Review of When Stars Dream at Midnight (The Midnight Stars Saga #3) by Tess Thompson

 

Unveiled truths. Unrequited love. A world torn apart.

Mireille

When war threatened Europe, my parents sent me from our vineyard in France to safety in America, where I found a new life, with friends who become family. But even in a land untouched by the bombs, the shadows of war loomed over my heart. As secrets from my past emerge and the world around me is torn apart, I must confront the grief of loss, the weight of duty, and the delicate balance between love and loyalty.

Peter

I’ve always stood in the background—quiet, loyal, and resigned to love a woman I could never have. While her heart belonged to my best friend, mine was hers, a silent devotion that I buried beneath duty and the horrors of war. When tragedy sends me home, scarred and broken, I don’t expect to find healing in the life I left behind. But as grief turns into something deeper, I must decide if I have the courage to face a future shaped by love, hope, and loss.

The third installment in the Midnight Stars Saga follows Mireille Perrin, the baby Estelle entrusted to her twin sister Mauve in When Stars Fall at Midnight. Now grown and navigating the heartache of war, Mireille’s journey will unearth family truths, test her resilience, and challenge her heart in ways she never expected.

In this American Historical romance, Tess Thompson delivers a heartwarming, sweeping family saga filled with long- buried family secrets, unspoken desires, and characters torn between love and duty. A clean wartime that explores the power of second chances and healing nature of love is perfect for fans of 1940s historical fiction and WWII love stories. This sweet, inspirational tale will tug at heartstrings while reminding readers of the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

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**My thoughts**

Every time I feel like I have read Tess Thompson's best historical book, she brings me another one like this. I have a new favorite. And as I am always saying with her books, I'm surprised because I am typically NOT a fan of historical romances. 

Granted, this one takes place during WWII, which is one of my favorite time periods in history to study. I cannot imagine living during that time, watching families get ripped apart and humanity disappearing into evil. I am intrigued by the strength of those who resisted and persisted. This saga builds upon the first two installments, which were the story of Mireille's birth mother, yet somehow grips me even tighter. It also begs to be turned into a miniseries on a streaming platform.

Mireille was raised by her bio mom's twin sister in the south of France. [You'll want to read the first two books to better understand Stella's story, but it isn't necessary to appreciate this book.] And now she is returning to America, to stay safe as Hitler starts to take over France. Her father is Jewish, thus making her family a particular target.

This poor girl is completely uprooted from the vineyard that she has known and loved her whole life and transplanted onto a foreign land. She is fortunate to land a benevolent roommate at school who adopts her into the family, thus setting Mireille on her crash course of love and resistance during one of the most trying times in our history.

She will love and lose and love some more. Her path doesn't go on a straight line, instead meandering a bit to find its way to the ending you are waiting for. I felt like I was standing by her side as she went through every experience. I faced her fears, embraced her challenges, and loved all of her loves. I rejoiced in her happiness and cried alongside her in her grief.

Dare I hope for more in this world?

Well done, yet again, Ms. Thompson!

Review of Promise of Tomorrow (Castaway Christmas #2) by Tess Thompson

 

He’s the humble son of a chauffeur. She’s a prisoner in her father’s mansion. Can he break her free from her ivory tower or will darkness prevail?

Millicent Cashmere appears to have the life of luxury. But inside the walls of the Cashmere Manor darkness and family secrets permeate every aspect of young Millicent’s life. A prisoner in her own home, she’s forbidden to have friends or go to school. She has only books to keep her company.

For years Teddy Hill admired pretty Millicent from afar with no idea of the difficulties she endured from her abusive father and his evil housekeeper. When a tragic turn of events changes everything, Teddy must find a way to protect naïve Millicent from a world that wants to cast her aside.

Can these unlikely lovers forge a life together in the worst of circumstances? Historical romance fans will love this turn of the century story about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances.

In this second installment of the Castaway Christmas Series, readers will revisit old friends Wesley, Luci and Sadie as Teddy and Millicent find themselves in Castaway. A heartwarming tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and community!

Available on Amazon

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Check out the whole Castaway Christmas series!

