The Black Diamond meets his match!

Black Diamond Regency series

The Captain’s Conquest

White Rose Publishing, a division of Pelican Ventures LLC

Fifth full-length novel in the Black Diamond series

September, 2017

$5.99 Kindle

Inspirational Regency

Buy on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Captains-Conquest-Black-Diamond-ebook/dp/B07DTYH8P2

About the Book:

Captain Jared Allendale is weary of war, but Wellington gives him one final assignment before he is free of his obligation to the Crown: retrieve a package in Scotland and return it safely to London. Easy assignment for a man who's been an aide-de-camp for the past several years—until the package turns out to be Lucy Cameron, daughter of the Duke of Diamond. Lord Diamonte was banished to France for his treasonous acts. As Jared fights old demons, the dangerous journey south begins. The spectre of death hovers over them as Lord Diamonte's minions hunt Lucy and Jared. It will take love, gifts and their faith in God to help them overcome the evil that looms. Can Jared deliver his package without either of them losing their lives...and their hearts?

My Review:

The British throne is under threat from obvious enemies like Napoleon, as well as from subtle enemies, such as the evil Lord Diamonte during the early nineteenth century. This is the era of haves and have nots, the titled and landed gentry, those who know their places in society, and those with secrets. It’s time to reveal some of them, like the whereabouts of the treasonous duke’s daughter—the one who can defeat him.

The evil duke needs a virgin to sacrifice to his malevolent master in order to secure the power necessary to wrest the British throne. Unfortunately for him but mightily fortunate for her, his daughter Penelope, aka Lucy, has fallen into an accidental marriage with her escort. As Captain Allendale follows his orders to retrieve Lady Penelope from her hideout in Scotland and return her to London, he completely understands she is far above his minor standing in society He would not make a proper husband in any case after the horrors he’s been through as a prisoner of war in France. He plans to retire to the boring countryside alone after this final mission. But he learns he cannot fight both his own night terrors and the calm, soothing Lucy’s love. By the time they need to fight together, they and their family and friends are more than ready to put an end to the Black Diamond for good.

Twists and turns, red herrings and false impressions guide the reader through this well-drawn picture of the Regency era. While this episode in the series, as all of the books, can be read on its own, or in any order, readers familiar with the background of the family members and friends of the title character will enjoy reuniting with them. Captain has endured unspeakable ill treatment at the hands of the enemy, while Lucy has been trained to fear her father and love the Lord. Written in alternating voices, readers of inspirational historical romance who don’t mind reading about brutalities of war, hints of satanic ritual, or second sight will appreciate this fitting endcap to an evil lord, but hopefully not an end to other regency romances.

About the Author:

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

Susan speaks, teaches and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. She has a degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and serves in church ministry.

You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz

Other books in the Regency Black Diamond series

Two novellas:

The Baron’s Blunder https://www.amazon.com/Barons-Blunder-Black-Diamond-ebook/dp/B077N2N173 novella, free 11/17

Gabriel’s Gift https://www.amazon.com/Gabriels-Gift-Christmas-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B0774ZX27T novella, 12/17

Full length novels in the series:

The Virtuous Viscount https://www.amazon.com/Virtuous-Viscount-Black-Diamond-ebook/dp/B076BSVDDS novel 11/17

Lord Philip’s Folly https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Phillips-Folly-Black-Diamond-ebook/dp/B076BRPQNG  novel 11/17

Sir Michael’s Mayhem https://www.amazon.com/Sir-Michaels-Mayhem-Black-Diamond-ebook/dp/B07949YZPH  novel 2/18

Lord Harrow’s Heart  https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Harrows-Heart-Black-Diamond-ebook/dp/B07DV3K4M1  novel 7/18

Black Diamond series – now available, the first three full length books in one: The Virtuous Viscount, Lord Phillip’s Folly, and Sir Michael’s Mayhem

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-3-Book-Series/dp/B0799T65WD

