Sarah M. Eden Archives

Three Romances for Your Valentine’s Day Reading Pleasure

February 14, 2018 by bubblebathbooks 1 Comment

Bubby:

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re happily in a relationship, happily single or you simply hate V-Day, we have books you’ll love to love. We’ve picked three delightful romances that are not only well-written with our obligatory happy ending, but just a touch different than the standard fluffy romantic fare.

Sissy:

Other than their various twists on boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl live happily ever after formula, These three novels have wildly different settings and story lines. Take The Engagement Plot, for example. It follows the backlash from a badly concluding Bachelor type show from a small rural ranch in Minnesota to the glitz of Los Angeles. Hanna and William have to navigate all sorts of troubles (many caused by themselves) before they figure things out.

Bubby:

The Engagement Plot even has a couple of side stories going on, and all of it made me laugh, get mad, and swoon (not at the same time).

Sissy:

I’m picturing you with a book in hand laughing, then immediately having an outburst of anger, after which you fall on the floor in a swoony faint. Quite entertaining! Please do it!

Bubby:

So you can video it and post it on Facebook? I know how you are. Speaking of anger, though, the heroine of our next book, The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, has plenty to be mad about, don’t you think?

Sissy:

Yep, because men are stupid, especially when they are living in the 19th century. I couldn’t figure out how Paisley and Cade would ever not be at odds with each other when I first started the book. But it all works out quite nicely even though most of the old west males are maddening. I spit in their general direction.

Bubby:

Don’t spit! It’s not ladylike! True ladies, like Rubi Walsh in Sweet Home Atlanta, would never do such a thing! She’s a star with loads of charm, until a bad dude crosses her little sis. Then everything changes. Good big sisters are like that, just like my Sissy. Don’t mess with the sisters!

Sissy:

I really enjoyed how she practically stalked Cash (possible love interest…) so she could find his roommate, the aforementioned bad dude. Made for some very comical scenes. But you readers will love how it all plays out. In fact, you should give all three of these love stories a read. You will not only have some fine entertainment, but also they will inject a little loooooove into your February.

Click HERE to buy The Engagement Plot by Krista Phillips

Click HERE to buy The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

Click HERE to buy Sweet Home Atlanta by Lucy McConnell

A Night in Grosvenor Square by Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Heather B. Moore

January 24, 2018 by bubblebathbooks 1 Comment

A MATCH FOR PRINCESS POMPOUS by Sarah M. Eden
Matchmaker Adelaide Northrop may be embarking on her greatest challenge yet. Miss Odette Armistead has been dubbed “Princess Pompous” by Society’s elite, and Odette’s parents are desperate to see her married off to a respectable gentleman. When Adelaide first meets Odette, she is expecting a young lady who fits the pompous description. Instead, Adelaide discovers that Odette is far from conceited, but has chosen to wear a mask in a desperate attempt to hide her love for a gentleman who has been chosen for someone else. It seems that Adelaide has far more than matchmaking to accomplish.

CONFECTIONS AND PRETENSE by Annette Lyon
Anne Preston dreams of opening her own dessert shop some day and saves every spare penny she earns working at Gunter’s Tea Shop. She makes ice cream molds to perfection, bakes and decorates cakes, and hopes to one day be an independent shop owner. When an American man orders an ice, Anne is immediately taken with Davis Whitledge, but he is far above her station in life, so she tries to forget about his cordiality. Soon, she finds herself in a dangerous situation when confronted by two troublemakers, and Davis happens to be nearby. He sends the scoundrels on their way, but this only makes Anne more of a target. He doesn’t understand London ways, and his generosity has the potential to steal Anne’s dreams, or to make them soar.

