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Gold Sky #2
Hearth and Home
Can a wealthy businessman find love as a mail order groom?
Julian Baptiste was determined to find a love as epic as that of his parents. As the son of a freedwoman and a wealthy Union solider, Julian was unique among the glittering upper 400 of New York Society. Shrewd in business and discrete with his affairs, Julian was not a man to be trifled with.
Until her. One glimpse of Violet Shield and Julian is haunted. As the cook of the boarding house where he is staying while visiting his sister Julie and her two husbands Violet is a breath of fresh air. But Julian is hesitant to call it love at such a short acquaintance and is determined to be only a friend to her.
But when an unexpected advert for a husband is placed on Violet's behalf, the frontier cook's reputation and her very future are at stake. And Julian finds himself stepping into a role he is powerless to resist. Mail order groom.
Amidst the wilds of the sweeping Montana frontier to the riches of the New York 400, Julian and Violet fall deeply in love. But can love be enough when misunderstandings threaten the fragile new passion they have found?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2019
99 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Rebel Carter
46 books352 followersRebel Carter loves love. So much in fact that she decided to write the love stories she desperately wanted to read. A book by Rebel means diverse characters, sexy banter, a real big helping of steamy scenes, and, of course, a whole lotta heart.
Rebel lives in Colorado, makes a mean espresso, and is hell-bent on filling your bookcase with as many romance stories as humanly possible!
Rebel lives in Colorado, makes a mean espresso, and is hell-bent on filling your bookcase with as many romance stories as humanly possible!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 10, 2020
Hearth and Home is a slow burn, mail order groom story (yes, seriously!) with an unusual twist and a cinnamon roll hero. I enjoyed Julian and Violet's story, although it was a little slower to get to their relationship than I might have preferred and I'm not sure what to make of the story structure. I really appreciate what the author is doing here- giving us a diverse historical series with unconventional characters- and I overall had a good time with this. However, the plot feels like it jumps around a lot rather than having a clear thread tying it together, and that makes the pacing feel uneven.
We get a long buildup to the wedding, then a semi-honeymoon, then a trip to New York (at this point, I'm not sure where things are going or what the conflict is) and then a conflict right near the end that gets resolved. I liked all the pieces, but they didn't fit together seamlessly and I was hoping for a bit more. I also prefer a dual-perspective romance and while I loved Julian, I really wish we had gotten Violet's POV as well. That said, I wouldn't steer you away from this, especially if you like a book that is a bit lower on steam and a slow-burn.
We get a long buildup to the wedding, then a semi-honeymoon, then a trip to New York (at this point, I'm not sure where things are going or what the conflict is) and then a conflict right near the end that gets resolved. I liked all the pieces, but they didn't fit together seamlessly and I was hoping for a bit more. I also prefer a dual-perspective romance and while I loved Julian, I really wish we had gotten Violet's POV as well. That said, I wouldn't steer you away from this, especially if you like a book that is a bit lower on steam and a slow-burn.
October 8, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person I think only from the hero’s point of view
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: bought audiobook
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not necessary for a rebel reader – there’s character overlap and some light page time with the mains from book 1, but each romance does stand alone.
Basic plot:
Julian is holding out for true love – and wonders if he’s found it when he meets the cook of the boarding house he’s staying at out west.
Give this a try if you want:
- Not 100% sure on time frame here, but I think it’s late 1800s? The hero’s family is a part of the upper echelons of New York society
- American west/New York setting (maybe half and half or a bit more in the Western setting)
- American mains (?) – Julian has mixed heritage (he is the son of a Union solder and a free Black woman and a part of the upper 400 in NY), and Violet has a Mexican accent (but I’m not 100% sure on her family history)
- consent is a focus
- instalust/instalove (on the hero’s part) that kind of leads into friends to lovers because he distances himself
- class difference – hero is rich and a respected member of society and heroine was a maid/cook at a boarding house in the West
- cartographer/artist heroine
- marriage of convenience
- cinnamon roll hero
- mid steam – 3 full scenes but they are on the light side (details and length)
Ages:
- Hero is 21, didn’t catch heroine but would guess a similar age?
First Line
Julian stepped inside the boarding house and cautioned a look around him.
My thoughts:
I liked this one okay. I love the narrator – sped up a bit, his voice was perfection. So I had a fun time listening to this while doing some other things around my house, but the romance wasn’t strong enough for me to want to really love this one.
I also think this one was only from the hero's perspective, which I love!
I think maybe I had in my head ‘mail order groom’ and honestly this didn’t fit that for me. Yes, there’s a mail order groom aspect to it, but it was more the hero rescuing her from mail order grooms 😆 So I might have set myself up for certain expectations and was disappointed.
This one starts with a bit of instalust for the hero, but he distances himself. So it’s more of a slow burn with them getting to know each other and becoming friends. There was lot of plot drama in this one to me – lots of society catty behavior that I struggled with a bit. And then they move on to New York in the second half and the angst picked up a bit and I appreciated that (loooove my angst), but also the miscommunication came in.
I think I struggled with this one a bit, because while the mains were on page quite a bit together, I wanted more bonding between them. More alone time where they were really getting to know each other. There was some tension building. But it all felt a bit slow. It was cute though. It was pleasant. I’m definitely going to read more in the series and hope I find something I love a bit more.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: Her scenes are a bit on the light side – like foreplay was decent but actual penetration/orgasm was lighter
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person I think only from the hero’s point of view
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: bought audiobook
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not necessary for a rebel reader – there’s character overlap and some light page time with the mains from book 1, but each romance does stand alone.
