Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles Collection with Friends

Macbeth #includes book 2

by Grace Burrowes, Mary Lancaster, Alina K. Field

When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.

One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.


A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrowes

He's not really a blacksmith, and she's not really an heiress... Can they forge a happily-ever-after anyway?

Thaddeus Pennrith finds a way to recover from multiple griefs when he accepts the blacksmith's post at Fenwick on Sea. Village life gives him a sense of belonging that Polite Society never could, though he must resume his aristocratic responsibilities soon. Along comes Lady Sarah Weatherby, refugee from an engagement gone badly awry, and Thaddeus is faced with both a compelling reason to reveal his titled antecedents, and a longing to keep them forever hidden...


An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster

A runaway heiress, a mysterious stranger.

When Letty's ship founders in a violent storm, she forges a rare bond with her rescuer.

Simon is a troubled man on a final, deadly mission—until the spirited yet soothing Letty makes him question everything. Hiding in plain sight among the refugees at The Queen's Barque, Simon is more than capable of protecting them both. But when the floods recede, can either of them say goodbye?


The Comtesse of Midnight by Alina K. Field

A Scottish Earl on a quest for the elusive Comtesse de Fontenay rescues a French lady smuggler from the surf during a devastating storm, and takes shelter with her. As the stormy night drags on, he suspects his companion knows the woman he's seeking, the one who holds the secret to his identity. When she admits she is, in fact, the Comtesse Fontenay, just not the one he's seeking, she dashes all his hopes—and promises him new ones.


Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise DeLand

She is so wrong for him.

Miss Josephine Meadows is so young. In love with life. His accountant in his work for Whitehall. Her father's heir to his trading company—and his espionage network.

Lord Stanton cannot resist marrying her. But to ensure Wellington defeats Napoleon, they must save one of Josephine's agents.

Far from home, amid a horrific storm, Stanton discovers that his new bride loves him dearly.

Can he truly be so right for her?

And she for him?


The Tender Flood by Caroline Warfield

Zach Newell knows Patience Abney is far above his touch. But he has been enchanted by her since she raced out of the storm and into The Queen's Barque with a wagon full of small boys, puppies, and a bag of books. When the two of them make their way across the flooded marsh to her badly damaged school in search of a missing boy, attraction deepens. She risks scandal; he risks his heart.


A Dream Come True by Jude Knight

The tempest that batters Barnaby Somerville's village is the latest but not the least of his challenges.

Vicar to a remote parish, he stretches his tiny stipend to adopt his orphaned niece and nephew and his time to offer medical care as well as spiritual. A wife is a dream he cannot afford.

But the storm sweeps into his life a surprising temptation—a charming young woman who lavishes her gentle care upon his wards—and him.

God knows, he will forever be richer for having known her, even if he must let her go.


Wait for Me by Rue Allyn

Enemies by nature—Esmeralda Crobbin, aka the pirate Irish Red, and Captain, Lord Brandon Gilroy have met before.

Fate trumps nature—When a fierce storm creates a chance encounter and forced proximity, Brandon learns the pirate is a woman of serious honor and responsibility. Esmeralda discovers the captain is more than a uniform stuffed with rules and regulations. Both love the sea with boundless passion, but can they love each other?


Before I Found You by Sherry Ewing

A quest for a title. An encounter with a stranger. Will she choose love?

Miss Miranda de Courtenay has only one goal in life: to find a rich husband who can change her status from Miss to My Lady.

Captain Jasper Rousseau has no plans to become infatuated during a chance encounter at a ball.

Their connection is hard to dismiss, despite Miranda's quest for a title at all cost. What if the cost includes love?

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction

697 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2021

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Author’s Collaboration
Publication Date: 4/13/21
Number of Pages: 697
** Overall Rating is 4.3 **

“When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.”

I believe this is the longest review I have ever written – simply because it covers 8 novellas. I will say one thing that relates to all of the stories I read in this book – they are all remarkably well filled out and that is a difficult thing to do in so few pages.

An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster – 4.5 STARS

This is the first time I’ve read Mary Lancaster’s work, and I’m so glad to have given it a try. The writing is excellent and I felt I really connected with the characters. That connection is something that is really hard for an author to do with such a short word count. I will definitely look for more of her books.

Simon Jarvis and Letty Lovell are an unlikely pair. Letty is young and innocent – and running away from an abusive guardian who is trying to force her into a marriage she doesn’t want. Simon is seasoned and jaded with a soul as black as the night. Yet, they are drawn together and Simon can’t do anything other than save her when her guardian shows up – and in the company of a Frenchman no less. Not a good thing while England isn’t through with Napoleon yet.

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon – Cerise Deland – 4.5 STARS

I absolutely adored this wonderful love story between Josephine Meadows and Russell Downey, the sixth Earl of Stanton. They are absolutely made for each other even though he’s an aristocrat and she’s the daughter of a very rich merchant. Even with that disparity, they both work together for the good of England against Napoleon. She has a huge network of informants throughout Europe thanks to their business ventures and he is responsible for assuring the supply chain of men and materials for the war effort. They’ve worked together for years – each has loved the other for years, but neither would ever let the other know. This delightful tale is about their wedding – and the adventures of their non-honeymoon while they try to save one of Josephine’s informants.

The Tender Flood – Caroline Warfield – 4.5 STARS

This is a lovely tale of two lonely people who don’t realize how lonely they are until they see what is missing in their lives. Zachary (Zach) Newell was invalided out of the army when he lost his leg. Now, he acts as a coachman for his uncle’s coaching company. He has dreams for his life and his current position allows him to save toward making that dream a reality. He is a really good man – kind, caring, and honorable. His biggest love is books – he loves having them, reading them, sharing them, discussing them. Patience Abney is the daughter of an impoverished vicar – and the granddaughter and cousin of an Earl. Therein lies the rub – at least as far as Zach is concerned. He well learned his ‘place’ while he was in the army and he knows Patience is far beyond his reach. However, he’ll do all he can to help her and her students while they are stranded at the inn during this raging storm. All he has to do is keep his hands off her and remember she is by far his better. We all know how well that is going to work out for him, don’t we? Their journey to their HEA was a lovely thing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Before I Found You – Sherry Ewing – 3.5 STARS

Captain Jasper Rousseau is wealthy, handsome, confident, honorable, untitled, and not in any particular hurry to marry – even though his mother is constantly urging him to do so. His shipping business is flourishing – especially with the purchase of their new ship, the Legacy. To appease his mother, he is attending a Valentine’s Day ball and he’s not happy about it – until he sees – across the room …

Miranda de Courtenay is simply a ‘Miss’ and she doesn’t like that one bit. She wants a title above all else and the way to get one is to marry one. She is bold and independent and that usually keeps her in trouble of one sort or another, so her suitors aren’t exactly lining up at her door. When she meets a handsome, intriguing man at the Valentine’s Day ball, her hopes soar. Can this man be her ‘title’ and be attractive too?

Once Miranda discovers Jasper has no title, she immediately, sadly, tells him they have no future. He is very disappointed in her but assumes he’ll never see her again. Besides, he has a saboteur to deal with – someone keeps damaging his new ship. He’s sure it is his longtime enemy, Hugo Danville, but has no proof.

It is interesting to see Miranda come to terms with her jealousy over her siblings having titles while she doesn’t. I never came to care much for Miranda, but it was nice to see her learn that the heart wants what the heart wants.

This was another new-to-me author.

The Comtesse of Midnight – Alina K. Field – 3.0 Stars

Malcolm Comyn, Earl of Menteith, is frantically searching for … himself. A cousin is challenging his right to be the earl and Malcolm has to find the proof – one way or the other. He has to find the Comtesse de Fontenay because she will have the answers he needs. On his way to find her, he gets waylaid by an awful storm – and ends up rescuing a woman. Except the woman, dressed as a man, doesn’t welcome his ‘rescue’. But, OMGoodness – she is a beautiful sight.

Marielle Plessiers is the Comtesse de Fontenay, but not the one for whom Malcolm is looking. She knows of Malcolm and his story, and she’ll have to share what she knows with him. But, can she trust him? He knows she is a smuggler. She also knows she has to trust him and hopefully he can help her with the man who keeps turning up to threaten her.

This story left me feeling a bit unsatisfied because it didn’t feel finished. In the author’s notes at the end, the author tells us that we can find the answers if we read another book she has written. That is all well and good if I wanted to read another book – but – it doesn’t do a thing for making this story feel finished to me. This is another new-to-me author.

