Talk about a fun book! This author had me hooked by the first chapter. I loved the premise of this story – of letter-writing gone wrong. To this day I still enjoy sending letters through the mail, so I could totally relate to Miranda’s desire to pour out her heart on paper.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that had me laughing out loud. This one did it on more than one occasion. I was pulled from one chapter into the next without hardly realizing it. The story was romantic, witty and charming all in one breath.
Miranda is a lovable character, in all of her quirky and feisty ways. She’s unlike your average heroine and really added her unique perspective to the story. I always enjoy reading Regency novels and enjoyed seeing this lady learn to step out and be herself. She struggles with insecurities, expectations, her emotions – all things we can relate to.
And her hero in the story? Ohhhh, be prepared to have a new fictional crush! 😉 I’ll let you read it to find out who exactly I’m referring to. But don’t worry, you’ll know him when you see him. It’s hard to pick what traits about him I liked the most. Everything I guess. 🙂 The perfect hero for the story, in my humble opinion.
There’s even some mystery and several twists thrown in there to keep you guessing right up to the end. Needless to say, I was up too late a couple nights in a row to reach the conclusion. This new-to-me author has a voice that cannot be missed. I look forward to reading more. Well done!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher and author for my copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, a duke–with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she’s heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother’s new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.
When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men–one she’s never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
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In case you missed it, you can still read my recent interview with Kristi here…
I’ve seen this book around since it first came out & read a few author interviews. From the excerpts I’ve read, I would absolutely fall in love with it! And Kristi (a new-to-me author) has such a way with words in her interviews, so I know her writing would enthrall me 🙂 This is on my want-to-read list & I may just purchase it. I’m with you on the love of Regency, Savanna, anything with this theme is a must read! Thanks for your review, glad to know it’s every bit as good as I’ve read about it! Blessings to you, my reading friend!
Oh I hope you get to read it soon, Trixi. I have no doubt you’ll enjoy it. Thanks, as always, for stopping by and brightening up my day.
I loved the book as well. It caught me completely by surprise with its clever story line and wonderful conversations between characters. And like a well written piece of music, the climatic ending was a bonus. Well done, Kristi Ann Hunter!
I know, right? Thanks for sharing, Rebecca! 😉
Uh. Whoa! I need to read this book. Yep. Need. Regency is my favorite era and this one sounds fabulous. Thanks for posting your review. It has me hooked. 🙂
I’m so glad you stopped by, Anne. If Regency is your favorite era, then you definitely need to read this one. It had a unique twist from others of its genre. 😉
Hey Savanna, thanks for the great review! I’ve got this novel on my Wish List. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Awesome! Thank you, Caryl. Happy Reading, as always. 😉 You’re a kindred spirit.
Thanks Savanna! I stumbled upon your blog searching for new book suggestions. This is great. I really appreciate the suggestion! Your review has swayed me. I’ll have to check out A Noble Masquerade. Thanks!
I wanted to pass along one my pastor recommended to me. It’s the #1 bestseller on religious fiction, so maybe you’ve already heard of it. But I can’t stop thinking about. It’s a fantastic collection of short stories. It’s called Pieces Like Pottery. I really can’t recommend it enough. I would love to see your review of it at some point!
Hi Mike! Thanks for reading my review. I’ve not heard of Pieces Like Pottery before. Thanks for the recommendation. 😉
Of course, Savanna! I enjoyed the review. Any other reviews of yours you would recommend I check out immediately? I would appreciate more suggestions!
And I really would check out the book. I’m planning on reading a few of the stories again this week. They’re very deep and just stuck with me.
Thanks, Mike! One other recent read and review of mine is here… http://theengraftedword.net/the-girl-from-the-train-my-review/ It’s another book I’d highly recommend. Have a great day!
Thanks! This is great.
Thanks Savanna!