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Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Anthea Lawson, Jennifer Moore, and Heather B. Moore.

A LORD’S CHANCE by Anthea Lawson: After her first romance ends in disaster, Miss Isabelle Strathmore vows never to fall in love again. She will travel, certainly, and see the world, but it will be a spinster’s life for her. She has learned the most painful lesson of all—that her heart simply cannot be trusted. Gavin Reed, the Earl of Jasper, is unexpectedly charmed by Isabelle. Past encounters have made him wary of taking a chance on love, but by the end of the Grand Tour, he is determined to make Miss Strathmore his wife. But fate has more in store than either of them guesses. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, can Isabelle and Lord Jasper find their happily ever after before disaster strikes?

FALLING IN ROME by Jennifer Moore: Chaperoning two young women on their grand tour is the opportunity of a lifetime for Eleanor Doyle. Although she’s an expert in many languages, her gender has made further education impossible. If the tour is successful, the young women’s parents have promised her a position at a university in London. Eleanor hopes to instill her charges with a love of Rome, but not until they meet up with a group of young gentlemen and their fascinating professor, Russell Kendrick, do the young ladies show any interest at all. Attraction blossoms between Eleanor and Ken, but Eleanor’s future depends on maintaining propriety. The headstrong charges have other ideas, and Ken and Eleanor will have to decide which is most important, accolades in the academic world, or being with the one they love.

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT by Heather B. Moore: Evelyn Tucker has finally graduated from finishing school, but dreads living with her widowed aunt. On the appointed day, Aunt Margaret comes to collection Evelyn, and Margaret informs her that they’re going on a Grand Tour to spend as much of the estate money they can before a distant cousin inherits all. When Henry Gaiman discovers he’s inherited his distant uncle’s estate, he loathes the thought of returning to England since he’d rather continue with his archaeology dig in Egypt. Return he must, and there, he meets Evelyn, a woman who will change his world in more ways than one.

Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS (coming 2018)

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE (coming 2018)
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN (coming 2018)

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2017

115 people are currently reading
345 people want to read

About the author

Anthea Lawson

54 books171 followers
Anthea Lawson, called "a new star of Historical Romance" by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.

Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews239 followers
November 19, 2017
Anyone ready for a trip to the Mediterranean? How about Rome or Egypt? Well if you can't get there then this Victorian collection was a lot of fun and had me feeling transported to these different locations.

Three ladies, each on a grand tour, two believing they'll remain spinsters, one fresh out of finishing school. Each have experienced heartache in their lives. Each a scholar, albeit somewhat secretly. Each encountering someone who turns their worlds upside down and has them questioning their plans.

Even though these were novellas, I have to say, I felt like the stories were delivered and wrapped up nicely without feeling like I missed out on growth and on having enough information to feel happily satisfied with the whole story.

I will say that Heather B. Moore's story had me wanting to go back and rewatch the BBC version of "Wives and Daughters" by Elizabeth Gaskell. No Heather's story was not the same as Gaskell's but the similarities of the heroes being in a desert climate excavating and studying and the heroine being interested had me thinking about Gaskell's story. If there's any "Wives and Daughters" fans then I think you'll really enjoy this novella.

Definitely enjoyed my time spent being swept away to different lands and cultures while enjoying some sweet and clean romances and learning some history as well.

Content: Clean

I received a review copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Kelly.
712 reviews60 followers
December 11, 2017
I loved the 3 stories in this collection. I do have a favorite one though! Not telling which one! There is one story that references to Greek mythology and it is kind of used in how the boy got the girl in the end. I like how there is a rescue in the sea but it isn't a rescue because the girl was rescuing herself and she was definitely more of a twenty first century girl. There are two of the main female characters who thought they would remain a spinster! There is action and a lot of adventure since it is touring the world here!! I love this time period and the fashion and I would love to have experienced that time! But, I like my air conditioning!

I got so caught up in the stories that I didn't write notes about each story. I only highlighted quotes on loving someone. But I love them:
"What do you think happens to the chrysalis when the butterfly emerges? It breaks. It is destroyed- but only in the process of becoming something new and better."
She might have emerged from a chrysalis, as Mrs. Hodges wanted to believe; but if so, the wet, limp things on her back could hardly be trusted to carry her aloft. Far more likely that, like Icarus and his makeshift wings, she'd end up plunging into the sea and drown.


