Protecting Her Heart

Author: Nancy Campbell Allen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 288
Release Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing

London, 1887

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family's estate. Among her father's possessions is a box of her late mother's letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte's grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother's death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone--her treasured friend and director of London's police force, John Ellis.

John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.

Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more--and opening her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own. ​

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Set in London in the late 1880s, Protecting Her Heart is the third book in Nancy Campbell Allen’s Matchmaker series. Although I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I was able to follow the story well. With well-crafted, engaging, and endearing characters and an intriguing and creative plot, this book kept me entertained and guessing.

The main characters include Charlotte Duvall, who recently graduated as a medical doctor in America, and John Ellis, who serves as the director of London’s police force. John is a capable, compassionate hero who has had romantic feelings for Charlotte for years. I loved his tender regard for Charlotte and seeing their relationship grow and change as they worked together to solve the mystery surrounding the death of Charlotte’s mother many years before. It was impressive to see Charlotte as a strong, independent, goal-oriented woman who pushed against the societal norms of the time to become a woman doctor. I loved that John supported and encouraged her toward her goals.

With plenty of intrigue, danger, suspense, and a generous dose of romance, this book has something for everyone. I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, wholesome historical romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Amy Smelser

What an absolute delight this read was. After a bit of a slow start, this book turned into one that I could not put down, and I was constantly looking for time to pick it back up. The swoony romance between two longtime friends combined with the cold-case murder of the heroine's mother, all while taking place in 1887 London, was captivating.

Charlotte Duvall has already broken out of the norms for women of her day. She has gone to America to continue her education in the medical field and has come back home to London as a doctor. She is coming back home with a heavy load on her shoulders as her father has died unexpectedly, and not before he has stirred up many questions regarding the death of her mother twenty-some years ago. Charlotte did not make it back in time to question her father's cryptic messages. Now that he is gone, will she ever find out the truth?

Well, if it is left to the murderer, no, she won't. Teaming up with her cousins and her very best friend, Officer John Ellis, Charlotte might just get the answers she is seeking, unless one of the attempts on her life succeeds. And concerning her feelings for John, well, let's just say that it was a delight to see those two fall hard in love with one another.

This was the first novel I have read by author Allen. I am excited to go through her backlist. This was a fun read.

I was provided a copy of this novel by Shadow Mountain Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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