The Heart's Appeal (London Beginnings #2) by Jennifer Delamere -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway
3/28/2018
About the BookBook Title: The Heart’s Appeal Author: Jennifer Delamere Release Date: March 6, 2018 Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future. Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome? About the AuthorJennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband. Guest Post from Jennifer DelamerePower couples? Perhaps that’s not a concept that initially comes to mind when one thinks of Victorian England! And yet, they did exist. I love to include real people from history in my books, and in The Heart’s Appeal, Julia Bernay meets two inspiring real-life couples who will make a positive impact in her life. In 1865, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first woman to qualify as a physician in Britain. She did this through a legal loophole, but soon the laws were changed to open the medical field to all women. In 1874, Dr. Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women. She remained involved in the school in various capacities for the rest of her life, even as she continued to run her own busy practice. In The Heart’s Appeal, she becomes a mentor for Julia, opening doors for her education and introducing Julia to people who can help her succeed in medical school. Dr. Anderson’s husband, James Anderson (Jamie), was the joint-owner of a successful shipping line and also served on the boards of several organizations (including a children’s hospital). He was a handsome man, very much in love with his wife, and fervent in supporting her choice of a career. In a letter he wrote to her while they were engaged, Jamie explained his vision for their future—how they could keep their professional and private lives separate, yet still give each other plenty of love and support: “I think we had better lay it down once for all as a rule that I am under no circumstances to bring people ‘favorably under your notice’ or ‘exert any influence’ or anything of the sort. It will give people a wrong idea of you unless I take a decided line in this matter — and as I mean to be if I can a successful man of business, neither interfering with your pursuits nor being interfered with by you (but having our confidences on all feasible subjects at off times of the day and week and mutually advising and fortifying one another), I must let people know unmistakably not to come bothering me about your public affairs. Will you think about this, dearest?” Who couldn’t love a man like that? Jamie Anderson’s outlook on life comes into play later on in The Heart’s Appeal, when he provides advice and aid to Michael Stephenson, the book’s hero, at a critical time. Julia also has an inspiring encounter with Dr. Anderson’s sister, Millicent Fawcett. Millicent was married to a Member of Parliament and actively supported her husband’s career in many ways, including acting as a scribe for him since he was blind. She is most remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, a statue of her will be placed in Parliament Square in London this summer. She was not a militant suffragette, but rather campaigned for suffrage under the banner “Law-Abiding Suffragists.” Both couples raised families, too, and their children’s successes in life show they were raised to have the same energetic and “can-do” attitudes that their parents had. Julia initially believes she must remain single to achieve her life’s goals. But soon she finds her heart drawn to successful barrister Michael Stephenson, who admires Julia’s intelligence and ambition. She learns that love and the freedom to pursue her dreams do not have to be mutually exclusive. A meeting of minds to spark a true romance? Yes, please! I hope readers will agree this can be the most satisfying of all. ReviewIn book two of her London Beginnings series, The Heart’s Appeal, author Jennifer Delamere brings to life the idea of the contrast of various societies in the Victorian era. This book shows of new opportunities for women and the strength and determination these women have to work hard and get what they want. From page one Delamere’s story will not only inspire, but capture the attention and heart of its readers. With enjoyable and relatable characters and beautiful historic details, this novel is one that readers will not definitely not be able to put down. Series: London Beginnings Genre: historical, romance, Victorian, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: March 6, 2018 Number of pages: 384 A review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayTo celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!! Click HERE to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Tour ScheduleReading Is My SuperPower, March 22
Inspiration Clothesline, March 22 Texas Book-aholic, March 22 A Greater Yes, March 23 Among the Reads, March 23 D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 23 Splashes of Joy, March 23 Fiction Aficionado, March 24 History, Mystery & Faith, March 24 Red Headed Book Lady, March 24 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24 The Power of Words, March 25 Mary Hake, March 25 Remembrancy, March 25 Janices book reviews, March 25 Cordially, Barbara, March 26 Genesis 5020, March 26 Moments Dipped in Ink, March 26 Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 26 Kat’s Corner Books, March 27 The Fizzy Pop Collection, March 27 Maureen’s Musings, March 27 Carpe Diem, March 27 Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28 Seasons of opportunities, March 28 Singing Librarian Books, March 28 A Baker’s Perspective, March 28 Baker Kella, March 29 All-of-a-kind Mom, March 29 Inklings and Notions, March 29 Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest post from Mindy) Pause for Tales, March 30 Cafinated Reads, March 30 Have A Wonderful Day, March 30 Pursuing Stacie, March 30 Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31 Connie’s History Classroom, March 31 Book by Book, March 31 Bigreadersite, March 31 Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 1 Neverending Stories, April 1 Ladybug Chronicles, April 1 Smiling Book Reviews, April 2 Two Points of Interest, April 2 Vicky Sluiter, April 2 Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 3 proud to be an autism mom, April 3 Bibliophile Reviews, April 3 Karen Sue Hadley, April 4 Live Love Read, April 4 Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 4 Faery Tales Are Real, April 4
9 Comments
Shirley Emitt
3/28/2018 10:37:23 pm
My goodness, all the reading and coffee a person need, for a few days. Thanks,
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Winnie Thomas
3/28/2018 11:22:25 pm
Nice review, Sydney! This book is coming up next on my TBR pile. I love the cover and it sounds wonderful.
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DebraG
3/29/2018 05:16:21 am
This books looks great. I love finding new books on blogs. Adding it to my list.
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Kay Garrett
3/29/2018 06:29:06 am
Thank you for your review and information on "The Heart’s Appeal" by Jennifer Delamere as well as being part of the book tour.
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Rebecca Maney
3/29/2018 06:59:21 am
I love stories that feature real-life characters and it appears that this book is full of them!
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Caryl Kane
3/29/2018 06:05:28 pm
Fabulous review, Sydney! Jennifer is a new-to-me author. I love historical fiction. This series is on my must read list!
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Jan Hall
3/31/2018 05:40:03 pm
I love books with strong independent women.
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Joan Arning
4/3/2018 11:42:02 am
Beautiful cover!
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