The story continues with book 3. It’s 1780 and American independence is within reach, but Addie’s heart The Battle for American Independence Well Told
The story continues with book 3. It’s 1780 and American independence is within reach, but Addie’s heart is heavy with grief. With her husband gone, she must leave Gen. Washington’s army camp, and the people she has come to love. She returns to Castleton, guarding the secret she shares with only a few. Her aunts in Virginia are welcoming and Addie tries to forget the love she feels for a Highlander serving the British.
As with the first two in the America’s Daughter Trilogy, De Blasis’ research is impeccable and her talent for bringing America’s history to life is wonderfully displayed. She does not withhold the sadness of the times, the loss of family, the loss of life, but she shows us the patriotic spirit of the people and the genius of General Washington that led to America’s victory.
De Blasis is a superb writer and she weaves a wonderful tale, full of passion, excitement and history. The ending is tender and sweet as lovers are reunited at the birth of the new country. I loved it. I highly recommend this series.
The only thing I noticed in each of the novels, which seemed inconsistent with the era, was the lack of any reference to the faith of the Patriots. We know many of them (most?) were God-fearing Christians, including Gen. Washington and America's founders, yet, even in marriage, children or the loss of dear loved ones, there is no reference to God. That wasn’t believable to me.
Brilliant Story of Patriots Trying to Hang on to Love in the Midst of the Revolution
This is book 2 in a series set in America’s struggle for independeBrilliant Story of Patriots Trying to Hang on to Love in the Midst of the Revolution
This is book 2 in a series set in America’s struggle for independence. We met Addie Valencourt in book 1, America’s Daughter. At the end of that story, Addie goes to war with her brothers and her new husband, Silas, a man she has loved since her youth. When Silas is captured by the British, Addie risks all to search for him and to become one of Washington’s spies. But venturing into enemy territory brings her face to face with a Highlander she met in Boston, a Loyalist for whom she has great respect.
Addie has gone to war with her husband, taking on a dangerous life with those serving General Washington’s American Revolutionary Army. When Silas fails to return from the Battle of Monmouth, her worst fears are realized.
Addie scours the now-calm battlefield for Silas and doesn’t find him. When word arrives that he has been captured by the British, and by the troop of Scottish Highlanders led by the brooding Colonel Traverne, she disregards her own safety and leaves Washington’s camp for enemy territory. Her one hope is to bring Silas home. When Addie finally returns to the American camp, she carries a secret that could cost her everything she has fought for.
De Blasis is a superb writer and she weaves a wonderful tale, full of passion, excitement and history. I loved book 1 and this one and now can’t wait to read book 3. She brings her deep research to the fore and rewards the reader with a great story. I recommend this series.
The only thing I noticed that seemed inconsistent with the era was the lack of faith among the Patriots. We know many of them (most?) were God-fearing Christians, as were America's founders, yet, even in the loss of dear loved ones, there is no reference to God.
Well Researched, Well Told with Endearing Characters, the Revolutionary War Come to Life
This is the story of Addie Valencourt who lives with her widowWell Researched, Well Told with Endearing Characters, the Revolutionary War Come to Life
This is the story of Addie Valencourt who lives with her widowed father and brothers in Boston. Her father is a Loyalist but Addie and her brothers are Patriots. When, dressed like a boy, she sneaks out to witness the Boston Tea Party, she knows her world is about to change forever. Soon, the glittering summers in rural Virginia with her cousins and the plush prosperity of her father’s home in Boston are eclipsed by the fight for American independence.
When the British forces lay siege to Boston, Addie’s family is torn in two. Her brothers and her childhood sweetheart Silas leave to become aides to General Washington alongside Alexander Hamilton, while Addie’s English-born, Loyalist father welcomes the British into his home.
This is part one and the story continues in the next two in the trilogy: America’s Wife and America’s Promise. I have bought all three. Celeste De Blasis is a great author and this series is no exception. The characters are richly drawn and the research impeccable.
The story begins in 1804 when Adam Hardacre, a seaman in the Royal Navy, is refused a promotion to offEarly Regency set in Cornwall - 4 and 1/2 Stars!
