The Vow: A novella [Prequel Novella] Jody Hedlund

Book Description:

In this ebook historical romance novella by Jody Hedlund, young Rosemarie finds herself drawn to Thomas, the son of the nearby baron. But just as her feelings begin to grow, a man carrying the Plague interrupts their hunting party. While in forced isolation, Rosemarie begins to contemplate her future—could it include Thomas? Could he be the perfect man to one day rule beside her and oversee her parents’ lands? 

Then Rosemarie is summoned back to her castle in haste. The disease has spread, and her family is threatened. And the secret she discovers when she returns could change her future forever.

This novella also serves as a prequel to Jody Hedlund’s An Uncertain Choice.

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Hedlund does a beautiful job of painting the portrait of not only a time, and place but the emotions and trials of our young heroine's life. An excellent prequel to Hedlund's novel, An Uncertain Choice. I quickly flew through the pages and greatly anticipate starting the novel, and the rest of Rosemarie's story!

How to Catch a Prince (The Royal Wedding Series, Book 3) by Rachel Hauck

A completely captivating and delightful addition to The Royal Wedding series by Hauck! I loved this one, and found it hard to put down. There are so many wonderful layers found within this novel; well layered characters, relationships, spiritual truths and the romance too! I found this novel to be a sweetly romantic and enjoyed every moment found within its pages.

The characters are ones you will love and their story one that you will root for. The spiritual truths and struggles found within are all things that will bless the reader. I loved the theme throughout the novel of loving well.

Hauck caught my attention, heart and soul with this installment! Bravo!

Price of Privilege (Price of Privilege, Book 3) by Jessica Dotta

Book Description:

Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.

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An exceedingly, exceptional series! Dotta has garnered a big fan in me. The writing is sublime and will hold you completely enthralled. I found myself so completely engrossed with in its pages, that it was as if I was part of the story. Every word, decision, hurt,  & danger pressed upon you. There were a few moments I found humorous,  there were as well, moments that had tears pouring forth from my eyes.

Initially, I wasn't sure at the beginning of Book 3 if I was going to like the direction the novel was heading; still it held me captive. Dotta, surpassed my expectations and left me with the profound feeling that I not only read a great novel but one that moves you and speaks to you as well.

The characters, the story, the intrigue are so well penned, I find myself a bit undone that it is all over! I am sad to say farewell, and I feel confident that this is not only a story I will recommend to others, but one that I will pickup to read again. Bravo!

Mark of Distinction (Price of Privilege, Book 2) by Jessica Dotta

Book Discription:

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.

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Dotta continues to keep readers on the edge of their seats and glued to the pages! Book 2 in the Price of Privilege series, is another brilliantly written novel. The setting, characters, mystery and intrigue are exquisitely penned and have left this reader eagerly anticipating the conclusion in Book 3. 

I do have to add my one complaint ... While I was thrilled with 99% of the book, the ending was not where I hoped the story was going. That said, I am still eager for Book 3! Who knows what will come forth out of it! 

Born of Persuasion (Price of Privilege, Book 1) by Jessica Dotta

Book Description:

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

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Wow, Dotta's debut novel, and the first book in her series, Price of Privilege, is a wonderful, fascinating piece of literature! This Gothic romance, will bring to mind novels by Austen and Bronte. Truly a work of art.

Initially, it took me a little bit to get sucked into the story. It was interesting but not gripping yet. However, by the time Julia finds herself at Mr. Macy's estate, Eastbourne, you will find the intrigue and wonder so great that you are completely absorbed into the tale and hard put to set it down! Even, after finishing it late last night, this story has continued to play upon my mind, and I find myself very eager to pick up Book 2 and delve in.

Born of Persuasion, is told from Julia's perspective, which helps add to the suspense of the story. Just as Julia must wonder at everyone else's motives, so must you. Who can you trust, what is true, what should she do?! On and on, it leaves you held fast to the story and on edge as you suspect things and people are not all that they seem.

So for those looking for a novel that is not predictable but instead leads you through all the mazes, with just enough tidbits to help you along and keep you in suspense, this novel is for you. It abounds with great writing, depth of character, mystery, intrigue and Gothic romance. It engages the mind and thrills.

Sure, there will be many occasions that you wish you could impress upon Julia to err on the side of caution, and long to shake her; but in truth is that not how we often look back at our own youthful choices and wish we had known then what we know now.

Picking up this novel is a journey, Book 1 is just the introduction and a meaty one at that; but it is absolutely worth the time!

Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

Book Description:
What do mermaids, curses, evil warlocks, kingdom rebellions, adventure, and romance have in common? They are all part of Tyndall's new book! A branch into the fantasy world for this best-selling historical romance author! 

Doomed by the evil warlock Forwin to wander the ancient seas as a mermaid for all eternity, Perdita longs for the release death would bring. Every ten years she has a chance to break the curse when she emerges from the sea fully human for one month. The catch? She must find a man willing to die for her. Yet, after three hundred years, her failures have left her heartbroken and alone. 

Savion Ryne wants nothing to do with beautiful women. It was one such woman whose betrayal sent him far away to battle Natas’s rebellion. He longs to return to his father’s kingdom in Nevaeh, but he is destined for a mission, but where and to help whom? He doesn't know. After Savion falls off his ship during a storm, he wakes on the shores of an island with visions of a dark-haired mermaid tending his wounds. Later, when a woman similar in appearance begs for his protection, he is suspicious. 

Perdita has never met anyone as honorable as Savion. Even though he shuns her every advance, she falls for him. But as the end of her time on land approaches, she faces the hardest decision of all: save Savion and remain cursed for all eternity or break the curse and watch the man she loves die. 

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I wasn't quiet sure what to expect with this novel, but let me say that it far exceeded any expectations I had! I started it late last night and had  trouble putting it down. It is one of those books that lingers on your mind and one you find yourself quiet eager to return to its pages! 

Tyndall creates quiet an interesting fantasy world, filled with dashes of fairytales - yes, but also steeped in allegory- truth. Perdita, represents us so well, in all our fleshly desires, sin, our longing to be loved, our selfishness and pride. And still, there is a part of her longing for more; longing for good, for transformation and something she doesn't even know yet how to describe. Savion, our hero is just that. He is good, kind, strong, merciful - quiet the Christlike figure. 

The story is fanciful but it breaths real and it is completely engaging and wonderful! I truly enjoyed immersing myself in this tale and the journey through its pages to see how it would all work out! 

A keeper!

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

Book Description:
He Stole the Work She Loved.
Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?
It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar. 

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion. 

Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

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To be honest a book about botanist, well I just wasn't sure... But I am a big Siri Mitchell fan, so I had to get it. And am I ever so glad I did! I loved this novel. From the beginning I was captured by the characters and the story. Charlotte, was absolutely delightful! Her complete honesty, unknown trespasses against society codes/standards, all made for a highly entertaining read. While I was not laughing out loud, I found this to be a quiet humorous story. In truth, I felt as if I could picture all of it happening and had an almost movie like reel going through my mind. 

All the characters were wonderful and add so much to the novel. And surprised, yes, delightfully so was I by Mitchell's way of writing about botany and this time in history where it is fascinating and fun! Very hard to put this one down and completely enjoyable reading all the while! Bravo, Mitchell!