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Book Review

Publisher's Note:

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry―just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love. Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars. Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea―not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune. Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.…

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Hearts of Briarwall

by Krista Jensen

Reviewer: Rachel
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 18+

Overall Book Review:

Discover the wonders of twentieth century England in Hearts of Briarwall. This enchanting novel is the debut of Shadow Mountain Publishing’s Proper Romance Edwardian Series, and it is not to be missed! Written by Krista Jensen, Hearts of Briarwall is much more than a romance, but a well-crafted historical fiction work that explores themes important to the time period. Main character Lydia is charming, with a great deal of spunk, and she challenges a woman’s role in society. Lydia navigates life with a trio of friends, and readers will hope for more novels about these clever and capable young women. Jensen expertly captures the atmosphere of the time period, using vivid imagery, accents, and popular sayings. Besides a swoon-worthy romance, a major highlight of the story is the evolving relationship between Lydia and her brother, Andrew. In fact, Andrew contributes to gifting Lydia the sweetest book ending possible. Do not sleep on this fabulous read!

Review of Advance Reader Copy Provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: An implied incident of violence with a character showing facial injuries; a secondhand report of violence.

Sex/Nudity: Multiple incidents of kissing on the cheek, hand and lips; a character remarks someone was staring at her chest.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of family members, fatal car crash, fraud.

Alcohol/Drug Use:

Drinking occurs at most social events; several characters smoke.

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
1
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
2
10

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About the Reviewer

Rachel
My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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