“And when it was given to me, I was told that one never owns a cameo. One wears and enjoys it, but one is its custodian, preserving and protecting it for those who come after.”

What a fun collection of novellas tied together by the theme of a cameo being passed down from one woman to another in the family! All four stories are well-written and feature memorable characters that are quite unique from each other. If you enjoy historical romance, especially in a connected novella setting, you will thoroughly enjoy this collection.

The prologue shows how the cameo came to Pennsylvania from Queen Victoria and how the receiving of the cameo “coincided with the arrival of love” for both the Queen and Letitia who receives it from the Queen. Susanne Dietze expands the prologue in Pinned Above Her Heart where she introduces Letitia’s niece Clara from a well-to-do family and Byron the son of a woodworker who are both trying to make it in the world of journalism. Of course, their re-acquaintance occurs right after Clara receives the cameo from Letitia. There is intrigue and suspense as Clara and Byron play amateur detectives to get to the bottom of a series of crime committed in their town.

In Taking Petra, Jennifer Uhlarik brings together Clara and Byron’s daughter Petra and Dustin who is the new preacher in the small town of Colorado. The cameo arrives at Petra’s doorstep on her birthday while she’s hiding away from family to work in the west as a guide and tracker. Dustin has lived a hard life and is changing his future by taking this minister position in the thriving western town. Both get involved in helping the poor and downtrodden and rescuing those in need.

In Meet Me at the Fair, Kathleen Y’Barbo creates an interesting Pinkerton case involving Elizabeth, Clara’s niece and a Pinkerton agent, and Ethan, a fellow agent who has survived family’s shame and downfall in a money-laundering scandal. They follow their cases and clues from Chicago to Denver to New Orleans in an interesting plot filled with twists and turns. The cameo gets passed down to Elizabeth about one year after she accidentally meets Ethan and it also has a dual purpose in this story.

In Lending My Heart, Debra E Marvin brings in Bertie, Letitia’s great granddaughter, and Russell, an orphan and a ward of her aunt. Set in Pittsburgh while Bertie and Russell form an alliance to further the children’s library and education of the poor, Bertie is already engaged to someone else when the cameo gets passed on to her. Determined to make her mark in the world of children’s education, she works hard to overcome the barriers women face and Russell helps once he realizes her passion.

All four heroines come from quite wealthy families and the heroes do not. The heroines are also outspoken, unconventional, direct, and stubborn. It’s heartwarming to see that love can cross societal barriers and misunderstandings caused by their past experiences. And the epilogue ties in all the women’s journeys to offer a satisfying conclusion.

I received a copy of the book via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Story #1: “Pinned on Her Heart” by Susanne Dietze

“Pinned on Her Heart” is another sweet and well-written story by Susie Dietze. I found the plot engaging and the characters endearing. And I absolutely love the history behind the cameo and the specific directions for passing the precious keepsake on to the next deserving woman. I adore the story’s timely message that our journeys on this earth are all purposeful. My favorite moment is when Clara realizes that she is loved and supported by God while she journeys the path He has set her on. She finally understands that God does not make us and then leave us. God makes us all for His purpose. I love this message so much because it is easy to fall into the trap that our lives are meaningless. But God, if we choose Him with our whole hearts, will never forsake us because He loves us. This reminder alone makes “Pinned on Her Heart” a must-read novella!

Story #2: Taming Petra” by Jennifer Uhlarik

“Taming Petra” is an outstanding Western novella. I thoroughly enjoyed the highly-engaging plot and found the characters to be perfectly crafted. And, I love the reminder that our origins and pasts do not define who we are. We may all be cracked pots, but God has great use for us, flaws and all. Dusty, the handsome hero, fears that his grossly humble beginnings and past mistakes make him automatically unlovable. But through God’s purposes for him, and his awesome interactions with the sassy, kind, and beautiful Petra, Dusty realizes that he is exactly who God meant him to be, which is a perfectly good enough man deserving of love. Dusty’s story illustrates to the reader that in God’s eyes, we are indeed all good enough.

Story #3: “Meet Me at the Fair” by Kathleen Y’Barbo

What a fun story! And the characters … I love them so much. Elizabeth and Ethan, the heroine and hero, are two Pinkerton detectives. Both are highly capable, intelligent, and quick-witted. I enjoyed watching Elizabeth and Ethan work together on a case even as deep feelings grow between the two. In fact, the chemistry between Elizabeth and Ethan is the best part of this story. It begins in chapter one with a moment that left this reader a bit weak in the knees and builds beautifully and realistically throughout the narrative. “Meet Me at the Fair” may be one of the most satisfying novellas I’ve ever read!

