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The Everstone Chronicles

Enchanting Nicholette (The Everstone Chronicles Book 5)

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In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of 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.
Cal Hawthorne has been interested in Nicholette for years. But right now, he's busy helping the police trying to catch his rotten cousin, who has tricked young women into prostitution in Maine. Cal is also living under an assumed name; his late father left his fortune to his secret mistress and their six young children.
Is Cal's work too risky for Nicholette to pin her hopes on him? And will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of "what if" at bay?

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2018

4 people are currently reading
365 people want to read

About the author

Dawn Crandall

7 books805 followers
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 first four books of her 5-book 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
808 reviews372 followers
October 10, 2018
I'm convinced that Dawn Crandall can't write a romance that isn't utterly endearing and just all around lovely to read. There are so many romantic moments, from their first interactions (in a bookstore no less, swoon!) to the moments that adds depth to their relationship. While the plot is a bit slow-moving in the beginning, the dynamic chemistry of our leads, as well as the surprising intrigue found within Nicholett's high society circles, held my interest with ease.

Having read all of the full length novels in this series, parts of this felt like a cozy meeting between old friends. Nicholette and Cal are very much periphery characters in the other books, so it was a joy getting to know them, as well as being back in the world of the Everstone's from Nicholette's point of view. That said, I don't think that readers who have not read the full length novels would have any trouble with following along with this novella. I also have to add that for a novella, it's quite a full story. It is utterly romantic, but I never felt that things were rushed. Both leads had previously been married and dealt with the death of their spouses, and though I haven't experienced that myself, the hopefulness yet hesitancy portrayed by both of them feels genuine and adds a rich layer to the story.

There is also a light mystery thread, as well as a sprinkle of intrigue, and these held my interest as well. The wait feels long for Crandall's next full length offering, but this novella did the trick to tide me over. Enchanting Nicholette is exactly that - an enchanting reading experience, whether for first time readers or for those returning to the world of the Everstone's.

I received a complimentary copy of this novella. I was not required to post a review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,677 reviews581 followers
November 2, 2018
Fans of The Everstone Chronicles series will absolutely love this addition to the series! Cal Hawthorne and Nicholette Everstone are pleasant and charming together, but Cal has secrets and Nicholette struggles with any sort of danger that puts loved ones at risk. I enjoyed their friendship and loved the chemistry as they are instantly attracted to each other. The themes of trust and overcoming fear are well-executed and powerful. There is a good pace to the story and it felt longer and fuller than a novella with its full plot and character arc. It can be read on its own but the reader will definitely want to pick up the other books in the series to read the lovely stories of all the characters they meet!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Seema Khan Peerzada .
93 reviews33 followers
June 1, 2018
My Views:


To begin with, I am not a novella person. I need a complete and detailed story, with elaborate (but not overboard) descriptions of feelings, places, situations, characters, actions et al., which are most of the times missing from a novella. My experience, when I had grabbed one to read, was that they are hasty, and kind of like fill-in-the-blanks-on-your-own types. So, the bottom line is, I didn’t read them untill and unless I found the story too captivating and intriguing or the author was one of my favourites. So, as it goes, I couldn’t very well not read a book, whatever form, which was from the pen of Dawn Crandall! And I am so happy I did! Or I would have missed such a gem!

About the Book/Story:


If you ask me to sum it up in a sentence, I would say, ‘I am indeed ‘enchanted’!’ I was so happy that I read the lovely book, that I am now revising my opinions of novellas. Not only is Enchanting Nicholette a bee-yuu-ti-fulll story, but it is a memorable one, and it takes a lot for a book to be memorable, from story and characters to actions and emotions, and all these things were present in EN. It never felt hasty or rushed. It had a good pace, with much happening to my satisfaction.
To get into the deets, Enchanting Nicholette, is a small extension and the closure of The Everstone Chronicles, a wonderful series of books based on the lives of the Everstone Family, of the Gilded Age Boston, New England. It is also a part of The Timeless Love: Romantic Stories that Span the Ages, a collection of novellas from different authors, based in different eras. The details about the same can be found further down the review.

Coming back to Enchanting Nicholette, it is the story of Nicholette Fairbanks Everstone and Cal Hawthorne, two characters we had come across in the previous books from the series-The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Cautious Maiden. And with their story, the author has given a beautiful, remarkable and enchanting closure to The Everstone Chronicles.

