I enjoyed this book by Samatha Hastings. I thought she did a great job on her research on Shakespeare and she did a great job telling this story. I liked how there was a mystery as the characters tried to find anything written in Shakespeare’s own hand. I though it had some elements of “The DaVinci Code” just by how the clues were laid out so I thought that was fun. I also liked how the romance between Robert and Miranda developed. I liked that he loved her just for being the intelligent woman she was and she loved him even though he wasn’t a scholar. I thought they were great compliments to each other. I liked this book and would recommend it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Overall I really enjoyed the story. It is full of historical tidbits and Shakespearean facts. I always like reading the author’s notes at the end of the book and I was pleased to see how many of the events in the book were based on real facts. The historical aspects were fascinating.

For lovers of Shakespeare, the sonnets at the beginning of each chapter will be a delight as well as the dialogue (based on Shakespeare’s plays) between Miranda and her father. I admit that I didn’t understand all of the back and forth because I am not a huge Shakespeare fan myself.

Miranda Hatch is a female scholar, something almost unheard of in her time. She is educated, well spoken, with a sharp mind and even sharper retort. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch are a sweet couple and I love what they added to the story. Alice is a perfectly delightful, imperfect maid and I loved her oddities and what she brought the story.

Robert Hamilton, the Marquess of Marsworth, has inherited a failing and indebted estate and if he doesn’t take drastic action, he will lose everything. He needs funds and when Miranda comes looking for a possible connection between his estate and Shakespeare, he sees his chance to pay the collectors.

Robert was very kind, despite his mother, and I really liked the addition of his sisters.

This is an opposites attract, historical, Shakespearean romance with some mystery woven in.

***Spoiler Alert*** Don't read any further if you don't want it spoiled.

It seemed as though their relationship started quickly with no real depth. He almost runs over her with his carriage and when they meet again they are instantly attracted to each other. While I realize it is an opposites attract and they aren’t supposed to have much in common, I didn’t see where the relationship had any growth or turning point, it was just instantly there.

I also wasn’t a fan that Robert never had to make a decision regarding his attraction and affection for Miranda. He wasn’t giving anything up for her, he wasn’t making a different way, he only solidified his desire to ask for her after he finds that she has a very generous dowry. Then to top it all off he does find a signature and comes into he more money. I wanted to see him have to make a hard choice. I would have liked it better if he would have offered for her knowing he had nothing and she thinking she didn’t either. It just seemed like everything came together in too neat and tidy of a package for me. Aside from that I really did enjoy the story and the writing style was well done and kept my interest. I just wanted more from Robert.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book.

This was such a delightful book from start to finish. I was instantly taken with this story. Miranda was a joy to read. She is smart, kind, thoughtful, and enchantingly fun. Robert too was wonderful. Even with his financial struggles, he longed to be near Miranda. Frederick and Eugenia were also delightful additions. Every character was memorable (even the grumpy sisters, Robert's annoying mother and the hilarious Alice). I especially loved Miranda's parents. Just lovely, enjoyable people who loved and supported each other with kindness and encouragement. I thoroughly enjoyed Miranda and Robert's adventure (which at times was quite dangerous) and how they loved being with each other and watching their relationship bloom was a treat. Their banter alone was entertaining. There was some charming, romantic moments. I loved the chapter headings with the sonnets. But my favorite part was near the end and the conversation between Miranda's father and Robert.

I received a complementary copy from Netgalley. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Oh I loved this whole story! I could easily see it played out in a movie! I loved the setting, the characters and the motive for sharing this beautiful work! I will admit to not being a scholar of Shakespeare, but I do love the joy his words bring! This was such a fascinating way to share his work! Enjoy!

Secret of the Sonnets had my favorite kind of female heroine. Miranda was smart, bookish, witty, and confident. For this time period, most women wouldn't have been described this way. I also loved Miranda's relationship with her parents. Her father is a scholar and her mother was supportive of her husband and daughter. This isn't something you always see in Regency books and this family loved spending time together and the father and daughter had a heartwarming bond.

Robert's main focus was on his financial hardships. This brings Miranda and Robert together as Miranda and her father are on a hunt for the missing sonnets of Shakespeare. I grew to like Robert more once he began to partner up with Miranda. They had great chemistry and I loved every scene they were in together.

There are so many things to love about Secret of the Sonnets from the many references to Shakespeare's work, the ongoing hunt for the missing sonnets, the mystery behind who's trying to sabotage the Hatch Family's scholarly pursuits, the slow burn romance filled with frivolity and banter, and of course, let's not forget, the gorgeous cover on this novel.

Author Samantha Hastings has written a unique story full of danger, mystery, humor, and of course sweet, clean, romance. Historical Romance readers will want to read Secret of the Sonnets.

