PinkcowlandReads

by Mary Jo Putney As a long lost and unrequited love is rekindled, Napoleon strikes again, bonding the new lovers even tighter than before. Suzanne has suffered much over the years after first meeting her now husband… when they met they were celebrating her wedding to his second cousin. Content at being friends they continued on in their live, until tragedy and war brings them together again. No longer a fresh young bride, Suzanne is weary of committing to another man after suffering so much at the hands of men… can a marriage of convenience and friendship bring her the peace and security she desires… or will other desires come back to her? Simon Duval has retired from his commission after the Emperor Napoleon is exiled away. He now wants to settle down and manage his estates. After receiving news of his distant cousins widow living in London, he is immediately drawn to her. War has diminish all of his desires, but upon seeing her he finds himself drawn to her… knowing that

by   May McGoldrick Where do I start! I’m not sure I actually read the synopsis of this book before starting, I jumped at the chance to read it after all the hype for the first book (Highland Crown). Wow, was I in for an amazing and inspiring historical ride! Activism, political intrigue, feminism, sure love, clans and castles… oh my! The book starts whit the heroine, Maisie Murray speaking a rally on womens suffrage… soon the rally is broken up by local yeomanry. Physical altercation takes place, and Maisie is left hanging in the target sights of an officer. Arrest, treason charges, even death lay before her… In comes recently uncommissioned lieutenant Niall Campbell, formerly of the Royal Highland Regiment… and conveniently Maisie’s best friends and sister activity bother. He races in an rescues Maisie. Thus begins their adventure that will see them travelling and fighting across Scotland in the name of political freedom. They do not fall in love easily and they do not find thei

by   Christi Caldwell Carla Winters is a reformed madam trying to make an honest living for herself and other women with limited options. Along with her one friend, she has created the music hall, The Muses. Sadly, if Carla has any luck in life, it seems to be bad! While, walking home from he Muses a few weeks before opening, she comes across a lord being beaten and near death. Ever the softie, she pulls out her pistoling to rescue the hapless lord. Now, on top of readying her music hall to open its doors, it appears she will be playing nurse too. What has she gotten herself into!? In attempt to research the the very streets he is attempting to make safer, Lord Waterson finds himself on the verge of his own death… Ever proper and vigilant to the political cases to improve the safety of British citizens, Henry March, Earl of Waterson did not see this as the way he would go. And it appears it will not be, when he is rescued by the saucy and very improper Miss Winters… Will he ev

by   Ella Quinn After the sudden death of his father, Alexander the Marquis  of  Exeter returns home to find with sisters abandoned by their mother and his family on the brink of scandal. Thankfully Lady Dorcus Calthorp, Lady Dorie to her intimates has been the ever friendly neighbour and looking out for Alex’s sisters. Upon meeting the revered Lady Dorie, Alex feels an immediate attraction to her, not only beautiful, she is also the easiest solution to all his problems! Sadly, Lady Dorie experienced disappointment last season during her courtship with different and all handsome lord. She is determined to find a love match and feels that a man as handsome as Lord Alex and with so many immediate concerns does not have the time and luxury of a love match. He is not for her. Then why does she feel so different in his presence? This is very inconvienient when she has decide to make a love match with another lord… to bad the other man does not evoke the same feeling… maybe she just needs

by   Sarah M. Eden Fletcher Walker has worked his way up from the lowest of the streets to a become a successful writer of Penny Dreadful serials… and in his spare time he’s an advocate and saviour for the poor street kids on London’s streets as the figurehead of the secret Dread Penny Society. Miss Elizabeth banks come from impoverished gentry and is the the headmistress of a girls’ school, who writes “silver-fork” novels to help fund her school. Elizabeth yearns for adventure and in the we hours her days, she secretly writes Penny Dreadful serials under the pseudonym Mr. King as well. In fact, her serials have gotten so popular she starts to take the lead in the market. Fletcher depends on his serials income to support the children and causes their society takes on. When the Society bands together to sniff out their completion and and he needs all the help he can get, even enlisting the help of the kind “silver-fork” author, Elizabeth to find their man. I didn’t really know w

by   Michael Bright ,    Hannah Bailey   (Illustrations) I requested this book with the how that I could read it together with my 8 year old daughter. Upon receiving the book, I decided to read it first myself and then selectively read it with her. Some of the scientific language will be above her level, but the content and information is really worth attempting to share it with her. I learned a lot reading this book and really enjoyed it. For. A children’s scientific text, the few of information was really good and presenting in an interesting and attractive way. The illustrating were well done and added greatly to the text provided.   This is a great text detailing in chronological order the evolution of mankind, with is absolutly fascinating! This book has lit a fire in me and really inspired me to delve deeper into this topic. Great book. When We Became Humans, Our incredible evolutionary journey by Michael Bright was released June 16, 2019. I received a c