The story begins in 1804 when Adam Hardacre, a seaman in the Royal Navy, is refused a promotion to officer he well deserves. He quits in disgust and is then approached by a senior spy who wants him to serve his country undercover. It was all a setup to put Adam in the place the government agents want him.
Adam takes up his work as a spy and is assigned to Cornwall where he spent his youth. There he is to ferret out traitors plotting a French invasion of England. While about this task, he meets a governess between jobs, Olivia Collins. Interested in Adam, she finds a secret from his past—a youthful summer love affair with the local squire’s daughter that led to a child he is not aware of.
Olivia gets tangled up in Adam’s spying and both end up in trouble. The story is well-written and has enough twists to hold your attention. While the hero is a seaman turned spy, there are no scenes aboard a ship. It’s more of an early Regency, but the Cornwall setting adds flavor. The characters are well drawn and the bad guy(s) deceptive.
Set in Sydney, New South Wales, beginning in 1790, this is the story of Georgiana who is being transportedHistorical Romance set in Sydney, Australia.
Set in Sydney, New South Wales, beginning in 1790, this is the story of Georgiana who is being transported to the penal colony with other prisoners. She accepted guilt for a theft she didn’t commit to protect her mother.
Aboard the transport ship, the Lady Amelia, she meets Lieutenant Francis Brooks, the government agent who was asked by her uncle to protect her. As Francis has a past he wants to overcome, he is eager to accommodate his “sea-wife”, which gains her better quarters and the disdain of the other women. But her kindness earns her the nickname “Duchess”.
Despite their mutual distrust, the attraction between Georgiana and Francis grows. When they decide they are in love (which I confess came rather suddenly), they discover they are related and cannot marry.
The writing is very good and the story moves along at a good clip. The author does a good job of presenting the hardships the convicts faced in the new land. Many, like Georgiana, went on to make good citizens and build meaningful lives. In the end, the author gives us hope.
America in the Revolutionary War - 3 and 1/2 Stars
Set during the American Revolution, this story begins in England where highborn Julia Rainsford is fAmerica in the Revolutionary War - 3 and 1/2 Stars
Set during the American Revolution, this story begins in England where highborn Julia Rainsford is forced to marry a man who doesn’t love her and only seeks her fortune. The scene moves to America as her husband, Townset, a British officer, is sent to fight “the Patriots” aka the rebels. Once in America, her husband becomes physically abusive and plots to kill her.
Julia is given the task of teaching a blue-eyed, half-white Seneca Indian guide named Ki, a chief’s adopted son, to read and write. They become friends. When Ki overhears a plan by Julia's husband to kill her, he knows he must save her. He takes Julia to his tribe, where, despite her former life in English high society, Julia apparently adapts well to the Indian life.
As the story progresses, Julia’s sister Megan comes to America in search of her sister. Both get wrapped up in the war as Julia finds herself pregnant with Ki’s child and Megan falls for a patriot. Ki, forced to fight with the rebels, is trying to get back to Julia.
This is a difficult book to review. The author did much research and one wants to reward that. But… while I enjoyed the setting and all the historical details, this is not a happy story. It reminded me of the “Perils of Pauline”…one bad thing after another happens to the leading characters for the entire book. There are multiple changes of point of view throughout, which might bother some readers, and many “rabbit trails” in the long, convoluted plot. The ending is so abrupt, I thought it an error. The author took so much time on the rest of the story, why cut the ending short?
If you want to dive deeply into this period of American history and don’t mind a litany of disasters, you might enjoy it. There are several love stories. The best character in my opinion is Ki, the half-Indian guide.
Smugglers, Time Travel and Love Across the Centuries
Eva Ward has returned to Cornwall from Los Angeles, following her sister’s death. She remembers CoSmugglers, Time Travel and Love Across the Centuries
Eva Ward has returned to Cornwall from Los Angeles, following her sister’s death. She remembers Cornwall and happier times where they spent their childhood summers. In Cornwall, Eva meets old friends. Yet, from the beginning, something is different. She hears voices in the old house and, one day, she is transported back in time to the 18th century where she encounters the Butler brothers and their Irish friend, all smugglers held in high esteem by the villagers.
