Becoming Mrs Lockwood
590332
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I have never read this author before and I truly loved her writing. I recommend this book to everyone.
3150360
Poor Lady SUSAN HAMPTON: shes just turned 25; her gambler father has lost everything and they have to move in with Aunt Louise; and the clincher - her father has just stolen her dowry (her mamas pearls)! The handwriting on the wall reads that Susans life will ever be in thrall to her aunt as the unfortunate niece.  Out she ventures to seek employment as a governess and winds up at the Steinman Agency, run by wounded war survivor Joel (hes lost an arm) and his mother.  Joel suggests work as a ladys companion (Susan is too pretty to be hired as a governess) and takes her for an interview with starchy Lady Bushnell who is desperately seeking a companion for her very picky mother-in-law. The latter had been a follower of the drum during the Peninsula War and was a legend in the army.  The widowed Dowager Lady Bushnell has turned down every companion sent to her.  Shes fierce about being independent and is perfectly content to reside on her estate with her excellent Welsh bailiff, DAVID WIGGINS, ex-Sergeant under her husbands command.  Susan is determined to be the Ladys last companion and takes her first-ever public stage to the Cotswolds.  Its clear to one and all that Susan is a lady, but she gets along well with everyone, except Lady B.  The bailiff is sympathetic, especially as Susan comes with Joel Steinmans recommendation, and makes helpful suggestions as to how to remain.  Besides, he likes her. As the story unfolds we learn more about Bailiff Wiggins (thats NOT a Welsh name); the events and hardships during that particularly nasty war for Lady B., her husband and her son; and for the surviving soldiers, like David and Joel. David has ambitions to create a strain of seeds that will produce hardy wheat and establish The Waterloo Seed Farm, and Susan joins in his efforts wholeheartedly. She may not be the best ladys companion, but Susan loves Lady B. who is fading away. She finds a way to remain with her there until her death. But what of Susan and David  whats ahead for them?
1683189
I think we are so lucky to have this lady as part of our history. It is so hard to imagine how she was able to begin life where she did and get to where she is. How fortunate she was to have such progressive parents and for her to learn from them and blossom.
2817919
Elizabeth's Education by Maggie Carpenter

When I received this novel for a review, I was a little skeptical. I am not usually a reader of period pieces unless it is the classics like Jane Eyre or Thomas Hardy, alas I cannot wait to read the second in this series!

Ms. Carpenter takes a world of high class and privilege and a world different from ours and turns it on its head. The Victorian Era was known for the 'submission' of women to their male counterparts, yet Ms. Carpenter gives readers a new take on 'submission.'  The novel started out slow and I wanted to spank Elizabeth myself, but as the novel progressed so did the character's development and attitudes. I enjoyed watching Elizabeth grow from a spoiled girl into an independent woman, one who willingly chooses to submit to Lord Michael.

