In a small village nestled in the English countryside, one woman's quest to uncover history clashes with the new lord's attempts to keep the past buried and leaves the livelihood of the village hanging in the balance...

The life of Bridget Littleton, daughter of the local vicar, is abruptly changed when her friend's father strikes something of great value in his fields: the first few tiles of an elaborate Roman mosaic. She dreams of her name being tied to the great work of uncovering this significant piece of history, but the new lord at Hawthorn Abbey rides directly over her great plans upon his arrival. Battling with the wounds of his past, Rafe Hawthorn has returned to restore his ancestral home and has plans to leave the past, both his own and that from ancient times, buried, and still he is intrigued by the passionate Bridget.

The livelihood of the village depends on the restoration and success of the new lord and the Abbey, yet this new discovery along with a natural disaster and suspicious events threaten the success of everyone involved. Bridget and Rafe are forced to find a solution, rediscover their faith, and fight their unexpected common enemy... and might find an even greater treasure along the way!

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of books by Julie Klassen, another favorite author of mine. There was a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and a great storyline, with a lovely village full of characters along the way. If you enjoy historical fiction with a great storyline and a hint of suspense, I highly recommend reading this book.

Bridget Littleton is a vicar's daughter who is enamored with the past and hoping to raise money to rescue her brother. Captain Rafe Hawthorn is the new Lord at his family estate and only wants to look to the future and make improvements so he and the tenants can prosper. They are total opposites who end up attracted to one another and will soon find out what lengths they will go to in order to keep one another safe.

I truly enjoyed watching Bridget come back to her faith and Rafe get the love he deserved. This is a wonderful Regency romance and I wouldn't mind going back to this little world Jenelle Hovde created if she decides to write a book about Bridget's brother.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 15 July 2025

No Stone Unturned is an adventurous read with a slight plot twist. It shows the independence of a woman, yet the need to feel protected. The hope of security, but the wantingness to be fearless. The brokenness of the world is displayed in the actions of the characters as they try to work through their past tragedies and experiences with the hope of redemption lingering just below the surface of their consciousness. This story is a depiction of the path from hurt and sadness to repentance and saving grace. It is a wonderful book that will keep you turning pages to find out what lesson the characters will learn next.

This story was a sweet surprise. A New-to-me author and a unique storyline. I was intrigued from the beginning and the mystery and romance kept building from there. There are so many things to love:

Brooding and wounded war hero
Smart heroine fascinated with history and artifacts
Slow burn enemies to lovers
Mystery, sabotage, danger, and suspense
Historical fiction with even farther back history
A bit of faith

I truly enjoyed this book and recommend to all historical lovers.

No Stone Unturned follows a small-town vicar’s daughter in her dreams of uncovering the past and receiving recognition after years of feeling unseen.

Long feeling abandoned by both her brother and her father, Bridget focuses on an archaeological dig that will open doors for her future, provide the funds she needs to track down her missing brother, and prove once and for all that she has worth. There’s just one problem - a new viscount with struggles of his own is disputing the boundary lines between his estate and the farm on which Bridget’s dig is taking place.

No Stone Unturned is a romance, a mystery, and a historical novel all in one. It’s a relatively uncomplicated read with scriptural veracity and hard truths woven in. I felt that it lacked a little of the passion that could have made it great book, but it was still worth the read.

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

Much like Britain's spiritual transformation from being a pagan nation to one that experienced Christian influence and revival, this book undertakes a similar journey. From initial encounters with excavated artifacts to discovering that things may not be as they appear, it's a brilliant story that unearths the truth, no matter how much effort and time are required. I love that so many themes tie in together as we meet Bridget Littleton and Rafe Hawthorn, and we uncover their heart in serving their families and community. It's most fitting that mosaics—where broken pieces come together to form a masterpiece of art whose sum is greater than all the parts—are so prominently featured when I think of the spiritual, historical, archeological, and artistic elements of this book.