And this one from a man's perspective:
Miss Doyle's gown followed her figure tightly in the bodice, then spread into flounces or ruffles or one of thos words men were not taught.



Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews328 followers
December 17, 2017
As I've read different Regency or Victorian books, I've occasionally read about people taking a "Grand Tour" around the continent. It usually just remains a vague, casual mention--maybe sharing a few things they saw or places they visited, but not much more than that. As I read this book, I found myself very intrigue by this "vacation" for the wealthy.

A LORD'S CHANCE took place in the Mediterranean, which isn't a place that I would assume would be on a high priority list to visit, but it sounds like I'm wrong. Both Isabelle and Gavin have been burned by others in the past and neither one of them is looking for love, but guess what? It creeps up on them and finds them once again. There are many crazy adventures found within these pages--things that cause these characters some deep, inner reflections and it was fun watching it all unfold. I really enjoyed the setting, motives, and, of course, the romance.

FALLING IN ROME really brought to life the fact that these "Grand Tours" were probably used to rub money in others' faces, as well as yet another social scene where gossip and connections abound. Eleanor and Ken are both very smart and learned individuals and that right there is attractive to them both. I loved learning some history of Italy, while also watching two clever individuals maneuver their pathway to love.

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT was fascinating because Egypt! While Evelyn is surprised with a grand tour and her aunt's secret, she is even more surprised with Henry. The whole situation captured my attention from the start and held it throughout the book. I really enjoyed the characters and their emotions and reactions to the different events that occurred throughout the story. Such a fun cap to my own grand tour.

Overall, this really is an enjoyable jaunt to the past and all of the romances are so sweet (and clean). I look forward to the next installment.

Content: clean

*I voluntarily reviewed this copy and received no compensation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Mara.
1,467 reviews110 followers
November 27, 2017
I loved this collection! If you're like me and will probably never get to travel to the Mediterranean, Italy or Egypt you can take your own 'grand tour' while reading this trio of clean Victorian romances.
A LORD’S CHANCE by Anthea Lawson. This is a new author for me and I enjoyed this story of Isabelle Strathmore and Gavin Reed, the Lord of Jasper. Isabelle and Gavin were both previously taken in by suitors who were after only money and title, which led to her not trusting her heart, and him being wary of all women. Will spending time together on a ship unlock their hearts to allow love in?
I liked how Isabelle and Gavin got to know each other while touring the stops on their Grand Tour. Sometimes first impressions aren't a true representation of a person.

FALLING IN ROME by Jennifer Moore. Eleanor Doyle is chaperon to the Blakely sisters on their grand tour, with hopes of becoming a research assistant in the Archaeology and Ancient History department at a new university in London upon their return home. Russell Kendrick, a professor, has a trio of young men who are his students. Eleanor is very intelligent and can read several languages but because she's a woman she will never be able to be at teacher. Ken loves her intelligence and they share a common interest in archeology. When he makes an amazing discovery (with Eleanor's help) he's offered his dream job, but will he take it if it means being away from Eleanor?
I loved this love story because it wasn't he's so handsome and she's so beautiful, although I'm sure they each thought that. They shared a common interest and he wasn't put off or insulted that she knew more than he did on certain subjects. The secondary storyline involving one of the Blakely sisters showed how easily a woman's reputation could be ruined by mistaking something completely innocent and above board. I'm glad all 3 women got their happily ever afters.

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT by Heather B. Moore. Evelyn Tucker has just graduated from finishing school and expects to return to a drab existence, but when her aunt comes to pick her up she's a different woman than the one who brought her to the school. Her uncle has recently died and her aunt is taking her on a Grand Tour spending money from the estate. Meanwhile, Henry Gaiman is on an archeological dig in Egypt when he finds out he's inherited an estate from a distant uncle. He reluctantly goes to England to let his widowed aunt know she can continue living in her home, but has trouble to tracking her down, and he ends up on the train with them. He's immediately taken with the shy Evelyn who is very interested in his dig in Egypt. He comes up with a scheme to avoid Mrs. Lillian Worthen, the benefactress of his dig, which involves him spending a lot of time with Evelyn. Of course he truly falls in love with shy Evelyn.
I knew Henry and Evelyn would fall in love when they were talking on the train, but didn't know the roundabout way they'd go about it. I enjoy reading Heather B. Moore's books because she makes me feel as if I'm there.
I didn't feel as if any of these 3 stories were novellas. The characters were fully developed and the stories flowed as if they were novels. I was given an advanced copy to review but all thoughts about this book are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
January 15, 2018
Three fun novella's in one book! This novella collection is set during Victorian times while the characters are experiencing their "Grand Tour". I was pleased that not all of the characters were wealthy. There were the working class as the main characters.

