BOOK REVIEW - Love Unseen - Rachel Kelley Stones - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
One of my favourite parts this page is being able to promote debut authors. So I'm pleased to recommend to you all Love Unseen! This is a read-in-one-sitting-couldn't-put-down read! Often book synopsis are too long and give away the whole story but this book is so pleasantly surprising because the synopsis didn't give away the best parts of the book, I got to discover them for myself! And because I hate spoilers I'm not going to tell you what they are either, you'll have to find them out for yourself too. Hannah's challenges are not explored in many stories and I really enjoyed seeing her quiet but strong spirit overcome them and the people who would put her down because of them. I really liked Jonathan because he is far from perfect but is aware of his faults and working to be a better man.

THE ROMANCE
Prepare yourselves people, this is a slow burn but the story is so engrossing you don't mind the wait too much. Jonathan and Hannah are so sweet! They have a pretty rocky start but I just love how eventually Jonathan comes to really see Hannah and can't believe others haven't seen how amazing she is!

THE TRUTHS
We will all experience hardships in our lives. It's inevitable. It's life. No one is exempt. So then it's up to us how we respond to life's challenges. We can be miserable, bitter and angry at how our life is. Or we can pray for the strength, to not only get through it, but to rise above it with a peace, joy and contentment that only comes through trusting God. Remembering that God had promised us that we He will never give us more than we can handle! Chin up, you can do this, you are not alone!

This story will stay with you after turning the last page. The characters were so real in their feelings and actions. We are all-at times-defensive of our perceived limitations. We want welcome the moments to embrace our strengths, and usually find those when we have a friend as a cheerleader. The best part of this story is that the main characters are able to overcome misunderstandings together and become that cheerleader for each other.

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.

This is a book that was interesting in premise but I'm not sure how I felt about it as a whole.

Here is the set up: Hannah has lost her sight due to a case of the measles. Additionally she has lost her father, the only one her family who supported her after she lost her sight. She is resigning herself to a life of spinsterhood filled with slights and abuses from her family when she meets their new neighbor - Johnathan Carter. He is the son of a merchant who has just returned from the West Indies and though has no social connections comes with a lot of money. Both of these social outcasts grow together and see if it's possible for a love match to form.

My thoughts: I could not get it out of my head that the author didn't realize if a British man at this time is making his fortune in the West Indies - he's making it off of slave labor. whole fortune, slave labor. Just go be a naval officer and commit war crimes in the battle against Napoleon or something. Or make up some story about how he was really against slave labor in the indies. We are too far into the 2020s to not recognize the contributions of slaves to the wealth of the British.

Overall Hannah was kind and well thought through, but this one was only good if you can suspend your disbelief sufficiently far and I just couldn't.

Thank you to NetGalley who gave me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have never encountered a book with a main character that is blind, and I am sad I haven't before. This was such a great insight into understanding what someone with that kind of disability at that time would have to encounter. Not only in the world and its inaccessibility, but the society around them and their "standards".

The two main characters are not small and timid. Both have fire when poked and prodded. But they also are champions of those they care for. They both use their best efforts to make others happy and feel cared for and loved. The plot had so many twists and turns without feeling fabricated. It felt natural, but then unexpected.

Near the end of the book a sense urgency takes over and you will not want to close the pages of the book, turn your kindle off, or pause the recording, let alone close your eyes. You will be eager and yearning to devour every sentence until that HEA. Because that HEA is a given with a romance, if you didn't already know that. ;)

Enjoy a beautiful book by Rachel Kelley Stones. Can't wait to look for more of her titles in the future.

I enjoyed this regency romance. I love the characters and I loved how they dealt with each of their struggles. I liked that Hannah and Jonathan’s courtship started off rocky but I loved how he saw her for the wonderful person she is even when her own family didn’t treat her well. I loved that he didn’t let her disability keep him from loving her. I thought this story was very sweet and very well written. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This is such a unique spin on regency romance. The main character is blind. The author did such a great job putting you in Hannah’s spot and going through the story with her perspective. Jonathan gets off on the wrong foot when he makes a terrible impression. He unknowingly disses her when he isn’t aware of her blindness. He thinks she is just being rude, so he isn’t kind in return. When he finds out, he is rightly contrite and apologizes. When they keeps getting put into each others paths, the acquaintance turns to friendship.

Soon Jonathan knows he wants more. He is desperate to get her away from her terrible, hateful mother and sister. Her brother is spineless and refuses to stand up to their other. Jonathan, not out of pity, but out of love, want to marry her. Hannah is rightfully hesitant. She has been told her whole life she isn’t wanted and is a burden.

