#Historical Romance Blog Tour & #Review: #A Captain for Caroline Gray by #Julie Wright

 

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 It Was Amazing

Summary of A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

Regency London

Caroline Gray's third season in London society ends as badly as her first two—no marriage proposal, no suitor, not even a glimmer of an interested prospect. She suspects it's because she is far too quick to speak her mind to men who are put off by her forthright opinions, her eager intellect backed by a formal education, and her unconventional ideas about the future. She is far more daring than demure to suit the taste of her class. Besides, Caroline thinks there will always be next season to find a husband.

However, her family's dwindling income leaves Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: a one-way ticket to sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend waits. If the match doesn't work, Caroline cannot return home.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the thrill of the open sea, and as commander of one of the ships of the Fishing Fleet, he ferries scores of young English girls to the shores of India to find husbands. The voyages pay well, but he struggles to understand why families would allow young women to be matched with total strangers so far away.

The trips have always been routine and uneventful—until this trip's first night's dinner with one Miss Caroline Gray. She engages in a lively political conversation, presenting opposing viewpoints to the conventionally opinionated gentlemen at her table. Captain Scott is secretly amused and delighted at her boldness, not to mention quite drawn to her beauty.

The rest of the passengers are shocked by her behavior and Caroline finds herself an outcast, suffering harsh judgments from the other passengers. However, she finds an unlikely ally in Captain Scott which quickly draws them closer.

Both know an arranged marriage awaits Caroline at the end of their voyage, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Caroline will have to decide if she will honor her mother's wishes and marry a man in India whom she has never met, thus securing a future for her and her mother, or be brave enough to throw convention to the wind and commit to love a sea captain. He may be enchanted by her bold and unconventional ways, but will his love and admiration last?

My review of this entertaining historical romance

A Captain for Caroline Gray is the standalone novel by Julie Wright, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing and we get to follow Caroline Gray as she reluctantly boards the Perseverance bound for Mumbai, India. As a gentlewoman encouraged by her parents to be outspoken beyond what is acceptable to Society, she has not received any offers of marriage. Caroline’s childhood home is inherited by her cousin following her father’s death and she has nowhere to go. A deal is made for Caroline to travel to India to meet Captain Barritt, without a promise to marry him. Aboard the ship she loses her heart to a different Captain and is totally unprepared for what awaits her in Mumbai.   

Gentlewoman Caroline Gray is knowledgeable and outspoken. She pretty much resembles a woman of the 21st century, having a determined and strong willed attitude which puts men of her time off. I feel for her as she thinks there is something wrong with her. She cannot seem to find someone who likes her the way she is.  She seems very human, which makes her my favorite of this story. I find it easy to relate to her thoughts and feelings.

Captain Thomas Scott seems grumpy and disillusioned at the beginning of the story.  He transports women to India for business reasons and is convinced they will not meet their happy ever after there. He has no plans to marry, but I enjoyed how he starts to show more of his relatable and kind sides during the voyage to India.

The plot stood out as a fresh, new addition to historical romance stories set at sea. I have not read about women unable to find matches in England who travelled to India to marry. I was surprised this story even had a woman serving as cabin cleaner and chaperone to the female passengers even though crew thought that would bring bad luck. The writing had an amusing vibe and I particularly enjoyed the dialogues between Caroline and Captain Scott. Descriptions of the relationship slowly developing between Caroline and Captain Scott were my favorite part of the plot. My least favorite part was descriptions of the catty behavior of one particular female passenger. Her character seemed to have perfected every female trick of the Ton to fight for male attention and her run-ins with Caroline added excellent drama to the plot.

Readers who enjoy historical romance, particularly those set at sea, will enjoy this one. As will fans of Julie Wright. Similar authors to explore might be # Arlem Hawks or #Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen.

Thank you to #Shadow Mountain Publishing, #Julie Wright and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion:  A Captain for Caroline Gray is the fresh, new addition to historical romance stories set at sea. Outspoken and assertive Caroline reluctantly travels to India in hopes of someone to marry, because she puts off male members of Society. Captain Scott is busy building his business and has no plans to marry, but gets new perspectives in this entertaining story about their voyage to India.

