Aug 082013
 

anunlikelymatchAn Unlikely Match

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: October 2012

Softcover/Kindle/DB ebook/CD: 184 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-566-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed … except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

Review

It takes particular talent to present a situation as improbable as the one in this book and turn it into a believable and endearing romance. Luckily for us readers, Sarah possesses the skill to do just that.

An Unlikely Match has a paranormal element that sets it apart from Sarah’s other books and shows off her flexibility. I was actually a little nervous about it, because it was different from her other books (with a ghost as a main character), but as I began to read I was soon reassured that I would not be disappointed.

Another thing that makes An Unlikely Match different from Sarah’s other books is that it is set in Wales, which is perfect for the more superstitious elements of the story. It’s a bit spooky, with a few scarier moments and a more intense ending than her other books. Sarah is great at writing suspense, which doesn’t surprise me at all.

Though the list of characters is limited to a small house party, there is enough variety among them to cover everything from a beautiful young woman who was the most popular of the Season to an older gentlemen who fancies himself quite the ghost hunter, and a young Welsh vicar who is friendly with a ghost to a tell-it-like-it-is housekeeper.

I really like Nickolas and his friends, Dafydd and Griffith. Gwen is an intriguing character with a tragic history. The way Sarah directs the unfolding of Gwen’s story is excellent. There is a different, more poignant longing between the two main characters because they can’t physically touch. I wondered the entire time how things could possibly work out between them.

I found the ending incredibly romantic. The description during the culmination of events is outstanding. I could envision everything that was happening clearly in my head, like a movie.

This is a good book to read during October, in the spirit of Halloween and Nos Galan Gaeaf (a traditional Welsh holiday that plays a part in the book), but don’t wait until then to read it if you haven’t yet. It is signature Sarah–good, clean Regency romance with well-written characters and a healthy dose of wit.

Visit Sarah:

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Dec 102012
 

15 days until Christmas

 

Sarah M. Eden read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been addicted to historical romance ever since. An avid researcher, she loves delving deep into the details of history. Eden was a Whitney Award Finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone (2008) and Courting Miss Lancaster (2010). You can visit her at www.sarahmeden.com. (Photo by Annalisa Rosenvall)

Visit Sarah:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTERGOODREADS

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LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

SARAH: We have a loverly, fancy-schmancy angel on top of our tree. It’s all gold (paint) leafed and heavenly host-ish. Special meaning? I bought it on sale at Walgreens years ago. Does that make it special?

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

SARAH: About 5 years ago my husband and I and our kids filmed a remake “A Christmas Story.” Our son looks *exactly* like Ralphie: big blue eyes, blond hair, glasses, cute little nose, earnest expressions. So we filmed our own version of the movie with him in the lead role. We hit all the highlights. Ralphie pleaded for the bb gun. The Old Man earned his “major award.” You name it, we did it. And it was AMAZING.

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

SARAH: This year our family gift to one another is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. I have roots in Ireland, a very Irish birthday, and a lifelong dream of going there. I have spent countless hours over my lifetime reading travel guides and watching PBS specials and looking at pictures of the Irish countryside, knowing in the back of my mind that it was nothing more than a dream. I always assumed it would never happen. So to actually be going is the most amazing Christmas gift I could imagine. I’ll probably be the crazy American crying at customs when they stamp my passport. “Nollaig Shona Duit!”

LDSWBR: What an amazing opportunity for you and your family. Thanks, Sarah!

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Purchase An Unlikely Match

AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed … except for the ghost.

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas.

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead.

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas?

 Have you ever been given or received a trip for Christmas? Where did you go? Where would you like to go?

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Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time; to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 10, 2012 – many more to be added to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)

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