While there are references to pagan gods, it is evident that these are no match for the Living God who causes hearts to turn toward Him and toward deep, lasting repentance and regeneration. The conversations between the characters are earnest, with heartfelt pleas that we can echo when we think of our own unbelieving family members and friends. Reading this book feels like a journey of discovery, evoking the sensation of a brush stroking away the debris to reveal something magnificent underneath. It's a reminder that God, the Master Craftsman, works out all things for His good and glory. In getting to meet a tender couple who fiercely cares for and loves others while relying on God's strength and provision, readers will find much to mine through in No Stone Unturned.

Perfect for fans of Jane Austen inspired regency romance.

When ancient artifacts are discovered in a neighbor's field vicar's daughter, Bridget Littleton, is thrilled at the idea of excavating long lost treasures. But her excitement puts her at odds with the young captain who has returned from military service to restore his ancestorial holdings. The discovery attracts all sorts of attention, not all of it good. Can Bridget and Rafe find common ground and find a future that honors the past?

A regency read set in the countryside, with an engaging plot and mysterious characters who are not all they appear. It is a slow start at first, as we get to know the characters and their situations, as well as what is going on with the land disputes and the excavation. Bridget is passionate about ancient history and is very well read, she is a devoted daughter but struggles at times to have faith. I really liked her father, and how he doesn't push, but has a gentle word that often causes those around him to think. Rafe is a Darcy-life hero, who sees much of life in black and white. Until he meets Bridget, that is. He finds himself liking her, despite being at odds with her much of the time.

Overall, this was a well written read, immersive and does a great job of capturing the time period. It picks up speed as the pieces fall together. I liked learning about archeology and the ancient civilizations. The themes of faith, and trusting God, were well done and very poignant. Wonderful read.

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

Jenelle Hovde has brought a wonderful historical fiction novel to the world. There's romance, intrigue, well written characters, intriguing plots, and lots of history. She has a beautiful theme woven in the pages that will speak to your heart.

Historical Romance fans who like Julie Klassen, Kimberely Woodhouse and Erica Vetsch will find themselves glued to the pages until they reach the very end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a delightful read! I love historical fiction with light faith elements, and this one was so nicely written and beautifully told.. I enjoyed the English countryside setting, the characters were engaging, and the romance was wonderful! I’m anxious to read more by this talented author.

The premise of this had me interested! Regency with archaeological aspects is an interesting combination. I struggled with the writing style. It was a bit wordy and hard to follow for my taste. I found myself losing interest due to the pacing being a bit on the slow side The mystery element was nice as was the faith aspects in this story,

Review

No Stone Unturned was a delightfully captivating read - a historical story with delicate religious undertones, set in the English countryside. The novel addresses many life issues of which friendships and love contributed to a beautifully dramatic ending. An excellent read. I loved it. I am eager to read the author's sequel.

--“You are quite the romantic, Miss Littleton. No wonder you wander the countryside like a woodland sprite in search of her fairy glen. How fortunate I am to have found you on such a dismal evening before your gossamer wings took ruin.”--

✨✨✨

--My heart seemed to cleave in half at the idea of him deprived of the last bit of fortune he had fought so hard to save. “I don’t want you to lose it.”

“Maybe,” he answered as he raised my hand to his mouth, lingering long enough to brush a gentle yet searing kiss against my knuckles. “But I have not lost everything.”--

✨✨✨

Did I ask for this book because of the cover? Yes, yes I did and no regrets. This story follows a Vicar's daughter and a man who just inherited a title and estate that is near ruin. Miss Littleton discovers historic mosaics on his property. Unfortunately, for him, her love for history far outweighs the sense of propriety and property boundaries.

I love a good historical romance and this one with STEM! Bridget is one fiery, adventurous heroine who isn't afraid to get a little muddy. Add a serious, brooding, injured war hero, then I am all set!

Such a fun read. Well done Christian themes throughout out, and a lovely sweet romance. Eager to see what this author writes next! Thank you to @austenprose and @tyndalehouse for my #gifted ARC.

*Romance- kisses

This is a great story. A story of Discovery, finding love, loss, adventure, intrigue, and romance. I loved all the characters, though I did struggle a little bit trying to keep some of the fellow towns people straight. Overall, I thought the story was a wonderfully written. Though I felt like some of the things were slightly implausible, it could be that's just because I don't know and have never lived over there. The author wove faith and change throughout the whole story and it was a wonderful transformation for a reader.

