A Mother for His Family by Susanne Dietze

A Mother for His Family Reviews

• 
  Megan

  "A Mother for His Family" by Susanne Dietze is a sweet and charming read, packed with faith content! This book came at the perfect time for me. After reading some emotionally heavy books on and around Christmas, it was so good to pick up a more lighthearted book.
  
  I love Ms. Dietze's writing style! "A Mother for His Family" is written with engaging prose and gives the reader a fast paced story. Being a lover of all things Scottish, I was delighted that this story mostly takes place in Scotland. It's filled with delightful details about Scotland and the culture. What's not to like about a hero with a Scottish accent, aye?
  
  Although I said this was a happier read for me, it's not an altogether fluffy read. It is full of great spiritual truths and content! There is a lot of prayer, Bible reading, and talking to God. The author does not shy away from dealing with issues such as rape, but it is dealt with in such a way as it isn't something the reader is thinking about all the time and nothing is described in detail.
  
  The overall messages in this book are ones that every woman and girl should learn--about who you are in Christ, how God delights in us and how we can't earn God's love. Well done Ms. Dietze; I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
  
  Content: This is a clean read, but I would give it a PG rating due to some of the delicate issues. There is talk of a woman giving herself to a man before she's married. There is mention of a man forcing himself upon a woman (nothing described in detail, but a character deals with the after effects of rape). A minister speaks of the fruits of marriage. A character used laudanum to mentally escape.
  
  Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars.
  
  Genre: Christian Fiction; Romance; Regency
  
  I want to thank Susanne Dietze, Love Inspired Historical and Harlequin for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255
• 
  Kara

  I'm not a historical fiction reader so when I was given the chance to read this, I hesitated. Little did I know I would fall completely in love with this book and how profoundly it would bless me, this book is worth more than five stars :)
  
  Loved the setting in Scotland and how the author emphasized the Scottish accent in the language, so well written!
  
  Loved Helena's heart and her determination to be there for John's 4 children. This isn't her family but she believes it's the only family she will have because of a scandal she got mixed up in.
  
  Love the moment on her wedding day to John that the moment she enters the church she senses God's love and wonders if it's that simple to be loved by God even though she believes herself to be the worst sinner.
  
  Loved how she treats all 4 children equally, she is kind and compassionate but also insists on being treated with respect.
  
  Loved how she is gracious and considerate of her parents and siblings despite how they look down at her and are so critical.
  
  Loved the friendship that slowly turns to romance with John.
  
  I took to this book quickly and didn't want to let it go, everything about it grabbed my heart and blessed me. It's a lovely Christian read that doesn't preach that readers will be able to relate to, easy to love and hard to forget. Highly recommend this one no matter what genre you favor. It's beautiful, mysterious, mischievous, sweet, and filled with four great kids who long for the right mom in their lives :)
  
  I was provided a ecopy by the author with no expectation of a review. The comments are my own.
• 
  Susan Snodgrass

  "I thought You forgive, Lord. Was I wrong?"
  
  Lady Helena Stanhope has been sent to Scotland to marry John Gordon, Lord Ardoch. Helena was ruined back in London and her family does not want their reputation ruined as well by keeping her with them. As it happens, Lord Ardoch, widower with 4 children, needs a mother for said children. He sits in Parliament and cannot be with them much of the year. He doesn't mind Helena's reputation if she will just mind his children and provide a good home for them at his home in Scotland.
  
  I have always loved a good Regency and Susanne Dietze does one well indeed. Her first book, also set in Scotland, was very good and I chose to follow her. This one is even better! She has created quite believable characters, even secondary ones, and her setting is perfect. Both John and Helena are convinced that there is no love in their future because of their pasts, she, ruined as she was in society's eyes, and he because he promised his late wife never to replace her in anyone's heart. Helena has never felt any love from her family and has determined in her heart that is how she is to go on the rest of her life. She feels unworthy of anyone's affection. But God has other ideas. He loves us unconditionally even when we feel we are not worthy of love. He creates in us new creations. The spiritual theme here was wonderful and a great lesson to be learned. I loved every minute of this book.
  
  *My thanks to the author and publisher for an early copy of this book. My opinion stated here is entirely my own.
• 
  Rebecca

  " . . . . before this congregation promise and covenant to be a loving and faithful wife unto thee, until God shall separate us by death."
  
