• Best Historical Romance Books

    A Winter’s Vow by Kate Condie

    A wanted woman. A haunted man. Can a fake marriage save them both, or will their secrets tear them apart?

    Della Hampton answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride in the isolated mining town of Kirwin, Wyoming. Her hasty decision turns desperate when she arrives to find her intended dead. Della is determined to do whatever it takes to remain in Kirwin and find a new name for herself.

    Bastien Graham is a brand-new foreman ready to prove himself. Within days of stepping into the position, a mail-order bride is abandoned in town. Bastien, now assigned to take her down the mountain and into town, soon discovers the lady has other plans.

    But Bastien chose this lonely mountain for a reason and helping one woman doesn’t change the past. And for Della, a few months of kindness can’t replace a lifetime of hurt. Can they part ways when the winter is over? Or will their lies bind them tighter than they expected?

    A 5 star review from Goodreads:

    “This is a well written mail order bride romance with strong characters in Della and Bastien. The author does a wonderful job developing their relationship and pulling you into the story with all the mystery and happenings. She takes you back to the day with her detailed and descriptive writing and delivers a beautiful love story. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.”

    Brenda Moser – Goodreads 

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    The Mountain Man’s Mail-Order Surprise by Karla Gracey

    Life will throw a lot of trouble your way—but love is always the reward.

    Garrett Harding was orphaned then found and raised by the Chippewa, whose camp is near Red Lake. His connections to the tribe and his birth heritage meant he was perfectly suited to move between the white towns and the tribe to trade. However, his confusion as to whether he is a white man as he was born, or Native American as he was raised means he never feels connected to either community. So, he lives alone, between the Indian settlement and the small town of Iron Creek and only goes to either one for supplies/to trade/or the saloon to gamble. But he’s lonely and so he advertises for a bride.

    Katy Jones is young and alone in Mississippi. Her family have disowned her because she fell in love with the wrong man, married him and followed him from her home in Richmond, Virginia, as he had found work in New Orleans. He died in the 1878 Yellow Fever epidemic. Somehow, she managed to survive unscathed. She is desperate with nowhere to flee in order to get away from the epidemic. She writes to a number of men, and Garrett is the only one who writes back to her before her fear of the disease forces her to flee. Will Garrett and Katy form a destiny together? Or will a secret she is keeping jeopardize their future together?

    A five star review from Goodreads:

    “This was the first book by this author that I’ve read. I love mail-order bride stories, and this one was a bit different, which I liked – no cookie-cutter plot here. Not only does the book begin well before the ‘mail-order’ begins, which gives the reader insight into the characters, but it also includes an Indian tribe as an integral part of the story. The characters were very well-developed and the plot well-written. The meshing of Indian culture with the “white man’s world” was very seemless and added much to the story. I have just purchased book 2 in this series because I really enjoyed the author’s writing”

    Jill – Goodreads 

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    Chills by Heather Boyd

    A lively tale of reckless spending, fraudulent correspondence, and the humorous twists and turns of falling for the right rogue…

    Jack, Marquess of Ettington, is at his wits’ end dealing with his twin sister’s distress. Under her name, he’s summoned Constance Grange, his vexing former ward, to London to act as his sister’s companion for the season. Although Pixie’s debt-ridden state comes as a complete surprise, what disturbs him more is his sister’s plan to find her a wealthy husband to pay off her overwhelming debts. And—despite his availability, wealth and title—he’s shocked to be overlooked for the position of Pixie’s husband.

    With a nickname like Pixie, Constance Grange should be used to disasters, but debt collectors pounding on the Marquess of Ettington’s door demanding payment is beyond mortifying. Given the precarious state of her finances and the previously unknown loss of her family estate, her choices are either incarceration in debtors’ prison or turning fortune hunter to secure a wealthy husband. Yet the man who comes to her rescue more times than she cares to think about is unavailable, betrothed, and her former guardian Jack—the cold-hearted marquess.

