Giveaway : August 2025 Free Printable Calendar

Hello lovely readers! ☀️

Saying goodbye to July, I'm so excited to share my August 2025 calendar with you!

As always, it's a little gift from me to you, designed with a whole lot of summer joy in mind.

This month's theme is all about the countryside!
Think sunshine, warm breezes, and the bounty of the fields. You'll find a charming scene complete with juicy watermelons, vibrant poppies, cheerful sunflowers, and golden ears of wheat.
To complete the picture, I've added a few adorable friends: a cute white mouse, an adorable chick, a fluttering butterfly, and a little sparrow, all enjoying the summer vibes.

I hope this calendar helps you stay organized and brings a smile to your face throughout August.

To get your free downloadable copy, simply click on the preview image to enlarge it, and then download.

@TizianaFragnerGraphic
August 2025 Calendar
Size 1634 x 1264

Once you have downloaded the image you can set it as your desktop on your PC, or you could print it on adhesive paper and stick it on cardboard and then hang it on the wall.
By reducing the image size with any app, you can stick it on a smaller cardboard and use it as a bookmark (if you still love reading on paper).

----> No annoying pop-up ads, I promise! Just a little dose of sunshine from me to you.

Wishing you all a joyful and wonderful August 2025!
Enjoy! 💖

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Book review : The Missing Sister by Dinah Jefferies

The Missing Sister
by Dinah Jefferies

Standalone

GENRE: Historical fiction suspense-romance
My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4.7 rounded up to 5 stars.

I chose to read "The Missing Sister" expecting a passionate love story infused with a touch of mystery and adventure, and a hint of historical elements.
While the novel does contain those components, it primarily revolves around a cold case involving the main character's family.
The love story is more of a subplot, developed on an emotional level rather than through explicit romantic scenes.

I have to admit that in the start I felt disappointed by the love story being put in the background (and I notice that the male character of the couple appears only after 25% of the book, then disappears halfway through the book and reappears in the last quarter), but later, feeling fully involved in the intrigue of the mystery and the family dynamics that were gradually revealed, I couldn't help but turn one page after another with great excitement and trepidation.

__THE PLOT IN SHORT ___ Burma, 1936 Belle Hatton starts a new, glamorous job as a nightclub singer, in the country where her parents used to live before her birth.
However, she is haunted by a family mystery:: a 25-year-old newspaper clipping found in her deceased father's belongings about the disappearance of their baby daughter, Elvira.
Desperate to discover what happened to the sister she never knew, Belle's inquiries lead to unsettling rumors, outright threats, and the attention of a handsome American journalist named Oliver.
Can she trust her growing feelings for Oliver? Is her sister really dead? And could there still be a chance Belle might find her?

_____________ *********** _______________
The whole story is told in the first person, in alternating chapters, by Belle, the main character, in the present of the book, i.e., the late 1930s, and by her mother in the past, in the 1910s and then the 1920s.


_____ THE CHARACTERS _____

Both the female main character, Annabelle, who openly expresses her emotions, fragility and aspirations, and the supporting characters, as well as the minor ones, all of whom maintain an aura of mystery and ambiguity until the end, are well delineated by the author through their actions and words, whether they are subtle or sincere (which remains an open question until the end).

What created great tension while reading the story, in fact, was Annabelle's persistent feeling of not knowing exactly who to trust and of continually discovering clues to the truth, which in reality could only be red herrings. Belle's mother's fragility, which is then reflected in her daughter, is what makes us root for these two women and is what ultimately, after having faced them, will make them stronger.

Although I would have appreciated a deeper exploration of Belle and Oliver's relationship, particularly a more developed Oliver, I still enjoyed their connection.


_____SETTING and HISTORY _____

However, the great star of the book is the setting itself.
The author vividly depicts landscapes, scents, historical events, and sensations, creating a captivating and almost magical oriental vibe.

Skillfully interwoven with this sense of magic feel and enchanting surrealism there are dramatic historical events ( such as very violent riots with brutal killings of men , women and babies ), never presented in a distressing way and never overwhelming, but informative and necessary to give the story a sense of the difficult reality of that country in that time.

