Book Review of 'The Best Intentions' by Sarah M. Eden

Hello Bookworms!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was very laid back, just a nice quiet turkey dinner at home with my husband and my boys, and I loved every moment.

I have to say, I am so excited about the novel that I am reviewing today! I have been a huge fan of Sarah M. Eden for years, and love that I got the opportunity to read the first book from her newest series.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Best Intentions

Series: The Huntresses #1

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: November 21, 2022

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one—not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends—knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all—except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer. As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

I adore a good Regency romance, but lately I have felt that many have been more on the stale side. It’s the same rote over and over, just with different packaging, and that gets old real quick. That’s why I was so excited to read the latest novels from one of my favorite authors, The Best Intensions.

A house party brings the Huntresses together after a long spell, and it’s something Gillian is really needing. Her time in high society has not been easy on the poor girl, as gossip abounds about her past, but thanks to her fierce pack of friends, she has been able to keep the ton at bay, revealing to no one her deep, dark secret. This being her first house party she is excited but also nervous, guarding this undisclosed secret from everyone, including her friends.

Scott is also harboring a secret but for different reasons altogether. He was left a family estate that is in such disrepair that he might end up in debtor’s prison if he can’t figure out what to do. By chance, he ends up at the house party that Gillian is attending, and is introduced to fast, new friends, and finds a connection with a certain maiden with a refreshing sense of humor and an amazing smile.

An illness brings Scott nor Gillian unexpectedly together, and this is when the story really took off for me. I will say, the banter is refreshing, especially when the Huntresses, as well as Scott’s new friends, get together. I appreciated how informal they were when they were all in each other’s company, and how even though they all are dealing with dire situations they all rely on one other, giving much needed support and love.

When Scott and Gillian decide to finally open up and trust amazing things happen, and it was genuinely a delight to read. I have been a fan of Sarah M. Eden for awhile, and The Best Intentions knocked it out of the park for me. The writing is superb, the flow perfection, and the supporting cast is absolutely brilliant! I am so excited that this is the first book in the new Huntresses series as I can see several of the characters needing a story all their own, and cannot wait for the next installment.

My Rating: ★★★★★

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahmeden.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.