I absolutely loved this story. Apart from it being unique, it is lovely and so sweet! Jonathan and Hannah’s story will give you all the feels and renew your belief in love!

This book was beautiful! Hannah has some struggles that aren't always seen by those around her. Jonathan has moved back to England with his mother and sister but faces prejudices of the ton because of his new money.

Love Unseen has one amazing (disastrous?!) "meet cute". I won't spoil it, but everything suddenly clicked into place for me because I was NOT expecting that. The direction of the book (given in the title) made sense! It’s a little unusual for regency, but totally worked!

The word choice in this book is fantastic. Jonathan's views contain descriptions and visual words. Hannah's view focuses a lot on sounds and feelings. The writing style itself is beautiful.

Jonathan has several moments where his emotions choose his actions for him. I did want to… perhaps forcefully encourage… his brain to think about his words better!! Although, perhaps it’s a good lesson for all of us how much we rely on others to interpret the meaning behind our words. Especially when body language isn’t available, what would our words say about us?

Hannah faces her trials with grace and courage. She doesn’t give up and tries to find solutions on her own to get out of some sticky situations. She tends to not think as highly of herself though. I love how she that opinion grows and changes throughout the story.

Add in an evil mother and you have the perfect storm. I highly recommend this story!!

Favorite quotes:

“Never have I met someone who pushes me to reconsider my thoughts and opinions like you do.”

“Admitting mistakes was one thing; fixing them shaped a man for the better.”

“Perhaps we should also reserve our judgment of others until we understand them better. Everyone has their own set of refining trials in life.”

“For the first time in a long time, I felt seen.”

“His efficiency and confidence gave me hope when I had exhausted my own.”

“I know this is hard, but anything worth learning usually is. When all is dark around you, you must create your own light.”

“My heart clenched at his show of affection. Bit by bit, I was losing my grip on reality and drowning in hope. All things seemed possible when Jonathan stood at my side.”

Love Unseen by Rachel Kelley Stones gave me two of my favorite things - a unique premise and a promising debut author. As someone who reads a lot of Regency era romance, I'm always on the lookout for a premise I haven't encountered before and a new author I can enjoy for years to come! I am happy to have found both of those here. I don't want to say much more. I think the less known going in the better the story will unfold. I will simply say I found Love Unseen propulsive and endearing. There are some truly horrible characters and moments, but the heart of story is charming. I am looking forward to what Rachel Kelley Stones writes next. 3.5 stars

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love Unseen is a wonderful debut love story. This is not your typical regency romance; it is so much better.

Hannah Hadley is a at a ball with her family and hears the pop of stitches from the gown she is wearing, and immediately worries her mother will be angry with her. Rightfully so, her mother lashes out at her. As they are attempting to leave, they are introduced to their new neighbor, Mr. Jonathan Carter and his family. He is wealthy and a gentleman but does not have a title. The ton are not as accepting of new money especially without a hereditary title. But Hannah's sister Julia is immediately interested in Mr. Carter.

Jonathan asks Hannah to dance but she politely declines and remains in the wallflower area to be alone. It is not clear at first why Hannah Hadley is a spinster. Jonathan is immediately insulted and assumes it is a slight against him by her refusal to dance.

The next day Jonathan is being escorted to meet his neighbors and meets the Hadley family again. During a conversation with Hannah she reveals the reason for not dancing is because she is blind. Jonathan is shocked and careless with his words towards her, and he apologizes. And so goes each visit they have, he again apologizes and misspeaks with her again. But despite these offences, he knows he needs to apologize. Hannah is brave, intelligent, and caring despite not physically seeing, she still strives to be a productive individual in society even though most don’t know how to handle her. She has a few friends who love and support her for who she is.

The more time they spend together the more Jonathan realizes how extraordinary Hannah is. But Hannah does not believe she will ever marry and misinterprets Jonathan's intentions toward her.

Hanna's mother has her own agenda and intends to hide Hannah away. Will James be able to find Hannah before it is too late.

There is so much going on in this story. From the beginning, we see how she tries to find her way after she loses her sight. I was embarrassed by Jonathan's missteps in dealing with Hannah. His mistakes were from lack of knowledge rather than cruelty she receives from some of her family. But overall, this story shows that there is value in each of us.

I loved this story as it touched my heart deeply with the care and love Jonathan brought to Hannah's life that was lacking.

