Tag: Candace Camp

Promise Me Tomorrow by Candace Camp

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Promise Me Tomorrow (Lost Heirs, #2)Barbara’s rating: 3.75/4 of 5 stars

Series: Lost Heirs #2
Publication Date: Re-release date 10/14/19 (Original release 7/24/07)
Number of Pages: 379
** 3.75 Stars Rounded up to 4 **

I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I’m definitely looking forward to the third since this one was delightful. It was well written and had well-developed and relatable characters. I liked both the hero and the heroine as well as the supporting characters. The villain didn’t get his punishment in this book, but I’m sure it is coming in the next – can’t wait.

Marianne Cotterwood has lead a very unique life. She was dropped off at a very austere orphanage at the age of five and was given the name of Mary Chilton. She was terrified, but soon made a friend, Winny, who would remain with her through her life. Her life wasn’t easy and she tried to work at an honest job, but when she was turned out without a character reference, she had to find other ways to support herself. Luckily, she was saved by a pair of thieves and they all soon formed a family of sorts.

It was Marianne’s job to attend the fancy parties and check out all of the valuables and the safe. Days or weeks later, the others would break into the house and rob it – using the information Marianne had gathered. That is how she came to meet Lord Lambeth – he caught her checking out his friend’s home – and he confronted her about it.

Lambeth wants to make Marianne his mistress, but she’ll have none of it. She intrigues him because she isn’t at all impressed by his riches or titles. Turns out, he’s pretty hard to discourage.

Winny gets word from a maid who still works at their former place of employment that two different men had been around to the house asking about Mary Chilton. Why would anyone be looking for her – Marianne hadn’t used the name Mary Chilton in ten years – since she was turned out. Then, strange things begin to happen. Are they accidents? Who could wish any harm to Marianne?

It is a fun read, but – I had to do some calculating to try to figure out the time period – 22 years after the French Revolution, it had to be the Regency period. It was never plainly spelled out and given some of the clothing references, I had to wonder. There is a section where the heroine unbuttons the hero’s shirt and runs her hands over his chest – except – in that period, the man’s shirt was pulled on over the head and only had three or four buttons at the neckline. Also mentioned is the heroine wearing pantaloons and ‘undergarments’ that got in their way. However, during the Regency period, ladies didn’t wear undergarments of that type – they went commando. However, the light-skirts did wear them.  I guess I just like to see a date of some sort 🙂

If you are looking for a quick, fun read, this is the book for you.

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

Before The Dawn by Candace Camp

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, World War II Era (1939-1945)2 Comments

Before the DawnBarbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone
Publication Date: August 19, 2019
Number of Pages: 340

What a phenomenal read! I was absolutely gobsmacked. This book focuses on the lead-up to World War II as well as events during the war. We have three couples – four if you count the one who lost her husband and remarried. The main couple is American stage actress Alyssa Lambert and French underground operative Philippe Michaude and their tale is a heartbreaking and intense one. The secondary focus is on Jessica Townsend and her husband Alan – and then after Alan is killed, she falls in love with Stephen Marek. The tertiary and less featured couple is Claire Stanton and her Polish love Casimir Andrzej Dubrowski – also known as Ky.

Just as a note, this book was originally published in 1988, but the story is timeless and I believe there have been some edits and re-writes in this new release. This story is set in a period that is much later than I normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. As an American, I don’t often think of what our dragging our feet before entering WWII cost our friends in England and other European nations. This story definitely brings that home – perhaps that wasn’t the author’s intent, but it was certainly an outcome of the story.

Alyssa Lambert has arrived in London for a visit with her best friend Jessica before another friends, Claire, wedding. It is her plan to visit with her friends in England and then head over to Paris to visit with her father who is a political advisor to President Roosevelt. Upon her arrival, she is amazed that England doesn’t seem to be taking the German threat seriously. It seems to be business as usual even though there are many who are trying to convince the powers-that-be that Germany fully turning on England is just a matter of a short time.

In Paris, Alyssa discovers a complacent French population as well. They pride themselves on having the worlds best military and don’t fear the Germans getting through their defensive lines. On Alyssa’s first night in Paris, she meets Philippe Michaud who is very rich and owns a factory that makes trucks, tanks and other equipment that can easily be used in war. Philippe is one of the few in Paris who can see what is coming. He’s made a commitment and plans to defend his country even when the Germans have invaded. What he didn’t count on was meeting and falling hopelessly in love with Alyssa.

This story is filled with so very much intense heartache, intrigue, suffering, and great love. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll cheer. You’ll hold your breath. You’ll jeer. Your emotions will run the gamut.

I definitely recommend this read.

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