My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?
My Review
The drama over the red "Fire Eyes" diamonds continues as Lady Ella and the characters from previous books try to protect themselves and their families from evil men who wouldn't hesitate to kill over their greed and obsession. Since this is the third in the Ladies of the Manor series, the author catches the reader up with some general background from the previous books, but I would definitely recommend reading them in order. Ella is an easy character to love with her sparkling personality, full of loyalty to her family and a sweetness with children. Cayton tempers her cheerfulness with his broodiness, yet he can't help but be attracted to her light. I loved that his hidden passion for sketching and painting is revealed and shows his vulnerable and sensitive side. Another aspect I appreciated was the way Ella was comfortable with her faith and that Cayton was seeking to increase his own. It took me a little bit to get into the book, I felt the story was slowed down by the additional perspective of the ballerina mistress of the man seeking the diamonds, although it did offer insight into the plot and increased the feeling of suspense. The Edwardian time period isn't one I read much of but I felt like these books were successful in making the setting come alive. I'd recommend this book and the entire series to fans of historical fiction!
(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Celebrate Lit Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
About the Author
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with
her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing
fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing,
and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a
slew of historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to
American-set romances to Edwardian British romances. She makes her home
in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more
about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Giveaway from Roseanna M. White
I’m giving away a complete set of the
Ladies of the Manor Series PLUS a special surprise straight from
England! (US addresses only for paperbacks; an international winner is
eligible for digital gifts, though!)
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