In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again–this time for love…and to someone safe. As she acclimates to … acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?
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Nicholette Everstone was widowed on her wedding day, two years ago. Now she’s back in Boston, and has been introduced to Mr Cal Hawthorne. They have something in common—Cal has also lost a spouse, and now he’s interested in Nicholette.
This was not my favourite of the Everstone Chronicles. I think that’s because neither Nicholette nor Cal are Everstones, and while I know Nicholette has been mentioned in earlier books (and Cal probably has as well), I don’t remember either of them.
It’s a perfectly nice romance. The writing is solid, the sense of time and place is excellent. But I didn’t engage with Nicholette the way I’ve engaged with some of the other Everstone brides.
This could be because she didn’t seem to have any major obstacles to overcome. She is well out of mourning for her husband, and there is nothing stopping her developing relationship with Cal Hawthorne—especially as her parents are in favour of her marrying again, as long as it is for love.
Overall, fans of the Everstone Chronicles will enjoy Enchanting Nicholette. It is a standalone romance, but there are a lot of characters from the previous novels, and the relationships can easily become confusing. I’d recommend anyone who hasn’t read the earlier books start the series at the beginning, with The Hesitant Heiress.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
I’m convinced that Dawn Crandall can’t write a romance that isn’t utterly endearing and just all around lovely to read. There are so many romantic moments, from their first interactions (in a bookstore no less, swoon!) to the moments that adds depth to their relationship. While the plot is a bit slow-moving in the beginning, the dynamic chemistry of our leads, as well as the surprising intrigue found within Nicholett’s high society circles, held my interest with ease.
Having read all of the full length novels in this series, parts of this felt like a cozy meeting between old friends. Nicholette and Cal are very much periphery characters in the other books, so it was a joy getting to know them, as well as being back in the world of the Everstone’s from Nicholette’s point of view. That said, I don’t think that readers who have not read the full length novels would have any trouble with following along with this novella. I also have to add that for a novella, it’s quite a full story. It is utterly romantic, but I never felt that things were rushed. Both leads had previously been married and dealt with the death of their spouses, and though I haven’t experienced that myself, the hopefulness yet hesitancy portrayed by both of them feels genuine and adds a rich layer to the story.
There is also a light mystery thread, as well as a sprinkle of intrigue, and these held my interest as well. The wait feels long for Crandall’s next full length offering, but this novella did the trick to tide me over. Enchanting Nicholette is exactly that – an enchanting reading experience, whether for first time readers or for those returning to the world of the Everstone’s.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella. I was not required to post a review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I have read all of Dawn Crandall’s The Everstone Chronicles series and have loved the majority of them. With each successive addition, Crandall improves her writing craft and shows why she will be in the publishing business for a while. Enchanting Nicholette is a novella, but it reads like a full length historical romance novel. With returning characters and a familiar setting, fans of Crandall’s previous four novels will be excited to see returning characters come back into the fold.
Her writing has improved with this novel from the first novel. The novel is still written in first person which allows me to get closer to Nicholette’s emotions and feelings all throughout the novel. With any good author, it is hard to tell a novel in first person without wanting to intrude on other characters’ point of views, but Crandall does a fabulous job at staying in Nicholette’s perspective throughout the entire novel.
The romance moves pretty quickly, but it is a fifty thousand plus novella, so it does have to move quickly. I really enjoyed the first scene in the novel at the bookstore. It captured my attention and set the tone for the romance to follow. Crandall is not too mushy like some contemporary romances can become. Instead she allows the emotions and thoughts to flow naturally.
The plot is different, yet predictable. I enjoyed seeing the element of mystery surrounding the hero, Cal, and learning more about Nicholette’s past. Her wounded past transformed into something beautiful by the end of the novel. Even Cal had to transform and change his past to become who Nicholette needed. It was a captivating novel and captured my attention the whole time. I hope Crandall writes more novels. I love reading her novels in the first person.
One last thing to mention is her element of spirituality. Crandall does a fabulous job at allowing it to flow from the hearts of the characters, not force a theology down the readers’ throat. I admire that.
Overall, Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall is a interesting and captivating historical romance told in the first person. I enjoyed journeying with familiar characters and seeing the transformation of the hero and heroine. Fans of Crandall’s previous four novels should definitely buy this novel and add it to their collection. I eagerly await what else Crandall decides to write.
I received a complimentary copy of Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall from Whitaker House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Crandall sure knows how to write a spellbinding romance. I devoured this novella in just a couple of hours. I don’t think readers will have trouble sorting out the characters from the previous books. if you haven’t read them, I would highly encourage starting with The Hesitant Heiress, which introduces the Everstone family. I read that one when it debuted and really liked it. My only hesitation continuing the series was the fact they are written in first person POV and I struggle with that form. Hence, I now need to go back and read the other books because it didn’t take me long to get my bearings with Enchanting Nicholette, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation was received.
I very much enjoyed this book! Enchanting Nicholette is a lovely conclusion to Ms. Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles. Just so you know, even though this is the last book of a series, it and all the other books in the series can be read as standalones.)
