REVIEW: "Protecting Her Heart" by Nancy Campbell Allen

 

About the book…

*Title: Protecting Her Heart

*Author: Nancy Campbell Allen

*Genre: Historical fiction, Mystery, Romance

*Series: Book #3 of the Matchmaker’s Trilogy {See review for book #1 here and review for book #2 here!}

*Recommend for: Ages 16 & up

My Personal Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

📖Synopsis

London, 1887

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family’s estate. Among her father’s possessions is a box of her late mother’s letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte’s grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother’s death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone—her treasured friend and director of London’s police force, John Ellis.

John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.

Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more—and opening her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.

💭My Thoughts 

I enjoyed this, and am a little sad that this fun trilogy is over!

This book definitely had a sadder overall feel than the previous two books, simply because the main murder being investigated was that of Charlotte’s very own mother. However, that being said, I think the author did a great job keeping the book from being too heavy and hard to read. There was some banter, humor and romantic elements that lightened the mood throughout the book.

I really loved the cousins’ relationship a lot, though I wonder how likely it is that a very similar chain of events would happen to each of them in the space of 5 years…

Also, this is a little odd, but I think I should note that I really, really liked Dirk. In fact, I liked him more than John. I kind of wish Charlotte had somehow ended up with him! He was just so quiet, sweet, loyal and relatable, and once he warmed up, the little gestures of kindness and care that he made were the best. I rather wonder why exactly the author included some of the things Dirk did/said with Charlotte if they weren’t meant to be together. It did not seem at all like it was supposed to be a love triangle either. Hmm. 🧐 Also, a random note: If my memory serves me, all three MLs from the three books had “half smiles”. That brings me to what I have been saying throughout the whole trilogy...I would love to see more unique, fleshed-out characters and character arcs.

While not the most compelling mystery I’ve read, it was still entertaining and got exciting towards the end. I don’t really have too many thoughts on this final book…it was overall a good read, and aside from some of the physical romance, altogether this trilogy was fun and I enjoyed it!

⚠️Content notes

Wanting to kiss & almost kissing; remembering & missing kisses; several kisses lasting up to a few sentences in length; “kissing her senseless” is said; noticing lips; touching & wanting to touch; Charlotte’s mother was said to be “pursuing a married man”; no language stronger than “blast it all”, “what the devil” & “give a fig”; a character “cannot imagine God’s reasoning in calling Charlotte’s mother home so young”; several murders happen; Charlotte looks at the autopsy photos of her mother- some details; Being attacked; a fairly detailed fight scene lasting several pages; severe injuries, pain & blood; drinking port & smoking a cigar; mention of children dying from influenza; Charlotte says “Now that we’re married, you can change your clothes in my bedchamber and Mrs. Burnette will have nothing to say about it.”

❤️ This book is for you if…

You are an older teenaged girl who enjoys Victorian books, is alright with a very romantic mystery, and have read the first and second book of the Matchmakers trilogy.

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Bookishly yours, 

Lottie M.