About the Book:

Title: Secret of the Sonnets 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: January 2, 2023

Pages: 293

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency Romance 

Synopsis:

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory.

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

 

*Thank you to Netgalley, Covenant Communications, and the author for the opportunity to review an e-arc. All thoughts are my own*

Secret of the Sonnets was an absolute delight! This was the second Samantha Hastings book I’ve read, and I would love to read more from her. Her books are lighthearted and fun, and this one often brought a smile to my face and had me trying to solve the mystery!

Miranda Hatch is a scholar and as she is 26, she is considered to be a spinster. She intends to find the lost works of William Shakespeare, rather than a husband. She discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, and so she sends a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic success. She is quite a charming character, and she and her father often work together. He encourages her to pursue her academic dreams.

Lord Robert Hamilton finds himself in dire straits as he risks losing his ancestral home which he has come to inherit after his father’s passing. His father unfortunately made some very poor decisions, and his mother has frivolous spending habits, and Robert must wade through it all. With the weight of everything laying upon him, he could care less when he receives a letter from an M Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers. After thinking things through though, he realizes that there may be some financial benefit to the request. To his surprise, M Hatch turns out to be the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon find themselves drawn into a centuries-old mystery. They are not only drawn together by their common goal, but also by a growing attraction. Unfortunately, there is someone else seeking the papers and they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

I love Miranda! She is so smart and funny, and I love the relationship she has with her parents, especially her father. He is so encouraging, and I love how he and Miranda would quote Shakespeare to each other. I love how she put the pursuit of academics and her love of learning above societies expectations. I also loved watching the friendship with Robert blossom.

Robert was also a very likeable character. I loved that he was so honorable and trying to make everything right after his father’s misdeeds. I enjoyed his partnership with Miranda, and watching their relationship develop. There was great banter between them and it was so fun watching him join her on her quest.

I loved the combination of a mystery and a sweet historical romance. I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

 

Tour Schedule and Giveaway:

–January 2: Reading with Emily >> Interview
–January 3: Thindbooks Blog >> Interview
–January 4: Books and Everyday Life >> Review
–January 5: From the Heart of a Bibliophile Lair >> Review + Interview
–January 6: My Book a Day >> Review
–January 7: Why Not? Because I Said So >> Review + Interview
–January 8: Older & Smarter? >> Review
–January 9: @LoulasJoys >> Review
–January 10: Holly’s Book Corner >> Review
–January 11: Heidi Reads >> Review
–January 12: Singing Librarian Books >> Review
–January 13: Ashleigh’s Bookshelf >> Review
–January 14: The Clever Reader >> Review