I will admit that it took me a minute or two to get into the first person point of view, but once I did, I loved every minute of it. My only complaint might be that I wish it hadn’t had to end. It could have very easily been made into a full-length novel, I think, but I was still very pleased and satisfied with the novella.
When I first met Nicholette in the first book of the series, she did not make a very favorable impression. I enjoyed the opportunity to see some things from her point of view and get to know her a little bit better in Enchanting Nicholette. And Cal, well, just wow! Ms. Crandall definitely knows how to write a swoon-worthy hero. Their story and the telling of it just about left me breathless a few times. The tension and chemistry mounting from one meeting to the next had me fanning myself. I also appreciated the epilogue at the end letting me have a quick glimpse in on all the other characters I’ve come to love over the series.
From what I know, The Everstone Chronicles series has come to an end, but I am looking forward to future books by Ms. Crandall, not only because she knows how to write some seriously sigh-worthy romance, but also in hopes that some might contain some side characters from The Everstone Chronicles.
**I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Enchanting Nicholette is a sweet little romantic novel about a widow whose life did not turn out the way she had planned. Nicholette became a widow on her wedding day when her husband was murdered in front of her. For two years she has escaped the people, the place, and tried to escape the memories as she toured Europe with her parents. Now that she is back in the States and her mourning is over, she is expected once again to take a husband.
This is the first novel I have read by author Crandall and I enjoyed it very much and going back to the time of the Gilded Age. Nicholette meets her match in Cal Hawthorne who knows somewhat of what she is going through and he is brave enough and tenacious enough to be the match she needs. There was some laugh out loud moments along with some very romantic ones. This does mention several characters from the previous books, I will need to go back and start with book one of the series.
I appreciated the author’s telling of Nicholette’s fears and sorrow and understandably it was difficult for her to begin to move on. Change is not fun and hers was tragic, but she does have a chance at life and love again.
I received a copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I frequently find that novellas may feel just a bit rushed with critical details missing in order for the author to complete her story in the limited amount of space. I never felt that way while reading Enchanting Nicholette, in fact when I reached the end it was with the same satisfaction as when reading a full-length novel. What a treat to discover what happened to Nicholette after losing her husband on their wedding day!
As always, I found the author’s plot to be well developed with vivid descriptions and wonderful characters. I could almost imagine myself there among them as they walked through the park or spent time at a dinner party. A perfect balance of witty dialogue, romantic interludes, and a touch of mystery, Enchanting Nicholette ended much too quickly and left me wanting more (I never want books by this author to end!). I eagerly anticipate what Dawn Crandall will offer her readers next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I have read this beautiful story two times now. It is part of a wonderful series, which I love! Enchanting Nicholette captivated me even more the second time I read it. The romance that grows between Cal and Nicholette is so tender and sweet, and Cal is so understanding about all that Nicholette has been through. These characters and the setting are just so vivid, I feel as if I am there with them as I read. Beautifully done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book was easy to dive into. The opening chapters draw you into Nicholette’s story cheering her on as she opens herself to new possibilities with Cal Hawthorne. Dawn’s writing makes me smile. Her characters are like fun friends you’d like to hang out with. A good book holds your attention, makes your heart grin with cunning phrases or keeps you in suspense as you race to find out what happens. Dawn has done a fabulous job with this story. It’s a great ending to a beautiful series.
***I received this complimentary book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Oh, my!! How swoon-worthy is this? You are in a bookstore (naturally!!) and need a book that’s a little too high for you to reach…so you grab a ladder and step up several rungs to get the book. The awkwardness of the angle at which you must reach for the book leaves you a little off center. You take a few steps down and fall! Then, you are caught by the most dashing, handsome man you have ever seen!!
The beginning of Enchanting Nicholette leaves you wondering what is coming next, but to hurry through this novella would be a travesty of major proportions.
Nicholette Everstone returns to Boston after a two-year mourning period spent overseas. Her husband had been murdered on their wedding day, leaving her a young widow.
Cal Hawthorne just happened to be in the right place at the right time to catch Nicholette.
Dawn Crandall’s Enchanting Nicholette may only be a novella, but there is a lot to it. A romance mixed with a little intrigue and mystery combine for an enchanting tale.
The story is a sequel to Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles. However, it works well not only as a stand-alone but also as a novella. Crandall packs a lot into this delightful narrative without leaving you feeling like it was too rushed, or something was left out.
I received this book from the author. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
What a delightful addition to the Everstone Chronicles series! I’ve adored Dawn Crandall’s previous books in the series, and it was such fun to mingle again with the characters from those stories. Crandall crafts such interesting, entertaining, and lovable characters and creates absorbing predicaments to place them in. Nicholette and Cal are so endearing. Both of them have suffered great loss, but they’re working toward opening their hearts again. The chemistry between them is so captivating that I couldn’t help but root for them.
With a thread of faith and hope, a big dollop of romance, a bit of intrigue, and even some humor, this novella is sure to enchant most anyone. This novella was previously released in Timeless Love: Romantic Stories that Span the Ages but has now been released separately in paperback or Kindle editions.
