Juliet Graham fervently counts the days until her twenty-first birthday, when she can claim the inheritance that will grant her the freedom she has always craved and the guardianship of her younger brother. Until then, she is trapped under her aunt Agnes’s domineering will. When forced to accompany the family to a house party at Shaldorn Castle, Juliet’s only objective is to keep to herself. That … That is, until a chance encounter with a boorish stranger stirs up an unexpected whirlwind of emotions in her. Thrown off-balance, Juliet does the unthinkable: loses her temper and insults the man—who turns out to be her unwilling host, the Duke of Halstead. Fully expecting to be sent away, Juliet is surprised when the brusque and callous duke instead takes an interest in her.
Drawn to the duke in unguarded moments, Juliet finds herself more and more intrigued by the man who shuns Society’s rules as completely as she does, and over the next few weeks, their unlikely friendship deepens into a connection neither expected.
But even as Juliet comes to recognize her true feelings, her scheming aunt issues an ultimatum that threatens the future she was just beginning to hope for. Juliet must choose: either break the promise she made to herself years ago, or lose the man who has captured her heart and soul.
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Where are the stars meet the sea by Heidi Kimball
I have to say I was not expecting this kind of story. I’m not sure why, maybe the title or maybe the picture on the cover. I was very sweetly surprised. I love the title, it all ties together nicely. I absolutely loved this regency romance! Juliet had been forced to grow up fast, after the passing of her father and her mother not being able to take care of her and her brother Harry. Her aunt took them in and ruled with and iron fist. Halstead was a gruff old bear, do to a riding accident, would Juliet be able to tame him? I love the characters and their bantering back-and-forth. The story kept my interest and was a joy to read! could there be other stories come from this? One can only hope!
I made the mistake of starting this book at bedtime, yes I know, I should know better by now. I knew I was in for a great story in the first couple of pages. Upon the death of her mother, Juliet and her much younger brother, Harry have become the wards of her mother’s sister, Agnes. Not only is Aunt Agnes domineering and demanding. She can be downright cruel and cunning when she wants to get her way. She’s one of the few female characters I’d describe as odious. It’s been nine years and Juliet patiently waits for her twenty-first birthday in a couple of months, when she can care for Harry and they can get away from her aunt.
The Duke of Halstead has spent the two years since his accident avoiding society, despite his mother’s attempts to draw him out by having house parties with guests he doesn’t want to associate with. He’s become withdrawn and sullen, until he meets Juliet in a dark library where he’s hiding from the house party guests and she takes refuge hiding from her overbearing aunt.
These two characters definitely had chemistry from the beginning. Halstead brings out the Scottish fire in Juliet and she interests Halstead like no other women ever has. He brings out a side to Juliet that no one else sees. What was it about him that loosened my tongue and made me share my deepest fears and darkest memories? I admit it might seem as if their relationship advanced at a snail’s pace but to me that’s what made it feel believable. This man had closed himself off from everyone but his family for almost two years, he isn’t going to change overnight. Waiting for Halstead and Juliet to declare their love for each other is rewarded with a swoony kiss in the observatory and his declaration “I am not the man I was before my accident. With you, for the first time, I think I might be something more.” *swoon*
Of course they are some twists after they admit their feelings to one another. What kind of romance novel would this be if everything went smoothly afterward? I was put through the emotional wringer the last few chapters of the book. My blood boiled when Aunt Agnes showed how truly despicable she could be when she threatens Juliet with Harry’s well-being to get what she wants. I feared for Juliet’s safety when she was out on her own searching for her brother and was overcome with joy and happiness when Halstead appears at just the right moment to save the day, and Juliet stood her ground and told her aunt what she thought of her. “I know you have never cared for me. It seems I am a living reminder of everything you believe my mother did wrong. But if anyone should have loved Harry and me these past nine years, it was you.” YES!! The only thing I missed was Aunt Agnes getting what she deserved, but that wasn’t what the book was about. Still it would’ve been satisfying to have an epilogue detailing how awful her life had become. Lol
Juliet longs for when she turns twenty-one and becomes her younger brother’s guardian. Her cousin has confessed his love for her and she struggles to see Robert as anything other than a beloved brother as she endures a house party at Shaldorn Castle. She doesn’t expect to meet the Duke of Halstead, a man who has hidden away from the world since a riding accident two years before. As they exchange insults, an attraction grows despite the best efforts of several around them.
