I enjoyed how this was a different take on the Regency romance we're all used to. The rekindling of Sarah and James' relationship through the struggles of his personal changes is a delicious and emotional journey that I was excited to follow.

While I want to shake some sense into James, I came to understand his trauma and it's effects, and I think that makes for a very fresh male figure for the Regency romance genre. Real human vibes. It made for a truly wonderful read, especially combined with the well rounded characters and emotional struggles that I love in a novel.

First, I have to say kudos to this new author for tackling such a different plot in a Regency Romance. I just had a few problems with the very slow pace and gloomy feel throughout much of the book.

I didn't like the main male character, James Whitfield in the first half of the book. Even when he starts to redeem himself, by then, it was too late for me. I know he'd been at war and seen terrible things, but it wasn't his wife's fault and she didn't deserve to be treated that way. I didn't care if he wooed Sarah back. This made me really sad too.

I had more empathy for Sarah and was hoping for her to find happiness because she was so sad in the first half of the book. She waited five years for her husband to return from war to only be treated badly and ignored. I actually was hoping she'd get with the local widower who was kind and charming. I also loved Sarah's friends Lord and Lady Ramsey. I would love a novel just based on their early life and how they got together. They were terrific characters!

I know this book had many things characters were coping with in their lives such as grief, PTSD, depression, and guilt. So many heavy things to cover in one novel. There were many things the author chose to weave into the plot: romance, intrigue, adventure, and redemption. It was a huge job and I was amazed at how well she pulled it all together at the end.

I loved the writing and would read another book by this author, especially if there is a sequel. I'd love to give these characters and this world a second chance.
3.5 Stars

This one missed the mark for me.

It was quite a bit of the plot that just felt like it was left out. I didn't connect to the characters.

I hope that it finds it's reader!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. I won't be posting my review on social media since this was a miss for me.

There aren’t very many Regency Romances that start with a wedding and even fewer second chance romances that start that way giving this story a truly unique feel with really great writing.

From a cute story of finding love again, with Sarah’s patience and kindness healing James’ heart. To the unexpected espionage and her helping him rescue Patrick, Sarah really stole the show on this one. But I would have liked a little more backstory and development from each of them.

I am super excited about the possibilities of more from this universe, and can’t wait to see what this debut author does next.

*Happy Sigh* Y'all I was pulled into this book from the very beginning. Lord James' love and devotion for Lady Sarah was so adorable. It was fun seeing their story begin at their wedding, full of love and hope and excitement for their future.

Then the emotions start hitting as life happens and those dreams come crashing down in a way. James returns from the war having experienced loss and carrying guilt. Sarah has been lonely without her husband but has held onto her dreams and hope for when James returns and they can reunite and build their life together.

Seriously, the emotions hit! This is a debut book for Amanda Taylor and in my opinion, she did such an amazing job in writing these characters. Their struggles and dreams and loneliness and hope. The emotions were conveyed so well that it touched my heart and had me feeling these right along with the characters.

Be warned, you might want to slap James a few times throughout the book. One of my friends was reading the book after I did and she kept saying she was not happy with James. Thankfully, I was able to reassure her that he gets better and she's going to love him soon. He just needed to go on a journey and figure some things out in life. Especially remembering how much he loves Sarah!

There's plenty of angst and suspense and humor and banter and sweet and tender glances and touches. This book kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. In fact, I read it in one sitting cause I just connected with it and fell in love with everything about it.

Content: Some talk of war and memories of war. Some minor battles. But nothing graphic. Nothing explicit. Sweet and clean romance with only kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Does absence makes the heart grow fonder? Sarah and James thought they were in love and married. Too quickly, James was gone for five years, as a captain of his boat. Sarah, patiently waited, for his return. Living with his mother, brother (heir) and sister-in-law. When James’s brother Peter died from illness, James was summoned home to be heir of the estate. Sarah never could’ve imagined how her life could change with her husband’s return
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

i really enjoyed this debut by amanda taylor! i love a good marriage in crisis story and this didn’t disappoint. my heart ached for sarah as james continually pushed her away after his time in the navy. though his feelings were understandable, there were times he made me want to scream. i love that sarah eventually took things into her own hands and that it finally woke james up. i enjoyed how they reconnected and how james came to see how valuable sarah was. i also really like sarah and margot’s friendship and getting to know the ramsey’s as a couple. they were a great addition to this story. overall, this is a sweet, swoony read — highly recommend!

thank you to covenant communications for the advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.

