2nd Opinion review: The Bride Prize and Book Blog Walkers: Weekly Check-in 9/5/14

This challenge is organized by Felicia over at the Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Saturday 1 hour walk
Sunday - 40 min bike
Monday -  5 km bike and 30 min walk
Tuesday - 10 km bike
Wednesday - 30 min walk and 5 km bike
Thursday - 5 km bike and 40 min walk
Friday  5 km bike and 30 min walk

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And now to a 2nd opinion review. Carole reviewed this book on my blog here, and then I read it and wanted to review it too ;)

It's 1839, and Lord Eglinton's tournament in Scotland is the most anticipated event of the year: He and some of his noble friends will don medieval armor and joust like knights of old. Does this mean a revival of true chivalry? Miss Florence Marsh thinks it might. Or is the tournament mere tomfoolery and the greatest folly of the century? Mr. Robert Beaton thinks it is. But when Flo and Robbie meet at Eglinton Park, they'll soon learn that a dash of romance can make the greatest differences look rather small and that true love might find you in the most unlikely place. If only Robbie wasn't working for that scandalous new magazine Allan's Miscellany! If only Flo's father didn't detest the periodical press! And if only they had remembered to bring an umbrella!

My thoughts:

I have to agree with Carole R who has been reviewing Schwab's books on my blog (and her own) that these books are dang cute. So freaking cute. You just get happy by reading :)

It's a short novella. Florence, our heroine goes to Scotland with her dad to watch quite the show. There she meets Robert and with a glance, and with a laugh and smirk they start to talk to each other. And then talk some more. It's not insta love. They just really find each other's company pleasant. She is witty, he is funny, she is smart, he is an artist. And they decide to give this a chance, because you never know if you do not decide to get to know one another better.

So...cute? Yes. They way they talked, that was it. They just talked and laughed but it was so natural. They were quite adorable together, and they will fit each other well.

Conclusion:

I'd totally read more. Light, fun and most of all cute!

Paperback, Special Edition for the LoveLetter Convention 2014, 72 pages
Published May 15th 2014 by Sandra Schwab (first published May 10th 2014)
Allan's Miscellany #1
Historical romance
Own

Carole Reviews: Devil's Return - Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: Devil's Return (Allan's Miscellany #4) 1847

Genre: Short story, Historical Romance

Pages: ebook

First Published: August 15th, 2014

Where I Got It: On my shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

"Seven years ago Fran and Alex were very much in love. Yet because Alex was only a younger son with no prospects to speak of, Fran’s family pressured her into breaking the engagement and marrying a rich, titled man instead. Filled with bitterness, Alex left England for the New World.

Now he is back, more dangerous and more cynical than ever before. He has found fame and fortune as an adventurer, traveling the world from America to the Near East and writing about his travels for Allan’s Miscellany. He has come to London to drum up interest for his friend’s archeological excavations. Soon, he finds himself the darling of London society, admired by men, wooed by women.

Fate has not been so kind to Fran. After a disastrous marriage, which has left her with deep emotional and physical scars, she is widowed and now lives in genteel poverty.

By chance, Alex and Fran’s paths cross again. They have both changed so much, and past betrayals and past hurts still divide them. So surely there can be no second chance for their love…"

Like earlier stated, I was given this for my honest and unbiased opinion. 

Oooooooooooooooooooooh silly families breaking up love matches JUST because they don't think the boy has any prospects. And then after they break up the couple, years later the man comes back richer then ever and the family drools all over him (like Fran's bitchy sister Victoria). Ugh. Victoria...what a snot. How did she manage to marry such a good guy? >__> I hope he leaves her and finds someone better and nicer.

Poor Fran. She was forced to leave her true love and forced to marry an old man who is abusive and mean. Then something bad happens to her and she is physically scarred for life. I cannot say what happens, but its big and it almost cost her her life. I didn't expect it honestly, so it was a twist when the truth came out. Poor girl. Stupid Alex for leaving the country over a hurt pride. I wished he had stayed, so at least ONE person would have cared for her. Hell, the sweet Dr. Grant was the only one who cared about her throughout her ordeal. 