Nicholette Everstone is the widow of William Everstone, her husband in name who had been murdered on their wedding day. Nicholette’s marriage to William had been an arranged one, being her mother’s wish that she marry into her friend’s family, the Everstones. Though it was intended for her to marry Nathan, we come to know through The Hesitant Heiress why that had not been possible, and she had ended up being affianced and eventually married to William.
Cal Hawthorne is Violet Hawthorne Everstone’s cousin, who is also a widower. He had been married five years prior to the story’s time, and his marriage, also an arranged union, had lasted only for three months, without any love in the equation.

After the shock and humiliation of being widowed on her wedding day, Nicholette had been off mourning in Europe for a couple of years, and now has returned, anticipating a remarriage, preferably for love now. And that is when she comes across Cal. (Their first meeting in Brittle Brattle Book store is very cute and had me hooked to the story.) She is immediately impressed by his charm and exceptionally good looks, while Cal also is besotted with her. The only problem is, after her terrible experience on her previous wedding day and the subsequent trauma, all Nicholette wants is a ‘safe’ partner, which Cal apparently is not. The story is about how she comes to terms with what Cal risks his life for, how caring, responsible, and selfless he is and how eventually she starts to cherish his values as her own and how they contribute to the betterment of the underprivileged together.

If I get deeper into the details, I risk giving away certain elements of the plot which are crucial for the first-time reader’s experience to stay hidden, and so would not say more on that front, letting you enjoy your time with this book as it enfolds.


About the Hero and the Heroine:


Your roots are to become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part - Louis de Bernieres


Nicholette is a beautiful heroine, who finally gets her HEA with EN. Now she is a rich heiress, whom many are willing to marry, but for the wrong reason- her wealth. She is willing to remarry but is looking for someone she could truly love and who would also love her for herself. She has her qualms after having suffered widowhood, without truly ever being a wife. Then she meets Cal, and even after great efforts at resisting him and his charm, starts to fall for him. She cannot get him out of her system, is indecisive about him. She has difficulty trusting him thinking he is not safe and finds him secretive and his activities dangerous. Eventually though his charm and caring, selfless attitude win the day. She isn’t able to recollect if she’s ever met him, but at the same time he is there in some recesses of her memory.

Cal! The hint of a smile, the dimples and the handsome countenance, did not just win Nicholette’s heart, but mine as well! Never thought it would be possible after such a short acquaintance! ;p :D Cal is one of the characters I really love. Everything about him, how he’s been persevering, how he’s always been in love with Nicholette, how decent, brave, courageous, selfless, tender and caring he is. And all this after having suffered his share of pain! How he is enchanted with Nicholette, and doesn’t want to let her go now are really endearing aspects of his character. His nuances are heart melting, and he is absolutely swoon worthy. He knows she likes him, and the way he plays on that is sweet!
The atrociousness of their names is a laugh out loud aspect for me! I found it very interesting and cute. And all of their scenes together are so, so, so lovable <3


About the secondary Characters:


Many characters from the previous Everstone novels make a reappearance here like Miss Claudine Abernathy, Vance Everstone and Violet Everstone. We see how the couple is going about in their lives now, and what miss Abernathy is planning. We hear about the lives of Estella as well. Mable and Sylvie added the teenage cheer and playfulness to the overall story. I was thinking that maybe Dawn could ahem…cough..hint..cough.. come up with..cough.. their stories next.. ;p


About the Writing:


The beauty of Dawn’s writing is the nuances her stories have. Small small things but presented in such a way that they become the highlights of the couple’s journey of falling in love. If I could say it and you could make sense of it, it is very observant writing. These nuances make you fall in love with the characters, and the books memorable.
Also, the characterisation is very interesting. The continuity through the books is also remarkable. You feel their lives progressing and you being a part of it. Dawn has woven the story exquisitely and then interlaced it with shades of intricate detailing, making it an engaging story.


Final Verdict:


A 5 *!
I emphatically recommend this book to lovers of moving love stories with lovable characters. As part of the Timeless Love Series, this is a limited period release. But readers need not worry, it will release separately in eBook and hardcopy formats in October 2018.
I am now so eager and anticipating what would next be in store from Dawn. Can’t wait!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,532 reviews333 followers
May 29, 2018
I was transported back to the beloved Everstone family in this wonderful story. I don't know why, but I literally feel like I'm taken back and I am an honorary character in this series.

