Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My opinions are given free!y.

I'm torn about this book. I liked it enough to finish it rather quickly, but I didn't love the story, plus, I'm not a fan of romance novels. (I chose to read it anyway because of the connection to William Shakespeare.) And it has a good first paragraph: "The rector of Winkfield would not recognize a joke even if it invited him to tea. Unfortunately, it was Miranda Hatch’s mother who had invited Mr. Brown to tea and then left her alone with him."

I liked the main character, Miranda Hatch. She's 26, unmarried and untroubled by the fact, despite social protocols, and she's a scholar who's written a few articles (and a book that she didn't get credit for). She's intelligent and funny. Take, for example, her thoughts on marriage (to an odious man): “As much as I would like to use my gifts in marriage,” Miranda lied, “I have been on the shelf for so long that the neighbors have started to refer to me as a library.” Or her sarcastic response to Mr. Brown's claim that“[a]ll women are interested in marriage; it is their highest ambition”: “Is it?” Miranda touched her hand to her chest, feigning surprise. “Well, it is a good thing you informed me of it, or I might never have known. I had always thought my highest ambition was a burial plot in the Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey, reserved for the greatest writers of the English language."

Her academic focus is “[i]mmortality through the written word." Her belief is that "[w]ords have always been the most powerful things on Earth because they last longer than the speaker, longer than the reader, long past when time itself has been forgotten. Words are a power incomprehensible." She intends to find Shakespeare's missing manuscripts and make a name for herself. She is, of course, supported by her doting father.

As far as the other characters go, I also liked her love interest, who is far above her social class and not a jerk, but I felt like several characters underwent personality makeovers quickly with nothing to explain it.

Finally, the reason I rated it three stars, the story. It is weak. She is a Shakespearean scholar but didn't know he bequeathed nothing but the second-best bed to his wife? That's hard to believe. Even harder to believe is her supposition that Anne Hathaway wrote the sonnets, as Hathaway was more than likely illiterate. The grave robbing that occurred was laughable, as was the whole search, really.

All in all, it's okay. Kind of silly, but it has a happy ending and a good lead.

Secret of the Sonnets is a unique historical romance! I enjoyed the fact that Miranda was raised to be a scholar, something that wasn't usually accepted for women in that time period. I also thought Robert was a really decent, wonderful guy. I loved the way that Robert's 2 sisters help Miranda, despite the other sister and his mother being so difficult and rude! And I actually really love Miranda's mother, who kept her husband and daughter grounded in reality when they got lost in academia.

I did struggle some with the amount of Shakespeare in the book. When Robert got confused at all the references, I knew how he felt! It's just not my personal preference. The Shakespeare teasing between Miranda and her father got to be a little much at times. And the ending felt a bit unbelievable.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and characters. I think it's a creative premise and I definitely recommend it to Shakespeare fans!

Thank you to Netgalley, Covenant Communications, and Samantha Hastings for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

“Robert leaned forward, placing his lips on hers, and it was as if all the sonnets and love poems ever written were for such a moment as this.”

Thoroughly enjoyed Secret of the Sonnets! Samantha Hastings is a new to me author and I will definitely be reading more of her books. This story is a refreshing new take on Regency romance with a Shakespeare tie-in that was well done. Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan or not, the mystery surrounding his works continues today and this story provides an interesting twist to part of the mystery. There’s also a sizzling but clean romance with plenty of wit and humor thrown in.

Opposites definitely attract when Miranda Hatch, a 26 year old bluestocking scholar from the working class with a love of Shakespeare meets the handsome but poor Marquess, Lord Robert Hamilton who is more into horses than the Bard. Miranda is a force to be reckoned with. She’s quick witted with a dry sense of humor. Robert is thoughtful and charming but left with heavy financial burdens from his father’s reckless investments, and a mother who has no idea what the word economy means.

When Lord Hamilton receives two separate inquiries into a long lost relative’s ties to Shakespeare, he hopes that this may somehow be an answer to his financial woes. He and Miranda work together to search for the lost Shakespearean sonnets and along the way find intrigue and romance. But is their love enough to overcome class differences or will Robert be forced to marry a wealthy heiress if they can’t solve the mystery?

This is definitely an author I’ll keep an eye on. I enjoyed all the references to Shakespeare and the swoon-worthy romance. Robert’s mother was awful and it was satisfying to see her get her comeuppance. It’s always fun to try a new author and I definitely recommend giving Samantha Hastings a try. Looking forward to the next book in the series she teases at the end. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I got about a third of the way into this book before I stopped. The book was fine, just wasn’t my style.