I had always considered a Grand Tour to take place in Spain, France, etc. The countries in Europe that were near England. I was surprised and pleased to have stories in the Mediterranian and Egypt.

I was impressed that characters did not go on their adventure looking for love, but it found them anyway. As always, you can never go wrong with a Timeless Romance Collection. This is a great book to pick up and read.

The book is clean with kissing. One story has an intimate proposition that accepted.

Source: I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,249 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2017
This book has three great novellas in it. The first one is by an author I have never heard of. A Lord's Chance is a pride and prejudice type story. Isabelle and Lord Jasper do not think much of each other at their first interactions but over time they learn they have misjudge each other. Falling in Rome is about two teachers and their charges. Eleanor and the Blakely sisters are on tour to give Rosalie Blakely some time away after a scandal. Professor Kendall is Rome teaching and working on locating an old temple. Professor Kendall appreciates Eleanor's intellect and wants to become more than friends. Eleanor does not believe that marriage is her pathway in life. Can Professor Kendall change her mind? The last one is A Secert Arrangement. Evelyn and Henry end up in a fake engagement after Henry tries to get himself out of a sticky situation with the proprietor of his dig in Egypt. Henry is to busy with his digs to have time for a wife until he meets Evelyn. I loved all three stories and felt like I had journeyed to Greece, Rome and Egypt through the stories.
Profile Image for Laura .
1,158 reviews13 followers
November 21, 2017
I absolutely enjoyed this collection. In each of these stories the main characters are on vacation when they find love. None of the characters are looking for love-in fact it is just the opposite for several of them. Clean, swoon worthy reads that make me want to visit Europe!
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,476 reviews86 followers
November 29, 2017
What I loved about this collection were all of the exotic locations: a tour by boat to Morocco and Greece, chaperoning young charges in Rome, and discovering artifacts at an archaeological site in Egypt. Each story brought me back in history, and had me feeling very adventurous, or maybe wishing I were more adventurous!

My favorite was Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore. Both Eleanor Doyle and Professor Russell Kendrick are brought together by their love of history, and their responsibility for their charges. I loved seeing the history through their eyes, and could imagine the famous places they visited.

The romances were sweet, the settings were breathtaking, and the novellas were well crafted. I can't wait to see what theme Timeless Victorian Collection will tackle next.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,303 followers
January 17, 2018
Overall, a good read.

The first story was not my favorite.

The second story, Falling in Rome, by Jennifer Moore, was fun and I really liked the setting in Rome. I loved how they ended working up together in the end. Archaeology is one of my favorite subjects.

The third story, A Secret Arrangement, by Heather Moore, also has a very delightful setting in Egypt, and I liked all the history involving that.
Evelyn and Henry have somewhat of an unconventional beginning, and Henry did a lot of mistakes, but he was able to redeem himself in the end.

A thoroughly enjoying collection of short stories set in the Victorian times. Highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book which did not influence my opinion.
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,829 reviews193 followers
April 4, 2018
A GRAND TOUR is a truly enjoyable collection of three stories where the English heroines are touring the world and find unexpected love. The historical settings come alive as do these characters, pulling the reader in. Highly recommended to sweet historical romance readers!

A LORD’S CHANCE by Anthea Lawson: I loved this story! I loved the characters and how they find themselves attracted to each other against their best intentions. They are characters I love on their own, but putting them together as a couple is even better. Great dialogue, fabulous chemistry, and some brilliant humor as well. I'll be looking for more from this author.

FALLING IN ROME by Jennifer Moore: It's not often that these stories involve older (not really that old - just in their thirties) characters, but I found it to be a fun change. The story was paced well and little by little these characters became better acquainted and I fell for them as they did so. It's a very sweet story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT by Heather B. Moore: This story was unexpected in the way these characters first meet, in the leading man being an archaeologist with no interest in romance, and how they end up falling for each other. There was some drama when Henry didn't realize how selfish and foolish he was being instead of seeing others for who they are and what they want. There was more at play than just his life and he had to redeem himself. Thank goodness, he did. Another delightful read from this author!