Basic plot:
Julian is holding out for true love – and wonders if he’s found it when he meets the cook of the boarding house he’s staying at out west.
Give this a try if you want:
- Not 100% sure on time frame here, but I think it’s late 1800s? The hero’s family is a part of the upper echelons of New York society
- American west/New York setting (maybe half and half or a bit more in the Western setting)
- American mains (?) – Julian has mixed heritage (he is the son of a Union solder and a free Black woman and a part of the upper 400 in NY), and Violet has a Mexican accent (but I’m not 100% sure on her family history)
- consent is a focus
- instalust/instalove (on the hero’s part) that kind of leads into friends to lovers because he distances himself
- class difference – hero is rich and a respected member of society and heroine was a maid/cook at a boarding house in the West
- cartographer/artist heroine
- marriage of convenience
- cinnamon roll hero
- mid steam – 3 full scenes but they are on the light side (details and length)
Ages:
- Hero is 21, didn’t catch heroine but would guess a similar age?
First Line
Julian stepped inside the boarding house and cautioned a look around him.
My thoughts:
I liked this one okay. I love the narrator – sped up a bit, his voice was perfection. So I had a fun time listening to this while doing some other things around my house, but the romance wasn’t strong enough for me to want to really love this one.
I also think this one was only from the hero's perspective, which I love!
I think maybe I had in my head ‘mail order groom’ and honestly this didn’t fit that for me. Yes, there’s a mail order groom aspect to it, but it was more the hero rescuing her from mail order grooms 😆 So I might have set myself up for certain expectations and was disappointed.
This one starts with a bit of instalust for the hero, but he distances himself. So it’s more of a slow burn with them getting to know each other and becoming friends. There was lot of plot drama in this one to me – lots of society catty behavior that I struggled with a bit. And then they move on to New York in the second half and the angst picked up a bit and I appreciated that (loooove my angst), but also the miscommunication came in.
I think I struggled with this one a bit, because while the mains were on page quite a bit together, I wanted more bonding between them. More alone time where they were really getting to know each other. There was some tension building. But it all felt a bit slow. It was cute though. It was pleasant. I’m definitely going to read more in the series and hope I find something I love a bit more.
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: Her scenes are a bit on the light side – like foreplay was decent but actual penetration/orgasm was lighter
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
March 15, 2020
Hearth and Home was a great sequel to Heart and Hand, with just enough of the town’s meddling and great romance to make it delightful.
Can a wealthy businessman find love as a mail order groom?
Hearth and Home CoverJulian Baptiste was determined to find a love as epic as that of his parents. As the son of a freedwoman and a wealthy Union solider, Julian was unique among the glittering upper 400 of New York Society. Shrewd in business and discrete with his affairs, Julian was not a man to be trifled with.
Until her. One glimpse of Violet Shield and Julian is haunted. As the cook of the boarding house where he is staying while visiting his sister Julie and her two husbands Violet is a breath of fresh air. But Julian is hesitant to call it love at such a short acquaintance and is determined to be only a friend to her.
But when an unexpected advert for a husband is placed on Violet’s behalf, the frontier cook’s reputation and her very future are at stake. And Julian finds himself stepping into a role he is powerless to resist. Mail order groom.
Amidst the wilds of the sweeping Montana frontier to the riches of the New York 400, Julian and Violet fall deeply in love. But can love be enough when misunderstandings threaten the fragile new passion they have found? (Goodreads)
Goodreads
I received an eARC of Hearth and Home from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in this series, Heart and Hand, got a mention in Xan West’s Polyamorous Romance Recs list. If you haven’t read Heart and Hand yet, you might want to go do that before you continue reading this review because there’s no way to avoid spoilers for it.
The fictional town of Gold Sky is wonderful at getting into each other’s business, which we saw a ton of in Heart and Hand. In that, Hearth and Home did not disappoint. I loved how the whole town, including Julie’s husbands, got involved in trying to get Julian and Violet together, even before they realized that was what they were doing. It was also perfect that Julian was working on bringing the railroad to Gold Sky because that is such a huge part of western history and stories.
You can read my full review here!
Can a wealthy businessman find love as a mail order groom?
Hearth and Home CoverJulian Baptiste was determined to find a love as epic as that of his parents. As the son of a freedwoman and a wealthy Union solider, Julian was unique among the glittering upper 400 of New York Society. Shrewd in business and discrete with his affairs, Julian was not a man to be trifled with.
Until her. One glimpse of Violet Shield and Julian is haunted. As the cook of the boarding house where he is staying while visiting his sister Julie and her two husbands Violet is a breath of fresh air. But Julian is hesitant to call it love at such a short acquaintance and is determined to be only a friend to her.
But when an unexpected advert for a husband is placed on Violet’s behalf, the frontier cook’s reputation and her very future are at stake. And Julian finds himself stepping into a role he is powerless to resist. Mail order groom.
Amidst the wilds of the sweeping Montana frontier to the riches of the New York 400, Julian and Violet fall deeply in love. But can love be enough when misunderstandings threaten the fragile new passion they have found? (Goodreads)
Goodreads
I received an eARC of Hearth and Home from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in this series, Heart and Hand, got a mention in Xan West’s Polyamorous Romance Recs list. If you haven’t read Heart and Hand yet, you might want to go do that before you continue reading this review because there’s no way to avoid spoilers for it.
