The Tip Of My Wishlist: More to Come in 2018!

If you're anything like me you've got a book wish list so long there is no way you will ever be able to read through it all. And, on top of that, it's never ending because you just can't stop adding more books to it! To try and organize myself I'm sharing 5 books from my wish list that I'm most excited to get to, usually with a common theme, on the last Friday of each month. I know a number of excellent bloggers who will be doing similar posts and I'll be sure to link to their posts as well so you can see all the goodies we're excited about and, hopefully, add a few new books to your own wish list. I'll also link the titles to Goodreads where you can read reviews and find the various ways to purchase a copy of the books if they sound like your style. I really hope you enjoy and let me know if you've read any of these or have others you would add to the list.

This month I decided to share 5 books that sound amazing and that will be releasing before the end of the year. I so often find myself looking ahead to 2019 already and forgetting that there are still a ton of great books coming out in 2018. So here's to the rest of this year...there's still lots of excitement to come!

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Bridge of Clay

The breathtaking story of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance. At the center of the Dunbar, family is Clay, a boy who will build a bridge—for his family, for his past, for greatness, for his sins, for a miracle. The question is, how far is Clay willing to go? And how much can he overcome?



Lady of a Thousand Treasures


Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured. 

The Ragged Edge of Night

For fans of All the Light We Cannot See, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, and The Nightingale comes an emotionally gripping, beautifully written historical novel about extraordinary hope, redemption, and one man’s search for light during the darkest times of World War II.

Germany, 1942. Franciscan friar Anton Starzmann is stripped of his place in the world when his school is seized by the Nazis. He relocates to a small German hamlet to wed Elisabeth Herter, a widow who seeks a marriage—in name only—to a man who can help raise her three children. Anton seeks something too—atonement for failing to protect his young students from the wrath of the Nazis. But neither he nor Elisabeth expects their lives to be shaken once again by the inescapable rumble of war.

As Anton struggles to adapt to the roles of husband and father, he learns of the Red Orchestra, an underground network of resisters plotting to assassinate Hitler. Despite Elisabeth’s reservations, Anton joins this army of shadows. But when the SS discovers his schemes, Anton will embark on a final act of defiance that may cost him his life—even if it means saying goodbye to the family he has come to love more than he ever believed possible.

The Visitors

Marion Zetland lives with her domineering older brother, John in a decaying Georgian townhouse on the edge of a northern seaside resort. A timid spinster in her fifties who still sleeps with teddy bears, Marion does her best to shut out the shocking secret that John keeps in the cellar.

Until, suddenly, John has a heart attack and Marion is forced to go down to the cellar herself and face the gruesome truth that her brother has kept hidden.

As questions are asked and secrets unravel, maybe John isn't the only one with a dark side.

When the Lights Go Out

A woman is forced to question her own identity in this riveting and emotionally charged thriller by the blockbuster bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica 

Jessie Sloane is on the path to rebuilding her life after years of caring for her ailing mother. She rents a new apartment and applies for college. But when the college informs her that her social security number has raised a red flag, Jessie discovers a shocking detail that causes her to doubt everything she’s ever known.

Finding herself suddenly at the center of a bizarre mystery, Jessie tumbles down a rabbit hole, which is only exacerbated by grief and a relentless lack of sleep. As days pass and the insomnia worsens, it plays with Jessie’s mind. Her judgment is blurred, her thoughts are hampered by fatigue. Jessie begins to see things until she can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what she’s only imagined.

Meanwhile, twenty years earlier and two hundred and fifty miles away, another woman’s split-second decision may hold the key to Jessie’s secret past. Has Jessie’s whole life been a lie or have her delusions gotten the best of her?

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Check out these lovely blogs for more books to add to your wish list(updated as they become available):

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired

Stephanie at Layered Pages

Heather at The Maiden's Court

Erin at Historical Fiction Reader

Magdalena at A Bookish Swede

Review: A Lady in Disguise by Sandra Byrd

Publisher: Howard Books
Pub. Date: March 21st, 2017
Pages: 384

Book Series: Daughters of Hampshire #3
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis

In this intriguing novel of romance, mystery, and clever disguise set in Victorian England, a young woman investigates the murder of her own father.


