No Stone Unturned

by Jenelle Hovde

She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamicHistorical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail WilsonIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Regency, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Christian

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2025

About the author

Jenelle Hovde writes regency romance, cozy mysteries, and Biblical era fiction. She especially loves antique stores and vintage books. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates homeschooling with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Stay updated with her latest works and musings by subscribing to her newsletter at jenellehovdeauthor.com.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The land had been waiting for centuries to give up its secrets, and I intended to uncover every last one.”

I’ve never really understood the allure of Regency Romance before reading this book. However, Hovde has given me reason not to write off this genre. She balanced Christian values with a wonderful romance featuring a swoon-worthy lord, a spunky bluestocking, and tied it all together with a compelling plot centered around the discovery of Roman ruins.

It’s obvious that the author understands the history, attitudes, conventions, manners and laws of the time. This allowed me to get caught up in the external conflict that sought to keep the main characters apart, the steps taken to prevent scandal, the high stakes of the social conventions associated with aristocracy, the intelligent dialogue and quick wit, and seeing how differently characters of this era reacted in various situations compared with how modern characters would handle similar ones.

I will remember this story for what it highlighted about braving the storms of life, breaking free from the past, finding the beauty in broken or lost things, reigning in our doubt and allowing God control, and being willing for restoration and refining.

“How can we learn to grow if we do not understand the past? How can we heal if we do not fully examine what happened to us?”

Thank you for giving me a reason to return to this genre, Jenelle Hovde.

I was gifted this copy by Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde
5 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

This was SO good y'all! A beautiful layered regency romance!

Read if you like:
✨Regency Romance
✨Christian Historical Romance
✨English Countryside Settings
✨Slow-burn Romance
✨Restoration of Artifacts/Antiquities
✨Archeology
✨Unexpected Discoveries
✨Books with a Jane Austen Feel
✨Stories that take time to Unfold
✨Strong Heroine
✨Wounded Hero with Growth
✨Heartfelt Journeys

We follow Miss Bridget Littleton who is NOT your typical society lady. She is very passionate about preservation of history, antiquities and artifacts. She finds herself at odds with the new Lord of Hawthorn Abbey over an ancient Roman mosaic. It leaves quite the enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance that I really enjoyed!

Captain Rafe Hawthorn is a hero marked by hardship and duty to restore both his family's legacy and his own worth. After his uncle passed away, he is the new lord of the estate and is trying to fix all the things that are broken. He is not too thrilled about Bridget and her quest to dig on the property...the conflict creates real high stakes and yet, they find themselves in a reluctant partnership where their chemistry grows. It's a story that takes time to unfold, which I loved.

I think if you like stories by Julie Klassen, Jane Austen or Abigail Wilson, you will love this book. Like Julie, we see the story take some time to unfold which I love. Like Jane's Northanger Abbey, we have an Abbey that appears to have a mystery behind it, some mentions of Bridget reading Udolpho - I loved the ties to that. And like Abigail, we have a regency romance with some mysterious happenings going on.... Others have compared this to Poldark atmospherically and I can see that too.

I loved the added faith element. We saw so much doubt from Bridget and she really felt realistic as she worked through those issues and the thread of "can a man really change?".... Yes, if God plays a role in it.

I'm really looking forward to more by Jenelle. Very impressed! Highly recommend!

Thank you to Austen Prose, Tyndale House Publishers and Jenelle Hovde for a complimentary copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS STORY WAS AMAZING! Packed with historical artifacts, biblical truths, suspense, mystery, and even romance! I couldn't ask for anything more.

I'll tell you... the romance is a total slow burn, and I worried at first that it would lose me. But nope, the story on its own was so well written, that the romance was just the icing on the cake for me!

Bridget has discovered artifacts deep within the dirt of the Perry's land... or is it actually Lord Hawthorn’s (Rafe) estate? She’s determined to keep digging and uncover the history behind her findings, hoping it’ll be valuable enough to help her brother.

Rafe has his own plans for the land. Time is running out, and with the estate on the verge of being lost, he needs to find a way to restore the finances he inherited and take care of the tenants who rely on him. With both of them needing the land for very different reasons, Bridget and Rafe constantly butt heads, but maybe they’re not so different after all. Could they both get what they need without losing the land... or their hearts?!

