Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews

 In the English Victorian age, it's difficult for a young woman to direct her own future.

Meg Burton-Smythe lives a secluded life with her father in Somersetshire.  Her mother died when she was young, so she has very few companions.  Her interest in riding her horse is nearly her sole adventure.

Ivo Beresford, the son of neighbor and long-time enemy of Meg's father, has returned from a European adventure.  Ivo is dedicated to improving the future, specifically with building a cross country train with many depots in the passing towns and villages. 

 

Meg is considering how to convince her father it's time for her to  have her season.  She doesn't need London, but rather in Bath.  This is where her former governess, the closest to a mother she's had, has moved to marry her lover.

On a ride to the river, a beautiful bridge crossing it, Meg fell from her horse.  Riding up on his white stallion, Ivo leaped to her aide. 

An immediate attraction ensued.  When Meg realized Ivo was the son of the family enemy, she searched her mind for a way around someone else's fight.  Ivo didn't  find the grudge too much of a problem.  Looking to the future, he didn't want to waste time on an old disagreement.

Yet, how can a single young lady approach a cranky, old father and disobey.

Secret meetings, secrets rides, and innocent parties bring Meg and Ivo close.  

Ultimately, Meg figures a season in Bath and the advice of her governess is the only option.  Will there be sound ideas to move on from Ivo or can she alter her father's thinking to allow Ivo into their family? 

Love makes crazy ideas happen. 

Happy reading,

Dawn

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

 Whenever you have a nemesis, you want to be as far away as possible.  As a responsible adult.  Avoid conflict.

As a second-grade teacher in Rome, Kentucky, Emily Walker pretends to be in control of her animosity to another teacher, Jack Bennett.  They sparred with words since college, right into teaching at the same school. It was a lot easier when he moves away to get married.

A short year later, he appears nearly on her doorstep.  I say nearly because he moves back to town, purchases her neighboring house, and reclaims his teaching job.  And he's alone.  No marriage certificate or wife in hand.

Emily likes to keep her life very controlled and in line with her objectives.  

Jack's arrival throws everything out of whack, which deems her the authority to put it back at her free will.  

And the sparring begins.  

The funny thing is, for some reason, The intensity of their rivalry includes a crumb of humanity.  They begin to notice good qualities in each other, insecurities, and a few humorous scenes.  Granted, the good points are hard to acknowledge.

And that's the problem.  Quit covering emotions and pretending to not need a shoulder for laughs and sorrow.  If Emily and Jack can figure this out, they have a good chance!

Happy reading,

Dawn