This Regency romance had such a unique premise! I loved considering the historical repercussions of such a malady, and particularly loved seeing Jonathan’s feelings for Hannah grow. Definitely some enemies to allies tension going on, with a bit of a Cinderella vibe. I can't wait for the next book from this author!

This is a captivating historical romance that weaves together the complexities of societal expectations, personal challenges, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of London Society, the novel unfolds the story of Hannah Hadley and Jonathan Carter, two characters caught in the delicate dance of love and societal norms.

Hannah Hadley, a resilient and charming woman, is resigned to her fate as a spinster due to a lingering illness from her youth. Despite her beauty and kindness, she believes her chances of finding a suitable match are slim. On the other side of the spectrum is Jonathan Carter, a man of considerable wealth and undeniable attractiveness. However, the stain of "new money" renders him unsuitable in the eyes of the ton.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Jonathan, enchanted by his neighbor Miss Hadley, extends an offer to dance, only to be met with a flat rejection. This rocky introduction sets the stage for a relationship fraught with societal obstacles. Yet, against all odds, an undeniable connection blossoms between them, drawing them closer in ways neither could have anticipated.

As the plot unfolds, the couple's warm association encounters a sudden disruption, forcing Hannah to leave her home and creating a poignant rift between them. Here, the novel skillfully explores themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the lengths one is willing to go for love.

The characters are beautifully fleshed out, each carrying their own burdens and aspirations. Hannah's strength and determination in the face of societal expectations make her a compelling protagonist, while Jonathan's struggle with his newfound wealth adds depth to his character. The author masterfully captures the nuances of their evolving relationship, making it a delight to witness their journey.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to the intricate world of London Society, immersing them in the challenges and triumphs of love during a time when societal expectations held significant sway. The prose is eloquent, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 4/5

Read it for the:
-Disability representation
-Dislike to love
-She falls first, he falls harder trope
-Themes of forgiveness, strength, and independence

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Romance: Clean (kissing only)
Trigger warning: abusive parent, unwanted advances

𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
A unique regency read that I could not put down, Love Unseen warmed my heart and managed to pull a few strings.

Hannah was a sweet character, noted for her beauty and grace with others, but forever marked because of her disability. She was treated with great prejudice by much of society but despite that, held her own against many of the slights made to her. I appreciated her inner strength and drive for independence. Jonathan was similarly disregarded by fashionable society by coming from the working class. Though he was a more serious and to-the-point character, I loved seeing his gentle and loyal personality toward his family, and later Hannah.

While they may have gotten off to a rocky start, their romance progressed into something sweet. I loved watching the shift take place and the divide between them lesson as the story went on. They were well-matched, though the road to love was not easy for them. I enjoyed the plot and found it to have an uplifting message in the end. The author did a great job in ensuring that loathe Hannah’s family for their treatment of her. I felt protective of her and found myself wanting to throw hands with a fictional character - which doesn’t often happen, so bravo to the author!

Overall, I do recommend this regency read to anyone looking for a quick but wholesome, read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

What an amazing debut novel! I loved Hannah and Jonathan. Both of them had strikes against them as far as Society goes. You'd think someone being a wealthy self-made man would be looked up to not down upon, but how old your money is seemed to worth more than how hard you worked to get it. Meanwhile, Hannah has her own struggles with those in Society who look upon her as less than because of her illness.

When these two meet there are a couple of misunderstandings but once that's cleared up I loved their friendship. In fact, I loved Jonathan's family. On the other hand, Hannah's family left much to be desired. Let's just say Hannah wasn't the only one in her family who suffered from blindness. Her family, who should have helped and supported her were blind to what she had to offer.

I had so many emotions while reading this book--sadness for the way Hannah was treated and Society not seeing what a wonderful woman she was, anger at her family for not protecting her and being a source of pain, and happiness when she finally found happiness and a family that loved and appreciated her.

I loved many of the side characters: Hannah’s aunt, Jonathan’s sister and mother, Sarah, and Lord Deveraux. I’d love to see what happens for many of these characters. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

What a beautiful story of love and kindness! The characters were well written and the subject of blindness was stunningly interpreted! I loved it and followed her journey quite thoroughly! Enjoy! I love when there is a new writer among us!

Thanks to NetGalley for this book, all opinions are my own!

I feel fairly certain it's safe to say that most humans just want to be truly seen for just who they are.

Hannah has a disability that she handles with grace. Although it's hard for her in many aspects, she has such a positive attitude and makes the best of her situation, despite having such vile relations. She tries to live as normally as possible, but some things prove too difficult and after the rockiest of first meets ever with her unsuitable neighbor, Jonathan, life takes some surprising twists and turns.

