4.5 🌟 rounded up to 5 for the series as a whole

Characters: 4
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 3
Setting: 4
Plot/Overall Story: 3
Writing: 4

Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points

I just love this series from Basham! The characters are some of my favorite and the wholesome stories of growth, rich settings, cultural references, faith elements and of course clean romance. All of these stories are super sweet and fun mixed with different writing styles that I just love- emails, letters, texts. I was so excited to read Luke’s story! This one was filled with fun troupes like a meet cute, one of us is famous/royalty, forced proximity, friends to lovers, and more! I really enjoyed it! While I will say the beginning didn’t catch me right away with all the construction talk, as soon as the Ellie was really a part of the story I was hooked. I still think Authentically Izzy will reign supreme as my favorite from the series, just because I related so much to her character, but the whole series is so fun and I love that I can recommend it to teens and adults! I also am so thankful to read a Christian fiction from Thomas Nelson that actually had Christian themes in it and real mentioned of faith- this is what we want TN!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Pepper Basham for the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

Just when you think a series could not get any better, along comes Luke’s story. When grumpy standoffish Luke falls head over heels for a real life princess, you can’t help but fall in love with him and this amazing cast of characters along the way.

Poor Luke (who is a Rambo watching, flannel wearing, manly man) feels like he is stuck in a Hallmark movie of the worst kind. Then, just when he thinks it can’t get any worse…well…it does. This books was such a fun read. I would HIGHLY recommend the whole series.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Book #3 in the Skymar series, you really will need to read book 1, Authentically Izzy, and book 2, Positively Penelope, to understand all the subtle and not subtle nuances. I will admit that Loyally Luke is my favorite because, well, Luke.


Basham continues with the same writing style (epistolary) as the first two books, so many emails and texts, however she adds a lot more face to face interaction to this one. And does it so well that the styles meld together easily.


I absolutely love this family of siblings/cousins and was so sorry to see the series end. But what an ending. A true to life princess meets a lumberjack style builder. Sparks fly. Doubts fly. You’ll need to read it to find out what happens because I was gobsmacked.


Grab a copy, settle in with your favorite beverage, and enjoy returning to Skymar.


I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The way the author writes was kinda new for me, took me a while to get it. But when I finally did, the story was almost halfway done, so I couldn't really get into it.

Still, there were some things I liked. The small town setting was nice, and the whole found family idea was cute and. Also, the fun text messages at the start of each chapter were cool.

Didn't grab me right away, but if you're into cozy small-town stuff and stories about found families, you might enjoy it more than I did. Remember, these are just my thoughts. Everyone's got different tastes.

Pepper Basham's novel, "Loyally, Luke," takes readers on a delightful journey of unexpected romance and self-discovery. The story centers around Luke Edgewood, a self-proclaimed bachelor, who finds himself thrown into an unfamiliar world of love, adventure, and impossibilities. With his trademark wit and charm, Basham paints a vivid picture of Luke's journey as he navigates the complexities of romance while working on a construction project in the enchanting country of Skymar. From the very beginning, Luke makes it clear that he has no interest in romance, preferring solitude, black coffee, and flannel. However, fate has other plans as he encounters a Grace Kelly lookalike who initially irritates him but gradually sparks his interest. The twist? She is a literal princess, making any relationship between them seemingly impossible. Basham skillfully weaves a tale of forbidden love, exploring the challenges and sacrifices that come with embracing the extraordinary. As Luke and the princess, whose name is revealed as the story unfolds, collaborate on restoring a castle-like orphanage in a secluded mountain town, readers are treated to a delightful blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and undeniable chemistry. Basham captures the essence of "forced proximity" with cleverly crafted scenes, including a small closet, a secret journal, and the forbidden allure of holding a royal in one's arms. The tension between their growing connection and the constraints of their respective positions adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The author's writing style is engaging and laced with humor, making the story an enjoyable and immersive experience. The characters, especially Luke, are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their world and evoking a range of emotions. Basham's attention to detail transports readers to the enchanting landscape of Skymar, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story. "Loyally, Luke" encompasses all the elements of a captivating romance novel, delivering a heartfelt and satisfying read. Pepper Basham skillfully combines the allure of fairy tale romance with relatable characters and a touch of magic. Readers will find themselves cheering for Luke and the princess as they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness. In conclusion, "Loyally, Luke" is a charming and enchanting novel that reminds us of the power of love and the beauty of embracing the impossible. Pepper Basham's storytelling prowess shines through, offering readers an engaging and memorable reading experience. Whether you're a fan of romance or simply seeking an uplifting tale, this book is a must-read. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite flannel, and embark on a journey that will warm your heart and leave a smile on your face.

uch a cute rom com! A princess and a carpenter fall in love while working on a project together. He was very sweet with her and brought her out of her shell. I also loved Luke’s relationship with his sisters and his care for the children in the orphanage.

“But real love isn’t so much looking out for myself as it is the other person’s best. Helping them shine.”