by   Jane Ashford Lady Fenella Fairclough and the Marquess of Chatton were childhood acquaintances when their fathers decided to force them into a marriage. Being young and stubborn they rejected each other and the idea of a marriage between them. After five years, time spent in Scotland, a marriag, widowhood and ailing parents, thees two are forced back into each others company. They have grown up and now see the other for their true worth… it it not too late for them to find happiness together? Perhaps with a little help they will make it work this time! This is Jane Ashford’s third instalment in The Way to a Lord’s Heart series. I read the second book, A Lord Apart and this past April. Though this is part of a series, and it was nice having the background knowledge from the other book I had read, this book can stand alone. One major highlight of the series and the connecting factor is the delightful Lord Mackin, who is trying to help his band heartsore lords find love and happ

by    Kerrigan Byrne Kerrigan Byrne has started her new series, The Devil You Know with an ablate bang! From the moment I started on the first pages of How To Love A Duke in Ten Days, I was hooked and enamoured with the leading ladies of this new series. They call themselves the Red Rogues and have banded together at boarding school together. These are the girlfriends you want on your side!  How To Love A Duke in Ten Days tells the story of the strong, intelligent and beautiful archeologist, Lady Alexandra Lane as she ventures to the castle of the scarred Duke of Redmayne, in order to rescue her friend and fellow Rogue from her marriage to said duke! Ever the loyal friend, Alexandra proposes herself to the duke! Both the characters of Alexandra and Piers , the Duke of Redmayne, are wonderfully written and immediatly relatable, both are flawed and in need of something to make them whole. I fell in love with their intimate kindnesses to each other. I adored this story and am now anxiou

by    Sharon Kernot I didn’t know what I was getting when I picked out this book. When I first opened this book and started to read, I was pleasantly surprised. The author, has written this novel in verse and the flow of the writing really goes with and helps tell the story. The Art of Taxidermy tells a gripping and emotional story about love of family and great loss. The themes are woven through the coming of age of young Lottie, along with her immigrant family in Australia after the second world war. I was taken in by this book from the first page and was made to feel deeply for Lottie and this family. Sharon Kernot has written a beautiful book and I can not highly recommend it enough. This is a must read. The Art of Taxidermy by Sharon Kernot is due to release August 23rd, 2019. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Text Publishing Company through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 #TheArtOfTaxidermy #sharonkernot #NetGa

by   Kaitlin O'Riley   If any other two characters deserve their happily ever after, these two, Lady Mara and the earl of Sterling do! These characters grabbed me from the beginning and had me rooting for them til the end. The Irish Heiress is second book in Kaitlin O'Riley’s in her Hamilton Cousin’s series, which follows the 5 book series of the Hamilton Sisters. This family is very extensive and intriguing! I definitely will be picking up Kaitlin O'Riley’s back catalogue books, I need more of this delightful family! Mean while… Mara has the sight and has had a vision of a man saving her. Next thing she knows, she’s introduced to him! The immediate connection is felt by both of them... too bad Mara doesn’t know that Foster has an estranged wife...  I don’t want to say too much more, but this is a great read, pick up a copy and find out how it comes together. You will not be disappointed. The Irish Heiress by Kaitlin O'Riley was release July 30th, 2019. I received a

by   Jane Yolen  &  Adam Stemple Do find the end of the Russian Tsar’s reign fascinating? Do you love dragons? Well, if you put your hand up for both of these questions, I have the book for you! I was originally found and was drawn to this title while I was coming down form my Romanov (by Nadine Brandes) earlier this year. Another retelling of the mysterious ending to the infamous Romanov family… and now with dragons. This story starts as the revolutionaries start to gain power and momentum, at this time in the Tsar’s power is kept secure by his trusty fleet of dragons that keep all the empires’ enemies at bay. There is change in the wind prophesied by the Mad Monk and trusted advisor to the Tsarina, Rasputin.  This was a fast paced story, told by all of the players involved from the Tsar and Tsarina to Rasputin and the a Jewish revolutionary. I really enjoyed seeing the varied posts of view. This was an interesting read, and I would recommend it to creative historical fiction f

by    Danny Katz ,   Mitch Vane   (Illustrations) I read Little Lunch: Loads of Laughs together with my 5 and 8 year old daughters. The book consisted of three short stories, which all take place during little lunch (or recess) at school. We the featured stories did well to represent the main characters featured. We have watched the television production of Little Lunch before having the chance to read this fun book. I think even without the prior knowledge of the series, this book can act as a stand alone of cute and entertaining stories that have an unlaying message for the children. I especially enjoyed the third story: Germblocked. This one had a good lesson on showcased, how it feels to be excluded and not judging without al the facts. The illustrations were also a great hit with the kids and added to the stories. All in all both of my girls were actively engaged in the stories and wanted more Little Lunch stories once complete! Little Lunch: Loads of Laughs by Danny Katz is du