An undeniable and instant chemistry exploded and my heart sang at the potential for Nicholette to finally have her happily ever after. The romance is a well orchestrated dance, with give and take, wondering and knowledge, hope and assurance. And there is even humor mixed in with the tender love in this bittersweet, heartfelt, and inspiring offering.

I love the way Crandall writes and brings her characters to life and I really enjoyed coming to know Nicholette on a much more intimate and deeper level.

Content: mild romance, mild Christian elements

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them in any way.*
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews207 followers
June 1, 2018
I love reading Dawn Crandall books. She has a wonderful writing style and I have to admit that I have grown to have a deep appreciation for the characters in her Everstone Chronicles.

This book contains characters that were introduced in her series. I loved getting to know Nicholette better and to read her side of the story. This long novella can be read alone, but why would you want to not read her other books? It would be a great introduction into the world of the Everstone's.

This book contains Christian elements that resonated with me. It wasn't preachy, but expressed the deep faith of the characters. I found it to be completely believable and relate-able. The romance wasn't rushed, another aspect that I appreciated.

I found myself swiping quickly (I read it on my Kindle) wanting to see where Dawn was headed with the characters and how they would find peach and a "happy ever after".

This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Susan Tuttle.
Author 15 books189 followers
April 11, 2018
Crandall has done it again. If you love lilting passages full of romance and sprinkled with a hint of intrigue, you're going to love Enchanting Nicholette. And if you've read Crandall's other full-length novels, then you'll be even happier with this story! It's long time that Nicholette receives her happily-ever-after, and with this book she certainly does. Fans of Crandall will fall in love with her stories all over again by the time they've turned the last page of this enchanting novella.

***I received an advanced copy of this book and was neither compensated or compelled to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.***
Profile Image for Jane.
742 reviews28 followers
May 26, 2018
Dawn has done it again!!!

I inhaled this novella in just a day. It was wonderful to be back in the world of the Everstone Chronicles and even better to get Nicholette's story!

Dawn is at her best in this story. There are so many deliciously romantic moments. You can feel the tension building and soak in every romantic look, touch, and word. While I hoped I knew how it would all come together, I loved the journey Nicholette goes on to let down her barriers and embrace true love.

From the first moment she meets Cal, Nicholette's story took my breath away. I loved the twist that she falls in love with Cal Hawthorne and we get more background on their family.

As it's a novella, we don't get quite as many details as in Dawn's other stories, but the emotions, gorgeous characters, and beautiful story were all there.

More detailed review coming soon on my blog!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,532 reviews333 followers
October 9, 2018
I was transported back to the beloved Everstone family in this wonderful story. I don't know why, but I literally feel like I'm taken back and I am an honorary character in this series.

An undeniable and instant chemistry exploded and my heart sang at the potential for Nicholette to finally have her happily ever after. The romance is a well orchestrated dance, with give and take, wondering and knowledge, hope and assurance. And there is even humor mixed in with the tender love in this bittersweet, heartfelt, and inspiring offering.

I love the way Crandall writes and brings her characters to life and I really enjoyed coming to know Nicholette on a much more intimate and deeper level.

Content: mild romance, mild Christian elements

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them in any way.*
Profile Image for Courtney Clark.
713 reviews112 followers
May 7, 2018
Dawn Crandall has penned another engaging and beautiful historical romance in 1st person point-of-view! With deeper themes of grief, hope, and trusting in God's sovereign plan, this story follows the beginnings of a romance between the widowed Nicholette Everstone and the ever-intriguing (and charming!) Cal Hawthorne.

While I thought the first quarter of the story was a bit slow, I was quickly caught up in the story by the middle --- especially after a certain horse-buying sequence. Likable characters and a sweet romance that leave the reader breathless (Dawn's heroes just ooze swooniness and tenderness) are the reasons this story should be read by fans of romance and the Gilded Age.

Anyone familiar with the previous books in The Everstone Chronicles series will be delighted with glimpses of familiar characters.

Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,901 reviews208 followers
October 20, 2018
I have read this beautiful story two times now. It is part of a wonderful series, which I love! Enchanting Nicholette captivated me even more the second time I read it. The romance that grows between Cal and Nicholette is so tender and sweet, and Cal is so understanding about all that Nicholette has been through. These characters and the setting are just so vivid, I feel as if I am there with them as I read. Beautifully done!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,927 followers
October 12, 2018
Y’all, I would read a phone book if Ms. Crandall wrote it. I’m sure she’d managed to make the random listing swoon in delish delight.

