Thursday, April 15, 2021

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M White


 The Nature of A Lady (The Secrets of The Isles #1) by Roseanna M. White

Publisher’s Synopsis:

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

 

My Thoughts:

ABSOLUTELY ENTHRALLED WITH THIS STORY

Having 4 Elizabeths noted in the story was such a fun concept (especially if one's middle name happens to be that as well -smile).  As the layers of the mystery developed and eventually unfolded, getting to know the characters was something I truly enjoyed.   What made them more interesting was my initial judgment of some of them changed later on as I came to understand them better; they were not predictable.  Oliver's 95-year-old grandmother is something special.  And his grandfather, filled with kindness and tall tales was just what you'd want.  I also liked Darling, the kitten.  Libby and Oliver truly seem to "fit" without even having to try which made the reading of their story all the more pleasant.

Favorite Quote: "Everyone in the Scillies knew that when Oliver Tremayne took hold of your arm and looked deep into your eyes, he saw right down to your soul."

Tea Quote: "...his hands accepted by rote the mug of piping hot tea someone passed him.  Old Mrs. Gillis always had it ready for the racers when they got back."

I give this a hearty 5 stars and am happy to recommend it, with thanks to the publisher and author for a gifted copy.  All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.

Bethany House Publishing © May 4, 2021

The author has shared some lovely descriptions and photos of The Abbey Gardens that are featured in the book here: CLICK HERE which can only add to the overall impression of the story.


Purchase an Autographed Copy: (currently on sale through 5/4/21) CLICK HERE

 


Author Bio: Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, & pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents & thousands of years. Spies & war & mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

You can learn more about her & her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

@roseannamwhite #TheNatureOfALady


Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea! 





Sunday, April 4, 2021

Sunrise Service and Winning the Gentleman

 

I had no idea my photo was captured & found it later on IG :)
Good morning, and blessed Resurrection Sunday to you!  I made it to Sunrise service this year and it was wonderful! They had a pancake breakfast fundraiser that was such a blessing to participate in as well.  Before we get to the book review, I also wanted to share this darling chick nature collage 2 of my daycare littles made this past week.


England, Sept 1817, Aaron Whitworth and Sophia Fitzroy are forced to work together when he accidentally hires her as a jockey. "Either God thought Aaron needed another lesson in perseverance, or the world wanted him to remember his proper place - or rather his lack of one."

Sophia is a talented rider, but she longs for more than the life of a circus performer. "Pressing her mouth into a stern line, Sophia adjusted her hold on the reins until they were taut enough to create a proper connection with her horse and pasted a smile on her face. One more show. One more evening. Then they would make their escape, running into the dark to find a new life that suited them all."

I particularly enjoyed Sophia's twin brother, Jonas, who was strong and wise, keeping them grounded in God's word, even when times were difficult or seemed hopeless.  I do hope he gets his own story.  "It's going to be all right, Soph. God promised to never fail us nor forsake us." He gave a twisted grin and a one-sided shrug. "Since Israel got that promise, besmirched though it was, what we're doing isn't going to send Him running."

Aaron is very reclusive and has built a protective shell around his heart. As I read "Was he getting lazy about keeping the parts of his life separate, or were people simply hammering their way in?" a jackhammer was literally hammering outside in my driveway.  Ha!

The support system Aaron finds actually surrounds him is touching: "There were varied qualities of clothing, varied levels of stable grime, and an absurd conglomeration of pasts that never should have brought them together, yet here they were. With him."

Staffordshire pearlware mug
1817-1832 Mayer & Newbold
Tea Quote: "Moving around the small space, shucking the trappings of polite society, and making himself a truly awful cup of tea, Aaron's muscles relaxed one by one." (smile)

The love story of Aaron and Sophia is very sweet and the setting of horses and stables in England is a lovely backdrop.

I am happy to recommend "Winning the Gentleman" with thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

4 Stars

Unless clearly defined on a website, I use the Goodreads Star Ratings System: 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Kristi Ann Hunter
Author's Website

Bethany House Publishing 352 Pages 



I pray you enjoy this Easter season and find many good books to read and large cups of tea to savor.