The historical notes at the end of the book are a valuable context, shedding light on British colonialism in Burma (now Myanmar) and the city of Rangoon (now Yangon).
The notes also explain how the author altered the timeline of a historical event for fictional purposes. I always appreciate such additions.


____ SOME THOUGHTS INSPIRED BY THE BOOK ______

For me, the historical element in fiction is a significant bonus, prompting reflection on both the past and the present.
Oliver's arguments and the depiction of historical events highlight the exploitation of weaker nations by empires throughout history (since before the birth of Christ, empires expanded by undermining the weakest and stealing their wealth).

This echoes modern-day situations, where Western multinational corporations often exploit resources in countries with limited political or economic power. So, not much has changed, indeed human selfishness perpetuates a cycle of inequality. This is not only unfair, but it makes me laugh bitterly when I think of all the speeches of modern politicians, who seem to want to achieve some high degree of democracy, but actually it is all thin air. (Sorry for the digression)

_____WRITING STYLE _____

The writing style is fluid, and despite the presence of both political and personal drama, the story remains captivating and entertaining without becoming overly distressing.

Icing on the cake : readers longing for the "happy ever after" will not be disappointed!

This is my first Dinah Jefferies novel, but it certainly won't be my last.
Although I've ventured outside my usual genres (which rarely include exotic settings and often lean towards historical murder mysteries or Regency romances), I'm very satisfied with this read and eager to explore more within this genre.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.

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LIBRO disponibile anche in EDIZIONE LINGUA ITALIANA,
----> LEGGI la mia RECENSIONE ( NO SPOILER ) !

La Sorella Scomparsa
di Dinah Jefferies

Standalone

GENRE: Fiction storica suspense-romance
Voto: ★★★★★
In realtà 4.7 arrotondato a 5 stelle.

Comincio dicendo che ho scelto di leggere "La sorella scomparsa" aspettandomi una storia d'amore appassionata, intrisa di un tocco di mistero e avventura, con un pizzico di componente storica, da qui capirete che il mio obbiettivo primario era una "storia d'amore che fosse intensa e travolgente".
----> Sebbene il romanzo contenga effettivamente tutti gli elementi citati, di fatto, la storia raccontata ruota principalmente attorno a un caso di rapimento irrisolto, che coinvolge la famiglia della protagonista. La storia d'amore è più una sottotrama, oltetutto sviluppata più a livello emotivo piuttosto che attraverso scene romantiche che riscaldano i cuori e risvegliano le emozioni delle lettrici di libri rosa.

Devo ammettere che all'inizio sono rimasta delusa, la storia d'amore era "solo" in secondo piano e, come se non bastasse, il personaggio maschile con cui di cui s'innamora la protagonista, appare solo dopo il 25% del libro, per poi scomparire a metà della trama e riapparire solo nell'ultimo quarto.
In seguito però, sentendomi pienamente coinvolta dall'intrigo del mistero e dalle dinamiche familiari che venivano gradualmente svelate, inclusi i sentimenti che legavano i genitori della protagonista, non ho potuto fare a meno di leggere voracemente, con grande entusiasmo e trepidazione.


__LA TRAMA IN BREVE ___

Birmania, 1936: Belle Hatton inizia un nuovo, affascinante lavoro come cantante di night club, nel paese in cui i suoi genitori vivevano prima della sua nascita.
Tuttavia, è perseguitata da un mistero di famiglia: un ritaglio di giornale di 25 anni fa, trovato tra gli effetti personali del padre defunto, riguardante la scomparsa della loro bambina, Elvira.
Disperata per scoprire cosa sia successo alla sorella che non ha mai conosciuto, le indagini di Belle portano a voci inquietanti, minacce e all'attenzione di un affascinante giornalista americano di nome Oliver.
Può fidarsi dei suoi crescenti sentimenti per Oliver? Sua sorella è davvero morta? E c'è ancora una possibilità che Belle la trovi?

_____________ *********** _______________

L'intera storia è raccontata in prima persona, a capitoli alterni, da Belle, la protagonista, nel presente del libro, ovvero alla fine degli anni '30, e da sua madre nel passato, all'inizio degli anni'10 e poi '20.


