Olivia wants the 80 acres in far off Michigan that her father left to whichever of his offspring might choose to stake a claim to that land. As Olivia says, “I’m sprung off him just as much as Avis or Tobey.”The problem: she’s seventeen, female, and it’s 1841.Her childhood friend Mourning Free knows how to work a farm and Olivia has complete trust in him.The problem: he’s the orphaned son of runaway slaves and reluctant to travel and work with a white girl. He especially fears the slave catchers who patrol the free states, hunting fugitive slaves.Not without qualms, they set off together. All goes well, despite the drudgery of survival in an isolated log cabin. Incapable of acknowledging her feelings for Mourning, Olivia thinks her biggest problem is her unrequited romantic interest in their young, single neighbor.Then her world falls apart.Strong-willed, vulnerable, and compassionate, Olivia is a compelling protagonist on a journey to find a way to do the right thing in a world in which so much is wrong. Readers respond to Olivia, Mourning“This story is engaging from the outset. Beautifully written and thought provoking, the story of Olivia and her quest to better her life in a judgmental community in 1841 Pennsylvania is heart-rending. Olivia Killion is a girl who is ahead of her time, but with a backbone of steel. I warmed to her immediately, and loved the internal dialogue which clearly sets out her thoughts about her family and the community she lives in. I have given this story the highest points all round because of the caliber of the writing, the easy-to-warm-to voice telling the story, and the setting of time and place. A terrific read.” Valentina Hepburn, YouWriteOn Reviewer “I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this story. It is satisfying, engaging, and very special. I strongly recommend it, and can’t wait to read the next book.” Book Addict, Amazon Reviewer “I admit I dislike being more or less compelled to buy another book in order to find out what happens. But this author makes herself utterly forgivable by writing so beautifully and compellingly. There’s just enough detail about clothing, food, physical features, etc., that I can easily picture the people and their surroundings, and wish I could have a little of that fried venison myself. The descriptions of how Olivia feels at any given moment are so clear, and so believable.” Jajh, Amazon Reviewer “What a wonderful book. As soon as I read a few pages, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. It is well written and the historical details are spot on. If you like historical fiction with a bit of romance and heartbreak thrown in, you will love this. There is a sequel to this book, and it is just as good. Ms. Politis ended both of these books in a way that made me sad to see the book end, but anticipating the next installment in the series.”. Carolyn in Michigan, Amazon Reviewer “… it’s been a while since I’ve been so surprised and delighted at what is, after all, a relatively simple story. Olivia, Mourning is very well-written but at the same time the book is not “polished” or “predictable” – it has different cadences, very real dialog, and is all in all a lot more like real-life than most big-house published fiction. But real life with people who, for the most part, you want to know and to spend time with and who have interesting lives that you want to know more about. I immediately bought the 2nd in the series.” Elizabeth Sommers, Amazon Reviewer Read more

Miss Selina Stubbs signs the contract of her life with her father—her perfumes in every major shop in London, in exchange for marrying the reluctant son of the Duke of Hampford. Lord Theophilus, the courtesy Marquess of Cheswick, has no desire to wed the daughter of a London merchant. He wishes to go to Africa and study the animals there. But his father, the Duke of Hampford, desperately needs her dowry. After the wedding, Selina gets to know Theophilus and learns of his care for wounded animals. Together they plan a daring rescue of a lion from the Tower of London. Selina decides to make a new bargain…this time for love. PRAISE FOR SAMANTHA HASTINGS The Last Word A Junior Library Guild Selection “Witty, spirited, and utterly swoon-worthy. … Filled with fierce feminism, impeccable period detail, and a charming romance that’s sure to stay with readers long after the last word.”―Addie Thorley, author of An Affair of Poisons “Great voice. Unique premise. … And who can resist a plucky heroine who is determined to help write an unfinished romance novel by her favorite author!” ―B.R. Myers, author of Rogue Princess “Hastings’ debut is a charming period piece with all the romance and scornful nods to high society any Austen fan will love. Lucinda moves beyond the cliché of being a young woman who chafes at the restrictions of a sexist world, as she’s elevated by her true passions―numbers and accounting. The Last Word is the perfect read for anyone who wants to spend a few hours in Victorian England in the company of a girl who understands that the entire country is being led by a Queen.” ―Booklist “Refreshing … Lucinda, a young Victorian woman with a modern sensibility well ahead of her time, has plenty of pluck and determination. Hastings’ breezy prose and crafty plotting will leave readers racing to uncover her own last installment.” ―BookPage The Invention of Sophie Carter A Junior Library Guild Selection “I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute.” ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us “A delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors are by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended.” ―Miss Print “Hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud moments as the twins try to dupe everyone into thinking they’re the same person. … It has the exact right amount of balance.” ―Allisa White Books A Royal Christmas Quandary “A delightful, romantic romp of a book—perfect for readers who like their holiday romance to come with a sprinkling of royal glamour.” —Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion “A delightful foray into the Victorian era, A Royal Christmas Quandary will charm readers from page one. With endearing characters, a sweet romance, and fascinating details about Queen Victoria and the royal family, this story is sure to become a new Christmas favorite.” —Joanna Barker, author of Otherwise Engaged “An exciting and romantic romp through Victorian England. … A delicious blend of history, humor, and romance.” —Esther Hatch, author of A Proper Scandal The Girl with the Golden Eyes “This was an intriguing murder mystery, all the more fascinating because it’s inspired by some real figures from history. Definitely recommend for those wanting a cozy mystery grounded in the Victorian era—with a dash of romance, as well.”—Sam Taylor, author of We Are the Fire Read more