LITTLE LONDON by Heather B. Moore
Ellen Humphreys has never had a Season, has never danced the waltz, and will likely never do so while confined to watching over her ill mother at their country estate. Therefore, Ellen creates her own Little London, and imagines all the gentleman she’d dance with and all of the friendships she’d have with other young ladies, if only she were allowed to have a Season. When Quinn Edwards, the Marquess of Kenworth, comes upon her quite by happenstance while Ellen is imagining herself in a London ballroom, she is mortified about her playacting. But a chain of events is set off from this one meeting that has Ellen questioning if her reputation would ever survive a Season or another encounter with the marquess.

Sissy:

How, Bubby, after writing countless Regency romances, can these Timeless Regency Collection writers keep coming up with new and fresh twists on their genre?

Bubby:

I really couldn’t tell you. There’s a reason why I’m a reader, not a writer. But it is impressive. Eden, Lyon and Moore never disappoint!

Sissy:

Let’s start, for example, with A Match For Princess Pompous by Sarah M. Eden. Who would have come up with the idea of a protagonist who is a lady of quality, “working” under the table as a matchmaker? It becomes obvious in this story that Adelaide Northrup, the matchmaker, could have her own series.

Bubby:

Yes, please. I thought the same thing and I really hope that Sarah M. Eden wrote this novella as a teaser to an upcoming new set of books featuring Adelaide. I’d buy those.

Sissy:

We end up, via Adelaide’s skills, getting not one, but two happy endings. I shall never complain about a happy ending!

Bubby:

Next we have Confections and Pretense by Annette Lyon. The idea that an American businessman and an impoverished confections maker would fall in love in a whirlwind romance is so lovely and original. Hooray for Americans in Regency books!

Sissy:

Down with the gentry and their Regency period snootfests!

Bubby:

Right? Davis Whitledge and his American ideals about class equality made this novella quite entertaining.

Sissy:

Little London by Heather B. Moore begins so whimsically with the imaginations of Ellen Humphreys, a classic “poor little rich girl.” How she garners the attention of a Marquess and has her life-long dreams come true is an enchanting tale.

Bubby:

A Marquess, you know, is below a Duke and above an Earl in importance. OK, I didn’t know either but Google did and that’s the same thing!

Sissy:

In my opinion, Heather B. Moore, Annette Lyon and Sarah M. Eden are a dream team when it comes to romance, whether in the form of anthologies or stand alone novels. They always give me so much more than I expect. May they have long lives and ever-sharpened writing pencils.

Bubby:

Interesting fact: these three ladies are the founders of the Timeless Romance Collection anthologies. Usually only one of them contributes a story to a collection, so this anthology is rather special. I loved every word. As long as they (and their friends) keep writing these collections, I’ll keep reading them.

Click HERE to buy A Night in Grosvenor Square

Happily Ever After Collection – A Timeless Romance Anthology

November 1, 2017 by bubblebathbooks Leave a Comment

Six brand new fairy tale retelling romance novellas by Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore, and Annette Lyon.

Bubby:

Woohoo! A new Timeless Romance anthology! I’m so excited, especially since this anthology has a lineup of some of my most favorite authors ever. These anthologies are seriously my go-to for sitting back, relaxing and escaping from my daily drudgery. One of these anthologies, a diet Coke and a piece of chocolate (and 30 minutes of silence) are all I need to regain my calm. Not that I ever lose my calm in the first place…

Sissy:

You are as calm as the smooth Mediterranean sea. On a placid summer morning. At all times.

Bubby:

That was uncharacteristically kind, Sissy. What do you want in return for these beautiful lies?

Sissy:

I lie not. I may have thrown up a little bit in my mouth but it was totally sincere. And I can sincerely tell you that I was skeptical about more fairy tale retellings. It seems like I’ve read a billion of them. OK, maybe a million. OK, maybe a thousand. Regardless, these surprised me in a good way. Most of the retellings changed and twisted things in such a way that, while still recognizable, they became fresh and new.

Bubby:

I totally agree. Out of the oh-so-many fairy tale retellings, these are some of my favorites. Why do we keep reading new incarnations of the same stories over and over? I think it’s because they are part of our childhood and therefore they are magical. When we read them, it’s like getting a little bit of that magic back again.