All three for $15.99

Regency Romance by Susan Baganz

Lord Phillip’s Folly

Susan M Baganz

Christian Regency

November 2017

Pelican Ventures

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

Ebook $5.99

About the Book:

No good deed goes unpunished. Lord Phillip Westcombe is a younger son and sufficiently independent. He has no need upset his tidy life with the messiness of love, but when he comes to the rescue of the lovely Lady Elizabeth Follett, and the two are found in a compromising position, his life takes an unexpected turn. Barely knowing each other, they are forced to wed. Embarking on a new life they must learn to trust God as they face an evil which threatens their lives and the security of the British Empire. Will the minions of the Black Diamond--the bounder who owns the soul of Elizabeth's father--succeed in their evil plans? Will Phillip and Elizabeth's new love and faith survive the test that awaits them? Or will they all fall to the Black Diamond?

My Review:

The undercurrents of Regency England are fraught with a plot to aid the enemy, and forces of evil influence the vulnerable. As the second son of an earl, Phillip’s older brother has the title and privileges thereof all wrapped up. Phillip will not inherit a title or much responsibility and earns a reputation as a reckless young buck in Regency England. When he does inherit a small country estate and turns his life around, his parents don’t believe he could change and set their hearts and minds to bear him from a distance. When he makes another reckless decision during his sister’s coming out ball and rescues a fair damsel in distress, he further inherits a boatload of trouble.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of plots with its twists of creepiness. A young lord who turns his life around takes responsibility for a young lady who’s been victimized for most of her life. As devastating as Elizabeth’s life has been, she is in possession of a fine spirit and courage to beg rescue from a handsome stranger. I would think a woman who’s been through the terror hinted at might be more leery of strange men and wifely duties, but this young couple’s growing faith and mutual love for each other was clearly portrayed.

Sir Phillip’s Folly is another fine addition to the wily Black Diamond series. Characters intertwine and add to each other’s stories, but each book stands as a story on its own. Recommended for those who enjoy inspirational Regency romances. Told in multiple viewpoints with flair and drama and good period accuracy.

About the Author:

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Pelican Ventures LLC specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view. Website: www.susanbaganz.com

Book Review Susan Karsten Regency Romance

A Match for Melissa

Susan Karsten

Inspirational Historical fiction—Regency romance

Prism, a division of Pelican Book Group

July 2017

eBook $4.99

Print $15.99

Buy on Amazon 

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

About the Book

Melissa Southwood goes along with her ambitious father’s matchmaking schemes until one event throws all into question.

Amidst balls, carriage rides, dinner parties, and danger, Melissa must navigate an arranged courtship as well as the attentions of another nobleman.

Which aristocratic suitor will win her heart?

My review

A very sweet and highly inspirational Regency romance. Karsten’s debut shows a true enjoyment of the historical era. The story comes from the nouveau rich who desire to be part of London’s elite at any cost—marrying into it, if no other way.

Melissa visits her former companion, now serving as housekeeper to her bachelor minister brother, and comes across a wounded man. They later meet again through their mutual desire to serve others. The wounded man is none other than Lord Russell, reluctantly stepping in to take over the manor at his brother’s death. His new responsibilities and near-death experience lead him toward a change of heart and new-found faith.

While Melissa’s father is determined to use her as a stepping stone into high society, she is determined to find a faith-filled soulmate. Lord Russell would like nothing better than to marry a soulmate as well, but first he has to stay alive.

Karsten’s tale is the first of a series, and is a multiple-character story with many twists and a large cast. I look forward to reading future books.

About the Author

Susan Karsten lives in a small Wisconsin town, is the wife of a real estate broker and mother of three, mother-in-law to one, and grandma to two baby boys. Her hobbies include fitness (mostly jogging with her friend, Sandy and her friend's dog, Millie), quilting (definitely taking a back seat to writing), and reading. Her love for writing developed while in college where she earned a BS degree in Home Economics, with a minor in Speech. Having home-schooled her children, and with child-rearing days at an end, Susan now invests time in writing fiction and working at a bank. With a contracted three-book Regency historical romance series, a humorous chapter book, and a cozy mystery complete, she is working on a Regency novella. Her personal blog can be found at Graciouswoman.wordpress.com.