  If their marriage seemed hasty, it was, but not for the reasons that most might assume. Lady Helena Stanhope was entering into an arranged union for one reason, and one reason only, to put the probability of a ruined reputation as far behind her as possible. Becoming united with John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and his four children, leaving London and its gossip behind, was a blessing in disguise, but not an absolution of her guilt.
  
  John Gordon had taken the advice of friends and wed the lovely Lady Helena, hoping to unite his family while he travels back and forth to Parliament sessions in London. Surprisingly, John finds Helena to be good company, raising his expectations and at the same time making it harder to guard his heart within their convenient arrangement. When it appears that trouble is brewing for his wife, John determines to defend her at all costs, demonstrating the kind of unconditional love that Helena never knew existed.
  
  Enjoy this delightful story of second chances amidst divine intervention. I was provided a copy from the author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
• 
  Trisha

  Full Review at:
  https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com...
  
  This delightful story captured my attention and imagination right from the start and kept me greedily turning pages late into the night. With charismatic characters and an engaging plot line, this story is one that you will want to make sure to read. The mystery behind the letters kept me guessing right until the end.
  
  If you enjoy sweet stories full of substance and emotion, then you won’t want to miss out on reading this book. I look forward to reading more stories from Susanne Dietze in the future and I give this fabulous story 5 stars. I encourage you to pick up a copy to enjoy at your earliest convenience.
  
  (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.)
  
• 
  Melissa

  A Mother For His Family by Susanne Dietze starts out with Lady Helena Stanhope arriving in Scotland about to enter into a marriage of convenience with Lord Ardoch aka John Gordon. He is a man beneath her station, but she is in desperate need to keep her reputation intact after a somewhat sticky situation that happened in London. John needs a mum to his 4 children after he was widowed years ago. This is the start of two people who don't know each other and soon learn it's love they have even though they have promised each other that it will never be anything more than friends! What's two stubborn people to do? Read the story and find out! You won't be disappointed!
  
  I really loved this story. I loved seeing Helena and John change for the better because of their lots in life and what they found in each other. They had a lot to work though and it helped having them both be there for each other. I also loved how it didn't just center on her relationship with John. The story also centers on both their ever changing relationship with the children, her family, and their friends. Most importantly, it focuses on how God changes them. I loved that about the story. It had the perfect mix of adventure, love, and spirituality. I couldn't really put this book down!
  
  If you like a clean sweet historical romance then I think you'd love this one! We even get a little epilogue at the end which always bumps up a book at least one star for me. LOL This was my first novel by Susanne Dietze, but not my last. I'll be reading the one that came before this one and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's not the last we see of Lord & Lady Ardoch!
• 
  Pamela

  I enjoyed this book by Susanne Dietz so much I didn't want it to end! It is inspirational and well written. Lady Helena Stanhope needs a husband to rescue her from a terrible situation. John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, needs a mother for his children, though he vows he will never love again after losing his first wife to illness. The two are wed in an arranged marriage. John has three children of his own and he is also raising his niece, who is an orphan. The children do not welcome their stepmother, and John has unwavering ideas about bringing up his family as his first wife wished. Helena and John are faced with many difficulties, including the blindness of John's youngest daughter. The couple learns to work together for the sake of the children. Together, they become a family. As the story unfolds, they face blackmail, threats, and many other obstacles. "A Mother For His Family" is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and good winning over evil. The characters are well developed and the plot is intriguing. I highly recommend this wonderful Regency novel!
• 
  Britney

  A Mother for His Family is full of charm! Susanne Dietze is a gifted storyteller, painting vivid pictures with her details and descriptions. My heart went out to Lady Helena for all she endured, and I delighted in her relationship with Lord Ardoch. In addition to their story, I was also pleased to revisit Gemma and Tavin from Dietze’s earlier Regency, The Reluctant Guardian. An engaging blend of mystery and romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this marriage of convenience tale!
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
  
• 
  Paula Shreckhise

  Susie Dietze continues her top notch writing in the companion book to The Reluctant Guardian. I was pleased to see some of the characters make their re -appearance. This novel is about neighbors of Gemma and Tavin. It is about Helena and John their family dynamics, and their spiritual journey towards maturity.
  Susie writes a well researched book with the picturesque setting of a Regency Country Manor.
  The characters of John and Helena and the children come alive and we see their struggles and their compassion to deal with what life has given them.
  
  John Gordon is a widower with a niece, twin boys and a blind daughter. He is in need of a wife to stay at his country estate, since he is away in London on business most of the time.
  
