Book Review: Carving for Miss Coventry by Deborah M. Hathaway


Series: Sons of Somerset #1
Publisher: Draft Horse Publishing
Release Date: July 17, 2021
Genre: Clean Regency Romance

He's determined to finish the job, even if she distracts him...

With his deceased father’s woodworking business now failing, Edward Steele will do anything to see its return to prosperity, even if that means accepting work from the Coventry family far outside of Bath. His two goals? Finishing this new task swiftly and making as few acquaintances as possible. But such things are easier said than done, especially when the Coventry’s daughter finds it necessary to spy on him at every turn.

Marianne Coventry doesn’t mean to stare, but such a task is difficult when a man as handsome as Mr. Steele works right before her eyes. Besides, at twenty years old and not yet out in Society—due to an unmarried elder sister and a strict, rule-abiding father—she will take any distraction she can get. Perhaps turning to a dashing woodworker for entertainment isn’t a wise decision, but does she really have any other choice?

As Edward becomes aware of Marianne's sheltered life, an unexpected friendship sprouts between them—a friendship her family cannot discover, especially when Marianne begins to realize she’s been living half a life. Still, Edward’s heart remains cautious, for becoming distracted and losing his family’s business would mean forfeiting his livelihood and everything his father worked so hard to achieve. Despite the forces working against them, only the two of them can decide what they want most in life—and if they’re willing to risk everything for love. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | B&NGoodreads | Bookbub | Google Books

My Review 🖤

Usually when I start a novel by the amazing Deborah M. Hathaway I am instantly intrigued, but for some reason I started out not knowing how I felt about Carving for Miss Coventry.  I struggled to relate to the unique Marianne and connect with the struggling Edward at first, but I refused to give up, and am so thankful that I stuck with it.

Marianne is a peculiar character, at first giving off a vibe that I haven't felt with a character for awhile.  While that is refreshing and different, it also put a unique slant to the story that I couldn't put my finger on until later on in the story.  I couldn't tell if it was charming or alarming, but finally settled on charming, especially when she started to interact with woodcarver, Edward, intrigued to see how their relationship would progress.

My heart truly went out to Marianne and her sister.  Their father obviously cared more about the family's status and not about the feelings of his daughters, and this truly enraged me, showing the true talent of Debrah M. Hathaway.  The pace and flow were perfection, and all ended well, and though predictable, it was still satisfying.

This is the first book in the Sons of Somerset series, and if Carving for Miss Coventry is any indication, it's going to be a wonderful series!

My Rating: ★★★

Books in the Sons of Somerset Series

    


About the Author


Deborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor's degree in English and an emphasis in Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen's novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation of Pride & Prejudice she could, entirely captured by all things Regency and romance.


Throughout her life, she wrote many short stories, poems, and essays, but it was not until after her marriage that she was finally able to complete her first romance novel, attributing the completion to her courtship with, and love of, her charming, English husband.


Deborah finds her inspiration for her novels in her everyday experiences with her husband and children and during her travels to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall.


She is thrilled to have three novels out and is nearing the completion of her fourth clean romance, which is based, of course, in Cornwall.


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*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.

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