She cannot control when she slips from one century to another. Soon finds herself falling for Daniel Butler, a man who lived - and died - long before she was born. Eva begins to question her place in the present, and in sending her sister’s ashes to the wind, realizes that she too must decide where she really belongs, choosing between the life she knows or the past she feels so drawn towards.
Kearsley paints a vivid world of both now and then. The secondary characters and the villain come alive on the page. I could see myself walking the cliffs above the sea. There is mystery, too, and that is well done. The only confusing part was toward the end when more time travel is piled on and it was hard to hold it all together. Still, it’s a wonderful story and held my interest throughout. I recommend it. ...more
Smugglers, Time Travel and Love Across the Centuries
Eva Ward has returned to Cornwall from Los Angeles, following her sister’s death. She remembers CoSmugglers, Time Travel and Love Across the Centuries
Eva Ward has returned to Cornwall from Los Angeles, following her sister’s death. She remembers Cornwall and happier times where they spent their childhood summers. In Cornwall, Eva meets old friends. Yet, from the beginning, something is different. She hears voices in the old house and, one day, she is transported back in time to the 18th century where she encounters the Butler brothers and their Irish friend, all smugglers held in high esteem by the villagers.
She cannot control when she slips from one century to another. Soon finds herself falling for Daniel Butler, a man who lived - and died - long before she was born. Eva begins to question her place in the present, and in sending her sister’s ashes to the wind, realizes that she too must decide where she really belongs, choosing between the life she knows or the past she feels so drawn towards.
Kearsley paints a vivid world of both now and then. The secondary characters and the villain come alive on the page. I could see myself walking the cliffs above the sea. There is mystery, too, and that is well done. The only confusing part was toward the end when more time travel is piled on and it was hard to hold it all together. Still, it’s a wonderful story and held my interest throughout. I recommend it....more
This is the story of Beth Cunningham, a kind-hearted woman, who lives during the days leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. II did not finish…
This is the story of Beth Cunningham, a kind-hearted woman, who lives during the days leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. I wanted to read this story as I’m interested in the history of the time. And I want to say right up front that Brannan is a good writer. But the story was awful at least as far as I got. When the heroine’s brother returns from his military service for a break, he wreaks havoc on her household and her servants. That was bad enough. I disliked him intensely. But when he face punched her, knocking her to the ground, I had to check the reviews to see where this was going. When I read the he would be raping her and it would be described in graphic detail. I was done. So I have not finished this book. It’s not for me....more
Set in 1779, this is the story of Irish Captain Ruaidri O' Devir, a commander in the American Continental NaRevolutionary War Story with an Irish Hero
Set in 1779, this is the story of Irish Captain Ruaidri O' Devir, a commander in the American Continental Navy, selected by John Adams to sail to England and steal a new explosive formula developed by an English nobleman.
Lady Nerissa de Montforte, the youngest sibling in an aristocratic English family, is excited to accompany her brother to a demonstration of his new explosive invention. When her brother sends her to safety so she will not feel the device’s impact, it provides the perfect opportunity for Ruaidri to abduct her, thinking he will ransom her for the formula.
Having experienced the brutality of being impressed into serving the British navy, Ruaidri is contemptuous of all English and particularly the aristocracy. Nerissa finds the Irish captain both arrogant and attractive. Neither counts on falling in love, but they do and very quickly while the British Navy is searching the seas to reclaim her and do away with the Irishman.
This is a well-told story of second chances set against the time of America’s War of Independence. Nerissa’s fiancé jilted her and Ruaidri’s first love betrayed him with his best friend. In addition she is from wealth and title; he is from a poor Irish family. So, both carry baggage into their already problematic relationship. But Ruaidri is noble of heart, if not birth, and also a gentleman, so we want him to get the girl.
Harmon has included some exciting scenes of battles at sea with vivid descriptions and accurate nautical terminology. Those who love authenticity in their historical romances will appreciate her attention to detail.
