Welcome to the JustRead blog tour for Enchanting Nicholette, a new novella and the fifth book in the Everstone Chronicles series by Dawn Crandall! Keep reading to learn more about the story, the author, my thoughts, and a tour-wide giveaway. :)
About the Book
In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again—this time for love...and to someone safe.
As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?
Add to Goodreads
About the Author
Dawn Crandall’s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, The Hesitant Heiress, was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award, and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, The Bound Heart, received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.
My Review
Dawn Crandall has created an intriguing cast of characters and a voice all her own in the Everstone Chronicles. It was a pleasure to return to her realm of historical romance and reacquaint myself with the setting, characters, and style in this sweet novella!
Enchanting Nicholette is a lovely little read featuring tender but passionate romance and a heroine clumsily but sincerely attempting to find her place in a life that isn't at all what she once expected it to be. Nicholette's character didn't always enchant me... She's more sober than her friends and isn't necessarily warm and friendly, but I think it's hard not to feel a bit frustrated when you're in one person's point of view and privy to all their thoughts, whether rude, over-the-top, or commendable. Still, I like how she allows herself to rethink things, and how she opens up in some ways over time. It's hard not to cheer for her as she wrestles with fear and hope.
I would have liked a bit more natural balance between the serious side of the story and the romance, as sometimes (especially in one particular scene) it feels like flicking a switch. One moment, serious talk; the next moment, flirting. I would say the romance takes up more page time and focus than the revelations and their implications. But I think, with this story being on the shorter side, the spotlight is meant to shine on the couple and their road to love, rather than featuring what else is going on or might happen in their lives.
This novella is charming, with an epilogue that has everything fans of the series could desire. I've read the first three books but haven't read the fourth...and this story's references to that fourth book (The Cautious Maiden) definitely have me curious about what I've missed! Suspense moves backstage in this fifth installment, but if you're looking for a light, engaging historical romance to round out a unique series, Enchanting Nicholette definitely fits the bill.
*With thanks to Whitaker House through JustRead Publicity for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*
Tour Giveaway!
One winner will win:
- A print copy of Enchanting Nicholette
- A library card zipper bag
- Two pairs of Jane Austen socks
- Two hand-poured candles
- A historically accurate soap from Austen’s time
- A Jane Austen set of playing cards
- A set of Jane Austen notecards
- 6 magnets with Jane Austen quotes
Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will begin at midnight on October 29, 2018, and lasts through 11:59 pm on November 12, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow along at JustRead for a full list of tour stops!
10 comments:
Nicholette's being a bit reserved, more so than her friends, might be from her position, but it also might come from her character--I don't necessarily admire people who want to joke and party!
thank you for your review. such a lovely cover. i would like to read the series. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
John,
Great point! I'm definitely a more introverted person myself, and I tend to be quieter in a group setting. I would have loved to see Nicholette be a little warmer and friendlier toward those around her (in both action and thought), but I also understand that reserved side, for sure. :) Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts!
~Amber
Lori,
It's totally a lovely cover! Thank you so much for checking out my review, and I hope you get to read the series. It's a good one! :)
~Amber
I enjoyed this series! Dawn is one of my favorite authors.
Nice review! A story told from one perspective only is always an interesting experience since it's not the norm for the genre.
This book sounds like an awesome read. I can't wait to read it.
Caryl,
It's a great series! So glad to hear you're a fan of Dawn's work. :) Thanks for stopping by!
~Amber
Heidi,
Thanks so much! :) And that's a great point... A lot of historical romance novels include two points of view, not simply one (in first-person). It does make for a different reading experience!
~Amber
Debbie,
It's quite enjoyable! Hope you get to read it soon. :)
~Amber
Post a Comment