I really admired Hannah's character and wanted only the best for her. I really enjoyed watching Jonathan grow and overcome first impressions and misconceptions, especially as he navigates the ton. Stones does such a great job of creating such tender and sweet situations, while infusing some drama and slightly perilous circumstances. The gentle romance was very heartwarming and I was hoping for a happy ever after. This is a great debut that incorporates some valuable messages.

I'm looking forward to more books by Ms. Stones!

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

A plot twist you don’t see coming, a not so great first meet and characters you instantly love and some you grow to hate.

The connection the author developed with the characters, with the depth of emotion on the page also created a story and setting that had my whole and complete attention.

I was super impressed with the way she conveyed the mc’s struggles.

Her descriptors often referenced things by scent and sounds more than sight and I loved it.

If I didn’t already know, I would not have guessed that this was a debut novel. It’s full of drama, tension, laughter and a love for the ages.

This is a clean, regency romance novel unlike any I’ve ever read before. Rachel beautifully describes the highs and lows of a blind young woman navigating her way through adulthood, the ton, and love. Jonathan sometimes shows a more imperfect side than we see from main characters in other romance novels but his love and devotion to Hannah shines through while giving us a more down to earth story of strength, endurance and love. Well done on your debut novel, Rachel. I can’t wait to read more of your work!

Rachel Kelley Stones has created a fun and fairly lighthearted historical romance in her debut novel Love Unseen. Following Hannah Hadley, new neighbor Jonathan Carpenter, and their respective meddling families, Stones’ characters live in a lively period setting. Alternating between Hannah and Jonathan’s perspectives, Stone soon reveals that the world is not so kind to Jonathan (coming from a new money family) and Hannah (being unmarried and blind), and they both must face the respective challenges, new and old, in their frequently overlapping paths. Stones’ plot is very character-driven through the alternating perspectives and through the fleshed-out characters populating her pages. Her characters are recognizable, distinct, and dynamic, and they strongly influence events throughout the pages of Love Unseen. Stones’ settings, particularly Fulton House and Maidwell, occupy a large space within the novel; while not fully fleshed out on par with her characters, Stones’ settings certainly add atmosphere, context, and detail, functioning as extensions and reflections of the various families throughout the book. As far as debut novels go, Stones has successfully created an engaging and clever historical romance, leaning into the hallmark tropes and character types of the genre while putting her own spin on it.

Loved it! This book is everything you didn't know you wanted. Delightfully unique, Hannah was the most beautiful character and you'll find yourself enjoying cheering her on her journey.

What a sweet, heartwarming story! I really enjoyed Hannah and Jonathan's story. There was just enough of a trial to make things interesting (it might be just me, but if it's only romance, and there are no struggles to overcome, it's just not enjoyable for me.) but no so much that it took away from the developing relationship.
I also enjoy a good bad guy, and this story definitely delivered that. This was one of those stories that I didn't want to put down.

I really liked the lead couple, but the plot turned into melodrama near the end, which was unexpected based on the early chapters — and I felt it undercut the delicate development of the romantic relationship. The depiction of the heroine's disability, however, was nicely done, being a significant part of her life without defining her as a person. I'm always happy to see positive and sensitive disability representation in romance, and this was a good example, even if pairing it with cartoon villains was jarring.

My thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A promising debut novel from Rachel Kelley Stones.

This Regency romance was a good, quick read that kept my interest with no problem.

I wished there had been more development in the actual romantic relationship, as I never felt like we were shown how it grew from friendship to love. At least for my liking. There was one especially obvious point in the book where I thought, "Oh, NOW we'll finally get some good interactions and development!" But alas, a time jump cut that opportunity.

I also wanted a little more showing and a little less telling.

Otherwise I enjoyed my time with this one. I did really like Stones' writing and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

This is a very beautiful romance by a new-to-me author which I very much enjoyed. After having unsuccessful seasons, Hannah is pretty much a confirmed spinster. Her disability has hindered her chances of finding a good suitor. Although Jonathan is quite wealthy, he remains unsuitable in the ton's eyes because of his new money. Although their first meeting did not go quite so well, Jonathan and Hannah are undeniably drawn to each other. But when her life is cruelly upended by someone who should be supporting her, their growing love is forced to face some challenges.
The characters were well-developed and I was immediately endeared to them. Hannah was a strong and resilient character and I admired how she overcame her obstacles. Jonathan was also a great character, respecting Hannah and humbled by her capabilities despite her disability. The story was beautifully written and was a delight to read. I would have preferred to have less modern prose, but the story was delightful nonetheless. This is definitely an author I will be following.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

***Book Review***

If you haven’t read @rachelkelleystones_author novel Love Unseen, I highly recommend it!