A great tale of submission and a different look into the world of D/s relationships. If you are looking for fast-paced, super charged erotica then this isn't that book. If you are looking for a novel that delves into the relationship and emotional aspects of D/s relationships along with some awesome spanking scenes and eventually sex scenes... then this is the book for you. I am looking forward to the next chapter in Elizabeth's education.
2372301
love having Laura Childs work on my table. I am thrilled to be able to review Pekoe Most Poison today.  Book 18, how does she do it? I found this one to be very pleasing! A touch of history with the mystery and a deviously delightful. Drama, high tea and mystery, themed tea parties and a touch of class. I loved how this one played out! I also loved how the book paired beautifully with my new spring tea cup and matching napkin rings!
3859488
I really enjoyed Jennifer Moore's first book in this series, Becoming Lady Lockwood - and so it was a natural decision to purchase Lady Emma's Campaign as well.  I was not disappointed! I was a bit skeptical at first because I don't usually choose to read many books with so much about war.  But in this particular book, it was well received.  Emma was so unexperienced in everyday life, and basically became a new person in her march across the Spanish countryside - dodging war and death.  She went from being frail and worrying about how some horrid boots looked with her gown, to being brave, and caring for and comforting each person in her little group.  She became quite the woman.  I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone -  AND it's a clean romance!!  :-)
690679
Loved the chemistry between Antoinette and Mr Perry. Such a sucker for that kind of relationship . Your verbiage is right on point for that era. You portrayed the use of women at that time perfectly.
But at the same time, showed how women felt about it. It was just the beginning of one thinking for herself.
632518
Lady Clarissa  (Clara) was left at her school at Christmas her father forgot to send anyone for her. A school mate is asked to give her a ride home she leaves her at a small inn. Clara idea very disliked person she had been taught by her father to treat people with contempt. She is now begging forced to marry by her father  William Hargrove the further Duke of Billingsley. William had been sowing his wild oats for eight years but was coming back as promised to marry Clara. He has seen her years ago and despised how she treated people. He ends up at the same inn as she.  He tries to avoid women of her class but over  time they develop a bond. They each open up about having to marry those awful people . Clara realizes  as time goes on he is talking about her. She leaves without giving him her name but she leaves as a better person.. He doe have an item of hers will that help them find one another again. I am eagerly awaiting her next book what a wonderful author she is.
4261570
I've read a great deal about the royal family and English history in general. This was an interesting view point, considering the background of how it all "works".  What a Lady she is! and what a hard worker!
1166873
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Masterpiece-Theatre-Secret-Life-of-Mrs-Beeton/dp/B000PFUA7S/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Masterpiece Theatre - Secret Life of Mrs. Beeton</a>Isabella Mary Beeton came of age when the middle class was coming into its own in England. She was brought up in an upper middle class family, educated abroad and married within her class.  Women like Mrs. Beeton had cooks and housemaids to provide meals and do all the things necessary to run an efficient and comfortable home. Consequently, most young women did not have a clue as to how to run a home, nor did Mrs. Beeton.  She was, however, curious and clever.  She went to work with her husband,a Publisher, and began to write articles and suggestions, copied from others to help women cope with running a home. Meals, managing servants, entertaining, became her bailiwick. Women bought her writings and she became famous, and still is, for her cookbook. Her cookbook was comprised of recipes done by other people.  Mrs. Beeton could not cook.

She was unique for her time as most women did not go near their husband's business, nor write articles and books. (He must have been a very forward looking sort of guy.) She saw a need and filled it. She had a successful marriage and career, but her life was not without tragedy. She had several miscarriages and lost two boys, one to croup and another to scarlet fever. Only 1 child survived.  She died at 28 a day after giving birth.  The child did not survive. A few biographers have attributed these tragedies to Mrs. Beeton having contracted Syphilis from her husband.

On a more positive note, she did develop a successful career when it was rare for women to do so. She was loved by her husband and packed a lot of living into her very short 28 years. Who hasn't heard of Mrs. Beeton?  I liked the movie and recommend it.  Buy it and enjoy a little history about this amazing woman.
3433108
This is am amazing lady.  She was the first one to escape the FLDS with all her - eight in this case - children.  She managed to be in an abusive household where she was apparently frequently treated like a nanny and household slave, yet get a degree and teach while raising eight children, one with some severe handicaps. Her story of survival and escape are very inspirational.  What else interested me was how her depiction of multiple marriages made the stories of Leah and Rebecca, and Hannah, become so much more real and understandable.
2704702
I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Mrs. Armwood before purchasing the book. The passion and drive that she possesses has been poured into her book. This book was very real and " in my face". I'm glad I purchased it.
1042885
Turning to the Victorian Era, Jane Goodger brings a lovely story with her new title The Spinster Bride. Full of the banter, social restrictions and laden with wonderful secondary characters that build the scene and the world beautifully.

Charles Norris is not a prime candidate for the aspiring Mamas of the new debutantes. As the second son of a Viscount, he has been out of England pursuing his own path, only to return with a wound and a desire to marry.  Capturing the attention of the latest it girl debutante of the season, Charles is dismayed and angered when she marries another.  He will be married, in spite of his rather unusual household, and he wants to marry now.

Lady Marjorie has been out for several seasons, her dragon-like mother has decreed that she will only marry a titled man, befitting her status as the only daughter of an Earl.  With no real solid prospects, this is Marjories final season before firmly being put on the shelf.  Adhering to the social conventions of her time, Marjorie is aware of her tenuous position, and while not chafing against her mothers decree or behavior, she is also determined to protect her younger brother, the Earl from the harsh realities of life.  For George needs her protection as he is not quite right, and is truly her only Achilles heel.

When Charles twists Marjories protective nature about her brother to meet his own ends, and enlist her in his plans to find a wife in lieu of demanding repayment of a gambling debt, Marjorie is both intrigued and a willing participant, thinking the journey fun and amusing. What none but the reader expect is Marjorie and Charles starting to find qualities to admire in one another, to the detriment of Lady Penwhistle (her mother).