_____ I PERSONAGGI _____

Sia la protagonista femminile, Annabelle, che esprime apertamente le sue emozioni, la sua fragilità e le sue aspirazioni, sia i personaggi secondari, che mantengono tutti un'aura di mistero e ambiguità fino alla fine, sono ben delineati dall'autore attraverso le loro azioni e parole, siano esse sincere o false e fuorvianti (il che rimane una questione aperta fino alla fine). Ciò che ha creato grande tensione durante la lettura della storia, infatti, è stata la persistente sensazione di Annabelle di non sapere esattamente di chi fidarsi e di scoprire continuamente indizi sulla verità, che in realtà potevano essere solo premeditati depistaggi.
La fragilità della madre di Belle, che si riflette poi nella figlia, è ciò che ci fa tifare per queste due donne ed è ciò che alla fine, dopo averle affrontate, le renderà più forti.

Sebbene avrei preferto un approfondimento sia del rapporto tra Belle e Oliver, sia del personaggio di Oliver, ho comunque apprezzato le dianmiche del loro legame e la connessione che si crea man mano che si procede nella storia.

_____AMBIENTAZIONE e STORIA _____ La vera protagonista del libro, la star che risplende, è l'ambientazione stessa. L'autore descrive vividamente paesaggi, profumi, eventi storici e sensazioni, creando un'atmosfera orientale accattivante e quasi magica. Abilmente intrecciati a questo senso di magia e a un surrealismo incantevole, si trovano eventi storici drammatici (come violentissime rivolte con brutali uccisioni di uomini, donne e bambini), sepure angoscianti per la protagonista che li vive in primo piano, essi non sono mai riportati in maniera troppo opprimente per il lettore. I momenti drammatici , concernenti fatti realmente accaduti, sono necessari per conferire al libro il senso della difficile realtà di quel paese, in quel periodo.

Le note storiche alla fine del libro sono un prezioso contenuto, che illustra brevente, a chi non ha familiarità con questa partedi storia, il colonialismo britannico in Birmania (ora Myanmar) e alcuni rivolte avvenute nella città di Rangoon (ora Yangon).
Le note spiegano anche come l'autore abbia alterato la cronologia di un evento storico per scopi narrativi.
Apprezzo sempre le note storiche finali, ogni buon autore di libri storici, seppure fiction, dovrebbe inserirle.

____ ALCUNE CONSIDERAZIONI ISPIRATE DAL LIBRO ______ Per me, l'elemento storico nella narrativa è un bonus significativo, che stimola la riflessione sia sul passato che sul presente. Le argomentazioni di Oliver e la descrizione degli eventi storici evidenziano lo sfruttamento delle nazioni più deboli da parte degli imperi nel corso della storia (fin da prima della nascita di Cristo, gli imperi si sono espansi indebolindo i più deboli e rubando le loro ricchezze).

Questo rispecchia la situazione odierna, in cui le multinazionali occidentali spesso sfruttano risorse in paesi con un potere politico o economico limitato. Quindi, non è cambiato molto, anzi, l'egoismo umano perpetua un ciclo di disuguaglianza. Questo non solo è ingiusto, ma mi fa anche ridere amaramente quando penso a tutti i discorsi dei politici moderni, che sembrano voler raggiungere un alto livello di democrazia, ma in realtà sono solo fanfaronate. (Scusate la digressione).


_____STILE DI SCRITTURA _____

Lo stile di scrittura è fluido e, nonostante la presenza di drammi sia politici che personali, la storia rimane avvincente e divertente senza diventare eccessivamente angosciante.

Ciliegina sulla torta: i lettori che desiderano il "e vissero felici e contenti" non rimarranno delusi!

Questo è il mio primo romanzo di Dinah Jefferies, ma di certo non sarà l'ultimo.
Sebbene mi sia avventurata al di fuori dei miei generi abituali (che raramente includono ambientazioni esotiche e spesso tendono a gialli storici, classici e cizy se ho voglia di mistero o allegri romanzi Regency se ho voglia di qualche scenetta sentimentale), sono molto soddisfatta di questa lettura e desiderosa di aleggerne molti questo genere ( che fin'ora scansavo metodicamente, pensando che fossero un po' troppo mielosi ).

