful picture of life lived to the full, despite the painful moments.

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter

This novella is a perfect example of why I have a "keeper" shelf! While I read the e-book version several years ago, I found I loved it just as much this time. Hunter's writing is humorous and the characters endearing; the storyline is a perfect summer combination of an enjoyable romance and plenty moments to keep the reader perpetually smiling.

At Your Request by Jen Turano

The final novella is by one of my favorite authors, but I had not read it before now. As usual, Turano writes comedic descriptions to paint a hilarious picture of her heroine's antics, keeping me entertained even as she allows me to consider deeper questions of love and second chances. Another winner and a great introduction to her latest series!

I highly recommend this collection to fans of historical romance and of these authors. Never fear if you've only read one of them—the others will win you over in no time!

I received a free copy of this book from the authors and publisher, but was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a paperback publication of original eNovellas.

Review in progress.

The Boden Birthright: I love these little novella stories. Novellas are the most amazing marketing concept in my opinion and what better way to hook a reader to a story, to a series, with vast anticipation about what is to come. I bought this novella as a Kindle eBook with a glance toward reading more in a new series from Mary Connealy. While it is true that Mary is a favorite author of mine, some series are more addictive than others and the story about the Boden ranch and the Cimarron Legacy has proven to be a catch from the first train whistle and gunshot. In this newly packaged paperback edition with 3 Historical Romance Novellas of Love and Laughter, Mary Connealy is a perfect place to begin.

A Lady of Esteem:

At Your Request:

[Trixi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these novellas, they set me up for wanting to read the full length series by each of these authors! Here’s my review on the three books:

The Boden Birthright by Mary Connealy
“He was going so far west, God was going to have to come hunting him, let alone Priscilla Bradford. And Chance was going to go hunting God. He’d neglected God, as well as his son.”

Since I have the entire Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy to read, I decided to start with the prequel novella. This sets up the background nicely for me! Chance Boden doesn't deal well with his grief after his wife passed away. Leaving the care of his son Cole in the hands of his in-laws, who treat him poorly. Deciding to leave at the first opportunity and go as far West as the trail will take them, he ends up in New Mexico under the roof of Francois Chastian. And as they say, from there the rest is history! Of course he has a beautiful daughter Veronica (aka Ronnie) who falls in love with little Cole first and marries Chance later after tragedy strikes. But really these two had an underlying attraction to fan the fire of love. An enjoyable short story to set the pace of this series.

I really like prequels because it gives you a glimpse of what happens before the full length novels! I look forward to seeing Cole grow up and Chance running the Cimarron Ranch in No Way Up, and meeting other characters in all three stories.


A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter
I wished I would have read this prequel before reading the Hawthorne House series because it sets up the premise nicely! But you don't have to of course, I just think it enhances it more and gives you some background to the characters.

So going backwards, this answers some questions I had about who Amelia & Anthony were and how their relationship started. I loved seeing these two fall in love! It also reminded me in a way of a rags to riches kind of story for Amelia. Having been elevated in class the day she became a Dukes ward....and this is where we first meet Griffin; Mr. swoon worthy himself! We are also introduced to the rest of the Hawthorne clan. I loved getting to know more about Amelia and Anthony and how they found their happily-ever-after. A fun prequel with plenty of depth & characterization!

At Your Request by Jen Turano
This was my first Jen Turano read but it certainly won’t be my last! I guess I’d have to ask myself what took me so long to discover her writing? Witty and engaging dialogue, quirky and lovable characters and a little uncoventionalism all play a part into fully bringing the reader a story that’s so hard to put down! This is a prequel novella to introduce you to her “Apart From the Crowd” series books, to which I will be reading. I have to know more about the rest of the wallflower women; Miss Permilia Griswold, Miss Gertrude Cadwalader, and Miss Temperance Flowerdew (out July 2018) and their perspective love interests.

