A Seaside Summer Author: Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, Heather B. Moore
Series: Timeless Regency Collection #17
Genres: Historical Romance, Romance Anthology
Format: Audio, eBook, Print
Pages: 307
Date: August 24, 2021
Publisher: Mirror Press
Summer on the seaside… a perfect place for romance.
Three novellas in one collection:
The New Countess by Josi S. Kilpack
Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.
Mishaps and Memories by Martha Keyes
Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.
Moonlight Summer by Heather B. Moore
Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.
[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”304462″]
About Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women’s fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore.
About Josi S. Kilpack
Josi S. Kilpack began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. She is best known for her popular Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. She also writes Romance and Women’s Fiction and is one of the authors of the Newport Ladies Book Club Series.
About Martha Keyes
Martha Keyes was born, raised, and educated in Utah. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University. Word crafting has always fascinated and motivated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family.
4.5 stars
Reading this made me want a trip to the seaside so much! Maybe next summer for me. This year I could only escape to the seaside through this collection of novellas set by the sea. The page limits of a novella can sometimes short change a story but I felt like these fleshed out well enough.
The New Countess by Josi S. Kilpack
I very much felt the angst of this couple trying to find their way in their marriage. I love that they learned to communicate so effectively and also to compromise in ways to allow for the other’s happiness. Contains references to marital intimacy.
Mishaps and Memories by Martha Keyes
This story is aptly named with mishaps and memories very much a part of the story. James really is a jerk in the beginning. He is obtuse in recognizing his own folly so seeing his growth in the story is a great thing. Judith made poor choices as well but it all turns out in the end.
Moonlight Summer by Heather B. Moore
This story turned out a little different than I anticipated. I loved Oscar and Dotty both but thought her mother and stepfather were pretty awful. It was a surprise to me to see it was not all that it seemed and the story resolved much more prettily than expected.
Sex: references to marital intimacy, a compromising situation
Language: no
Violence: no
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.