Category: Victorian Era (1837-1901)

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe.
Preceded by: Regency era
Followed by: Edwardian era
Monarch: Victoria

Lovely Digits by Jeanine Englert

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Lovely DigitsBarbara’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: None Listed, but I think it is meant to be
Publication Date: 6/12/19
Number of Pages: 210

** Maybe 4.5 **

This was one of the best debut novels I’ve read in a long time. The writing is excellent the plot is complex and well-executed, and the characters are fully-fleshed and very relatable. I was particularly pleased to find that there was both a romance and a mystery and both were really well done. Besides, what could be better than a wonderful story that didn’t have a single aristocrat in it? Well, John might be related to a title of some sort since his family crest was mentioned – but since he’s been disowned, that wouldn’t count even if it were true.

Lucy Wycliffe is a layer-out of the dead, a path she embarked upon after her parents were murdered. Some in her village, Clun, consider her unnatural because of her occupation, but it has supported herself and her sister – barely. It has been ten years and she still feels the guilt for her parent’s deaths – not that she should, it is just survivor’s guilt, but she feels it strongly. Now, she’s beginning to feel a bit desperate with the banker, Fiske, demanding payment of the note on their home by the end of the month or she will be put out in the snow. So, when an offer to act as an assistant to the new constable is made, she quickly accepts.

John Brodie is a haunted man who is filled with secrets. His goal in Clun is forgiveness and redemption. While he’s not sure how that is going to happen, it is still his goal. Many things have happened in John’s life during the last ten years and few, if any, were good. Now, after being a successful detective in London’s police force, he is assigned to this sleepy Victorian village that currently has two vicious murders of beautiful, beloved young women and it is up to John to find the murderer.

As John and Lucy work together, they come to know, respect, and finally, to love each other. Although there was an instant attraction, the love came as respect for each other grew. I loved that John cared for ALL of Lucy – even her chosen profession.

Can John, an outsider, gain the trust of the people of Clun and solve the murders? Not without Lucy’s help. As the investigation continues and the clues to the murderer become more and more perplexing, John and Lucy find themselves in danger as well. Can they find the murderer and save themselves at the same time?

This excellently well-written novel will lead you on a merry chase from beginning to end. The resolution is exciting and may surprise you – or not. While this novel is listed as a standalone, I believe the author means it to be part of a series. There is an excellent set-up for it to be a series and I definitely hope that will be the case. That said, this book was published almost a year ago and I don’t see any mention of further books, so I guess the jury is still out on whether it will be part of a series.

The Artist and the Rake by Callie Hutton

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The Artist and the Rake (The Merry Misfits of Bath #4)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Merry Misfits of Bath #4
Publication Date: 4/14/20
Number of Pages: 185

This was a really exciting addition to the series – it was fast-paced, well-written, and so very romantic. I will admit that parts of it were a bit darker than I normally care for, but it was still a delightful read and a change of pace for me. We also had lovely visits with the H/h from the first three books.

Four years ago, Lizbeth Davenport lost her entire family within just a few weeks of each other. Now, alone and without employment, she accepts a fateful offer that will lead to the demise of all her hopes and dreams. In the middle of the night, she’s kidnapped – taken from her bed and sold to a London brothel.

Marcus Mallory is a member of parliament who has spent years working on getting a bill passed that would crack down on the kidnapping of women and children for nefarious purposes. The bill gets passed in the House of Lords, but is always defeated in the Commons. He’s frustrated, but still working to get the votes he needs. When his friend Nick (Nicholas Smith from Lady Pamela and the Gambler) arrives and asks for his assistance in rescuing a friend who was kidnapped and sold to a brothel, Marcus leaps at the chance to help.

After her rescue, Lizbeth is filled with anger and vows revenge on those who kidnapped her. She has every intention of doing it alone, but Marcus insists on helping her. As they spend time together, they grow closer, but still … Can a man who has declared to all who’ll listen that he’ll not marry and a woman who is terrified of a man’s touch actually find their HEA?

I absolutely loved Marcus, he wasn’t judgmental and seemed to have all of the patience in the world with Lizbeth. When there are villains everywhere – more kidnappings – and police who seem to do nothing, the reader begins to wonder if/when/how Lizbeth will have her revenge.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope you will as well. The only thing I wasn’t happy about was that one of the main villains went basically unpunished. Given the damage this person did, how many lives were ruined over a long period of time, I would have really preferred a severe punishment. If the police couldn’t manage it – the person could have fallen off a cliff, or down a quarry, or over the side of a boat, or out of a moving coach, or run in front of a bullet – whatever – just something more than what happened.

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