Grazie per aver letto la mia opinione, spero di poter postare presto altre recensioni di libri disponibili anche in italiano :-).

Potete seguirmi su FACEBOOK, nella pagina: Tizi Cozy Corner, per essere aggiornati o semplicemente per scambiare qualche commento o suggerimento ( sempre ben accetti )

MI TROVATE ANCHE SU GOODREADS , non quello italiano, ma in inglese. Potete seguirmi o chiedere la mia amicizia, sarò lieta di seguire ache io le vostre recensioni !

Book review : The Gardens of Bysantium by J.F. Hughes

The Gardens of Bysantium
by J.F. Hughes
GENRE : #Historical-Fiction war-romance #tragedy

My rating: ★★☆☆☆

Yes, I know the cover is amazing, I was fascinated by it too, but this is not a story I recommend to anyone who wants to read a beautiful and satisfying love story.

____ THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ______

The year is 622 A.D., and the Persian and Byzantine empires have been locked in conflict across the deserts long before she was born.

Asana's life has always been marked by upheaval and change. Each year, she is uprooted from her home and taken to distant, unfamiliar lands to live a strict, soldier's life alongside her father, an officer in the Persian army. But in the chaos of war, her gentle spirit often feels out of place.

Soon, she is torn from her family and forced to escape atop her beloved horse. Guided by destiny, she finds herself in the care of a handsome, mysterious Roman soldier who hides her away inside an exquisite palace in the heart of Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire’s capital.

As Asana begins to develop feelings for him, it seems she might finally discover a sanctuary of happiness amid the war-torn world around her. But that fragile peace shatters when news arrives of a Persian army advancing toward the city, setting off a chain of events that leads to an extraordinary, tragic conclusion.

___________ ********* _____________
Honestly, I was pretty excited to read The Garden of Bysantium after reading the general plot and the first intriguing chapter.
The story, told in the third person, kicks off with a Roman soldier, Antonius, captured and tortured by Persians, which immediately pulled me in.
The twist—his captor’s daughter secretly helping him, and his narrow escape with the help of more Romans—was pretty gripping.

The blend of revenge, love, and fate kept me hooked during Antonius’s chapters. Those parts really shine and made me care about his struggle.

However, things started to slide for me as soon as the story shifted focus to Asana, the Persian girl. Honestly, her chapters felt dull and at times a little silly and flat, lacking any captivating elements.

I enjoy fast-paced books, but in this case, the writing felt hurried and lacked the tension that keeps readers hooked, especially during the battles, which came across more like dull TV commentary than gripping action scenes.

The characters, overall, seemed rather flat to me, including the two protagonists. The concept was good, but they weren't developed properly, which prevented me from connecting with them as deeply as I would have liked.

And then the ending… It’s tragic !!!!! Don’t get me wrong, a dark ending can work, but here it just felt bitter and hopeless, stripping away any sense of hope or redemption the story might have offered:
______ WARNING: SPOILER ___DON'T GO ON,IF YOU WANT TO READ THE BOOK ) Everyone dies and the last survivor, Asana, commits suicide because she’s entirely alone. _________ SPOILER END

The book tries to say war is pointless and revenge only leads to more pain, which is a strong message, but honestly, it leaves the reader feeling pretty crushed rather than inspired.

Plus, the cover art is gorgeous, really appealing, but it’s kind of misleading!!!
It looks like one of those feel-good romance books, which is totally not what this story is about.
The writing style didn’t help either; it felt rushed and underdeveloped, making me not want to pick up anything else by Hughes.

Overall, not a fan. I’ve read more moving historical fiction that keeps characters real and offers some hope at the end. I wouldn’t recommend this one. If you’re into heavy, tragic stories about war with deep characters, there are definitely better options out there.