Enchanting Nicholette follows the leading lady as she reenters society as a widow willing to marry. Oh, how I empathized with her. She’s been through so much in such a horrific way and now because of societal expectations, needs to marry again.

Enter Cal Hawthorne (and my cheek-splitting grin). This man is a hero among heroes. He’s honorable, dependable, and incites feelings in Nicholette that make her question her sanity. I admit, I laughed out loud during this moments when I wasn’t sighing with the romance of it all.

All in all, add this book to your TBR pile and then push it to #1 and read it.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The review is my own, honest opinion.
**First seen at https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2018...
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,374 reviews166 followers
September 25, 2018
4.5 stars
"Rescuing a falling beauty . . . wasn't exactly what I was looking for . . . but it was an added pleasure."

"My whole life had fallen apart two years ago, and I didn't know how to put it back together", muses Nicholette, Mrs. William Everstone; widowed at twenty-two years of age on her wedding day. Now back in Boston after two years of mourning away the days through-out Europe, Nicholette's precocious young sister-in-law is tutoring her in the art of flirtation, citing "lesson number one"; "don't be shy about wanting to marry again". How could either of them have known that a potential "him" could make Nicholette's embarrassing fall off of a bookstore ladder so romantic?

Cal Hawthorne, dubbed "Mr. Hinted Smiles", is innocently accompanying his sister in Brittle Brattle Books store, when a beautiful apparition appears across the room; the loveliest of young widows, Mrs. Nicholette Everstone. Rumors were that she had returned from Europe, but even so Cal doubts that she would even remember him, she had always been so focused on her upcoming nuptials to William Everstone in years past. But now? Cal's life is rather complicated and Nicholette may not even be interested.

"You don't need scores of suitors. You need only one . . . if he's the right one". - Louisa May Alcott

Has Nicholette found the right one, or is she in for another tragic disappointment? May her "help come from the Lord".

I received a copy of this novella from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews207 followers
October 8, 2018
Life hasn't been easy for Nicholette Everstone. She has just finished her mourning period of two years after tragically loosing her husband, William, on her wedding day. She reluctantly reenters society, not yet ready for the sympathy and attention she is sure to get.

One of her first outings is to a book store. There she meets a delightful young lady, May Hawthorne and her handsome brother, Cal. From the moment they meet it felt as if the book soared! The chemistry and attraction was instant, but the romance wasn't instant. There are many moments in the book that made me laugh. I loved every moment that I had with the characters.

This is a novella that is part of a series of books. I highly recommend "The Everstone Chronicles". Dawn Crandall has brought the characters to life for me. You could read this book on it's own, but I would suggest that the others be read first. There is so many things that happen that build up to this book.

This book is clean with kissing.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
465 reviews19 followers
September 23, 2018
Love love and love this story!! We all need the reminder that no matter how dark the seasons of our lives can be there is always a better season just around the corner. God is always holding us close and at work for His glory and our ultimate good, no matter how devastating things may seem. He is always in the miracle and restoration business.
Profile Image for Abbi.
310 reviews
October 3, 2018
I was absolutely enchanted by this gorgeous story (pun completely intended)! I only just discovered this amazing author at the beginning of this year. And after devouring each of her four previous novels at the speed of almost one a day I not-so-patiently awaited this story. When it arrived I scrambled to finish my current read so that I could dive into this beauty!
It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I didn’t feel like I knew Nicholette all that well from the previous books, she was just kind of there and then when tragedy struck she wasn’t. But in this story we not only got to know her but come to love her as well.
And Cal. I was entirely charmed by this hero, every time he opened his mouth I melted. He’d been practically in love with Nicholette for years but respectfully stayed away when it seemed like he couldn’t have her. Then she waltzed into his life again, unattached, and I loved watching him slowly pursue her. From their very first reintroduction they had a connection that went well beyond the physical and it was beautiful to watch their relationship unfold.
This story, like the others before it, was purely beautiful from beginning to end and I couldn’t love it more if I tried!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 67 books1,903 followers
September 29, 2018
A delightful way to spend a couple hours. I loved learning more about Nicolette, and the romance was pitch perfect. Loved it!
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish.
939 reviews251 followers
November 10, 2018
Review and quote on FaithfullyBookish.com

Still unsettled by the events which ended her marriage on the day it began, Nicholette craves both safety and love. I enjoyed this heroine's journey out of grief and mourning and into the vibrancy of living life to the fullest. Her new younger friends add much-needed levity and brightness to her days and I especially loved Nicholette's relationship with her father.

