Publication Date: 10/15/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Christian/Inspirational Historical Romance
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 0800734688
ISBN-13: 978-0800734688
(Received for an honest review from Revell)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, IndieBound
Laurie Alice Eakes on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Goodreads
Books in the series:
A Necessary Deception (2011), Flight of Fancy (2012) A Reluctant Courtship (2013)
Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.
Excerpt from A Reluctant Courtship, courtesy of the author's website.
Synopsis:
Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family's country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome--what more could a girl ask for? But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French and American prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. For his part, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach, which Honore certainly is not. Amid a political climate that is far from friendly, Honore determines to help Ashmoor prove his innocence--if she can do so and stay alive.
From the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, comes the exciting conclusion to the lush Daughters of Bainbridge House series. Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts her readers into high drama from the very first sentence and keeps them on their toes until the final page.
Thoughts:
A Reluctant Courtship is final book in the Daughters of Bainbridge historical romance series by Laurie Alice Eakes. Set in the Regency period, this novel takes the reader on an adventure in more ways than one. From the societal mores of the ton to clearing a suspected traitor to the crown, Eakes delights readers with her well researched and highly entertaining novel. With an underlying inspirational theme of redemption, this one will capture the interest of inspirational fiction lovers as well as historical romance enthusiasts. Day to day life in Regency England has never been quite so adventurous before!
The Daughters of Bainbridge series has focused on three sisters and their exploits in Regency era. The final book, A Reluctant Courtship focuses on the black sheep of the family. The youngest daughter, Honore. She has had quite a season with two suitors who were less than worthy of her attention. One a traitor, the other a murderer. What's a girl to do, when she continually chooses the wrong man? Eakes does a fantastic job of showing Honore's innocence and her heart. She's very trusting and so far that's gotten her in trouble. I liked the fact the author gives Honore a purpose. She wants to clear her reputation, a form of redemption in a sense. But with the ton, that's not an easy road. Honore made a wonderful heroine especially when she risks everything she is working for to help someone else.
Meric was a fantastic hero. He epitomized everything most readers look for in a leading man. He is strong and full of determination. He works tirelessly to clear his name, as he is accused of helping prisoners escape from Dartmoor prison. His American upbringing also makes him suspect to the ton and the fact that he father was accused of murder is just another black mark on his reputation. Again we see the underlying theme of redemption. Meric is trying to prove his innocence. I liked the fact that Eakes does not make Meric appear to be focused on the wealth and privilege that comes with being an Earl, but with what God would have him do in seeking a bride.
This novel was certainly not preachy, though the ideas and tenets of the scripture are there as underlying themes. Eakes was able to make this book about more than just a fun romp in the Regency era. The story is captivating from the first page. Full of adventure and even some comical moments. Honore's desire to become a author of Gothic novels was also a nice a touch. A Reluctant Courtship does not come across as over the top or too dramatic. The scene transitions are effortless and the story flows extremely well.
One aspect of this book that found interesting was the writing style that Eakes uses. She has clearly done her homework and it is easy to see. She uses the language of the day, which was quite a bit more flowery and descriptive than most writing today. She gives the readers authentic details about how Honore might have spent her days and the trivial pursuits of the ton. I liked the way she describes the ton and the women that Honore is trying to fit in with, and why she just doesn't pull it off. All of the little details add up to a very well written Regency novel that will appeal to readers from different backgrounds.
Reading the other two books in the series is not essential to the story, but there are a few spoilers if you haven't read, A Necessary Deception and Flight of Fancy. But it's nothing that takes away from the story in this one. I highly recommend it to inspirational fiction readers and romance readers in general. It's a great happy-ever-after that readers won't want to miss!
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Giveaway Details:
Hop on over to author, Lena Nelson Dooley's blog, A Christian Writers World for your chance to win a copy of A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes. You just have until Saturday to post a comment for your chance to win. Also, the only notification is the winner's post. She doesn't notify by email. So keep that in mind.
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