I previously purchased this story in the Timeless Love collection but voluntarily reviewed a separate complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Enchanting Nicholette (The Everstone Chronicles) by Dawn Crandall
Enchanting Nicholette is an enchanting story set in 1893 Boston, Massachusetts. Nicholette Everstone is a widow at the young age of twenty-two after her husband was murdered on their wedding day. Her heartache and struggles to put the tragic event behind her is felt through the pages. I empathized with her. I admire her strength, hopes of a better future, honesty and faith.
Cal Hawthorne is no stranger to heartache, like Nicholette, he was widowed at a young age, in addition to other life-altering events in his past that he makes strives to overcome. He is honorable, dependable and a man of faith. And very good looking, as Nicholette will tell you. I enjoyed watching Nicholette and Cal as their relationship slowly blooms. Their attraction is instant but the path for them is not smooth but filled with romantic tension as their love grows.
I appreciate the spiritual elements woven throughout the story-line. I was happy to see many of the characters from the Everstone Chronicles series in this story. It is easy to follow the connections even though you may not have read the previous books in the series. A sweet romance and heartwarming story.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
Having enjoyed The Everstone Chronicles in the past, I eagerly anticipated this new installment. Two years between the last book and this novella felt much longer, but it was definitely worth the wait and this story surpassed any expectation I had for it, even at only a little more than half the length of her other works to date.
Even with its shorter length, we are able to enjoy an in-depth story with three-dimensional characters we can easily love and root for. They are realistic, with struggles and prejudices that must be overcome, and I’m pleased to say it doesn’t feel rushed, despite the lower page count. The romance is beautifully done and the chemistry between the hero and heroine sizzles from their earliest interactions, just as I’ve come to expect from Crandall.
Her writing is every bit as wonderful as it was before her break, and I’m thrilled she’s got new books coming out again. Enchanting Nicholette will appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance, and those who have not read the other books in The Everstone Chronicles will have no problem with reading this book as a standalone. The real treat, however, is for those of us who have read the earlier books in the series and get to revisit some of our favorite people. I highly recommend this author and this novella.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Enchanting Nicholette is a pleasant continuation of the Everstone Chronicles but is enjoyable as a stand alone title. Twenty-two year old Nicholette’s husband, who she liked and is sure she would have learned to love, was murdered on their wedding day! Now a wealthy widow, Nicholette must reenter Boston Society following her mourning period. Nicholette is attracted to a man she sees at a local bookstore! Who is Cal Hawthorne? You will enjoy this romance set in Boston in 1893. I received a complimentary copy of Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall from the author. this is my honest opinion.
Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall is well. . . enchanting. The story follows Nicolette Everstone, a Widow, and our hero also a widower, Cal Hawthorne. They meet romantically in a bookstore, and begin their adventure of falling in love.
This book has incredible romantic tension. The scenes with Nicholette and Cal were wonderful to read, and I looked forward to each time Nicholette would meet Cal again. I felt myself back in time in the wonderful places Ms. Crandall wrote about. The book is written in first person, Nicholette’s POV. Dawn’s fantastic descriptions of her surroundings make this book so fun to read.
The book is the fifth in the Everstone series, but definitely can stand alone if you have not read the other four. But, why would you want to do that. You really want to read the other four. Life is too short to miss out on Dawn Crandall’s books. I am such a big fan of Dawn Crandall that I have thought of offering to take care of her of her plants, pets, and/or children so she has more time to write. I will let you know if she takes me up on that.
The Enchanting Nicholette is a wonderful novella. It is the perfect length to read and savor. I love how Dawn’s stories are God-centered, and so romantic. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of the book by the publisher, but not required to write a review.
Enchanting Nicholette is the fifth installment from Dawn Crandall‘s The Everstone Chronicles series. I have loved all of the stories of the series, but I believe this one is my favorite. I instantly loved when Cal Hawthorne and Nicholette Everstone first met and enjoyed the instant chemistry between the two.
I give Enchanting Nicholette 5+ stars and I highly recommend it. Readers should not miss Cal and Nicholette’s beautiful story.
A great, clean, and sweet romance.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Dawn Crandall once again has captured a delightful love story filled with rich characters, heart-squeezing romantic tension, and wonderful historical detail. Readers will be swept away by Dawn’s beautiful first person prose all the way to the satisfying conclusion the fans of the Everstone Chronicles have been yearning for.
Fans of The Everstone Chronicles series will absolutely love this addition to the series! Cal Hawthorne and Nicholette Everstone are pleasant and charming together, but Cal has secrets and Nicholette struggles with any sort of danger that puts loved ones at risk. I enjoyed their friendship and loved the chemistry as they are instantly attracted to each other. There is a good pace to the story and it felt longer than a novella with its full plot and character arc.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
I was supposed to review the whole set but my copy won’t come until next week. I did manage to get a copy of one of the stories. Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall was a quick read. I enjoyed Nicholette Everstone and Cal Hawthorne’s story. They had similar pasts and it was interesting to see them interact, There is a fantastic kissing scene for those who enjoy those. 🙂
I am looking forward to reading the other novellas in this series.
I was given a copy of Enchanting Nicholette for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.
One of the best and swoon-worthy novellas I have ever read!