A light and quick story of a book-loving lady with a passion for helping poor children and the partially-deaf duke who is enchanted with her. The tension in the plot is provided when she reveals she is writing a book, and thinks he is shocked when in actuality he didn't hear her. Pretty light and fluffy, but a fun read about quirky characters. ( )

ARC, short light regency romance. The duke is partially deaf from an accident, but the gal doesn't realize that when she tells him that she's a writer. Thinking he's ignoring her announcement, they almost miss their turn at romance.

This book was sent to me to in return for an honest review ( )

Review as part of the Early Reviewers Group. This is a very simple romance shot story, 53 or 54 pages. The female character is probably more accurate for the time period described than the male character. Most Dukes in the past or current day, do not have time to follow women around town or to teach writing to the illiterate. They send servants/employees to do it for them. Especially if they are tied up rebuilding an estate. It's a nice idea, just unlikely. I rated the short story based on the type of story it is not the type of stories I enjoy. I think this might qualify as YA. No violence, bad language or sex. It is nice without any real challenges or action. ( )

A charming, light little one-day read about Lady Amelia Partridge and Philip Peartree (Duke). She likes books. He likes books. She is kind-hearted and loving, he's a nice guy who happens to be deaf. If you read regency romances, you can figure out what's going to happen; but all the same, it was a fun (short) journey. ( )

I loved this charming story and read it in one sitting! What a delight as the story begins in a bookstore with introduction to Phillip Peartree, Tenth Duke of Bartlett. “He needed something new to read, something to help him relax and forget the depression weighing him down ever since he’d inherited his burdensome title.” There is an inauspicious collision in the bookstore between Phillip Peartree and Lady Amelia Partridge at which moment the reader simultaneously discovers the sparks of romance tucked into the title of the story. But then again, the title might be reflective of the adventures of Lady Amelia’s rescue of her niece Collette’s newest little kitten named Sophie who ventures too high in the wild pear tree. Lady Amelia Partridge has “had some success writing books, keeping her identity hidden by using a pen name.” Lady Amelia’s perseverance and confidence in her writing reminded me of the biography of another English author, Beatrix Potter. One can easily imagine the Ladies’ Literary Society as the precursor to today’s book club meetings. Lady Amelia is a joy to behold with her caring and nurturing outreach to her nieces and her compassion for those less fortunate than herself. But the question remains, “Will Phillip Peartree and Lady Amelia meet again after the chance meeting at the bookstore?”

I can’t speak highly enough for the various features of this enchanting novella. Last season, I discovered Victoria Alexander’s “What Happens at Christmas“ and this historical romance by Patricia Kiyono enthralled me in the same way. The characterizations are described fully so that each personality -regardless of major or minor characters- can be enjoyed to the fullest. The banter within character conversations is lively and adds to the smiles as one is reading.

I would highly recommend this heartwarming novella as a delightful treasure for a Christmas gift - to treat yourself or another - which could be read and enjoyed during any season of the year!

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this title as an “Early Reviewer” from Library Thing. ( )