Summer Book Reviews




“Loving Lieutenant Lancaster” by Sarah M. Eden

About:

Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady’s companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there.

Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters’ scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he’s impossibly drawn to the dowager’s quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their worlds?

About the author:

SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.

In Tiffany's opinion:

This is another great read by Sarah Eden. I enjoyed catching up with familiar characters, such as Adam, Peresphone, and Phillip Jonquil. I also really enjoyed the main characters, Linus and Arabella. They both had witty personalities, especially when they were conversing with each other, and it was fun to read the journey of their friendship blossoming. The author really made these characters come alive in her books and it’s fun how she brings two families from her previous books (Lancasters and Jonquils) into one! I also love how the book leaves it open for a new book; possibly concerning Charlie and Artemis. Overall, the story is engaging, clean, fun to read, and uplifiting!! If you’re a fan of Eden books, I highly recommend reading this one!!



“The Heart of Thornewell” by Anita Stansfield




About:

What should have been a grand adventure in Africa ends in heartbreak for Enid Hawthorne, following her husband's untimely death. Bereft, the young widow bravely boards a ship for home with precious cargo—her unborn child. She hopes to find refuge in England in the only place she can—Thornewell Hall, the estate of her late husband's family. But upon her arrival, she finds a bleak home in the depths of mourning. It is clear that hers is not the only tragedy, but Enid is unprepared for the hostility that meets her arrival.

Sebastian, Earl of Thornewell, is grief-stricken following the loss of his wife and child. The news that his brother is dead is simply more than he can take—and he knows who is to blame: his sister-in-law, Enid. So when she arrives on his doorstep, seeking asylum, he does his duty in allowing her to stay—and nothing more. Yet fate has other plans, and as they face joys and trials alongside each other, their broken hearts begin to heal. But there is a cloud over their future, fo rEnid harbors a secret that may drive them apart forever.

About the author:

Anita Stansfield began writing at the age of sixteen, and her first novel was published sixteen years later. Her novels range from historical to contemporary and cover a wide gamut of social and emotional issues that explore the human experience through memorable characters and unpredictable plots. She has received many awards, including a special award for pioneering new ground in LDS fiction, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Whitney Academy for LDS Literature. Anita is the mother of five, and has two adorable grandsons. Her husband, Vince, is her greatest hero.

In Tiffany's opinion:

I enjoyed reading Stansfield’s newest book, which had several underlying themes interweaved throughout. For instance, the loss of a spouse and grieving that takes place. It also emphasizes that not everyone handles trials and tribulations the same, and that we need to be careful of misjudging others. The characters In this story came to life; particularly Enid who was a strong and determined person! Through her difficulties, she learned to rely on God. This is a good reminder to remember who is watching over us and available to help at all costs. I enjoyed the plot and the twists and turns this novel presented. It was an intriguing storyline which captured my attention quickly. I enjoyed reading this book and I’m confident that you will too!

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services for free in the hope that I would mention them on my blog and offer an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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