Sissy:

Let me just say that ALL of these stories are really good. But if I had to pick a favorite-

Bubby:

Which you do…

Sissy:

It would be Mail-Order Princess by Jessica Day George. The New World setting, the inclusion of Native Americans, and just the way Jessica Day George created a new tale out of an old tale, were all fantastic. By the way, Mail-Order Princess is a retelling of The Six Swans, out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale collection. Sometimes you gotta lay on the couch and read books you know will have a positive ending and not darken your psyche. It’s good therapy. Bubby and I need a lot of therapy…

Bubby:

Speak for yourself! I guess I have to pick a favorite too, since I want to be just like Sissy in every way. It’s a very difficult decision, but I choose Scarlet by Heather B. Moore. This is a retelling of Red Riding Hood, basically, but as with many of these stories, there are bits of other stories thrown in for interest. I loved that Heather B. Moore was able to create so much character development in so few pages. I’d love to tell you more, but you know how it goes. Spoilers and all that. Suffice it to say that you’ll love the ending. In fact, you’ll love all these stories so much that it’ll be hard for you to choose a favorite too!

Sissy:

I have several close second favorites and when reading the Goodreads reviews, I saw that people have vastly different opinions. That is good news for you, dear reader, for you are sure to find your own favorite within the pages of this Happily Ever After collection.

Click HERE to buy Happily Ever After by Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore and Annette Lyon

Valentine’s Day Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 19)

February 13, 2017 by bubblebathbooks 2 Comments

A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.

EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.

HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.

THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.

DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.

HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.

Bubby:

Well, here we are, folks. Less than 24 hours from V-Day. The day that can make or break relationships, depending on the quality of the chocolate one receives. But seriously, Valentine’s Day isn’t that important at my house. Why should we let a calendar date determine when we treat our loved ones well? Dangit, I want good chocolate and pampering treatment ALL THE TIME, not just once a year! The best gift for me (besides the aforementioned chocolate) is a good book with lots of romance and happy sighing at the end. The stories in the Valentine’s Day Collection absolutely fit the bill.

Sissy:

This particular Valentine’s anthology is the perfect gift for a reader! The stories contain the ideal blend of romance, humor, relatable characters and unusual settings and situations. The first tale, A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison, had Bubby rolling on the floor (a disturbing sight) –

Bubby:

Hey, just the thought of our poor heroine trapped outside on a balcony in her underwear makes me want to roll on the floor some more right now!

Sissy:

Please spare me! All the novellas were really entertaining, but one of my particular favorites was HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden. Quirky characters abound and their witty repartee is absolutely delightful. I identified with the main character’s career so much that I want to turn this blog into a “Hey Bubby & Sissy” forum for the dispensing of wise nuggets to the masses. Plus, the Valentine’s Day advice is great.

Bubby:

I.E., no stuffed animals or grocery store boxes of chocolates. Nothing in those inflatable heart-shaped balloons.

Sissy:

The only grocery store flowers I will accept are from Costco, otherwise, forget it. No blue carnations with baby’s breath, thanks. And tchatchkes of any sort are right out.

Bubby:

Amen! If you are still searching for Mr. Wonderful, there is a great selection of book boyfriends here for you to choose from. You’ll find everything from Olympic swimmers, carpenters and policemen to bloggers, college students and random men at the airport. Are you spending Valentine’s Day with the one you love or by yourself with Netflix? Doesn’t matter– the Valentine’s Day Collection should be part of your plans.

Sissy:

In fact, if I had my druthers, Valentine’s Day would consist of take-out food at home and snuggling on the couch with my honey reading books. However, Mr. Sissy, once recumbent, falls asleep in three seconds flat (because that’s his superpower) so I will read a wonderful book like the Valentine’s Day Collection while he watches Independence Day – The Valentine’s Version. Is that a thing?