The fictional town of Gold Sky is wonderful at getting into each other’s business, which we saw a ton of in Heart and Hand. In that, Hearth and Home did not disappoint. I loved how the whole town, including Julie’s husbands, got involved in trying to get Julian and Violet together, even before they realized that was what they were doing. It was also perfect that Julian was working on bringing the railroad to Gold Sky because that is such a huge part of western history and stories.
You can read my full review here!
September 30, 2019
Hearth and Home was an enjoyable read. I really this spin on the mail order bride trope. It was at times cute, sweet and steamy. This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last.
Copy provided by author
Copy provided by author
April 29, 2020
Julian Baptiste is determined to find a love that is as strong as his parents. What he doesn’t expect is to fall after just one glimpse of Violet Shield. When an advertisement is placed for Violet to find a husband, Julian steps up to save her from the unwanted advances and becomes a mail order groom.
Julian is a sweet man with his family, but the majority of society only sees the shrewd businessman and investor. Being in Gold Sky is a breath of fresh air for Julian and he finally relaxes and shows his true self to people, especially Violet. I liked Julian. He is protective, smart, and very business savvy, but he also has a sweet and fun side that is only seen by his family. I loved watching him let his walls down with Violet and show his true self.
“Home isn’t a place, it’s something you carry with you.”
I really liked Violet. Violet is a beautiful woman, who works hard. She just wants the freedom to be herself and do what she wants. Julian gives her the space to be her own woman and have the family she wants. I loved that Julian actually nourishes her artistic side and asks her to be his cartographer. He was so supportive of her ideas and feelings that I just couldn’t help but love him. Together they learn how to be happy and still pursue their own career paths.
Overall, I really enjoyed seeing another Baptiste fall in love. After the epilogue I wish we could get a prequel book to get the parents story because it sounds like it would be a good one. If you are looking for a sweet and light historical romance set in the West check out this series.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
_____________________________
Romanceopoly 2020 Moon - Past Eaves
Julian is a sweet man with his family, but the majority of society only sees the shrewd businessman and investor. Being in Gold Sky is a breath of fresh air for Julian and he finally relaxes and shows his true self to people, especially Violet. I liked Julian. He is protective, smart, and very business savvy, but he also has a sweet and fun side that is only seen by his family. I loved watching him let his walls down with Violet and show his true self.
“Home isn’t a place, it’s something you carry with you.”
I really liked Violet. Violet is a beautiful woman, who works hard. She just wants the freedom to be herself and do what she wants. Julian gives her the space to be her own woman and have the family she wants. I loved that Julian actually nourishes her artistic side and asks her to be his cartographer. He was so supportive of her ideas and feelings that I just couldn’t help but love him. Together they learn how to be happy and still pursue their own career paths.
Overall, I really enjoyed seeing another Baptiste fall in love. After the epilogue I wish we could get a prequel book to get the parents story because it sounds like it would be a good one. If you are looking for a sweet and light historical romance set in the West check out this series.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
_____________________________
Romanceopoly 2020 Moon - Past Eaves
July 17, 2023
This installment is much better than the first (and yes, I buckled and got the audio version to accompany the Kindle version).
However, it still utilizes the much-hated miscommunication (issue could have be resolved with an honest conversation) trope that drives me insane! There is also the making assumptions and trying to resolve not-yet-existing problems issue!
That being said - I liked the couple. I especially liked Julian's insistence that Violet be her own woman (even when he occasionally forgot it himself).
Oh, speaking of the audio - the word "plait" is pronounced as PLAT, not PLATE! SMH!
However, it still utilizes the much-hated miscommunication (issue could have be resolved with an honest conversation) trope that drives me insane! There is also the making assumptions and trying to resolve not-yet-existing problems issue!
That being said - I liked the couple. I especially liked Julian's insistence that Violet be her own woman (even when he occasionally forgot it himself).
Oh, speaking of the audio - the word "plait" is pronounced as PLAT, not PLATE! SMH!
October 1, 2019
Ah, it's great to be back in Gold Sky again. This time we get Julien's tale, the twin brother of Julie from book 1. Julien was a dreamboat. So kind, understanding, and loving, and just a little bit daft at the beginning. Violet is a character that has been through so much and just wants to be equal and loved,, in walks Julien. This story will give you all the feels. Happy, mad, surprised, and happy again! This book was a sweet story of finding love, acceptance and family. And the Baptiste family is one I would love to be a member of. I don't want to give anything away, but the moments before the wedding I was holding my breath in anticipation, and then I cheered! That was the most beautiful and telling part of the book. I loved it. Well, to be honest, I enjoyed the entire book! I would definitely recommend reading Ms. Rebel's work!
October 1, 2019
Hearth and Home: Interracial Mail Order Groom Romance is the second book in the Gold Sky Series. This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be the last. I really enjoyed this sweet western romance with a twist on the mail order bride theme. Julian and Violet are charming and well-developed characters. The story flows nicely and is well written and original.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.
October 4, 2019
First off, I LOOOOOVED Julian. LOVED. That said, I think the POV being solely his gave us a lot about him and his backstory, but we didn't really get to see enough of Violet's to connect with her as much as we connect with Julian. There isn't a lot of conflict in this story, so the characters aren't really put under pressure that tests their characters and shows us more about them. But if you want a low-angst story with a cinnamon roll hero, this one's for you.
May 5, 2020
YES!
+Interracial Romance between two POC! Julian is black/white and Violet is Mexican.
+I'm so glad that they acknowledged that what Alice did was unacceptable. Violet agrees that she does need a husband, but that Alice went about it all wrong.
+Julian is such a gentleman! But that doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes...
