The Pathways to the Heart, A Coming of Age Anthology by Mandi Ellsworth, Paula Kremser, & E.B. Wheeler, Book Review

 

Book Summary:

Finding love is a journey in these Regency and Western romance novellas.

The Courtship Cure
Mary Worthington has been raised in sheltered circumstances by her grandfather the duke, but now that her brother has inheirted the title, he wishes her to marry well. Doctor Tyndale, a recently made baronet, is intrigued by elusive Mary, but he assumes she is the same social level as his patients and therefore not high enough to meet his father's approval. Can the two discover the truth - and love - in this Regency comedy of errors?

Hiding Gems
Matthew just wants to live in peace on his Oregon ranch. Pearl is seeking shelter for herself and two Chinese children after the 1886 riots drive them out of Seattle. The two are drawn together by their gentle hearts, but they will have to decide if they are willing to stand up and fight against fear and prejudice to find love.

Bootleggers and Basil
Helen Botsari arrives in 1920s Utah as a Greek picture bride, excited for a new life in a land of opportunity. When she discovers that her prospective groom was killed in a railroad accident, she finds herself alone in a foreign land that is increasingly hostile to immigrants. It is up to fellow immigrant Dimitrios Nikolaidis to convince her that America still holds a bright future for her.

My Review:

This anthology collection is just what the doctor ordered. Each novella was just the perfect length for when I wanted to read but didn't have a lot of time. The Courtship Cure was enchanting and I found myself loving Mary and her refreshingly open and honest personality in a regency world full of strict rules. Her personality was refreshing and beautiful. Hiding Gems was a completely new world of the 1880s in Oregon. I loved the historical aspect that was brought in about how difficult life was for Chinese immigrants. It was an emotional and wonderful journey for Matthew and Pearl. Last but not least was Bootleggers and Basil, this story was another new time period of the 1920s in Utah. I loved Helen and her strength and endurance with the unexpected experiences life threw her way. Dimitrios was one of those characters full of charisma and some conceit. I was still rooting for him the whole way. It is rare that I love every story in a collection of novellas, but in this one, I did. You guys, each story is unique and set in its own time period. I loved each and every one. This collection is historical fiction at its finest.

Happy Reading!!!

You can pick up your own copy via Amazon.

Source:  Author for review