A sweet, cheerful read that blends heart fluttery flirtation with Shakespeare-quote-filled banter and a light look at the impacts of class and wealth in England in the early 19th century. Our hero and heroine form a quick attraction when his carriage nearly knocks her over. Too bad he's high class and her family comes from trade. Too bad she's well educated and he's more interested in horses than in books. Good thing for them both they have a mystery to solve as they join forces to seek out information that might help put Shakespeare's sonnets in their proper order. They also have balls to attend, gardens to explore, and an archery competition in which to best each other, such that Hastings balances the scholarly research with lots of frothy flirty scenes that will delight hist-fic lovers. While this one will likely appeal most to Shakespeare fans, due to the many references to his poems and plays, Hastings keeps the tone light and the scenes moving, so the story is easily accessible for readers with no prior knowledge of Shakespeare's work or life. Overall, a sweet romance, with two easy-to-root-for leads, a lightly threaded mystery to solve, and lots of lovable characters.

This was a delightful regency romance that features an intriguing Shakespearean mystery. Miranda was a relatable heroine, if a little to chipper and optimistic for my taste. I had a great time tagging along on her journey to discover Shakespeare's lost manuscripts.

Loved this one! Like a fun mix of National Treasure meets Jane Austen, Secret of the Sonnets kept me guessing and swooning. The nods to Shakespeare were expertly done, with a witty heroine that was easy to root for.

I don’t know why it took me so long to finally sit down and start this in earnest, but this book really took me by surprise. When I did finally start reading it, I didn’t want to put it down!

I loved the insertion of different quotes from Shakespeare, Miranda was SUCH a likable FMC. She is strong, funny, kind, and honestly I would love to be her bff. Robert is a swoon-worthy gentleman, and totally enamored, loving, kind.

It lacks the normal tropes. They have an iffy would be enemies to lovers meet-cute, but it doesn’t go that way. I enjoyed that there were obstacles, but they enjoyed each other’s company. And the obstacles were interesting on their own.

Anyway, clean romance. Sweet story, loved their families (except his mom). Definitely something I’d love to reread, which is why it gets 5⭐️!

I always love witty banter... But witty Shakespearean banter? Next. Level.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book since I hadn't read anything by Samantha Hastings before, but this book absolutely delivered.

Everything from the romance to the plot to the dialogue was phenomenal.

"The Secret of the Sonnets" is the story of scholar and spinster Miranda Hatch attempting to discover the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. But once Lord Robert Hamilton begins helping in the search, will it be just the manuscripts she discovers? Or will she find love as well? And what will they do about the violent competitors also searching for the documents?

Overall, I loved learning more about William Shakespeare's life and reading all of the Shakespearean banter and references. There were a few fictional theories about his life, but they were added tastefully so it didn't detract from the book as a whole.

A unique telling of Shakespearean history. I am not overly familiar with Shakespeare’s work or his life and this was a fabulous way to absorb more. I am most definitely interested in digging deeper myself into his works and his life. An excellent story that tied history and fiction all together. I encourage all to read it.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

I really liked this story!!!

I loved the romance of the story and the searching and mystery solving of this story!

I loved the characters and how unique and personable they were. I highlighted so many lines that are about books!

Definitely recommend this one!

Read if you love:
✒️regency romance
✒️opposites attract
✒️Shakespeare
✒️elements of mystery
✒️bookish heroine
✒️he falls first

“Every word from her mouth was like an arrow shooting at a target, each phrase hitting exactly where she wanted it to go. She was brave, beautiful, intelligent, and fearless.”

Secret of the Sonnets was a delightfully charming romance! Miranda and Robert are brought together by the mystery surrounding Shakespeare’s sonnets. Robert needs money to pay off the steep debt left to him by his late father and Miranda is trying to make a name for herself in the scholarly world of men.

The carriage incident that sparks the start of a friendship between our MCs was hilarious. Robert was already a goner for Miranda before even knowing her name. I love a good mystery that forces two people together. Robert and Miranda couldn’t be more different, but this didn’t stop them from getting to know the person within. Even when it seemed like it had reached a dead end, I love that they looked for ways to be around each other. It warmed my heart to see how they overcome the perceived obstacles in their way.

Robert’s sisters and Miranda’s family were fantastic supporting characters. Alice was also a treat with her mishaps and antics. There are some characters that characters that will get under your skin, but as the story unfolds, they get what the deserve. The way things play out in the end is super satisfying. I highly recommend this lighthearted romance with a delicious dash of mystery!

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.

