Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles with Friends Collection

Wonderful collection of stories by an incredible group of authors. Interesting and entertaining characters in a group of stories that are filled with romance and some twists and turns with plenty of drama thrown in. Maybe a touch of wit as well. Good read.

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

Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles Collection brings a group of great authors together who skillfully intertwine their stories to bring us wonder filled tales of 8 couples finding that one person they’re meant to be with amidst the biggest storm of the century, as they all converge at the Queen’s Barque Inn. At the beginning of each story we see a snippet from a reporter with the Tea Time Tattler at the inn, a brilliant addition which I just loved! I especially appreciate it how the stories are all intertwined together. The entire collection is splendid! There’s something in it for everyone!

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon By Cerise Deland is a lovely story of Russell Downey, Earl of Stanton, and Josephine Meadows the merchant’s daughter have worked together for years delivering supplies to soldiers on the peninsula. It is taking them a long time to admit their love for one another though each has known and shown it. Once married they’re soon separated having yet to have their honeymoon. Reunited at the Queen’s Barque Inn where shipwrecked survivors are brought perhaps they’ll find the person they seek.

Josephine and Russell are just wonderfully created characters devoted to one another and the crown. The author is one of my favorites and her stories always intrigue and captivate. She weaves this beautiful romance with threads of mystery and love for two people so clearly meant for one another though they are separated by class and station. I just loved the characters and the way they worked together and admired one another, always supportive of one another, so in love and yet both found it difficult to admit to the other. This is an absolutely lovely story!

Before I Found You By Sherry Ewing is a wonderful story that redeems Miranda from her de Courtenay series.

Miss Miranda de Courtenay can’t seem to stay out of trouble due to her independent and feisty attitude. She longs to marry a title like her siblings and earn the respect of her family. I thought Miranda was greedy, jealous and childish but not beyond redemption which Sherry does so skillfully. Captain Jasper Rousseau was a good hero who wasn’t looking for a wife but all it took was a dance with Miranda and he was smitten from the start. Miranda felt the connection too but when when she found he had no title she tried to walk away. Date however had other plans and the two were thrown together again and again. The storm was a perfect opportunity for Miranda to see what was right before her all along.

Sherry did a nice job redeeming Miranda. The hero Jasper was a good character who see’s through Miranda and shows her that love is what really matters. There’s a wonderful epilogue at the end that is sure to make you smile.

The Comtesse Of Midnight By Alina K. Field

Malcolm Comyn, Earl of Menteith gets caught in a storm on his was to Bloodmoor Hill Manor. He must find the Comtesse de Fontenay. When he meets a lady dressed in men’s clothing along the way he helps her and they make it there together. Discovering they have a common enemy they must work together. Marielle Plessiers is the Comtesse de Fontenay, but not the one for whom Malcolm is seeking. With challenges to his Earldom he must find proof and she may help.

Malcom is a man in search of himself. He’s terrific hero who is suddenly taken by this beautiful woman. I liked the characters but was disappointed that the story left unanswered questions. The author does suggest reading another book she’s written for the answers though. All in all it was a good story.

A Dream Come True By Jude Knight is a wonderful story that’s so relative to today.

Vicar Barnaby Somerville is overwhelmed with caring for his nephew Daniel and his little sister Annie as well as his flock and giving aid to the survivors of the shipwrecks.
While giving aid to the survivors Barnaby find himself tending to Miss Theodora Conroy, an impoverished gentlewoman turned servant. The attraction he feels for her is strong by he knows that circumstances won’t allow him to pursue his attraction despite his heart. Theo sees that Barnaby is overwhelmed and offers to help him. He falls in love with her but knows he can’t afford a wife. Barnaby is a wonderful hero who takes and his late sister’s two biracial children. His little town however it’s played with prejudice, bigotry and gossips.

Jude always creates the most wonderful, well rounded characters who are so delightful. I just loved this sweet story of such selfless people, always willing to lend a hand for others. There’s always an underlying message within Jude’s pages and at times lessons to be learned. I loved this heartwarming story!

If you are looking for love in the most unexpected places, this one has it all! The Blue Belle Stockings authors knocked it out of the park once again with a delightful anthology based in a normally sleepy coastal village. Passionate and diverse travelers are literally blown into town from all directions and gather to The Queen’s Baroque Inn. Intrigue ranging from fleeing lovers, heart-tugging orphans, to hardened spies, I found love, lies and intrigue intertwined with accurate historical backdrops (as Cerise DeLand is known for) as well as honest conversations about overcoming class and economic disparity. The stories will restore your faith in community goodwill and leave you wanting more books based in Fennick on Sea and with the mysterious gossip reporter. I highly recommend Storm and Shelter. I was gifted a. Opt of this book in advance.