Wilhelmina and Edgar were lifelong friends until a proposal by Edgar six years before ruined that! He left brokenhearted but now he’s back and wishes to test the waters again. Will they take the plunge or will it end dead in the water? These two had such witty banter that it was hard not to laugh out loud, especially as each scene played out in my imagination just as Jen described it. I loved the glimpse she gave us as to what it was like to be a “wallflower” back in 1883. Living on the edge of society, all but forgotten and certainly shunned by high class ladies. I like how Wilhelmina picked herself up and brushed herself off after her father’s mishaps made her status fall. Edgar is just the sweetest! I think Wilhelmina finally saw him for what he really was, a true gentleman where it counts…in the heart. I have a strong feeling that these two will have a lifetime of love just from reading their happily-ever-after story! A little faith, a lot of love and laughter will make you come back for more of Jen’s witty writing.

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review *

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boden Birthright – Cimarron Legacy Series Novella by Mary Connealy
Boston, Mass August 1852 / New Mexico Territory
The Bradford family is extremely wealthy has been caring for the grandson Cole Boden ever since his mother and baby sister passed away during childbirth. Chance Boden, Cole’s father, lives in the opulent house but grief holds him hostage. One day, he snaps back to reality and decides to start fresh with his son. They head off with a plan and stop along the way at the home of Frank Chastain and his daughter, Veronica who just happen to own 1/4 million acres in New Mexico Territory. There is an instant attraction between Veronica and Chance, and she is especially taken with his son Cole. Frank becomes a good friend to Chance and teaches him the ways of ranching in this hard wilderness. The story is packed with details and takes an abrupt turn forcing big decisions. Plenty of prayer and presence of God. I cried a lot and really enjoyed it. Originally pub. in 2016 as an eNovella – now I want to look into and read the rest of the series!
☆☆☆☆☆

A Lady of Esteem – A Hawthorne House Series Novella by Kristi Ann Hunter
London, 1812 Regency Era
At 10 years, Amelia Stalwood was foisted onto extended family to care for. Eventually, she was sent to one of their homes to live with a staff and governess, and essentially forgotten. She made the best of her life, befriending the staff of the home as well as staff members all over town, fully expecting to have to go into service one day when she was of an age to no longer be a burden.
Anthony Pendleton, Marquis of Raebourne has recently committed his life to Christ, and has returned to London to reestablish his place in society. Arriving three days early, he runs headlong into Amelia cleaning his library bookcases of all things, despite the fact he does not recall her being in his employment.
The two continue to run into one another and the story develops in an unexpected and delightful way and God’s presence is felt. Most enjoyable. Originally pub. in 2015 as an eNovella – and the other 4 books in the series are wonderful! Read them all!
☆☆☆☆☆
From Author’s Website:
“The Hawthorne House Series follows a set of aristocratic siblings led by the Duke of Riverton. Set from 1812 - 1815, these stories show how beautiful life, love, and family can be when you let God be a part of them.”
(4.5 novels)
A Lady of Esteem – originally an eNovella – 7/1/2015 & now available in paperback as noted above.
A Noble Masquerade – Book 1 – 9/8/2015 You’ve Got Mail, Regency Style
An Elegant Façade – Book 2 – 7/5/2016
An Uncommon Courtship – Book 3 – 1/3/2017
An Inconvenient Beauty – Book – 4 - 09/2017

At Your Request – an Apart From the Crowd Series Novella by Jen Turano
New York City, Jan. 1883
Although I read this story when it was first released as an eNovella, I am delighted to read it again. It makes me want to visit the wallflowers in books 1 and 2 again, and wonderfully anticipate book 3!
Miss Wilhelmina Radcliff is reunited with her dearest childhood friend, Mr. Edgar Wanamaker, at a ball of all places and is mortified to have him see her fall in society from debutant to social secretary. While wallflowers are supposed to be quiet and sullen, the ones we meet here are anything but! Edgar, having made his way in the world, has returned seeking a wife and wondering what became of Wilhelmina. Finding her at a ball in a most awkward position, he cannot help but be amused and lend a hand. Jen has such a delightful way of crafting a story. I quickly found myself laughing and smiling over the unexpected scenes, wonderful tea moments, a horse named Mr. Merriweather and charming human characters from the gilded age.
☆☆☆☆☆
Apart From the Crowd Series
0.5 At Your Request – originally an eNovella Prequel 2017
1. Behind the Scenes April 2017
2. Out of the Ordinary Nov. 2017
3. Caught by Surprise July 2018