This is book 5 in the de Montforte Brothers series and I recommend reading them I order. Also, Harmon’s various series are related and characters from one series may appear in another. From the beginning of The Wayward One, couples and characters from the earlier stories appear, some remaining to be characters in this story. If you want to understand who they are, best to begin at the beginning. ...more
Set in the mid-18th century before the American Revolution, this is a fictional account of George WashiAn Interesting Take on a Great Man’s First Love
Set in the mid-18th century before the American Revolution, this is a fictional account of George Washington’s unrequited love for Mary Philipse, “the richest belle in Colonial America.” It is also the story of slander, betrayal and treachery designed to keep them apart.
The book’s description reads like a review so I’ll give you my own. This is a story of two people whose lives were affected by the selfish desires of others. George Washington went on to fulfill his destiny as America’s first and beloved President, a patriot of patriots. The British looked down on the colonials, even ones like Colonel Washington who was brave and honest and gave good service. They could not have one of their prized heiresses marrying such a man. So they conspired to keep it from happening.
This book made me sad to think so great a hero could be treated like that but then evil men have always done so and do to this day. Mary was a disappointing heroine in the end as she lacked the courage to stand up for him—or to wait for him. In the end Providence, as they referred to God, protected Washington and gave him the country he fought for, the freedom he prized.
The telling of the story was mixed. There were parts that were very romantic and well told (worthy of 5 stars) but, alas, we didn’t see the letters the book’s title suggests. And there were other parts (I would rate 3 stars) that I hurried through once it was clear Mary would marry a lesser man she did not love. The only happy ending was for America itself. And for that reason, you might find this an interesting read. ...more
Wonderful Story of a Jaded Duke and a Feisty Urchin he “Buys” for His Page
This has to be one of my favorites by Heyer. Set in the 18th century in theWonderful Story of a Jaded Duke and a Feisty Urchin he “Buys” for His Page
This has to be one of my favorites by Heyer. Set in the 18th century in the time of Louis XV, this is the story of Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, who, because of this reputation as a debauched rake, is dubbed “Satanas”.
Late one evening, the Duke stumbles across Leon, a red headed urchin fleeing a certain beating from his brother who is a tavern owner in a bad part of town. Finding the urchin of keen interest, Avon buys the boy and makes him his page. But it soon becomes clear to Avon that Leon is not what he seems. For one thing, 19-year-old “Leon” can read and write and he speaks very well. His features are refined, too.
The duke has a score to settle with an enemy and knows this redheaded page is somehow tied into that family. Avon must unravel the mystery. But the jaded duke doesn’t count on falling in love with the waif who turns out to be a beautiful young woman named Leonie.
A well-told, clever and, at times, funny story I really enjoyed. Witty dialog, intrigue and treachery abound. Great characters populate the pages. The only thing I kept asking myself is how everyone missed that Leonie had to be menstruating by this time in her life. (And what the title had to do with the story.) But, oh well, those are minor points. Highly recommended.
4 and 1/2 Stars - Irish Hero and the Forming of the Young American Navy and Love Amidst War
This is the first book in The McGann saga. The story begins4 and 1/2 Stars - Irish Hero and the Forming of the Young American Navy and Love Amidst War
This is the first book in The McGann saga. The story begins in 1769 when young Harry McGann, an excellent seaman engaging in smuggling along with his village, gets into a fight with the squire’s son (a very arrogant young man) while trying to save the man’s daughter from a fall. Harry is told to get out of town for a while and he goes to sea, bound for New York. That was a terrible experience but just before he left, he met Elizabeth Bartlett, the daughter of a wealthy New York merchant. He vows to return, well dressed and with coin in his pocket.
No matter his good intentions, Harry is forever involved in fights with despicable men. He even experiences treachery from his fellow sailors whose allegiances change quickly. But in all he encounters, he comes to love America. And, once Harry he hooks up with John Paul Jones, he becomes involved in the formation of the American Navy. But he never forgets Elizabeth.
It’s an engaging tale well told (though the wealth of typos need to be corrected) with some exciting battles at sea. Harry is a flawed but loveable hero and Elizabeth, though constant in her affection for him, also makes some bad decisions. Still, all comes right in the end and we are given a glimpse of America’s early naval ventures.