Wait For Me – Rue Allyn – 4.7 STARS

Irish Red/Eugenia/Miss Fynlock/Esme (a lady of many names) has been a privateer all of her life and the English would love to get a rope around her lovely neck. Although she was legally acting as a privateer for the Americans, the English wanted her as a pirate. Now, here she is, on English soil, on a personal mission. The trouble is, there has been a horrendous storm and she’s finding it almost impossible to get to the small seaside village of Fenwick On Sea to complete that mission. It seems she’s been slogging through the mud for days when she trips over a lump of some sort that is lying in her path. When she stoops down to do a closer examination of that lump, it turns out it is a British naval officer with whom she has a history. She knows he’d like nothing better than to get her under lock and key – but she cannot leave him out in this weather to die.

Brandon Gilroy is on a mission for the crown. A shipment of munitions, meant for the English troops fighting against the French, has gone missing and it is Brandon’s job to find it, get it to the right place, and see that the culprits are caught. When he is rescued by a pirate who could certainly be involved in the plot, he can hardly believe it because he thought she had more honor than that. Then, at the inn, he discovers even more possible culprits. How will he manage to get the information he needs to find who has the munitions?

Even though this is my favorite of the stories, it is also the one that left me with so many unanswered questions. I loved the characters – and I know they had a HEA – but I have no clue how they got there. The author’s notes said I could read an as yet unwritten book to find out the answers. That did not please me.

A Dream Come True – Jude Knight – 4.7 Stars

OH! This was the sweetest, loveliest story. I loved ALL of the characters. I loved that the village busybody/bully got her comeuppance – but I wish it had been more. I absolutely adore Daniel and the way both Barnaby and Theo deal with him. BTW – this was another new-to-me author.

Barnaby Somerville was just called to be a vicar. He loves it and can’t imagine his life doing anything else. He also loves the small seaside village in which he serves as curate for his father. The people, for the most part, are wonderful giving souls who care about each other. The exception is Mrs. Fullerton who is the self-appointed morality police of the parish. At the moment, her focus is on Barnaby’s wards, particularly his nephew Daniel who happens to be part black. According to Mrs. Fullerton, Daniel is an abomination and should be removed from the village and sent off to an orphanage so he doesn’t taint the residents. Unfortunately, Barnaby’s father feels the same way and will surely remove Barnaby from being the vicar when he learns Barnaby has taken in his deceased, disowned sister’s children. Barnaby’s income is small – very small – and he can barely stretch it to cover his own living expenses much less the addition of the two children. However, he'll do whatever it takes to keep them.

Barnaby has a small amount of skill as a healer and is quickly called upon to treat all of the injured travelers who are washing ashore from all of the raging storm wrecked ships. Although she isn’t injured, one of those rescued from a ship is Theodora (Theo) Conroy. Theo is a lovely, quiet young woman who is the lady’s maid to Lady Felicity who is also rescued. While Theo wasn’t injured from the shipwreck, she is quite ill because of travel sickness – she doesn’t just suffer from seasickness – it is any travel that sickens her. So, when she is brought off the ship, she is really quite ill. She’s also quite intrigued by the handsome, competent, caring vicar who is giving excellent care to her and all of the other passengers.

I enjoyed watching quiet, unpretentious, unassuming Theo come into her own and vociferously defend both Daniel and Barnaby. I also enjoyed watching them grow to love each other – even knowing their hearts would be broken when Theo had to leave with her mistress. It is a lovely, lovely, heartwarming read and I am sure you’ll enjoy this story.

A Kiss By The Sea – Grace Burrowes – 5 STARS

There are some really good stories in here, but this was my absolute favorite. I love the characters and felt I could fully relate to them and their situations The descriptions of village life were absolutely delightful and made me want to live in just such a place.

The Fenwick on Sea blacksmith is so much more than that, but he doesn’t want anyone to know how much more. So, Thaddeus Pennrith uses the name Thad Penn with all of his friends and neighbors there. He’s handsome, well mannered, intelligent, caring, and has an elegance about him that few have ever seen before. He’s been there for five years now and knows he’ll soon have to give it up and leave, but he is dreading that day when he has to return to his real life and responsibilities.

Lady Sarah Weatherby has finally screwed up her courage and fled a n’er do well betrothed and a manipulative, dishonest uncle. Were it not for a horrendous storm, she’d have reached her aunt’s home already. Instead, she is stranded in a seaside village with blocked roads and a coach in need of repair. Sarah is traveling incognito in hopes of preventing a scandal and to keep her uncle from finding her and taking her back to London. In this small village, she sees a life she’d never known existed. The people have real conversations, they actually like and have affection for each other, they are all productive and useful, they are all just kind, caring individuals. Sarah comes to admire them and to learn a lot more about herself as a person. And – that fine blacksmith is certainly worth admiring.

It was a delight to see Thad bolster Sarah’s self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. As they came to know each other and love each other, each of them was fearful that the other might not want them if their true identities were exposed. In the end, the family confrontations only make them stronger together and makes their love burn brighter. I definitely enjoyed this read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles Collection with Friends
Mary Lancaster, Cerise DeLand, Caroline Warfield, Sherry Ewing, Alina K.Field, Rue Allyn, Jude Knight, Grace Burrowes
Release Date 04/13/2021


𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.

One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀

In all, the many different novellas are all very intriguing and entertaining, I hope to be able to read those I lacked time to.
From the village setting, the many situations the various tales present to the life in this tiny part of England, I loved every read.

𝘼𝙣 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤 ʙʏ 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧

Letty is rescued from her navire shipwreck by a complete stranger, yet from the few minutes she get to be close to him, she is drawn to him. Simon is on a mission, yet he strayed a bit to save the lovely miss who went close to drown.

I loved that despite the shortness of the story, their instant recognition provide Letty all the weapons she will need to dig a hole in his heart and defenses.
4.5 stars

𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙣’𝙨 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣 ʙʏ 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙

This one is a very lovely story, after six years of wait, Russel and Josephine will finally marry. Each in love with the other but never having confessed their feelings. Yet when their duty to their country calls for them, they have put on standby their honeymoon.

Josephine is as devoted as Russel to the crown, so when they have each to follow a lead, they go without questioning it.
A lovely tale of two people in love who will have to deal with one last challenge before their true HEA.
4.5 stars

𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙔𝙤𝙪 ʙʏ 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙀𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜

At first I was furious at Miranda for her greediness. She is just focused on any titled man, dismissing all the others. Yet, each one of her attempt at parson trapping one turned a failure and marked her as a bit more unsuitable at each setback.
Jasper knows who he is and what he wants and it is the lovely young miss he meet at a dance, if only she was so set on marrying into nobility.
So while Jasper has no doubt about what he expects and hopes from Miranda, she is the one keeping him at bay all the while being unable to forget him.
Is she so sure to follow the right path...
A cute romance.
4.5 stars

𝘼 𝙆𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙖 ʙʏ 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙨

It has been a while since I have read the author, as I mostly run after my all-my-fault-crazy-reading-schedule, many authors represented by picky publishers went out of my sight as I am only one of many tiny book blog reviewers.
So it was a delight to reconnect with the author’s way with words.
I will never see again a writing chair the same way...
Sarah is on the run from her conniving uncle and his choice of a suitor, she needs to regroup her wits to face a doomed future or find a way out.
Thad has ran away five years ago, now settled as the village smithy, he knows this period of his life is coming close its end.
Together they will find a new purpose, he will lend her his strength to face her cunning relative and she will give him a reason to go back to the world they left behind.
A fun sexy romance full of second chances.
5 stars
Contains onscreen lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by one of the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fierce storm rages off the coast of the small village of Fenwick on Sea, leading to complete chaos. Stranded travelers invade this village and seek refuge at The Queen’s Barque Inn. Storm & Shelter by Bluestocking Belles and friends features eight interlacing stories with dashing heroes and cutthroats, peers of the realm and servants, heroines from all walks of life, and eight love stories sure to melt your heart. A brilliant boxed set with something for every reader.