Cal is without a doubt one of my favorite Everstone heroes! He is patient, humble, and self-sacrificing. Cal's devotion to his loved ones and dedication to doing what is right despite the personal cost make him a swoon-worthy hero as far as I am concerned. Of course, Nicholette's opinion of his appearance and character is what's most important but daddy's approval is critical as well.

This novella is a must-read for fans of the Everstone Chronicles and a great opportunity for newbies to get a taste of Crandall's storytelling style. I highly recommend this entire series and I look forward to revisiting these stories for years to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,090 reviews130 followers
November 7, 2018
Dawn Crandall has done it again in her latest Everstone Chronicles series Enchanting Nicholette. This short story is simply enchanting and an absolute delight to read. Crandall’s excellent storytelling will suck readers in from the beginning, making them almost feel as if they are a character within the story themselves. This beautiful story is one that transports readers back in time and pulls them once again into the life of the beloved Everstone family. This sweet historical romance will have readers swooning and sighing in absolute delight with the turn of each page. Readers of Crandall’s previous novels will definitely not want to miss this charming and enchanting short story.

Series: Everstone Chronicles
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Whittaker House
Publication date: October 9, 2018
Number of pages: 176

Other books in the series:
1-The Hesitant Heiress
2-The Bound Heart
3-The Captive Imposter
4-The Cautious Maiden

A print review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via the author’s street team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
485 reviews449 followers
November 21, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Dawn Crandall, and I thought it was enjoyable though not my all time favorite story.

It was a cute, quick novella with adorable characters and a happily ever after. What more could ya ask for?

This is apart of a series, so I would definitely recommend reading them all so you can meet everyone and understand their relationships.

The characters were perfect for each other, and though they met and fell in love quick it was a strong bond from the beginning.

Though it wasn't my favorite novella I've read I will be looking into the rest of the series, it seems like it would be a fun read!
Overall I gave it a 3.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
June 7, 2018
It’s been a couple of years since readers were treated to Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles. Now we get to revisit some of the family in Enchanting Nicholette.

After being widowed on her wedding day, Nicholette Fairbanks Everstone returns to Boston as she re-enters society when her mourning period ends. The combination of her fear and desire to move forward made me sympathetic to a character I previously didn’t care for much.

I’m not usually a huge fan of the love-at-first-sight trope, but much like she made me love first person POV romance or her ability to give unlikable characters redemption, Crandall managed to give me an engaging and believable story with so many deeper messages.

As Nicholette struggles with her fear and her grief, she also must face her attraction to Cal Hawthorne. A man she knows little about and who is harboring dangerous secrets.

The faith-thread in Enchanting Nicholette is natural and organic and the ability to get inside
Nicholette’s head and see her heart for so many things gave me a completely new perspective on this woman who has faced a horrible tragedy in her young life. And I found myself on edge, waiting for Nicholette to get the ending stolen from her with William Everstone.

Woven within the story are the gorgeous historical details I’ve come to expect with Crandall’s writing. A mix of the fashions, the society, and Boston. Another winner from the mind of the author.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Anne (In Search of Wonder).
760 reviews104 followers
November 23, 2018
I actually won this book and I never win books, so of course I had to read it right away.

I didn't realize this was the fifth book in a series - it would have helped to have read the first four books, but I was able to track the story of this one pretty well even so. I just didn't know the back story of a lot of auxiliary characters that were mentioned in the book as if I already knew them. And I think the primary event that drove part of the plot in this story happened in a previous book, although I'm not 100% sure about that.

The book read like a sequence of scenes, some of which were exquisitely written so as to allow the reader to really feel as if they were there and feeling all of the tension and/or exhilaration (or whatever other emotion) of the moment.

Being a novella, the relationship developed at an unlikely pace, but that's the nature of the beast. (One reason I don't read a lot of novellas, but sometimes they're a nice quick read in between other heavier stuff.)I also think the author may have tried to pack a few too many storylines into such a short book because some of them were underdeveloped.