Copy provided by Bethany House Publishing with no other compensation. I am not required to provide a favorable review and my opinion is my own.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boden Birthright by Mary Connealy
The is a novella that springboards us into a new series by Mary. In this one, we meet Chance who is determined to start over in a new place miles away from the reach of his in laws. They’ve pretty much taken over raising his son since his wife’s death. He winds up in New Mexico, asking a land owner there where he could purchase land nearby. We meet Frank and “Ronnie” along with John, Sarge and a few others. Welcome to Cimmaron Ranch and what promises to be another great series by Mary, judging by the intro with this book.

At Your Request by Jen Turano
This delightful story introduces us to Wilhelmina, who has been banished among what is known as the wallflowers, people who don’t meet high society’s standards. Wilhelmina’s family has lost their fortune and she’s become a secretary of sorts to high society. Enter, Edgar, her good friend during her childhood. She turned down his proposal years before and has wanted to apologize on one hand, while being ashamed of her place in society and wanting to avoid him at the same time. Pick up this story that sets the stage for the Apart From the Crowd series. Another on Jen’s wonderful humor woven into a story that keeps you turning the pages while chuckling, or outright laughing, at the characters antics, thoughts, or spoken words.

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter
In this story we meet Amelia briefly as an 11 year old, then fast forward 9 years as the book begins with the main plot line. Amelia falls into Lord Raebourne’s arms at the start and what follows from there is the beginning of a story with a good dose of humor throughout. We meet Miranda, Georgina, Trent and Griffith, along with a handful of servants you will love. This is my first introduction to Kristi and I will be reading more of her works. This one sets the stage for the Hawthorne House series.

The complimentary print book was provided by Bethany House Publishers. No review was required and thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three previously published novellas that were only available in ebook format are now bundled together in a paperback that you can add to your bookshelf! These novellas by Connealy, Hunter, and Turano are prequels to series they wrote. You won’t be able to put down the novellas and will definitely want to read the rest of the books in the series if you haven’t already.

The Boden Birthright by Mary Connealy: This was the first book I have read by Connealy, but it will definitely not be the last. An independent woman with a matchmaking dad, a single father, and an adorable little boy find themselves in an unusual situation due to unexpected circumstances. This romance set in the Old West had me hooked from the beginning.

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter: This is the prequel to the Hawthorne House series. I loved the series and don’t know why I hadn’t read this novella yet. It is a sweet romance with a spunky heroine about overcoming the past with God’s grace. This novella was a little longer than the others; I appreciated the depth of the story. I literally could not put this one down.

At Your Request by Jen Turano: I enjoyed reading this for a second time. It not only is a romance filled with Turano’s signature humor, but also serves to acquaint us with the heroines of the rest of the Apart From the Crowd series (particularly Permilia from the first book). I own paperback copies of the first two books in the series (the third will be released in July 2018), so All for Love will go on my bookshelf right next to these.

I definitely recommend this collection to anyone looking for clean, faith-based historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Winnie]

How could I resist this collection of novellas by three of my favorite authors, Jen Turano, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Mary Connealy? The answer is: I couldn’t! What a treat it was to read these three stories. I actually read Jen Turano’s first. I absolutely adore her sense of humor. I was laugh-snorting, chuckling, and snickering through the whole story. She is a master at creating lovable, engaging, and sometimes outlandish characters, and putting them in some hilarious situations.

Kristi Ann Hunter’s novella, A Lady of Esteem, takes place in the Regency period in England. It’s a delightful tale of a young lady who is suddenly thrust into the confusing aristocracy of London. The author’s knowledge of this time period and its conventions shines through her writing, as does her sense of humor and wit.