This is historical romance at its roughest. ...more
A Wonderful, Poignant and Deeply Emotional Story of a True Irish hero
Robert Emmet is a young man born to Ireland’s Protestant upper class with a promiA Wonderful, Poignant and Deeply Emotional Story of a True Irish hero
Robert Emmet is a young man born to Ireland’s Protestant upper class with a promising career ahead of him in science. From his parents, he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas, a lawyer, he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.
In 1798, Robert’s life changed from a future among the elite to a strong role in the risings wherein the Irish sought freedom from English rule. Robert refuses to take an oath of allegiance to England, thus giving up his hope of a scientific career and all the privileges of his class to join the United Irishmen, a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. When the rising is defeated and their leader (a nobleman) cruelly allowed to die in prison, Robert is forced to flee Ireland. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return to the cause of his country’s liberty, and to the girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland’s most talented lawyer.
Robert returns and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who falls in love with him and becomes his most loyal housekeeper of the safe house for his fellow rebels.
This is a well-written historical account of what transpired with enough fiction added to make this a compelling story. I loved it even though it made me terribly sad. You see, I knew how it ended. The author has given us a hero to love and admire. I confess I wanted to slap Sarah Curran at times and really wanted Robert to see what a grand mate Anne Devlin would have been.
There was one thing that seemed to be missing from the story. These were people who cherished their faith whether Protestant or Catholic yet there was no evidence of it in this story until the very end and Robert's confession of faith in Christ. Otherwise, there was no church, no Mass, no prayers.
As for the English ruling Ireland, I already had a low view of England’s treatment of the Irish (and the Welsh and the Scots) and this only confirmed it. England’s arrogance was/is too great to see the Irish people’s love for their own country and their desire for freedom.
Thank you, Ms. Browne for bringing this wonderful history to life. You have done a great job! (But you do need to get the typos corrected; there are many)....more
A Scottish Laird with a Face of Stone and a Heart of Gold
Set in Dundee Scotland in 1780, this is the story of Stone Sinclair, Earl of Alban, whose harA Scottish Laird with a Face of Stone and a Heart of Gold
Set in Dundee Scotland in 1780, this is the story of Stone Sinclair, Earl of Alban, whose harsh countenance earned him the nickname “Devil”. He’s actually a nice guy with a heart for his people and his family of siblings. When his solicitor comes to his estate to deal with the books in the wake of Stone’s parents’ deaths, the lawyer suggests Stone marry Eliza, the solicitor’s daughter.
English Eliza McLaren believed the rumors about Stone and, when her father attempts to make a match between them, she vows to never give herself to a man like Stone. As she observes all the good he does, she will be forced to change her mind.
This story is short and reads like a novella with much given to us: Stone’s wants to marry and Eliza is conveniently dropped in his lap by her father. Still, Stone is a compelling character and there is much here that could have been developed into a longer story.
4 and ½ Stars - A Love Story Set in the Highlands in Between Jacobite Risings
Set in the Highlands in 1725, this is the story of Kenneth Mackay, marked4 and ½ Stars - A Love Story Set in the Highlands in Between Jacobite Risings
Set in the Highlands in 1725, this is the story of Kenneth Mackay, marked by the English Crown as a traitor for his Jacobite views. Kenneth returns to his home at his twin brother Malcolm’s summons. There he learns his brother, who betrayed him ten years before, is dying and wants Kenneth to assume his identity—to give Kenneth his life back as the clan laird. A slight hitch in the plans is the fact that Malcolm is married.
Lady Isobel Mackay, the daughter of an impoverished English marquess, wonders at the change in her husband. Where once he spurned her for his mistress, now he is attentive and affectionate and sends his mistress packing. Isobel had long ago given up on having a real marriage but now finds she is open to her husband’s change of mind.
When the mistress realizes the man spurning her is not Malcolm, she turns him into the British authorities in Edinburgh who arrest him for his crimes, though the one murder they accuse him of was not his doing but his dead brother’s.