+Fake engagement gone wrong!!!
NO!
-I don't feel like I really got know Violet (much like Forrest and Will), since this is all from Julian's POV.
-Two months later...end.
+Interracial Romance between two POC! Julian is black/white and Violet is Mexican.
+I'm so glad that they acknowledged that what Alice did was unacceptable. Violet agrees that she does need a husband, but that Alice went about it all wrong.
+Julian is such a gentleman! But that doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes...
+Fake engagement gone wrong!!!
NO!
-I don't feel like I really got know Violet (much like Forrest and Will), since this is all from Julian's POV.
-Two months later...end.
October 20, 2020
This was slow but sweet
This is my second book by this author and in this series.
Primarily I'd categorize this as brain candy.
Light and sweet
This is my second book by this author and in this series.
Primarily I'd categorize this as brain candy.
Light and sweet
December 22, 2020
Really enjoyed Julian and Violet's story!
February 20, 2024
“Hearth and Home” is a historical romance and is book two in the seven book “Gold Sky” series by author Rebel Carter. “Hearth and Home” focuses on the transformation of twenty-one-year-old Julian Baptiste III from a wealthy businessman and highly sought after New York bachelor into a mail-order groom.
The novel consists of eighteen chapters, an epilogue, thank you from the author, and an excerpt from “Honor and Desire,” the third book in the Gold Sky series.
The novel begins by introducing main character Julian Baptiste III, brother of Julie Wickes-Barnes (main character from “Heart and Hand)” as he is preparing to check in at the local boardinghouse operated by Julie’s friend Alice Hill. While checking into the boardinghouse, Julian is immediately taken aback by a beautiful woman name Violet Shield who has a Mexican accent and a confident personality. When he refers to Violet her as Miss Shield, she quickly corrects him to not call her Miss since she’s not a lady but only a working woman to which Julian replies that a person’s occupation has no bearing on whether or not one is a lady.
During breakfast the next day, when Alice overhears Violet and Julian being on a first name basis, Alice accuses Julian of attempting to woo her cook before leaving her brokenhearted. Once Alice realizes who Julian actually is, Alice is apologetic, and Julian says all is forgiven. As Julian attempts to enjoy his breakfast, he meets Mary and Sarah James, an upper-class mother and daughter from Texas also staying at the boardinghouse, Julian finds that even being on the other side of the country, he can’t escape opportunistic women seeking him out to marry since he is a wealthy man. After seeing rude treatment towards Violet by the James’, Julian decides to distance himself from the James’.
Julian’s backstory is that he has grown up knowing that people only want to use or trap him and his path in life would be harder as a black man which he tries to remedy by getting a business degree from Columbia University. Julian reserves his tender heart with only the women in his family since many people in New York judge him by his skin color. Being in Gold Sky allows Julian to blend in and let his defenses down.
As the novel progresses, Julian decides that to build a railroad depot in Gold Sky to connect to depots already established further west. By getting a jump of railroad tycoons in the east, he feels that the depot will grow the town since it is full of people of different races and income levels. Julian quickly sets about hiring a carpenter as well as other skilled tradesmen for the depot as a way to stop thinking about Violet. After establishing a partnership with local carpenter Anthony Stark, he begins using Stark’s contacts for building and labor.
As Julian and Violet head to breakfast, they have a tense verbal interaction with the James’ after the women discover that his sister Julie is the woman who is married to two men. When Alice becomes aware of the James’ women rude treatment of Violet, she immediately kicks them out of her boardinghouse. After Alice and Julian finish protecting Violet from the hurtful women, Alice secretly concocts a plan to ensure that Violet will never feel unprotected from snobby people again by placing an ad in the local paper for a husband.
When a man comes to Violet responding to her newspaper ad looking for a husband, she is shocked and confused. After Violet realizes that Alice is responsible for the newspaper ad, Violet’s anger is swift. Once Alice explains that she wants Violet to be married for when she is no longer around, Julian makes an exit but not before Alice implies that she’ll talk to him later.
As Julian attempts to enjoy his dinner, he is shocked when the boardinghouse restaurant is full of potential suitors for Violet of various ages. Although Violet doesn’t want a husband, she’s determined to see things through and handle the situation politely and gracefully.
The next morning, Julian is surprised when the restaurant is empty of suitors and asks will she choose any of the men she spoke with. Violet replied that although she spoke with all the men, it would make things worse if she didn’t go along with Alice’s plan. Violet refuses the marry because she realizes that marriage is a life of being told what to do by another man and she is more than her job of cooking and cleaning and love.
When Julian discovers that a cartographer is needed to help with the new railroad depot project, Anthony suggests that he Violet her due to her excellent artistic skills and mentions that her father was a well-known cartographer in their home state in California and was planning to work in Washington, D.C. before his untimely death.
Just as Julian is preparing to ask Violet about working as his project cartographer, he overhears scandalous rumors regarding Violet, and he realizes how easily her reputation could be permanently ruined. In order to save her reputation, Julian decides to pretend he’s engaged to Violet, much to the surprise of those spreading the rumors and Violet herself. When Sarah James publicly questions Julian about his impending marriage to Violet, he is quick to remind her of his mother’s previous experience as a working woman.
Behind closed doors, Julian explains that pretending to be married was the only way to save her reputation. Julian and Violet plan to pretend to get married with plans to call off their engagement after time passes. When Julie confronts Julian about his engagement as printed in the local newspaper, Julian tells her it’s not real. Unbeknownst to Julian and Violet, Rosemary Stanton, head of the local newspaper decides to not announce an engagement but instead, a surprise wedding between him and Violet held at noon the next day.