A lively and entertaining historical romance featuring an unusual and strong character, Miranda.
I had fun, rooted for the characters, and enjoyed the story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed this story with quirky characters and fun Shakespeare lines. The search for a copy of Shakespeare's signature was fun as well!

How wonderful is it to read a scholarly mystery set in the regency era?
Miranda is an outspoken and witty young woman who wants to make a name for her self as a scholar. She loved Shakespeare and a clue in the search for a hidden manuscript leads her to Robert’s estate. He is worn out lord, desperately trying to curtail his mothers spending and pay his late fathers debts. And that’s not to mention needing to pay for his sisters wedding and find an heiress to marry himself. After all, it seems to be the only solution to saving his family from ruin. Unless he and Miranda can find the hidden manuscripts-they could be worth a fortune. I love the relationship between Miranda and Robert as they fall for each other while on their treasure hunt. I also thought it was so cute they way her parents interacted with them-I loved that dynamic! The plot was fun and unique, with an unexpected plot twist! If you love regency era romance, and also love unique and captivating stories, make sure to read this one asap!

Oh my goodness. This book. 5 stars. I would give it 6 stars if I could. I’m not a fan of Shakespeare at all, but I found the story compelling and driving me to learn more. I loved the character of Miranda. She was book smart, society smart, and completely willing to push against society’s expectations of what her role should be as a scholar. Robert (Lord Hamilton) is more like myself, not entirely interested in Shakespeare and his life, but interested in saving his family and interested in Miranda. Robert’s mom was a piece of work, she drove me crazy, but she had her rightful place in the story to move things along. If you love Shakespeare, you are in for a treat when you read this book. And if you don’t, you will still like the book. Its a wonderful story!

Thank you to the author and Net Galley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own, I was not required to share a review of this book.

"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 discover 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."

Love and manuscripts!

i can’t with miranda and robert they are total sweethearts! i had so much fun with this book, and honestly didn’t think i would enjoy a book about shakespeare that much. miranda is a scholar, obsessed with out dear friend william and with the help of her father and robert, a marquess, they decide to go after his missing manuscripts. i really liked this little treasure hunt, it was very enjoyable. most of all i found that the parallel the author made between anne hathaway (shakespeare’s wife not the actress) and miranda as well as the liberty they took with historical facts added a more modern side to the story that fitted miranda’s character. finally, yes, her and robert were just adorable.

I am usually not one to read historical romances, But oh man, this book was so fascinating. Samantha Hastings really did her research on Shakespeare's life, which she mentions at the end of the book that she did her dissertation on William Shakespeare.

Top things I LOVED about this book:
* Mystery, intrigue and villains
* Bookish MC.
* Forbidden Love Trope:
* Witty remarks

The way this story flowed was so smoothly. It never jumped ahead or had lagging moments. It kept my attention throughout the whole story.
I loved how Miranda was scholarly. Her comebacks when talking to certain people, like the main villain in the story, was *chef's kiss* That was one of my favorite things about her. She was up for adventures like grave digging but could also dance in a ball. Miranda was a well rounded character and I liked that.
Robert was an another amazing character. He put asides his pride and does what he needs to do to get through his hard financial times. His love and respect for Miranda was so sweet. Their love story is one I will remember for a while.
I just really enjoyed this book. And I highly recommend it. I loved it and I think everyone else will too. Great book to start out 2023!

I enjoyed this book which is about a scholar who's looking for Shakespeare's manuscripts and a lord in dept who both pair up where an attraction grows. Let me say that I'm not a huge historical fiction fan but Hastings did not disappoint. There is a lot of Shakespeare reference in this book and in the beginning I thought it was going to be overwhelming but honestly the author did such an amazing job balancing out the fiction, story and romance into one. I mean there were some parts where I rushed over the information just to get to the cute part but it was pretty good. I loved the adventure to this story and that it involved true reference instead of make believe reference. The pacing was great, the storyline was well structured and I really enjoyed the setting.

This book is written from Miranda and Robert's pov. I really enjoyed both characters in this book. Miranda is the scholar looking for the manuscripts and Robert is the lord in debt. Both characters were so well written and easy to relate to. They had great self development throughout the book but their chemistry was so cute! There were also many side characters in this book who were pretty involved in the story. This book has historical romance which is a friends to lovers trope. It's not completely the main thing about the book but is part of it.

The ending was okay but nothing big about it. The story overall was pretty good and I really enjoyed reading this book. I did have some minor issues but nothing big. Hastings did a wonderful job writing this book and I really enjoyed the Shakespeare aspect of it. I totally recommend that your read this book especially those who love historical fiction, Shakespeare and adventure.