Nora S. (biblegirl06) reviewed on 11/21/2015 + 92 more book reviews

The two page list of characters before the book started was a little intimidating; I wondered if I could keep up with the list of who's who while reading. My hesitation vanished when the author opened the story with eighteen year old Brook Eden.I loved the opening scene. "Gleaming silver, green leather, the nearly silent rumble of engine...Brook trailed a gloved hand along the door, cast one glance over her shoulder, and let herself in. She couldn't stop the grin as she gripped the wheel of the Rolls-Royce."

Brook's not like the women of her time. She's curious, spunky, a well-educated, an independent thinker. She's a young lady I instantly connected with. She adores the family that raised her but a part of her heart was missing. She had to know who her parents were and where she came from.

I loved Brook's free-spirit, passionate ways and her zest for life. She asked her dear friend Justin to find her lost family and oh, teach her to drive. Grin! It was his car she slipped into on page one. Justin Wildon was a gentlemen who was also known as Lord Harlow. He and Brook grow up together in Monaco. He was noticing more and more she was turning into quite a beautiful young lady.

Justin had gone through great lengths to verify who Brook's family was. He told her what her full name was; Elizabeth Brook Eden, Baroness of Berkley. She's surprised. It's not what Brook expected. Justin then takes her to meet her loving father; the famed Lord Ambrose Whitly who is overjoyed at finally meeting his daughter in England.

Not everyone in England is willing to believe Brook is who she claims to be. She undergoes scrutiny and is treated coldly by servants and some family members. Brook soon discovers that other girls have claimed to be Lord Ambrose Whitly's long lost daughter. Brook knows people wonder what makes her any different from the others. Brook could not foresee all she would encounter after meeting her new family.

Justin is unexpectedly pulled away from Brook to attend to his own family crisis, at a time when Brook needs him most and just when they begin to wonder if they could be more than friends.

I like how this author deals with the faith element in the story naturally. There is a divine intervention that transforms Brook's fear into faith as she learns to trust God even when she doesn't understand what's happening. In hopeless times fear tries to take over Brooks' life. Her close friend Justin is far away which forces her to learn to trust God not only in the happy times, but also in the hard times. She soon realizes that God can turn terrifying storms into things of beauty.

Will Justin save the day? Will she find a safe place? Will she trust God in the storm?

I enjoyed the rich history of the Era and this author does an amazing job of making me feel as if I were there among the characters watching this royal family go about their daily routines as protocol demands. This story is told in the POV of Brook and Justin. I liked that. I was surprised at how much I disliked the villains in the story who took joy in plotting Brooks's demise.

I liked how this author brilliantly wove several story lines into the mix and added the perfect blend of danger, mystery, romance and intrigue for a fun memorable read. The stage is set for book two in the Ladies of the Manor series. I'm looking forward to it! You will too!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

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