Protecting Her Heart - (Proper Romance Victorian) by Nancy Campbell Allen (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"--

Book 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.

Review Quotes

"Allen's chaste and diverting third Hampton House Victorian romance (after To Capture His Heart) pairs a newly minted female doctor with the police officer helping her to investigate a cold case. ... Charlotte is just the kind of strong female lead historical romance readers adore, and the forward-thinking hero is her ideal counterpart. Add in a pinch of mystery, and this proves irresistible."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Victorian London in 1887, with its class issues, prim morals, and elaborate entertainments, provides a vivid backdrop for Campbell's compelling combination of romance, mystery, and historical fiction.... Teens who like historical romantic suspense will enjoy the gritty 1880s London setting and the independent heroine."-- "Booklist"

"Readers will delight in this suspenseful Victorian mystery mixed with a slow-burn romance and will enjoy seeing many characters from other series installments play an integral role in solving the murder."-- "Library Journal, Starred Review"

About the Author

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of many Proper Romance novels, including Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart, and To Capture His Heart. She has been a speaker at numerous writing conferences and events. She has a degree in elementary education and is the mother of three children.