Nocturne by Elizabeth Ellen Carter (Review)

I had a chance to read Nocturne by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. Honestly, I don't know how I feel about the story. I finished last week and I'm still processing. Nocturne wasn't bad story, but it also didn't stand out to me. I tried to see where it's categorized as in the romance-land, and it came out to be a gothic romance. I can see where you people see that. I mean the location is kind of dark and dreary with sinister feel. The heroine Elle not sure how she fits into the picture as the new governess. We also have the hero Thomas who is a shadow of himself living with his brother who happens to be the Earl. Then I also felt that it wanted to go in an inspirational kind of read, but never quite did. There were phrases that kind of made me think that.

Like I said Nocturne wasn't a bad read, but didn't wow me. I think story probably should have been longer, but it is what it is. There are those who loved the story. It's more like meh to me.

Copy provided.

Rating:
3 Stars

Patriot's Pride by Penelope Marzec (Review)

It's always hard to find a balance when it comes inspirational reads, because they tend to come off a little too preachy. This tends to turn off people who like mainstream romance novels. Yes, there are some out there that have the perfect balance. Patriot's Pride wouldn't be for those how like a little mainstream in their romance. However, those who love inspirational and deep messages might enjoy this particular title.

However, I struggled with Margaret and Derrick's story. There were a few good parts, but I really did struggle with the beginning. We have Margaret who is very spiritual, then we have Derrick who is a man of science. Both are on extreme spectrum and you wonder how on earth are they going to get together. Is Derrick going to have an epiphany that makes him see the light. Plus, he's a doctor there are somethings that better explain with science that believing that it's a higher power. Don't get me wrong, I do have religious beliefs, but it makes this story a little hard to grasp. So, the boat ride over to England is a little rough. When they touchdown on English so the story does pickup and I did start to like the story. Yet, there were a couple issues I had with the story. At times it felt a bit rushed. Eventually these two get their happy ending.

Overall, Patriot's Pride is probably not the book for me. I had a few issues with the story. However, there were a few things I like. For instance, I really liked Margaret's traveling companion, Mrs. Ulery. Now she had a salty personality that kind help Margaret see things in perspective. I love that she wasn't perfect and never proclaim she was. Mrs. Ulery was human with flaws like everyone else. So, if you are a person who loves inspirational reads, Patriot's Pride might be the story for you. It works for others, but not me.

Copy provided

Rating:
2 Stars

eARC: An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere

Last night I spent most of the night finishing An Heiress at Heart by Jennifer Delamere. I must say that it was a wonderful read. So, let share what it's about and why I liked it.

The story starts off with Lizzie Poole and her brother in Australia, where they meet Edward and Ria Smythe (whose actual last name was Somerville). When Lizzie and Ria come face to face for the first time there is an uncanny resemblance to one another that could make them possibly sisters.

Hard times hits them and on Ria's deathbed she asks to Lizzie to become her and go to the family. What are you going to do? After all, Lizzie lost her brother to the sea, Ria's husband is dead and Ria is dying, might as well assume Ria's position. What could go wrong?

So, Lizzie makes it back to England and everything is going swell. Ria's family accepts her as Ria. However, there is always a snag in road. For one thing, she's falling for her "Brother-in-Law," which was a big no-no back then. If it couldn't get any worse, she has a blast from her past, who was supposedly to be dead. Sounds like trouble ahead for Lizzie, hopefully it works out for her.

Overall, I found this story delightful. I mean I usually steer clear of inspirational romance novels for a couple of reasons: 1) they tend to be to preachy and 2) they struggle with there inner conflict, no real villain. However, I didn't find that at all with this story. It wasn't overly preachy. I just chalked up to the hero being a former vicar who came into a title, so he would still has his tendency to be like a vicar. I love that there was real villain in the story. Yes, there was that inner struggle thing, but there was a real bad guy. Which gave the story more depth. I was truly amazed. I loved that it wasn't overly sappy and I'm looking forward to reading more books from Jennifer Delamere.

So, I leave you today and I hope you have a wonderful day. Enjoy the books your reading.

eARC provided by NetGalley

Rating:

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Ok, I bought this book when it was good deal not knowing it was an inspirational romance. I loved premiss of the book, so I got it. I mean a girl accidentally kills her father, because he was abusing her mother. So, she was just trying to save her mother. In the process of running away, she over hears something that she shouldn't have and tries to run away from that situation. Well, she ends up getting strangle to the point that she loses her voice and so she becomes the silent governess.

Overall it was a good book, however, it was lacking the steam that I like to have in my romance book. Don't get me wrong it was written well. However, it wasn't what I wanted at the time. Would I re-read this book, no. I know that it would be perfect some people, just not me. If you are looking for an inspirational book, this is a good book to read.