  Helena Stanhope has been disgraced by a suitor and seeks a suitable match to quell the rumors. Even though John is beneath her socially, she agrees to a marriage of convenience. They promised each other that it would be only a friendly marriage, but as they get to know each other, they each try to deny their growing feelings. In the midst of their attraction, blackmail rears it’s ugly head. Is it the man who ruined Helena’s reputation or does it come from another direction?
  John and Helena navigate their new circumstances with wariness. Helena tries to fit into her new role as a mother, aunt and Lady of the Manor! John loves his children dearly and wants what is best for them but is overprotective. Can Helena effectively parent under these circumstances? Is this arrangement truly what is best for each of them? Come and see what happens in this excellent book.
  
  I gave this one five stars because it is my favorite genre and setting and it certainly lived up to my expectations!
  
  *I received this book from the author and was not required to provide a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
• 
  ASC Book Reviews

  WOW! What a good read! It has humor, mystery, a touch of suspense! I also love how Susanne always adds animals! The pace of the story is lovely! It unfolds steadily and beautifully. I loved the kids even when they're quite ornery! ;) I haven't had the pleasure of reading the book before this one [YET! ;) ], but I REALLY want to after meeting those characters in this book! From the very beginning Susanne GRABS you and draws you into Helena's story! My heart ached for her as we learn about what has brought her to this point in her life. And I couldn't help but love John from the beginning even though he's wrong more than right at the start! ;) There are some shocking twists and turns, and the ending is fantastic! I HIGHLY recommend A Mother for His Family and think it is the best way to start your 2018 reading! :)
  
  Songs: "Broken Things" by Matthew West, "Amazing Grace", "Standing on the Promises" performed by Alan Jackson, "Rescuer" by Rend Collective
  
  Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
  
  John 16:33, John 3:16, 1 John 4:4
  
  ~ASC
  
  *I received this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about A Mother for His Family. ~ASC
• 
  Regina

  A delightful and enchanting book by Susanne Dietze!
  
  Hannah is forced to marry. John vowed to his dying wife never to love anyone else. John's four children hasn't known a woman's love and touch. Can Hannah reach info their hearts? Can Hannah and John bridge the divide and find love for themselves?
  
  This story has so many layers that it will leave you spellbound! The boys and their typical antics will leave you laughing and shaking your head; and little Louisa is precious, she'll put a bright smile on your face and warmth in your heart! The challenges she faces for one so young doesn't stop her, especially when Helena helps her discover independence. And Margaret is a young lady at the cusp of womanhood trying to figure out the world around her. With everything this book offers, one thing firmly stands out, a family is formed with God's firm foundation and love.
  
  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.
  
  
• 
  MJSH

  I’ve previously enjoyed Susanne Dietze’s novellas in collections but this is the first novel that I have read by the author and now I’m on a mission to read more of her books! This Love Inspired Historical is easy to read with a nicely paced plot and intriguing characters. I love the Regency era and the author does a great job of recreating a lovely and believable backdrop to the story. This book is loosely related to The Reluctant Guardian, which is the author’s first Love Inspired Historical that features a couple often mentioned in this book. But you don’t need to have read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this one (I haven’t read the first yet); this can definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone. If you enjoy Regency era historical romance, you will want to pick this one up soon.
  
  This tale involves an English duke’s daughter named Helena who’s taken a huge tumble from her lofty station in life and widowed Scottish lord named John who needs a mother for his children. Helena, thanks to much introspection and growing faith, matures quickly over a short period of time and learns the value of forgiveness, friendship, gratitude, contentment and humility. John also learns the value of humility and working together as a team when he weds Helena for convenience. His niece and three children are lovable, even in their grief and sour attitudes.
  
  Now onwards to find more of Susanne Dietze’s books!
  
  I received a copy of the book from the author via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
• 
  Fiction Aficionado

  This was a sweet historical romance set in one of my favourite historical periods—the Regency—with a little bit of mystery thrown in as an added bonus. In order to keep Lady Helena’s disgrace from becoming public, her parents arrange for a hasty marriage to a widowed Scotsman, Lord Ardoch. He needs a mother for his children, the youngest of whom (aged 5) became blind following an illness in infancy. A very remorseful and guilt-ridden Lady Helena is more than happy to agree to a marriage of convenience, both for her family’s sake and in the hopes that God will absolve her of what she believes is her sin. But when John receives a blackmail note from someone who knows Lady Helena’s situation, it’s obvious he can’t put the matter behind him just yet.
  