The story is told through Juliet’s eyes, so we get to know her very well. The disparity between her parents, that of a sailor and woman of good family, has weighed on her for her childhood. Though she admits they were happy, she vows she will not be so selfish in pursuing a match. She wavers between the safety of marriage with her cousin, who does seem to sincerely love her and hoping for something more.
Halstead was more difficult to read. Because we remain with Juliet through every meeting, everything is colored by her thoughts and feelings of the time. The duke is in varying degrees of pain from his accident and is tired of his mother and grandmother trying to manage his life. Slowly, they both allow the walls they have built to come down and they can see each other for who they really are.
The plot moves at a good pace. The supporting characters do not try to take over but round out the story nicely. For readers looking for an easy and sweet read, I would definitely recommend this one.
I am always excited when I find a new author. After reading this fabulous book i quickly went to the author’s book list and put all her books on my TBR pile. This story had all the elements of a perfect historical inspirational romance. The author’s writing style is simple yet it flows well and i had a difficult time putting this book down. It truly captivated me. The characters were engaging and fun to read about. I especially appreciated how she developed the main characters. If you enjoy a good Jane Austen novel you will enjoy this author’s tale.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
From the stunning cover to the setting in Regency England and the captivating, colorful, well-drawn characters, this book drew me in and wouldn’t let go. Heidi Kimball has penned a creative, beautifully written tale that tugged at my heartstrings and kept me turning pages. Juliet Graham is a determined, engaging young woman who can’t wait until she turns 21 so she and her younger brother Harry can escape her oppressive, uncaring aunt’s guardianship. The Duke of Halstead has become a forbidding recluse since his leg was severely damaged in a riding accident two years before. When Juliet and Halstead meet, sparks fly, although not the loverly kind. Juliet tends to speak her mind, which intrigues and sometimes infuriates Halstead. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change.
Full of intrigue, suspense, controlling and annoying relatives, and a good dose of romance, this story is sure to delight those who enjoy historical fiction set in Regency times. I’m looking forward to reading more of Kimball’s stories. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
This book was delightful and captivating from the first page to the last. The writing was excellent, the characters were engaging, and the plot had me staying up way past my bedtime because I had to see how it would end! The relationship between Halstead and Juliet starts out rocky but as they both open up about their scars, both emotional and physical, they help each other heal. Their feelings for each other deepen until it is the purest kind of love – the love that lifts, that mends, that comforts and strengthens. But as they face challenges to their relationship, they have to decide if their love is enough to make things work between them. This book is truly soul-stirring and one of the most beautiful romances I have ever read.
Juliet’s mouth cracked me up—I loved how she just couldn’t help blurting out things that no one else would dare say to a duke. Halstead’s character was so intriguing, and I loved how Juliet helped draw him out and how she didn’t see him as less because of his injury. I also loved the moments when his tender side came out. I didn’t love the fact that when trouble arises, Juliet did the cliché thing and didn’t tell him what was going on—and yet, the way the story ended (which wouldn’t have been possible if she had told him) was so good that it totally took my irritation with the lack of communication away. This was the first book I’ve read by Heidi Kimball; it definitely won’t be the last!
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Exceptional writing and storytelling. The hero is just the way I like them; brooding and ready for change (even though they won’t admit it). The heroine is feisty, short tempered and kind. They see in each other what they can’t see in themselves. So many twists and turns to cause insecurities. Heidi does an amazing job and bringing this regency era to life! I love a good happy ever after!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Heidi Kimball’s latest novel has everything going for it: strong and memorable characters and plot, elegant but unobtrusive descriptions, a healthy helping of humor, deeply felt emotional struggles, and excellent pacing. With a heart-warming conclusion and symbolic imagery woven throughout, this was a very satisfying read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I love when a story pulls you right in, and even in just the first chapter I already feel extremely interested in the main characters.
“Sometimes it is nice to be reminded how insignificant we are.”
The Duke of Halstead vows to never marry and Juliet Graham never wants to marry outside her station like her parents did. She is, however, fascinated with finding out what the Duke is really like and why she is so affected by him.
“I was the daughter of a sailor, and no matter how fancy my borrowed ball gown, I would never belong in a setting like this—in Halstead’s world.”
They are both grieving and need each other to work through it. Juliet is still grieving for her father and Halstead is grieving for what he lost in the accident and trying to figure out his new normal.