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really loved these stories! They were all interesting in their historical settings, had wonderful characters, swoon-worthy moments, and happily-ever-afters. Just what I was looking for.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through ebooksforreview.com, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,526 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2017
This collection of three novellas was absolutely delightful. Each was well written and had characters on a Grand Tour, one in Morocco and Greece, one in Rome, Italy, and the third in Cairo Egypt. I hadn’t read anything by Anthea Lawson before but I will be looking for more books she has written. I have read many books by Jennifer Moore and Heather B Moore and they are two of my favorite authors. Highly entertaining!
Profile Image for Anna.
1,525 reviews31 followers
June 23, 2021
Three fun period romances featuring travel, and uniquely educated and independent women. I often struggle with romance novellas because they almost always go at least a bit too fast from first meeting to marriage and these stories also suffer somewhat from that issue, but that aside it was a fun read and it seemed like all the authors had studied to show these places as 19th century people might have seen them.
208 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2017
I like this anthology. I felt all the stories and characters were developed as well as you can expect in a novella. Love these authors and can't wait for the next collection to come out!
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
2,388 reviews17 followers
November 16, 2017
I truly loved all three of these novellas. I really enjoyed the travel and history throughout Rome and Egypt. These characters shared great chemistry and the romance was sweet and clean.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews582 followers
December 30, 2017
A strong collection of stories that take our English characters abroad to the Continent with adventure and romance! Two of the stories are focused on archaeology and it was fascinating to learn more about the relatively recent discovery and uncovering of ancient ruins. I was surprised by how little oversight there was by the country or government, and could see the controversy over removing the artifacts for a greater population of British to witness and appreciate versus keeping them in their original location where they "belong." Each story had a good plot, arc, and romance, and it was an enjoyable collection to read with settings that are a bit unusual for the genre.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Adrienne.
2,081 reviews16 followers
November 22, 2017
A LORD’S CHANCE by Anthea Lawson
Isabelle Strathmore, having been on the receiving end of heartbreak, will never fall in love again. Instead, she'll travel and see the world and keep her heart to herself. Gavin Reed, having been pursued by too many fortune hunters, is wary of women. Neither is expecting to fall for someone, and yet, as they spend time together on their Mediterranean cruise, they are drawn to each other.

This was an enjoyable story. I liked seeing Isabelle and Gavin overcome their reservations about the opposite sex. I also really liked seeing how Gavin went from disdainful to romantic.

FALLING IN ROME by Jennifer Moore
Eleanor Doyle is chaperoning two sisters on their grand tour; if she can successfully keep them out of trouble, their father will ensure a research position at a London university. In Rome, they meet Russell Kendrick, a professor, and his three students. While Eleanor enjoys Ken's company very much, one of her wards is overly interested in one of his students, and as much as Eleanor wants to help Ken as he uncovers Roman relics, she can't risk losing the position she has worked so hard for.

I loved seeing the romance in this book--especially since it had a lot to do with Eleanor's and Ken's intellectual compatibility. i also really liked the plot line of exploring and discovering Roman ruins.

A SECRET ARRANGEMENT by Heather B. Moore
Henry Gaiman is engrossed in his archaeological work in Egypt and inheriting an estate when a distant uncle dies is a hindrance to his work, but he dutifully heads to England to make arrangements--including tracking down his uncle's widow to assure her that she will be able to keep her home. He's not prepared to meet his aunt's charge, Evelyn Tucker, freshly graduation from finishing school. Evelyn seems genuinely interested in Henry's work--and he finds himself interested in her.

This was another great story. Again, I really enjoyed the archaeological aspect as well as the romance.

This was such a fun collection; I loved all three couples as well as the chance to see a bit of the Mediterranean, Rome, and Egypt. I've really enjoyed the Timeless Regency books and I'm excited that they've branched out into the Victorian era as well.

I received a free copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 47 books589 followers
April 17, 2018
I've had A Grand Tour The Timeless Victorian Collection on my to-read list for a little while and I finally read it. I love having novellas that are just the right size for when I have a bit of reading time!