Mary Connealy’s novella takes us to the Wild West with Chance Boden as he travels with his young son to the New Mexico territory in the 1850s. The characters are realistic and endearing, and the author does a wonderful job of depicting the rigors of the time and area. Adventure, intrigue, and romance combine with an uplifting message of faith, hope, and courage to make this a rip-roaring start to a new series for Connealy.

All three of the novellas are prequels to series by these authors. I would recommend this book and each of the series to those who enjoy clean, Christian historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Crystal Caudill · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least two of these novellas are rereleases, but I am not sure about the third. However, I enjoyed being able to have a hard copy in my hand as novellas are often only available for e-books. Each one is the kick off for a different series and whets your tongue for other reads. The first novella, "The Boden Birthright", kicks off the The Cimarron Legacy with the father's love story and the hint at a secret that threatens the life of Chance and his children during the series that follows. The second novella "A Lady of Esteem" introduced me to a new-to-me author, Kristi Ann Hunter. I enjoyed the story and the lovely twists. I am definitely intrigued enough to check out the Hawthorne House series and follow the brothers and sister I met in "A Lady of Esteem." The final story, "At Your Request" was a bit shorter than I expected it to be and was a cute story typical of Jen Turano fashion. I haven't yet read the Apart from the Crowd Series, but it was nice to be introduced to the upcoming characters and get a feel for what the stories will be like.

Overall, I really liked the collection for the ability to get introduced to three new series and to have physical copies of books I wouldn't have had otherwise.

*I was provided a copy of this collection by the publisher. The opinion above is my own and not influenced in any way.*

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 novellas by 3 authors in one book
Books like this are so hard to rate. I originally picked up the book to read the prequel to the Hawthorne House series that I read from Kristi Ann Hunter. I'm going to rate and review each novella.

The Boden Birthright by Mary Connealy -1 star- I realize this was a novella, but she tried to cram to much into this little book. It lacked character or story development, and it was really cheesy. I have never read anything by this author before, but I was not impressed.

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter -5 stars- This was a delightful story. I loved the characters, especially the main character, Amelia. She just had the type of Christlike character that you want to emulate. She stood out from the crowd as someone who truly cared about people.

At Your Request by Jen Turano -4 stars- This was a fun, romantic comedy. It moved a little quickly, but I still feel like the story was developed properly. True to her writing style, there were several comical moments in this story.

[Jennifer K · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many laughs! I enjoyed these three short Bethany House historical fiction novellas. Turano, Hunter and Connealy all deliver great stories with memorable characters. Turano and Hunter add humor to the regency era. While Connealy takes readers to the Old West. Each novella is engaging and kept me turning pages. These stories were previously released as ebooks, but I am so glad that they are now available in print. Novellas are perfect when you only have time for a quick read or you want try a new author. Don’t worry if you become hooked because although each novella can be read alone, each one is an introduction to a series. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Boden Birthright” by Mary Connealy// 3 stars

I’m not generally a huge fan of the “old west” type of fiction, but I had read one of Mary Connealy’s stories before and enjoyed it, so I started this one with little trepidation. And while it was a fine story, I felt that it was heavy on the descriptions instead of the characters and their lives, and it was very much an insta-love situation. Which, I know, kind of has to be the case for a novella, but it was like a switch had gone off with their romance, since Chance had been mourning his wife only a couple pages previously.

It just was a bit rushed, and not my favourite story. But that’s not saying it won’t be your favourite. :)

“A Lady of Esteem” by Kristi Ann Hunter// 4.5 Stars

This is the story for which I received the review copy. :) I absolutely loved Kristi Ann Hunter’s book, “An Inconvenient Beauty” and have been eager to go back and start this series from the very start. So receiving this novella collection with The Hawthorne House’s prequel in print – I was quite pleased. ^.^

And it was a joy to read “A Lady of Esteem”! I loved main character, Amelia – she had just a sweet and caring heart, and she was oh-so patient throughout each trial she faced. And all the servants – I loved them too, and their love and devotion to Amelia; even if they didn’t work under her themselves. And hero, Anthony was a great character of a changed man. The two main characters complimented each other so well!