Beautifully written debut novel by Amanda Taylor! I was hooked from the first chapter! I can’t wait for her next book!

Sarah and James are happily married for two weeks when James leaves to serve in the navy. Five years later he returns when his brother dies and he inherits the family title. Things are rocky between the couple, and they have to learn to love and trust again. I love how James got to learn how amazing and courageous Sarah is as they travel to France to spy and figure out how to save a friend who was taken captive during the war when James was serving as captain.

This is a fantastic debut novel! It's engaging and a fun plot. I loved the hints of the scarlet pimpernel that was thrown in. Sarah and James are a very cute couple. I love how they grow together and learned to rely on each other. Such a cute book!

For a first book it was decent. Not my favorite. I had a hard time with the story but that was just me. I had a hard time connecting with the characters.

“I have found one need not be perfect in marriage; one need only have the courage to try.”

Fantastic debut novel by Amanda Taylor! I enjoy a story that elicits a lot of different emotions and this story certainly did. It’s a second chance romance with highs, lows, and a touch of intrigue. It also alludes to one of my favorite classics, The Scarlet Pimpernel.

James, oh James! If there is one hero that needs a good shaking, it’s Lord James Whitfield. When we first meet him, he is happily anticipating his wedding with starry eyes and great expectations. Five years later, he returns home from the navy a jaded, brooding, frankly rude man. However, the reasons for his change in personality have to do with his recent losses. He had to give up his important position in the navy after the death of his elder brother, and witnessed his best friend brutally beaten and carted off by the French, presumably dead. Suffering from PTSD and survivor’s guilt, he shuts himself off from everyone, but most especially his wife.

Lady Sarah Whitfield is my favorite character! Enduring years of loneliness, she’s excited for her husband’s return, only to find a cold, distant man so unlike the person she married. After being ignored and mistreated, she decides to leave for London. Realizing his mistakes and hoping to salvage his marriage, James follows her. Just when things look promising, he receives word his friend may still be alive. Will he risk his second chance at love for the man who was like a brother to him?

I have to admit the first half of the book I was so upset with James. Though I could understand why he felt the way he did, I had a hard time with the way he acted towards Sarah. Sarah was so incredibly patient and forgiving. I liked the way she stood up for herself and left for London when she’d had enough of his behavior. I enjoyed seeing James try to win her back and learn to let her help share his burdens. Loved the secret flower garden and stolen kisses in the library. I enjoyed how all they go through helps James gain a new appreciation for his lovely wife.

I enjoyed side characters Lord and Lady Ramsey! I would love to read more about his adventures as a sort of Scarlet Pimpernel. The second half of the book was brimming with suspenseful action as Lord Ramsey, his wife, and a few of his friends, accompany Sarah to France to find James and help rescue his friend.

Definitely recommend to Regency romance fans! Looking forward to reading more by this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

This is my favorite genre. The story did not disappoint. While the story was typical of the time period, the characters were well established and very likable. The return of James from the war and his adjustment to life with Sarah his wife were sometimes agonizing but heartfelt. His grief over Patrick was understandable. As friends rallied and Sarah stood her ground the HEA ending was satisfying. Plenty of love, adventure and page turning action.

This is a sweet story about second chance, redemption and coming together as a couple to be stronger. James and Sarah were married, and shortly after, James left to the Navy. After 5 years and very little communication, James is unexpectedly thrust out of the navy and into the role his brother should have had. After his brother dies, he is forced to take over. He is suffering from loss and guilt, as his best friend was captured when it should have been James. He doesn't know if his friend is alive or dead, and is drowning in the guilt and, what we know now as, PTSD. Sarah was expecting to be reunited with the man she loves, but is instead met with coldness and indifference.