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Book review : Shadows of Athens by J.M. Alvey

Shadows of Athens
Philocles Book #1)
by J.M. Alvey
GENRE : #Historical-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4.5 rounded up to 5

I rate this mystery 4.5 stars, which I've rounded up to 5.
It was a beautiful and engaging read, perhaps due to the setting, which is quite different from my usual choices. Stepping outside my comfort zone could have been a hit or miss, but thankfully, it was a hit. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Before sharing my opinion, let me give you a brief overview of THE PLOT:

Ancient Greece, Athens, 443 BC. After decades of war with Persia, peace has finally arrived. Athens is being rebuilt, and commerce and culture are flourishing.

Aspiring playwright Philocles returns home to find a man with his throat cut, slumped against his front gate. Was it simply a robbery gone wrong? If so, why did the thieves leave the dead man's valuables? With the play that could make his career just days away, he must discover the man's identity, the motive for his murder, and why the corpse was left in his doorway.
Philocles soon realizes he is caught up in something far bigger, and powerful forces want him to stop investigating.

__________ *******___________

From the first chapter, the story captivated me!!!

___ A RIVETING STORY ___ The author seamlessly blended a wholly imaginative mystery with the historical realities of Athenian politics, culture, and governance.
She also skillfully incorporated Greek mythology into this already well-crafted mix, drawing from their beliefs, customs regarding the gods, and mythological texts recounting heroic deeds.

Through the unfolding story and the investigation into the murder of a foreigner (a member of the Delian League, which united Athens and other cities against Persia), the author tells us of the famous games dedicated to Dionysus.
She describes how comedies and tragedies were performed, the actors employed, and how the city's wealthiest citizens served as patrons.

Furthermore, the novel sheds light on the rights and duties of Athenian citizens, the role of slaves (and the common practice of owning them) and the role of women, particularly wives: did you know that only Athenian women could marry Athenian citizens and enjoy certain rights? Foreign women could only be concubines.

____THE CHARACTERS ___
While the story features a main character and a few key co-protagonists, it also includes a wide array of supporting characters (acquaintances, family members, friends, villains, friends of villains, people with brief appearances, and others only mentioned).
Despite this, the author masterfully delineates the salient traits of each character's personality.

The descriptions of domestic scenes and the emotional bonds between Philocles and his closest family (his companion/concubine and his slave, who is also his best friend) allowed me to immediately empathize with the protagonist and his loved ones, even amidst the constant flux of characters.
Initially, I was concerned about the sheer number of Greek names (and I admit, it intimidated me at first!), but this fear quickly dissipated. Although I initially worried I'd get lost in a flood of similar names ending in "es" and "tos/os" (Philocles, Lysicrates, Menakles, Apollonides, Pericles, etc... Nymenios, Aristarchos, Nikandros, Stratos, Dados, etc...plus other recurring endings that made the names similar), I found them surprisingly easy to remember. Perhaps it was because each character is associated with specific qualities, flaws, or roles, and ultimately serves a purpose within the narrative.

___ IS IT READABLE AS A STAND-ALONE BOOK? ___
Yes, it is! It's the first book in a series, but offering a satisfying ending without any kind of cliffhanger.

__ MY ONLY WARNING__
While there are no gory scenes and the only sex scene is not described in detail, this cannot be considered a "cozy mystery."
-----> The language is not always particularly delicate or polite: several serious insults among the characters.
Furthermore, it looks like the presence of phalluses on stage was a source of great humor in ancient comedy, consequently, since Philocles is a comedy writer, they are repeatedly cited!

_____ WHY NOT 5 FULL STARS?
The half-star deduction is due to the author's absence of historical notes at the end of the novel and the lack of footnotes throughout the book, particularly at points where history and mythology are referenced.
----> Readers unfamiliar with ancient Greece may struggle to distinguish between factual accounts, the author's creative liberties, and elements derived from ancient Greek poets' imaginations.

_____ COCLUDING :
Overall, I award this book a well-deserved 4.5 stars for its compelling and solid plot, a well-crafted mystery, fluid and light-hearted writing, likable characters, the author's extensive historical research, and the perfect blend of mystery, history, mythology, investigation, action, and character-driven storylines.