An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster:

An heiress on the run gets rescued by a mysterious stranger. When they are both stranded at the inn, Letty calls him her missing husband. Can she convince Simon to leave his dangerous life behind and become her improbable hero? I absolutely loved this story. Letty and Simon are polar opposites yet together, they’re perfectly matched. The romance, suspense, witty banter, and sweet ending make this a must-read. Mary Lancaster is a talented writer who draws the reader into the story. This is my favorite story in the set. 5+ stars

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise DeLand:

After a long courtship, Josephine and Lord Stanton are married. Before they go on their honeymoon, devastating news arrives. Stanton must rescue an agent (read spy) for Josephine and her father’s business in order to secure defeat for Napoleon. A storm hits and risking his life for another, he discovers just how much his beloved loves him. A sweet romance between two mature adults in the middle of a storm where many lives are in jeopardy. Josephine is a strong-willed heroine who’ll do anything to protect those she loves. The historical accuracy is impressive and adds depth to the story. This is my first time reading Cerise DeLand and it won’t be my last. I got swept away with this one. 5 stars

The Tender Flood by Caroline Warfield:

From the moment Patience and her wagon full of boys and books arrive at the inn, Zach is smitten. When he finds out she’s an earl’s daughter, he surmises she’s above his station in life. He tries to keep his distance but when there’s a missing boy, he takes a leap of faith. Can these two souls unite during the tender flood? I’m familiar with Caroline Warfield and have read a few of her books. She weaves a heartwarming tale in The Tender Flood, blending history and romance with precision. Zach and Patience have tender hearts and are delightful to read. The boys’ antics provide some comedic relief to a tense situation. 5 stars

Before I Found You by Sherry Ewing:

All Miranda wants is to marry a wealthy gentleman. She craves a title but her beliefs are called into question when she meets Jasper at a ball. He’s rich but the only title he has is Captain. Will she throw love overboard or will she realize love is greater than any title? Sherry Ewing is a one-click author in my books and I inhale all her stories. Before I Found You is a historical romance gem from the first page to the last. The chemistry between Miranda and Jasper is electric and had me rooting for them. Fans of Bree Wolf will love this story.

The Comtesse of Midnight by Alina K. Field:

A Scottish earl in search of the missing Comtesse de Fontenay saves a French female smuggler in the storm. Little does he know his mysterious companion is a Comtesse de Fontenay but not the one he’s determined to find. Can he discover new meaning in her embrace and love? I’m a huge fan of Alina K. Field and have read all her books. While this is a novella, the story reads like a full-length novel. I found myself captivated and read it in one sitting. From the characters to the plot to the emotional tension to the suspense, The Comtesse of Midnight is historical romance at its best. I loved it from start to finish. Highly recommend! 5+ stars

Wait for Me by Rue Allyn:

Esmeralda (also known as the pirate Irish Red) and Captain Brandon are sworn enemies. Due to the storm, they’re forced to work together and stay in close quarters. They wind up learning a lot from each other. With both loyal to the sea, can their shared passion turn to love for each other? Wait for Me is a pirate romance where opposing sides come together in a fiery embrace. I was drawn to Esmeralda’s spirit right away. A female pirate? I love this twist to Rue Allyn’s story. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. The descriptive narration transported me while the romance filled my heart with emotions. A brilliant story. 5 stars

A Dream Come True by Jude Knight:

The last thing on Vicar Barnaby Somerville’s mind is finding a wife. When the storm hits, a beautiful young woman sweeps into his life. He knows her stay is only temporary, so he cherishes her company and her sweet temperament with his young wards. Can she be his answering prayer, his dream come true? A Dream Come True is such an uplifting, feel-good romance. As I read, I kept rooting for these two to make it work. This is my first time reading Jude Knight and I enjoyed it immensely. There’s so much emotion packed into the story, I quickly became attached to the characters. Before I knew it, the story ended. I wanted to stay a little while longer. If you like sweet cozy romances, you’ll love A Dream Come True. 5 stars

A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrowes:

Thaddeus Pennrith has suffered greatly. The only place he’s felt at home is at Fenwick on Sea, working as a blacksmith. When the storm brings him Lady Sarah Weatherby, he knows he must choose between staying hidden and risking his heart for love. Which path will truly heal him? A Kiss by the Sea is a heart-wrenching historical romance. Two tortured souls not looking for love, but for shelter out of the storm. Grace Burrowes is a bestselling author and it’s easy to see why. She creates a romance so compelling, the reader becomes part of the story. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading until the very end. Several bookish friends have urged me to read Grace Burrowes and now I understand why she comes so highly recommended. A brilliant writer and one that I will read again. Fans of Julia Quinn will want to read A Kiss by the Sea. 5+ stars

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm & Shelter
A Bluestocking Belles with Friends Collection
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An Improbable Hero
Mary Lancaster

Simon is on a final and deadly mission, but now his new friend Letty makes him question everything he is. Hiding in plain sight among the other refugees at The Queen's Barque Simon will end up doing everything he can to protect them both from Letty’s family and those that wish him dead. But now that the floods recede they are both finding it hard to say goodbye? Can two people from two different backgrounds find love and throw all caution to the wind?

Mary Lancaster gives us a sweet tale of love showing us that it doesn't matter who you are love can conquer all.

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon
Cerise DeLand

Miss Josephine Meadows is so very young and so in love with life. She is her father's heir to his trading company and has quite the knack for numbers and math. Will she be able to do what has to be done and help with the espionage part?

Lord Stanton cannot help but marry her. He's loved her from the first time he laid eyes on her in her father's office, but to ensure that Wellington defeats Napoleon, they must save one of Josephine’s agents.

Cerise DeLand takes you deep undercover to the Inn where everyone meets. I didn't see what was coming in this story and I truly enjoyed it.

The Tender Flood
Caroline Warfield

Zack Newell knows Patience Abney is far above him. He has been enchanted by her since she raced out of the storm and into the Queen’s Barque with a wagon full of small boys, puppies, and a bag of books. Now they must race against time and get back to the Academy searching for the missing boy who went searching for the missing puppy. During this time they find that they are both incredibly attracted to each other and that attraction only gets stronger over time. Will she risk scandal to be with him? And will he be brave enough to throw caution to the wind and let her know how he feels about her?

Caroline Warfield brings us a sweet tale of unconditional love in its purest form. I truly enjoyed this story as much as Ms. Warfield's full length novels.

Before I Found You
Sherry Ewing

Miss Miranda de Courtenay has only ever had one goal in life and that is to find a rich, titled husband who can change her title from Miss to Lady, but she's in for a shock when she meets the man who is destined for her and he is not exactly what she expected.

Captain Jasper Rousseau has found no one that he has ever felt the right way about to marry and he certainly had no plans to become so enamored of a female during a chance encounter at a ball.

Sherry Ewing continues on with a story that some of us know well. Now it's Miranda’s turn to change her history. Jasper is not what she expected, but she can't get him out if her mind. I truly enjoyed reading another de Courtenay story and hope that some how with their children there will be more in the future. Hint, hint, Miss Ewing.

The Comtesse of Midnight
Alina K. Field

A Scottish Earl on a quest for the elusive Comtesse de Fontenay rescues a French lady smuggler from the surf during a devastating storm, and shelters with her. As they get to know each other they fall in love.

Alina K. Field writes a wonderful story action packed with smuggling, murder, extra family, and eventually love. What a great addition to Storm and Shelter.

Wait For Me
Rue Allyn

A priate named Esmeralda and a Captain who is more then what he seems get together in this book. Esmeralda is a fascinating pirate who lives by her honor and Captain Gilroy seems quite stuffy, but he really isn't. Can these two get past what has happened in the past and make a future together?

Rue Allyn brings us a fascinating tale that will have you reading this story in one sitting. I truly enjoyed this one and found that it was the perfect addition to Storm & Shelter.

A Dream Come True
Jude Knight

Barnaby Somerville is vicar to a remote parish and has adopted his orphaned niece and nephew. This takes all his money and although he would love to have a wife he knows he can't afford one. As it is he believes he will have to find some kind of day school to accept his nephew who is 13 now. He's hoping that maybe Miss Abney might be able to take him however she herself is sheltering out the storm at the inn as well. Now he has rescued a very ill young woman that is called Theo and he ends up falling in love with her, but will she have him? Or is it a dream he will never be able to have.

Jude Knight brings us this wonderfully sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed. These two characters were perfect and this story blend in well with the others.

A Kiss By the Sea
Grace Burrowes

Thaddeus Pennrith is not really a blacksmith. His life At the village has given him a wonderful sense of belonging that he has never felt before. Lady Sarah Weatherby has just run from a relationship she doesn't want. Now the two of them will have to be honest with each other if they are to find love.

Grace Burrowes brings us a tale that has the characters pretending they are people they are not, but will have to be honest with each other in the end if they are going to admit the love they both feel for one another. I truly enjoyed this story.

All in all I enjoyed every one of these stories and found that they all tie into each other in a wonderful way that will have you reading long into the night to get the stories finished.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerise DeLand.
Lord Stantons Shocking Seaside Honeymoon. I enjoyed reading this very different love story. I found the story to be very romantic. To have two men wanting your love is so sweet and beautiful. I liked that the short story is a page turner and that it reads at a good pace. Josephine and Stanton starts off as a love able couple, but then Russ comes along. What these three players once new and thought was secure has change significantly. This story is an happily ever after that was a joy to read.

Sherry Ewing
Before I Found You. I enjoyed reading the love and romance between Jasper and Miranda at sea. I like how Jasper changed Miranda’s view on who is worthy of her love. I found that it was a lovely idea to have these two find their love as they embark on Jasper’s ship at sea. The entertainment and the action at sea as well as the romance contributed to the story being a fast pace read. I loved reading this beautiful love story.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Set in the fictional village of Fenwick on Sea, “Storm & Shelter” is a superb and varied collection bound to impress a variety of Regency fans.

Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to the Bluestocking Belles to come up with another fabulous collection of stories to share with us. Every story takes place at the village of Fenwick on Sea during a terrible storm where people from all walks of life gather at the Queen's Barque Inn for shelter.

An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster

This is Letty and Simon's story. Having survived a shipwreck and finding themselves at the Queen’s Barque Inn, Letty looks for Simon, the man who saved her life and when she does find him, she ends up putting them in quite the compromising situation! Danger also surrounds them but through it all, there's no denying the attraction between them. She is the light to his darkness and it makes him rethink the deadly mission he's on!! I always enjoy Mary Lancaster's writing style and this short story is no exception, it is well written and will leave you smiling at the end:)


Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise DeLand

Cerise Deland always writes delightful stories and this one is filled with intrigue, danger and love! Both main characters, Josephine and Russell, are part of the espionage network in the effort to defeat Napoleon. They have known each other for 6 years before Russ asks her to marry him and once they do, their wedding night and the following days do not turn out the way they wanted it to! When the search for an agent brings them to the Queen's Barque Inn amidst a horrible storm, they set to work finding the information they need. The wedding night may have been postponed but it does eventually happen:)


The Tender Flood by Caroline Warfield

Oh how I loved Patience and Zach's sweet story! My heart always beats faster for a wounded hero like Zach!! When she arrives at the Queen's Barque Inn with a wagon full of young boys, little does he know how his life is about to change. I adored those boys and they had me giggling at some of their antics:) Zach and Patience are falling in love but he deems himself beneath her so it's up to her to convince him otherwise!! Between the storm, washed out roads, a trek though the marsh and fixing the school roof, life gets very interesting:)


Before I Found You by Sherry Ewing

Absolutely delightful story which involves Miranda whose life's goal is to marry a titled man and Jasper, a ship captain, who tries to show her that having love is more important. Although Miranda tries to stay away from him, he's pretty hard to resist:) During a wicked storm, she finds herself stranded at the Queen's Barque Inn with many others and when she learns Jasper's ship has struck the shoal, her first thought is to make sure he's not hurt. Maybe marrying for a title is not that important anymore!! Such a well written short story with wonderful characters which will go straight to your heart.


The Comtesse of Midnight by Alina K. Field

Lots of intrigue in this story and I love how this author was able to wrap the plot within this novella! It's also a bit different since the heroine is older than the hero:) Malcolm and Marielle find themselves sharing a room at the Queen's Barque Inn while a storm rages and information that he is looking for is suddenly within reach when Marielle reveals who she is. Not only will he find out about his mother, he will also find love:) Well written and interesting storyline.


Wait for Me by Rue Allyn

Esme, a female pirate and Brandon, a captain of His Majesty's Navy who has been searching for her, find themselves sheltering from a severe storm at the Queen's Barque Inn. Plenty of intrigue and secrets in this story! Esme is actually there to find out who her parents were and if she is the granddaughter of a Duke. This is actually a prequel to Esme and Brandon's story which will come out in the near future. This novella whets the appetite for the completion of their story.


A Dream Come True by Jude Knight

Oh yes, Theo, dreams DO come true! This was such a sweet story that involves a vicar and a lady's maid. Theodora has pretty much resigned herself to never falling in love and having her own family until she meets Barnabas, the vicar of the small village of Fenwick on Sea. Both are attracted to each other but he can't see how he could afford to even have a wife, especially now that he has his sister's two children to take care of as well. As gossip flows and almost overwhelms them, circumstances work out in their favour:) Jude Knight always writes stories that are heartfelt.


A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrows

This author never disappoints with her stories!! I so enjoyed Thad and Sarah's story, two people who have found their way to Fenwick on Sea to escape their life of aristocracy in London. Thad has settled as the blacksmith and when Sarah arrives to have her carriage repaired, she ends up staying a few days and falls in love with the village....and the very sexy blacksmith!! When secrets are revealed and decisions are made, as well as facing those who would rule their lives, both can finally attain their HEA:)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SylviaV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm & Shelter, the new Bluestocking Belles with Friends anthology

The nice thing about an anthology is the absolute delight in reading stories from great authors all in one place. You get to try out authors you may not have read before. For this reader it is always interesting how the various authors with their own distinct writing style, manage to create such different stories with the same theme. All the stories in this book are stand-alone stories. Having read other books by some of these authors, I was pleasantly surprised as some characters I recognized made an appearance. As with all anthologies some stories resonate with the reader more than others. A great read. 5 stars.

One storm, eight authors, eight novellas.
Mary Lancaster- An Improbable Hero
Cerise DeLand- Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon
Caroline Warfield- The Tender Flood
Sherry Ewing - Before I found You
Alina K Field - The Comtesse of Midnight
Rue Allyn - Wait for Me
Jude Knight - A Dream Come True
Grace Burrowes - A Kiss by the Sea

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories by authors whose books I have always found to be an engaging read.
A Dream Come True by Jude Knight
This was such a lovely story concerning a lady’s maid and the vicar of the small village of Fenwick-on-Sea. Barnaby and Theodora both had domineering fathers. Theo had been obliged to take a post as a servant to help her family. Barney had two wards, his niece and nephew, aged 2yrs and 13 yrs. Barney and Theo were two engaging characters, who often put others before their own needs. Their relationship didn’t come without problems, not the least a vindictive and bigoted woman in the village, also Barney’s father, who was able to take Barney’ living from him. I enjoyed seeing some characters from previous books and certain people getting their comeuppance.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in this set. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did purchase my own copy.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the stories that make up this anthology interesting and entertaining as survivors from across the board of humanity find refuge and protection from the storm at The Queen's Barque Inn. Rich and poor alike need refuge, many of whom have lost everything after being shipwrecked. Mr Brewster and his wife, the owners of the inn, together with their huge hound Hector remain a constant throughout the series. Their kindness and generosity are extended to one and all, even though they are forced to offer shelter in parts of their inn that are still in need of renovation.

An Improbable Hero: By Mary Lancaster - Running away from her uncle and his mechanicians, Lettie finds herself in even more trouble when the ship she has taken passage with, breaks up in a fierce storm. Saved by a stranger who gives her the courage to hang on, she is disappointed when he disappears. When he later returns to the inn where everyone is congregating, she claims him as her husband, not knowing who he is or his dangerous occupation. Unfortunately, Lettie's guardian catches up with her and Simon has to make a quick decision whether or not to side with her. Simon has faced the enemy without fear, but one little heiress makes him tremble in his boots.

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon: By Cerise DeLand - Marriage to Lord Stanton comes with complications, mainly in the form of his disapproving family. However, Josephine Meadows is more than a match for them as she and Russ stand together in holy matrimony. The daughter of a shipping merchant who is in ill health, Josephine has taken up the reins of her family business and is quietly assisting the war effort against Napoleon by shipping supplies to the troops and providing intelligence. Unfortunately, the storm that has swept the coast also impacts the Meadows ships, and the life of the agent that Josephine is waiting for is in jeopardy. Newly married, The Standton's honeymoon has to be put on hold whilst they attend to their losses, but ultimately they discover that it is love that propels them forward and has them overcoming the odds.

The Tender Flood: By Caroline Warfield - A war hero missing a limb has aspirations for the future, but he never thought that his proclivity for reading would come in useful for taming the small boys under headmistress Patience Abney's care. Patience's income is stretched to the limit as it is, and the only way that she can earn their keep at the inn after the roof of her school caved in during the storm, is to offer her services in return for a place to sleep and food in their bellies. Keeping five young lads safe is no mean task, but as Zach steps into the breach, Patience has no choice but to lean on him. When one of the boys goes missing, Patience intends to go after him on her own, but Zach has already invested so much of himself in her students, that he feels he has no choice but to follow her, resulting in unexpected circumstances.

Before I Found You: A de Courtenay Novella: By Sherry Ewing - Miss Miranda de Courtenay has a penchant for trouble, but she reaches the realisation that it finds her even when she is trying to avoid it. She comes to the conclusion that the best thing she can do for both herself and her long-suffering family, is to find a husband with a title and wealth, and to at least earn their respect through marriage. Seeing Captain Jasper Rousseau across a crowded ballroom, she is drawn to the handsome young man, but his lack of title makes him unsuitable, even though she has indulged in an illicit dance with him. Thereafter, it would seem that whichever way she turns, she keeps meeting up with Jasper, causing untold difficulties as they fight against the growing attraction for one another. It is only when Jasper's enemies interfere that they both come to see that they can no longer avoid what fate has decreed. This story is fast-paced and adventurous, with a thread of tension running through it.