The faith message was definitely present, which I of course appreciated.

The whole story was brought together very nicely, and a fantastic prequel to the series!





“At Your Request” by Jen Turano// 4.5 stars



To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I would think of this novella. I hadn’t previously read anything by Jen Turano, and since I was almost done with this collection, I admit I was a bit hesitant about the last one, concerned that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as the one before. But goodness, I shouldn’t have worried! This story was darling, and pleasantly surprised me at more than one turn. Every time I thought I knew what would happen or what one of the characters would say, assuming it would be the typical in most romance fiction, it would be the opposite – which delighted me because that is what I wanted to find but rarely do in stories.

I also loved that Wilhelmina wasn’t your typical ‘perfect stunning trim’ character. One scene had me giggling out loud, and I was just very impressed with this story. I would definitely like to read more by this author. :)

I do wish there would have been a faith message; that was sadly not present.







Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars// Very lovely collection with enjoyable reads!

[Jan Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the Hawthorne House series by Kristi Ann Hunter which led me to track down this book containing the novella prequel “A Lady of Esteem”. I enjoyed it, but it felt lacking in story and character development like there was a race to conclude the plot. The other two stories weren’t worth reading. Mary Connealy’s writing was hokey, cheesy, and syrupy sweet. Also at times it felt like she was writing as if explaining to a five-year-old. Jen Turano’s story, similar to her others, was shallow, cheesy, and unbelievable.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of novellas is just delightful! And funny. I have enjoyed Jen Turano and Mary Connealy a very long time and you just can't go wrong with their books. They never disappoint. The other author was new to me, but I intend to read more of her. Great way to while away an afternoon or a day at the beach. Grab it now!

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion stated here is my own.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Boden Birthright ★★★
(The Cimarron Legacy 0.5)
by Mary Connealy

A teeny tiny glance at Chance and Veronica's beginning as a couple; written in a very *Connealy* way.

A Lady of Esteem ★★★
(Hawthorne House 0.5)
by Kristi Ann Hunter

Light and saccharine sweet.

At Your Request ★★★
(Apart from the Crowd 0.5)
by Jen Turano

This very short story contained all of the dramatics I've come to associate with a Turano tale. I do, however, enjoy Turano's ability to transport the reader to the time period.

[Shirley Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to find this book with novellas from 3 amazing authors, and it definitely met my expectations. The one by Mary Connealy is a background story to a series so it is open ended. The one by Kristi Ann Hunter was my favorite. There were so many fun moments. The one by Jen Turano was a sweet second chance story. It happened over only 2 days, but it worked with all the characters' history together.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to find prequels to series I've read or intend to read! I especially liked Kristi Ann Hunter's A Lady of Esteem (Hawthorne House) and Jen Turano's At Your Request (Apart From the Crowd). I've read all of the Hawthorne House series and I'm on the second book (or third if you count the prequel novella) of Apart From the Crowd series.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun collection! Each story so different but with the same theme of love and laughter.. Each character had quirks and personalities that made me smile and wish for more of their story.
I was received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and my review is voluntary..

[Jimnlori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of three Historical Romance Novellas by three different writers. They are stories about finding love and laughter along with a happily ever after.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.word...

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, light fluff.

[Kimberly Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It gives the missing parts of the bigger stories but is complete enough in and of itself!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these 3 short novellas, especially the one by Kristi Ann hunter. It was so original, with a young lady in the Regency setting who was friends with more servants than those in high society!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the story by Kristi Ann Hunter, thought the one by Mary Connealy was a bit abrupt and unresolved, and I've always had a hard time reading Jen Turano's stories....

[Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three great historical short stories. I enjoyed all three stories very much.