    A five star review from Goodreads:

    “Very realistic characters & relationships, had me laughing. That many things are not as they seem is true in life and is delightfully captured in this story. The contrasts within Constance and Virginia, and between them are revealed as the story evolves. The same is true of Jack and Bernard. Each of the four has a significant challenge to handle, and eventually does as surprises unfold and communication between them occurs overtly, subtly, and realistically. The supporting characters are believeable and surprising. The realism is a delight.”

    Lizette – Goodreads 

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    Rogue Countess by Amy Sandas

    Betrayed and forced into marriage, the Countess of Blackbourne will never forgive the husband who abandoned her.

    After eight long years away, the Earl of Blackbourne, Jude Sinclair returns to England with one purpose; to find his wife and end his farce of a marriage. Hardened and cynical from his self-imposed exile, he is shocked to experience a fierce attraction to the woman his wife has become. But even that will not alter his plan to finally be free of her.

    Clever and determined, Anna Locke is the successful owner of the finest Thoroughbred stables in Britain. Threatened by a blackmailer desperate to ensure Jude never learns the true circumstances of their marriage, Anna must choose between fighting against her husband or fighting for him.

    With a past tangled in lies, Anna and Jude’s marriage becomes a battleground as passionate anger slides too easily into bold desire. Can they overcome mutual distrust to destroy a long-held secret before it destroys them?

    Review from Coffee Time Romance:

    “This book has left me speechless. What I feel about the characters, I cannot find the correct words to define. You will have to read for yourselves to find out. What I can say is–this book will make you laugh and cry. It will make you feel as if you are not reading it but actually watching the emotions play between the characters. ”

    Mav – Coffee Time Romance

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    The Lost Lord of Castle Black by Chasity Bowlin

    A long lost son and heir to Castle Black, a grieving mother, an orphaned ward, and a mystery.

    Graham, Lord Blakemore, was believed to be lost at sea as a boy. While his mother, Lady Agatha, has never given up hope of finding her son again, others—eager for the title and the wealth that accompanies it—have been conspiring to have him declared dead against Lady Agatha’s wishes. Her only ally in the house is her late husband’s ward, Miss Beatrice Marlowe.
    But when a dark-haired stranger arrives on their doorstep claiming to be the lost heir to Castle Black, the plots and schemes of those who would have the castle for themselves take a dark and even more sinister turn.

    An orphan when she came into the care of the late Lord Blakemore, Castle Black is the only home Beatrice has ever known. Its occupants are her family. This stranger, who claims to have lost his memory of his life there, threatens the order of all that she knows and holds dear. And yet, she is both drawn to him and strangely compelled to believe his claim. Beatrice finds herself torn between her desire for him and her belief that, if he is the lost lord of Castle Black, he is far above her reach.

    Graham is no ordinary gentleman, bound by the rules of a society he has spent his life far removed from. He’s willing to face not just the danger that lurks within the walls of Castle Black, but anyone who stands between him and what he wants. He has returned to claim his destiny and, for him, Beatrice is part of that. While all else has been forgotten, he knows her to the depths of his soul. More than the castle itself, more than the strangely familiar and rugged land it sits upon, she is his home and he means to claim her.

    A five star review on Goodreads

    “This was such a wonderful and entertaining story that captured my interest throughout. The chemistry between Graham and Beatrice was felt from their very first meeting and I enjoyed their conversations and found myself smiling inwardly at their banter. The mystery of the villain had me immersed in the story and anxiously awaiting the outcome. It didn’t disappoint. This is definitely a keeper for me and one that I highly recommend.”

    Joan Osborne – Good reads

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books

    Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

    Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But happily-ever-after isn’t as simple like in one of her books…

    The life she’s planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

    Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.

    But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated–not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. While Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and mystery–and especially romance–are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

    One of the author’s inspirations:

    “One of the things I love to do while these ideas and images are simmering is to go outside in the gorgeous spring sunshine and sample God’s creative handiwork. I want the theme of His redemption to flow through all of my novels—how he takes what is broken and cold and dying and fills it with renewed life. And seeing the beauty of rebirth in nature as the snow melts and the new grass and spring leaves began to peek through,inspires me to tell of His goodness and grace all over again”

    Lynn Austin

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    How to Live Happily Ever After by Bree Wolf

    A handsome earl, and an old spinster make for an enticingly happily-ever-after.

