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

A Conquest Impossible to Resist by Stephanie Laurens

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A Conquest Impossible to Resist (Cynster Next Generation #7)
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Cynster Next Generation #7
Publication Date: 3/14/19
Number of Pages: 435

I’ve never met a Stephanie Laurens book that I didn’t love – and this one is no different. Demon (A Rogue’s Proposal) was one of my favorites in the original Cynster books and now, I get a peek at him in his sixties and I loved him all over again. Those original books presented us with the most memorable and larger-than-life characters, and it is nice to see them as they’ve grown older. Meeting their children has been so much fun. I’ve loved all of the later books too, but those heroes are pale in comparison to the originals.

Twenty-nine-year-old Prudence (Pru) Cynster now runs the breeding program for the Cynster stables. She’s the oldest of four siblings and all except the youngest are involved in running the stables. As head of the breeding program, Pru knows that they need a fresh infusion of breeding stock to remain in the top position. Pru has decided not to marry – she cares nothing for fripperies, balls, teas – she’d much rather be out among the horses – but – her mother is trying to persuade her to have ‘just one more season’. Then, to Pru’s delight, she receives a letter from Ireland asking if the Cynsters might be interested in an ‘arrangement’ with the writer’s breeding stock. The letter includes enough information about the horses to intrigue Pru and she knows she has to leave immediately for Ireland – well – immediately after managing to convince her father to allow it. She sends a letter to Ireland to let them know she’s coming and sets off.

After his father’s death, Deaglan Fitzgerald, now Earl of Glengarah, returns home to Ireland to find a neglected estate. His father never cared for the estate nor the people who resided on it – the ONLY thing he cared about was collecting prime horseflesh. He didn’t collect for making a profit or using the horses in any way – he only wanted to possess the very best horses. Deaglan is slowly putting things to right on the estate and his next task needs to be the stables because they are a drain on the estate – not adding anything at all – other than the beauty of the horses themselves.

Deaglan was on his way into his castle when his brother Felix came hurrying up to him – filled with excitement. Deaglan manages to calm him and find out what has happened. Shocked, but not unhappy, Deaglan learns that Felix has written to the Cynster stables – using Deaglan’s name – and a P.H. Cynster is on his way – to arrive that very afternoon!

When the visitor’s carriage arrives, a beautiful woman alights – hmmm – she must be P. H. Cynster’s sister or wife. Lucky man if it is his wife. So, why is it taking so long for P. H. Cynster to leave the carriage – then, the footman shuts the door leaving only the beautiful woman and her two servants standing there. Deaglan can’t believe it – P. H. Cynster is a woman!

As Pru and Deaglan evaluate the horses and work together – sinister things begin to happen. Are they accidents? It doesn’t seem like it. As they work together and as they try to puzzle out what is causing the ‘things’ to happen, they become closer and closer.

This is a pretty steamy read and it begins early on – but Pru puts some limitations on their relationship from the very beginning. Daeglan agrees to the stipulations, but he’s not sure he’s happy about them. Can he overcome Pru’s objections to marriage?

This book isn’t quite as intense and urgent as some of this author’s books, but it does have arson, murder attempts, theft, and betrayal – they are just somewhat blander than some.

I highly recommend the book – I loved it.

Death In Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley

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Death in Kew Gardens (Kat Holloway Mysteries, #3)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Kat Holloway Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 6/4/19
Number of Pages: 320

OMGoodness! This series just gets better and better! We have learned more and more about the supporting characters – the mysterious and enigmatic Daniel, James his son, quirky and fun Tess, Davis, the stuffy (not) butler, Lady Cynthia who chafes at having to dress and act as a woman is expected to, Daniel’s friend, the very intelligent scholar Thanos, Kat’s daughter Grace – and just maybe we’ve added a new regular – Mrs. Redfern as the new housekeeper. Together, they are quite a crew and you’ll love them all. We didn’t learn too much new about Daniel in this book, and that was a disappointment. I’m really anxious for the further development of the relationship between Daniel and Kat as well.

Kat Holloway is young for a cook, barely 30, but she is one of the best cooks in England. She is very careful about who she works for and has very, very specific requirements for her employment. Luckily, her employment for the last eight months has been in a household she enjoys and that accommodates her requirements. She’s happy there even if she and Mr. Davis have been splitting the duties of housekeeper since the last one left. This sets up a fun subplot for the book – and tells you a lot about the author’s abilities because I quickly learned to detest Mrs. Daly, the new housekeeper. My reaction to her was very strong and it takes a good author to evoke that sort of reaction from me. So, the sub-plot was a great addition to the story.

Just as an FYI, there is also a second sub-plot flowing around Lady Harkness – and that makes it sound like there is too much going on in the story, but that isn’t the case. The sub-plots fit into and add to the story rather than detract from it.

The main plot of the story revolves around the murder of the next door neighbor, Sir Jacob Harkness. He was a very wealthy man who had been granted a knighthood for services to the empire. He was an expert in all things Chinese and had lived there for many years before returning to England. His collection was eclectic and large. He collected what took his fancy rather than only what was valuable – but – he had many valuable things in his collection. When he was found in his bed, stabbed to death, and an open window in the drawing room, it was assumed that the robbery was the motive – if there was a robbery. Except – a Chinaman had been seen just outside the house . . . What could that mean?

Kat was hurrying to run some errands one day and wasn’t paying attention and plowed right into an older Chinese gentleman, knocking him to the ground. She apologized profusely and helped him up. They spoke briefly, introduced themselves, and she liked Mr. Li very well. Later, he turned up at the home where she worked and presented her with a lovely gift to thank her for her kindness.

When a witness places a Chinese gentleman near the victim’s house at the time of the murder, and Mr. Li is arrested, Kat has to stand up for him because she is convinced that he is not the guilty party. The investigation takes us through lies, deceit, another murder, a very valuable stolen item, and an unexpected villain. The author throws a lot of red herrings at you – and you may suspect who the perpetrator is, but you won’t know for sure until it is all wrapped up.

This book is part of a wonderful series, but it could be read as a stand-alone – although you would be missing (and possibly a bit confused) about some of the relationships and back-stories of various individuals. It would be my suggestion to read the series from the beginning – especially since this is only the third book.

I definitely recommend this well-written and interesting book. You’ll love the characters and puzzle over the mystery.

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