Author: Barbara

Avid reader/reviewer of historical romance and historical mysteries.

A Lady’s Guide To Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Countess of Harleigh Mystery #3
Publication Date: 7/28/20
Number of Pages: 304

This new-to-me author was a delightful find. The story was very well written, the historical sights, sounds, language, etc. were period correct, the plot moved along at the perfect pace – and best of all there was romance. My favorite genre is historical mysteries, but I have to have a romance in those – and this one had TWO!

This is the third book in the series, but I have not read the first two books and don’t feel I really missed anything in this story by not having read them. However, since this book was so much fun, I’ll go back and catch those first two!

The characters are delightful – both main and supporting. There is a scene toward the end between Frances and her mother that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. It is absolutely perfect to see that side of Frances’ mother. When you get there, you’ll recognize it because you can’t miss it – think buckets of water, horse dung, and pitchforks.

Frances and George are secretly betrothed. Not because they are hiding anything, but because they don’t want to tread on Frances’s sister Lily’s big moment – her own wedding. George isn’t thrilled with keeping it a secret, but he’ll honor Frances’s wishes. When the need arises to move Lily’s wedding up by several weeks, George is more than happy to offer his brother’s estate, Risings, as the perfect venue. There is a perfect small church and the house will accommodate the close family and friends. Perfect solution.

Strange occurrences begin – accidents surely – but are they? The first couple of ‘accidents’ are viewed as just that, but as more accidents happen – and a death – Frances and George suspect there is a villain loose among them. Who is the intended victim? Is it Leo, Lily’s betrothed, or is it George himself? They both seem to always be at the scene of the accident and could have easily been the victim. Who could want Leo dead or injured? His brother-in-law? His best friend who might hold a romantic interest in Lily? What about George? Could someone from one of his past Home Office cases be coming back to seek revenge?

With suspects and victims galore, George and Frances will have their work cut out for them. They’ll definitely need all of their skills to prevent more injuries or deaths and to catch the villain.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and surely hope you will also.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How To Start A Scandal by Madeline Martin

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)2 Comments

How to Start a Scandal (The London School for Ladies, #2)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The London School for Ladies #2
Publication Date: 7/21/20
Number of Pages: 288

This story was a beautiful example of love and acceptance – with an equally lovely epilogue. Both the hero and heroine had self-esteem issues and I love how each learned to accept themselves and each other for who they are. This was, as always with this author, a wonderfully written, perfectly paced story with compelling characters and situations. You just can’t help but love Violet and Seth. Of course, when you throw in a precocious seven-year-old along with a bonnet wearing cat, you just absolutely cannot go wrong.

Lady Violet Lavelle has a secret – a big secret – well, honestly, she has more than one secret and any of them could and would cause a scandal and ruin her reputation. She definitely can not/will not marry because the man would then become privy to those secrets. Besides, according to her mother and sisters, no man would ever want her because she has a larger Rubenesque body rather than the thin waiflike body currently in mode. But then, the unthinkable happens – her father gives her an ultimatum – marry before the end of the season – just weeks away – or be sent to her older sister to act as governess to her four very unruly children. Oh! My!

Seth Sinclair, newly minted Earl of Dalton, didn’t want to leave the battlefield to return home and take up his family duties. As the second son, he wasn’t supposed to be the earl. His parents never appreciated him at home. No matter how hard he tried, he was ignored and his brother got all the praise even though his performances were only mediocre. Why would any man want to live with that at home? But here he is and he’ll do his best to care for his mother and sister – he’ll even find a bride.

Seth and Violet were childhood friends who lived next door to each other in London. When Seth broke her heart at her come-out ball, it seemed her fate was sealed. Seth didn’t mean to break her heart – didn’t even know he’d done it – but broke it, and her, he surely did. When they renewed their acquaintance, she was skittish of him, but a stolen kiss or two later – well …

When Seth left for war the day after Violet’s come-out ball, he never expected to return home nor did he ever expect to see her again. He even dragged his feet about coming home after he learned of his brother’s death, but finally knew he had to return.

I loved Seth and Violet finding each other again and each learning what that last parting meant to each of them. When you throw a villain into the mix – one determined to cause harm to Seth’s family, you end up with a romantic and suspenseful tale. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend it and a fun, romantic, and exciting read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.