After things unravel and fall apart, she decides to head to London and leave James alone. He obviously doesn't want her around so she thinks he is doing him a favor. What happens instead is James is brought to rock bottom and comes to some harsh realities. One of them being, he is in love with his wife and can't let her go! He follows her to London and is in the process of wooing and courting her when news arrives of his friend and his location. He sees no other choice than to leave London and find his friend. He doesn't want to involve Sarah, for fear of her getting hurt. But Sarah is stronger than anyone realizes and follows him.

It is such a sweet story of redemption. James overcomes so much to show love to Sarah, and she is the epitome of forgiveness and love. I loved everything about this book! You get mystery, romance, and some history thrown in there! It is a can't miss!

Loved a nice clean historical romance that is clean and cute of an already married couple.

They marry and he immediately goes off to war, five years later he comes home with scars of war, and he is not the lovesick man as he was when he left.

Will this couple learn to fall in love again or are they doomed?

An Uncharted Devotion is a refreshing take on a classic love story. As Lord and Lady Whitfield are reunited after 5 years of separation, neither party is quite the same as when they made their vows on their wedding day. James returns battle-worn and grappling with the loss of his best friend. Sarah is greeted by a shell of the man she fell in love with. Both go through personal journeys as they learn to find joy in their lives, then allow each other back in to add to the peace they have found. I loved watching Sarah navigate James' mood swings before she draws healthy boundaries and fairly demands he figures out how to move on with his new life before they can rebuild their relationship. It was so endearing to watch James fall in love with his wife all over again. When they finally come together, they accomplish more than either originally thought was possible.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m honestly not sure what I think about this book. The storyline itself is good, there’s plenty going on in it, romance, action, a war in the background…but the characterisation has me a little at a loss.

There is a 5 year time jump that we are told nothing about.

Sarah is a very kind and understanding wife, and she has to put up with a heck of a lot in this book, I feel like she’s miserable the entire time!

James is suffering from PTSD and is pretty broken, which is fair enough…but he is also just plain petty at times!

I did love the angst and the tension between James and Sarah, and the action near the end is quite gripping. James re-wooing his wife is also very sweet.

It had its ups and downs, but overall it was an okay read. 3.5 ⭐️

This was a solidly good book. It captures some hard aspects of life, (such as grieving and overcoming past moments of darkness) and shows how we can overcome those through our connections to and support of those close to us. I like that message and think it's one we can take with us in life.

As I read this book, however, I failed to become wholly invested and captivated by the story and the characters. For a debut, it's quite a good novel. I do think that Sarah and James needed more depth to who they were, and they needed more connections as a married couple. They were a bit nondescript at times, and I had a hard time believing in their relationship.

One thing that would have helped is to have had more about their courtship and marriage prior to James leaving to war. That would have added more depth to their relationship and deepened their reasons for wanting to work things out. It also would make their relationship seem like something worth fighting for. As it stands, they seem like total strangers to one another, so what was the point in starting out the book with their wedding?

Anyway, I again reiterate that this is solid addition to the regency genre and it has an overall heartwarming message of fighting for and believing in relationships. For me, it wasn't altogether memorable when compared to the many other books I've read, but I know many clean regency readers will adore this book and its sweet message. If you like sweet second chance romances and a diversion to the regency era, you may enjoy this novel.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC and for the opportunity to review this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

An Uncharted Devotion is unique among books. I haven't read many books where the relationship between the two main characters has already been established, and they are in love. And the books that I have read where this might be the case have ended up where the initial relationship breaks down, and one or both move on to other relationships that suit them better. That wasn't the case with An Uncharted Devotion, and I liked it all the more for the difference.