The first one is by Anthea Lawson. She's a new author to me and I enjoyed her story. I'll definitely be looking for more from her. Miss Isabelle Strathmore has been burned by love and has decided she won't risk her heart again. Being on a cruise with the Earl of Jasper complicates that vow, however, as she gets to know the man behind the title. I liked the little adventure they went on and how this couple learned to trust each other. A cute romance!

The second one is by Jennifer Moore, one of my favorite authors. Eleanor Doyle is chaperoning two young ladies on their grand tour, attempting to keep them entertained and within propriety's bounds at all times, but that is a nearly impossible feat. She meets Professor Russell Kendrick who is shepherding some young gentlemen around Rome and the two groups meet up often. The professor is drawn to Eleanor, and her knowledge and skills in academia pull him in further. Their love story has some difficult challenges, however, because of society's restrictions, and it was fun to see how it all was resolved. Loved the historical details in this one!

The third one is by Heather Moore, another favorite author of mine. Evelyn Tucker is finally going home to her aunt after completing her time at finishing school. Only her aunt has other ideas. She takes Evelyn on a grand tour, trying to spend all her husband's money before it can go to some distant relative. That distant relative is Henry Gaiman, who has been called home from his archaeological dig to settle the estate's affairs. He tracks the women down and ends up traveling with them for a short while. He is pulled into a bit of drama, however, when his benefactress gives him an ultimatum that is unacceptable---but how can he risk his archaeological dig? In a surprising turn of events, Henry finds himself in a pretend engagement with Evelyn, but by the time he realizes he's not pretending, will it be too late?

I enjoyed all three stories and thought they were well-developed in both characters and story, despite the shorter length. A wonderful read for when you need a little romance, but don't have a lot of time!

Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Peggy.
Author 3 books3 followers
November 20, 2017
Sigh! Three lovely romances all around the theme of A Grand Tour. What is more romantic than a Mediterranean cruise or the ancient pyramids or the fantastic art and form of Italy? Add strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes and voila, it's a book you can't put down. Sometimes I curse Heather B. Moore (please don't tell) because once I pick up her story to read everything is at a standstill until I finish. I was pleased to find the same with all the authors in this collection. Buy it. Read it. (I received an advance reader copy, but my review would have been the same regardless). These stories did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Brooke -Brooke's Books.
373 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2018
Another fun Timeless Collection. I'm enjoying reading about the Victorian era and learning about the customs and feel of that time. I am especially enjoying seeing that the women had more freedom and were able to do more on their own and choosing what they wanted to do (this compared to the Regency era that I love).

These stories have adventure, romance, and a bit of danger. Fun!
226 reviews15 followers
December 2, 2017
Charming, yet unsurprising. I appreciated the "foreign" settings of the stories. The second story, by Jennifer Moore, I found the most compelling, with her non-traditional characters.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
November 19, 2017
A Lord's Chance - This story was a sweet adventure through the Mediterranean on a cruise.  With a stop in Morocco and one in Athens, the author used great imagery to convey the sights and sounds of these foreign countries.  With Isabelle and Gavin going from mistrust of one another to friendship and encountering a number of adventures, this was a fun journey.

I would have liked to have gotten more details on the betrayal that Isabelle experienced as a younger woman.  And I disliked the reference to Gavin praying to all the gods when he was desperate, though I understand the reason for that was that he was desperate and they were in Greece.  It was probably period appropriate, but. . .

Falling in Rome - This book had me absolutely charmed.  I loved the interactions between Eleanor and Ken and the way they both cared for their charges, and enjoyed the fact that their connection was through archaeology  and scholarly pursuits.

A Secret Arrangement - This was another story with archaeology and a love of history.  Though I know that the use of first names was reserved for intimate acquaintances at this time in history, the way Henry reacted to being able to refer to Evelyn by her first name was so very sweet.

This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
30 reviews
November 20, 2017
I really enjoy the Timeless Romance series! I love knowing that all these stories will be completely clean and free from profanity. The Grand Tour was fantastic!

A Lord's Chance by Anthea Lawson
I loves the heroin Isabelle. I really appreciated her maturity in the story for some reason. Its a nice change from the young girls searching for a husband. She was not out to ensnare a husband and was just herself. It was fun to travel to Mediterranean in this story. The thawing of Lord Jasper is enjoyable to watch as well as the budding relation ship between the two.

Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore
Italy! Why are stories set in Italy so perfect? I enjoyed touring Rome with Eleanor and her two charges. This story has a fun ending!

A Secret Arrangement
Everyone needs an Aunt Margret! She was so enjoyable. This book was so fun! Henry and his situation is great. Read it it's fantastic.

These three stories are so much fun with strong and smart heroines and enjoyable moments!
Profile Image for Taffy.
983 reviews62 followers
November 23, 2017
Want a romantic adventure the Mediterranean, Rome or Egypt? Then you should these three novellas!

A Lord's Chance by Anthea Lawson
"The smell of deck tar warming under the Mediterranean sun made Miss Isabelle Strathmore smile beneath the brim of her second-best bonnet."
I liked the adventurous spirit of Isabelle and the dark-haired Lord who unwittingly falls in love with her.

Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore
"The Trevi Fountain stood in all its shining marble and travertine glory, radiant white against an azure blue sky, looking every bit as magnificent as the drawings Eleanor Doyle had seen in her father's books."
I learned a lot about Ancient Rome while Eleanor feel in love.

A Secret Arrangement by Heather B. Moore
"Evelyn Cleopatra Tucker knew her last day at Mrs. Paddock's Finishing School for Young Ladies would be the worse day of her life."
Evelyn and Henry!




6,155 reviews
November 21, 2017
A Grand Tour is part of the Timeless Victorian Collection. It is a collection of three stories by three different authors. These stories include:
Lord’s Chance by Anthea Lawson
Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore
A Secret Arrangement by Heather B. Moore
I loved these stories and enjoyed my first introduction to Anthea Lawson’s writing. I will look forward to more by her. I cannot decide which story I enjoyed this most. Jennifer Moore and Heather B Moore are among my must read authors and they did not disappoint here.
I give this book 5 stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for bookscoffeeandcats77.
1,427 reviews
January 31, 2018
A Lord's Chance by Anthea Lawson-4.5 stars
This was an enjoyable novella with characters that remind you of P&P's Darcy and Elizabeth. I really liked Lord Jasper and Isabella and loved watching their story unfold.
Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore-3 stars
I really liked this at first. I liked the idea of the story and the characters. Then for some reason I lost interest and had trouble finishing it. It isn't poorly written just didn't completely click with me.
A Secret Arrangement by Heather Moore-4.5 stars
I have always been been fascinated with Egypt and archeological excavation so this novella's setting was perfect for me. I emjoyed the story and loved the characters.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
March 5, 2019
Fun Stories

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of romances with the common theme of the characters being on a grand tour. Love was found in the most unlikely places. I particularly liked the characters, especially the secondary characters that added so m to a couple of the plots. Excellent stories.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,006 reviews8 followers
April 3, 2019
One thing I love about these novellas—besides being non-committal quick reads—is how each author can take a book challenge formula and create a unique story. Deep down, each story had that same formulaic plot, but add a location, personality, and conflict and you get a fun ride for the reader!

I did enjoy the last story about Egypt the most!
Profile Image for Shauna  K. Spencer.
169 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2017
Finding love in another land!

Finding love when you least expect it & in another country even, is most romantic! These stories of two people meeting in far away places will make you swoon & want more.
Profile Image for  Mummy Cat Claire.
836 reviews15 followers
January 25, 2018
This book contains three novellas. All are about spending time abroad and two of the stories include Egypt at the time when the government allowed exploration. Dig sites were and learning about historical Egyptian culture was the rage.

A Lord's Chance by Anthea Lawson:

The story begins at the Southern coast of Spain, October 1852. Isabelle Strathmore is a young woman who has decided to travel abroad with a companion.
"But despite her curmudgeonly exterior, Mrs. Hodges possessed the soul of an adventurer. Why else had she agreed to accompany Isabelle on a Grand Tour culminating in Greece?"

Gavin Reed, the Earl of Jasper, is traveling with his friend, Lord Weston. Lord Weston is a bit of a flirt and invites Isabelle and a few other ladies aboard the ship to accompany the men into the city. Isabelle is attacked and she and the Earl get lost in a scary part of Greece. They make their way back to the ship. From there a friendship blossoms.


Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore:

Rome, Italy 1879, Eleanor Doyle is "escorting two young women on their grand tour" but really she is in charge of watching and protecting them. They have been in Rome for two weeks and Eleanor has her hands full. The young ladies are more interested in the city's society rather than the historical import.

Ken Kendrick is an archaeologist. He is in charge of some young men who are on an educational adventure. Ken is their professor. Ken is looking to solve a puzzle but is having a hard time with it. Lucky for him, Eleanor is the highly educated daughter of a famous archaeologist. She understands hieroglyphics. The two of them begin to work together.

A Secret Arrangement by Heather B. Moore:

England 1855, Evelyn Cleopatra Tucker is getting ready to move on from her boarding school to live with her aunt. Her aunt has just lost her husband and has adopted the attitude of screw it! Aunt Margaret surprises Evelyn with a trip abroad.

Henry Gaiman is working on excavating something important. He is very involved in his work and wants nothing to do with England. He receives a letter from England stating that a relative has passed away, leaving his money and estate to him. He must travel back to England to settle the estate. To add to his woes, Henry's benefactress has asked him to marry her.

After Henry learns of Margaret Tucker and her ward, he tracks them down on a train. They agree to travel together. In the midst of their travels, Henry blunders things and ends up asking Evelyn to pretend to engaged.

The first story in this book was one of the worst I have read in a while. I found the story itself to be insipid. The characters were boring and Isabelle was unlikable. I felt like she was trying to hard and she came off as annoying. I got through to the first 3 chapters and I was already to be done with the story. It was quite boring. It also has the worst case of Insta-love ever in one of these novella books.

In the second story, I liked Eleanor and Ken but the two ladies that she is supposed to be watching are not so likable. They are young but rude in an immature sort of way. Then ending of the book seemed rushed and not over. There was nothing wrapped up with the ladies. What happened to them?

The third story is by far my favorite of the three. It was still odd at times but it was more entertaining, had better characters, etc.

Overall, I really didn't love this book as much as I thought I would. I'm not sure why but I think the Grand Tour theme didn't impress me. But really, the characters in these books were just okay. They didn't capture me.

Content: clean

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2,102 reviews38 followers
September 11, 2021
1. A Lord's Chance by Anthea Lawson ~ 1852. Gavin Reed, the Earl of Jasper did not take to Jane Austen's proclamation of a truth universally acknowledged (that despite his wealth) he must be in want of a wife. In fact, he was running away from the deceiving harpies who were in desperate want of his person and his fortune. Disillusioned by the fortune huntresses, he gladly accompanied his friend, the Viscount Weston on his grand tour. Both young men found themselves on the Floramay in the Mediterranean where they chance met Miss Isabelle Strathmore, a botanist's daughter used to traveling abroad with her father looking for rare plant specimens... she also had her heart broken on a previous shipboard romance. She was with her shrewd and pragmatic companion, Mrs. Hodges. There was also Miss Taylor, definitely not loosing any opportunity to husband~hunt and her disapproving governess, both showed amiability and pleasant manners having been presented with the men's persons and their titles.

2. Falling in Rome by Jennifer Moore ~ Rome 1879. Miss Eleanor Doyle, aspiring archeologist and daughter of a revered one was in the Eternal City chaperoning the daughters of her benefactors being that the extremely indiscreet Rosalie Blakely was sent on tour to the continent with her sister because of a scandal. Eleanor's future largely depended on keeping scandal away from the flirtatious girl. Interesting to know about those graffiti on an excavated wall at Nero's decadent palace plus those found in Pompeii... some aspects of human nature are as eternal and as unchanging despite the passage of thousands of years.

3. A Secret Arrangement by Heather B. Moore ~ England 1855. To stop his twice~widowed benefactress from making him husband number three, Henry Gaiman offered Evelyn Tucker's name as his fictitious fiancée... all these while they were on a dig in Giza. Evelyn and her Aunt Margaret were still on their Grand Tour and were yet to reach Alexandria. So Henry had to warn her by letter. A Romance set on the hot sands of Egypt... love for archeology and history drew Henry and Evelyn together... their fake engagement made their conversations interesting... their activities together, like dancing was a delightful novelty for Evelyn. Though the sniping of the deflected and thwarted widow and her sudden change of heart was not altogether believable... I did not get her negative attitude in the first place... none of it made sense.
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