“The Best Intentions” ~ a review (& GA, ending 12/5/22)

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Are you a fan of Regency (aka Jane Austen-esque) novels? You will delight in Sarah M. Eden’s newest one, The Best Intentions. She faithfully recreates the era, down to its conversations and conventions. Let me share more about this book with you!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Best Intentions Series: The Huntresses #1 Author: Sarah M. Eden Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: November 21, 2022 Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one—not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends—knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all—except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer. As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML’s “2013 Novel of the Year” and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award’s “2014 Novel of the Year,” Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahmeden.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My thoughts

What an interesting turn on the Regency novel!

Of course, for anyone who’s read and loved this type of historical fiction (or watched films of the same era), we know this: that as Jane Austen so eloquently states, ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’ And also, that as a member of high society (or as they termed it then, the ton), men and women needed to be exceedingly wealthy while not working at any profession (mostly). Great beauty didn’t hurt, either.

What if, though, the hero is not of “good fortune,” but still desires to wed? And what if the heroine has little money as well as a secret that would destroy her reputation as well as those of her friends? Not because of anything scandalous that she had done, but because…well, if I told you, it would be a spoiler!

Gillian is a lovely, though suspicious, person. Only because in her contact with those members of the ton, at society balls, caused her ridicule and embarrassment (strictly because of her genteel poverty). Fortunately, she was rescued by and welcomed into the group of strong women termed the “Huntresses,” who then provided close friendship and tutelage in the Huntresses’ strategies: “Retreat. Wield a shield. Return fire.” These aren’t actually the steps for campaigns of attack, but themes which recommend behavior for the slights and insults of London society. (They’re also smart strategies!) So when she meets Scott, a family friend of the head of the Huntresses and her husband, she’s on guard. But he proves himself to be the best sort of man.

Unfortunately, he’s a man with a bit of a secret as well. His is financial, concerning the inheritance of entailed properties and the insolvency they may cause after his uncle’s financial machinations, which makes Scott feel that he is looking at debtors’ prison. He’s a good man who’s doing everything he can to save the estates. But will it be enough? And if he discovers Gillian’s secret, will he still look at her the same way?

What a lovely book. The Best Intentions‘ title gives us a clue that unwise decisions have been made that might turn out poorly. You will love the Huntresses, and especially Gillian and Scott, and you’ll hope that somehow they can reach for that happy ending!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.