3.25 stars

I wanted to love this one, but it didn’t work for me as well as I’d hoped it would. It was a sweet story with some good historical and literary intrigue, but I didn’t really feel a ton of chemistry between the two characters at the centre of the romance, and while I appreciated some of the puns and allusions, the too-frequent Shakespeare references and constant quotations felt a bit heavy-handed. I know a lot of the dialogue was probably intended as cutesy or witty banter, and sometimes it was, but it was also kind of cheesy and just a bit too much for me overall. It was a fun book, but unfortunately, I don’t think I was the best audience for this one.

An exciting historical romance with witty dialogue and charming characters, Secrets of the Sonnets is such a fun read! This is my first of Ms. Hastings books and it was such an enjoyable read. Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and unfortunately for her mother, at the age of twenty-six, a spinster. Her single-minded ambition to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare has left her with little time to seek a husband. The connection between the Bard and a local marquess leads her to request access for papers that could secure her academic triumph. Lord Robert Hamilton has found himself drowning in debt and at risk of losing his ancestral home. The letter from an M. Hatch requesting papers from his ancestors seems small in comparison, until he realizes the financial merit it could bring. When M. Hatch turns out to be the lovely Miss Hatch, he soon finds himself following her as they seek out the trail of a century-old mystery. Their shared goal and growing attraction draws them together, but someone else is also seeking the papers and they will not hesitate to remove anyone else in their search.
This was such an engaging and interesting story! I really enjoyed the banter especially. Miranda was so fun! I loved her intelligence and confidence. She had some difficulty in her past experience with romance, so she was settling into her “spinster” status. Robert was a surprise to her. I enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and how they connected. I also really loved her relationship with her parents. Miranda and her father were hilarious! I loved their bonding over Shakespeare and their game! I also really appreciated how even though Miranda and her mother were very different, they still got along and enjoyed one another’s company. Miranda was able to establish herself in a new way throughout the story. She learned about her place and how a new relationship could fit into her life.
Robert was struggling with all that had been dropped on him with the inheritance of his estate. I felt so much for him. From the financial aspect, to his new responsibilities to his family, his POV made me really feel like I understood him and could empathize with him. Watching him fall in love with Miranda was also so cute, I loved the way his friends and sisters teased him too! Their journey was really interesting to follow and I was really engaged in the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy their historical romance with some adventure and history mixed in! This is a clean historical romance with some more exciting scenes of danger, but nothing graphic.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

There are so many things to love about this book! The author did such a great job with her characters, the plot, and the mystery. It’s a must read book for this year.

Miranda is our main female character. She’s 25 so in her day she’s considered old to not be married. But at the beginning of the book she didn’t care. In fact, the opening scene shows her being proposed to by the local pastor. That scene made me laugh so very hard. Miranda is a scholar. She is so interested in Shakespeare. I loved the way she and her father were constantly quoting his plays or sonnets.

Then there’s Robert. As a reader, I hated that his father could leave him with such debt. And most of his family kept adding to it. Robert is the honorable type of man. He wants to pay the debt, but it requires him to sell so many of his family’s things. And his own as well. Robert knew he needed to marry well and gain a young woman’s dowery.

I loved that Miranda and Robert had a mystery they were trying to solve. The two of them were smart. But they got themselves into situations they couldn’t get out of too. They were just so good together. Even though they both knew there was no future together.

This book was such a happy surprise for me. There were parts that made me laugh. And parts that made me try to solve the mystery. I loved it so much!

I was sent an e-copy of Secret of the Sonnets as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“You should not kiss a young lady’s hand and then expect her to give you rational conversation. It is entirely unreasonable.”

I have fallen in love with ‘Secret of the Sonnets’ by Samantha Hastings! This is a unique regency romance that takes you on quite the wonderful Shakespearean adventure! This book has the most intriguing and fun storyline, lovable characters, plus a mystery and romance that had me hooked!

Miranda Hatch is in search of the lost manuscript’s of Shakespeare. She finds a possible connection to a certain Marquess and writes him a letter. That dashing gentleman, Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and is in great need of money. Finding the lost manuscripts would help them both! When this historical search brings these two together a wonderful romance and adventure begins!

Robert and Miranda are the cutest and I quickly fell in love with them both! Robert is a chivalrous dream boat who is so sweet! His humor and wit is excellent and he sure made me swoon! Miranda is a scholar who is so cute, witty and wonderful. She had me laughing and smiling often! I loved the attraction, friendship, the near kisses, the actual swoony kisses, the witty banter and amazing chemistry between them.

Read for the:
📜historical treasure hunt
📜opposites attract
📜lots of wonderful Shakespeare quotes
📜wonderful family and side characters
📜sweet and swoony romance
📜mystery, intrigue, suspense and fun
📜adorable meet cutes
📜memorable moments including a dance, archery and a ball

This book is brilliant, clever, fun, sweet, romantic, with the best wit and humor! Such an intriguing and adventurous storyline that I enjoyed from beginning to end!!! I love this book and highly recommend it to every historical romance lover!