Honestly, this book took me forever to get through and I had to force myself to finish it because I felt an obligation to. I just could not get into this at all…I know I received an uncorrected proof of this book, but boy were there spelling errors galore. The storyline itself was just not what I was expecting, and I found myself literally forcing myself to read this book just to get through it.

Thankful that I received a copy of this book, however it just was not for me.

This was a fun and light read! The content wasn't totally for me, but I can tell that it was well written and the characters were very well done. I can see why fans of this series really love Luke!

Cheesy and charming, the latest installment in the Edgewood family series is Pepper Basham at her most self-aware tropeyness. The characters are as likeable, and the ridiculous situations as funny and far-fetched, as readers would expect from Basham from her previous Edgewood books. Enemies-to-lovers isn't my favorite trope, but Basham made it work, developing Ellie and Luke as fun individually and together. My favorite part of the story was the focus on Ellie's redemption with God's help. I also enjoyed the adorable kids.

However, for my personal taste, there was too much focus on kissing and physical attraction for people who weren't even dating and might just hurt each other. I also felt that some other characters were a bit one-dimensional.

Overall though, this is an enjoyable read and just what I'd expect from Pepper Basham. I always jump at the chance to read her books because they are truly feel-good: not because they ignore the bad parts of life, but because they encourage joy and hope despite difficulties.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. I will publish this review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram closer to the book's publication date.

Loyally Luke is a sweet romance about a grumpy carpenter from North Carolina who travels to the country of Skymar to assist on renovating an orphanage with a woman named Ellie. The more he gets to know Ellie throughout the renovation, the more he feels like he my find love in Skymar after all. A surprising twist involving Ellie's identity makes Luke sure that they can never be together despite his feelings. I enjoyed the romance between Ellie and Luke, his banter with his sisters and some of the faith elements included in the book. The main conflict of the book felt drawn out at times, but despite that was a wholesome and enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. I felt like it was too predictable and a lot of the conversation between characters (especially the texting back and forth) felt very juvenile. I may have liked this when I was a teenager or in my early 20s but as a 30 something mom, it just is not something that held my attention at all. Thanks for the opportunity to review it.

Wow-this was the best kind of surprise book. I couldn’t put it down. A smart, endearing romance about the power of bravery and finding those you love. I hadn’t read any of Pepper Basham’s books, but I definitely will now. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. A huge thanks to NetGalley for the advanced read!

Ahhh, this was a delightful finish to an enchanting series.

I was down with a cold last week, so jumped ahead in my TBR pile to this gem; I needed a laugh, and knew anything by Pepper Basham would fit the bill. This absolutely did the trick!

After two books written from the female perspective/a female MC, it was fun to flip the switch with Luke. His story made for an entirely different ballgame (or Hallmark movie, a reference I'm sure he would hate--which makes me love it all the more, haha). I was truly sad for the book to end, because not only was it over, it meant the series was, too!

Plenty of LOL moments, as to be expected; Basham continues to shine here and bring plenty of humor!

For new readers entering the series (yaaaaaay, you have much to look forward to): I do recommend reading the books in order, as they build on each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loyally Luke is a light and sweet story featuring a quaint small town, an orphanage in need of rescue, and a newly reformed princess. This gentle romance provided lovely escape, and I really enjoyed the loveable side characters. Luke was kind and endearing and I loved seeing him and Ellie work though her list.

The book's tongue in check references to hallmark movies are apt- it reads just like a cosy movie, without being overly corny. This is a great read for anyone looking a warm romantic read without unnecessary complication.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A delightful romance with a meaningful message! This third book in the series is a fun, fast read with surprising depth.

"Sometimes the best people to come into our lives are the ones we least expect."
Luke's humorous and hard working personality shine here, but his encouragement to a discouraged princess brings out the best of him. A bit of a pride and prejudice beginning quickly turns into a mutual respect friendship and more. For sure a romance, with some sighworthy kissing moments, but it is squeaky clean otherwise.
I enjoyed the banter with his sisters in texts and emails--still laugh out loud funny to read--yet this time they were more about encouraging Luke. The heart-to-heart talks with the little girl, Faye were heart melting. Who can resist a guy who cares enough to take the time to stop and listen to a little girl?
The author adds a welcome message of hope and inspiration interjected briefly into conversations without weighing down the plot. Knowing that we aren't lost causes no matter how many mistakes we make, is something many of us need to hear. Dealing with family expectations is also a struggle many people can relate to at different stages of life.
Recommend reading the previous books in the series to thoroughly enjoy this one. Hoping there will be another. 4.5 stars

I shrieked throughout the whole book, it was that cute. I love a grumpy and sunshine character duo and this book brought it all. As someone who adores European countries and want to escape through the characters, this one was perfect. 10/10, all the stars. Get ready to fall right off a cliff in love with these characters.