Honestly, I think this is my favorite out of the series so far (I still need to read #2)! I loved the 'Persuasion' mix to the story. That was my favorite book, so when a story mirrors it, even just a little, it makes me happy. Alex reminded me a little of Captain Wentworth, but not as bitter and he got over his hurt pride quicker. He also decided to not write a letter and hope his love forgives him and takes him back, he ran to her and made her understand and make her take him back. It was romantic and made me happy, because she needed a good kick in the arse to get out of her I-hate-myself-and-Alex-could-never-love-me-again-because-I'm-ugly-now. Psh. He is no Prince Charming now either, a bear smacked him across the chest and he has an ugly scar! 

Anyways....

I can't wait to read more! I cannot wait for Mac to get his own story. I simply adore the man even though he is cynical and a grump; he totally reminds me of my own love, so I can't help but like him. haha. 

In the end, this is the best out of the series so far. I can't wait to see what is next for the poor men of the magazine! Especially for Mr. Mac. I wish these were not short shorties, but I'll take what I can get. ^.^ Out of five stars, I stamp this one with 5. 

Favorite Character(s): Alex, Fran, Dr. Grant, Beaton, and Mac

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Victoria (I wanted to punch her in the face)

Carole Reviews: A tangled Web - Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: A Tangled Web (Allan's Miscellany #3) 1846

Genre: Short story, Historical Romance

Pages: ebook

First Published: July 2014

Where I Got It: On my shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

"Lawrence Pelham works as a comic artist for the magazine Allan's Miscellany. A chance meeting with a young woman dressed in mourning changes Pel's whole life, and without his even knowing, he is thrown into a world of mystery and intrigue, where nothing is as it seems to be - especially not the woman he has given his heart to.

Her whole life Sarah Browne has been told how plain she is, how nondescript, destined to become an old maid. For years she has been her family's dutiful nursing maid, but now a secret inheritance and an encounter with the charming Mr. Pelham seem to offer her a chance to break out of her life of duty and drudgery - if she dares to take it. Yet how could such an interesting, witty man be possibly interested in her boring self?

And so, Sarah soon find herself entangled in a web of lies and deceit, which might even cost her the love of her life."

Like earlier stated, I was given this from the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion. Also, this works perfectly well as a stand alone short story. 

Oooooooh silly Sarah. Silly, silly chit. There were no reasons to lie about who she was. I get WHY she did lie to Pel, because she thought she was a no one and he wouldn't want to talk to such a "loser" nursemaid who takes care of her nephews for free and she is also a spinster in her late twenties. Totally get it, but there was no reason. He liked her before she told him anything about herself. A moral lesson to all the girls out there...be yourself; don't be self-conscious or you could push away someone who really loves you *makes mental note too*.

Now...Pel. You are an idiot. One could see a mile away she is not who she says she is. Her acting is bad and he should have used his brain. Yes, love is blind, but still....even though she says she is a widow and has her own place must you go over there and hang out? NO! It is the middle of the city and someone is BOUND to see. C'mon silly boy. Also, Mr. Pel, I get how you responded when you found out all the lies, but it was indeed a little melodramatic. Poor Sarah. 

Even though both were silly and caught up in their love web (see what I did there?), I liked them. They were so human and 3D and I could really relate to both. The side characters were okay too, except for Mr and Mrs Browne who were a little 2D asshole brother and sister-in-law, but I found them entertaining nonetheless. I really liked Edward. :3 He was a cutie and such a good cousin to Sarah. I hope to see more of him someday. 

I am currently mad at Mac. Very, very rude in this one especially with his loathing a woman joining in on the editorial. I'm not sure if it is because he is sexist or because he looks at the magazine as a "Boy's club" type thing. It's hard to gauge, but he made me mad. He better redeem himself later on! I am proud of him for sticking up for Pel against Sarah even though she was innocent, but I'm proud of him being loyal. 

Well, this was a nice short story. Not as good as #1, but still really good. I am glad that it wasn't easy for the two to be together after Sarah's stunt. I was worried that they wouldn't be together, but c'mon...it is a romance after all. haha. I definitely recommend this to those that don't mind short stories and those that like Historical Romances. Out of five stars, I stamp this one with 4.