**My thoughts**

In this installment of this beloved series, we have another pair who come from opposite sides of the tracks, if you will, yet are completely drawn to each other. I had slight VC Andrews flashbacks with Millicent being forced to basically stay hidden in her room all the time and being abused by her father and his horrible housekeeper. Then we have the dear sweet Teddy, whose father is the gardener. The two meet by chance when they are young and instantly connect. Fast forward several years later and the unspeakable happens to Millicent. Teddy is determined to take care of this poor naive girl and so they make their way east to the town of Castaway and we reconnect with Luci and Wesley and their families.

One would assume that Millicent would be the worldly one, having grown up in a home of riches and that Teddy would have been more sheltered due to his societal status. In fact, it is the opposite. Millicent only knows of the world through books and is so naive otherwise. Teddy is the one who is able to introduce her to the simple things in life and has all the wisdom. He is so protective of her. I lean into his character as that sort of big brother that I always wanted. Millicent is the sweet girl I want to take under my wing. I'm so happy that they have found each other. They both really come a long way, with Millicent finding an inner strength that she never knew existed.

Plenty of other characters in this book will also tug at your heartstrings. And there are a couple of other bad eggs. A couple of twists and family secrets add to the intrigue.

There are so many other characters in this series whose stories I would love to catch up on. I hope one day Tess is inspired to come back it and tell them.

Read my review of Book 1: Come Tomorrow.

Review of Come Tomorrow (Castaway Christmas #1) by Tess Thompson

 

Come Tomorrow

One chance meeting. A single act of kindness. Can young soulmates find each other in adulthood, or will hidden truths tear them apart?

1904 Twelve-year-old Luci Quick never forgot the boy who saved her life that fateful Christmas Eve. But when he disappeared without a word after bringing her food, she was forced to focus on raising her baby sister when her mother suddenly died. Now six years later and struggling to make ends meet with an alcoholic and gambling-addicted father, the poverty-stricken woman can’t believe her hero has returned… and he’s all grown up.

Wesley Ford’s world changed after helping the girl who still haunts his dreams. When he was whisked away to boarding school at fourteen, he feared he’d never see her again. But now free to come back following his father’s death, the wealthy heir is shocked to discover Luci and her sibling never escaped their rundown shack.

With fate dealing her another opportunity for happiness, Luci seizes the day when an offer of help turns into an unexpected proposal. But before they can settle into their future, Wesley must face painful family secrets that could tear them apart forever.

Can a Yuletide miracle make a wish for love come true?

Come Tomorrow is the first book in the uplifting Castaway Christmas historical romance holiday series. If you like feel-good tear-jerkers, engaging characters, and sweet magical realism, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s Edwardian rags-to-riches story.

Buy on Amazon

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Check out the whole Castaway Christmas series.

**My thoughts**

I've said it a hundred times, but Tess Thompson's historical romances are some of the only ones I will ever read. It has never been my favorite genre, but her books suck me in every time. And she has a special talent for bringing the magic to those Christmas ones. The Castaway Christmas series is one that I have reread every single year since this first book came out. Few books carry that distinction.

Wesley is fortunate enough to have grown up in a wealthy home, but his home life leaves a lot to be desired with an abusive father and rather absent mother. Somehow the young man still has maintained a heart of gold. So when he comes upon Luci in the woods, living with her own abusive father and a newborn sister for whom she cares since their mother died at childbirth, it's no surprise that he wants to do whatever he can to help them. Plus there's just something about Luci that draws him in. Soulmates of sorts?

Luci is an amazing young woman who has been dealt a terrible hand of cards. Her mother has just passed away shortly after giving birth to her younger sister. Her father is a raging alcoholic who is addicted to gambling and really couldn't care less about the family he has at home. And yet she strives to overcome the odds and learn how to be the adult in charge of her family. She also feels a connection to the young man who has figured out that they exist in the woods and wants to help. Few others who know of their existence want to help.

So many secrets and so much undue prejudice being foisted upon the teenagers forces them apart for a long time. True angels on earth become unofficial parts of their families and help pave the way for these fated partners to find their way back to each other again. It's a beautiful rags to riches story that somehow is even more beautiful than that phrase implies. And there are so many twists with all of the secrets in their pasts.