The Comtesse of Midnight: By Alina K. Field - Upon his father's death bed, Malcolm Cormyn hears the truth about his origins and he is driven to discover the past. Lost in the storm that has caused so much damage, he is almost upon a group of free traders before he even realises it. His next surprise is to find that the young boy hefting barrels of brandy is actually a woman. Giving her unwanted assistance, they both arrive at the inn, but rather than going in through the front door, they arrive in the stables instead, where Malcolm finds that she is well known. Unfortunately, neither of them can go any further in the midst of the storm and they are forced to take a barely habitable room in the rundown wing of the inn. There Malcolm discovers that Marielle is the Comtesse de Fontenay, the woman he is searching for, but at least two decades younger than he expected. Marielle joins Malcolm on his search for information, encountering danger and betrayal at every turn as they follow through with their search. Whilst things do not turn out as Malcolm had hoped, he and Marielle do discover a new path to happiness.

Wait for Me: By Rue Allyn - Esmeralda Crobbin needs proof of her parents' marriage, taking her to Fenwick on Sea, where she discovers mayhem abounds and where victims of the storm have taken refuge. Esmeralda has left her old life of piracy behind her, but her encounter with Captain Gilroy makes her realise that she is still in danger as the good captain is hunting down free traders. Ultimately, she provides him with valuable information but loses her heart in the process. The story ends on a bittersweet cliffhanger, leaving the way open for a story in the future.

A Dream Come True: By Jude Knight - Vicar Barnaby Somerville has his hands full with his highly intelligent nephew Daniel and his little sister Annie. Unfortunately, the town's stirrer of malicious gossip has taken umbrage at the dark-skinned boy, who in turn exacts his own revenge on the vile woman. With his hands full, Barnaby has more than just his parish to look after as he is also one of the few people in the village able to render medical assistance to the survivors of the storm. Caught up in the uproar of rescuing passengers and tending to them, he comes face to face with Miss Theodora Conroy, an impoverished gentlewoman turned servant. Tending to Theo, Barnaby discovers an attraction for her but knows that his circumstances cannot allow him to follow his heart. However, as Theo is separated from her employer, and Barnaby is overwhelmed with his responsibilities, Theo steps in to give him the assistance he so desperately needs, but not without causing further controversy for the beleaguered vicar. A solution comes from an unexpected source and both Barnaby and Theo discover the fulfillment that comes from family, albeit not their own.

A Kiss by the Sea: By Grace Burrowes - They have run away, both Lady Sarah and Thaddeus Pennrith. Lady Sarah is escaping her guardian's plans to divest her of her fortune, and Thad has escaped his broken heart and his grandmother's mechanicians. Thad has found employment as a blacksmith in Fenwick on Sea and when Lady Sarah, masquerading as Mrs Winston, comes to him to repair her coach, he informs her that she will have to wait her turn as the needs of the villagers have to come first before he looks at her carriage, especially after the devastation of the storm. He persuades Sarah to find accommodation and to discover the beauty of the seaside town whilst she has the opportunity. Sarah discovers much more as she takes a room at Mrs Peabody's residence, a room which coincidentally shares a balcony with Thad's room, and learns to unwind and take in the joy of small-town life. As can be expected, her guardian is not prepared to let her fortune go and he arrives at Sarah's original destination with her despicable finance in tow. Fortunately, Thad accompanies Sarah to the meeting, and together they face down the past and turn towards the future.

With a common thread running through these stories, one becomes invested in the lives of the community and their visitors, as each story brings a different aspect to the anthology. I received a copy of this book as a gift through BookSprout, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visits to Fenwick on Sea Lead to 💘Love

ADULT Historical Regency Romance and Seaside⛵🌊 🚀 Collected Anthology.📚
This is a wonderful set of linked novellas📚 by various well known and accomplished historical romance authors! All the stories revolve around a small English seaside port where the characters must take refuge during the storm🌊☔ of the century. Each author develops their own characters and romance story around the storm🌊☔ and the village's forced isolation.

Several of the authors 📚are new to me but are famous in the romance 💕genre. I will be expanding my reading base because of these exciting, well written books! 📚

This is a great chance to try other romance💕 authors📚 and to immerse yourself in hours and hours of beautifully written Regency romances💕. Highly recommend!

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon for 99¢

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travellers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the inn.

An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster 4.5 Stars
Letty Lovell is trying to get to Belgium to her uncle so that she can escape her guardian & his plan to marry her to his son. However a storm hits the ship, which flounders. When the lifeboat capsizes Letty is saved by a stranger, who helps her hold onto a piece of driftwood until they reach the shore. Simon Jarvis is a shadowy figure with a dark past but he can't let a young lady drown. A delightful story with a very unlikely pair who save each other

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon – Cerise Deland 5 Stars
Miss Josephine Meadows is so young. In love with life the daughter of a merchant who runs a network of informants. Russell Downey Earl of Stanton is responsible for making sure the supply chain of materials & men is kept for the war. They’ve loved each other for years but kept it to themselves. They marry & then spend their honeymoon trying to save one of her informant’s. A truly lovely romance with a couple who were perfect for each other.

The Tender Flood – Caroline Warfield Stars
Zach Newell knows Patience Abney is far above his touch. But he has been enchanted by her since she raced out of the storm and into the Queen’s Barque with a wagon full of small boys, puppies, and a bag of books. When the two of them make their way across the flooded marsh to her badly damaged school in search of a missing boy, attraction deepens. She risks scandal; he risks his heart. I think my joint favourite of the set, another wonderful story

Before I Found You – Sherry Ewing 4 Stars
Miss Miranda de Courtenay has only one goal in life: to find a rich husband who can change her status from Miss to My Lady. Captain Jasper Rousseau has no plans to become infatuated during a chance encounter at a ball especially as Miranda says they’ve no future. Jasper is having problems with a saboteur. An interesting read, whilst I loved Jasper, I didn’t warm to Miranda to begin with but gradually came to like her

The Comtesse of Midnight – Alina K. Field 3.5 Stars
Malcolm Comyn Earl of Menteith is on a quest for the elusive Comtesse de Fontenay who holds the key to his identity. He rescues a French lady smuggler from the surf during a devastating storm, and takes shelter with her. As the stormy night drags on, he suspects his companion knows the woman he’s seeking. When she admits she is, in fact, the Comtesse Fontenay, just not the one he’s seeking, she dashes all his hopes—and promises him new ones. Whilst a well written story it left me with unanswered questions & I need to read another book to find them


Wait For Me – Rue Allyn 4 Stars
Enemies by nature—Esmeralda Crobbin, aka the pirate Irish Red, and Captain, Lord Brandon Gilroy have met before. When a fierce storm creates a chance encounter and forced proximity, Brandon learns the pirate is a woman of serious honour and responsibility. Esmeralda discovers the captain is more than a uniform stuffed with rules and regulations. A delightful read with lovely characters but it left me with some unswaered questions

A Dream Come True – Jude Knight 5 Stars
The tempest that batters Barnaby Somerville’s village is the latest but not the least of his challenges.
Vicar to a remote parish, he stretches his tiny stipend to adopt his orphaned niece and nephew and his time to offer medical care as well as spiritual. A wife is a dream he cannot afford. But the storm sweeps into his life a surprising temptation—a charming young woman, Theodora Conroy who lavishes her gentle care upon his wards—and him. My joint favourite, I just loved it & wished it had been longer as I didn't want it to end

A Kiss By The Sea – Grace Burrowes 4.5 Stars
Thaddeus Pennrith finds a way to recover from multiple griefs when he accepts the blacksmith’s post at Fenwick on Sea & uses the name Thad Penn. Village life gives him a sense of belonging that Polite Society never could, though he must resume his aristocratic responsibilities soon. Along comes Lady Sarah Weatherby, refugee from an engagement gone badly awry, and Thad is faced with both a compelling reason to reveal his titled antecedents, and a longing to keep them forever hidden. A lovely finale to the set with wonderful characters. Both had secrets & being incognito. I loved how they found their HEA

Once again the Bluestocking Belles deliver, this anthology has eight delightful well written novellas. All of them have strong characters with depth, which isn’t easy to do in a short story but time & again these talented ladies achieve it. I loved that The Teatime Tattler had a titbit, which introduced each story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the synopsis says, “One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming stories,” taking place at the Queen’s Barque Inn in Fenwick on Sea. This is one of the best anthologies I’ve read for having the stories go together, even having characters from one author’s story being a side character in another author’s story. Very enjoyable! My favourites were The Tender Flood by Caroline Warfield and A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrowes, but really by only a small margin. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick novella read or for a longer read by reading all eight stories.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imprisoning storm allows love to unexpectedly blossom!
The minds of eight authors entwine the lives of sixteen intriguing characters and craft an array of highly enjoyable romance driven tales to explore. In the storm cut off village of Fenwick on Sea, as the need to remain anonymous binds eight unlikely couples together, to seek shelter, understanding and a desire to be bound by the seed of flourishing love.
With the continuity of linked characters and, in many cases, a delightfully perceptive, matchmaking, mastiff named Hector as chaperone and a meddlesome tattling maid, bent on exposing their secrets, all add to the fun. Can a happily ever after truly be possible? Let alone eight? With past histories, conflicting social statuses, vulnerabilities and loathsome scheming to overcome, I rather enjoyed finding out.