I received a copy of this for my honest review

This is the third book in an interconnected standalone series. Luke is a country boy, who has moved to Skymar to help his grandfather rebuild a cabin. Ellie, or Princess Elliana, is the youngest royal of Skymar, who is working to rebuild her reputation after some bad press. Luke and Ellie's meet cute, getting each others coffees, and spilling it on him, helps to convince his sister Penny that he is destined to live a Hallmark Movie, he just wants to keep his head down. He gets a contract to help refurbish a local orphanage, and it happens that Ellie is there as a project manager. At first they are both angry at each other, but as they work together they start to expand their relationship - except Luke has no idea that Ellie isn't just Ellie. They battle their desire for each other, with the knowledge that she wants to be a working royal, and he wants to keep his business in the US.

I've recently gotten into romcoms, I read some good and some bad, but most importantly I read maaany of them. So now my standards are a little higher than before for this genre. And while I found "Loyally, Luke" to be a rather enjoyable rom-com, I wish it'd been a little less superficial and/or stereotypical.

The story is as follows: Luke is an American carpenter who just moved to Skymar, a (fictional) European island, to repair an orphanage for a couple of months. On his first day, he meets a lovely-looking young lady but after a coffee mix-up at the airport, they basically hate each other on sight. Then, the story develops *exactly* as you'd expect: at the orphanage, he realises she's his boss, they become friends, then more, she doesn't tell him she's a princess, he discovers it at the wrong time and is angry with her, but they reconcile, and blah blah blah.

I KNOW many rom-com are based on tropes and cliches, and this one purposefully does this (as shown by the number of times the characters refer to their own lives as "a Hallmark movie") but there were just so many clichés there was nothing original at all! My problem is, I don't like Hallmark movies. They're just unpalatably sweet for me. I usually prefer rom-com books because they have a bit more substance and introspection than their movie counterparts. But that's what was missing here for me — I'd have liked to seen more profound reflections about what it means to be a princess, what should someone give up to be with the one they love, etc. Some sections (e.g. the paparazzi and the ball) were basically a "microwave-reheated" version of the Princess Diaries (which I believe is also mentioned in this book actually). And don't get me started on repairing an orphanage (#PrincessDiaries)! Most orphanages have been replaced by foster families in this day and age, and Luke proposing to find foster families for the children is not a genius, original idea. Lastly, the text message conversations absolutely did not seem credible at all, no one writes like they talk.

Anyways, after this long rant (sorry about that), I must still say that it was still a somewhat enjoyable read. I wanted to read something light, I wanted a rom-com, and this book is exactly what it pretends to be, there is no deception. While I'd have liked a stronger backstory and a bit more depth, some people — the Hallmark fans, notably — will find in "Loyally, Luke" all the ingredients of the simple, cliché romances they love. This book was generally well written, rather well paced, and there were a few mildly-developed side characters, which is always a plus. I also enjoyed the setting of the book, it certainly made me want to visit this fictional place.

Overall, not a bad read. A bit too sugar-sweet for me, though.
A clean, lighthearted romance which fans of Hallmark movies will probably enjoy.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Am I allowed to love the third book in a series the most?!

I loved everything bookish and epistolary about "Authentically, Izzy." I positively adore the pure delight that is "Positively, Penelope."

But "Loyally, Luke"? His wry sense of humor, his careful craftsmanship, and his endless patience with his sisters make him a humble hero in every sense of the word. He aims for that delicate balance between fixer and friend. And he's loyal to home and family.

Pepper Basham writes books with characters who feel like friends—and in this case, they feel like family, because Luke reminds me of the best men in my life (my husband, daddy, brothers, and guy cousins).

Luke Edgewood is headed to Skymar to help out with some construction projects and his sister Penelope and cousin Izzy (who is more like a sister than a cousin since she was raised with the Edgewood family) both hope he’ll find love in Skymar – after all, they both recently found their happily-ever-after's there. Luke has been hurt in the past, and isn’t sure that love is in the cards for him, and when he (literally) runs into Ellie St. Clare at the airport and things get off to a rough start, he’s sure he’s right. Little does he know that Ellie is also overseeing one of the construction projects he’s been hired to work on and he’s going to be spending a lot of time with her … he also doesn’t know she’s a Princess.

Luke Edgewood is a swoon-worthy character if there ever was one! I’ve greatly enjoyed his character through this entire series and was so excited when I found out he was going to get his own book, and his story did not disappoint! Luke is a builder who loves to wear flannel and is very down-to-Earth. He’s also very committed to those he loves. I think what makes Luke such a loveable character is the fact that he has a softer side that he is most definitely not afraid to show, but having grown up with 3 “sisters” he also doesn’t like to talk about all the frou-frou and his replies during the sibling’s text message chains can be downright hilarious!
This novel could be read as a stand-alone, but I would highly recommend reading the first two books in the series -- “Authentically, Izzy”, and “Positively, Penelope”, I think having read those first made reading “Loyally, Luke” an even more enjoyable experience. My only complaint with this story was that it had to end!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."