  I enjoyed some aspects of this story more than others. I loved the way in which actual historical events were referenced as they occurred (such as the death of King George III), and I enjoyed the way in which Louisa’s blindness influenced the family dynamics. John’s previous wife had laid down a ‘wrap-her-up-in-cotton-ball’ approach which prevented Louisa from developing any independence, whereas Lady Helena wanted to encourage Louisa to live as normal a life as possible, and this served as a good instigator of growth in Lady Helena and Lord Ardoch’s relationship. The blackmail also added an intriguing angle to the story and an unexpected outcome.
  
  However, I was less convinced by Lord Ardoch’s reasons for not allowing himself to fall in love with Lady Helena. It felt a little weak to me that he held so strongly to those reasons under the circumstances, but then I also think my tastes in regards to marriage of convenience storylines has been shifting in recent years, away from ‘I mustn’t allow myself to fall in love’ tensions and towards exploring some of the other tensions that arise in those circumstances.
  
  Still, this was an enjoyable read overall, recommended for those who like a sweet Regency romance with a little bit of intrigue.
  
  I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
• 
  Andrea

  Susanne Dietze has written a wonderful Regency, family drama. I loved the story of Helena and John. It may have been a marriage of convenience but the friendship and trust that developed were so heartwarming. I really felt for Helena's situation, her mother is horrible, her father slightly less than awful. Despite the lack of caring parents, Helena is a very good mother to John's children and niece. She loves them as if they were her own and wants the best for them, even if it means heated discussions with John. I loved how John cared for his children even more after seeing them through Helena's eyes. Oh, and his tender care of Helena...simply swoon-worthy.
  There is some sensitive subject matter discussed. I like that the author handled it in a way that was true to the times. I also liked how Helena came to understand how the Lord forgives and loves.
  This book is so much more than just a marriage of convenience story. Family, love, faith, crime, drama, mystery, forgiveness, trust and grace can all be found in its pages.
• 
  Anne

  Lady Helena Stanhope is victim of a horrific crime and receives not a stitch of emotional support from her family. In fact, they have convinced her she is at fault. In order to avoid any hint of scandal amid the ton, her parents arrange for a hurried marriage to the imposing John Gordon, aka Lord Ardoch, a Scottish widower with four rascally children, ages 13 to 5.
  
  For such a small book it sure packs a punch. Dietze has cultivated an enchanting tale of love between Helena and John and the children. It does not so astonish what kindness, gentleness, and perseverance can accomplish over time. Restoration is a prevalent theme in this story, brought about in a tender way.
  
  I recommend this book to fans of historical Inspirational romance because there is much more to the story that will bring warmth to your heart and leave you with a pleasant sense of satisfaction in this well-written narrative. And it never hurts that the hero is Scottish! 
  
  I was provided a paperback copy by the author with no expectation of a review. No compensation has been received.
  
• 
  Patricia Kiyono

  This story features Helena, a young woman from a noble family who needs to marry and leave polite London society due to her ruined reputation, and John, a Scottish lord who needs a mother for his houseful of children. The marriage-of-convenience trope has an added mystery, as someone starts blackmailing John when he brings the family to London while he takes his seat in the House of Lords. I enjoyed reading this story, as the plot is well-paced and kept me reading. It’s an inspirational romance, so there are souls saved and faith renewed as well as the obligatory happy ending.
  
• 
  Kerry Johnson

  Author Susanne Dietze writes another heartwarming, faith-filled historical in A Mother for His Family.
  
  The story is the perfect blend of romantic moments, interesting historical tidbits (most of it takes place in Scotland), a touch of danger & intrigue, and humor. Add to that a fast-paced plot, four rambunctious children and a friendly dog, and you have a lovely, engaging read I highly recommend (as well as her other books).
  
  I look forward to reading more of this author's books!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  Kailey

  I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t want it to end! I was so attached to the characters that I wanted to know more! Susanne Dietze did a great job writing characters that were easy to connect with. I really recommend this book!
  
  
  
  
  I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
• 
  Harlequin Books

  Received 5 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 16-Feb-18). To view reviews, go HERE>
  https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
• 
  Nicole

  A Mother for His Family (2018) is a fantastic Regency-era novel by Susanne Dietze. This novel is set to be released on January 2, 2018 through Harlequin Books. This novel will come in all forms including eBook, and is roughly 250 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy five-year old, this novel took me two days to devour! I received a free copy of this book from Susanne Dietze. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 5+++ STARS. This story is a Regency-era Christian Romance.
  
