by admin | Aug 31, 2019 | Books, Edwardian, England, Gothic Romance, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Finding Lady Enderly has all the essential elements required for the perfect gothic novel. Its naive heroine finds herself recipient of everything she ever dreamed only to realize she is caught up in a plot she doesn’t understand that has turned her dream into a nightmare. At least one truly diabolical character threatens both Raina and the man she loves if she refuses to cooperate with his scheme. Various twists and turns take the reader on a breath holding trip into the mysterious Rothburne Abbey which holds its share of secrets.
I can now understand why other readers have raved about this book. Its dark and brooding atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for the story that shines a revealing light on what makes us who we are. Scattered throughout the story are numerous quotations that build layer upon layer an emphasis on the difference between outward appearance and inner strength. Chapter headings are thoughts from the heroine’s journal. I also loved how Raina and Sully communicated secretly with passages from favorite books.
Beautifully written, Finding Lady Enderly is filled with surprises around every corner and a deep spiritual message that each of us can take to heart. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Raina’s dreams are all about to come true.
But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.
Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s East End when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley, offering her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady.
Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears and A Rumored Fortune. She freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.
by admin | Nov 20, 2017 | Books, Edwardian, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Across the Blue” captured my imagination from the very first page. I loved reading about early aviation in England and the rest of Europe during the Edwardian era and the fierce competition to be the first across the English Channel. It was also fun reading about Isabella Grayson and her desire to be a reporter for her father’s newspaper despite it not being considered something any proper woman should do. She was expected to find a suitable husband and marry as soon as possible but Isabella had other ideas about her future.
Of course there is always a man in the mix and James Drake was a fine one. Only thing was, he was not exactly considered suitable for someone like Isabella and their strong attraction could only spell trouble for them both. That is not the end of the story though and some major plot twists keep it all quite interesting.
This well researched story has plenty of drama, danger, mystery, and of course romance for Turansky’s readers. I thought it was wonderful and recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blogging for Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Set in Edwardian England, this romance about an English aviation pioneer and the girl who falls in love with him is filled with adventure and faith.
Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don’t approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year.
When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson’s new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to be the first to fly across the Channel and win the prize Mr. Grayson’s newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret.
James wants to win Bella’s heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella’s faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down?
Releases 2/20/18
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: “Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn’t put it down! . . . Touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written . . . My new favorite author!” Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram
by admin | Mar 1, 2017 | Books, Edwardian, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again Carrie Turansky has provided me with several hours of captivating entertainment in her latest novel “Shine Like the Dawn”. The historical Edwardian romance is the story of close childhood friends who have been separated by tragedy and reunited years later. Although one of them wants to move on with their friendship, the other is afraid to trust.
The plot was beautifully written and drew me in immediately. Strong characters and plenty of drama and suspense kept me reading. Secrets revealed and surprising plot twists added to my enjoyments and observing a sweet romance as it unfolded was a bonus. A story of forgiveness and restoration, “Shine Like the Dawn” is the perfect book for those who enjoy historical romance with a touch of suspense. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
In a quiet corner of northern Edwardian England, Margaret Lounsbury diligently works in her grandmother’s millinery shop, making hats and caring for her young sister. Several years earlier, a terrible tragedy reshaped their family, shattering an idyllic life and their future prospects. But Maggie is resilient and will do what she must to protect her sister Violet. Still, the loss of her parents weighs heavily on her heart and she begins to wonder if what happened that day on the lake…might not have been an accident.
When wealthy inventor and industrialist William Harcourt dies, his son Nathaniel, who is Maggie’s estranged childhood friend, returns from his time in the Royal Navy and inherits his father’s vast estate, Morningside Manor. He also assumes partial control of his father’s engineering company and the duty of repaying an old debt to the Lounsbury family. But years of separation between Nate and Maggie have taken a toll and Maggie struggles to trust her old friend.
Can Maggie let go of the resentment that keeps her from forgiving Nate—and reconciling with God? Will their search for the truth about her parents’ death draw them closer or will it leave them both with broken hearts?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award of Excellence. A prolific writer of contemporary and historical romance, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals, Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband Scott. They have five adult children and four grandchildren.
GUEST POST FROM CARRIE TURANSKY:
Hats, Glorious Hats!
By Carrie Turansky
One fun part of my research for Shine Like the Dawn was learning about hat making in the early 1900s. My heroine, Maggie Lounsbury is a milliner who designs women’s hats. She learned this skill from her grandmother who owns a small shop in the village of Heatherton. Maggie has an artistic eye and she enjoys making stylish hats, but she doesn’t like the overdone designs some of their customers request, so that creates some humorous conflict in the story.
Hats in the Edwardian era were large and often covered with feathers, flowers, lace, netting, berries and bows. The “bird nests,” as Coco Chanel called them, were held on with large hat pins stuck through piles of hair on the crown. These hats were called Gainsborough or Picture hats because of the way they framed a lady’s face. They often featured huge dried flower arrangements and sometimes included real leaves and twigs! No doubt the Garden hat was a fitting name.
1907 The Merry Window hat became very popular after the leading lady in the play by that same name wore a hat that was even taller and wider than usual. Some people complained these hats were too big and obtrusive in public places like the theater or picture shows. But English women loved them and wore them to all kinds of events.
The popularity of using large feathers and stuffed birds on hats caused concern for the welfare of birds. Many protective laws took effect and milliners had to use more ribbon and tulle and only large ostrich feathers to decorate hats. Those ostrich feathers came from birds that were raised on farms and their feathers were collected as they fell out naturally.