I want to know more about the adventures of Philocles and his friends, I will definitely read the other 2 books included in this series as well!!

Thank you for reading my opinion, I hope it helps you choose your next book. :-)

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Giveaway : July 2025 Free Printable Calendar

Hey everyone, and happy start of July!

I'm so excited to share my latest creation with you: a brand new, downloadable, and completely FREE monthly calendar for July 2025!

This July, I wanted to capture the feeling of a cool ocean breeze and a lazy day at the beach. That's why I went with a palette of refreshing, light blues, think clear skies and sparkling water.
To make it even more cheerful, I've added some cute illustrations that I hope will bring a smile to your face every time you look at it.

You'll find:

Playful Swimming Dolphins: Who doesn't love watching these intelligent and graceful creatures?

A Cute Seagull: Perched and ready for some seaside adventures (hopefully not your lunch!).

Sparkling Seashells: Reminders of treasures found along the shore.

Golden Sand: To evoke the warmth and relaxation of a perfect beach day.
Let's snag this little slice of summer sunshine and get organized.

Just click the preview image below to download it for free:

@TizianaFragnerGraphic
July 2025 Calendar
Size 1634 x 1264

I really poured my heart into this calendar, and I hope it helps you stay organized throughout the month of July.

Whether you're planning vacations, scheduling appointments, or just keeping track of your daily tasks, I hope this little graphic work brightens your day.

This calendar is designed to be easily printed, so you can hang it on your wall, pin it to your bulletin board, or keep it on your desk.

I'm wishing you all a fantastic start to July! May it be filled with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

P.S. :And if you do download the calendar, I'd love to see how you're using it!
Feel free to tag me in your photos on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #TiziCozyCorner, #TizianaFragner and #JulyCalendar.

Happy planning, and happy summer!

Warmly,
Tizi

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Book review : The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen

The Secret of the India Orchid
Regency Proper Romance series book #2
by Nancy Campbell Allen

GENRE: Regency clean romance with a hint of mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆

I have to start saying that the intriguing title is a bit misleading.
While the story unfolds in India among members of the British aristocracy, there is no actual secret surrounding an orchid. Orchids are mentioned only as beautiful local flowers, and the central mystery revolves around stolen documents.
Though a more accurate title might have been something like "The Disappeared Document", I admit the chosen title sounds certainly more exciting. Having said that, I can say that I enjoyed the book from start to finish.

___ THE PLOT IN SHORT ____
Anthony Blake is smitten with Sophia Elliot, his best friend’s sister, but his chance to pursue her is cut short when he’s pulled back into his secret life as a spy for the Crown. After a sensitive list naming British agents—including himself—is stolen, Anthony distances himself from Sophia, trading his noble reputation for the guise of a carefree playboy to keep her safe.

Heartbroken, Sophia heads to India seeking solace, only to get caught up in a tangled mystery involving a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and whispers of royal intrigue.
When Anthony arrives at the British Residency, cautious and distant, Sophia is torn.
She still loves him and believes he feels the same, but with his secrets between them, can their love survive under the scorching Indian sun?

Their story unfolds amid danger and longing, testing whether trust and love can be rebuilt from the shadows.

________________________

This novel offers a refreshing take on the romance genre, standing out as a “clean romance” where the emotional connection between the protagonists takes center stage. Unlike many novels that lean heavily on physical intimacy, this story highlights feelings and subtle emotional exchanges, creating a tender and heartfelt love story without relying on sex scenes or kisses.

What makes this novel especially compelling is its clever blend of romance and murder mystery.
The plot skillfully balances the blossoming relationship of the two main characters with the suspense and intrigue of a whodunit, keeping readers engaged on multiple levels.

___ MAIN CHARACTERS _____
Anthony and Sophia possess a rare blend of charm and intelligence, their moral compasses unwavering.
They are not merely characters, but souls yearning to rekindle a love threatened by circumstance and deception. Their earnest desire to rebuild what was broken is deeply compelling, making it remarkably easy to become invested in their individual journeys and, more importantly, in the fate of their intertwined hearts.
One cannot help but be drawn to their noble spirits and the palpable hope they carry for a future together, a future you desperately want them to achieve.