Story #4: “Lending My Heart” by Debra E. Marvin

“Lending My Heart” is a very sweet story about two very stubborn characters. Bertie continually fights the rigid rules and expectations placed upon her by her extremely wealthy parents and her social caste. Russell refuses to step outside of his expected social status even though his heart is screaming at him to do so. This final story kept me turning page after page because I needed to get to their happily ever after. There were moments my heart worried these two stubborn characters might not get what they deserve — each other!

Overall, I highly recommend Cameo Courtships. It is a sweetly satisfying novella collection that has left this reader with a smile on her face. Purchase a copy for yourself today. You will not be disappointed that you did!

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Reading this book was a great way to spend the day. I very much recommend it!
I loved how the stories were connected through generations of one family and one special cameo. "This cameo comes with a story, adventures and even love...." As Queen Victoria said as she was pinning the cameo on Leticia. The love begins when Leticia meets Peter Hollingworth immediately afterward.
I really enjoyed all the mystery and adventure this collection provides. The romance felt very real in each novella. The epilogue was a really good wrap-up, with each of cameo's guardians making an appearance.
Very well written collection! I like the new format.

Cameo Courtships is a wonderful collection of novellas centered around a cameo that is a treasured family heirloom passed to four different women. Each of the authors in this collection has done a fantastic job of creating unique stories to showcase the cameo. I loved how the cameo tied the stories together.

Pinned Above Her Heart by Susanne Dietze told the story of Clara Newton and her friend Byron Breaux who work together to try to solve a smuggling crime involving Clara’s family. They each want to write a story about the case to help their careers along but find that collaboration helps with the case and their attraction to each other. I enjoyed the interaction between these two characters.

Taming Petra by Jennifer Uhlarik finds Petra wearing trousers and in possession of the cameo. She has no intention of wearing it, but when it disappears, she need Reverend Owens to help her get it back. This is an imaginative and interesting twist to the history of the cameo.

Meet Me at the Fair by Kathleen Y’Barbo pits two Pinkertons against each other. Ethan Butler is trying to locate Elizabeth Newton to deliver the cameo, but trying to get it to her runs into some difficulties. By this story, I’m beginning to wonder whether the tradition of falling in love while in possession of the cameo is worth all the trouble it causes!

Lending My Heart by Debra E. Marvin takes place in Pittsburgh in 1895. Roberta Hart has her eye on the job of director of the new Carnegie Library’s children’s department. When Scottish Russell Smart arrives to be the administrator of the library, sparks start to fly. The interaction between Bertie and Russell was great fun, and the obvious research by the author into the background of the Carnegie Libraries and the setting in Pittsburgh added such interest to the story. And who can resist a Scottish hero? Not me, and certainly not Bertie!

I thoroughly enjoyed the collaboration by the authors of these novellas in creating a fun backstory for the collection. Each story was well-researched and the stories work well together. It was fun to see some of the characters from one story pop up in another one. I would recommend this to those who enjoy historical fiction novellas.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

“I was told that one never owns a cameo. One wears and enjoys it, but one is its custodian, preserving and protecting it for those who come after.”

Cameo Courtships takes readers on an incredible journey back to the 1800s, where an extraordinary cameo gifted by Queen Victoria is passed on through the generations of the Newton family, beginning with Letitia Newton. This family heirloom is thought to bring love and adventure to each person who wears it. Cameo Courtships is a captivating story of family, faith, and finding true love that readers of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy.

This collection of four novellas by Susanne Dietze, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Debra E. Marvin is well researched, and the similar writing style of the four authors makes Cameo Courtships even more satisfying to read. The storylines flow together seamlessly, and readers will enjoy seeing beloved family members play a part in each of novellas. Cameo Courtships takes place over a 50-year period as different generations of women in the Newton family experience fascinating adventures throughout Pittsburgh, the Colorado Territory, and New Orleans.

Cameo Courtships is recommended for readers of historical fiction and readers who enjoyed The Christmas Heirloom by Kristi Ann Hunter, Karen Witemeyer, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Becky Wade, which is another novella collection about an heirloom piece of jewelry being passed down through the generations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Additional quotes:
“Your life is a gift and an adventure. Trust God to know what He has in store for you next, even when you cannot see.”

“That was the true gift of the cameo, wasn’t it? To wear it as a reminder that she was loved and supported while she trod the path of God’s choosing.”

Cameo Courtships is a wonderful and fascinating read that has history, family, love and Faith all wrapped up into a fantastic book.

I was hooked right from the start of this book because of how unique the concept of following a cameo through 4 womens lifes and how it helped them find true love. Each woman has a distinct personality so it makes it very interesting to follow from one woman's experience to the next. It all wraps up in a fast, fun, romantic historical read of faith, family and love. I was so glad that each author made the recipient of the cameo her own woman and personality. They are all strong women with strong convictions and Faith. They are not looking for love but it seems to find them. Is it because of the cameo? You will have to read the book to find out. From journalist to frontier woman to detective to librarian each woman is tenacious, capable, strong and strong willed, but also loving and strong in faith. I really enjoyed this book, each and every story. 