Where to get your copy

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP

| DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

Book Details

Title: A Captain for Caroline Gray (Proper Romance Regency)
Author: Julie Wright
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (March 2, 2021)
Length: (336) pages
Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Tour Dates: March 1 – 28, 2021

 

Advance Praise

·         "A charming historical romance in which smarts and sass are vindicated."— Foreword Reviews

·         "…a delightful, not exactly traditional Regency romance. Teen readers will enjoy this adventurous journey with its proactive heroine and exotic settings."— Booklist, starred review

·         "An unconventional woman finds herself at home at sea in this stirring Regency from Julie Wright…This adventure is sure to entice fans of historical romance."— Publishers Weekly

 

Author's Bio

Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen and has written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me, and she is a Crown Heart recipient for the novel The Fortune Café.

She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise.

 WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Here's the Blog Tour Schedule for you to follow

March 01        My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

March 01        Austenprose — A Jane Austen Blog (Review)

March 02        Storeybook Reviews (Review)

March 02        Lu Reviews Books    (Review)

March 02        Bookworm Lisa (Review)

March 03        Probably at the Library (Excerpt)

March 03        Our Book Confessions (Review)

March 03        Lady with a Quill (Review)

March 04        The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)

March 04        Fire & Ice (Review)

March 05        Literary Time Out (Review)

March 05        Among the Reads (Review)

March 06        Books and Socks Rock (Review)

March 07        Encouraging Words (Excerpt)

March 08        So Little Time… (Review)

March 09        For Where Your Treasure Is (Review)

March 10        Laura's Reviews (Review)

March 10        My Bookish Bliss (Review)

March 11        Heidi Reads (Review)

March 12        Reading with Emily (Review)

March 13        The Christian Fiction Girl (Review)

March 14        Silver Petticoat Reviews (Excerpt)

March 15        Austenesque Reviews (Review)

March 16        The Lit Bitch (Excerpt)

March 16        Greenish Bookself (Review)

March 17        Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

March 18        A Darn Good Read (Review)

March 19        Relz Reviewz (Review)

March 20        Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

March 20        Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

March 21        Jorie Loves a Story (Review)

March 22        From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

March 23        Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

March 23        Historical Fiction with Spirit (Review)

March 24        Captivated Reading (Review)

March 24        Books, Teacups, & Reviews (Excerpt)

March 25        Roseanne E. Lortz (Review)

March 26        Cup of Tea with that Book, Please (Review)

March 26        Randi Loves 2 Read (Review)

March 27        Library of Clean Reads (Review)

March 28        The Bibliophile Files (Review)

#Historical Romance Book Review: #Winning the Gentleman #Kristi Ann Hunter

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 It Was Amazing

Summary: Winning the Gentleman (Hearts on the Heath book 2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds? (from Goodreads)

My review of this captivating historical romance

Winning the Gentleman is book 2 in the Hearts on the Heath series by Kristi Ann Hunter, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, England 1817 and is about stable manager Aaron Whitworth as he tries to find a jockey to enter a horse race. He is shocked when Sophia Fitzroy turns up as she is a trainer and circus artist with superb skills on horseback. Aaron has dedicated his life to maintaining a low-key position on the outskirts of Society, but Sophia’s presence makes him rethink his attitude towards that life. Sophia has a dream of starting her own riding school. They both make every effort to stay away from each other.  But feelings change while they are not looking. 

Stable manager Aaron Whitworth is sensitive about his background as a Lord’s illegitimate son, but he is well educated and has loyal friends. His view of women’s inferiority seems typical for his time but he seems kind and emphatic.  

Circus artist and jockey Sophia Fitzroy was orphaned at 17 and has lived a hard life on the move with her twin brother. She is a super skilled equestrian, but is full of self doubt. I find her a human, relatable and well rounded character very easy to like. She is my favorite of this story. Descriptions of Sophia’s struggle to be a female jockey in a male equestrian world added descriptions of some heart wrenching consequences she had to endure which made an excellent dramatic element to the story. 