Also there were a few small editing errors. I did enjoy the story overall and now I want to read the others in the series.
Profile Image for Melony.
Author 3 books163 followers
September 25, 2018
First, I have to say that I adore the cover of this book. I have been a fan of Dawn Crandall’s books since I found the Everstone Chronicles a few years ago and to have Enchanting Nicholette finish off the series is wonderful!

We get to visit a few of the characters from all the previous books (not that you HAVE to have read them, but it is nicer if you do).

Nicholette, a mourning widow, really gives poor Cal Hawthorne a run for his money and there are some interesting twists and turns in the story I was not expecting. Love it when that happens. I particularly enjoy Dawn’s style of writing (first person) and how you feel as if you are living the story right alongside her characters. Crandall brings the gilded age to life and gives us a peek into the social norms of the day, particularly of that of a newly widowed bride.

As in all of the books in the series, this one was another page-turner with vivid settings and dynamic chemistry between Nicholette and Cal.

I received a copy from Whitaker House Publishing, my opinions are my own.
518 reviews
October 19, 2018
Enchanting Nicholette is in a word ~ enchanting! 😉 I really enjoyed this novella, which totally reads like a full length story - never feeling too rushed. Also, Dawn Crandall writes first person like no other. I loved reconnecting with all of the characters from the Everstone Chronicles, but this easily reads as a stand-alone.

I’ve always wondered about Nicholette, after reading about her oh so sad story in the Everstone Chronicles - all of which I highly recommend. I loved that Nicholette and Cal’s first meet was in a bookstore and the whole ladder scene was sigh worthy! Both Cal and Nicholette are very likable characters. There were also light touches of humor which I enjoyed. My favorite was during a dinner scene ~ I actually wished that had gone on for a bit longer!

This story also tied up some loose ends from Vance and Violet’s story, which was nice. This was a sweet satisfying story and a great ending to this series. I’m looking forward to Dawn’s next story!

I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,901 reviews208 followers
June 5, 2018
Enchanting Nicholette was a wonderful story and a splendid addition to the Everstone Chronicles series. I believe that readers who have not read the previous books in the series will still be able to pick up Nicholette’s story and follow along nicely. And, of course, if you have read the series, then revisiting certain characters from the past novels will be an added bonus.

Enchanting Nicholette may be a novella, but as I read the story, I forgot that fact. The storyline drew me in and these characters were so interesting! I really liked both Nicholette and Cal. Watching their attraction and connection to each other grow throughout the novel was so sweet, but not without some obstacles to overcome. I enjoyed this story from start to finish.

I received a complimentary copy of Enchanting Nicholette. All opinions are my own and I have also pre-ordered a copy of Timeless Love for myself.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Marguerite Gray.
Author 26 books639 followers
January 12, 2019
I loved this novella. The life of Nicholette, an Everstone family widow, brings the characters of the first four novels together once again. I'm always excited to read what Dawn Crandall creates.
Profile Image for Savanna Kaiser.
201 reviews43 followers
June 5, 2018
I cannot seem to get enough of Dawn Crandall’s books. This novella swept me away and the beautiful ending came way too soon. The story is written entirely from the heroine’s perspective, allowing the reader to truly feel her joy as well as her pain.

Nicholette and Cal…. Ahh, these two are something special. Their attraction to each other is instant, but their relationship grows at a gentle pace. I loved watching these two fall for each other. Every moment they shared on the page together was full of that beautiful romantic tension the author writes so well.

Enchanting Nicholette is soooo romantic and sweet, a heart-satisfying read from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars

Crandall’s latest is a novella full of romance with a hint of intrigue. This is a great addition to her other full-length novels (The Everstone Chronicles). She paints an engaging historical romance with beautiful, descriptive prose. It follows Nicholette Everstone and Cal Hawthorne. Familiar characters from Crandall’s other stories make an appearance. However, this can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone tale. Some parts are a bit slow, but it balances out. Overall, this is a quick, sweet read.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a review.
Profile Image for Sally.
907 reviews40 followers
November 7, 2018
The good thing about blog tours is that you have the opportunity to read books by authors that you’ve not read previously. Such is the case here with Dawn Crandall. I’d not read any of her previous novels, and thought that a novella would be a good place to start. Novellas, in my experience, have provided great introductions to a new series. And so I came to the first page of Enchanting Nicholette knowing nothing about the Everstone Chronicles.

