I have always enjoyed reading novellas, and most people know I love novella collections. There are many books in this category that sit on my bookshelves. I think it is because you can read a story—many stories—rather quickly and feel a sense of accomplishment with getting quite a bit of reading done. It is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with a cup of tea by your side!

Joanna Baker’s story, Beauty and the Baron, fits into this line of work perfectly. This modern retelling of Beauty and Beast puts a regency spin on this classic tale. Rose Sinclair finds herself in a desperate situation with nowhere to turn. She is penniless, but she is trying to find a way to pay back her father’s debts. Yet with her station in life altered, this plan is more than difficult. Once a worker in a book shop, now she must become a house maid in order to earn a living. Will her life every be the same again, and how can she ever pay back all she owes? Her predicament seems quite bleak, and there appears to be no end in sight to this miserable existence that makes up her days. Will she ever find comfort in her world?

Henry Covington has faced many tragedies in his life; therefore, he tends to keep most people at a distance. He does not see the need to converse much with others or to be tangled up with too many attachments. So many have taken advantage of his position, so Henry rarely lets his guard down. However, when he meets a new servant, his thoughts begin to change. He is puzzled by the woman in front of him, and he discovers a desire to know her better. Will her friendship be the key to break the spell surrounding this heart?

If you enjoy reading fairy tales or regency works, then you will love this new novella by Joanna Baker. I can’t wait to read more stories from her! Have a wonderful day and happy reading friends!

About the Book

Rose Sinclair has run out of options. With her father in prison and their bookshop sold to pay his debts, she has no choice but to turn to Henry Covington, the Baron Norcliffe. But the baron has more than earned his harsh reputation, and Rose must face his wrath in order to save her father—and herself.

Since the deaths of his parents, Henry Covington has isolated himself from society, ensuring the solitude of his estate with his deliberate callousness. However, when the beautiful Miss Sinclair appears on his doorstep, begging for a chance to repay her father’s debt to him, a moment of weakness finds him offering her a position—as a maid in his own house.

They both soon learn that first impressions are not to be believed. Henry is surprised—and intrigued—by Rose’s optimistic charm, while Rose slowly uncovers Henry’s true self, his compassion concealed behind the pain of loss and betrayal. But when a shadow from Henry’s past returns, their newfound hope is tested. They must decide for themselves who to trust—and what they will risk for their happily ever after.

Available Here

AMAZON

About the Author

Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.