  Disclaimer: There is a rape scene referred to in this story. It is a pivotal moment in the main character’s life that sets up the motivation for her entering into a marriage of convenience. The author deals with this horrible moment in a very respectful manner.
  
  This is the very first novel that I have read by Susanne Dietze, but it absolutely will not be the last. This story is so well written and gives the reader everything he or she is looking for in a Regency novel. There is a damaged hero and heroine who, for various reasons, have shut down their hearts and enter into a “convenient” marriage. There is blackmail, betrayal, and a very evil villain. There are innocent plots to foil the bad guy and save the day. There are beautiful moments where the main characters realize they need to trust in God’s plan, and reassurances that God love us as we are — bumps and bruises included. And, there is a fantastic love story complete with a couple of swoon-worthy moments.
  
  I love Helena Stanhope, the heroine of this story, so much. I found myself relating to her on so many levels! Helena has been viciously, evilly hurt at the start of this story. Her emotional well being is shattered. She believes a marriage of convenience in Scotland, miles and miles away from London and the evil done to her there, is the best solution to her problem. Helena feels so broken and used and unlovable. I felt so badly for her. To Helena, the concept of a loving, caring, protecting, personal God is a foreign idea to her. Her family raised her to care about what society dictates rather than what God wants. I loved watching Helena grow in her relationship with God over the course of this novel. In fact, this may be the best part of the book for me. Helena, in the safety of her new home, begins to read God’s Word. Slowly, and with the help of her new husband, Helena realizes that God does love her exactly as she is. Moments would start to get Helena down and all her feelings of doubt, insecurity, and impurity would threaten to overtake her, but she would remind herself that God is always with her and loves her and has a perfect plan for her. I loved the constant reminders Helena would give herself. She would stop her negative thoughts right in their tracks and say, “No! I am not alone. God is with me.” Or, she would remind herself that her worth comes from God, not what her parents or society say. I was SO encouraged by this that I’ve found myself changing the mental thoughts in my head the last couple of days, too! Instead of my anxious, negative thoughts, I’ve changed the ticker tape read in my head to, “I can do anything with God by my side!”
  
  The hero in this novel, Lord John, is a pretty wonderful leading man. If there is one word to describe him, I would say that word is “honorable.” He is a genuinely good man. It was refreshing to read his character. He always wants to do right by God, by his new wife, by his family, by his friends, and by his country. He, too, constantly reminds himself to trust in God’s plan, to pray, and to seek God’s will. At the start of this story, John has been widowed for the past three years and he needs a wife to properly take care of his four children. Love for himself is not in his plan. He merely needs a good woman who will love and care for his children as a mother should. He gets that out of Helena, and then some! Watching John morph from a rigid, tedious rule-follower into a more relaxed, loving husband and father was a lot of fun. Sometimes I would shake my head and chuckle because his stringent ways of doing things seemed like so much extra work!
  
  I cannot stress enough how good a story this book is. I laughed, I teared up a little, I cheered, I raged…it was great! I was engaged from page one, and was really sad when it ended. Ms. Dietze is a tremendously gifted writer, and I am honored to be able to review this book. I hope God blesses us readers with many, many more stories by Ms. Dietze in the future! If you are looking for an excellent Regency-era novel to add to your TBR list, I cannot recommend this book enough. When it comes out in January, run to the store to buy this book! You will not be disappointed that you did.
• 
  Karen

  It’s July 1819, and Lady Helena Stanhope has a dilemma. Due to an interesting set of circumstances, her reputation is questionable at best. Her parents wish to remove her from society to avoid further scandal, so they arrange a marriage between her and a Scottish Lord of Parliament. John Gordon is a widower in need of a mother for his four children. With his busy schedule, he’s looking forward to having a responsible young woman assume the duties of caring for his family.
  
  Helena and John marry and become acquainted within the boundaries of friendship. They hit a few bumps in the road, but begin to earn each other’s trust. The children – twin boys, a blind little girl, and an orphaned niece provide ample mischief, which often complicates Helena’s and John’s growing relationship.
  
  As if four busy children aren’t enough to test the newlyweds’ mettle, the author throws a little blackmail and a series of robberies into the mix. This isn’t your typical marriage of convenience story. The twists and turns are intriguing and entertaining. It was enlightening to watch the main characters evolve and work through the hardships and events thrown their way. The result is a captivating story that will make you stay up way too late because you just can’t put the book down. (This may or may not have happened to me.)
  
