Matthew's Willing Widow

Before the Bookshop Belles, there was a love story born of war, courage, and second chances…

Matthew Baxter has always counted himself a fortunate man. As the owner of Baxter's Fine Books and father to four lively daughters, his life in the market town of Hatfield is both busy and content. But when a letter from France reveals the devastation of priceless books and a long-lost family connection in desperate need, Matthew sets out on a perilous journey across a continent still reeling from war.

In the heart of a country torn apart by war, Matthew is reunited with Céline, his late wife's courageous cousin, now a widow struggling to keep her sons safe from hunger and conscription. Together, they brave danger, betrayal, and an uncertain future as they risk everything to save not only rare books, but their own lives.



As Matthew and Céline are drawn together by necessity and shared loss, friendship blossoms into something deeper. But with armies marching, borders closing, and every step fraught with peril, both must decide if they have the courage to trust in love again.



Set against the sweeping backdrop of post-revolutionary France and the promise of a fresh start in England, Matthew's Willing Widow is a heartwarming Regency novella about hope in the darkest of times, the bonds of found family, and the enduring power of love.



Step into the world that began it all - perfect for fans of sweet historical romance, strong heroines, and slow-burn love stories with the happiest of endings.



Catherine Bilson and Ebony Oaten are both award-winning romance authors in their own right, united by a passion for sweet, heartwarming historical romance. Proud members of Romance Writers of Australia, they live so far apart they only get to meet in person once a year, but regular messages and video chats help keep them on the same page as they craft historical romance stories with deeply relatable characters. When they're not writing like maniacs trying to outdo each other, they're sharing funny cat memes and ideas for new stories, inspiring each other to create unforgettable happily-ever-afters.