The signature lighthearted and beautifully skilled writing has made Kristi Ann Hunter one of my go-to authors for years. This plot stands out as it is set in English Society’s horse racing community, which I have not read as a specific plot before. Descriptions of the competitive horse racing feels expertly done; like I was in the horse race myself. Fans of the author may be happy to recognize characters from her other books and while I’m pretty sure you would want to read other of her books, this plot easily reads as a standalone. I eagerly await the release of Hearts on the Heath book 3. 

My favorite part of the story was the surprising and utterly touching twist towards the end. I can’t tell you much about it, only that it made the story stand out as captivatingly entertaining and memorable. 

Both Aaron and Sophia were on spiritual journeys. Sophia constantly prayed for a better life while she struggled in the most difficult of conditions. Aaron started reading the Bible as he became increasingly confused about his future and felt unsure about what changes to make. 

Thank you to #Bethany House Publishers, #Kristi Ann Hunter and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own. 

Conclusion: Winning the Gentleman is the captivating and thoroughly entertaining story about how illegitimate son Aaron desperately tries to fit into Society while super skilled female equestrian Sophie turns his world upside down and makes him question his life decisions.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Your can get your copy here

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble Hardcover

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble NOOK book (ebook)

Book Details

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Publishing date: April 20th 2021
ISBN: 0764235265 (ISBN13: 9780764235269)

Author Bio

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. In addition to several pre-published contests, Kristi is a Rita award winner and has also been a finalist in the INSPY, Christy, and GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

#Historical Murder Mystery Book Review: #Death with a double Edge by #Anne Perry

 

Summary: Death with a double Edge (A Daniel Pitt Novel ) by Anne Perry

Daniel Pitt’s investigation into his colleague’s murder leads him through London’s teeming underbelly to the suspicious dealings of one of England’s most influential shipbuilding magnates in a thrilling novel from New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.

When junior barrister Daniel Pitt is summoned to the scene of a murder in the London district known as Mile End, he knows only that the victim is a senior barrister from the same firm. To Daniel’s relief, it is not his close friend Toby Kitteridge, but the question remains: What was this respected colleague doing in such a rough part of the city? The firm’s head, Marcus fford Croft, may know more than he admits, but fford Croft’s memory is not what it used to be, and his daughter, Miriam—Daniel’s friend and sometime sidekick—isn’t in the country to offer her usual help. And so Daniel and Kitteridge must investigate on their own, lest the police uncover something that may cast a suspicious light on the firm.

Their inquiries in Mile End lead them to a local brothel and to an opium den, but also—unexpectedly—to a wealthy shipbuilder crucial to Britain’s effort to build up its fleet, which may soon face the fearsome naval might of Germany. Daniel finds his path blocked by officials at every turn, his investigation so unwelcome that even his father, Special Branch head Thomas Pitt, receives a chilling warning from a powerful source. Suddenly, not just Daniel but his whole family—including his beloved mother, Charlotte—is in danger. Will Daniel’s devotion to justice be the undoing of his entire life, and endanger Britain’s defense at sea? As ever, the fates of family and history are inextricably intertwined in this spellbinder from Anne Perry (from Goodreads). 

My review of this historical murder mystery

Death with a double Edge is book 4 in the historical murder mystery series by Anne Perry, published by Ballantine Books.  If features junior barrister Daniel Pitt who is assigned to secretly investigate the mysterious murder of  top financial barrister Jonah Drake to keep the law firm above suspicion in case his last activity was not exactly above board. Danile’s father, Head of Special Branch Thomas Pitt, offers valuable advice while his trusted friend and colleague Toby Kitteridge works on the legal issues. Together they reveal ties to the murder of a woman with connections to a number of wealthy men and find links to politics and dangerous illegal activity. As the case moves forward, more people are found dead in the same area of London. –Even to Daniel’s own family get too close to danger.