An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster:
The allusive saviour and the runaway heiress come together in a desperate need of rescue.
I was really sucked into this one from the churning tempest that tossed them together to the mysteries that surrounded Simon and Letty. Can Simon's haunting past be soothed by Letty's goodness, innocence and understanding?
With a great chemistry and a smooth flowing plotline of touching moments and subtle wit, interwoven within an intriguing web of tantalising going ons at The Queen's Baroque Inn, allowed the simmering connection, that continued to spark and build between the pair, to provide the glue for me to want to keep reading. Whilst the odious villians who drew near as Simon's harrowing past threatened to pull them apart, added to the mystery and drama as the pair grasped at the need to rescue the other from their encroaching demons.

Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise Deland:
Sweet endearing chemistry binds these well crafted, highly intelligent characters together as they formed a clear image in my mind.
I really adored the anticipation that built between this besotted couple as desire hummed beneath the surface, masked by their undeclared feelings, in this delightful bumbling, sweet, love affair. Josephine and Russ' love radiated off the page as mutual love at first sight, left to simmer and grow for six years, led to a highly desired marriage - even if unbeknownst to the other at the time - as the subtle wit threaded throughout captivated me and proved it to be anything but one of convenience. As covert operations, espionage, storms and shipwrecks force them apart will their true abiding feelings ever be revealed and sweep them finally, where they most want to be, tucked up tightly in each others arms? I really enjoyed entangling myself up in this one to find out!

The Tender Flood by Caroline Warfield:
Teacher Patience escapes the storm with a wagon full of small boys, that are so heartmelting and brimming with inquisitive energy that, when she bursts straight through the torrential rain and into ex soldier, Zach's surprise grasp, he can't prevent them burrowing deeply into his heart.
Both are such marvellously beguiling characters that defy convention in their own way. Zach for his determined nature not to let his war injury define him and Patience for her need to better the lifes of others even at detriment to herself. The sense of rightness, comfort, trust and sexual allure that simmers when they are together emcompasses everything they wants in a life partner. However, despite his mutual growing magnetic attraction, which not only makes for some fab tension, finds Zach fighting his potent feelings of yearning for her due to his belief he is unworthy. In conjunction, with his increasing feelings of admiration for her tenacity and ability to surprise as well as her open genuineness, caring and level headed nature, a spot of straight talking and the disappearance of one charge may just be enough to open his eyes and will him to fight to jump each hurdle before them and not erect them himself.
Together they create a sweet slow burning story I had fun unravelling, exploring and sighing at as it pulled at my heart strings and left me feeling uplifted.

Before I Found You by Sherry Ewing:
I really liked and admired Jasper, his depth of character and frustrated determination not to give up on Miranda really kept me reading.
The instant attraction that burned between them caught my attention but conflicted with Miranda's dream to be a lady and, as a result, stood in the way of their happiness. Miranda's need to have a title began to upset the flow a little despite making it easy for me to sympathise with Jasper all the more as I couldn't help but feel annoyed and frustrated by her mixed signals, where in places it even started to effect my warmth towards her. However, Ewing's well written style of writing, my love of Jasper, some engaging sub characters and a subplot entangled in sabotage, not to mention the moments of conflicting desire Miranda allowed to slip on occasion wouldn't let me give up. Especially as their connection radiated in waves whenever they were together which saw their chemistry simply crackle that I couldn't help but want a happy ending regardless. Making Miranda's dreams of being addressed as a lady not the only spot of sabotage lurking under the surface to sour their growing feelings and add a darker, enjoyable undercurrent to the tale.

The Comtesse of Midnight by Alina K. Field:
Zaps you straight into the storm alongside Malcolm as he stubbles upon the enigmatic Marielle. The closeted secrets they hold tightly, binds them, as attraction flares to drive the tale towards the need to seek answers, as an air of danger lurks in the shadows.
I loved the emphasis on mystery and motive as a battle of wits ensues to elicit trust and information from the other which simmers to mask the undercurrent of intense attraction that builds between them.
Despite, feeling I now need to read the linked series to fully understand the characters on a deeper level and seek a few answers of my own, the chemistry remained a draw between the clever and likable Malcolm and Marielle, as the dynamics between the younger man and older lady compels you to keep reading. Sucking you in as well through the want to solve the mysteries surrounding his parentage.

Wait for me by Rue Allyn:
A tantalising past history and blossoming great romance sparks amongst secrets steeped in piracy, smuggling and treachery.
Despite only impling that Brandon and Esme will attain their happily ever after in a future release this didn't detract from my enjoyment of this tale. In affect promising me more time to wallow in their deliciously heated clashes and battles of wit, that these strong, intriguing characters so delightfully indulged in, in the future.
A cat and mouse game of wiles, wit, admiration, sexual tension and a deeper desire to wipe the slate clean and to fall into each others arms quickly unfolded. Where a burning need to understand the other and forge a stronger bond, without compromising their integrity and principles, will have me waiting with keen anticipation for the release of The Pirate Duchess.

A Dream Come True by Jude Knight:
A sweet romance blossoms through understanding and a deep desire to belong together.
Through sickness, mean spirited gossip and a need for purpose, a connection blooms from attraction to sweetly tender love, forever binding four floundering souls as family.
This is a beautiful tale of selflessness, generosity and quiet love that builds between the intensely kind but struggling vicar, Barney, a displaced, self sacrificing lady's maid, Theo, and two struggling to be accepted orphans as they stand steadfastly together to fight for their own combined happiness, love and sense of belonging. A journey entangled with a subtle humour and heart melting thread that really endeared the four to me.

A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrowes:
An internal journey that see both Sarah and Thad escaping a path of manipulation and machination which will ultimately force them to join forces to forge a new fullfilling and happy future together.
A tale fueled by tenderly honest revelations, heated intimacy and well fleshed out characters.
Thad and Sarah's paths cross, misperceptions will morph into understanding whilst intense connection and heated desire will force them to reassess and discover who they truly are and what they ultimately need to be happy.
The chemistry and shift from trusted confidant to lovers is so sweetly charming in its tenderness that it mades the new found assertiveness and confidence they find so much more potent and compelling enough to hold your attention as you wish to champion their happily ever after.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed each tale, some admittedly burrowed emotionally deeper than others, but each held such intriguing characters, many of which made a cameo appearance in more than one of the tales, but all allowed me to eagerly anticipate my next chance to indulge in a two hour, bite sized slice, of heartening escapism!

[Jane H. Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an anthology of related tales that take place before, during, and after a particularly violent storm off the coast of Fenwick by the Sea. These anthologies always remind me of a box of chocolates. Part of the joy is feasting on words of authors you know, then sampling the writing of authors you have not read before. I do not usually read the whole book.

But this was not a “usual” situation. I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader. Thus I felt obligated to read every tale to its end. They were all delicious! The protagonists varied from wealthy peers to a wounded soldier. I enjoyed reading about the impoverished curate as much as the wealthy earl who was hiding as a blacksmith. I have to admit that my favorite tales were from the pens of Caroline Warfield, Sherry Ewing, Jude Knight, and Grace Burrows, authors with whom I am quite familiar. But all the authors penned stories and characters that were wonderful. I intend to become quite familiar with all of them.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sensational collection! I love how the stories weave together to tell about different people sheltered at the Queen’s Barque inn. It is like the game of Clue, where you hear each person’s story and piece together the whole picture. The authors do a superb job with consistency, and I can only imagine that this was a fun project for them. Each story has wonderful characters, dramatic and distressing moments, and a sigh worthy ending. This collection will definitely be a delightful addition to your library.

An Improbable Hero - Mary Lancaster
Oh what a fun story. Letty and Simon meet when they survive a shipwreck together. They end up at an inn where Letty declares Simon to be her husband. They spend the rest of the story saving each other. This quick story has action, a flawed hero, a determined but naive heroine, unscuplous relatives, a spy and a delightful supporting cast.

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon - Cerise Deland
Josephine waited six years for Russ to ask her to marry him, and on the night of her wedding, business interupted them. Although there is a distinct heaviness to this story, likely due to the unrelenting storm and political ramifications, it depicts two people who understand that love is about trust and unconditional support. It is refreshing to read about a couple who bring out the best in each other.