No Stone Unturned is a brilliant new Regency filled with mystery, romance, & faith. In this atmospheric tale, secrets abound when ancient Roman mosaics & artifacts are uncovered on a farmer’s property by the vicar’s daughter. But, when the new viscount of the neighboring property arrives & claims the property is his, a dispute ensues which leads to treasure hunters & lives put in danger as ancient secrets long buried are unearthed.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history exceeds all bounds of a proper young lady. When Roman ruins are discovered on a nearby farm, she uses her knowledge to begin excavating the site. Longing to be recognized for her discovery & intelligence & hoping to save her friend’s farm, she writes to two historical societies hoping they’ll fund an excavation.

Captain Rafe Hawthorn has returned to the one place he never wanted to see again. After his uncle’s death & a painful injury, he’s forced to accept his position as the new viscount. The estate though is in shambles & in desperate need of restoration. His steward insists that the newly discovered Roman ruins are actually on his property. As he tries to uncover the truth, he has a feisty, free spirited vicar’s daughter to contend with. But, the more he’s around her, the more he’s drawn to her. When her life is threatened & one of the precious mosaics is stolen, he must find the culprits before it’s too late.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved the atmospheric, gothic feel to it. Rafe’s & Bridget’s enemies to lovers, slow burn romance captured my imagination from the beginning. I loved Bridget’s spunk & determination. Rafe is a brooding, wounded hero who’s troubled by his past & the secrets of his childhood. Both struggle with faith & I loved seeing their perspectives change as their love grows & they make peace with the past.

I listened to the audiobook & thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She did a fantastic job voicing both male & female characters. I appreciated the emotion & feeling she put into the performance to really bring this story to life.

The thrilling conclusion had me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Highly recommend! I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but also purchased the audiobook. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

No Stone Unturned is a unique Christian regency romance. I very much enjoy history, and to learn about Roman archeology was particularly fascinating. Hovde does well weaving a tale of love, danger, and fascinating historical facts. I'm still relatively new to the regency genre, but I don't think the particular spin Hovde put on No Stone Unturned is a common one in the genre, so those who enjoy regency will be sure to enjoy this book.

Bridget and Rafe were great characters and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story. There is a bevy of secondary characters, some good and some with less than stellar intentions. There is one character whose massive plot twist I definitely did not see coming.

There are few content warnings: one use of "eh gads" and one use of "all hell broke loose".

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishing, NetGalley and the author for a giving me access to an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in the review are my own.

Bridget Littleton is the daughter of a local vicar who loves archeology. Captain Rafe Hawthorne is new Lord. As he is arriving to take over the estate a local farmer and Bridget discover some ancient Roman ruins. As a proper Regency lady, Bridget’s hands are somewhat tied on what she can do. Lord Hawthorne is taking over a doomed estate.

This was an interesting novel. The premise was different- a regency Christian romance with an archaeological dig. I loved the gothic elements and the nods to Jane Austen novels and even Jane Eyre. I did not love some of the pacing of the story and sometimes the writing felt a bit murky- hard to follow. The end felt a bit a hurried, as well. The overall love story is sweet and the overall plot of what will happen to the dig is intriguing. The faith content is very strong, with both main characters learning to rely on God. I just wish it the story would have been a bit easier to follow with better pacing.

This book would be great for those who love Regency romance or Jane Austen. People who don’t like blatant faith content may not care for this one.

#NoStoneUnturned #NetGalley

Excellent book! I have to admit, I was expecting a lighthearted regency romance, heavy on the romance and banter, light on the historical and archaeological aspects.

What I got was an engrossing tale that made this world come alive with rich historical and archaeological detail, a sweet, touching romance where the characters felt alive instead of superficial, and verbal riposte that was clever, witty, and deepened their respect for each other.

I am in awe. May I please have another book from this author immediately? Wow!