When Julian and Violet discover what Rosemary has done, Julian attempts to derail the upcoming nuptials and finds surprising support from his mother who offers to find out Violet’s true feelings for Julian. Given the opportunity to go to New York or marry Julian, he assumes she’ll choose her freedom and is shocked when she arrives for their wedding. Following their wedding, true feelings are spoken, and Julian is free to love Violet as he wishes and she loves him because he was willing to let her go.
In plan for the depot, Julian experiences concern when it’s revealed that Violet will need to go out and camp to scout the land for a week to assist in sketching a map. When Anthony suggests that Julian escorts Violet into the far frontier to help with the map, he reluctantly agrees. While out in the frontier, Julian is impressed by Violet’s horse riding and outdoor skills. As their days in the frontier pass, Julian becomes sullen when he thinks of them returning to Gold Sky and not sleeping until the stars. Tensions between Julian and Violet come to a head during a rainstorm and they both fall in the river leading Violet’s anger to dissipate.
Upon returning to Gold Sky, Julian takes Violet to New York to introduce her to high society as his parents also return to New York. At a gala organized by his mother, Violet is having a good time until she has an upsetting experience with a man hired by Julian. The next day, Violet confronts Julian with his plan to divorce her now that her purpose as cartographer had ended. Once Julian tells Violet what she heard was lies, he discloses that what he was hiding from her was paperwork giving her half of his wealth and property as well as any future property or wealth. Violet readily signs the documents and they become full equals.
The novel ends with an epilogue occurring Christmas in New York City with all of the Baptiste family in the house as well as Julie and her family of four. The new expanded family enjoy such holiday traditions as hearing the story of how Julie and Julian’s parents met much to the delight of Baptiste in-laws Forrest, Will, and Violet.
As I finished the novel, I liked how Carter writes Julian as a strong black man who demands respect and is confident in her place in both high society as well as small town environments. Likewise, I liked how he sees past Violet’s job as a cook to the person she is on the inside and protects her even before they begin a romance relationship. I also liked how Carter provides Voilet with a fully developed personality and hobbies including reading and art and how despite working as a cook, Violet carries herself as a lady throughout the entire novel.
The novel consists of eighteen chapters, an epilogue, thank you from the author, and an excerpt from “Honor and Desire,” the third book in the Gold Sky series.
The novel begins by introducing main character Julian Baptiste III, brother of Julie Wickes-Barnes (main character from “Heart and Hand)” as he is preparing to check in at the local boardinghouse operated by Julie’s friend Alice Hill. While checking into the boardinghouse, Julian is immediately taken aback by a beautiful woman name Violet Shield who has a Mexican accent and a confident personality. When he refers to Violet her as Miss Shield, she quickly corrects him to not call her Miss since she’s not a lady but only a working woman to which Julian replies that a person’s occupation has no bearing on whether or not one is a lady.
During breakfast the next day, when Alice overhears Violet and Julian being on a first name basis, Alice accuses Julian of attempting to woo her cook before leaving her brokenhearted. Once Alice realizes who Julian actually is, Alice is apologetic, and Julian says all is forgiven. As Julian attempts to enjoy his breakfast, he meets Mary and Sarah James, an upper-class mother and daughter from Texas also staying at the boardinghouse, Julian finds that even being on the other side of the country, he can’t escape opportunistic women seeking him out to marry since he is a wealthy man. After seeing rude treatment towards Violet by the James’, Julian decides to distance himself from the James’.
Julian’s backstory is that he has grown up knowing that people only want to use or trap him and his path in life would be harder as a black man which he tries to remedy by getting a business degree from Columbia University. Julian reserves his tender heart with only the women in his family since many people in New York judge him by his skin color. Being in Gold Sky allows Julian to blend in and let his defenses down.
As the novel progresses, Julian decides that to build a railroad depot in Gold Sky to connect to depots already established further west. By getting a jump of railroad tycoons in the east, he feels that the depot will grow the town since it is full of people of different races and income levels. Julian quickly sets about hiring a carpenter as well as other skilled tradesmen for the depot as a way to stop thinking about Violet. After establishing a partnership with local carpenter Anthony Stark, he begins using Stark’s contacts for building and labor.
As Julian and Violet head to breakfast, they have a tense verbal interaction with the James’ after the women discover that his sister Julie is the woman who is married to two men. When Alice becomes aware of the James’ women rude treatment of Violet, she immediately kicks them out of her boardinghouse. After Alice and Julian finish protecting Violet from the hurtful women, Alice secretly concocts a plan to ensure that Violet will never feel unprotected from snobby people again by placing an ad in the local paper for a husband.
When a man comes to Violet responding to her newspaper ad looking for a husband, she is shocked and confused. After Violet realizes that Alice is responsible for the newspaper ad, Violet’s anger is swift. Once Alice explains that she wants Violet to be married for when she is no longer around, Julian makes an exit but not before Alice implies that she’ll talk to him later.
As Julian attempts to enjoy his dinner, he is shocked when the boardinghouse restaurant is full of potential suitors for Violet of various ages. Although Violet doesn’t want a husband, she’s determined to see things through and handle the situation politely and gracefully.
The next morning, Julian is surprised when the restaurant is empty of suitors and asks will she choose any of the men she spoke with. Violet replied that although she spoke with all the men, it would make things worse if she didn’t go along with Alice’s plan. Violet refuses the marry because she realizes that marriage is a life of being told what to do by another man and she is more than her job of cooking and cleaning and love.