The Tender Flood - Caroline Warfield
Such a good story! Patience, the impoverished neice of an earl, has set up a school to teach boys. When the roof caves in, she and the boys escape to the local inn, where she finds all classes of people who are stranded due to the weather and unpassable roads. Zach, a former sergeant, was driving two majors to meet a transport to Brussels when they were stranded at the inn as well. Zach helped manage the boys and Patience gave her assistance to those at the inn. Of course they fell for each other, yet when Zach realized she was the neice of an earl, he decided she was off limits. This story has the energy of a whirlwind, endearing characters (except for a few judgmental busybodies) and a delightfully charming ending.

Before I Found You (A de Courtenay Novella) - Sherry Ewing
Despite her propensity for scandal, Miranda was determined to marry a titled gentleman. When she met the mysterious Jasper at a ball, she assumed that he was a peer. However, when she found that he was a ship’s captain, no matter how rich and respectable, she decided that they would not suit. Fate thought otherwise. Jasper was enamored with Miranda from the moment he saw her, and was disillusioned when she announced that she would only marry a man with a title. Stranded by the same storm, Miranda has a chance to rethink her priorities. I love Jasper and how the author has portrayed him. He is heroic, but in a very natural and nonchalant way. He sees through Miranda’s childishness and calls her on it. This story is action packed, moves at a good clip and has an adorable epilogue.

The Comtesse of Midnight - Alina K. Kline
Malcolm gets caught in a storm enroute to Bloodmoor Hill Manor. When he meets a lady dressed in men’s clothing along the way, they assist each other to the nearby inn. They are assigned a room and after they dance around each other, they discover that she has the information which he is seeking, and that they both have a common enemy. This is a story where you could get caught up in all the initial information and get lost. However, if you stick with it, all falls into place. There is a darkness and heaviness that hangs over this tale with its references to Macbeth (the Scottish play). The emotions are strong, the characters are compelling and the story is intense.

Wait For Me - Rue Allyn
Fabulous.... pirate and the naval officer who was determined to bring her to justice find love! Esme, the lovely pirate captain, Irish Red, trips over Brandon, the naval officer she left stranded on an island three years prior. Both find themselves sheltering from the storm at The Queen’s Barque. Esme, in cognito as Eugenia, runs afoul of a fence she knows who intends to blackmail her. Meanwhile, Brandon is on a mission searching for stolen munitions. What follows includes, conspiracy, secrets, threats, surprises, promises and a little bit of steam. This is such a well told tale, leaving much to the reader’s imagination, but also leaving the reader wanting more!

A Dream Come True - Jude Knight
Most delightful! Theo was the lady’s maid to the Earl of Hythe’s sister. Their ship was grounded on the rocks, requiring them to be rowed ashore and housed at The Queen’s Barque Inn. Theo, who suffered from travel sickness, was dehydrated and nearly unconscious as she was taken to the inn’s infirmary. Barnaby, the village vicar, was assisting those who were ill or injured and took a fancy to Theo. Circumstances occurred that caused them to spend a lot of time together, and she became close with Barnaby’s wards, his neice and nephew. Then things got sticky. This story had wonderful characters, a couple of villians and a decidedly wonderful ending.

A Kiss by the Sea - Grace Burrows
Thaddeus has been the blacksmith at Fenwick on Sea for the last five years. He meets Sarah when she needs her carriage repaired. Stuck there until repairs can be made and the road restored after the huge storm that just passed, Sarah has time to reflect on her life and enjoys the authenticity of the village residents, which is so different from London. She discovers that she can be her true self with Thaddeus, and they form a strong bond. When the life from which they both fled catches up to them, they stand together to achieve their desired results. It is fun to watch Sarah blossom in this story....and Thaddeus is the sensitive hunk that girls dream about. This is a quick tale in which two people find their voices and put undeserving relatives in their place.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cerise DeLand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique box set to work on and, I believe, it will be one readers will enjoy!
Why?
Here are eight grand romances set within the same time period, the same setting, the same set of circumstances. Yet each romance has its own tempo and conflicts. The couples work out their own challenges within the confines of an old inn on the northeast coast of England during ten days in which a storm stands them together and binds them forever.
Within each story is a viable rendering too of history that enhances the drama and brings each hero and heroine together for external reasons complemented by enormous personal odds.
I hope you read and love this set.
I enjoyed working with these talented authors on this extraordinary offering to our readers!

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice touch at the beginning of each story is a snippet from a reporter at the inn . Some of the people forced to seek shelter in the storm. Following the reporter's remarks is the blurb - which I absolutely love when that is at beginning. We never find out who the reporter is.

1. An Improbably Hero by Mary Lancaster - 4.5 STARS

Oh, how I didn't want this novella to end. This is a clean story with only a few kisses, but I felt a connection to them. Doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but you may feel like I do, I wanted to know about their future, did everything work out, were they happy and why didn't she live with the nicer relative, etc.?

Our h is running away from an arranged marriage with a cousin because she is an heiress. I loved her spunk and quick thinking. The H isn't the Gentlemen he portrays. I enjoyed how the h got him to admit certain things about his life.


2. Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise DeLand - 4.5 STARS

This author can write very steamy stories and some with just a touch. This is a clean story, kisses and talk of bedroom antics, but the bedroom door is almost totally shut - heat level .5 out of 5. But I felt it was more romantic than her steamer ones.

I enjoyed this couple. It took them both awhile to declare their love to each other. But, their actions spoke of love if the words were hard to say.

When I started this bundle I didn't realize it all has part of the action at the same inn - loved that.

Touch of violence, some suspense and wonderful character's. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue that ended things nicely.

3. THE TENDER FLOOD by Caroline Warfield - 5 STARS

How can a story be bad when it includes children and puppies?

My heart went out to the H/h. He because he had to quit the military because of an awful injury. The h because she wanted to help orphans and open a school.

Romance builds slowly and I found it sweet their interactions with the kids. No villains, still the inn is the place all meet. This is a clean story with only a few kisses. Enjoyed the epilogue, no cheating, HEA, romance and clean.

4. BEFORE I FOUND YOU by Sherry Ewing - 4 STARS

Took me awhile to like the h. She just didn't come across as warm and fuzzy., plus she always made the wrong decisions. She wanted a Titled gentleman, even though she felt a connection to the H. I liked the H, but wanted him to have more backbone with the h because she was always dismissing him because he was in trade.

Their relationship did improve about 75% into the book when she realized what she had in front of her. There is a villain and we aren't told what was his fate.

This is a clean story with only kisses. Loved the epilogue one year in the future.

5. THE COMTESSE OF MIDNIGHT by Alina K. Field - 3.5 STARS

I found most of this story confusing, many character's and how all related and who really was the Earl. It was like coming in the last 1/3 of a play.

Kisses, and some suggestive talk, otherwise clean.

6. WAIT FOR ME by Rue Allyn - 4.5 STARS

This is my 2nd story by this author and she can pull you into a story and hold you until the end. The journey this author takes you on with the h/H is exciting. No-one plays their rolls as you would think. My special feeling for this story, is she discovers information that he needs and she doesn't hold it hostage. Loved that!

This was 5 star review until the ending left out a huge chunk I wanted more of. The H/h have to separate and she leaves him a note when to meet up again if he is desires. Obviously by the epilogue all works out for them, BUT I wanted to know about her journey to another country, how was she received, who is the 3rd villain? I know I am being vague, but don't want to do spoiler's.

How the story starts out was so sweet, by someone telling these two children how their parents met. I knew it was going to be a special story from then on and it didn't disappoint.

Another clean story with only kisses but it was romantic to me and I felt a connection to them.

7. A DREAM COME TRUE by Jude Knight -5 STARS

To play off the title of this story, it was a dream to read!

There is sadness in this story about how people can’t see past skin color. A young man, age 14 is considered useless because his mom was white and his father black. My heart ached for him because it isn’t fiction when it still happens in this day and age. He is kind, helpful and loving but certain people can’t see that.

There are two nasty people in this story and happy to say they got theirs in the end! Story was so enjoyable to read and see how our couple and the village made their way to HEA.

Clean sweet story that shows you don’t need sex to feel a connection. Their love for each other and
the children blossomed in the sweetest way.

8. A KISS BY THE SEA by Grace Burrowes - 4 STARS

This one had lovemaking in it - the only one of the bundle. Heat level 3 out of 5 and several times on page. I felt the h in this novella didn't behave or talk as the time period would suggest. It was more modern as were her opinions on sex.

Enjoyable town that all the stories took place. I hated to leave it behind because people are friendly and help each other.