___ SIDE CHARACTERS ____
Beyond the leads, the story also weaves in the lives of several supporting characters, exploring their private stories, hopes, fears, and dreams. While these side plots are treated with a lighter touch, they add depth and texture to the narrative, enriching the overall reading experience. One of Allen’s strengths lies in her emotional portrayal of characters. Each individual, from main to minor roles, is vividly brought to life through their feelings and inner conflicts. Interestingly, physical descriptions are minimal; the author simply notes that the young characters are beautiful and charming, letting their personalities and emotions paint the true picture.

The writing style is fluid and easy to read, which allows readers to fully enjoy both the suspenseful and joyful moments of the story.

The plot is well thought out and consistent, making the novel a strong candidate for a family-friendly film adaptation suitable for both adults and children. The pacing is excellent, gradually building tension until about 75% through the book, when the action reaches a thrilling peak. A daring, time-sensitive sequence followed by a heart-pounding climax fills the final part of the story with intense emotion.

___ WHY I DIDN'T RATE IT 5 FULL STARS ___
Overall, I found myself fully engaged from beginning to end.
That said, I would have appreciated some sensual, well-described kisses.
Many “clean” romances compensate for the absence of sex scenes with moments of charged closeness—a lingering touch, a meaningful look—that create palpable sexual tension.
This subtle intimacy was something I missed in The Secret of the India Orchid.

___ IS IT READABLE AS A STANDALONE ? ___
Yes, the book is readable as a standalone novel, even though the main couple first appeared as side characters in book 1 of her “Proper Regency Romance” series.

I also enjoyed that first book, despite some reviewers pointing out inaccuracies regarding the aristocratic rules of the Regency era. Not being an expert myself, I found the story well written and captivating.

It’s a shame the series only comprises two books because The Secret of the India Orchid lays a solid foundation and introduces characters ripe for at least three more installments.

___ RECOMMENDED TO ____
For readers seeking a Regency-era romance infused with mystery, adventure, and heartfelt sentiment—but without explicit physical scenes—this book comes highly recommended.
----> However, those who crave romances filled with passionate kisses and steamy encounters may want to look elsewhere.

If you would like to read my review about BOOK #1 inthe series: just click down below:

BOOK #1 "My Fair Gentleman"

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my point of view. I hope it will be useful for your next reading choice :-)

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Book review : My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen

My Fair Gentleman
Regency Proper Romance series book #1
by Nancy Campbell Allen

GENRE: Regency clean romance
My rating: ★★★★★

I loved it !

Engaging read from start to finish.
Not suitable for readers who prefer romance novels with passionate kisses and strong sexual tension.

This is a sweet and funny novel set in the Regency era, with a plot different from the usual (already read a thousand times) and far from the clichés of frivolous Regency romances.

____ PLOT IN SHORT ____

Set in England during the Regency era, the story follows Jack, the grandson of the Earl of Stansworth. However, Jack was raised in poverty because his father was disinherited for marrying a commoner.
His father died from the hardships of working in the port, leaving behind a wife and two children. Jack began working at just twelve years old to support his mother and sister, and now that he has a stable job, he's on the verge of being promoted to captain.
However, when the Earl is dying, and wishes to avoid leaving his inheritance to an inept nephew, he sends for Jack.

Jack is uninterested in the world of the aristocracy and despises it, just as he despises his grandfather. However, for the sake of his mother, whose health is precarious, and his sister, who is a mistreated maid in the homes of nobles, he accepts becoming the heir. To do this, he must be educated in the ways of high society.

Ivy Carlisle, the granddaughter of a lady friend of Jack's grandmother, is hired as a tutor to help transform Jack into a gentleman.
This might seem like a daunting but doable task, if Jack weren't prejudiced against the aristocracy, sometimes letting his rebellious nature get the better of him... However, Ivy also suffers from a secret and is aware of the injustices to which the noble world inevitably condemns others.
Spending so much time with a handsome, passionate, and heartfelt man can only transport her into a world of feeling, one she previously considered improbable and foolish.