Click HERE to buy the Valentine’s Day Collection

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Summer House Party (Timeless Regency Collection) by Sarah M. Eden, Regina Scott, and Donna Hatch

July 6, 2016 by bubblebathbooks Leave a Comment

A ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE by Regina Scott: Kitty Chapworth is nearly a spinster, and an orphan living on the charity of her uncle, with nothing to recommend her for the marriage mart. Her primary purpose is relegated to acting chaperone for her cousins until she can see them successfully married. Kitty remains focused on her duty even though she knows her future is bleak. When Quentin Adair returns from a long ten years working in Jamaica and proposes a wild charade to Kitty, she agrees, although the plan might reawaken her old feelings for Quentin. Can a reformed rake convince the perfect chaperone to overlook propriety for love?
A PERFECT MATCH by Donna Hatch: Genevieve attends a summer house party hosted by her best friend who can’t wait to introduce her to a gentleman she wants to marry, Christian Amesbury. After meeting him, Genevieve determines Christian is perfect . . . for her. Torn between loyalty to her best friend and the yearnings of her heart, Genevieve must first escape the attention of a powerful lord who’s obsessed with her and who tries to rob her of any hope for a happily ever after.
THE PAUPERS’ HOUSE PARTY by Sarah M. Eden: It’s a rare event that Edward Downy and his brother are invited to a house party by a member of the ton. But when they arrive, Edward quickly realizes this house party is different than any other. All invited guests are quite destitute, fallen members of Society barely hanging onto their homes. The hosts of the house party, the Warricks, then make a stunning announcement—they intend to gift all their properties to one fortunate guest. As the guests race to impress the Warricks, Edward finds a fast friend in Agatha Holmwood, who shares his same aversion to the horrible expectations. But their growing fondness for each other only makes the game more painful.

Sissy: What a delightful collection of stories! There is something about a clever, Jane Austen-esque tale that makes me happy. The first book, An Engagement of Convenience by Regina Scott showcases two people who, though considered almost too old for the fresh marriage market, actually have matured past their teens enough to know what they really want. I enjoyed being part of their journey whilst they figured this out!

Bubby: One of my issues with the Regency era is the complete lack of power that women had. This is well illustrated in A Perfect Match by Donna Hatch. Poor Genevieve! She’s fallen for the perfect man but because she’s not allowed to have actual conversations with the opposite gender, there’s nothing she can do about it. Not to mention the fact that when Mr. twice-her-age sleaze bucket comes after her with a vengeance, all she can do is smile, nod, and move to the other side of the room. I’d have slapped him and kicked him in the nuptials! Luckily, all works out well in the end.

Sissy: Which we require, of course. It is lovely to have books like these to escape to when the TV is full of explosions, hate, and mayhem, whether real or fictional. My sons and husband went to the latest intense film on July 4th and after watching the trailer I said no thanks. Stayed home and watched a sappy, happy, love fest, I did. The third story, The Pauper’s House Party by Sarah M. Eden, is definitely a twist on the house party theme. The Warricks are the epitome of the pompous,snooty nosed gentry, and the pathetic kowtowing displayed by the less fortunate blue bloods is almost unbearable. But entertaining! Agatha and Edward manage to rise above the grubbing others and find happiness in the end, differently than you might expect.

Bubby: All the stories in Summer House Party are fabulously diverting. Makes me wish I had a massive manor house in the English countryside in which to throw a fortnight of entertainment. I’d even invite Sissy.

Sissy: I’d only come if there was indoor plumbing and antibiotics.

Bubby: Did you think we were going to time travel? I don’t go anywhere that doesn’t have indoor plumbing. Ever. So when the kids are yelling “I’m bored, mommy,” and you wish school was starting tomorrow instead of six weeks from now, lock yourself in your bathroom (hurrah for indoor plumbing) and read Summer House Party! Your sanity will thank you.

Click HERE to buy Summer House Party by Sarah M. Eden, Regina Scott, and Donna Hatch

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