Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter

 

Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter

Autumn Skies is book three and final installment in the Bluebell Inn romance series.

Let’s begin with the summary:

When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, there's instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn by herself now that her siblings and co-owners have moved on, getting her new store Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she’d thought was long past.

A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.

Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to help. As their journey progresses, Wyatt begins opening up to Grace, and he finds himself drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.

There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?

And now, my review:

This series is based on both a location and sibling group. Grace is the youngest sister, and she has watched her older siblings find romance as potential love interests visit the inn. Now, it’s her turn.

I enjoyed the location, so picturesque and homey—their inn on the lake. Again, the same overarching noble quest remains—keep their late parents’ dream alive. Each sibling uses their specific gifts to benefit the family business. Grace dreams of venturing out, as a businesswoman and as the youngest, leaving the nest.

We root for her from the beginning. Denise is a masterful storyteller who creates likable heroines and heroes.

Both Grace and Wyatt need healing from severe past wounds. I like how the past issues weaved into the present, demanding attention and pushing the hero and heroine toward healing—a journey they’d end up taking together as the story plays out.

The heroine is a competent, strong heroine with a caring manner. We want to see things turn out well for her. As the youngest, she has to tolerate her older siblings seeing her as a child but readers will respect her.

The hero’s occupation and nobility elicit readers’ respect as well. We want him to succeed, to be able to move past his previous pain and find freedom.

One of the novel's themes is misplaced guilt. Readers may relate to this because sometimes we blame ourselves when past incidents aren’t our fault, especially if we were children and did not have agency, resources, maturity, strength, wisdom, or opportunities.

I read this book about 2.5 years after its release, and I’m so glad I got to revisit this series, this location, and these great characters. 

A satisfying end to the Bluebell Inn series.

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

 

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

This was my first novel by this author, but I’m sure it won’t be my last.

Here’s the summary:

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews's sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent façade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

And now, my review:

The title is a mouthful, but the story is very enjoyable. I liked the author’s voice and ability to spin an enjoyable historical. She’s won a new fan. Her historical prose is so enjoyable.

Her novel was well-researched. Both the author and heroine buck tradition in a believable and humorous way at times and I loved that aspect. Like when the heroine pursues the hero. (see summary above) Fun and funny! Anytime a strong, active, self-aware heroine plays lead in a historical, the resulting story is delightful for modern readers. She knows her own will and acts on it while readers cheer, "Brava!"

At times I was a little lost because I hadn’t read this author’s earlier books, so I’d recommend beginning with those first.

This strong, brave, adventurous heroine kept me turning pages. And it was a delight trying to unravel the hero’s mysteries as well.

This is a “clean” or “sweet” romance. Christian readers may remark a few wording choices that may make them flinch. Generally, I didn’t see much that was objectionable.

A great read!