Main character, junior barrister Daniel Pitt is well connected with a middleclass upbringing. He seems quite empathic and broad minded for a man of his time, particularly his view of women is quite impressive. It’s easy to name him my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is colleague and friend Toby Kitteridge who has worked in the law firm for 8 years. He seems a methodical, trustworthy and kind man who seems to devote all his time to the job.

The setting of this story is late spring/early summer of 1911in London. Other books I have read of Anne Perry has been set in autumn/winter with plenty of  darkness, rain and foggy cold weather where the characters are in need of huddling in front of fireplaces with cups of tea to warm themselves and dry up.  This one stands out with its spring vibe and descriptions of light, sun and flowers. I also loved the historical context of London 1911. Technical inventions like motor driven vehicles have replaced hansom cabs and horse drawn carriages. The writing is beautiful and I particularly loved the description of feelings and closeness between Daniel and his parents which are my favorite part s of the story. When Daniel uses his parents as sounding boards, it clarifies the drama and adds an enjoyable sense of danger and gloom to the story. The dialogue is super clear and helps readers follow every step of the way as the plot is meticulously ironed out.

Readers who enjoy historical murder mystery would enjoy this one and might wish to follow the new series. Fans of Anne Perry would love this addition to her extensive work. Thank you to Ballantine Books, author Anne Perry and my local library for the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion:  Death with a double Edge is the fascinating story where junior barrister Daniel Pitt investigates the murder of his senior colleague who has gotten too close to a case with ties to politics and a luxury prostitute with connections to a number of wealthy men. Daniel’s own family ends up in danger. 

Rating: 5 stars / 5

You can get your Copy here:

Amazon Hardcover

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Audiobook

Barnes & Noble Signed Book

Barnes & Noble e-book

Hardcover Library Binding - Large Print

Book Details

Publisher : Ballantine Books (April 13, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593159330
ISBN-13 : 978-0593159330

About The Author

Anne Perry is the bestselling author of two acclaimed series set in Victorian England: the William Monk novels, including Dark Assassin and The Shifting Tide, and the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, including The Cater Street Hangman, Calandar Square, Buckingham Palace Gardens and Long Spoon Lane. She is also the author of the World War I novels No Graves As Yet, Shoulder the Sky, Angels in the Gloom, At Some Disputed Barricade, and We Shall Not Sleep, as well as six holiday novels, most recently A Christmas Grace. Anne Perry lives in Scotland (from Amazon) For more information, visit author's website https://anneperry.us/about-me/ 

#Beauty among Ruins by #J'nell Ciesielski

Summary: Beauty among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love? (from Goodreads).

My thoughts about this captivating historical

Beauty among Ruins is the standalone novel by J'nell Ciesielski, published by Thomas Nelson. The year is 1915 and we follow socialite Lily Durham when she is sent to England as punishment for having played too many tricks on her parents. They hope she will find an eligible husband, but Lily takes position as nurse’s aid at Kinclavoch Castle convalescent home for WWI soldiers in Scotland. The matron thinks her an air-head unable to do any kind of real work and challenges her with the worst assignments. But Lily is adamant to help and proves to have excellent bedside manner and a knack for keeping the patient’s spirits up.

The Laird, Alec MacGregor is weighed down by financial problems, but Lily’s zest for life manages to get him out of his dark place and improve his courage.Someone seems to be working to ruin the estate. What seems like accidents happen and a patient goes missing. Lily and Alec grow closer as they work to figure out who is responsible.

Main character is socialite Lily Durham who outward has a zest for life but inward suffers raging insecurities. I feel for her as she has heard all her life that her only purpose in life is to make a good marriage. In this story her character goes through an impressive development and she starts to see a new purpose.

Supporting character is Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem of Kinclavoch whose character starts out as a brooding recluse. He worries about his estate and his constant leg pain. His character goes through a personal development as he has a shift in his emotions and view of life.

