Unexpected Love was a fun read. It consisted of four stories all revolving around marriages of convenience. In each story, there was a good reason for the marriage (or at least, someone thought so). In some cases, it was the idea of one of the ones to be married, and in others, the idea was someone else’s. All of the marriages were meant to help the lives of those in it, or other loved ones.
In a sense, all the stories were predictable. There was going to be a marriage of two virtual strangers, and through their experiences together (for better or worse), they were going to change, grow, and fall in love. I kind of hoped that in one of them, the love wouldn’t happen, and someone else would come in to save the day. Regardless of that, all of the matches ended up being good ones, even though at first they may not have seemed so.
It was really fun to read four stories in one book. They were all so different, and the characters diverse. Each character had suffered some sort of loss, or was enduring a trial that may never go away. Through the marriages, though rocky or awkward at first, many of the characters found ways to heal or to find joy again.
The third story: The Price of Her Heart, was my favorite because it was absolutely hysterical. I laughed out loud over and over again. I must admit, though, that all of the stories were endearing in their own way, and I was always glad that the two found ways to love each other, flaws and all.
If you love love stories, this book is for you. Be prepared to giggle, blush, and even wipe a tear or two away.
About the book:
Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons–whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.
About the authors:
Heather Chapman: Being the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, and the other staples of female literature and moviedom. These stories inspired Heather, and she began writing at a young age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and settled down in a small farming community with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and just about anything creative.
Mandi Ellsworth: Mandi is an avid reader, a slow jogger, and disinterested in board games of any kind. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children and no pets.
Paula Kremser: Paula Kremser focused on a career in science for a few years after graduating from Brigham Young University. Several years later when she moved with her young family to England, Paula seized the opportunity to focus on her love of the Regency Era. The enchantment of the aristocracy and the fascinating stories from every stately home she visits have been both research and inspiration for her first novel, “Sophia,” and second, “To Suit a Suitor.”
Ashtyn Newbold: Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family and is the author of “Mischief and Manors.”