Their love story isn't the only one that unfolds in this novel, either. As often happens with Tess's holiday books, I needed a couple of tissues for this one.

And I have to give a special shoutout to the dog, Atlas. He needs his own tissue.

I just love this heartwarming series and also love the second book in it. I have dreams of there maybe being a third installment one day.

Read my review of Book 2: Promise of Tomorrow.

Review of When Stars Rise at Midnight (The Midnight Stars Saga Book 2)

 

When Stars Rise at Midnight

Falling in love was the last thing they wanted. Can they resist their feelings to protect the ones they care about?

Estelle
After the trauma of my family’s abandonment and the forced adoption of my baby, I find solace in New York City, living in a fine apartment, thanks to my benefactor, Percival Bancroft. He asks for nothing in return except for one thing – dinner once a week. All would be well if it weren’t for my growing feelings for the kind man who rescued me from a life on the streets. He is not mine to love, as he belongs to another.

Percival
This is not the life I wanted, but it’s the one I have, and I must make the best of it. Thankfully, I have Estelle safely tucked away in an apartment in the city. If only I hadn’t fallen in love with her, all would be well. With my wife committed to an insane asylum with no hope of recovery, there is no chance for love in my life.

Read part two of USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson’s Midnight Stars Saga, a clean and wholesome American historical romance, for this rags-to-riches tale of forbidden love.

Buy on Amazon

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***My thoughts**

I'm so glad I didn't need to wait a long time for this sequel! As I am always saying, Tess Thompson is one of the only authors of historical fiction that I will devour again and again. I almost think her historical fiction is now stronger than her contemporaries. And this series is now my favorite.

The first installment ended on what Tess called a cliffhanger. To me, it was just a natural pause point, because it was a huge turning point in the story. This one has both heartbreak and heart filling as Estelle and Percival continue to battle their hearts' true desires as she continues to pull herself out of the trenches and he persists in helping her. Throw in a murder mystery and some unexpected plot twists, and I guarantee an engrossing read. I am just so in love with all of these characters and felt some echoes of Jane Eyre, one of my all-time favorite stories. (This is one of Tess's other strong points: you feel echoes of your classic favorites, but she makes the stories all her own.)

I will definitely be rereading this series.

I received a requested review copy via Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read my review of the first book, When Stars Fall at Midnight.

Review of When Stars Fall at Midnight by Tess Thompson

When Stars Fall at Midnight by Tess Thompson

1921

Estelle
Cast out and alone, I lost everything weeks before my wedding—my betrothed, my family, my future. With nowhere to turn, I accept the help of a compassionate stranger, not knowing it may lead me towards a path I swore never to tread.

Percival
After my wife succumbed to a psychotic break, I placed her in an asylum, a decision that haunts me as I raise our daughter alone. Hope for her recovery wanes with each passing year. I've vowed to uphold my marital duty, yet the arrival of a mysterious woman tempts me with forbidden possibilities. My father’s dishonorable legacy is a constant reminder of the man I refuse to become.

Set in the tumultuous early 1920s, "When Stars Fall at Midnight" is the first installment in Tess Thompson’s romantic family saga. Join USA Today Bestselling author in this tale of resilience, redemption, and unexpected love, where second chances arise from the ruins of tragedy, and newfound bonds forge new a family.

Buy on Amazon

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***My thoughts***

Every time I think I cannot like Tess Thompson's romances any more, she surprises me with yet another masterpiece. She is one of the only authors I can stomach when it comes to historical romance, because those tales actually feel real. The first book in this new series, When Stars Fall at Midnight, is so engrossing, I had a hard time putting it down. Her prose was so clear and descriptive, and the dialgoue so natural that I felt like I was watching the book play out in front of me on a screen, kind of like watching Bridgerton. [So shoutout to Netflix! You should make a series from this one!]

Estelle has always felt like the lesser twin with no prospects for the future. She finally finds some good and beauty in her life, only to have her whole world come crashing down. Forced to make heartwrenching decisions, she starts her life over, thanks to a chance encounter with a noble benefactor in Percival. He also has his own secrets and difficulty in life. The two of them are so good for each other, but too many obstacles stand in their way. This is not an easy path to a romance - and should they even be trying? Moral dilemmas will have you contemplating which decisions are the correct ones. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen, but not quite!