  Susanne Dietze is a wonderful storyteller, and has written another captivating and heartwarming tale. Helena learns that she is loved, and that God’s redeeming power can restore what’s been lost. I was challenged and able to identify with some of the main characters' inner struggles, and found myself considering my attitude and actions lately. This delightful story will appeal to historical and other fiction fans, as well as anyone who loves a happy ending.
  
  The author provided a copy for me with no conditions or expectations for a review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
• 
  Just Commonly

  "He was John Gordon, the Lord Ardoch. The stranger she had come here to marry."(12)
  
  So, full disclosure here. I love stories with kids, especially when kids need a little love and our characters are able to provide that. The journey to mutual respect and understanding just tickles, and then warms my heart. Well, Susanne Dietze's A Mother for His Family gave this reader much love.
  
  "I am ice. I am ice. If I am not careful, I will crack."(42)
  
  John and Helena are such great characters. O, how my heart ached for Helena - for what she went through and for the guilt she placed on herself. How lost she was! Yet, with everything she's been through, including entering an arranged marriage in name only, her genuine concern for the kids were remarkable.
  
  The romance was just as lovely. I enjoyed every bit about A Mother for His Family, but most of all, the message of God's unconditional love. With a great comparison to conditional love that is fickle or conditions we placed on ourselves, A Mother for His Family is profound and entertaining.
  
  "God's desire to forgive and renew you is not based on your actions. . . He delights in you. . . I hope. . . you remember to see yourself as God sees you. As I see you. . . worthy of love and hope." (123, 264)
  
  
  This review first appeared on
  Just Commonly blog.
  
  Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
• 
  Connie Saunders

  Lady Helena Stanhope has never felt loved by her family and this feeling is increased by their decision to send her from their home in London to Scotland. She has been deemed unworthy and they don't want her to ruin the family's reputation so they arrange for her to marry a man needing a mother for his four children. John Gordon, Lord Ardech, isn't concerned with Helena's reputation and she doesn't mind taking over the care of four energetic children so this seems to be a perfect match with no emotions required. Soon, however, it becomes apparent both of them may be surprised at what the future holds.
  
  The author has been able to show how broken Helena feels and how torn John becomes because of his promise to his deceased wife to always keep her first in his heart. I enjoyed seeing Helena's faith develop and her self-esteem grow as she realizes that she is worthy of being loved by God and by man. And, as the bond deepens between Helena and his four children, we witness John's realisation that a true family life is possible and that he is permitted to feel romantic love again.
  
  Susanne Dietze has written a sweet story of love, acceptance and forgiveness and I recommend A Mother For His Family to anyone who enjoys clean Regency romance.
  
  I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
• 
  English

  A Mother for His Family is a rather enjoyable spin on the typical marriage of convenience story. There's a passel of impish and mischievous children, a blackmailer, a manor house in remote Scotland and a newly married couple keeping some secrets from one another.
  
  Overall, its an enjoyable Regency novel with a slow burning romance. Not trite or predictable. Historical events and details are woven well into the story and some difficult or controversial subjects are dealt with sensitively.
  
  Helen was a great character. Although thrown in the proverbial deep end with her marriage, she has to use her wit and intelligence to get by. She is vulnerable, but doesn't tend to show it and tries to help and assist her adoptive family in the best way she knows.
  
  I only had a couple of complaints about Americanisms (eating with forks etc). Also, there was one scene where Helena starts preaching at the villain which just didn't come over as appropriate or realistic in the context. It just seemed contrived and not like something a person in that situation would do. At least not a normal, flawed, human being.
  
  A solid 4 star read and a good follow up to Mrs Dietze's first Regency novel. Its been a couple of years since I read that, and I might give it a re-read.
• 
  Amy

  A Mother for His Family is a little story with a powerful punch. It also hit all my sweet points: Scottish protective hero, marriage of convenience, a villain needing justice, children who need parents, and true love. I really liked the relationship building between Lady Helena and her new husband John, Lord Ardoch. She wants a safe place where someone may love her and he wants his children to be cared for while he is away at Parliament trying for the betterment of all people. What they discover is just how much both of them need each other and to let go of the ghosts of their past for a new life together.
  
  This book also had some twists and turns I was not expecting and it kept me up late turning those pages. I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
  
  
  https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...