I just finished this sweet enemies to lovers Regency romance. Filled with challenges that test the characters faith it is a story of independent characters that are doing their best for their community and themselves. Bridget Littleton is an unconventional Vicar’s daughter that is fascinated by antiquities. When a statue is discovered in a field in the village she sets about to excavate the site and share her findings. Rafe Hawthorn is the heir to the home he escaped as a child and is faced with the monumental task of restoring it and paying past debts. He does not need the nuisance of ancient ruins or a captivating vicar’s daughter hindering his plans. The more they discover about the ruins and themselves, the more dangerous it becomes. Will they discover a future together is more than they imagine or will outside forces destroy everything? Bridget is the type of character I enjoy, unconventional, smart, kind, and trying to figure out life. Rafe is a character struggling with his past and trying to find his way forward. The connection between Bridget and Rafe is one they both try to deny and I enjoyed watching them figure it out. The ancient ruins added to the story. I was fascinated by the process and the existence of them in England. This was more than a romance and included not only the mystery of the ruins but also the theft and ongoing destruction that occurred at the ruin site and the manor. I recommend this to readers that enjoy sweet Regency romances filled with mystery and challenges to faith.

"We were never meant to live life alone in our own strength."

Bridget and Rafe's story is absolutely immaculately written. Both of them have grown to rely only on themselves and must learn to trust others. I love that the story incorporates Roman history and Christianity together. The setting and beliefs of a woman's place in life are historically accurate, and I love that Bridget was written as such a strong woman. Her determination and perseverance to be acknowledged in the antiquarian society and given credit for her historical findings is inspiring.

This story has everything, strong main characters, history, mystery, betrayal, friendship, and love. Throw in a battle with rediscovering your faith and relationship with God, and it makes for an incredibly gripping read.

I’ve been fascinated with the idea of Roman ruins in the English countryside ever since I read The Gresham Chronicles by Lawana Blackwell. My mind doesn’t automatically associate England with the Roman Empire, though it was indeed part of it for over 350 years, which for me anyway adds to the intrigue of stories like the above-referenced and a handful of others, including the latest – No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde. And that aspect of this novel did indeed draw my interest… but it certainly wasn’t the only thing that kept me engaged in the story once I began.

Bridget Littleton is exactly the kind of Regency heroine I enjoy – smart, kind, resourceful, and independent. I loved her passion for history & antiquities and her refusal to be intimidated by the various men who either want her to stop the excavation or muscle her out of it. Including our delightfully broody hero, Captain Rafe Hawthorn. Their chemistry is instant and palpable, despite being enemies at first, and I adored how Rafe’s attraction to Bridget flummoxed him. (I do so love a befuddled-at-falling-in-love hero!) Their relationship is a slow burn slide into friendship before more, but seriously, if you find yourself fanning every time you watch the scene where Mr. Darcy flexes his hand after touching Elizabeth’s, you’ll be melting over the same kind of romantic tension in No Stone Unturned as well. I know I was!

The other thing that kept me invested in this novel was the emotionally-rich facets to Bridget & Rafe’s backstories and how they affected their respective presents. Both are struggling to reconcile certain elements of their past with the goodness of God or His ability to truly change a heart, and I felt the author addressed these layers with authenticity, relatability, hope, and grace. While also making sure any eventual soul-restoration didn’t come across as trite or get shuffled to the background in favor of the other plot points. Instead, all the things I loved about No Stone Unturned – the ruins, the romance, and the redemption – maintained a steady balance between them that made this such a well-rounded story that will appeal to a variety of reader preferences.

Bottom Line: Much like the mosaics that Bridget uncovers in her amateur-but-skilled excavation of the West Sussex countryside, No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde takes two broken lives and crafts a beautiful romance with a deeper story to uncover for those who look past the surface. I enjoyed getting to know Bridget and Rafe, and I loved their swoony chemistry and enemies-to-friends-to-love journey throughout this book. The spiritual application and the author’s natural way of weaving it into the character development resonated with me as well, and a bevy of well-defined supporting characters also added to my enjoyment. Can I request a sequel, pretty please? Fans of Julie Klassen, Erica Vetsch, and Michelle Griep will enjoy No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)