This installment of the series does end before their story has completed. At the end, Tess calls it a cliffhanger. To me, it didn't feel so much like a cliffhanger as a logical place to pause. I'm anxious to read the next part, but am happy to see it looks like it won't be a really long wait for it! There are so many directions that this could all go.

I received a requested copy via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read my review of book 2, When Stars Rise at Midnight.

Read an exclusive excerpt from If the Duke Dares by Darcy Burke

 

If the Bridgerton series made you a fan of regency and all of the rakish dukes, please let me introduce you to Darcy Burke. Your bonus today is being able to read an excerpt from her latest, If the Duke Dares. Be sure to download it and then enter the great giveaway! There's more if you continue to follow the tour. 

Marian by Gayle Feyrer

 

Historical romance with some familiar characters and setting. Read an excerpt from Marian by Gayle Feyrer and then follow the tour for even more! You can also learn more about the author's Top 10 favorite movies. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Eden by Bobbi Smith

 

Lots of intrigue in this historical romance from Bobbi Smith! Check out an excerpt from Eden and then follow the tour for more. Be sure to enter the great giveaway at the end.

Review of The Musician of Emerson Pass (Emerson Pass Historical series #6) by Tess Thompson

 

Fiona Barnes has a secret. One so big she's afraid it will destroy everything she holds dear. Not even her beloved music can save her.

Review of the Bridgerton Collection Volume 2 by Juila Quinn

An enchanting collection containing books four, five, and six of #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn’s beloved Regency-set Bridgerton novels—Romancing Mister Bridgerton; To Sir Phillip, with Love; and When He Was Wicked—now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

Read an excerpt from The Voyage (Clan MacInnes Book 1) by Aila Skye

 Delve into the medieval times with this historical romance with Scottish clans that has reviewers raving and won the Best Audible Book Series in 2020! Read the excerpt below and then get your own copy!

 

Clan MacInnes: The Voyage by Aila Skye

Check out the Scottish clan romance that has reviewers raving and won the Best Audible Book Series in 2020! Read the excerpt below and then get your own copy!

 

Review of When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons #6) by Julia Quinn

FRANCESCA’S STORY

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

Review of To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgerton #5) by Julia Quinn

 

A New York Times Bestseller

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Eloise Bridgerton, in the fifth of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

ELOISE’S STORY

Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring that she’d be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn’t. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more.

Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn’t marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn’t. Her perfect husband wouldn’t be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn’t help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

Review of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Bridgertons #4) by Julia Quinn

 

COLIN AND PENELOPE’S STORY

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend’s brother for . . . well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret . . . and fears she doesn’t know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought of as nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can’t seem to publish an edition without mentioning him. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply there is suddenly the girl haunting his dreams. When he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat— or his promise of a happy ending?

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate links included)

Also found in the second Bridgerton box set:

Amazon * BN

**My thoughts**

I was so delighted to get to this story because Penelope is one of my favorite characters. I find myself relating to her a lot more than any of the Bridgertons. Plus we have seen her and Colin dancing around each other for a few years now.

The other fun part of this book is the revelation of Lady Whistledown's true identity. Now, if you've watched the first series on Netflix, the revelations will not be a surprise. But it's fun to watch it play out in this book. I adore the scene with the official reveal. (And really wish they would have held off in the Netflix version.)

It's a good sign when a series continues to hold your interest even at the fourth book. And this one definitely makes up for the third, which is still my least favorite (six books in, at least). I also enjoyed the lead-in to the fifth book, another one I've been curious about for a while.

Review of The Bridgerton Collection Volume 1 by Julia Quinn

 

An enchanting collection containing the first three novels in New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn’s beloved Bridgerton series set in Regency England—The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer from a Gentleman—now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.


The Duke and I
When Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, agree to a fake courtship, they think they’ve found the perfect solution to their problems. Romantically associated with one of London’s most desirable catches, Daphne’s prospects among the ton will soar. For avowed bachelor Simon, an attachment to Daphne will deter would-be brides and their ambitious mamas. Their plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule. . .