The plot is centered around Boston society, perhaps not quite as up there as the crème de la crème of New York’s Gilded Age but certainly getting there. Nicholette has returned to the city with her parents and her father-in-law’s teenage step-daughter. It is an opportunity for Sylvie to enter society while Nicholette re-enters as an eligible widow woman. First, however, they visit a bookstore with a tongue twister of a name but is presumably based on the icon Brattle Book Shop in Boston. They’re looking for a copy of a book written by Nicholette’s sister-in-law, Violet. And immediately, I wished for a family tree diagram. Over the course of 176 pages, the reader is given a lot of names and it can be difficult to keep them all straight. There are also a lot of familial connections. It soon became apparent that I definitely should have read the other books in the series first.

I almost gave up, but then I discovered my reason for reading. A subject emerged that I’d been becoming more aware of over the past several months, that of slavery and trafficking. God can be like that sometimes. Yes, this is a Christian novel published by a Christian publishing company. Part of the narrative focuses on Nicholette returning to God and looking for direction in her life. She’s been the dutiful daughter having married according to her parents’ wishes, and she wants something more. By coincidence (maybe) Cal has been in a similar circumstance. The road to love is never smooth in fiction, but these two find their way despite startling revelations and societal prejudice.

At the end I felt like I’d read the series back to front. While reading the final pages, it seemed like I was reading a wrapping up of events. I still had questions, such as why was Nicholette’s husband killed on their wedding day, and how? But these were presumably answered in a previous book. While it’s evident – to me, at least - that this novella was not intended to serve as a standalone introduction to the series, it certainly had that effect on me. Upon finishing Enchanting Nicholette I immediately wanted to go back and read the complete Everstone Chronicles from the beginning. The only problem now is that I know how everything ends!

Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours and Whitaker House for my copy of Enchanting Nicholette. The above thoughts on this title are my own.

Profile Image for V. Palmer.
Author 3 books129 followers
October 29, 2018
I have been wanting to get my hands on one of Dawn Crandall's books for a long time, so I jumped (virtually speaking...and maybe literally...) at the chance to review Enchanting Nicholette!



I was not disappointed!!!



Despite the fact that this is a novella, it read like a full-length novel. The characters and the plot were so wonderfully done, and the pacing didn't feel rushed. I loved how it was told through Nicholette's first-person narrative. Honestly, I actually kept wishing there were more pages simply because I wanted more of this beautiful story!



The story starts with one of my favorite meet-cutes EVER! Guys, it's set in a bookstore. A BOOKSTORE!!! So I don't know if you can insta-love a book based on a meet-cute, but well, I think it happened for me with this one!



The attraction between Nicholette and Cal was ELECTRIC, but their relationship was based on a lot more than that! In addition to their mutual love for God, they could relate to and understand each other on a deeper level that many around them could not comprehend. Cal's heart for helping and protecting others really opened Nicholette's eyes, helping her become someone who cared more about the person than any potential "scandal." And while a mystery unfolds around her, Nicholette battles the fear that has held her captive since her world fell apart. I loved the spiritual journey that she took as she opens up her heart again to those around her - including God.



Four Stars ~ Enchanting Nicholette is a enchantingly romantic tale! Enchanting Nicholette is the fifth book in The Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall. I had no confusion reading it as a standalone, but I am eager to read the rest of the series - I need more of these characters!!



Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

2,051 reviews
October 31, 2018
Enchanting Nicholette is a sweet little romantic novel about a widow whose life did not turn out the way she had planned. Nicholette became a widow on her wedding day when her husband was murdered in front of her. For two years she has escaped the people, the place, and tried to escape the memories as she toured Europe with her parents. Now that she is back in the States and her mourning is over, she is expected once again to take a husband.

This is the first novel I have read by author Crandall and I enjoyed it very much and going back to the time of the Gilded Age. Nicholette meets her match in Cal Hawthorne who knows somewhat of what she is going through and he is brave enough and tenacious enough to be the match she needs. There was some laugh out loud moments along with some very romantic ones. This does mention several characters from the previous books, I will need to go back and start with book one of the series.

I appreciated the author’s telling of Nicholette’s fears and sorrow and understandably it was difficult for her to begin to move on. Change is not fun and hers was tragic, but she does have a chance at life and love again.

I received a copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
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