Favorite Character(s): Sarah, Pel, Mr. Allan (such a cute old man), Robbie (yayy for him getting a little round in the face!), Mac (even though I'm mad at him), and Edward.

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Mr and Mrs Browne (>__>) 

Book Giveaway of The Bride Prize

Sandra Schwab started writing her first novel when she was seven years old. Twenty-odd years later, telling stories is still her greatest passion, even though by now she has exchanged her pink heart-dotted fountain pen for a computer keyboard (black, no hearts). She lives in a suburb of Frankfurt on the Main, Germany, with a cat, a duck, a sewing maching, and altogether too many books.

Who is ready for a giveaway????!!!!!!!

For this giveaway the lovely Sandra Schwab (talked about above) will be giving away TWO hard copies of her new book The Bride Prize. You have two chances to win! I will be randomly picking a winner and so will Carole over at her blog. Make sure to slip on over there to enter!

"It's 1839, and Lord Eglinton's tournament in Scotland is the most anticipated event of the year: he and some of his noble friends will don medieval armor and joust like knights of old.

Does this mean a revival of true chivalry? Miss Florence Marsh thinks it might.

Or is the tournament mere tomfoolery and the greatest folly of the century? Mr. Robert Beaton thinks it is."

How To Enter:
1. Post a comment below saying you want to enter.
2. Opened to everyone
3.  Enter before July 28th

Make sure to head over to Carole's blog (I will post the direct link when it goes up later today) for a second chance at winning!

Sandra Schwab is also giving away free ebooks of the third book in the series! (They all stand well as stand alones).  

"Lawrence Pelham works as a comic artist for the magazine Allan's Miscellany. A chance meeting with a young woman dressed in mourning changes Pel's whole life, and without his even knowing, he is thrown into a world of mystery and intrigue, where nothing is as it seems to be - especially not the woman he has given his heart to.

Her whole life Sarah Browne has been told how plain she is, how nondescript, destined to become an old maid. For years she has been her family's dutiful nursing maid, but now a secret inheritance and an encounter with the charming Mr. Pelham seem to offer her a chance to break out of her life of duty and drudgery - if she dares to take it. Yet how could such an interesting, witty man be possibly interested in her boring self?

And so, Sarah soon find herself entangled in a web of lies and deceit, which might cost her the love of her life."

Kobo.com is giving away this book for free until the end of the week. Make sure to fly on over there. 

Carole Reviews: The Bride Prize - Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: The Bride Prize (Allan's Miscellany 1839 #1)

Genre: Historical Romance, Short Story

Pages: ebook

First Published: May 2014

Where I Got It: On my shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

"It's 1839, and Lord Eglinton's tournament in Scotland is the most anticipated event of the year: he and some of his noble friends will don medieval armor and joust like knights of old.

Does this mean a revival of true chivalry? Miss Florence Marsh thinks it might.

Or is the tournament mere tomfoolery and the greatest folly of the century? Mr. Robert Beaton thinks it is."

Like earlier stated I was given this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Sandra Schwab strikes again with her new series!! I am assuming all of them are short stories (like about 80 pages or so) like this one. I haven't read them yet. However, I believe they all follow a man who works for the Allan's Miscellany, which is a paper that is a little controversial, because they are writers of the people and they look down on higher society. So some people are not fans of them. LIKE Miss Florence's padre. Oh dear. 

This one was sooooooo cute. It was cute, simple, but so much fun. Even though it is a short story everything is presented wonderfully. I feel like I am there watching the rich pretending to be knights. Sandra, even in 80 pages, still manages to bring not only the world to life, but the characters as well. Sometimes in short stories the writers tend to write their characters flat and very 2D. It happens if one doesn't fine the right balance. I loved Robbie and his pal Mac. Mac is a grumpy guy, but he's adorable and I hope he is one the main men in one of the other stories (I haven't checked yet). He deserves love to make him less cynical about the world around him.

The only thing I didn't like was how easily Robbie won over Flo's dad. Flo's dad hates the paper and hates the fact that Robbie hates the higher society (since Flo and the family are pretty much higher up - lower First class). Granted, Robbie did defend himself well and make a nice passionate speech, but still Flo's dad gave in too easy for me. Yes, yes, it is a short story, so things happen quickly. 