Karen Cogan and Regency Romance A Relative Matter

About the book:

In this sweet Regency romance, life in India is idyllic for Anne Tyler and her younger brother, Jeremy until the deaths of their parents shatter their world. They are sent to England to live with a grandfather that neither remembers. However, as the years pass, the kindly man proves a balm for their wounded hearts. His death, when it comes, is a cruel blow. 

Though his will leaves the estate to Jeremy, the boy is not yet of age. His grandfather’s nephew, a man with a mysterious past, is named guardian of the property and soon arrives to take up his duty. Unfortunately, the man has a son who is both evil and cunning. Since he stands to inherit the estate should Jeremy die, he will stop at nothing to get his hands on the property. 

Murder and threats of murder soon haunt their every move. Standing between them and disaster is the handsome Lord Westerfield, a man who promises to defend Anne and Jeremy, even at risk to his own life. 

E-book: $3.99, currently free

Print: $11.43

• ISBN-13: 978-1512104561

Buy on Amazon

A brief interview with the Author:

Karen, tell us what you love about A Relative Matter.

What I love about this book is the fun I had doing research into the Regency period. The customs and proprieties of the time were fun to incorporate into this novel. I loved developing the characters and including a tread of mystery. My least favorite character was the unpleasant Mr. Fletcher.

Share something you learned during the research.

The research was intriguing. I enjoyed learning about the London social season as well as how the laws of inheritance worked.

What are you reading now?

I am currently reading The Deer on a Bicycle: Excursions into the Writing of Humor by Patrick McManus. My next project is to finish writing the contemporary romance in which two unrelated young adults share custody of their nephew. 

About the author:

A native of Houston, TX, Karen spent her early years enjoying life along the Gulf Coast. After high school, she attended Texas A&M as well as the University of Houston where she obtained a B.S. in early childhood education. She has written numerous articles and stories, books for children and novels for adults. She particularly enjoys writing contemporary and historical romance. She now lives in the Southwest with her family and assorted pets.

Book review: Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes

Reluctant Courtship

By Laurie Alice Eakes

Historical fiction, Regency

ISBN: 9780800734688

Print: $14.99, October

Ebook: $14.99, November; ISBN: 9781441243089

Revell

 

From the publisher:

A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future?

Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family’s country estate, she will hopefully stay out of trouble.

Under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape Meric Poole, Lord Ashmoor, must secure his place in British society. He needs a wife beyond reproach—something the vexingly beautiful Honore certainly is not.

My review:

This third book in the Daughters of Bainbridge House series from Laurie Alice Eakes begins with peril, something the heroine, Honore, is apparently used to. As any aspiring authoress is wont to do, she uses her near-fall and rescue by impossibly handsome, muscular neighbor, Meric, Lord Ashmoor, as a future scene in her Gothic novel.

 

This story that rounds up the three Bainbridge girls’ romance in Regency England is written in the style of day; delightfully wordy with no apologies for lavish description, costume perils, food woes, and daily nitty-gritty. Readers have to appreciate the style of Jane Austen to catch the drift of the typical vocabulary of the day.

 

With double romance in the wind for Honore and her companion, thirty (gasp)-year-old Miss Morrow, the adventure winds among grave misconception, hurt feelings, aspirations, and dastardly deeds. Readers of this period will enjoy Eakes’s witticisms and humor. An American nobleman attempting to claim his inheritance in Britain is a fun twist on the usual brooding and occasionally reluctant lives of the aristocracy.

 

Told from both Honore and Meric’s points of view, readers will enjoy the ins and outs of high society, danger, and romance. Although Reluctant Courtship stands alone, many tantalizing references are made to the other books in the series.

For more information, please visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/a-reluctant-courtship/324500

 Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.