The Holiday season is almost here. I read mostly Advanced Reader Copies and all reviews are my own opinion. Feel free to contact me if you have a questions or want me to read one of your books. Please post to my blog and/or subscribe. I love hearing from you! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come! May God bless and keep you this year!
In this compelling story, Lillie is cleverly disguised as an assistant cook within the Earl of Redwick's household. The new Earl, bound by his duty to the Crown, is actively pursuing Lillie's stepfather for treason. Despite his mission, the Earl finds himself captivated by his assistant cook, particularly her refined accent, and a mutual attraction blossoms between them. This burgeoning romance is complicated by significant obstacles: the Earl's loyalty to the Crown, and Lillie's precarious position, as she must remain hidden from both the Earl and her stepfather, who is desperately searching for jewels she took from him. As their love intensifies, Dominic (the Earl) becomes determined to aid Lillie while ensuring her stepfather faces justice. The characters are expertly crafted and profoundly emotional, and the plot unfolds beautifully, showcasing their struggle to uphold their principles without causing pain to one another.
I'm conflicted about this story. It started strong, with a well-written, serious tone, and I was genuinely invested. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn after the climax, crossing into other realms and adopting a less serious, almost absurd tone.
For a drama that introduced the possibility of fairies, I expected the serious mood to be maintained throughout. It felt as though the author stopped taking their own story seriously toward the end. The scene with the Fairy King, in particular, came across as needlessly evil and over-the-top. If you appreciate a story that descends into absurdity, this one might be for you.
Talk about poetic justice! Anastasia finds herself falling for the very Duke she's sworn revenge upon. They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but love has a way of melting even the most carefully laid plans. The Duke, for his part, has outgrown his wild youth; his father's death and new responsibilities have transformed him from an irresponsible rake into a titled nobleman. This story is fun, with characters who are delightfully whimsical. The climax truly grabs you, playing out exactly as you'd hope.
Here are my individual reviews on all 5 books.
The Viscount’s Madness
This captivating story explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and resilience. The heroine, grappling with her own trauma and an impending forced marriage, connects with the Viscount, who is similarly burdened by the weight of his past. Their shared struggles foster a deep understanding and a powerful alliance against the villainous Lord Evercombe. The author masterfully crafts a strategic and engaging narrative, showcasing the characters' inner strength and their ability to overcome adversity.
The Viscount’s Secret Baby
The Viscount Harcourt is the most noble man in Regency history. This story is not about a man who saves a friend from ruin. It’s about the depth of love that is possible if we truly open our hearts to love. How love is not limited to a small portion of our life, but how it consumes and pours out to those around us. Charlotte is like a lot of people who think you cannot love someone else because it’s a betrayal to her fiancé who is now dead. People forget the vows are only til death do you part. Love was created by our Creator to be poured out. It is not diminished by loving another but only expanded to include others and increase our joy and happiness. This is the love that this story conveys and reaches to the very heart of this reader’s soul.
The Viscount and the Matchmaker
Ostensibly, this is a very good story. Henry is a man stuck in his books and wants to share everything he learns. His mother wants him to court, but his discourse sends most women into hysterics or makes them sick. His favorite discussions are on ancient burial techniques. He hires Sophia to teach him social etiquette. Sophia is considered a bluestocking and her dream is to open a girls school. They agree on an appropriate employer/employee relationship. A connection grows between Sophia and Henry, as she begins to understand him, and he finds someone who finally understands him. It's important for a person to be seen and understood. This is the beginning of love. It sees who we are and understands us. Sophia sees Henry and once seen she cannot un-see. It moves Sophia to try and help Henry even more. The problem is Henry enjoys conversing with Sophia and begins to develop an attachment to her. Through Sophia's understanding, he begins to see Agnes, whom he was supposed to be courting, for who she truly is and to understand her motives. The reality in all of this is because he is a Viscount and she has scandal in her history, she is not eligible to be his wife. This is where the injustice of their situation becomes apparent. because both actually are outcasts from society. Henry because of his academic peculiarities and Sophia for her failed engagement because of her bluestocking ways. Logically, their shared outcast status and academic interests make them a perfect match. In the end, love is all that really matters.
The Viscount's Madness
This captivating story explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and resilience. The heroine, grappling with her own trauma and an impending forced marriage, connects with the Viscount, who is similarly burdened by the weight of his past. Their shared struggles foster a deep understanding and a powerful alliance against the villainous Lord Evercombe. The author masterfully crafts a strategic and engaging narrative, showcasing the characters' inner strength and their ability to overcome adversity
The Viscount's Enduring Love
This story initially captivated me with the intriguing premise of Edgar, seeking a unconventional partner, encountering the brilliant and unconventional Lucy Belgrave. Their idyllic retreat to Aunt Margaret's country estate, where they collaborate in the laboratory, fostered a genuine connection. However, the novel's potential was squandered by a repetitive narrative. Lucy, a victim of her condescending parents' attempts to marry her off, and her controlling fiancé, grapples with societal expectations. Edgar, determined to win her back, embarks on a predictable campaign to showcase her scientific brilliance. Unfortunately, this strategy dominates the latter portion of the book, becoming tedious and repetitive. Ultimately, Edgar's actions create a scandal he wanted to avoid, undermining his efforts and leaving this reader thinking he should have done all of this in the first place.
This story's handling of heartbreak and grief was powerful, especially the theme of Jesus's healing and restoration. However, the portrayal of malicious gossip within the church and the Pastor's inaction felt deeply wrong. While I get the hesitation to remove someone from the church, a church should stand against those who cause harm. The Pastor's failure to intervene seemed out of character for a leader who truly loves their congregation, as it allowed influential members to hurt others. The fact that the gossip only stopped when Chuck accidentally hurt his own wife while trying to harm Paul is a disturbing commentary on the church's leadership in the narrative.
Worn Sandals is a true example of how to live Grace. There are at least four moments when I had to stop reading to cry, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. The church of Thessalonians is an example of how a church should live their lives. This story comes at a time when our world as Christians is at a serious turning point and my Pastor is teaching on grace. This story walks through how simple people can live a life of Grace, and the timeline of this story walks through the beginning of the church of Thessalonica, The story is about simple people who find the truth of Jesus and try to walk in his grace, truth and mercy. This story is very powerful and moved me to try to find a way to walk my life fuller in His grace.
