Riding on the heels of the previous rom-com post, a well-written historical romance requires a lot of the same balance of great characters, banter, plot, and pacing. Here are two that succeed. They’re fun, they’re clean, and I found a new author. A win x 3! The stories work in tandem, so read them together and read them in order.
Miss Fleming Falls in Love and The Mysterious Mr. Oliver, by Emma Melbourne, were two of my favorite reads last month.
Miss Fleming Falls in Love: We begin with Miss Amelia Fleming, a spirited young woman who is trying to settle her father’s gambling debts after his death. Desperate, she visits the Earl of Langley, who won a fortune from the family estate. Again and again, Amelia offers different solutions to pay back what is owed, never quite knowing the exact amount. Again and again, Langley steers the conversation away from money and into a battle of wits. Like two magnets, these characters attract and repel each other repeatedly. Every meeting is full of clever dialogue and prideful rebuffs. I enjoyed this book immensely! 9.5/10 Stars
The Mysterious Mr. Oliver picks up soon after Miss Fleming ends. This time we are entertained by Amelia’s beautiful younger sister, Isabelle and land agent, Mr. Oliver. While visiting her sister at Stonecroft, a country estate, Isabelle looks for a quiet setting to write a book. In doing so, she intrudes upon Mr. Oliver’s work cottage, prompting a rocky beginning to their relationship. But, feelings cannot be denied. Isabelle is tenacious and Oliver has a secret. Like its predecessor, this book is a wonderful read with well-developed characters that are a joy to know. 9/10 Stars
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