Linore Rose Burkard

An utterly delightful read, engaging, with a fantastic plot and larger than life characters.

After reading Miss Tavistock's Mistake I knew that I was in for a good time with this book, but to my delight it surpassed my already high expectations. Frannie is an amiable heroine, guileless and sweet, she quickly endears herself to those around her by her humble and unassuming nature. Sebastian though, was probably my very favorite character, he is a problem solver, and a man of action, he show more reminded me of my favorite Austen hero, Mr. Knightley. I admired his devotion to his family, and also his drive to put things in order, he never gives in to the temptation to be carried away, and always holds to the reality of the situation, while still looking on the bright side.

I loved how this book incorporates faith into the story, as well as how this book does a great job bringing the dialect of the time to life realistically. This book was just so fun to read, with a fantastic plot that kept me guessing. I loved Sebastian's family, and his relationship with his mother and brother. Highly enjoyable and thoroughly satisfying, I loved every moment of it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. show less

Whoa. This is a Dickensian Regency that will have you learning as you laugh, wonder, and swoon with the story.
For all its ostentatious words, Miss Fanshawe’s Fortune by Linore Rose Burkhard is a very clean, fun, and relaxing weekend read.
The first item that made me a happy reader was the inclusion of a glossary, timeline, and map at the back of the book. These appendices are mentioned in the front, so you know what tools are available, should you desire.
“Edward Arundell suspected from show more the moment he almost ran her down on Monmouth Street, that Miss Fanshawe would be trouble.” Second inkling this will be a great book. A great opening line.
A dear widow woman who has been ousted from society because of a terrible accident, Mrs. Arundelle is both a delight and an enigma, as she holds a longstanding grudge. Yet, she quickly insists that homeless Miss Fanshawe should be her society companion and eventually, an inexplicable part of the family.
Of course, who would not love poor, sweet Frannie, who only wants respectability and answers? I felt like I was watching a play, cheering for a romance between Frannie and somewhat stern Sebastian (Beau).
Roadblocks to the romance and to any answers to Frannie’s ancestry are plenty. This is where the unbiased observer can see just how far Sebastian goes in his search for Frannie’s answers until the search becomes his quest, too. Got to love a gentleman like that.
But if this were a play, the supporting actress award would have to go to Mrs. Fanshawe. Bold, manipulative, shrewd, and cunning, she is also overbearing, designing, and determined. What a character. She certainly drives a lot of the action. Hopefully, others can put on the brakes.
If you like Regency romances with faith, mystery, and high-brow language of the ton, then this is a great book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, plus I bought my own. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required. show less

Once Upon a Courtship is a delightful collection of inspirational historical romances from twelve amazing authors. I was able to read four of the stories: The Privateer’s Prize by MaryLu Tyndall, Leftover Mail-Order Bride by Regina Scott, Clara’s Compassion by Marlene Bierworth, & Courting Miss Darling by Chautona Havig. Each novella was thoroughly enjoyable & a fun, quick read easily devoured in a day. I loved all the varying tropes.

The Privateer’s Prize is an exciting second chance show more romance set during the Revolutionary War. Captain Isaac Preston, the man who left her at the alter must protect Thea & transport her safely to Baltimore before the British officer determined to get the secret message she’s hiding finds her.

Leftover Mail-Order Bride is a delightful love at first sight romance set in the late 1800’s Pacific Northwest. Victoria traveled to the area to become a mail-order bride but was left at the alter. Determined to marry for love, she’s resistant to Jack’s courtship who seems to only want someone to help on his family’s ranch. Though Jack fell hard when he first saw her, he has trouble convincing her he wants more than just a hard worker. I was excited to find that this story is the next in the Frontier Brides series.

Clara’s Compassion is by a new to me author. I enjoyed this story of a wealthy young woman who agrees to be a mail-order bride in order to fulfill her dream of living in the Rocky Mountains and becoming a teacher. She gets more than she bargains for when she clashes with the town and her handsome groom over problems with railroad workers, and educating the children of immigrant workers.

Courting Miss Darling is a sweet, matchmaking pen pal romance. Miss Muriel Darling is a 28 year old teacher disappointed in love. When she receives an unexpected letter from a stranger recommended by a former student, she decides to pass the cold winter answering his letters. Pete Donaldson is a wealthy rancher living in the Dakotas wanting a wife. Through their delightful letters, they find an enjoyable friendship & later love.

Looking forward to reading the other stories in the collection! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. show less

I was honored to receive a four-story sampler of Once Upon a Courtship, and it truly delivers on the promise of sweet historical romance. While this collection spans 12 stories from beloved Christian authors, the sampler offers a captivating glimpse into four unforgettable tales that blend faith, love, and history.

MaryLu Tyndall’s The Privateer’s Prize pulls you into the heart of the Revolutionary War with a heroine who must rely on the very man who once broke her heart. The tension, show more adventure, and sparks between them make for an exhilarating read that keeps you on edge.

In Leftover Mail Order Bride by Regina Scott, Victoria’s journey from being left at the altar to finding unexpected companionship on a rugged ranch is both heartwarming and uplifting. Scott masterfully weaves a story that’s full of charm and hope, showing that love often finds us when we least expect it.

Marlene Bierworth’s Clara’s Compassion brings a touching story set in the Canadian Rockies, where Clara’s kindness and strength challenge the tough exterior of railroad boss Graham. The emotional depth in this story is profound, making it a standout in the collection.

Finally, Chautona Havig’s Courting Miss Darling offers a delightful twist on a Western romance. Muriel Darling’s letters to a cowboy’s boss lead to unexpected love, showing that sometimes the heart finds its way in the most surprising places.

This sampler beautifully showcases the variety and richness of the full collection. With stories set in the Colonial era, Regency ballrooms, Victorian society, Western frontiers, and the Gilded Age, these tales sweep you across time and place, immersing you in the struggles and triumphs of unforgettable characters. If these four stories are any indication, Once Upon a Courtship is not just for fans of historical romance—it’s for anyone who longs to be transported to different worlds, where love, faith, and adventure intertwine in the most captivating ways.

I received a digital sampler ARC of Once Upon a Courtship from the publisher and Celebrate Lit Publicity. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less