The book starts off at James and Sarah's wedding. The two are desperately in love with each other. James is in the Navy and has two weeks with Sarah before being shipped out. The story picks up five years later. Sarah lives with James's mother and sister-in-law, and his older brother Peter has just passed away. Alice is now a widow and deeply in the throws of grief. James has inherited his brother's title and has been commissioned to return home. Despite her best efforts, Sarah has never been able to form much of a friendship with Alice. She has found friends over the last five years, but she has been very lonely. She misses James. And even his letters have nearly stopped altogether by the time Peter has passed.

James fully intends to remain in the Navy for the next five to ten years. The navy, his war experiences, as well as his promotion to Captain have all worked to change him into a hardened and aloof man. In the span of a very short time, James's friend gets captured by the French, his brother dies, he inherits a title he never expected to have, and he loses his career in the navy. He isn't a happy man when he arrives back home.

Oh my heart ached for Sarah. She wants so badly to restore the relationship she once had with James. They used to be so in love and connected. But now that he is home, he is either indifferent or harsh with her. Most of the time he tries to avoid her altogether. She can't make heads or tails of his feelings. And he won't open up to her. Because my own marriage has been going through one of the more challenging times lately, I found myself near tears and even had a few tears roll down my cheeks a time or two during the first half of this book.

I loved all of the side characters. Alice with her heartbreak and even her aloofness. James's mother was exactly what she needed to be. Sarah's friends, the Wilkeses, and especially Lord and Lady Ramsay. Shoot, even Patrick who had such a small piece of the story was fleshed out enough to feel real. I would love a spin-off from any of these characters.

Favorite quotes:
-Eventually, Sarah stopped trying to participate in the conversation because every response he gave, or lack thereof, felt like another rejection, over and over.

-"When we marriage, he was kind and attentive. I felt adored by him." More tears slid down her cheeks. "It is a cruel form of torture remembering, living with this hollow version of the main I love--the man I once loved."

-"You have always loved with all of your heart. But I want you to know you can choose to love yourself also. Love is a choice."

-Somehow, I have come to represent a cage to you. You have been searching for an escape since the very moment you returned. I have no wish to impede you further. I release you from any perceived confinement where I am concerned.

-"Never forget, son, real strength is born out of admitting weakness, not suppressing it."

Of course, the relationship between Sarah and James doesn't end where I've stopped discussing it so far. The two have much to work towards to resolving their issues and returning to a healthy state of marriage. But I don't want to spoil the process for any potential readers.

I don't know what my expectations were before starting this book. I'd never read anything by Amanda Taylor before. (I think this might be her first book.) But I was surprised to find that I connected with this book and with Sarah on a personal level. Perhaps the timing of my own real-life struggles was just so perfect that I would enjoy and relate to this story exactly as I did. I have to rate An Uncharted Devotion 4.5 Stars because I shed actual tears during this book. Have you read An Uncharted Devotion? What did you think? Let me know!

If you've read "Heart in the Highlands" by Heidi Kimball, you'll love this book.

In "An Uncharted Devotion," Sarah is beyond excited for her husband to return home after five years away in the navy. However, her dreams of a romantic, joyful reunion are quickly crushed. Instead, James has returned home distant and hardened by his time away. Despite Sarah's attempts, James remains aloof and unwilling to confide in her. James on the other hand, is tortured over the recent capture of his best friend—an event that was some ways his fault. But can he reconcile his painful past before he loses what's most important in the present?

I loved this second chance story. It was heartbreaking at times, hopeful at others, with a few delightfully maddening moments sprinkled throughout. As much as I love a traditional historical romance that ends in a engagement, I deeply enjoy stories like this where a husband and wife have to work through challenges and rediscover their happily ever after.

Overall, the book was heartbreaking, hopeful, with a little bit of action to top it all off. Very worth the read, and an easy five stars from me.

This book was enjoyable to read. There was a lot of emotional ups and downs with the characters and a bit of action in the end. Sarah is a female character who stands up for herself, which I can appreciate. If you like a regency style romance, you'll likely enjoy it.