When Julian discovers that a cartographer is needed to help with the new railroad depot project, Anthony suggests that he Violet her due to her excellent artistic skills and mentions that her father was a well-known cartographer in their home state in California and was planning to work in Washington, D.C. before his untimely death.
Just as Julian is preparing to ask Violet about working as his project cartographer, he overhears scandalous rumors regarding Violet, and he realizes how easily her reputation could be permanently ruined. In order to save her reputation, Julian decides to pretend he’s engaged to Violet, much to the surprise of those spreading the rumors and Violet herself. When Sarah James publicly questions Julian about his impending marriage to Violet, he is quick to remind her of his mother’s previous experience as a working woman.
Behind closed doors, Julian explains that pretending to be married was the only way to save her reputation. Julian and Violet plan to pretend to get married with plans to call off their engagement after time passes. When Julie confronts Julian about his engagement as printed in the local newspaper, Julian tells her it’s not real. Unbeknownst to Julian and Violet, Rosemary Stanton, head of the local newspaper decides to not announce an engagement but instead, a surprise wedding between him and Violet held at noon the next day.
When Julian and Violet discover what Rosemary has done, Julian attempts to derail the upcoming nuptials and finds surprising support from his mother who offers to find out Violet’s true feelings for Julian. Given the opportunity to go to New York or marry Julian, he assumes she’ll choose her freedom and is shocked when she arrives for their wedding. Following their wedding, true feelings are spoken, and Julian is free to love Violet as he wishes and she loves him because he was willing to let her go.
In plan for the depot, Julian experiences concern when it’s revealed that Violet will need to go out and camp to scout the land for a week to assist in sketching a map. When Anthony suggests that Julian escorts Violet into the far frontier to help with the map, he reluctantly agrees. While out in the frontier, Julian is impressed by Violet’s horse riding and outdoor skills. As their days in the frontier pass, Julian becomes sullen when he thinks of them returning to Gold Sky and not sleeping until the stars. Tensions between Julian and Violet come to a head during a rainstorm and they both fall in the river leading Violet’s anger to dissipate.
Upon returning to Gold Sky, Julian takes Violet to New York to introduce her to high society as his parents also return to New York. At a gala organized by his mother, Violet is having a good time until she has an upsetting experience with a man hired by Julian. The next day, Violet confronts Julian with his plan to divorce her now that her purpose as cartographer had ended. Once Julian tells Violet what she heard was lies, he discloses that what he was hiding from her was paperwork giving her half of his wealth and property as well as any future property or wealth. Violet readily signs the documents and they become full equals.
The novel ends with an epilogue occurring Christmas in New York City with all of the Baptiste family in the house as well as Julie and her family of four. The new expanded family enjoy such holiday traditions as hearing the story of how Julie and Julian’s parents met much to the delight of Baptiste in-laws Forrest, Will, and Violet.
As I finished the novel, I liked how Carter writes Julian as a strong black man who demands respect and is confident in her place in both high society as well as small town environments. Likewise, I liked how he sees past Violet’s job as a cook to the person she is on the inside and protects her even before they begin a romance relationship. I also liked how Carter provides Voilet with a fully developed personality and hobbies including reading and art and how despite working as a cook, Violet carries herself as a lady throughout the entire novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for more from this book. They have a good page turning relationship. This is my voluntarily review from booksprout.
May 21, 2024
2.5. Rounding up because I do like it just enough to still plan to read more books in series. Once more a last minute conflict is overly reliant on a partner acting not just in a ridiculous and extreme manner, but one that comes across as downright controlling for my tastes. Aside from that, a slower burn than the first book. This one follows Julia’s twin brother, Julian, as he falls in love with the cook, Violet, at the inn he’s staying at while visiting Julia. When the Inn’s proprietor takes it upon herself to see that her adoptive daughter’s, Violet, future is secured via marriage by placing an advert for a husband for Violet, Julian quickly finds himself coming to Violet’s aide as she attempts to sort through the myriad of proposals she’s inundated with. It quickly becomes obvious that Julian and Violet are in love, and when. Violet’s reputation is threatened, Julian steps forward with a proposal he anticipates can be set aside once rumors about Violet die down. Of course, fate and the conventions of the romance genre, have more in mind.
One of the most unbelievable things about this story is the notion that Violet’s reputation would be at risk in a town that welcomes a woman having 2 husbands. So the contrivance that Violet could face negative professional and social repercussions because outsiders looked down on her and believed her to be a sex-worker seems far-fetched when the premise of the series seems to rely on Gold Sky being less than conventional where matters of romance and sex are concerned. Nevertheless, it’s not entirely unbelievable, but was enough to knock me out of the story for a bit.
One of the most unbelievable things about this story is the notion that Violet’s reputation would be at risk in a town that welcomes a woman having 2 husbands. So the contrivance that Violet could face negative professional and social repercussions because outsiders looked down on her and believed her to be a sex-worker seems far-fetched when the premise of the series seems to rely on Gold Sky being less than conventional where matters of romance and sex are concerned. Nevertheless, it’s not entirely unbelievable, but was enough to knock me out of the story for a bit.
March 10, 2022
I think this series isn't for me, mostly due to the writing style and pacing.