And just when things couldn't get more complicated, something strange is happening on the estate. Accidents, secrets, and sabotage...someone’s clearly working against them. But who? Is one of them hiding something, or is there an outsider trying to stop them from uncovering the truth?

This story was wonderful, the chemistry between Bridget and Rafe, as well as the banter had me totally pulled in. The community and its closeness, and its rumors, kept it interesting. The mysteries hidden behind closed doors.... So much to unpack, totally worth the read!

I gave it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy, this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Mesu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful regency romance. Filled with the intrigue and wit of Bridgerton, the deep emotional connection of Downton Abbey. Loved this book!

No Stone Unturned captivated me with the emotion of a dutiful daughter, too busy for romance after her mother dies and she must care for her father, the vicar of Bramnor, and her rebellious brother. She has only one thing that is hers alone—learning and searching for treasured antiquities on a dear friend’s farm. However, when the grumpy-yet-handsome wounded soldier returns from war to inherit his uncle’s estate as the new viscount of Hammond Manor, her digging days may be over. When he calls her a “woodland sprite sent to misguide [his] way,” the war between the vicar’s daughter and the new vicar begins—and so do many more intriguing sparks along the way. If you love regency romance with subtle-but-fascinating history lessons and novels that cause you to gently measure your heart, No Stone Unturned should be on your TBR list now!

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I both read the ebook edition and listened to the audiobook of this novel.

If you enjoy audiobooks, Shakira Shute delivers a compelling performance.

Readers who enjoy the works of Lynn Austin, Sarah E. Ladd, Julie Klassen, Michelle Griep, or Abigail Wilson may be especially drawn to Jenelle Hovde’s writing style and storytelling voice.

Themes and Elements:
• Christian Fiction
• Historical Romance
• Regency-Era England (West Sussex setting)
• Antiquities and Roman Mosaics
• Village Secrets and Property Disputes
• Forbidden Love and Enemies to Lovers
• Strong Female Lead
• Mystery, Sabotage, and Hidden Danger
• Forgiveness, Restoration, and Trusting God
A thoughtful and well-paced story that weaves faith, romance, and intrigue.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Micheline Ryckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a solid, regency romance with substance, light gothic tones, archeological mystery, and high stakes, then look no further! The beginning moves a little slow, but don’t give up, things are quick to pick up and it’s worth continuing. By the time you reach the midpoint, you won’t want to put it down!

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Stone Unturned is the perfect title for this book! Set in England during the Regency Era, the heroine is a bit of a bluestocking and an amateur archaeologist. She is the daughter of a clergyman and feels neglected by him. The hero is a broody former soldier who was injured in war. There is mystery, suspense, twists and turns, and a lovely romance. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! Fans of Julie Klassen's books now have another regency author to add to the top their TBR.

"Leave no stone unturned...How can we learn to grow if we do not understand the past? How can we heal if we do not fully examine what happened to us?"

No Stone Unturned is an ideal blend of history and suspense, romance and faith. Set against the vivid setting of the English countryside, a vicar's daughter is encouraged to advance her interest in antiquities when a neighboring farmer inadvertently uncovers some relics from the past. She finds herself at odds with the new neighboring lord of the manor as they try to extend the dig for scholarly purposes. This is well-written friends-to-enemies story that is a slow burn romance, skillfully keeping readers invested by an expertly penned plot.