In the end, I really liked this story. It was fun, quick, simple, and quite lovely. I loved the couple! Flo is super adorable and Robbie is drool-worthy. I prefer Mr. Grumpy (Mac), though. Hopefully Mac is in one of the stories. If one loves Historical Romance, but also doesn't mind short stories pick this one up. Out of five stars, I shall grant this one 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Robbie, Flo, and Mac

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Flo's aunt. 

   

Giveaway: Springtime Pleasures by Sandra Schwab

 Giveaway time and this time the giveaway is open to everyone on the planet.

Sandra Schwab started writing her first novel when she was seven years old. Twenty-odd years later, telling stories is still her greatest passion, even though by now she has exchanged her pink heart-dotted fountain pen for a computer keyboard (black, no hearts). She lives in a suburb of Frankfurt on the Main, Germany, with a cat, a duck, a sewing maching, and altogether too many books.

For this giveaway the lovely Sandra Schwab will be giving away not only her new novel, 'Springtime Pleasures', but also some German Tea and German chocolate. 

"Caught between duty ...

George Augustus Griffin, Viscount Chanderley has to marry - fast: His father has ordered him to find a suitable wife this very season. Alas, the only woman Griff has eyes for is the very unsuitable Miss Carlotta Stanton, who is not only unbecomingly tall but also wears the ugliest spectacles in all of England. Still, Griff is utterly bewitched by her intense green eyes. Yet however much he feels drawn to her joie de vivre, duty and honor demand that he stay far away from Miss Stanton.

... and desire

Dubbed "the Giantess" because of her unfortunate height, Charlie Stanton finds the London season far less glamorous than she had thought it would be - not the least because she is consigned a place among the wallflowers. But then she becomes acquainted with the very dashing Lord Chanderley, whose life is overshadowed by a terrible tragedy in his past. Ever ready to help others, Charlie is determined to rid him of his Sad Melancholia - even if it means taking on wild boars and highwaymen. However, the biggest challenge might be the elusive viscount himself and his belief that he is beyond all redemption."

Giveaway:

A copy of Springtime Pleasures, tea and chocolate .D

How To Enter:

1. Just enter :D

2. Open to everyone

3.  Enter before November 10th

If you want feel free to head over to Carole Rae for a second chance at winning!

Carole Rae Reviews: Springtime Pleasures - Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: Springtime Pleasures (#1 in A Love for Every Season)

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: ebook

First Published: October 14th, 2013

Where I Got It: Given to me by the publisher/author for an honest and unbiased review

"Caught between duty ...

George Augustus Griffin, Viscount Chanderley has to marry - fast: His father has ordered him to find a suitable wife this very season. Alas, the only woman Griff has eyes for is the very unsuitable Miss Carlotta Stanton, who is not only unbecomingly tall but also wears the ugliest spectacles in all of England. Still, Griff is utterly bewitched by her intense green eyes. Yet however much he feels drawn to her joie de vivre, duty and honor demand that he stay far away from Miss Stanton.

... and desire

Dubbed "the Giantess" because of her unfortunate height, Charlie Stanton finds the London season far less glamorous than she had thought it would be - not the least because she is consigned a place among the wallflowers. But then she becomes acquainted with the very dashing Lord Chanderley, whose life is overshadowed by a terrible tragedy in his past. Ever ready to help others, Charlie is determined to rid him of his Sad Melancholia - even if it means taking on wild boars and highwaymen. However, the biggest challenge might be the elusive viscount himself and his belief that he is beyond all redemption."

Like earlier stated I was given this book for my honest and unbiased opinion....

GAH! I couldn't help but hum 'Summertime Sadness' throughout my time with this book. I have no idea, but there was a connection. Maybe it had to that this love was not the most easiest of loves. It took a lot of work.

Anyways...this book was so....cute! I simply loved it! I really loved Charlie (aka Miss Stanton). She was adorable and completely out of her element in London. I also loved how the author made her very physically flawed (for that time period anyways). Glasses and being an Amazon - tall and tough. I felt bad though, because she did get teased by the ton. Asses the lot of them. Even a certain Lord Chanderley judged her at first....