Thank you to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

Shall I compare thee to a summer's Day...
Let me not to the marriage of true minds...

These are two of Shakespeare's sonnets that are probably recognized by many. It was fun to dive into this book with all of the references to his sonnets and much of his other work.

Miranda and her father are both scholars and a mutual love in learning that they share are the works of Shakespeare. Much as we would quote favorite movies or songs to each other when someone says or does something that reminds us of those quotes, Miranda and her father do the same with Shakespeare's words. It has become a game to them and might have confused a couple secondary characters who knew nothing about Shakespeare. It was fun to try to figure out what they were quoting before they said where it came from. I caught several references but there were plenty I had to rely on the characters telling us what they were quoting.

All of the history and back information about the Bard's works was very interesting and created a great storyline as Miranda and Robert set off on their little quest to discover more about the Bard's sonnets.

I felt for Robert and his predicament in finances due to his father's inability to manage their household in the best way. It created a lot of strain on Robert. And his mother certainly didn't help. I didn't care much for her. Lol! She reminded me a lot of the mom in the Jennifer Ehle/Collin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice. All of her flutterings and poor nerves and such. Well Robert's mom and all of her spending and redecorating and clothing and such had my nerves on end. But I liked his character and desire to do what was right and good in caring for his family.

Miranda was a fun character. Very smart and quick-witted and not one to shy away from her bluestocking ways. I couldn't imagine living in that time period and struggling to be able to study and learn as a woman without being treated as a societal pariah.

The mystery was great. The characters were well written and the references to Shakespeare were fun. I loved the friendship that developed between Miranda and Robert. And of course I loved how it continued to develop and build to more than just friends. They were genuine.

Content: Clean.

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

Happy Reading!!!

I really enjoyed the lead characters in this story! I love a strong female lead especially when they aren't domineering. I also enjoyed the mystery the characters are trying to uncover! A delightful read!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book! As an English major, I read a fair number of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets in college, so when I found out this book was about a search regarding Shakespeare’s sonnets I was immediately intrigued by it. I loved that there are sonnets at the beginning of each chapter, and the Shakespeare quotes that Miranda uses in her ordinary speech with people added to my level of enjoyment of this book. It was very well done!

It was fun to follow the clues with Miranda and Robert, and I enjoyed watching them fall for each other during their treasure hunt. I’m glad I read this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by Samantha Hastings!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was completely invested in this story! Although I am very much NOT a Shakespeare fan, I was very caught up in the hunt to find the missing manuscripts and plays as portrayed in this book! It was a very fun adventure! And the outcome for all of our main characters was wonderful.

Miranda Hatch is a scholar and enthusiast for all things Shakespeare. Living a quiet life with her parents, she hasn’t ventured out much into the world. And after a betrayal in love she has closed her heart off… until she meets a man who will become a pivotal part of a quest to find something very valuable to the scholarly community.

Robert is drowning in debt left by his late father. Without any means to pay back a mortgage on his estate he is intrigued by a request to find a paper that may contain the signature of none other than William Shakespeare. A signature that could free him of his financial worries. What he didn’t expect to find was a young woman that would capture his heart in the process.

I loved the progression of the relationship between Miranda and Robert. They have very opposite interests and come from completely different backgrounds but together they complete each other and see the many wonderful qualities that each possesses. The adventure they embark on is both dangerous and completely exciting. I enjoyed the clues and search for Shakespeare’s manuscripts.

It was fun to visit Stratford-upon-Avon and the various houses of Shakespeare and his wife Anne. I think the fact that we get to visit so many locations in this book was one of my favorite parts. In fact, you get a little bit of everything with this book: mystery, romance, a fancy ball, family drama, danger, and an exciting/satisfying conclusion.

I would definitely recommend this book. It’s quick paced, clean, and witty. Even for the readers who aren’t fans of Shakespeare 😉.

I received an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Miranda is smart, bookish and determined to find Shakespeare’s lost manuscripts. Robert, the Marquess of Mansworth, was left drowning in debt after the death of his father. When Miranda contacts Robert about his ancestor’s possible connection to Shakespeare, they both get swept away into a wild adventure and romance!

Miranda and Robert were so great together. I loved the meet cute carriage incident. I knew Miranda would be a fun character in that moment! I also loved that she and Robert really have nothing in common. Robert enjoys horses and sports, while Miranda quotes Shakespeare and writes literary articles. It’s definitely a case of opposites attract.

I loved Miranda’s relationship with her parents. They were so supportive of her. Robert’s sister was also a great character. There was a couple of characters I didn’t like and I felt like a major part of the story concerning one character in particular wasn’t really resolved.