Halstead scrubbed a hand along his clenched jaw. “Did you ever stop to think, even for a moment, that I push you away for a reason? There’s a chasm inside of me so deep and dark I sometimes think it will swallow me whole.” He paused, breathing heavily. “And I fear if I give you even the smallest glimpse, I will frighten you away.”
Halstead’s struggles resonate with me. His body is constantly in pain and he tries to mask his emotions so no one can see how bad it is. Though along with masking that pain, he is masking so many other things and building up walls around himself. I think that someone who has not walked through this situation might have a harder time understanding it on the same level.
I loved Halstead and Juliet’s moments alone together, and I selfishly wanted more.
This book was well written with characters you will pull for as they struggle to find their happy ending. The minor characters were just as strong as the major ones. I loved Hugh and the Duke’s sister but I found Robert needy and annoying. Halstead’s grandmother had an overbearing personality but she was a sassy old lady.
“If you had known Halstead before his accident . . . well, he was a man with every door open to him. He possessed political power, wealth, good looks, the latter of which he of course got from me.”
The Guarded Heart is one of my all time favorite books, and I really enjoyed this book as well. I can’t wait to read more from Heidi Kimball.
“I try not to hope. Better to face the reality of what is.”
“I can’t decide if that is admirable or troubling. Perhaps both.”
Heidi Kimball has written a lovely romance! Besides the cover being beautiful, the story is as well. I loved the banter between Juliet and Halstead and how they were able to be themselves with each other. They both had things that they needed to deal with in order to be together but they were able to help each other. I thought Heidi Kimball did a wonderful job on her characters. She made it very easy to dislike the aunt who was abusive to Juliet and it was great when Juliet finally stood up to her. This was a wonderful story about being true to yourself and not doing what everyone else thinks you should do. I thought Heidi did a great job and would highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I will never understand the mistreatment of people by relatives. Juliet’s aunt is the absolute worst. She belittles her at every turn all the while encouraging the relationship between Juliet and her second son. Aunt uses Juliet’s brother to control her to the point where Juliet is counting the days til her escape. Enter the Duke at a house party meant to encourage the relationship between the Duke’s sister and Juliet’s Older Cousin.
During this house party and this story, Juliet starts to find her strength to stand up for herself. Part of that is the relationship she develops with the Duke, Halstead. He is fighting an old injury that has made him bitter and she sees him without pity.
The relationship between these two characters is amazing to me as I watch them and the story grow and develop. I am in awe of the talent Heidi Kimball has in the development of this story. I loved the heroes and hated the villain. The writing is strong and the story well developed. I will definitely re-read this one. I have read this one twice already.
Wow! I loved this book so much! The two main characters were multifaceted and endearing and I loved the way they changed each other for the better. The plot was well written and grabbed my interest from the very beginning. I did not want to put this book down, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
The Duke of Halstead has spent the last two years feeling as though his life is over. With his leg deformed from a tragic accident, he spends his time guarding his heart against the cruel world. After all, who would want to marry such a limited man? When one of his mother’s guests invades his solitude, he expects pity and a simpering miss. What he gets is an unladylike sailor’s daughter who insults him and breaks through his tough veneer to help him discover the man he hopes to be.
Juliet Graham has six weeks until she can take her inheritance and raise her brother as she sees fits. Until then, she lives under her ruthless aunt’s control. Seen as a reminder of her mother’s mistakes, Aunt Agnes demands perfection from her, retaliating swiftly when her standards aren’t met. So when her temper flares and she insults her host multiple times, Juliet waits to be sent away. Instead, she finds something she has been missing since her father passed away: security, love, and a home.
Not two pages in, I decided I had made a mistake in starting this book so late at night. Heidi Kimball instantly draws you in with her witty and likable characters. From swoon-worthy dialogue to side characters, I’m itching to read more about this is a story you won’t want to put down and will gladly sacrifice your sleep to read “just one more chapter.”
Where the Stars Meet the Sea was, simply stated, beautiful! This is Regency Romance at its finest. The way the author created characters that tugged at your heart strings and connected to the reader was incredibly well done. I was immediately invested in the main character Juliet’s story from page one and literally sighed with contentment when I finished reading. I enjoyed how this book showed that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but that through the difficulties we often discover what truly matters and what we are willing to do to have and preserve that happiness.
I highly recommend this novel!