With the future of the estate on the line, odd circumstances hinder the development of the estate as well as the dig. Like a tangle of threads on the back of a tapestry, the seemingly unrelated events are woven together into a brilliant story. As they join forces, both Bridget and Rafe must face buried secrets and emotions from the past. A compelling faith thread of understanding that God is at work, even in the darkest moments, leading our paths, bringing strength, hope and wisdom is subtly woven throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No Stone Unturned" by Jenelle Hovde is a wonderful Regency romance with Gothic vibes and great faith content! I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and beautifully written story. Fans of Mimi Matthews, Julie Klassen, and “Jane Eyre” will especially love this book. I loved the descriptions of the untamed, isolated Abbey, the ancestral home of our hero, Captain Rafe Hawthorn. Miss Bridget Littleton, our loveable heroine, is delightful and I love that she is a bluestocking interested in artifacts. The romance was wonderful, and the book was well researched and rich with historical detail. I appreciated the faith content and the message that God is in control, even when we doubt and it is only by His strength that we can do anything. There are also themes of forgiveness, friendship, and loyalty. I think lovers of Regency romance with Gothic vibes will love this book! I cannot wait to see what this author writes next!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of gambling, a gaming hell, alcohol and laudanum; mention of a demon and a ghost; brief mention of past animal abuse and animal harm; mention of affairs, a mistress, and a couple sleeps together out of wedlock; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; a person born out of wedlock is called a “bastard” and someone is pregnant out of wedlock.
TW: Domestic violence in the past; mention of possible madness, PTSD; mental illness; alcoholic in the past.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found a new favorite author of Regency romance. Ms. Hovde delivered an engaging story with a grumpy hero and a determined heroine with a captivating mystery added. Captain Rafe Hawthorne is the new Viscount of Hawthorne Manor, an estate that is steeped in mystery and scandal. Bridget Littleton is a vicar’s daughter and quite the bluestocking with her fondness for the antiquities she found on a neighbors farm.
With flawed characters who grow in their faith, the plot thickened as Bridget sought recognition from two competing antiquities societies. And more complications arise as Rafe tries to improve his holdings and serve his tenants.
I was excited to read of the discovery of a Roman villa in the British countryside. This tale has a mix of historical significance, and the villainous quest to greedily obtain the artifacts. Vicar Littleton provides a voice of reason and spiritual guidance and he and other supporting characters add color to the story.
I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to reading more from this author.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Eva Cedarland Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a shining debut! I was immediately drawn by the characters, mystery and rich setting. I also found Bridget's archeological adventures intriguing. Who doesn't enjoy a brooding ex-captain and a fiery FMC? I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author!

The only reason it was a four star for me was because some of the riding felt a bit amateur, with lots of filler words. But not often enough for me to not enjoy the story!

If you're looking for jane eyre vibes, suspense, enemies to lovers and beautiful themes, look no further! I also love how the cover teased the meet-cute. Or meet-hate?

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a book that you wish more people knew about?

Bridget Littleton is a vicar’s daughter and loves history and antiquities. She is very excited to find a Roman mosaic in a neighborhood farm field. Capitan Rafe Hawthorn has returned from fighting in the Napoleonic Wars, and he is the new viscount in the neighborhood. He confronts Bridget as he believes she is excavating on his land. Will Bridget be able to prove she is actually on the Peterson farm, and will she be able to convince Rafe that the work is worthwhile? Will love bloom? Who else is trying to steal the mosaics?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a sweet Regency romance and a clean read. It has a slow burn and enemies to lovers’ romance.

• I loved Bridget. She is an educated woman who knows her own mind. She has a passion for archeology and Roman artifacts. She loves to read Gothic fiction and she is kind to others.

• I also love Rafe. Rafe had a broken childhood filled with abuse. His mother was able to escape with him. He also suffered a grave wound and loss of a friend in the war. He has returned with his terrible memories to the estate, and he wants to repair the estate and help the tenants.

• Bridget and Rafe had great banter and dialogue between them.

• Roman archaeology is fascinating to me. I loved reading about the dig, their finds, and early Christianity amongst the Romans.

• I enjoyed the quotes at the start of each chapter. Many are from Lord Byron, Seneca, and John Wesley amongst others.

• The novel is told through a dual narrative between Bridget and Rafe. The story is told through the first-person point of view.

• There were mysteries throughout the novel that kept me intrigued.

• There is a great author’s note on the real Roman discoveries that occurred in England in the 18th and 19th century.

• There are also great discussion questions at the end to challenge yourself with or use at a book club.

• This was an excellent debut novel! I can’t wait to see what Jenelle Hovde writes next!

Favorite Quote: “Leave no stone unturned. How can we learn or grow if we do not understand the past? How can we heal if we do not fully examine what happened to us?”

Overall, No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde was a beautifully written Regency romance with great main characters and growth, interesting mysteries, and Roman archaeology. I greatly enjoyed this novel.

Book Source: Thank-you to @jenellehovdeauthor @tyndalehouse @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Thanks to AustenProse, the publisher, and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I saw the cover and read the blurb for No Stone Unturned I knew this book was for me. I am a history lover, especially ancient history. And I also am fascinated with archaeology and the discovery of artifacts. So this book was a great read for me.

Not only was this a history geeks dream, but it had enemies to lovers, danger, intrigue, betrayal, a grumpy MMC, and an intellectual and brave FMC. Then to top it off it had was filled with great Christian content. Definitely a winning combination!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hovde crafts a delightful Regency chock full of my favorite story threads.

Bridget Littleton is a strong-willed, passionate vicar's daughter with a fancy for archaeology. I enjoyed this aspect to the story and the creativity based in history.

Enter Rafe Hawthorn, injured in battle and spirit with a herculean task of restoring his family's lands and reputation. Rafe finds an equal match in Bridget as they pursue saving the estate by different means.

Hovde adds a natural faith journey for Rafe and Bridget that adds depth and emotion to the romance in the novel.

A fabulous Regency romance with spunk and sparks.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this story kept me engaged from the beginning! I thoroughly enjoyed going along with Bridget as she excavated ancient treasures. The mysterious happenings further captured my attention, and of course the brooding Rafe drew me in from the beginning! He’s my favorite kind of hero; I loved his turn around as he discovered more about his family history and developed deeper trust in God, as well as his romance with Bridget. I enjoyed her growth, too, and appreciated the relatability of her challenges with her relationships with others and her faith. The action towards the end of the story took me a bit by surprise, and I loved how everything turned out!! I really liked how we read chapters from both Bridget’s and Rafe’s points of view. I kind of wish there was a sequel in the works! If you enjoy historical books with romance, unconventional heroines, brooding heroes, mystery, and characters with relatable faith, definitely check this book out! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my review copy; I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts above are my own.

[Brittnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 

-Dual POVs 
-A feisty FMC
-A broody MMC 
-Rival goals
-Mysterious happenings 
-Faith & healing 

Regency romance + Archeology = 💕

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Stone Unturned delivers a story that sparkles with emotional depth and historical intrigue.

Bridget is not your typical Regency heroine—she’s sharp, determined, and passionately devoted to uncovering the past. Rafe, the brooding and wounded viscount, is her perfect match: equal parts gruff and noble, with a heart that aches to be redeemed. Their romance builds beautifully, from reluctant allies to something much deeper, richer, and hard-won.

But it’s not just a love story. There’s a forgotten Roman mosaic and family secrets. The tension never lets up—and neither does the hope. I especially loved how faith threads naturally through the story, reminding us that sometimes the greatest restoration is the one that happens within.

If you adore Julie Klassen or Sarah E. Ladd, and you’re hungry for a Regency romance that feels fresh, grounded, and emotionally resonant—No Stone Unturned hits the spot.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different than Hovde's ancient world novels for sure.

But I am loving the sizzling romance and banter within this one. I started laughing out loud over a particular scene. One word. Potatoes.

Okay, I've read this twice and savored it! I laughed until I cried. I cheered for the romance and turned pages for the mystery. This is going to be a favorite comfort read--a funny epic battle of the wills with all the intellectual word combat you could ask for between a heroine and hero.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. An interesting historical novel and if you enjoy Regency stories you'll love this one. I've never read this author before and the research involved in writing this is impressive. A lot of intrigue, danger and romance involved. Highly enjoyable.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this novel and I can hardly wait for book two to come out. Rafe is the brooding viscount, and Bridget the sassy sunshine to all his grumpiness. There is a touch of mystery and archeology based on real history. Very entertaining.

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No Stone Unturned" is an excellent Regency era novel by Jenelle Hovde. This story kept me engaged from beginning to end and I stayed up late at night to finish this one. The main characters were likeable and the female character is a strong and someone I'd like to meet in real life. The mystery was intriguing and there were many twists and turns along the way. I liked learning about the history with Roman mosaics and early Christian elements. This area was well researched and I kept googling more information on the side to learn even more!

I highly recommend this book! I hope to read more by this author in the future. I recommend this one for ages 16+.

Thank you to Tyndale Publishing for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather Alford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers is my least favorite trope so I, personally, would give this story 3 stars for my own mental catalog. However, I have given it 4 stars here because it’s well written and I enjoyed the archeological aspects. That’s not a path many authors take so it’s always fun when it’s done well. The characters are likeable, the banter is pretty good, and there was enough mystery to keep me from entirely predicting the twist at the end. Speaking of the end, it did feel a little chaotic but overall everything comes together nicely. And I do love a fulfilling epilogue.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and well written.

Very enjoyable read. Christian read. Historical information was presented clearly. Characters were well developed and believable.
And their growth consistent with Christian beliefs.