Secrets & Suitors

Author: Joanna Barker
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 1, 2019

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora’s father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.

Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora’s feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen’s affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.

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Reviewer: Joan Dowell

What a wonderful story of feelings. Nora Hamilton enters the world of social functions and responsibility with no fulfillment. She really longs for time with a book or to be with her younger siblings, than to attend social events. Her father, on the other hand, wants to marry Nora off to Mr. Weston, who is rather boring. In the meantime, Nora is truly missing her lifelong friend James, whom she has feelings for.

​The author Joanna Barker does a remarkable job of bringing the characters to life as she weaves their stories together. Even if each of them holds their own secrets, the story comes together naturally. You will find yourself laughing one minute and crying the next. I wasn't able to put this book down. I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. This book is a true treasure!

This book was provided courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Sabrina Wade

Wow! What a page-turner! Thank you, Joanna Barker, for the expected, yet very unexpected happy ending. 

I loved the depiction of an elite social class in all it's glory; functioning while dysfunctional, grasping for love, falling apart while falling together, craving family connection. Most certainly a tear-jerker. A girl is exceedingly blessed beyond her dreams with the restoration of her family, the husband of her choosing, the love only a father can give, and the release of burdened secrets.

Secrets and Suitors ignites hope for girls everywhere.

This book was provided courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Liz Franklin

Secrets & Suitors is an intriguing book that I read very quickly -- about a day which is fast for me -- I didn’t want to put it down!

I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I didn’t know much about The London Season and through this book I was able to learn a little more... very interesting! The author of Secrets & Suitors has a very enjoyable writing style. She twisted the plot in ways I was not able to anticipate. I especially loved the ending to this book!

I would recommend this book for ages 13+ -- I definitely enjoyed it.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Secrets & Suitors is another delicious story by talented writer Joanna Barker. I’ve read some of her other books and loved them. She is quickly becoming a favorite author. With a setting in Regency era England and characters that came alive on the page, this tale delighted me and kept me turning the pages. James Allen is a perfectly swoon-worthy hero with his devotion and care for Nora Hamilton. Their past friendship added a special touch to their relationship. Nora is a shy, introverted heroine who wants to marry for love and has feelings for James but is being pressured into a match with another man. The chemistry between James and Nora is sure to set your heart fluttering.

With a variety of secrets and a few suitors, this story kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I liked the threads of forgiveness and the importance of family and friendship that were woven through it and all the multi-layered and colorful characters. I’m looking forward to more stories from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.

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