Which brings us to the dumb, but honorable and charming Lord Chanderley. He was adorable as well, but many a times I wanted to punch him, because he was simply dumb.  He blames himself for an accident that was not his fault at all, which this guilt his daft parents use against him. Even though it was made clear to him by his sister, Charlie, and his cousin that it wasn't his fault at all. Simply I just wanted to yell, "GET OVER YOURSELF!" Even though it was annoying, I still liked him and it made they book better, because you KNOW he will get over it and move on. I really loved the way this came about - I will not say for that is the big spoiler in this book. 

Sandra Schwab is defiantly blooming and blossoming and I'm dying for more of her books. Especially the next one in this series. I really hope its about Miss Izzie, Chanderley's sister, who really deserves a HEA. Poor girl. 

Overall, this was a cute and fun and simply adorable. I simply loved the added letters. It really added a special-ness to it. I'm also so glad that Sandra Schwab made the HEA between Charlie and Griff a little harder to obtain. I shall recommend this to those that love HRs and for those looking for a book that will make them smile. Out of five stars I will give this 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Charlie, Griff, Cousin Boo/Cole, Izzie, and Aunt Burnell (bahaha loved her).

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Griff's parents (>__>)

Carole Reviews: Betrayal - Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: Betrayal 

Genre: Historical Romance, Drama

Pages: ebook

First Published: July 21st, 2013

Where I Got It: Given to me by publisher/author to read and review for my honest and unbiased opinion

"On a golden day in early summer, two young boys meet in the crowded streets of Florence and change the lives of a man and a woman forevermore...

For seventeen years Ash has been eaten up alive by bitterness and hatred, caught fast in the clutches of the past. For seventeen years he has not been able to look at the boy he raised as his heir and not remember the terrible betrayal he had to endure. And yet, for seventeen years he has closed his eyes against the even more terrible truth ...

Seventeen years ago Georgina fled from England and all she ever held dear. But for the sake of her child, she must return to confront the man whom she once loved more than life itself until lies and deceit tore her life and marriage apart.

Will their love stand a second chance?"

Like earlier stated I read and reviewed this for the publisher/author for my honest and unbiased opinion.

This would be my third novel I've read by Sandra Schwab and yet again she has dazzled me. She keeps getting better and better. I'm having a hard time letting this be labeled in the Historical Romance. It was more of a tragedy with a HEA at the very, very end. It was so sad and I felt bad for both Georgina and Ash. They were torn apart for seventeen years due to betrayal and lies. It was so sad and the way Sandra Schwab made you connect with the characters.

I loved how she based this story of the famous 'Parent Trap' movies and the original German play. It was a unique and cute way to make the two separated lovers reunit. It makes me want to re-watch the movies. However, I always wonder the chances that the twins would be at the same place at the same time...it is so unlikely. 

Anyways, it was a cute, but tragic book. I really wanted to punch Ash though, because he had claimed to loving her SO much, but when one person tells him that she had laid with another man HE believed it. Even when Georgina denied it, he still divorced her. There was no proof...only word of mouth...he divorced her. GAH! MEN! So bull-headed. He was lucky she didn't take both of the babies with her. >.> However, there was one way that Georgina could have avoided all that (which I can't say) but she didn't play that card, which she should have played, but she didn't. C'MON! You're marriage is going down in flames and you wouldn't do anything to save it? GAH! I just wanted to scream when I found out the card that could have saved the marriage to begin with. Tsk.

I loved everything about this book, besides for one thing...I hated the ending. Yes, I was glad they got their HEA, but it was rushed. I wanted more one-on-one between the two. I wanted more cuddling and sweet words. For heaven's sake they had been apart for 17 years. IDK. All this build up and the ending left me wanting more. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. I would really like a prequel of the couple. It would be fun to see how they got together in their youth and then the crumble of the marriage. Maybe someday. *fingers crossed*.  The ending felt super rushed, but the rest of the book was great and I want more! I can't wait to read more by Sandra Schwab. ^.^ I would recommend this to those that love Historical Romances. Out of 5 stars I grant this one 5 stars. It is more like 4.5, but I rounded since I don't give decimals. 

Favorite Character(s): The twins (a pair of rascals), Georgina, Frau Else and Guy

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Dowager Countess (*grumbles* bitch *grumbles*)