Title: Under the Harvest Moon
Author: Collected Authors
Genre: Regency Romance
Book Blurb:
As the village of Reabridge in Cheshire prepares for the first Harvest Festival following Waterloo, families are overjoyed to welcome back their loved ones from the war. But excitement quickly turns to mystery when mere weeks before the festival, an orphaned child turns up in the town—a toddler born near Toulouse to an English mother who left clues that tie her to Reabridge. With two prominent families feuding for generations and the central event of the Harvest Moon festival looming, tensions rise, and secrets begin to surface. Nine award winning and bestselling authors have combined their talents to create this engaging and enchanting collection of interrelated tales. Under the Harvest Moon promises an unforgettable read for fans of Regency romance. Moonlight Wishes and Midnight Kisses by Collette Cameron A scarred veteran with no future, Courtland Marlow-Westbrook wants to be left alone. Scottish heiress Avery Levingtone never stopped loving him and is determined to win his love again. Will these former sweethearts find happiness together, or will the wounds of the past keep them apart? The Morning Light by Caroline Warfield Adam Wagner is meant to save lives, not take them. He is haunted by Waterloo. The horror of it keeps him from those he loves. Meg Barlow doesn’t understand how Adam could turn his back on her so thoroughly, but she isn’t about to let him get away with it. A Harvest Blessing by Rue Allen All the battles are over, or are they? When Captain Thom Owen is forced into a false engagement, he must escort his pseudo-fiancée home to meet his father. Can an English vicar’s son and a French Comte’s daughter find love despite their differences? Coming Home by Mary Lancaster Old memories, new love Home from Waterloo, Captain David Buckley contemplates settling down near his home town of Reabridge—only it is full of painful memories. The mysterious Lady Lorna falls literally into his arms, and he begin to understand the true meaning of love and home. Under the Champagne Moon by Alina K Field Fleur Hardouin’s heart longs for Captain Gareth Ardleigh, but she needs an advantageous marriage. Gareth has promised to find Fleur—on behalf of another man. Now he must choose between honoring a promise and trying to win the hand of the woman he loves. A Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Ellen Carter Widowed at Waterloo, where she also nursed the wounded, Veronica Petersham promised a dying man to bring his effects to a family in Reabridge. She falls ill just short of her goal, in the milking shed of kind and stoic Martin Bromelton. Perhaps there is hope for the future after all and the opportunity to find love once more. A Love Beyond Time by Sherry Ewing Eight years ago, Hannah Pownall had her heart broken by a young lord. Captain Brandon Worthington returns to the town of Reabridge to recover from the war and finds the girl he once loved still unwed. Can love at first sight be reborn after heartbreak, proving a second chance is all you need? The Widow’s Harvest Hope by Cerise DeLand The new Earl Barlow returns home from Waterloo, intending to live by his own rules. The woman he loved and lost years ago visits for the Harvest festival—and he plans to offer Vicky Wright what they both want. Can a lady who has lived by the rules throw them all away to seize her last chance for happiness? Love In Its Season by Jude Knight The Battle of Waterloo lost Jack Wrath the use of one arm and ended his career in the cavalry. He has no place to go and nothing to offer. Gwen Hughes has a business to run and no time for romance. Under the harvest moon, two people who believe romance has passed them finally reach their season for love.
My Review:
A Regency romance anthology set in autumn is as cozy as pumpkin spice. In a small village, everyone is preparing for the harvest festival while welcoming back the soldiers who fought at Waterloo. Each story is a standalone, yet they overlap with the other stories. These nine authors are award-winning, top-rated, and truly remarkable. Many of these authors are my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this anthology.
Moonlight Wishes and Midnight Kisses by Colette Cameron – A second chance at love is within their grasp, but they’ll have to let past hurts go. Extremely well-written, this story tugged at my heartstrings. The emotions are high but the ending sublime. 5+ stars
The Morning Light by Caroline Warfield – A doctor haunted by the war encounters a love strong enough to break him free of his guilt. Wow, such an accurate portrayal of PTSD in Regency era. Impressive writing and characters you’ll cry over, plus a romance too. Loved this touching story. 5+ stars
A Harvest Blessing by Rue Allyn – Two unlikely people play pretend engagement but what happens when they fall in love? I always look forward to reading romances by this author. She brings historical accuracy and emotional narration to all her stories, including this one. I enjoyed the twist on a modern trope in Regency era. I honestly didn’t want it to end. 5+ stars
Coming Home by Mary Lancaster – Can this captain home from Waterloo let go of the past and embrace love in his hometown? Another gem by one of my favorite Regency authors. David is the embodiment of a tormented hero and I rooted for him to find his true love. 5+ stars
Under the Champagne Moon by Alina K. Field – A man makes a promise to find a woman for another man, but he’s conflicted because this woman is his heart’s desire. Alina K. Field is an author I always look forward to reading. Her writing is flawless, as is this story. The emotions will sweep you away with a fulfilling ending. I love this couple most of all in this anthology. 5+ stars
A Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Ellen Carter – Fulfilling a dying man’s wish, a woman falls ill and is helped by a quiet man who offers her something more. In this tale, love is quiet, not loud. It’s not often I read a romance with a stoic hero. I found it different and refreshing. The writing is balanced with descriptive narration and emotional tension. 5 stars
A Love Beyond Time by Sherry Ewing – A second chance at love brings hope to one couple. I’m a sucker for second chance romance. Sherry Ewing has penned another unputdownable romance. This romance ticks all the boxes for me. I confess, I didn’t want it to end. If you love Regency romance, this story is for you. 5+ stars
The Widow’s Harvest Hope by Cerise DeLand – What an unusual premise to a romance. A woman who lives by the rules and an earl who lives by his own rules. Add in heartbreak and you’ve got a story that’s irresistible. The writing is exceptional, which is not surprising considering this author. She writes romance you’ll fall in love with and characters that’ll move you. 5+ stars
Love in its Season by Jude Knight – A disabled veteran comes home not expecting love at his doorstep. Oh my goodness, this story wrecked me. I was an emotional mess after I finished reading. This is what love is all about. Two people who think they don’t deserve love find love and affection in each other. Brilliant from start to finish, this romance is my favorite. 5++ stars
My Rating: 5+ stars
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Author Biography:
The Bluestocking Belles (the “BellesInBlue”) are a group of very different writers united by a love of history and a history of writing about love. From sweet to steamy, from light-hearted fun to dark tortured tales full of angst, from London ballrooms to country cottages to the sultan’s seraglio, one or more of us will have a tale to suit your tastes and mood.
Social Media Links:
Website https://bluestockingbelles.net/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/bellesinblue/
Twitter https://twitter.com/bellesinblue
Reviewed by: Nancy