I felt this plot stood out with its interesting setting in Scotland and the placing of the entitled main character in an environment where she has to overcome more challenges than merely finding a husband. Taking place in a castle gave it a vibe reminiscent to Downton Abby; only more run down due to financial troubles. The brooding recluse of a Laird also made me think of the initial part of Beauty and The Beast. The combination of the interesting mystery part and the slow burn romance, including vivid descriptions of the scenery around the Castle, transferred me to the Scottish Highlands, where I hope to go some day. Very hard to decide if my favorite part was the mystery or the slow burn romance. Both were captivating and excellently written .  I loved the funny dialogue between Lily and Alec and found it fascinating to follow the development of their relationship as they ruffled each other’s feathers and challenged each other’s vulnerabilities. I think they both were favorite characters. The surprising and amusing part where Lily’s parents showed up I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Anyone who enjoys WWI historical romances with a bit of a unique twist will enjoy this one. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or Michelle Griep. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: Beauty among Ruins is the captivating, unique historical romance set in a Scottish castle converted to WWI soldier’s convalescent home where an American socialite finds romance while mysterious things happen.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

You can get your copy here

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Audio CD

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble e-book

Barnes & Noble Audio mp3 on CD

Barnes & Noble Audio CD

Book Details

Paperback, 416 pages
Published January 12th 2021 by Thomas Nelson (first published January 2021)
ISBN 0785233563 (ISBN13: 9780785233565)

About The Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J'nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

#Book Review: #The Prince of Spies (Hope and Glory book 3) by #Elizabeth Camden

Rating: 5 stars / 5 - It was amazing

Summary: The Prince of Spies (Hope and Glory book 3) by Elizabeth Camden

Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, DC. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever? (from Goodreads).

My review

The Prince of Spies is the third and final book in the Hope and Glory series by Elizabeth Camden, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in 1902 Washington DC, and we follow ex-government spy, now magazine journalist, Luke Delacroix as he works to improve food legislation. He meets governmental photographer Marianne Magruder and instantly falls for her, but when they learn each other’s family names they realize they have landed in the middle of their families’ long lasting feud, and it seems impossible to have a future together. Luke takes part in a test of canned foods, while Marianne’s photography skills prove important in the work for food safety.

Main character Luke Delacroix is a magazine journalist who worked secretly as a government spy. He seems the character who develops the most through the 3 books, from an entitled thrill-seeker in need of his brother’s rescuing in the first book to a more mature adult who still has a lot of self doubt. He spends more time contemplating the value of his work and his future, which makes him very relatable.

Supporting character, governmental photographer Marianne Magruder is very grateful to her powerful father for having given her a privileged life in want for nothing and acts like I would expect for a woman of her time. I love that she goes through a personal development. This makes her my favorite of this story.

The Prince of Spies reads well as a standalone. Hints to previous books are given, but it would make the experience even richer to have read the two previous installments. Apart from following Luke’s journey to find love, this fascinating plot focuses on his use of contacts to improve the food and drug industry.  My favorite part of the story was the little mystery element about Marianne’s estranged aunt.

While in Cuban prison, Luke had plenty of time for Bible reading and he seems to have established a strong faith. Marianne seemed to have a spiritual awakening towards the end of the story.

Elizabeth Camden has been one of my go-to authors for years. I love her writing style and choose to read one of her books every year. Anyone who likes romance plots combined with technical inventions will enjoy this. Fans of Elizabeth Camden will love this story. Similar authors to explore might be Roseanna M. White or Jody Hedlund

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers, Elizabeth Camden and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: in this fascinating story ex-government spy, now magazine journalist, Luke Delacroix is working to improve food safety laws while struggling to be with the woman he loves. Her father owns the company which produces unsafe canned foods and is the one Luke is fighting against.

Where to get your copy

Amazon Hardcover

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble Hardcover

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble e-book

Book Details

Publisher : Bethany House Publishers (February 16, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 0764238094
ISBN-13 : 978-0764238093

About The Author

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

#Blog Tour & #Review: #Georgana's Secret by #Arlem Hawks

 

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 It Was Amazing

Summary of Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks

A Regency romance on the high seas. Two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.