    Miss Agnes Bottombrook accepted long ago that she would never marry. Not even when she was still young did gentlemen see anything in her that would appeal to them. Now, at nine-and-twenty years of age, all hope is lost and Agnes is on the shelf for good.

    Out of nowhere, the rakishly handsome—and young, mind you!—Lord Wentford asks Agnes for a dance, shocking not only Agnes but all of London society, most of all, his own mother. Certain that his intentions are far from honorable, Agnes tries her utmost to rebuff the young lord and reveal him as a scoundrel, only seeking her attention to win a bet or wager of some kind.

    Unfortunately, Lord Wentford cannot be rebuffed, no matter how hard Agnes tries, forcing her to contemplate the possibility—remote as it might be—that he might truly…care for her. Without her consent, Agnes finds herself swept off her feet by her most unexpected suitor, doubting her own sanity when desires she thought she had long since abandoned resurface. But will she dare believe him?

    The author’s writing inspiration:

    “Inspiration is another tricky thing, at least tricky to put into words. It’s usually small things, a picture, a song or even a seemingly meaningless sound, a glimpse out the window, a line in a magazine that sets off a flood of ideas invading my mind, screaming at me to pay attention. Most of the time I am intrigued by these thoughts while sometimes I feel like a conquered country unable to keep hostile invaders from…well, invading.”

    Bree Wolf

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    A Highwayman’s Mail Order Bride by Blythe Carver

    The last thing a mail order bride needs is a highwayman’s intervention in the form of a stagecoach robbery.

    When Melissa married John Carter because her family couldn’t afford to feed her, she had no idea of the cruelty of the man. John Carter beats her mercilessly and makes her life a living hell. After seeing an ad in the paper for paid passage westward, she answers the ad in the hopes to use the ticket to escape John Carter, not just for herself, but for the baby she’s carrying. Time is of the essence if she is to marry in time to convince her new husband that the baby she’ll give birth to is his.

    When robbers learn her husband is a wealthy rancher, she’s taken hostage, costing her precious time in a plan that hinges on timeliness. She hates the leader of the highwaymen with a passion and is beyond angry that the time is ticking while he negotiates her ransom.

    Jed Cunningham’s a highwayman, certainly, but one with honor. And a heart, it seems. He can’t stand the idea of sending the stunning feisty Melissa Carter to marry a rich rancher. She’s precisely the kind of woman who needs to be loved.
    But she doesn’t seem to see that.

    A review of the novel:

    “This book was intriguing from the get-go, with seamless writing and detailed descriptions that kept me turning page after page. I really enjoyed this! It definitely won’t be my last from this author.”

    Sydney Winward

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    My Fair Guardian by Suzanne G. Rogers

    Can the guardian succeed in his efforts or will Bethany manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?

    When Bethany is saddled with an unwanted, unrefined, and decidedly common guardian, she must polish him up before he’s fit for good society. As for Willoughby Winter, all that stands between him and his inheritance is to marry Bethany off. Can he succeed in his efforts before his past becomes known or will she manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?

    A 5 star review from Goodreads:

    “Her writing evokes a kinder, gentler era where female characters shine. But in this particular novel the male lead, Willoughby Winter, shines just as brightly as he steps into a role similar to that of Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady.”

    Chris Pavesic, Goodreads

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    The Mannequin by Suzanne G. Rogers

    Can a beastly duke and a beautiful mannequin find a fairy-tale ending?

    When she was a poor country girl in a hand-me-down dress, Rosamund saved the Duke of Swanhaven from the brink of despair…only to fall in love with him. Now a celebrated mannequin for an exclusive London dressmaker, her glamorous life is empty without the man to whom she gave her heart. Can these two people from different worlds have a happily ever after?

    A review from the Historical Novel Society:

    “Nicely written and well executed, with high publishing quality, this novel sits seamlessly beside more well-known writers of romance and I enjoyed reading it as much as I have any offering from a New York Times best-selling author.”

    Nicky Galliers, Historical Novel Society