I feel like I was on the verge of tears so often for our FMC Hannah Hadley. Her losses, the judgements of society, and the struggles she endures are so hard. Thank goodness her heart is so good and her strength is resolute.

Her encounters with the MMC Jonathan Carter are often Rocky, and due to differing personalities, communication barriers, and the time period in general, sometimes miscommunication made a muddle of all things good.

Thankfully, there is HOPE and a fabulous HEA.

Title: Love Unseen
Author: Rachel Kelley Stones
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/10 🌶️ (kisses, embraces)
Kindle Unlimited: No
Deseret Bookshelf: Yes

#bookstagram #audiobookstagram #debutnovel #loveunseen #loveisblind #maddieraereads2023 #bookreview #bookquote

“I know this is hard, but anything worth learning usually is. When all is dark around you, you must create your own light.”

This is a Regency enemies to more story that is beautifully written, intriguing, and unique! I found this story to be so touching as Hannah deals with a disability. The author represented this disability so well and I felt so much empathy for Hannah. I also felt so inspired by her too! Hannah is so optimistic, kind and strong amid her physical challenges! She is such a lovely heroine and I enjoyed reading her story very much!

I loved the slow burn romance between Jonathan and Hannah and it was a joy to read! I loved watching their relationship grow and change to so much more. I really loved his mother and sister as well. This book also has fun settings with sweet, suspenseful and touching moments!

Read for:
🤍Awkward meet cute
🤍Different social classes
🤍Disability representation
🤍lovely debut novel
🤍sweet slow burn
🤍some suspense
🤍Cinderella vibes
🤍touching happily ever after

Author Rachel Kelley Stones has written a lovely debut novel that’ll make you feel every emotion, and it’ll especially warm your heart!

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

*Content: cruel family members, unwanted advances

4.75 stars

Oh my gosh, I thought this was so good! If this was a debut novel then wow! I hope she writes another one soon.
The writing made me care and I loved and hated characters which in my opinion makes a great story.
Jonathan was probably my favorite character because I saw all of him, his turmoil and honesty. Hannah was everything I love in a heroine. These two never gave up despite their struggles.
The author wrote a wonderful story and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.

Oh man, this was great! I loved reading about an imperfect heroine and her imperfect hero. I thought that both main characters were very well written. I was rooting for them the entire time. They had so many obstacles! As for Hannah’s family, well, they can rot (maybe not James. He seemed redeemable). Overall, very well done. I look forward to reading more from Rachel Kelley Stones!

*Review copy courtesy of Covenant Communications. Opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW - Love Unseen - Rachel Kelley Stones - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
One of my favourite parts this page is being able to promote debut authors. So I'm pleased to recommend to you all Love Unseen! This is a read-in-one-sitting-couldn't-put-down read! Often book synopsis are too long and give away the whole story but this book is so pleasantly surprising because the synopsis didn't give away the best parts of the book, I got to discover them for myself! And because I hate spoilers I'm not going to tell you what they are either, you'll have to find them out for yourself too. Hannah's challenges are not explored in many stories and I really enjoyed seeing her quiet but strong spirit overcome them and the people who would put her down because of them. I really liked Jonathan because he is far from perfect but is aware of his faults and working to be a better man.

THE ROMANCE
Prepare yourselves people, this is a slow burn but the story is so engrossing you don't mind the wait too much. Jonathan and Hannah are so sweet! They have a pretty rocky start but I just love how eventually Jonathan comes to really see Hannah and can't believe others haven't seen how amazing she is!

THE TRUTHS
We will all experience hardships in our lives. It's inevitable. It's life. No one is exempt. So then it's up to us how we respond to life's challenges. We can be miserable, bitter and angry at how our life is. Or we can pray for the strength, to not only get through it, but to rise above it with a peace, joy and contentment that only comes through trusting God. Remembering that God had promised us that we He will never give us more than we can handle! Chin up, you can do this, you are not alone!

This story will stay with you after turning the last page. The characters were so real in their feelings and actions. We are all-at times-defensive of our perceived limitations. We want welcome the moments to embrace our strengths, and usually find those when we have a friend as a cheerleader. The best part of this story is that the main characters are able to overcome misunderstandings together and become that cheerleader for each other.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.