Goodger has created a courtship that is fun and intriguing, while slowly peeling back layers that display Marjories curious nature and Georges propensity for kindness and acceptance to all. Both are rare qualities for the era  titled men are secure and cloistered in their beliefs to be as generations before had done, and the women are not encouraged to seek out more. With insets from Marjories mother about her own failed courtship and the angry and judgmental woman that emerged from that pain, Lady Penwhistles story becomes a nice counterpoint to the developing relationship between Marjorie and Charles, and allows readers to understand just why she acts as she does.

And Marjorie and Charles are wonderful together: their interactions and her honest approach as a facilitator removes Marjories hesitation to address Charles honestly and frankly, unlike a flirtation would.  Charles ability to encourage and even delight in Marjories company, and his easy acceptance and offer of friendship to George are points in his favor, and ones that have Marjorie learning to look to her own desires and ignore expectations that are foisted upon her.

With a solid connection and several moments to laugh as Marjorie opens up and boldly asks questions and makes demands, her development and their courtship are wonderful to watch, and feel very organic and possible.  A wonderful story to spend an afternoon with as you travel into Victorian England with this couple!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
1658528
Lady Charlotte has lived a very indulgent spoiled life which reflects in her attitude. She believes that this lifestyle will continue to be as she begins her arranged marriage to Duke Asherton.  She is in for a rude awakening because the Duke not only has witnessed Charlotte's very thorough medical examination unbeknownst to her and given her several spankings before their wedding but has a certain desire for they way his wife will be.  Charlotte will now have a nursery, a nanny and frilly dresses.  Strict discipline is just what little Lottie needs to offer up her submission to her Poppa.  Another wonderful book filled with age play and spankings!
4806135
The story begins nine days after the marriage of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. Elizabeth has just penned a letter to her parents, much enjoying adding her new signature, Elizabeth Darcy! It brought to memory her mother's vivid voice, `Elizabeth Darcy - oooh, how well that sounds!' Much to her surprise she felt an odd sense of loss rather than her usual annoyance with her mother. Elizabeth found her new townhome very warm and pleasant but it did not feel like home yet. Thus, we are privy to the thoughts and feelings of the newly married Elizabeth.

As we spend time with the Darcy couple we experience with them the felicity of their love and time together. We see Lizzy as she learns to be the mistress of the London townhome and then Perberley. Darcy and Lizzy are true to character and their marriage is much like what I would have expected it to be - happy - yet with a few bumps along the way. Darcy is a loving husband and very attentive and protective of is wife.

The relationship with Georgiana and Lizzy develops slowly as it takes the shy young girl time to relax and enjoy her new sister as she would so like to do. They eventually develop a strong bond and Georgiana loves and confides in Elizabeth.  Lizzy is a good influence on Georgiana and helps her just like Darcy knew she would.

Colonel Fitzwilliam plays a significant role in the story and is the ever loyal and honorable man we know and love. He is injured in the war but does recover with the help of Darcy and Lizzy. I felt much sadness at times for the dear colonel, but will leave my reasons for the reader to discover.

Later in the marriage Darcy and Lizzy experience a difficult time and the author gives us a good bit of insight into their troubles. I experienced the heart-ache shared by both with them. When the problem is resolved, I almost missed it and wasn't even sure it had been resolved until a bit later in the story. I would have liked to there to have been more time spent on the resolution as it was significant to the story. I felt it would have left a more fulfilling conclusion to their trials.

Georgiana's coming out and romance is a delightful addition to the novel. I adored watching the shy girl blossom into an enchanting, more confident woman under Lizzy's tutelage. It was extremely gratifying to witness her courtship and marriage.

Joana Starnes has a wonderful way with details and descriptions. Her first-hand knowledge of the area brings her writing to life. She has written a beautiful love story of the Darcy's of Pemberley. The new characters that Ms. Starnes has introduced are wonderfully written as an integral part of the story. I would be interested in reading more about many of them. At the end of the book, the lives of all characters are brought to a satisfying conclusion.

If you love a story about Darcy and Elizabeth with little angst, then this book is a must read! It is one that any Janeite purist should enjoy. Thank you, Ms. Starnes, for sharing your excellent book with us.

PG Rating for no explicit sex
Originally reviewed at More Agreeably Engaged
2474111
I really enjoyed reading this book.  This author has a way of keeping your interest and the characters are great.  Bellingwood is a place anyone would like to live and enjoy.  KATHY
1871211
This great story tells of how women were treated as property in the mid-1800's. It took most of the book for
Beth Ann Roberts to find the courage to become her own woman and to find love.