The Artful Match - London Beginnings #3 - Jennifer Delamere

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book

London 1881

Her Entire World Is Changing . . .
But Will She Follow the Leadings of Her Heart or Her Head?

Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she is befriended by a rising young artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist's brother--a handsome but stern earl forcing his brother back to a "respectable" life.

Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His spendthrift and emotionally unstable brother is making matters worse, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara's mysterious background, Henry sees she's a positive influence on his brother and on Henry's unruly young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.

But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster. (from the publisher website)

My Thoughts

London. Victorian Era. Art. Romance...What an absolutely charming conclusion to the London Beginnings Series. I have genuinely loved getting to know the Bernay sisters. What a power packed bunch. Learning along the way, making some mistakes, falling down and getting back up again, there is so much we can take away from this story.

Cara is on a journey to discover who she is. She is determined to prove herself worthy and will go to any lengths to do so. Her passion for art is inspiring. And the Earl of Morestowe....yes, please! Kind, caring, protective, and determined. I love his personality and his love for Cara. But his brother....oh man, did HE take us on a ride. But I loved the ending!

A fun, beautiful story filled with beautiful artistic descriptions and quite the artful match. This whole series is one for the keeper shelf for sure!

I received a complimentary copy of An Artful Match from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

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The Heart's Appeal - London Beginnings Book 2 - Jennifer Delamere

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

He Never Expected to See Her Again. Then She Appeared with a Most Unexpected Request...

Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their diverging goals be too much to overcome? (From Author Website)

My Thoughts

I was absolutely swept into the theater life of the first book in this series, so there was no doubt that I would NEED to read Julia's story. A whole year of waiting was well worth it. Julia Bernay is stubborn, confident, and inspiring. In an age when a women's place was limited and stifled by the "rules" of society, Julia pushes the barriers wherever she goes. I love her character and admire the women who LIVED and DID what she dreamed to accomplish. A lady doctor...whoever heard of such a thing...Thankfully, um, EVERYONE! 

Conflict, a good story NEEDS conflict...and The Heart's Appeal has just the RIGHT balance of it. A romance that seems impossible, conflict of interest in a professional sense, and a clashing of ideals at every corner. I LOVE IT!!! I was totally engrossed in the story and thought the portrayal of the era very well done. 

I am so excited to read more of the Bernay sisters...and hopefully get that answer we are all longing for!!!

I received a complimentary copy of The Heart's Appeal from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

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More Books by Jennifer Delamere

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 

First Line Fridays - The Heart's Appeal

Happy Friday!

Last year I discovered Jennifer's book The Captain's Daughter. And I LOVED it! I am so excited to read this book!!!! Victorian era is one of my favorites!

Happy Reading!

Today’s first line is from...

The Heart's Appeal
Jennifer Delamere

February 1881

Julia Bernay was going to be late.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

What is your favorite era?

Head over to Hoarding Books to link up with your own FLF post! (Please keep it family 

friendly...Or note otherwise in the link up)

The Captain's Daughter & Giveaway - London Beginnings Book 1- Jennifer Delamere - Tour Hosted by Litfuse

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts

I grew up with a deep (DEEP) appreciation for theatre. I have been in several productions personally. And musicals are my lifeblood (my hubby and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera in a couple weeks). So you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that not only is this book set in one of the most fascinating time periods, (Queen Victoria was pretty amazing! Check out the new Masterpiece Series from BBC HERE*) but that we also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the life of the theatre in 1873. An era where an occupation on the stage was heavily frowned upon. Not to mention that the operettas written by Gilbert & Sullivan** are the productions we find in The Captain's Daughter. I had the opportunity to see Pirates of Penzance, oh my lands! I adore it! By the way, for all my love of the theatre, I had NO idea why it is called "the lime light". If you don't know either, you can find out more HERE.

Falsely accused, Rosalyn finds herself in London. Without a penny to her name she makes her way to the very theatre that Nate is working at(you will understand the significance of this when you read the book). Both Nate and Rosalyn must make peace with the past in order to move on. As Nate tries to earn forgiveness for his mistakes, he learns that forgiveness can not be earned. Our Heavenly Father gives it freely. All we have to do is ask.

Swept into the sea of romance, song, lights, costumes, and scandal...I found myself dancing through the pages (or at least swaying) as the anticipation builds for the ending that I was  HOPING would play out a certain way. Forgiveness, true love, and living the life that God has called you to live are the main themes that struck my heart.

I received a complimentary copy of The Captain's Daughter from Bethany House Publishers through the Litfuse Tour.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

*Yes, I know they over dramatized some aspects in this...But it is still AMAZING...and Jenna Coleman...'nough said.

**I recently discovered that there is a Gilbert & Sullivan Society located in my state. They are preparing to perform HMS Pinafore!

For your viewing pleasure, I have included a scene from Pirates of Penzance.

 

Add to your TBR!

Book two in the London Beginnings Series, The Heart's Appeal, is coming March 2018! Such a LONG wait! AHHHH! BUT, you can add it to your list NOW.

Goodreads // Amazon

About the Author

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Find out more about Jennifer at jenniferdelamere.com.

Giveaway!!!

Hosted by Litfuse click on the image below to enter to win!

Tour Landing Page

What is YOUR favorite stage perfomance?