If I found anything to dislike it would be that there wasn't more. I was not ready for the journey to be over at the end of the book.


If you are looking for a good historical fiction with a fresh unique take on a story, then you will want to definitely read this book.


One line from the last story really stuck with me when Russell said:

"But as your pastor reminded us, we are not constrained by our pasts . We are valued, not only for what we are now, but also because we are beloved of Christ"


I hope you will get this book and read it. It is a wonderful fun experience.


I received this book for my honest opinion and review.

A Victoria cameo figures large in these four entrancing historical romance stories, in which faith plays as essential a part as the heirloom jewelry. 5/5

Pub Date 01 Jun 2019.

Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.

#CameoCourtships #NetGalley

I enjoyed this collection of stories that in some way revolve around a very special piece of jewelry, a cameo that once belonged to a aueen. Each story has an interesting storyline and characters. All the stories are well-written and the pacing is good, as all the stories felt complete and the endings did not seem rushed. I especially enjoyed the story “Meet Me at the Fair” about the two Pinkerton detectives. That sport had a special romantic “spark” to it that had me cheering for Ethan and Elizabeth’s happily-ever-after. I recommend this collection as just the thing for those times when you need something lighter and not as lengthy to read. All the stories are sweet and clean.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

"I was told that one never owns a cameo. One wears and enjoys it . . . . . .

Travel across generations, as four members of a distinctly diverse family, cautiously and sometimes reluctantly, accept guardianship of a treasured family heirloom meant to bestow love and adventure upon its wearer.

Pinned Above Her Heart - Clara Newton is reunited with a beloved childhood friend, only to be thrust into the throes of a dangerous crime investigation; one that could not only ruin her family's future, but her own as well. Can a lovely piece of jewelry have anything to with her change of fortune?

Taming Petra - Petra Jayne Breaux has intentionally hidden her true identity underneath shorn hair and a penchant for wearing trousers when an heirloom gift arrives, only to disappear into the bowels of a despicable local institution. Now, Petra must decide whether or not its retrieval is worth her reliance on the new town preacher, in order to get it back.

Meet Me at the Fair - It's a clash of the Pinkertons, as Ethan Butler and Elizabeth Newton play cat and mouse in New Orleans during the 1884 World's Fair and Cotton Exposition. At stake is a valuable piece of jewelry carefully stowed away in a hotel safe.

Lending My Heart - Roberta Hart is adamant about breaking with convention, shedding the cloak of upper class privilege; starting with a job as the director of the new Carnegie Library's children's department. There's only one obstacle; a handsome Scottish administrator and a marriage that's been arranged since she was eight years old. That actually makes two obstacles, doesn't it; how can a lovely cameo possibly change all of that?

" . . . .but one is its custodian, preserving and protecting it for those who come after. "

A delightful series of stories!

I received a digital copy of this from from NetGalley in conjunction with Just Read Publicity Tours. I also purchased a print copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Such a wonderful set of stories based on a cameo passed on through the generations to women of strength and moxie who will fight for their fates and who they want as a husband.

A great collection of novellas that will be enjoyable summer reading for lovers of historical fiction. All four authors have done a thorough job of researching their time period, which spans from 1851 - 1895. (I’ve read other books by these authors and have enjoyed their writing.)

The stories center around a family heirloom, mystery, and romance. A fun set, the characters are well developed and realistic. Starting in England and finishing in Pennsylvania, it was enjoyable watching the cameo travel and link people together.

The authors did such a good job of seamlessly tying all these stories together that I can’t choose a favorite of these four stories. If you enjoy historical fiction I recommend you get a copy of this book, settle back and prepare to enjoy yourself.

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

I loved how unique this set of stories was! The whole idea of a family passing down this cameo from Queen Victoria and finding love and adventure was great! Each story was very original and well written. I really enjoyed following this family through their adventures. I definitely recommend this!




I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

Genre: Historical, romance, fiction.

My Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars.

My Favorite Character/s: I can not answer this . . . I did not have a favorite character since each was unique to their story.

My Thoughts: Each of these novellas were wonderful! The stories were so different and yet alike with their themes, and the romances were each unique and interesting. Each author did a well written and sweet story that carries their voice and tied in with the others without being the same.

The characters made quite the family with their oddities and it was near how the cameo was passed around from couple to couple. The stories were the widest variety of genres in one collection of stories I've seen a western, a suspense, and more.
Out of all of the stories I would say that the last story was my favorite since I fell in love with the characters a little more than the others.