I loved the concept of 'America' times romance set in the old west, with diversity. The story is in the POV of the hero, Julian, which was a nice change from either the heroine's POV or back and forth between 2 characters. But ultimately there was nothing keeping these two apart. They liked each other, were attracted to each other, even though they were from different social classes it wasn't much of a hurdle and no one who mattered cared. The heroine, Violet, had concerns about marriage in general, losing her freedom, but she wasn't entirely opposed to marriage. And I couldn't see why Julian wouldn't be interested in marrying Violet, he seemed surprised by the idea.
The 'mail order groom' part of this wasn't Violet's idea and was forced on her by a well meaning friend. The town reporter, the villain from the previous book, added drama only to move the story along.
By the time they got married I was wondering why there was so much book left. In the end, the big conflict comes from a character barely introduced and could have been easily resolved by Violet immediately asking "is this true?", but she only spends one night sleeping in another room before it gets resolved.
I suppose if you are looking for low drama, light read, historical romance, this may fit the bill.
I loved the concept of 'America' times romance set in the old west, with diversity. The story is in the POV of the hero, Julian, which was a nice change from either the heroine's POV or back and forth between 2 characters. But ultimately there was nothing keeping these two apart. They liked each other, were attracted to each other, even though they were from different social classes it wasn't much of a hurdle and no one who mattered cared. The heroine, Violet, had concerns about marriage in general, losing her freedom, but she wasn't entirely opposed to marriage. And I couldn't see why Julian wouldn't be interested in marrying Violet, he seemed surprised by the idea.
The 'mail order groom' part of this wasn't Violet's idea and was forced on her by a well meaning friend. The town reporter, the villain from the previous book, added drama only to move the story along.
By the time they got married I was wondering why there was so much book left. In the end, the big conflict comes from a character barely introduced and could have been easily resolved by Violet immediately asking "is this true?", but she only spends one night sleeping in another room before it gets resolved.
I suppose if you are looking for low drama, light read, historical romance, this may fit the bill.
January 31, 2021
Feeling a desire to read more Rebel Carter and more or the Gold Sky series, I picked up Hearth and Home. Like its predecessor, it’s a unique story, following a mail-order groom. Not being super well read on the mail order bride trope, I still enjoyed this fun twist.
Julian is a nuanced character, having a balance of shrewd businessman and sweet cinnamon-roll family man. I was touched how he came to ingratiate himself with Violet and the Gold Sky community, and he has some wonderful musings about the meaning of home that really resonated with me.
As for Violet, she is the perfect partner for Julian. Even though it started as an arrangement, it’s obvious how well matched they are in the sense that she has an independent spirit that he respects and embraces wholeheartedly.
I did find the pacing of this one a bit odd, with the path to their wedding feeling drawn out, and then followed by a honeymoon trip, and then finally the conflict rearing its ugly head. However, it is meant to be more of a slow burn, I believe, so in that regard it does work, but I can see that being a matter of taste as to whether it works or not.
I enjoyed this book for the most part and think this an enjoyable installment in what is shaping up to be a compelling series.
Julian is a nuanced character, having a balance of shrewd businessman and sweet cinnamon-roll family man. I was touched how he came to ingratiate himself with Violet and the Gold Sky community, and he has some wonderful musings about the meaning of home that really resonated with me.
As for Violet, she is the perfect partner for Julian. Even though it started as an arrangement, it’s obvious how well matched they are in the sense that she has an independent spirit that he respects and embraces wholeheartedly.
I did find the pacing of this one a bit odd, with the path to their wedding feeling drawn out, and then followed by a honeymoon trip, and then finally the conflict rearing its ugly head. However, it is meant to be more of a slow burn, I believe, so in that regard it does work, but I can see that being a matter of taste as to whether it works or not.
I enjoyed this book for the most part and think this an enjoyable installment in what is shaping up to be a compelling series.
January 16, 2020
Rated: 5 Pink Hearts Reviewed by: Mercy Carlile
This book is like drinking warm hot chocolate on a frigid evening. The writing is sweet, velvety smooth, and warms the soul. Julian and Violet are a delicious pairing and I was invested in their HEA from page one.
Rebel Carter brought Gold Sky to life in a way that felt authentic yet fresh. I particularly enjoyed the sweetness of this book. I read my fair share of high angst romances and I’d forgotten how satisfying a gentler less angsty story can be. The secondary characters added just enough to the storyline and didn’t overshadowed Julian and Violet.
I appreciated how the novel’s storyline acknowledged inequality, especially in various day-to-day moments. I found those moments powerful.
I cannot say enough about the dialogue! It definitely had a unique combination of humor, softness, and a gentle lyrical quality to it. I was truly impressed by the originality of this work. I will most definitely be recommending it!
Originally reviewed October 2019
This book is like drinking warm hot chocolate on a frigid evening. The writing is sweet, velvety smooth, and warms the soul. Julian and Violet are a delicious pairing and I was invested in their HEA from page one.
Rebel Carter brought Gold Sky to life in a way that felt authentic yet fresh. I particularly enjoyed the sweetness of this book. I read my fair share of high angst romances and I’d forgotten how satisfying a gentler less angsty story can be. The secondary characters added just enough to the storyline and didn’t overshadowed Julian and Violet.
I appreciated how the novel’s storyline acknowledged inequality, especially in various day-to-day moments. I found those moments powerful.
I cannot say enough about the dialogue! It definitely had a unique combination of humor, softness, and a gentle lyrical quality to it. I was truly impressed by the originality of this work. I will most definitely be recommending it!
Originally reviewed October 2019
December 31, 2020
OMG. I finally finished this book. It was a dreadful read. The main character (hero) came across as a real bore. And the heroine was initially a maid, and then she took up map making... just totally unbelievable. There were also additional unbelievable moments and interactions as well.
