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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...

Summer at my Sister's by Emily Harvale #Review


 I am delighted to be on the blog tour for Emily Harvale's latest novel, Summer at my Sister's. This is the first in the Seahorse Harbour series. You can read an extract from the book here:

Twin sisters. One scorching summer.

A bucketful of secrets.

Dianaā€™s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josieā€™s ā€“ not so much.

Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if sheā€™s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.

Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she canā€™t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if sheā€™s fallen through a hedge.

Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.

But is Dianaā€™s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life sheā€™s always wanted ā€¦ if sheā€™s brave enough to take a chance.

 

My Thoughts

 I was delighted to see that Emily Harvale was going to write a new series of standalone novels, all set within the Seahorse Harbour series. This first novel set the scene very well and introduced a range of characters and settings who I am sure will re-appear in future instalments. The two twin sisters are a good contrast and it soon becomes obvious that there are some secrets buried in the past. 

    With a range of interesting characters and a plot which keeps you guessing, this is an enjoyable read which makes you care about what happens to them. There is an interesting subplot which centres around the younger characters who in some ways mirror the older generation. The setting is gorgeous and makes you want to escape there to spend some time in the sunshine. This is a great start to the series- bring it on!

In short: Returning to the past uncovers a few secrets.

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:


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 place on the event.
 
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