A deathbed promise puts one man at odds with the desire of his heart while one woman’s duty to family may cost her everything she’d ever dreamed of.Despite Emma Richards’ fanciful dreams growing up in the shadow of King Arthur’s castle and the manor on the cliff, the orphan is now trapped inland serving her wealthy cousins with no hope for her own future.Sir Grayson Wentworth spent his years at … spent his years at Cambridge dreaming of the Cornwall coast and wishing he could return to the happy days of his youth. Called home to his father’s deathbed, the young baron soon learns he has inherited a title, a neglected estate, and a betrothal agreement he knew nothing about.
When the new Lord Danvers travels to execute the last matters of his father’s will, he finds himself promised to one woman and falling for another. Can he keep his vow to find a wife and win her heart? Or will honor be sacrificed in the name of love?
If you like historical romance set in the pre-Regency era and rooting for the underdog in a love triangle, then you’ll love this next installment of the Within the Castle Gates series by Candee Fick. Get it today and start your journey to the Cornwall coast in the height of the smuggler’s reign.
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Castles and fairy tales! Lord Grayson Danvers is a kind, caring young man who desires to accept responsibility for those under his care upon the death of his father. You will feel sorrow for Grayson when he determines to fulfil a contract he finds requiring his marriage to one of Baron Bainbridge’s daughters. I admired Emma for obediently following the orders of her uncle, Baron Bainbridge in return for his giving her a place to live even though she is treated like a servant. You will enjoy this story of Emma finding her Prince Charming in the Scottish Highlands! I recommend this quick, easy-to-read story to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
The orphan and the heir
My rating is 4.5 stars
Grayson had spent most of his life in school, away from his family. Though he knew what to do when his father died, having been well trained to run an estate, he still felt abandoned. I was so impressed with his integrity and the way he continued to put the needs of “his” people before his own, and the way he was willing to honor his father’s agreement even to his own hurt.
Emma felt like she didn’t belong anywhere. Though part of the family, her uncle and cousins treated her as a servant. Though required to serve, as a member of the family, the servants didn’t accept her as one of their own either. I loved the way Emma was a dreamer and a romantic despite her less than ideal circumstances.
While this captivating story is loosely based on Cinderella, don’t expect to see obvious connections. Author Candee Fick has chosen to create just a subtle connection to the fairy tale and uses artistic license to make this story completely her own.
The attention to detail and effort to place the story at just the right time in history for the events herein to be plausible are evident throughout. This is certainly a story for which you will want to read the author’s notes to see how and why certain choices were made. Having not carefully researched this time or place in history, I had no idea about these things. It is quite impressive.
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I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
To Win Her Heart is a well-written historical romance that is a joy to read. Grayson and Emma are truly likable and believable characters. Both have lost beloved family members and are having to deal with the changes that made in their lives. Emma’s kindness draws Grayson to her. Her memories of her childhood crush coupled with what a fine man that he has become wins her heart. They encounter obstacles on their way to a happily ever after that seem insurmountable. The plot has interesting twists and moves along at a good pace. I plan to read more of Candee Fick’s work as I like her writing style: easy to read and smooth flowing. I highly recommend this book to readers of Christian romance and to readers of clean historical romance. I obtained a copy through KU.
This is a delightful story that drew me in from the first chapter with a traditional good vs evil theme with a hint of fairy tale.
The heroine believes that she is the penniless, orphan cousin who has no future prospects other than to comply to the wishes of her relatives in order to maintain food and shelter. She feels trapped in servitude when she’s not even a paid servant. Meanwhile, the hero is bound by his honor and integrity to uphold a betrothal contract signed by his father. What he doesn’t expect is to be cornered into a seemingly no-win situation.
Emma and Grayson are absolutely perfect for each other, but Emma’s conniving uncle seeks to thwart every attempt at their happiness. At one point in the story, I was trying to figure out how the author would untangle the trap that Grayson found himself in! But, their faith in God and prayers are obviously heard such that good wins out in the end with a fairy tale ending.
Romance – PG / kissing
Language – PG / clean
Violence – threats and attempted blackmail, bouts of anger
My rating – 5 stars
I loved the setting!!! The author made me “feel” like I was there. Oh how I felt for Emma and even though her family was a piece of work she had the most gracious spirit. Grayson was faced with a difficult task but a few times I got frustrated with him – he came through in the end. The way the author weaved the story was amazing and kept me reading. I was afraid of the outcome until the end. I love this series and can’t wait for the next book. I received a copy and this is review is my own opinion.
A very touching and enjoyable story with a lot of good old family values woven throughout the story. Grayson and Emma both have a great deal of faith and are trying to seek God’s will, but –! Very good characters with a complicated story, but maybe just some strong reality included. A clean story that was hard to put down.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal thoughts and opinions.
Vicki from Wyoming
A wonderful read of trusting God to see you through when you suffer at the hands of others. Grayson and Emma prayed and leaned on God for understanding and wisdom. He led them to each other and their faithfulness was rewarded.