It opens with a story that I enjoyed and ended with a story that I loved! Each story better than the one before, and the characters that thought they hid things from other characters were hilarious. Reading them back to back was nice too since they weren't too long.

Review to post here: http://kayleeskindofwrites20.com/2019/05/30/book-review-of-cameo-courtships on June 1st!

Cameo Courtships is a fun collection of four stories by four different authors. These stories include:
Pinned Above Her Heart by Susanne Dietze
Taming Petra by Jennifer Uhlarik
Meet Me at the Fair by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Lending My Heart by Debra E. Marvin
I enjoyed every one of these stories in this collection. My favorite was Kathleen Y'Barbo's Meet Me at the Fair.
Five stars.

Cameo Courtships was a lovely collection of four stories featuring a cameo gifted from Queen Victoria that's passed down through the generations.

I love this kind of collection where there's a common thread, an object, connecting them all. It's so much fun to see it with different characters, in different situations, and different settings. From England to Pennsylvania, Colorado to Louisiana, and back to Pennsylvania again, I enjoyed reading the journey the cameo went on and “meeting” the people it affected.

All four of these stories were so good! I highly recommend Cameo Courtships to anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Cameo Courtships is four stories written by four different authors. And it take the whole themed collection idea to another level.

All four of the stories were light, fun, and each one uniquely different from the others in the collection. Centered around an antique cameo brooch, that is passed down through the family.

This has to be one of my favorite collections written yet. Not sure I could choose a favorite of the group, as I loved all the stories.

Leticia receives a cameo from Queen Victoria, who tells her that it is not a gift to keep but one to pass on. Shortly after pinning it on she meets the love of her life.



The cameo passes through generations, statelines, and even through the hands of thieves, as brave women follow their dreams and talents, finding love along the way. The cameo travels across the country and even to the World's Fair. Clara, Petra, Elizabeth, and Bertie are all ambitious women who think for themselves.



Petra and Elizabeth's stories were some of my favorites as they had a lot of action. Petra is comfortable in her own skin and doesn't want to be someone else to impress others, Reverend Dustin Owens admires her high standards and her practical sensibilities and offers his help in regaining the family heirloom.



Clara and Elizabeth's stories are filled with mystery, as they seek to expose the truth. I liked the interaction between Elizabeth and Ethan throughout. Clara is very clever and uses her wits to get the next big story.



Bertie is passionate about books, and applies to work as an overseer of the Carnegie Library's children's department. But mistaken identity due to her first name, puts her at odds with the self-made, hardworking Russell Smart. Differences in social class are shown as they figure out how to work together to make the library a success.



Overall, a wonderful collection of novellas all orbiting around the Victoria Cameo as these woman chase their dreams, follow their faith, and find love in these four short stories.



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

These novellas start with Pinned Above Her Heart by Suzanne Dietze. Before returning from London to Pittsburg in 1851, Letitia Newton receives a cameo from Queen Victoria with the admonition that,”One never owns a cameo…One wears a cameo, enjoys it, but is merely a custodian of it preserving it and protecting it for those who come after.” These stories share four generations of woman who received the cameo between the year 1851 and 1895 then, at the proper time, passed it on to the next recipient. I appreciated the way Suzanne Dietze wrote the epilogue to bring these stories to a close.
In between Suzanne’s writings was Taming Petra by Jennifer Uhlarik, set in Colorado Springs where Buckskin Pete loses the cameo for a time.
Meet Me at the Fair by Kathleen Y’Barbo takes Pinkerton detective Elizabeth Caldwell Newton to the Chicago World’s Fair.
Lending My Heart by Debra Marvin returns to Pittsburg in 1895 as Bertie Hart is seeking her dream job.

My review does not do these stories justice but I do not intend to retell the stories. I enjoyed each story as I followed the history of this life changing cameo. I appreciate that each story had a happy ending after life struggles were addressed with biblical answers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

This is a nice compilation of stories in which the first person is gifted a beautiful cameo by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. The book then follows each successive person the cameo passes to and their lives and what an impact it has made on their lives. Populated by great authors, it is a fun read to read all at once, or just read one novella at a time to savor it. Recommended.

*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is solely my own.

What a cute set of stories!
This collection of stories about a Cameo passed down by Queen Elizabeth herself was so fun!
It was cool to imagine that actually happening, and then to see how the characters acted through their stories was remarkable. Truly a great retelling of a legend in a family tree. Two of these authors were previously unknown to me and now I can't wait to research them and see what other books they have written.
I would definitely recommend reading this book. This is not the first collection by Barbour Publishing that I have read but I will say to date that it is probably my favorite.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest feedback, the thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.