I have another three books remaining in this series. Wish me luck. I hope Book 3 will be an improvement.
I apologize for the harsh review, however, I began this book on October 23rd, and I finished reading it on December 31... so that says a lot, as I am typically able to read a book within two to three days.
I have another three books remaining in this series. Wish me luck. I hope Book 3 will be an improvement.
I apologize for the harsh review, however, I began this book on October 23rd, and I finished reading it on December 31... so that says a lot, as I am typically able to read a book within two to three days.
August 26, 2020
This was a good second book in a series although I did like it slightly less than the first one. I anticipated liking Julian more than I actually did-I mean, he didn't bother me but I suppose I was a little underwhelmed by him. On the other hand, I liked Violet a lot so I suppose she made up for lack of feelings on Julian. The NYC section was so short that it almost felt unnecessary. I suppose we needed that final conflict however.
Anyway. I've got the third book in the series coming up next!
Anyway. I've got the third book in the series coming up next!
February 24, 2020
Wow - Hearth and Home by Rebel Carter - words almost fail me! Cinnamon roll hero, hero POV, mail order GROOM! After 30%, I was absolutely swooning. SWOONING!
While the pacing was slow, it completely fit the characters. They reveled in their deliberate emotional development. And all throughout, Julian was so firm in his commitment to Violet's freedom.
This goes on the reread stack, and the rest of the series goes on the tbr stack!
While the pacing was slow, it completely fit the characters. They reveled in their deliberate emotional development. And all throughout, Julian was so firm in his commitment to Violet's freedom.
This goes on the reread stack, and the rest of the series goes on the tbr stack!
September 1, 2020
This was a great book. I don't typically read historicals, but so glad I took a chance on this new to me author. The only other two authors who can get me to read historicals are Jeannie Lin and Piper Huguley.
This is one of the few books that I've read in 2020 that actually had characters with chemistry. I believed they actually liked each other. Also, loved how they were so playful with one another.
This is one of the few books that I've read in 2020 that actually had characters with chemistry. I believed they actually liked each other. Also, loved how they were so playful with one another.
October 6, 2020
Just ok
I really wanted to love this story because I love historical romance
Stories ,especially when they involve characters of color or mixed heritage. This book had me asking so many questions and unfortunately many of them were not answered. Yes there was a happy ending I think the author assumes that the readers of this book have already read the book that came before it. Unfortunately that isn’t true
I really wanted to love this story because I love historical romance
Stories ,especially when they involve characters of color or mixed heritage. This book had me asking so many questions and unfortunately many of them were not answered. Yes there was a happy ending I think the author assumes that the readers of this book have already read the book that came before it. Unfortunately that isn’t true
March 22, 2021
This is exactly the kind of escapism I need right now.
Funnily enough, I was not interested in Julian's story from the preview we got but a few pages later, I was enamored. While the overall love story still progresses pretty fast, Julian and Violet still get their moments together to both develop their relationship and their character.
The rest of the town is overly friendly and helpful at times but it was still entertaining.
Funnily enough, I was not interested in Julian's story from the preview we got but a few pages later, I was enamored. While the overall love story still progresses pretty fast, Julian and Violet still get their moments together to both develop their relationship and their character.
The rest of the town is overly friendly and helpful at times but it was still entertaining.
June 13, 2020
Amazing Addition
It was beautifully done, just as the one before. I could feel the love between the MCs and it was nice to peak in on the characters from the last story. If you haven��t already read the first book, go ahead and do so! This kept my attention to the end, barely put it down!
It was beautifully done, just as the one before. I could feel the love between the MCs and it was nice to peak in on the characters from the last story. If you haven��t already read the first book, go ahead and do so! This kept my attention to the end, barely put it down!
June 17, 2020
This was really charming! It's a low angst romance featuring a fake engagement that gets out of hand. Our protagonist is Julian, the twin brother of Julie from Heart and Hand. I do kinda wish we got a bit more of Violet's pov. I'm really enjoying the Gold Sky series (and I'm kinda hoping one of the future installments is about how his parents got together)!
October 19, 2020
DNF p177, skimmed the ending. This is a sweet, cute romance. I loved the beginning and the way Julian and Violet interacted, but this is also really quiet and doesn’t feel like much is happening externally and there’s not really a conflict happening between the two once married, so my brain suddenly felt bored. I may come back to finish it one day, but for now I’m satisfied.
Read
March 11, 2022Wish it were longer
I am so happy I recently discovered Rebel Carter's books. This is my second and did not disappoint! Julian was so considerate and Violet a beautiful firecracker and her own woman especially for the time. I could have definitely read another hundred pages about their sweet love story! Now on to the next instalment in this series!
I am so happy I recently discovered Rebel Carter's books. This is my second and did not disappoint! Julian was so considerate and Violet a beautiful firecracker and her own woman especially for the time. I could have definitely read another hundred pages about their sweet love story! Now on to the next instalment in this series!
February 17, 2020
3.5 rounding down for insufficient groveling and communication.
Julian is a cinnamon roll and I love Violet. I don't know that I buy the HEA, but definitely like the HFN we've got going on in the (baby-free) epilogue.
Julian is a cinnamon roll and I love Violet. I don't know that I buy the HEA, but definitely like the HFN we've got going on in the (baby-free) epilogue.
July 18, 2020
I enjoyed the return to gold sky. This wasn’t as great as the first book but still engaging. A little more tell than show this time around but I still love rebel Carter’s books and will continue the series.
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