As a young girl, Georgana Woodall dreamed of beautiful dresses, fancy balls, and falling in love. However, when her mother dies, she cannot face a future under the guardianship of her abusive grandmother and instead chooses to join her father on his ship disguised as his cabin boy, "George."

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty's Royal Navy claiming his full attention. While trying to adjust to a new crew, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain's cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the "boy" under his wing. After discovering a number of clues, Dominic deduces that George is really a woman. Knowing that revealing the cabin boy's secret would put her in serious danger from the rowdy crew, Dominic keeps silent and hides his growing affection for her.

Georgana is quickly losing her heart to Dominic's compassion and care but is convinced nothing can come of her affection. She cannot continue to live her life on the sea, and having already missed too many seasons in London, her chances of being welcomed back into polite society and finding a suitable husband are quickly slipping away (from Amazon).

My review

When Navy Captain’s daughter Georgana Woodall finds herself on British Navy vessel Deborah on the way to Antigua disguised as a cabin boy, she has to be smart not to blow her cover as First Lieutenant Dominic Payton takes her under his wing. 

Georgana’s Secret is the standalone regency romance debut by Arlem Hawks, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. Napoleonic Wars are raging and Navy captain’s daughter Georgana Woodall has been removed from her abusive grandmother’s care and is in disguise as a cabin boy on Her Majesty’s Navy vessel Deborah headed for Antigua. First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton takes cabin boy George under his wing. Through the dangerous French attacks on the vessel, they become close. Dominic suspects something is up with the little cabin boy and there seems something strange about his family background.

Main character Navy Captain’s daughter is Georgana Woodall. I feel desperately sorry for her having been exposed to her grandmother’s violence most of her life and is bullied by the other ship mates. But throughout the story she finds impressive strength and compassion within herself and she is my favorite of this story.

Supporting character First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton seems a light hearted and happy person in total control of who he is and what his future holds.  He seems to have slightly liberal views on propriety which impresses me. Events on the convoy mission challenge his view of life.

This story reminds me of a movie favorite of mine, Master and Commander, which has similar setting aboard a British Navy vessel during Napoleonic Wars. I can’t remember having read any plot which deal with the combination of romance and nautical warfare quite like this. I know we are only at the beginning, but this unique story just might turn out to be one of my favorites this year.

The beautiful writing intrigued and enthralled me. Descriptions were so vivid I felt transferred to the ship. It was hard to take a break to get some sleep. I just had to find what would happen next with Georgana and Dominic. I loved that there even was light hearted, amusing dialogue in places. It’s been a long time since a character has engaged me like Georgana. She seemed a well developed character with the perfect blend of human and believable. So relatable she could have lived next door.

A little surprise gem was included as Georgana and Dominic enjoyed a little escape to a faraway beach in Antigua where they got to be alone together (Georgana being George). This part I felt was particularly well written and was my absolute favorite of the story.

I am really excited to see what Arlem Hawks comes up with next and anyone who enjoys a great regency romance set at sea will love this story.

Similar authors to explore might be Sarah E. Ladd or Ronda Gibb Hinrichson. 

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, Arlem Hawks and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own. 

Conclusion: This beautifully written, thoroughly engaging regency is about Georgana who hides as a sailor trying to stay away from her violent grandmother, when she meets a man whose only love is the sea.

  

Where to get your copy  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP

| INDIEBOUND | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

 

Advance Praise

"Hawks crafts a spellbinding tale featuring rich characters and raw emotions set against the atmospheric backdrop of sea life in all its danger and beauty. Georgana is a tough protagonist holding her own in a world dominated by men, while Peyton's charm and sensitivity marks him as a true gentleman. A hidden identity, flirtation, and treachery make for a rousing tale to captivate lovers of historical romances."— Publishers Weekly

“This tale felt sweepingly cinematic at times and was both action-packed and heart-wrenching with an immersive narrative.”— Katie Jackson, RegencyProofreading.com

