Love at Last: Three Historical Novellas of Love in Days Gone by: A Search for Refuge / Summer of Dreams / Up From the Sea

by Elizabeth Camden, Kristi Ann Hunter, Amanda Dykes

Regency England, Late 1800s New York, and 1920s Maine come alive in this romantic and inspiring novella collection from three acclaimed, award-winning Christian historical fiction authors! Includes Kristi Ann Hunters A Search for Refuge, Elizabeth Camdens Summer of Dreams, and Amanda Dykess Up from the Sea.

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

330 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trifecta of super authors make this a historical fiction reader's dream!

Please note: these novellas have all been published in ebook format but this is the first time they've been compiled into print format. Perfect for the discerning reader's keeper shelf.

A Search for Refuge by Kristi Ann Hunter -- I read this series inside out so it was nice to fill in some of the missing pieces through reading this novella. Loved being present at the inception of Haven Manor! Nash and Margaretta's love story is sweet and intense and threatened by a cruel, power-hungry man. Cue a page- turning frenzy and call me one blissfully happy reader!

Summer of Dreams by Elizabeth Camden -- It's 1886 and Evelyn's father considers her "biologically unsuited" for pursing an education in engineering but that doesn't stop her from creating some ambitious projects on her own. When a rakish West Point cadet lends assistance on a complicated electrical issue sparks fly! Only she's vowed to never become involved with an army man and he's already committed to the Engineering Crops. Yep, it's complicated. Camden packed a lot of emotional depth into this 'not so doomed' romance as both Evelyn and Clyde struggle with issues from their past threatening their future.

Up From the Sea by Amanda Dyke -- "Lord, you created the dark just as you created the light. Help me find life there, and not fear." (p 252) A lyrical, evocative tale that explores what really matters. It's 1925 and Savannah is a displaced Southerner in the wilds of Maine trying to reconnect with her deceased mother's family. She's a farmer's daughter and they are nouveau riche thanks to the marvels of the stock market. But her mother has left her a story and a map and Savannah's determined to uncover treasure buried long ago with the help of a taciturn lumberjack. And yes, I swooned all over Alastair!

[Grace Tolman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up from my local library because I'm familiar with two of the authors in this novella series.
I actually have read Hunter's story within this book already so I just jumped right into Camden's novella.
For Hunter's story, I thought it was a good. It gives us a glimpse of Nash and how he found love and how the whole operation about saving unwanted children of the aristocracy came about. I'm still very impressed about the women in this story and how they saved these innocent lives. That's the main reason I keep coming back to this series.
For Camden's story, I am always in awe at how she incorporates so much history into her stories. In this one one we learn about a student in West Point who meets with a general's daughter. They both have something to prove and spent the summer putting together an impressive greenhouse with high tech electrical and water connections. Their love for engineering draws them together, along with the girl's cousin, Romulus. As with any other "romance" novellas, they find their happily ever after but not until after they've gone through some maturing and learning.
For Dyke's story- I have to say I've never read any of the author's books before so this was my first introduction to her writing. As much as their are some interesting history behind her story, I wasn't into the whole folk tale plot. I found the descriptive paragraphs too long and the romance a little rushed. I also didn't like that the story has some parts of it that weren't resolved at the end. I felt like the uncle's desperation which led him to sell her land, then all of a sudden she gets it back along with the male hero's land. I understand that this is part of a series and that we'll learn more about the folk tale aspect in the other books but it was not for me and I'm not interested in learning more. Sorry.
Over all a good collection of historical fiction. My favorite one was Ms. Camden's. I just love how she weaves her tales, along with some really fascinating history in it.

[Inas. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't be more disappointed,

Search for Refuge:
Heroine is searching for a solution to save her life and hide away from her brother in law who is threatening her life under specific circumstances. Plot was weak and while it was supposed to be short story, time frame was longer than couple of months, with no interesting events.

Summer of Dreams:
I don't know why this story made me yawn a lot, couldn't understand lots of things , but author managed well to tangle events in a very unconventional ways.

Up from the Sea,
First page was amazing, felt that finally something interesting in this book, but unfortunately after reading through Felt the plot was lacking and stoey was so selfless in unrealistic ways .

Am really fed up with super handsome men and super beautiful women with soft voice and strong composure...

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella has 3 short stories from contemporary Christian authors. I enjoy reading Elizabeth Camden, so I wanted to read anything from her and I read the other two authors. I enjoyed Kristi Ann Hunter so I might start reading some books from her. These story are period pieces around the 1800’s in various parts of United States. If you like period pieces you will like these historical romances.

[Jenny Koim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this from my local library and I am so glad I did! Kristi Ann Hunter and Elizabeth Camden are some of my favorite historical romance fiction authors and I was drawn into the stories. I will definitely be reading more stories of Amanda Dykes and borrow “Whose Waves These Are,” which was mentioned after I read “Up From the Sea.”

[Rea K]

I'm counting this as read because I've read all the stories separately and this way I know in the future that I've already read it.
The only new to me author was Amanda Dykes and I'm going to look for the book that follows her novella here now that I've read her work.

[Kiersti Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to read works by authors I haven't tried before. I got this to read the story by Kristi Ann Hunter. The last two stories weren't the type I usually read. I don't think I continue those series if there are series.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this novella collection. Each story is an exquisite masterpiece.

Recommend to readers who enjoy historical novella collections.

DISCLAIMER: I won a copy. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Jan Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sought this book because I have really enjoyed Kristi Ann Hunter’s earlier books. I found her short story to be the best of the three, but all three stories flirted with boring.

[Amber Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love these little short novellas only thing is they make me want to buy more books that go with each series! Found some really awesome books and authors!

[Kami S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated each of these novellas separately under the respective author and title. Overall, all 3 were enjoyable short reads.

[Shirleen]

short but fun

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. I especially enjoyed A Search for Refuge" by Kristi Ann Hunter and "Up From the Sea" by Amanda Dykes.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these gentle historical romances.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories by three great authors.