Book Review - Midnight's Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller

 

Sarah Drayton is excited to spend time at her best friend's Northumberland castle estate. The last thing Sarah wants to think about is marriage during her holiday. Instead, she finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he doesn't have time or the energy to focus on his responsibilities as the heir. The war is raging on and James doesn't want to deal with anything serious but, focus on his fledgling fancies. However, his father makes pushes James into a corner when he declares that James must get married or else he will lose his inheritance. James suddenly finds himself married to a woman he does not love.

Sarah wants a place where she can be belong. James is unable to offer Sarah anything she needs or wants before heading off to war. Everyone at the estate believe that Sarah married above her station and they are not too pleased when she becomes mistress of the house. However, when James returns from the war, Sarah feels that something might be different about him. Will they be able to find their happy ever after?

The book started off interesting but, then moving at a snail pace with nothing happening. I understand that Sarah was grieving but, she seemed to think that she was the only one who was in pain. She bonded with another person over grief but, then spend the entire time thinking "woe is me". I found the book to be boring and I lost interest half way. There was nothing keeping me tethered to this book and I didn't really care for any of the characters.

Book Review - The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace, #1) by Carolyn Miller

Photo Credit - Amazon

The ailing owner of Hampton Hall has passed away but when the new young Earl takes over, all the villagers are excited. Except, for the reverend's daughter, Lavinia Ellison. She believes in taking care of the poor and the sick while the Earl of Hawkesbury is the exact opposite. He refuses to take his responsibilities seriously instead pushes it off to an incompetent assistant along with nodding off in church.  When Nicholas Stamford arrived at Gloucestershire, his main goal was taking care of his obligations and not to get invested in the country bumpkins. However, when he meets Lavinia, he is starts to realize he cares but in his heart he is overrun by guilt. Can Lavinia and Nicholas put aside their past to find happiness? Will Nicholas be able to find redemption and Lavinia be able to forgive?

The novel which takes place in 19th century England was an interesting read. While I enjoyed the writer's writing, I found the story to be quite frustrating and boring. For a woman, who people claim to be a "superior woman", she acts rather dumb and when she doesn't get her way; a spoiled child.  The plot seemed repetitive and seemed like the two main characters kept putting their ego over their hearts.

Book Review - Dressed for Death (Drew Farthering Mystery #4) by Julianna Deering

Photo Credit : Amazon

Drew and Madeline Farthering are invited to a week long Regency-era house party at Winteroak House. Drew and Madeline were excited to be reunited with old friends and meet new friends. Drew's former classmate, Talbot Cummins is excited to introduce Drew to his fiancee, Alice Henley. However, during the party Alice acts erratically and dies from an overdose. Tal is convinced it is murder and asks Drew to investigate. Is anyone safe? Who can be trusted?

This was my first book in this series, I have not read the previous book and it doesn't seem like each book is connected. I consider this mystery book a bit tame and would go so far as calling it a cozy mystery.  The book was interesting but a bit boring and the conversation between characters felt forced and unauthentic. The way Drew carried on the "investigation", seemed more like the obvious and he seemed oblivious during a good part of the novel. The ending was also a bit predictable as there was a lot of clues through out the novel. After reading this, I am not really sure I am interested in reading the other books in this series.

**Disclosure - I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**