The Shakespeare mystery was a fun twist to the story. I’ve never been a big fan of his writings, but I enjoyed reading the quotes throughout the book.

Overall, this was a sweet, smart and funny story. I definitely recommend to historical and regency fans.

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a clean romance.

This was the first book I’ve read from this author, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I am not a huge Shakespeare fan, but I absolutely loved this book. I thought the characters were witty, entertaining and charming. I loved that Miranda was smart and bookish and yet had a wonderful sense of humor, as did her parents. Although Robert had his back up against the wall with debt, I thought he handled it pretty well, considering his mother was impossible. I really struggle with sonnets and poetry, but the story about Shakespeare, missing manuscripts and the historical tidbits was interesting. I always enjoy the authors notes that explain the fact and fiction of the book. Good story, romance, banter, and some drama and suspense make for a great read! I’m looking forward to more books from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have always struggled with Shakespeare, so I skipped a lot of his quotes. However, I was still able to enjoy this story. I really liked Miranda and Robert's characters as well as some of the secondary characters. You would never expect Miranda and Robert to connect as they are so different, but this is a beautiful opposites attract story. I enjoyed the mystery and moments of peril, but my favorite parts were when Miranda and Robert could be themselves together.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

I liked this book. A lot. It wasn't a book that I sat down and devoured in one sitting, instead I wanted to savor it, almost like a source of comfort.
Miranda and Robert were such good characters. They were open and honest and it was so refreshing. They just seemed to trust one another and I appreciated it. Their feelings, friendly and romantic were very well written, Eugenia and Anne were amazing side characters, Miranda's parents made me want to read their love story. All in all, it was sweet and delightful and I hope you all enjoy it!
Plus, Shakespeare plus a mystery? Count me in!

Thank you to @samanthahastingsauthor for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

What a beautiful, scholarly story! I’m not a huge fan of Shakespeare, but I enjoy a good sonnet. This regency romance read like a literary mystery and the author’s knowledge and research is impeccable. I loved the way Shakespearean quotes were woven into the banter and dialogue of the book.

The Secret of the Sonnets is the story of Miranda, an only child who has been raised to value her intellect and ability to contribute to the world as a scholar, despite her gender. Miranda and her father are on a quest to find documents that may tell them more about Shakespeare and let them find the true order of the sonnets. Robert, Marquess if Marworth, has inherited his father’s title and an abundance of debts and mortgages. In an effort to raise funds to keep from losing his home, he answers Miranda’s plea to see if his ancestors have left behind anything pertaining to Shakespeare.

Even if you aren’t a fan of Shakespeare and don’t understand his works (🙋🏻‍♀️), this lovely, wholesome romance is worth every page!

Samantha Hastings brings a fantastic mystery to the Regency Era that revolves around no other than the Bard himself. The story is wonderfully written and I was drawn in and captivated almost immediately . The mystery was fresh and covered a scholarly topic.

The couple at the center of this had beautiful chemistry. Their interest at the beginning was strictly scholarly on her part and financial on his, but as they uncovered the Secret of the Sonnets and unlocked the mystery, their chemistry and attraction grew.

I love the combination of a mystery and a love story and this one was well written. I loved every minute of it and would recommend it to others. Miranda's knowledge of Shakespeare leads them on the adventure of a lifetime. The final outcome, and the Secret of the Sonnets are not to be missed.

I received an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

What a wonderful book! I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked this up. This is a new to me author and I didn’t know too much about the book at first other than it is a historical fiction, which I enjoy. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book but whatever it was I got so much more than I was expecting.

Every single character in this book was amazing! I quickly fell in love with both the heroine and the hero, Miranda and Robert. I was pulled into their individual stories right from the start. Miranda is witty and smart. She made me smile so many times. She is a scholar and stands out from the women of her time. She is confident and not afraid to state her opinion. Robert was such a sweetheart. Kind and funny. I truly felt for him with his financial difficulties throughout the story. Not only are the main characters great but so are the side characters. I love Miranda's father and the relationship they had. Robert and his sister Eugenia were also so fun together and of course, I can’t forget Fredrick or the clumsy maid Alice. Everyone was so full of life. Samantha Hasting sure knows how to create standout characters.

The plot was so clever and unique. I found myself turning the pages quickly with the mystery and searching for Shakespeare's sonnets. Not only that but the romance was so great throughout the story. Everything from when Miranda and Robert first ran into each other to their conversations as they get to know each other, the adventures and danger they find themselves in, the hand brushes, and first kiss were remarkably done!

I will admit I don’t know too much about Shakesphere or his Sonnets so if you are like me don’t let that hold you back from this book because you will still enjoy it. I found I enjoyed reading the sonnets at the beginning of each chapter and Miranda Shakespeare quotes. I highly recommend this one if you love historicals, great characters, mystery, adventures, and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.