Well written with an intriguing storyline and a few historical characters thrown in for authenticity reflecting good research. I can recommend it. Lovers of Highland romance will find this a good story. ...more
Great Story, Well Told set on the Eve of the American Revolution
Set in 1776, this is the story of Jacob Dare, a half Indian backwoodsman, who is in nGreat Story, Well Told set on the Eve of the American Revolution
Set in 1776, this is the story of Jacob Dare, a half Indian backwoodsman, who is in need of a wife. He wants one from the gentry to bring a lady’s refinement to his rustic home and having seen Lady Catriona Kilcairn, he decides to have her.
Jacob finds a way to manipulate Catriona into accepting his proposal. He will allow her loyalist father to avoid the American Oath of Allegiance, thus saving their colonial home. Catriona thought she would marry the aristocratic Barrett Fairfax, an Englishman, but to save her home she will marry the rough Jacob Dare.
Jacob’s settlement deep in the woods is far from her home and nothing like Catriona imagined. Worse, he expects her to cook and clean, which she has never done. Their wedding night is not a gentle wooing either. Undaunted, Catriona’s spirit rises to the occasion and she wins the respect of all. While there is great chemistry between Jacob and Catriona, there are no words of love. And when she finds Jacob has not fulfilled his part of their bargain and the rebels burn her family’s home, she decides to leave him.
This is a great story and well told, bringing the frontier life to the page and giving us a love story on the eve of the revolution to savor. Two proud people come together for an exciting tale. Jacob is a wonderful hero, strong and stoic and successful in all he sets his mind to. Cat is a loyal Scot of noble background who would sacrifice herself for her family. In the end, both Cat and Jacob will give up something close to their hearts to please the other even as they are planning to separate.
A worthy tale based on solid research into the era and set on the eve of the American Revolution. Highly recommended. ...more
4 and ½ Stars - A great addition to the knowledge of women’s lives in history!
According to the authors’ description, Sexuality and Its Impact on Histo4 and ½ Stars - A great addition to the knowledge of women’s lives in history!
According to the authors’ description, Sexuality and Its Impact on History: The British Stripped Bare chronicles the pleasures and perils of the flesh, sharing secrets from the days of the Anglo-Saxons, medieval courtly love traditions, diabolical Tudor escapades (including those of Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots), and the Regency and the Victorian eras. That pretty much sums it up, however, it doesn’t fully convey that this is serious history. The last essay includes America, too… the Gold Rush and the Civil War and the women drawn to “service” the men involved. It also features a bit about the sex trade in New Orleans.
Each author presents a segment of history and women whose stories are worth knowing. Along the way, you pick up some fascinating bits about marriage traditions and laws, prostitution and the reasons for it and the life of women in those eras.
Heaven help you if you were a royal. The story of Mary, Queen of Scots was very compelling and well done. My heart went out to her, a queen at six days of age tor between those who wanted to take advantage of her claim to England’s throne. That her fellow Scots should betray her and her cousin, Elizabeth, murder her was a horrible end for so promising a life.
As an author of historical romance who does extensive research for my stories, I found the book of keen interest. Others who just love reading about history will find it of interest, too. A great addition to the knowledge of women’s lives in history! ...more
Set in the Highlands in 1720, this is the story of Logan Rutherford, Laird of Lockelieth Keep, who was betroCharming Story of a Match Made by the King
Set in the Highlands in 1720, this is the story of Logan Rutherford, Laird of Lockelieth Keep, who was betrothed when he was six to Mayra Findlay, then a baby. They meet again when she is eighteen. He has decided to pose as his lookalike cousin, Coburn Wallace, to get a look at his soon-to-be bride. At issue is her dowry, half of which Logan’s father squandered before he died and the other half which Logan needs to save his lands.
Mayra thinks her absent betrothed is uncaring—he never answers her letters—and so she is determined to end it. Besides, she needs the remaining half of her dowry to save her family’s home. But she needs Logan’s help and the king’s permission. When she meets the handsome Coburn Wallace (never realizing he is Logan), she has another reason—she has fallen in love.
This is #1 in the Heart of a Scot series and it’s a good start, a witty story well told of Logan and Mayra’s slide into love. Cameron tosses in some unusual words and phrases that will make you smile and some Scottish brogue that gives the story an authentic feel....more
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