Chiara's Choice - Review

Chiara's Choice

By: Chalon Linton

Publication: August 8, 2023

208 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Chiara Madero, daughter of an Italian baron, is the epitome of beauty and fire, and when confronted, her lovely lips reveal a sharp tongue. But her enchanting facade hides a less-than-elegant her family believes her true value lies in her ability to secure an advantageous match. And there is no better place to find a wealthy, titled husband than the London Marriage Mart.

Mr. Abraham Jamison is not a firstborn son and has procrastinated choosing an occupation. Nevertheless, his honest and forthright nature immediately captures Chiara’s attention. He is unsuitable for a woman of her station in all ways, but she can’t seem to resist seeking out his company. Abraham sees through her fiery personality and refuses to play her games, yet after waging a mutual battle of wits, an unexpected friendship forms between them―a rapport that soon blossoms into something more. Abraham’s wish is to become a man worthy of her. But when faced with her family’s determination to manipulate circumstances to their advantage, he and Chiara must face their feelings and find the strength to defy an insurmountable Chiara’s mother.

I read Forever Pheobe in 2020, and I remember hoping that this would turn into a series and Chalon Linton would write books about each of Pheobe's brothers. They each popped off the page. I forgot about them, but I saw Chiara's Choice listed on NetGalley and knew I had to check it out. I didn't even put it together that the leading male character, Abraham, was one of Pheobe's brothers. But once I realized it, I was so happy.

I enjoyed the dynamic of this duo. Chiara is a wealthy girl. Her dowry is impressive, but both her father and mother seem to try to use Chiara whenever possible. She has had little affection from her mother and less from her father. When she meets people, she has developed methods to get what she wants from them as they are nearly always trying to use her also. Only as soon as she meets Abraham, his nature suggests he might be someone she is interested in knowing more deeply.

Abraham is the most serious of Pheobe's brothers, excluding Gregory. He's honest and no-nonsense. But he's floundering a bit because he can't figure out what he wants to do with his life, his profession. As a second son, there is no inheritance for him. He has to make his own way in the world and earn his own living. He isn't interested in the church or law, nor the military. That leaves very few options for him. And as such, he has nothing to offer Chiara. And he certainly isn't aiming to marry her for her money. Chiara attempts to use the manipulation games she's created and used on others, but Abraham sees straight through her ruse and refuses to play along.

Normally, books set in this time are against a particular path for a couple. That is because this path typically leads to scandal. But I liked that Chalon Linton presented it in this case in a way that the reader could root for success where we normally would root for failure. Anytime you can put a spin on something that isn't usually done in a way that still causes you to root for the characters is a bonus. I'm being vague on purpose, but that's the best I can do without spoiling things.

Chiara's Choice was very enjoyable, and I read it quickly. I was happy to root for Chiara and Abraham. And I liked that their relationship, journey, and choices weren't typical in my experience with this genre. I couldn't help hoping they succeeded. And I am still dying to read at least Peter's story. I don't know how things will play with Gregory since he is already in love, and it seems a good portion of his story is already written. Chiara's Choice gets 4 Stars. Have you read Chiara's Choice? What did you think? Let me know!

Forever Phoebe - Review

Forever Phoebe

By: Chalon Linton

Publication: February 8th 2020 by Covenant Communications

224 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as fiery as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism from the gentleman she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe’s spirited nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park. Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe’s attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.

I wasn't sure about Forever Phoebe mostly because I was unfamiliar with the author, but also, because I don't always want to read mysteries. Sometimes I'm in the mood for mysteries but not always. But I picked it up when I did due to the publication date, and I ended up reading it mostly in one day.

I have to admit that I fell in love with the entire Jamison family. Phoebe is much like the description states. She's used to being included with her brothers whether that be racing horses, shooting pistols, or teasing each other mercilessly. She has always wanted her brother Peter's close friend William Mason to show her particular attention, but Mason seems to only offer "constructive criticism" rather than compliments.

Peter is the closest brother in age to Phoebe. He seems to be the biggest joker of the brothers. Abraham is the fashionable one, but I think he got the least amount of page time being the middle brother. And then her oldest brother was often just referred to as Jamison. I can't remember his first name off the top of my head. But he was perhaps the most serious given he's the oldest and the responsible one while their parents are traveling. He also has a bit of a romance develop throughout the book.

Franklin moves to the neighborhood because he has inherited Ravenhouse from his uncle. He had intentions to put off his inheritance but after his older brother marries he sees the need for his brother and his new wife to have some time alone. Once in the neighborhood, he meets the Jamison siblings and quickly begins to see traits within Phoebe that he admires. Unlike Mason who is only ever critical, Franklin appreciates Phoebe for who she is. And he seeks to begin winning her favor. They had a sweet love story, and I enjoyed every page of it.

The mystery...well that felt a little unnecessary to me. It wasn't really a focal point of the book until the ending and major conflict for the climax of the story. Yet at the same time, I wasn't put off by it as I sometimes find. I think I would have enjoyed the story just the same without this part, but including it didn't lessen my enjoyment of Forever Phoebe either.

Overall, Forever Phoebe gets 4 Stars from me. I loved the romance and the side characters. I would love future books about the other Jamison brothers. And the mystery neither added to nor took away from the rest of the story for me. Have you read Forever Phoebe ? What did you think? Let me know!