Arlem Hawks wove a magnificent tale of adventure and deception and delivered a happy ever after that was as unconventional as the rest of the story. With so many stories of romance out there, it is refreshing when one comes along that is very different than the stories that I am used to. A little adventure always livens things up fabulously.”— Emily Flynn, Reading with Emily

"Fans of sweet love stories as well as readers who fondly remember those marvelous old traditional Signet Regencies will quickly succumb to the siren song of Hawk’s expertly crafted novel, which delivers the perfect blend of Jane Austen-smart romance and Patrick O’Brian flavored seafaring adventure. Teen romance readers will cheer on the plucky heroine as she finds the courage to forge her own path in life and love."— Booklist, starred review

Author Bio

Arlem Hawks began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the Western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. With her travels came an interest in history, especially the history of her English heritage. When she isn't writing, Arlem is baking her characters' favorite foods, sewing Regency dresses, learning how to play the tin whistle, and water coloring. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two children. Having previously published four historical romance novellas, Georgana’s Secret is her debut novel.

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Here’s the Blog Tour Schedule

Join the virtual blog tour of GEORGANA’S SECRET (Proper Romance Regency), Arlem Hawks’ highly acclaimed debut historical romance novel January 11 – February 14, 2021. Over forty-five popular blogs specializing in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will join in the celebration of its release with excerpts, spotlights, and reviews of this new Regency-era novel set aboard a Royal Naval ship.

Jan 11           My Jane Austen Book Club                             Excerpt
Jan 11           Austenprose — A Jane Austen Blog               Review
Jan 12           Wishful Endings                                               Review
Jan 12           Lu Reviews Books                                            Review
Jan 13           Lady with a Quill                                             Review
Jan 13           Timeless Novels                                                Review
Jan 14           Reading is My Superpower                             Review
Jan 14           The Bibliophile Files                                        Review
Jan 15           Randi Loves 2 Read                                         Review
Jan 16           The Christian Fiction Girl                               Excerpt
Jan 17           Nurse Bookie                                                     Review
Jan 18           The Silver Petticoat Review                             Review
Jan 18           Heidi Reads                                                        Review
Jan 19           Bookfoolery                                                        Review
Jan 20           Captivated Reading                                           Review
Jan 21           Greenish Bookshelf                                            Review
Jan 21           Bookworm Lisa                                                  Review
Jan 22           Among the Reads                                               Review
Jan 23           Gwedalyn's Books                                              Review
Jan 24           My Bookish Bliss                                                Review
Jan 25           Wishful Endings                                                 Excerpt
Jan 25           Christian Chick's Thoughts                               Review
Jan 26           Relz Reviewz                                                       Review
Jan 27           The Lit Bitch                                                       Review
Jan 28           Reading with Emily                                            Review
Jan 29           Books, Teacups & Reviews                                Review
Jan 30           A Darn Good Read                                             Review
Jan 31           From Pemberley to Milton                                 Spotlight
Jan 31           Impressions in Ink                                              Review
Feb 01           Austenesque Reviews                                         Review
Feb 02           Laura's Reviews                                                 Review
Feb 03           Literary Time Out                                              Review
Feb 04           Chicks, Rogues & Scandals                               Excerpt
Feb 05           The Bluestocking                                                Review
Feb 05           Library of Clean Reads                                      Review
Feb 06           The Caffeinated Bibliophile                               Spotlight
Feb 07           So Little Time…                                                  Spotlight
Feb 08           The Readathon                                                    Review
Feb 09           The Book Diva Reads                                          Excerpt
Feb 09           Books and Socks Rock                                        Review
Feb 10           Our Book Confessions                                         Review
Feb 10           Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen          Spotlight
Feb 11           Rosanne E. Lortz                                                  Review
Feb 11           Jorie Loves a Story                                               Review
Feb 12           Fire & Ice                                                               Excerpt
Feb 13           Cup of Tea with that Book, Please                       Review
Feb 14           Book Confessions of an Ex-ballerina                   Review