_________ ********** _______

The title and Goodreads introduction to the general plot, may suggest something like "My Fair Lady" musical comedy drama (based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 stage play Pygmalion), but it's misleading.
Here, we don't have a rude boy, and there are no strange or extreme teaching methods.

It's a clean romance where the plot focuses more on substantive content that solidifies the story, rather than on explicit kisses and physical sensations.

I won't deny that I would have liked a longer and warmer description of the kisses (only two or three in the book), but the mix of drama, light-heartedness, and fun was so well-balanced, and the plot was so compelling that I have no choice but to give it a full five stars.


___ THE CHARACTERS ___

The characters are wonderful and emotionally well-developed.
Except for the hateful grandfather and the cousin eager to inherit (equally hateful and slimy, as is his wife), the two main characters, their family, and new friends have all won my affection and sympathy.

JACK: He is a young man, confident but with a raw wound from witnessing his family's rejection and abandonment by his cold grandfather.
He grew up working hard, yet his tenderness for his mother and sister is unmatched. While he initially judges Ivy as a snob, his sensitivity allows him to understand her fears and encourages her to find the courage to live that great love.

What I appreciated in Jack is that he didn't take his newfound fortune for granted. He generously worked to provide well-paid jobs to a new friend and to the staff, improving the well-being of those who suffered because of others' greed.

IVY: If at first glance she seems a little presumptuous, even to the reader, that feeling quickly disappears.
Ivy takes her commitment seriously, and despite educating three people who have lived in squalor (Jack, his mother, and his sister), she never judges from a pedestal. Her innate goodness allows her, through getting to know these people deeply, to view her own fortunes and misfortunes differently and to accept certain parts of her life with serenity and without shame.

Ivy's GRANDMOTHER is sweet and loving, but also intelligent and modern.

Jack's MOTHER is sweet and was strong enough to raise two children alone after being widowed and abandoned. Now, however, she is fragile, both in health and when faced with this new world of rich and haughty people. Luckily, Ivy and her grandmother know how to help her.

Jack's SISTER, Sophia, suffered not only from hunger but also from the vulgar advances of her employers and the envy and wickedness of the wives and other women in the houses where she worked due to her great beauty. Sophia is proud, intelligent, and ready to fight anyone who challenges her, but she also has a big heart, like her brother, and she finds fantastic ideas for using her new wealth, also involving her new best friend.

DYLAN: A noble, charming man about to inherit great wealth, he detests convention and acts according to his heart and mind. He is a true friend to Jack and the protagonist of the next book in the series, along with the beautiful Sophia.

CLARENCE FUDDLESTON: The old Earl's solicitor, then Jack's right-hand man and new good friend. I loved him too!


___ LOVE STORY ___

It's a slow-burn romance, well-developed through lively and plausible dialogues.
There's never a dull moment; on the contrary, the reader can fully enjoy the unfolding romance of Jack and Ivy.

They didn't know each other before, and despite Jack's aversion to society and its habits, he respects Ivy, so it's not an enemies-to-lovers story.
They simply confront the fears that every lover has when they realize how immense a feeling of love can be and how equally immense the pain can be in losing that person.

Despite the absence of explicit love scenes and in-depth descriptions of kisses, I felt the passion and the desire to live that feeling to the fullest by the two main characters.

There is no shortage of moments of suspense and twists that keep the pages turning. A little mystery and good deeds enrich the overall plot.

The writing style is fluid, making the reading light, fun, and full of deep emotion.
It was a satisfying read from start to finish!
I remember when I was at work, I would often stop to think: "I can't wait to finish so I can get back to reading that story!"

READABLE AS A STANDALONE: No unresolved plot points and a happy ending guaranteed.

This is my first time reading something by Nancy Campbell Allen, and I loved her ability to write a story, going into great detail without ever being boring.
I am ready to read book 2 of the series, featuring two supporting characters from this story! 😃

Thanks for stopping by and reading my review.

Read also my review about BOOK #2 inthe series: just click down below:

BOOK #2 "The Secret of the India Orchid"

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