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The Dressmaker's Secret by Susanne Dunlap #Review

We are diving into the past to the nineteenth century with the Regency romance, The Dressmaker's Secret Earl by Susan Dunlap . It was published by Comfortable Prose Publishing on 25 Mar. 2025 .   A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it. The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste. But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earlā€”one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augustaā€™s employerā€™s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable. Drawn into Marianaā€™s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandalā€”sheā€™s lo...

Wedding Bells in Merriment Bay by Emily Harvale #Review

I am pleased to introduce Wedding Bells in Merriment Bay,  the final instalment in Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series. series. The first novel Coming Home to Merriment Bay, was released in four parts and you can read my reviews here:   Part One: The Reunion here , Part Two: Sparks Fly here , Part Three: Christmas here and Part Four: Starry Skies here, 

You can read my review of the second novel in the series, Chasing Moonbeams in Merriment Bay here.
 
And now to Number 3...
 
Change is in the air as wedding bells ring out in Merriment Bay 

Catā€™s determined to propose to Amias. Well, it is a leap year so itā€™s fine for women to do the asking, and besides, it took him eighteen years to tell her how he felt. Sheā€™s not going to wait for him to pop the question. All she needs to do is find the perfect time and place.
Kyraā€™s fallen for Francis Raine, who seems happy to flirt and exchange banter but hasnā€™t actually asked her out. Does he reciprocate her feelings, or is he this way with every girl he meets? Thereā€™s only one way to find out. Sheā€™ll ask him on a date ā€¦ as soon as he returns to Merriment Bay.

Maryā€™s leaving Devon Villa after a lifetime spent in the house. Sheā€™s never lived alone so itā€™s both an exciting and a terrifying prospect. But change is good, isnā€™t it? Perhaps itā€™s time she tried a few other new things too. 

The Devon women want to move on to the next chapters in their lives. And as Viola Devon used to say before she died, ā€œThe only one who can write your own life story as you want it, is you.ā€ Although Violaā€™s didnā€™t work out too well. Will Cat, Kyra, and Mary have better luck with theirs?


My Thoughts
 
This felt like the final episode in the Merriment Bay series, with loose ends being tied up, relationships settled and lots and lots of romance. Nevertheless, there were also some new courses set and a new relationship or two introduced so it didn't feel like an ending, but rather a staging post before new adventures. I am sorry that the series has come to an end, but found the final instalment to be as heartwarming and satisfying as ever.

    Cat and Amias took centre stage once again but of course at first, there was a bit of a case of non-communication between themselves. As ever, Kyra felt like the most mature person in the family. I have enjoyed the overlap with the Wyntersleap series and to revisit some of their big moments but from other characters' perspectives. Merriment Bay has been a lovely creation and I am looking forward to seeing where Emily Harvale goes next!

In short: Wedding bells ring out.
     
About the Author


Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.



Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. Sheā€™s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

You can follow Emily here: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram
 
Or sign up to the Emily Harvale Readerā€™s Club www.emilyharvale.com/newsletter 

Book link: Amazon UK

Thanks to Emily Harvale and Rachel of Rachels Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the event. 

Check out the rest of the tour!

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