Me deparar com Love Unseen foi um tanto inusitado. À primeira vista parecia só mais um romance de época comum e, mesmo curtindo o gênero, não é o meu principal, então facilmente o deixaria de lado, ainda mais para uma leitura em inglês. Mas qual não foi a minha surpresa ao descobrir que além de ser um romance clean, ou seja, sem hot, tinha como protagonista uma moça que com deficiência visual? E ainda que com os percalços ainda mais densos da época para lidar com PcDs, não tive dúvidas, esse eu tinha que ler.

O saldo desse interesse tão pontual, felizmente, acabou bem positivo. A narrativa da autora foi tranquila levando em conta ser de época e em inglês, mesmo o início demorando um pouco para engatar enquanto eu ainda estava conhecendo os protagonistas, em especial o Jonathan, que levou alguns bons capítulos iniciais pra se mostrar realmente interessante. Nossa mocinha, por outro lado, teve mais êxito nisso, por, muito além de falar e mostrar um pouco de sua vivência após perder a visão para uma doença há alguns anos, ela também compartilha de interesses e memórias particularmente doces e lindas com o pai, já falecido, quanto ao amor pelos livros.

Os primeiros encontros deles são um tanto desajeitados, pela falta de tato de Jonathan com sua condição e também pelo pé atrás que ele tem com a sociedade londrina em geral ali, uma vez que muitos olham meio torto para ele e sua família por não terem um título, apenas bens adquiridos com muito esforço pelo pai. Tão logo Hannah e Jonathan dão-se uma chance de conhecer melhor as coisas passam a fluir mais, e aí é a vez do plot começar ainda mais com a família da moça.

Intragável é pouco para eles. No começo nem parecia grande coisa que não o puro suco do capacitismo (o que, na verdade, já é grande coisa sim), mas piora. Sabe uma Cinderela às Avessas, só que com a própria mãe? Então... Não foram poucas as vezes que me pausando a leitura por estar tão irritada com a Mrs. Hadley e a forma com que ela e a filha caçula tratavam a primogênita, e isso inclusive antes da deficiência ter sido adquirida até, uma vez que Hannah em geral srmpre teve mais ligação com o pai. O irmão do meio e atual responsável pelas mulheres da família Hadley, o James, é um meio termo, infelizmente tão ludibriado pela mãe no início, e eu teria pegado raiva dele se o Jonathan não tivesse dado um choque de realidade nele antes.

Choque este que foi apenas um dos vários do plot como um todo, porque, olha, haja reviravolta! Não à toa, por isso, mesmo com a química crescendo aos poucos, Love Unseen seja um slow burn de peso com um romance que não é o centro da trama, mas a independência de Hannah em torno e para além dele. É difícil, por muitas vezes sofrido, acompanhar as injustiças e preconceitos que ela passa em meio a uma sociedade que só queria mantê-la invisível, mas de igual modo é tocante vê-la enfim criando coragem e vontade de lutar mais pelas decisões acerca de sua própria vida ao invés de continuar vivendo à sombra cruel da mãe.

Isso significa que não tem romance? Ah, não, temos sim! Ele só não está em peso no enredo, muito se trabalha mais de sentimentos até lá, o que me agradou, mas eu também gostaria de ter visto um pouco mais da Hannah e do Jonathan juntos do que como foi, que quase correu, mas ao mesmo tempo também com o motivo de, ainda, tratar outra questão ao final da história. Mas quatro estrelas é muito bom mesmo assim, então com certeza recomendo a leitura! Só se prepare para passar raiva com a família da Hannah - e, em contrapartida, se apaixonar pela do Jonathan, os Carter são uns amores e eu totalmente leria um livro só da Isabella, irmã caçula dele, se a autora vier a escrever um!

This was a very enjoyable read! I loved the way the author introduced the malady suffered by the main character, Hannah. When it was finally revealed, I had to go back to the beginning to see all of the clues that I had missed. The relationship between the main characters was fun to watch as they came to understand each other better. I look forward to reading more by this author.

This was an absolutely incredible book. There are so many scenes from it that we’re so beautiful. I also cried, which doesn’t happen very often, so that is how you know it is a powerful book.

As I was reading, I kept highlighting and taking screenshots of my favorite quotes (there are so many!). Here are a couple:

🌸”I started to regret choosing my sister for my confidant. Perhaps I should have faced my mother instead. My sister was too nosy, and I was too exhausted to fend her off.”

🌸”It was a gift of independence from someone so unexpected.”