by    Elise Gravel I read this book with my 4 year old and 8 year old daughters. The repetitive remain of “no way” was easy for my young daughter to get involved with and get excited about as we went through the pages of the book. The highlight of the book was the adorable illustrations and hilarious scenarios the objects are put in. Even my 8 year old was laughing at the silly situations. My 4 year old’s favourite page was of the fly talking on the phone. She said the fly was cute. While my 8 year old loved the poop wearing glasses. This reminded her of poop emojis, which are all the rage. This book is a translation of a French book. In some of the situations, I thought the hilarity was lost in translation, but the kids didn’t seem to notice or find any fault in it. Overall, this was a cute and silly book that I would recommend to parents of toddlers. It was fun being able to laugh along with the kids and the illustrations are delightful. A Potato on a Bike by Elise Gravel is due

by    H.J. Ramsay I’m not a huge Alice in Wonderland buff, but I do love retellings and continuations of classic stories, and that is what originally drew me to this book. My interest was peaked to see what has happened to Alice, now age 15 after her adventures in Wonderland. And boy, was I in for an emotional rollercoaster! I find stories that are not based my own relatable reality really draw you in and make you more invested, and this was definitely the case. The Wonderland speak made me work to read the story and keep up with the characters and also made it easier to relate to Alice’s discomfort and confusion. Being written by opposing first person accounts from both Alice and the Queen of Hearts point of view added another dimension to the story and the up and down emotions of the book. I don’t want to give two much away, but this was a very relevant fan sequel for the Alice fandom. I highly recommend this book snd just want to say that the ending gave me a very emotiona

by   Mimi Matthews Mimi Matthews historical romance writing is a pure joy to read. She effortlessly entwines history around beautifully developed characters and creates a story that has you glued to the book from page one! In order to saved the beautiful orphaned Phyllida Satterthwaite from fearsome Duke of Moreland, Captain Arthur Heywood proposes a marriage of convenience. But with this marriage he will only be able to give her his name because he has been horrible wounded from the war and can not imagine what else he would have to offer. Miss Satterthwaite accepts and starts a journey of healing for both of them, both physically and emotionally. I highly recommend The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews for all lovers of historical fiction and romance.  The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is due to release July 23, 2019. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Perfectly Proper Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TheWorkOfArt #mimimatt

by   Dianne Freeman   This is the second book in the A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series, and the first one I have read. This series/ book captured my attention by encompassing many things I love: historical fiction, mystery and romance! The American born, widowed Countess of Harleigh is a social butterfly and can be found at all the best gatherings with entourage (her almost engage sister, aunt and her sisters American friend that she is sponsoring). They make for a fun and helpful group when there is a murder among their peer group.  The Countess, Franny to her close friends, gets embroiled in the investigation when her cousin is accused of murder. How could she not help exonerate him, she she had been the one to have set him up with the now deceased! And she save her cousin? Can she find the real murderer before another one of theirs friends becomes the next victim? Can she find love at the same time? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The mystery kept me guessing until the

by    Sabrina Jeffries This is the first in a new series of Duke Dynasty from Sabrina Jeffries. What an interesting family this series will cover… Dowager Duchess, Lydia Wolfe has now been widowed for the third time, but over the years she has manage to bare five children, and three of her sons are Dukes! The infamous Lady Lydia has had the honour of being married to three Dukes herself! How fun, I am excited to see where this series takes us. The begin the series, we meet the first born son of Dowager Duchess Lydia, Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt. He is a stern man that the gossips love to run through the wringer! His reputation is that of a libertine, but he has not given justice to such rumours since his early days. Summoned to his estranged families side as they drive for the third husband of her Grace. While in the country he meets the poor relation of his half brother and can’t help being mesmerized by her original nature. Beatrice Wolfe lives a simple life and tr

by    Theresa Romain This was a total cover buy for me! I absolutely loved the lady in the orange dress and the smirk she is giving the reader… she optimizes the idea of a Lady Notorious. I had to read this book! Sadly, I let this jewel of a book slip to the bottom of the tar pile! Big mistake! This was a great read and I will definitely be adding Theresa Romain to the must read authors list! Cassandra Benton, Cass and her twin brother, Charles work for Bow Street as a two for one package. When the Lord of Northbrook needs help protecting his father and godfather from danger, he turns to Cass to get to the bottom of the 30 year old tontine mystery that has put his family at risk. While working together they find kindred spirits in one another and the validation for their respective work… but can they solve the mystery before another dies? This was. Fun and interesting read that seamlessly wove the romance and mystery together that kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend this bo

by    Mary Jo Putney A story of true love brought together by fate and difficult circumstances. Diana Lindsay is raising her son alone in the country with only a single maid as her sole friend and companion when a woman from London happens upon her cottage during a blizzard. Diana has only known of country life and is intrigued when she hears this woman tales from London. Deciding that fate has brought her new friend and the opportunity to go to London, Diana jumps at the chance to find love in London. Gervase Brandelin, the Viscount St. Aubyn has not lived the life of a saint, but over the years he has worked had to redeem himself in his work and life choices. When he happens upon Miss Lindsay a a party, the immediate pull of attraction feels to right to be wrong… almost as if he know her from before. Both harbouring many secrets and even more hurt, can these two reach past that to find love and redemption in each other? I enjoyed Mary Jo Putney’s writing and found the characters ve