The H is an Earl but hasn't fully embraced it and for the last 5 years has assisted as a blacksmith. The h is a wealthy women who is suppressed by her uncle. She becomes betrothed to a man her uncle suggests and they have sex (this is off page but she does discuss how he took her to the H). Her betrothed is trying to get her pregnant so she can't back out of the wedding. She runs away and is having to settle into the same seaside town as everyone in the previous stories do.

I wanted an epilogue. I wanted to know how she liked where the H had his real home. Was she able to get pregnant since she had sex all the time with her betrothed and never got pregnant. We do get HEA, little on romance for me.

I received an early copy, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great anthology of novellas by some very gifted writers! All of the stories center around the Queen's Barque Inn and a fierce storm that drives the characters all together. The characters are real and vulnerable, raw and determined, scared and innocent. But at the end of the story you are left with a smile, a sigh, a giggle or two. All of these stories can be read as a stand alone. In Mary Lancaster's An Improbable Hero we me Simon who is on a mission but he didn't count on Letty being part of that mission. In Cerise DeLand's Lord Stanton's Shocking Seaside Honeymoon Josephine and Russell spend their honeymoon looking for a spy. In Caroline Warfield's The Tender Flood a wounded war hero turned coachman loves the daughter of an impoverished vicar with ties to royalty. She pulls out all the stops to prove he is a man worthy of any woman's heart. In Sherry Ewing's Before I Found You Courtenay wants a titled gentleman like her sisters have but Captain Jasper may just change her mind. In Alina K. Field's The Comtesse of Midnight Malcolm is searching for himself but he finds Marielle. Together can they both find what they are looking for? In Rue Allyn's Wait for Me a privateer who has been hunted by the English as a pirate stumbles upon a British Naval officer and rescues him. Will one good turn deserve another or will he turn her in? In Jude Knight's A Dream Come True Daniel is a man of God who has been put in charge of his sister's two children. Theodora helps him overcome the adversity he faces from racism. In Grace Burrows' A Kiss By The Sea Thad is a handsome, intelligent blacksmith. When Lady Sarah gets stranded in Fenwick on the Sea Thad is more that happy to help out a stranded beautiful lady. All of these stories are well written. They are short stories so they can be read quickly. You find yourself starting one and then you can't seem to stop until you finish and then you just want to peek at the next one. Pretty soon it is daylight and you have stayed up all night reading and enjoyed every minute of it. This is definitely a must-read collection of stories!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Set of Intertwined Stories

This book contains eight novellas written by eight different authors. The fun part of it is that all of the books are about the same village, storm and even mention some of the same characters. Each story is a stand alone but I like how they are intertwined together. The plot is a huge storm that blows off the North Sea and hits the small village of Fenwick on the Sea. Many of the stories have the survivors from ships and also stranded travelers staying in the only inn, The Queen's Barque. There is a rumor that there is someone from the gossip newspaper staying in the inn. This set of short stories gives a nice introduction to the writing styles of each of these authors.

Before I Found You by Sherry Ewing involves a character from two of her previous books, Miranda de Courtenay. Her brother Adrian and her sister Grace have both married into families where they received titles. Her desire is to do the same and marry a titled gentleman. She may begin to have second thoughts when she meets Captain Jasper Rousseau at a ball and dances with him without having a prior introduction. Miranda seems to have a problem staying out of trouble with her brother and the Ton. The spark that was lit between them is quenched by Miranda when she reveals her desire to marry a titled gentleman. But circumstances continue to draw the couple together and the storm may give them a chance for their love to flourish. This story involved some intrigue as an enemy keeps sabotaging Jasper's ship,The Legacy which may have caused his ship crashing during the storm.

I really enjoyed reading each story and love the time period during the war with Napoleon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review. 3.75 stars.
-I will not review all the stories individually unless something major happened in it.
-For instance, Wait For Me by Rue Allyn ends with a cliffhanger and that's worth a 3 stars for me. We don't get the full story of the romance and we're missing what's important.
-After that one, my least favorite was A Kiss by the Sea by Grace Burrowes. There were too many secrets, not enough important conversations. The uncle and fiancé both gave up too fast, too easily. Also, at some point, the H says "promise me something" but we never heard what he was expecting - the convo trailed off to something else. This is the only story that doesn't interact directly with the rest of the people stranded there; the H/h live in their own little world.
-Some authors use foreign words but don't know how to write them up: for ex. enciente vs. enceinte.
-Some authors keep repeating facts 2-3, sometimes 4 times, in such a short story.
-Good stories but best read in the context of the series they belong to.
-I loved the difference in authors' styles and I loved reading favorite authors again such as Sherry Ewing.
-I also liked the premise that all the stories intertwined together somehow (except the last one didn't).

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of note... Bonaparte has escaped Elba and one of the worst storms known to hit Fenwick On Sea has forced many to seek shelter at The Queen's Barque and Mrs Peabody's rooms to rent. Roads are flooded and blocked with landslides. A grounded ship is blocking the way out of the harbor. There was a shipwreck that fortunately had survivors. A conglomerate of people seeking shelter to wait out the storm come with their own set of personal problems. Unfortunately, a journalist from THE TEA TATTLER is there, too. Don't count on your secrets staying secret.
In each novella are interesting couples that may overlap more or less with others that live or are seeking shelter in Fenwick. One may have a more satisfactory ending than another. All the stories have one thing in common, finding resolutions to their problems.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of exceptional romances written by a group of eight very talented authors. The stories all center around a terrible storm that occurs in the village of Fenwick and everybody gathers at Queen Barque Inn for shelter. I am familiar with the works of some of the authors in this group but some are new to me. I am glad I picked this one up because I now have so many new authors to follow! Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished.  I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! This is truly a gem of a collection and if you love Regency romances, you definitely will want to add this to your collection!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SETTING: An 1815 storm along the Eastern coast of England causes shipwrecks, flooding of the lands, makes a wonderful backdrop against which these stories are framed. What happens to local inhabitants, the shipwreck survivors, and the English military that are preparing for the next war with Bonaparte, form some of the stories we enjoy in this timeless collection—certain to be enjoyed for years. The exploration of the human condition of those who seek shelter in “The Queen’s Barque Inn” has something for everyone. Oh, yes! It all happens on February 14th!

CRITIQUE: Wonderful set of stories!
I enjoyed the way the 8 novellas work together to bring a clearer picture of the survivors of the storm. Some stories had a touch of humor, others pulled on your heartstrings. Several had tie-ins with the author’s other books (which was a delightful surprise!). 7 of the 8 were 5 stars in my opinion, with the remaining one a 4.5. Therefore, I found I had a hard time putting the book down. If you love historical fiction that has some depth to it, this is a set of stories that you will want to add to your shelf.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kety · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this anthology of stories...
Fun.. surprises... villains... and a lot of storm... no roads are passable and so a village is isolated from the world...
So many lives intertwined... plots... sweet moments...
Wonderful characters... ladies and lords in disguises... traitors... and so on...
A bookset for all...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mildly uneven anthology of impressive length, comprised of mostly clean and proper romances all based around the same small town inn during a terrible storm. I think my favorite was the one about the schoolteacher and the coachman.

[Sherry Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bluestocking Belles once again bring us an amazing box set. 8 authors each with a unique storyline but all In the same setting in the village of Fenwick by the Sea the same Inn during a terrible storm. I live the touch of history and the report from the Tea time Tattler. There is some reference to characters from the other stories which I also thought was a nice touch. I loved them all!

[Suanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great anthology of novellas from some of my favorite romance authors. Each story centers around a storm-of-the-century blowing off the North Sea, sufficiently severe to beach ships and wreck others. Roadways along the cliffs collapsed as well as the roofs of home. The Queen's Barque Inn provides sustenance and shelter for a multitude of people driven by the storm and arriving as refugees. Each story stands alone, but all are interwoven. I particularly enjoyed Mary Lancaster’s story of Simon and Letty, an unlikely pair of lovers (she running away from an abusive guardian and he a spy/mercenary. The story of Patience and Zach dealing with her charges, little boys she’s trying to teach in a school of her own making by Caroline Warfield. Cerise DeLand’s story of Jo and Russell as they try to keep supplies flowing to British troops fighting Napoleon. Each story can be read as a nightcap after a long hard day.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining & Enjoyable!
What a unique way of getting 8 different stories, each with different viewpoints and characters in one period of time and every one of these stories was very readable.
In all honesty, I cannot say that I enjoyed one more than the other as they all seem to be equally well written, entertaining and enjoyable.
This is most definitely a set of books well worth investing in.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above based on my own thoughts about these stories.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great boxset from the Blue Stocking Belles. Each story is separate but interlinked by the events of the storm cutting off the roads to and from the small village of Fenwick upon Sea. Each story is good in its own right with well written characters, humour, action and lots of tales of village life. Many of the people stranded in the village are not who they seem. A fun boxset full of short reads.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.