🌸”Curse the minds of women. They confounded me at every turn.”

🌸”There are always those in life who choose to dislike and discourage, but that is a reflection of their character, not yours. You must learn to ignore them. I do.”

I loved the messages in this book as well. The author did an absolutely fantastic job. It was very well written, super entertaining, and had very strong characters.

Hannah and Johnathan have such a cute love story. I love how they have such a rocky beginning, filled with lots of misunderstandings and things said in the heat of the moments that they later regret. It was nice seeing such a realistic relationship in that way.

So far, I have been super impressed with anything Covenant publishes, and this only reinforced that. It is my new favorite ❤️

So many thanks for Covenant for giving me an ARC through NetGalley.

All thoughts, views, and opinions are my own.

Surprises, swoony but clean, cute ending!

I love reading books set in this time period but I’m grateful I didn’t live then. Trying to have a genuine relationship with anyone outside your family would have been extremely difficult, partly because communication was so restricted. Add to that a physical disability and you’re immediately overlooked and disregarded. This is the situation Hannah is in, but she stays kind and doesn’t let it prevent her from doing anything she wants to do.

The main characters are Jonathan Carter and Hannah. Hannah became blind at age 17 following an illness. She can do almost anything despite her lack of sight but is looked down upon and mistreated by many in society. The unexpected villain surprised me. Jonathan’s father was a merchant and became wealthy overseas, but his family isn’t accepted very well by the ton because they have newly moved up rather than having old money. Both of them are grieving the death of their fathers and struggle to be accepted by society.

This does not feel like a first book published by a debut author. It was really cute and I loved it.
Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy to use for my review.

Despite Hannah Hadley’s beauty, Jonathan Carter is a first uncertain why she is a still a spinster. It is only after their first meeting that he realises that an illness has prevented her from possibly finding a match. Likewise, Hannah does not realise that Johnathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable as he is from new money and plenty of it. Yet even though she rejects his offer to dance at their first meeting, they find themselves enjoying each other’s company after this. When circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association ends abruptly, leaving Jonathan to find a way to rescues Hannah who he loves or risk losing her forever.
An elegant and beautifully written story of two characters that find enjoyment in each other, despite society’s perception of them. Hannah is courageous and spirited, not letting her blindness prevent her from enjoying life. Yet it is Johnathan who grows in her presence, thinking beyond what his family’s position is in society, to doing all that he can to keep Hannah safe. Hannah gives him the ability to see beyond his position, even when life for her is challenging whilst under her family’s care. This is a book to savour.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this story. It pulled me right in and I stayed up way too late reading it. Hannah and Johnathan have some very rocky starts in this book, but once they get passed those to friendship it is really great. The villain is quite the villain in this story and it's pretty sad. I loved Hannah's strength through it all. She really is a remarkable character.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

What a beautiful story! I absolutely loved this book. A love tested and refined. Plenty of dastardly tricks. A few minor misunderstandings and a HEA ending. I read this in 1 sitting.

This book was AMAZING!
It was so well written I was shocked that it is a debut novel for this author.
The author did such a great job writing the story from a blind persons perspective (not a lot of visual descriptions). It was different from all the other regency books I’ve read. The characters were believable- I loved the main characters and really disliked the antagonists.
I loved the book and can’t wait for more from this author. This is probably a book that I will be buying a physical copy of.

I have read several debut novels and all of them have been great, but this one stands out because of the interesting play on words with the title and the main character. You find out quickly that Hannah is blind, but honestly it worked so well with this story! I loved the characters, the setting, the plot, just everything! My one draw back was that it did kind of drag at a few parts. Something big would happen and then the couple would be split apart and then they'd get back together and it would happen again. But I truly loved this book and will definitely read it again!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I loved the regency era historical fiction setting of this novel about a blind girl falling in love with a member of the non-ton. Hannah and Jonathan are fantastic characters and you will cheer for them at each point and boo for the horrible mother! Clean and sweet romance and id give it 4.5 stars!!!

I fell in love with this Regency romance! It had all the ingredients I adore, a character-driven plot, charming ballrooms, house parties, and a captivating romance. Jonathan, the self-made hero, had this brooding, protective nature that drew me in, while Hannah, the disabled heroine, was simply delightful. Their disastrous first meeting had me giggling, and I couldn't resist Jonathan's heartfelt apologies. The author's vivid descriptions brought the story to life, and the unwavering devotion between the characters melted my heart. With a perfect ending, I can't wait for more from this talented author!