Meriden Park by Julie Daines -- Review
12/10/2022
About the Book Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace has lived an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with all the love and care the childless couple possessed, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling's death, it is time for Mrs. Welling to take Mary home to England- home to Meriden Park. Despite her genial nature, Mary is received with suspicion by the villagers. For his part, however, Mr. Robert Markham is intrigued by the curious new beauty in town. Determined to make her acquaintance, he offers Mary a bargain she can't refuse: a hot cross bun for a kiss. That seemingly innocent exchange is the first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, whose friendship blossoms into love during long walks in the privacy of Sherwood Forest. But the shadows of the forest hide a sinister secret, one Mary fears Robert might be a part of. As the mystery of the recent string of murders creeps closer and closer, Robert and Mary are drawn into a dangerous game, and unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever. About the Author Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner. She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her verveine. Julie is an award-winning and best-selling author, and her novel, Unraveled, was a contender for the ALA’s Schneider Family Book Award. ReviewAuthor Julie Daines has written an absolutely delightful twist on the story of Robin Hood in her Regency Romance story, Meriden Park. The story is about a woman, Mary Grace, who is rescued from the gutters of Calcutta and is raised to be a lady. It’s how because of her skin color many people treat her differently, some going so far as to even ignore her. But throughout the story, readers will come to love Mary as she is a strong and beautiful woman who learns to stand up for herself. And of course, there is the swoony friends to lovers romance with Robert Markham a local. Intrigue, murder, mystery, romance, this story has it all. Readers will not want to miss this exciting and charming story!
Genre: Regency Romance, fairytale retelling Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: December 5, 2022 Number of pages: 284 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one―not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends―knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise. Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all―except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer. As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart. About the Author Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, as well as 2014 Whitney Award winner for "Best Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski. Sarah is represented by Pam Victorio at D4EO Literary Agency. ReviewThe Best Intentions is a continuation and ties into both the Jonquil Brothers series and The Lancaster Family series. This story is a spin off of those, continuing the story of Artemis and her friends, with this one focusing on Gillian Phelps. This story is about a girl who gets left in the shadows and how she blossoms and becomes comfortable in showing her true self and of becoming good friends with a man, Scott Sarvol, and eventually falling for him. This story is sweet and engaging and readers will thoroughly enjoy it.
Series: The Huntresses Genre: Regency Romance Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: November 22, 2022 Number of pages: 309 Other books in the series: Prequel-Charming Artemis 0.5-The Best Laid Plans Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. |