The Viscount Who Loved Me
London's most elusive bachelor, Anthony Bridgerton is determined to wed. But one obstacle stands in his way—his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield, who is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal. Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands, and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. She’s determined to protect her sister—even as she fears she may not be able to resist the reprehensible and oh so desirable rake herself . . .

An Offer from a Gentleman
Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that she would be spinning in the arms of her "Prince Charming"—the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie’s enchanting evening ends. Since that night Benedict has been able to think of nothing but the bewitching young woman, and he’s sworn to find and wed his mystery miss. Yet will another unexpectedly steal his heart—and his chance for a fairy tale love?

Review of An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn

 

BENEDICT’S STORY

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps, this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers her his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy-tale love?

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

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**My thoughts**

I didn't like this one nearly as much as I liked the first two books. Benedict really disappointed me with his forceful insistence that Sophie be his mistress. This after such a magical first encounter! I mean, I knew it was going to take some time for true identities to be revealed. But his behavior was reprehensible no matter who he thought she was. Kind of a misfire on the intended Cinderella thing.

And yet I was still engrossed and zipped through it in one afternoon, looking for the redemption in Benedict that does eventually come. And it was fun seeing the other couples pop in. I still look forward to more from this family.

Review of The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons #2) by Julia Quinn

 

ANTHONY’S STORY

This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London’s most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate’s determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate links included in post)

Also available as part of the first box set on Amazon.

**My thoughts**

The weekend before the second season dropped on Netflix, I binged the entire first box set of Bridgerton books, including this one. This is the book upon which the second season is based. I think this one is my favorite of those first three. (Actually, I have read the first six and this one is still my favorite.) 

The banter between Anthony and Kate and all of their little scrapes had me literally laughing out loud. I also love Kate's dog. And how does one secure an invite to play Pall Mall with the Bridgerton family? 

I am pretty sure I will read this one again. 4.5 out of 5 stars for me.

Review of The Duke and I (The Bridgertons #1) by Julia Quinn

 

Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?—Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister—the lovely and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it's all an elaborate ruse to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her . . . but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke . . . for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love.

Book Links

Amazon * BN * Goodreads

(affiliate link included)

Buy as part of the first boxed set

**My thoughts**

I'm not a Regency fan, at least not by contemporary authors. (I do enjoy Jane Austen.) So I hadn't even heard of the Bridgerton series until everyone was raving about the Netflix series. So I watched it and liked it well enough, but never gave a thought to reading it.

Then one day, I saw an amazing deal on one of the book discount/sale sites where the box set of the first three books was even cheaper than one solo book. I used a gift card and then the set sat on my TBR until it was time to prepare for the second season to drop on Netflix. I brushed off the digital dust and dove into The Duke and I.

I finished it in one day.

Netflix took a lot of liberties with the book in its first series. I was already aware of a lot of those changes from reading articles back then. I honestly didn't think anything of it when I was reading the book, though, because I was so engrossed. It honestly made me more eager to go back to the Netflix series to watch the first season again. In a way, it reminded me of what Showtime with the original Dexter. I have come to see the two Bridgertons as parallel universes much as I did with Jeff Lindsay's books versus Showtime's series.

What I liked about this book was first meeting the family and so many wonderful characters. The writing is done in a rather contemporary fashion in spite of this being a Regency. The vocabulary, tempo, and such are appropriate to the time period, yet it reads like a contemporary book. And the snappy dialogue is highly entertaining. I can see why people call Julia Quinn a modern Jane Austen, especially with Lady Whistledown.

So yes, I am a Bridgerton fan and will likely make my way through them all. (I did read books two and three in the same weekend binge.) And this just goes to show you the importance of a good writer, no matter the topic or genre.

Talk of Tokyo (Tokyo Whispers) by Heather Hallman

 

Welcome to the book blast for Talk of Tokyo by Heather Hallman! If this sounds vaguely familiar, perhaps you are thinking of the recent blast for Scandals of Tokyo, which is the prequel to this new Tokyo Whispers series. (You can check that out here.) Read an excerpt from the first full-length book in this series and then follow the tour for even more! Best of luck entering the giveaway!

CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS

1897 Tokyo is no different than anywhere else in the world: men are exploiting women. Specifically, Western men are exploiting Japanese women, and Suki Malveaux holds no punches in her condemnation of their behavior in her weekly column in the Tokyo Daily News.

Suki knows firsthand when Western men arrive at Tokyo Bay there’s only one outcome for Japanese women: a child and new mother left behind as nothing more than discarded shrapnel from the heartless war on love.

Griffith Spenser is her latest target. He’s been seen with Natsu Watanabe, one of Tokyo’s esteemed war widows. Under full anonymity of the moniker “The Tokyo Tattler,” Suki makes sure Griffith knows exactly why his behavior with Natsu won’t be tolerated.

Away from her Japanese mask as a columnist, Suki never intended to meet the cad. When he seeks her out to hire as a tutor for his niece and nephew, she’s faced with seeing him day in and day out without him ever knowing who she really is.

Caught in her struggle for anonymity so she can keep battling for women’s rights, Suki’s about to learn the full impact of her words on the people behind the story, especially on Griff.

Read an excerpt:

Tokyo 1897

Foreign Quarter of Tsukiji


Fluttering her eyelashes in a coquettish manner, which had much in common with trying to dislodge a flying insect, Suki faced the man who held her fate in the palm of his rather well-shaped hands. “I was admiring your fine home.”

“I quite like it myself.”

“Was it constructed after the quake of ’94?”

“We commissioned its construction when we arrived in ’95. I’m assured by its builders it could withstand another earthquake of that intensity. Japanese-style homes fare better than brick and stone.”

“Mother Nature has given us many opportunities to rebuild.”

“Mother Nature?” Spenser furrowed his brow. “I thought it was the giant catfish residing under Japan flipping its tail that caused all these earthquakes.” His tone was teasing, while the observation revealed Spenser as the type of foreigner who bothered learning about traditional culture.

“You know your Japanese folklore,” Suki replied.

“I like to be prepared for all the dragons and ghosts I’m certain to encounter,” Spenser said with a smile that brought out creases along his soft brown eyes. “I should introduce myself, although introductions are probably unnecessary. I’m Griffith Spenser, arrived from England, resident of Tsukiji for almost two years.”

Suki mentally added to the introduction: Spenser counted minor members of the British aristocracy among his family, although he himself had no chance of inheriting a title; his company was the most highly regarded foreign-owned trading firm in Tokyo; he’d arrived with a new bride who left him a year later; and he now graced the bed of war widow Natsu Watanabe. Also, he played lawn tennis.

The Tokyo Tattler’s job was to know these facts about Tsukiji’s most illustrious residents, and Suki needed to continue doing this job, which was why she couldn’t let Spenser’s allure compromise her defenses. The man had asked her to his home without explanation. Although she’d like to imagine he’d summoned her to discuss the modern significance of Japanese mythology, she was a realist. Spenser had a score to settle with the Tokyo Tattler, and all this pleasant banter about earthquakes was merely diversion.

Boroughs Publishing Group * Amazon * Apple iBooks

Heather Hallman writes witty, sensual, contest-winning romances set in Meiji-era Japan (1868-1912). She is the author of the Tokyo Whispers series that includes Scandals of Tokyo and Talk of Tokyo.

She is fluent in Japanese language, history, and culture, and earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology based on fieldwork research in Japan. She lives in Tokyo with her professor husband and two young daughters. In her free time, she can be found translating ancient Japanese poetry and observing the passing of seasons while sipping green tea. Just kidding, she has no free time. But she does watch something that makes her laugh while she does the dishes.

Perennial obsessions include the weather forecast (she checks three different apps at least three times a day, as no single app can be trusted), Baltimore Ravens football (hometown obsession), and making smoothies that taste like candy bars.

Feel free to chat her up about any of her obsessions, or, even better, about historical Japan—any era is fine, she loves them all. She also enjoys exchanging book recommendations, discussions about the craft of romance writing, and stories about life in present-day Tokyo.

Visit her website to learn more: https://www.heatherhallman.com/

Follow her:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22050466.Heather_Hallman
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-hallman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhallman_author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallmanheather/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writing_romance_in_japan

Heather Hallman will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway