A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter - a book review

This is a novel set in the early 1800’s in England.  It opens by introducing us to our main character as a young girl.  The author then fast forwards us to when she is a young women.  We sort of ‘grow up’ along with her.  She is the eldest daughter of a wealthy family that consists of and older brother and a younger sister and brother.  Our main character, Miranda, is on the brink of being called a spinster.  She is used to being outshined by her younger, sillier and prettier sister. To vent her frustration, she composes letters to one of her older brother’s friends, who had disappeared 9 years before.  She never mails these letters to her ‘fictitious’ friend until one day, when her older brother’s new valet mails one.  Of course, she is mortified that her ‘imaginary’ friend, the Duke of Marshington, will read it and expose her.  You’ll have to read the book to find out how all that plays out.  At the same time, she begins a strange friendship with her brother’s new valet, Marlow

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The author spins an interesting tale of intrigue, suspense and mystery with a good mix of romance, faith and wit. While the main characters profess a strong faith in God, the author doesn’t over power you with it.  It is presented as a basis of their personalities.

I really liked this book and was pleased to find out that there will be another one dealing with some of the peripheral characters.

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This is from the publisher’s website:

“Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she's never actually met the man she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother's mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.

Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family's estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.”

You can read an excerpt HERE. 

I recommend you visit the publisher's website to learn more about the author, Kristi Ann Hunter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz - a book review

I really liked this book.  It is set in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, a period in time that I love to read about.  This is a clean romance with lots of excitement, mystery and emotion.  The author opens the story introducing us to Sophie, a once-upon-a-time southern belle, who now is struggling to keep her home.  The British army had taken over her home of Three Chimneys and left her with no food or supplies.   Her father fled because of his alliance with the British and her borther has disappeared while fighting in the Patriot army.  Sophie, along with two aging servants, is left to manage the estate.

This is what the publisher says:

“There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?”

This is a Christian romance and the faith of the characters plays an important role in the story. However, it is not at all preachy and I think any lover of historical novels would enjoy reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”