The movement toward smaller hats began around 1913 when hats still had high crowns but smaller brims. Straw boaters, small top hats, and mini versions of picture hats were very common.
Motion pictures had the greatest influence on Edwardian hat fashion. After the release of The Three Musketeers many ladies wanted to wear tricorne and bicorne shaped hats. They were still very large but now had shapes other than just round. Hat brims were folded up on the side, at an angle, or all around to create drama. Veils disappeared in the early 1900s only to come back again as a long scarf that wrapped over the hat and under the chin for the new sport called motoring.
I’ve had fun dressing Edwardian style for book launch tea parties and other book events. It made me feel very special to wear these lovely hats. What do you think of Edwardian Hats? Would you like to wear one?
Thanks to friends at the Vintage Dancer website for some of this information.
Stop by Carrie’s Facebook author page and view her live videos February 21 – 25, 3:00 pm Eastern. She’ll be talking about the story behind Shine Like the Dawn and giving away a fun prize each day to one person who leaves a comment. Even if you can’t catch the live video you can still enter for 24 hours after it’s posted. She is also hosting a book launch celebration and giveaway on her blog February 25 – March 6.
BLOG STOPS:
February 21: New Horizon Reviews
February 21: Bookworm Mama
February 21: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
February 22: Tell Tale Book Reviews
February 22: Book by Book
February 22: History, Mystery and Faith
February 23: Bibliophile Reviews
February 23: Smiling Book Reviews
February 23: A Readers Brain
February 23: Faithfully Bookish
February 23: Lane Hill House
February 24: Back Porch Reads
February 24: The Scribbler
February 24: I Hope You Dance
February 25: Stuff & Nonsense
February 25: The Power of Words
February 25: A Greater Yes
February 26: cherylbbookblog
February 26: Moments Dipped in Ink
February 26: Splashes of Joy
February 27: Genesis 5020
February 27: inklings and notions
February 27: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
February 28: Karen Sue Hadley
February 28: A Simple Life, really?!
February 28: Neverending Stories
March 1: Daysong Reflections
March 1: Connie’s History Classroom
March 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
March 2: These Splendid Sentences
March 2: Singing Librarian Books
March 2: Blossoms and Blessings
March 3: Pause for Tales
March 3: blogging With Carol
March 3: Mary Hake
March 4: Radiant Light
March 4: For The Love of Books
March 5: Christian Bookaholic
March 5: Rachel Scott McDaniel
March 6: History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after
March 6: Baker Kella
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away all 4 books: Shine Like the Dawn, The Governess of Highland Hall, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and A Refuge at Highland Hall.! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b0fb
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by admin | Jan 14, 2016 | Books, Edwardian, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I knew I was going to love “After the Rain” from its very first page. The absolutely magnificent descriptions pulled me right into the story and kept me there until the very end. What an excellent assortment of characters! From the kind-hearted and determined heroine Louisa and the perfectly gallant yet down-to-earth Jackson, the author has provided other characters for the reader to either love or hate. Other than the two primary characters, I thoroughly enjoyed Louisa’s two aunts who were both loving and humorous.
Be warned, “After the Rain” is quite lengthy. It could easily have been divided into two separate novels but I am so glad the author chose to keep the story together. I would have hated to wait for the next volume. At any rate, the plot moves along at a steady rate with ample drama, humor, and of course romance to hold my attention. Just as I thought everything was ready to wrap up, something new would happen to take things off in a different direction. Quite a few surprises were in store but I kept rooting for Louisa and Jackson, even when it seemed that a permanent relationship would be impossible.
What more can I say? I loved “After the Rain” and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy historical Christian romance with a few twists. Even at 570 pages, it ended much too quickly for me.
This book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
After the Rain is a 570 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre and was released on September 29, 2015. Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Book
He becomes the love of her life. She becomes his biggest challenge.
It’s 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play What Every Woman Knows, premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss. Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life.
When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.
About the Author
 |
Rita Gerlach is a best-selling author of inspirational fiction with a romantic bent, including The Rebel’s Pledge, Thorns in Eden and The Everlasting Mountains, Surrender the Wind, and The Daughters of the Potomac Series. She lives in Maryland near the Catoctin Mountains with her husband Paul. |
Giveaway
Enter below for your chance to win an autographed paperback copy of After the Rain and the audio books of The Daughters of the Potomac series.
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Blog Tour Stops
Jan 11: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life
Jan 12: Singing Librarian Books
Jan 13: Bukwurmzzzz
Jan 13: Artistic Nobody
Jan 14: Daysong Reflections
Jan 15: Texas Book-aholic
Jan 15: Blessed and Bewildered
Jan 16: Reading is My Super Power
Jan 17: Through the Open Window
Jan 18: Jendi’s Journal
Jan 19: Splashes of Joy
Jan 19: Christian Bookaholic
Jan 20: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Jan 21: Proverbial Reads
Jan 22: Simple Harvest Reads
Jan 22: Cassandra M’s Place
Jan 23: Big Reader’s Site
Jan 23: Janette’s Thoughts
Jan 24: The Editor’s Note
Jan 24: A Greater Yes
Jan 25: For the Love of Books
by admin | Nov 25, 2015 | Books, Edwardian, Historical
“After the Rain”, the latest novel by Rita Gerlach is now available on Amazon.com. You can purchase your own copy HERE.
ABOUT “AFTER THE RAIN”:
It’s 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play ‘What Every Woman Knows’, premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss.
Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life.
When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.
