5 stars for Storm & Shelter: @BellesInBlue with Friends Collection #romance #bookreview @AlinaKField
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  • N. N. Light
    • Apr 13, 2021
    • 5 min read

5 stars for Storm & Shelter: @BellesInBlue with Friends Collection #romance #bookreview @AlinaKField



Title: Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles with Friends Collection

Author: Mary Lancaster, Cerise DeLand, Caroline Warfield, Sherry Ewing, Alina K. Field, Rue Allyn, Jude Knight, Grace Burrowes

Genre: Historical Romance


Book 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 Review:


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


Buy it Now:







International:














Angus & Robertson: https://bit.ly/3kabdvH


Author Biography:


The Bluestocking Belles (the “BellesInBlue”) are a group of very different writers united by a love of history and a history of writing about love. From sweet to steamy, from light-hearted fun to dark tortured tales full of angst, from London ballrooms to country cottages to the sultan’s seraglio, one or more of us will have a tale to suit your tastes and mood.


Social Media Links:


Bluestocking Belles Website https://bluestockingbelles.net/

Bluestocking Belles Twitter https://twitter.com/BellesInBlue


Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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