Tag Archive | regency

The Nanny Arrangement… a book review

Well, I am finding more and more that my random story choices is teaching me quite a lot about my personal tastes. This book has reinforced that I enjoy my Regency romance and my stories with a strong faith element SEPARATELY. I feel like I am looking for something very specific when I pick up a Regency romance, a sweet story with gentile people, maybe not EXACTLY period correct but most often at least period close…

With The Nanny Arrangement by Lily George you do get some of the period feel, a lot of the romance of the era, but I found the way faith was included – bible studies, and the situations the two main characters are in – often alone, unchaperoned was a bit too much for me. But the imagery was lovely, the characters well thought out and the story interesting. I just found I had to suspend my Regency sensibilities at times (not to say I am educated in perfect Regency era rules and regulations, but I do love the genre and have read pretty much everything I can get my hands on).

The Nanny Arrangement is not the first in a series, but focuses on the middle sister of 3 who helps her younger sister run a hat shop. The elder has married up and is happy in her home but still in contact. The younger two do not get along overly well without the third to balance them out. Cue the needy gentlemen, known to the elder and her husband as a good friend. His estranged (badly married) sister has perished leaving her only child – a daughter. In order to solve everyone’s problems Becky, the middle sister, becomes the nanny.

There is a lot more than simple romance going on. Paul Holmes has lost his faith, and is not reconciled to his sister’s death or her daughter’s appearance in his life. Becky is unsure of her future as she longs for more than her place in the hat store and has been newly jilted (or at least the man in question never realized her interest). All in all a fun read just more of a faith story than a period piece. I can recommend a second book by the same author – Healing the Soldier’s Heart which is a bit more in the period correct feel. But both have great merits! 51yGv6WlLHL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_

Healing the Soldier’s Heart… a Book Review

Another in the Love Inspired line, Healing the Soldier’s Heart is a faith filled Historical by Lily George. This time an orphan turned governess who lives in Bath is given the chance to help a returned and injured soldier. Lucy Williams is dedicated to the two young girls in her charge, one soon to leave the nest as she has her coming out party and attempts to find a suitor, the other young and impressionable and both without a mother. 

James is an injured veteran who has mostly lost the ability to speak due to trauma on the continent during war. His family is no longer as auspicious as they were so he attempts to support his mother and sister who also has a speech impediment. 

This lovely tale is set in the Regency era and has some more mature components. There is some discussion about becoming and the ramifications of accepting the position of mistress. Though nothing overtly occurs. Our main characters are torn by their pasts and in need of faith love and hope. 

I have always loved stories set in Bath and am especially fond of the Regency era. I think the author does a lovely job of keeping us in mind of the constraints placed on all sort of people in the time period while slowly and carefully creating a love you can’t help but cheer for. 

The side characters are equally charming and bring a lovely addition to the story. If anything, hot cocoa and a nice fire on a snowy day is the perfect time to pick up this Christian Historical Romance. Another lucky library find! 8156qgCAZxL._SL1500_

This entry was posted on 23/11/2014, in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

A June Weekend To Remember

And… we jump forward a month! But I figured I really needed to first of all congratulate our friends Cory and Karen on their BEAUTIFUL wedding on June 14th. I have a few pictures to share.

My hair was done at the Regency school for hair etc... I LOVE IT!

My hair was done at the Regency school for hair etc… I LOVE IT!

The back with the addition of my own black rose hairclip.

The back with the addition of my own black rose hairclip.

Ken was a groomsman so... TUX!

Ken was a groomsman so… TUX!

I hope I held up my end of the stylish bargain. Gotta look good with my man in a tux and NO KIDS

I hope I held up my end of the stylish bargain. Gotta look good with my man in a tux and NO KIDS

Two groomsmen (Chris and Ken) and an Usher (Matt)... and PAD??

Two groomsmen (Chris and Ken) and an Usher (Matt)… and PAD??

Gorgeous Maid (Matron?) of Honour... Renee!

Gorgeous Maid (Matron?) of Honour… Renee!

Still waiting around

Still waiting around

One of 2 ring bearers... Evan! ADORABLE

One of 2 ring bearers… Evan! ADORABLE

Resting before the ceremony (you can just see the groom at the end) with Usher Anthony (standing)

Resting before the ceremony (you can just see the groom at the end) with Usher Anthony (standing)

I have a few from the ceremony but the camera did not like the ambiance and I really had a bad angle. Everyone looked amazing! (I will of course share any official photos I get my hands on eventually!)

Sitting during the ceremony... gorgeous bride !!!

Sitting during the ceremony… gorgeous bride !!!

I only knew the bride and the MOA so I really did lean towards pictures of my boys!

I only knew the bride and the MOA so I really did lean towards pictures of my boys!

Saying their vows

Saying their vows

We lucked out and though it was a rainy dad we had the sun peek through during pictures at the farm! And a special thank you to Darcy and Andy for watching our 5 kids to simplify our time out at this special event!!!

Moving the trailer (for pictures) all dressed to the 9's awsome

Moving the trailer (for pictures) all dressed to the 9’s awsome

Anthony on the tractor

Anthony on the tractor

It was a little chilly when the sun came and went BUT the menfolk were sure it was too warm!

It was a little chilly when the sun came and went BUT the menfolk were sure it was too warm!

Anthony, Ken and Matt resting at the bride's folks' house between pictures

Anthony, Ken and Matt resting at the bride’s folks’ house between pictures

Gorgeous

Gorgeous

Total gentleman shared his coat between pictures

Total gentleman shared his coat between pictures

There were lots of creative shots but I was too busy giggling at the menfolk and their jokes or helping where I could to take pictures

There were lots of creative shots but I was too busy giggling at the menfolk and their jokes or helping where I could to take pictures

Ken took this one for me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress.. the era... it was so fun!

Ken took this one for me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress.. the era… it was so fun!

The reception was a blast. I ended up with the adorable ring bearers (Evan and Nathan) and their baby brother (Jeffrey) and their grandparents with Ken at the head table. There was gaming buddies to finally meet with wives, fiances and children. So much fun! Also a photo booth (Ken and I took some pictures together which I have but yet to scan and Renee and I had a go too). I have to admit to cutting loose and drinking for the first  time in a decade or more! So not too many pictures, just lots of memories. 20140614_192912

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Thanks Renee for this picture!

Thanks Renee for this picture!

Though Father’s Day was a rather sedate one (as Ken requested) I want to thank all the special men in our lives here who have willingly taken on the responsibility of  being a part of our children’s (and our) lives. There is no way we could have as rich and amazing a life without all of you there to share it! So a special thank you to Baba, Grandpa Reinsch, Grandpa Mike… and our God Daddies – Andy, Cory, Alan, Nathan and Scott. Thank you so much!!!

And for the 16th of June – a date special specifically to Ken and myself – we happily celebrated 13 amazing years of marriage. It may not have all been roses and sunshine but with a man like Ken to love and hold onto it has been a ride to remember. I cannot wait to experience all the many decades we have to look forward to. I love you dear!!!! A special  thank you to Cousin Robbie and the lovely Alicia who watched the fab 5 so we could get out without minions in tow!20140616_180305

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Indian food on recommendation of Shandai... AMAZING

Indian food on recommendation of Shandai… AMAZING

Of course these are just the photos off our camera (and a couple thanks to Renee)… I have one or two on the camera… but I will share those later. Sorry about the massive amount but I had to share!20140614_130149

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And of course, it would not be an event if Ken did not take ONE of these!

And of course, it would not be an event if Ken did not take ONE of these!

This entry was posted on 17/06/2014, in Uncategorized. 1 Comment