After the mysterious death of her father, Miss Gillian Young takes a new job as the principal costume designer at the renowned Drury Lane Theatre Royal. But while she remembers her father as a kind, well-respected man of the Police Force, clues she uncovers indicate he’d been living a double life: a haunting photograph of a young woman; train stubs for secret trips just before his death; and a receipt for a large sum of money. Are these items evidence of her father’s guilty secrets? His longtime police partner thinks so.

Then Gillian meets the dashing Viscount Thomas Lockwood. Their attraction is instant and inescapable. As their romantic involvement grows, Gillian begins to suspect even Lockwood’s motives. Does Lord Lockwood truly love her? Or is his interest a front for the desire to own her newly inherited property? And what should she make of her friend’s suggestion that Lockwood or men like him were involved in the murder of her father?

Soon Gillian is convinced that her father has left evidence somewhere that can prove his innocence and reveal the guilty party. But someone wants to stop her from discovering it. The closer she comes to uncovering it, the more menacing her opposition grows. With her life on the line, Gillian takes on an ingenious disguise and takes on the role of a lifetime to reveal the true killer—before it’s too late both for her and for those that she loves.

What Did I Think About the Story?

I have read and enjoyed each of Sandra Byrd's historical novels and A Lady in Disguise is no exception. I'm always amazed with how well Ms. Byrd draws the reader into the time periods, customs, and cultures her characters inhabit and how transported I always feel by her stories. A Lady in Disguise is the third novel in her Daughters of Hampshire series but, as with the other books in both this and her Ladies in Waiting series, this is a standalone novel with a wholly original storyline and characters and situations unlike any of the others.

The main plot of this story centers around Gillian Young's search for the truth about whether or not her father's death was really an accident, whether he might have been involved in illegal dealings as a police officer, and whether either man vying for her attentions are true to their words. With so much uncertainty, the reader is forced to question everyone's intentions and to wonder who is behind the more nefarious actions going on. While I can't say that the main "bad guy" came as a surprise to me (I figured out pretty quickly who that was going to be) I was surprised by some of the revelations regarding some of the secondary characters, not only in regards to things they were doing behind the scenes but the reasons behind those actions. With all the reading I do, any time an author can slip in some surprises for me, especially when dealing with historical fiction, I am always pleasantly surprised. 

The writing style and dialogue felt very authentic to the Victorian era that the story took place in and it was very interesting to see how a woman making her own money by her own hands fit into this very traditional and uniformed world she inhabited. Her position in that world is also unusual as she comes from money and status on her maternal side but working class stock on her paternal side....something that did not happen very regularly during this time period. This sort of middle world she inhabits, one that cannot quite be pigeonholed in this time period, makes her grasp on her situation that much more tenuous and has her somewhat isolated from either side she might be able to seek help from.

With all this being said, my absolute favorite part of the novel was the detail given to developing the backstage world of the theatre and the unfortunate children who worked for it, as well as the beauty and detail that went into the art of costuming.  While the theatre was quite exciting and somewhat provocative for the times, the abandonment of the child actors once they were no longer useful was abhorrent. The reader gets to see how people took advantage of these misplaced young girls and the kind of adult world they would find themselves in without the help of the various charities set up to help them, such as the Cause so prominent in A Lady in Disguise. Learning of the training and assistance given to these children by these charities, in the hopes of giving them the chance for a good future, was really interesting and something I'm sad to say I never even thought of before. The details given to Gillian's costume designing and learning of the skills and time it takes to create the beautiful pieces not only shown on the stage but in the ballrooms of the elite was also fascinating. While I'm not personally that into fashion, learning the intricate details makes me realize just what an art form costuming really is.

A Lady in Disguise is wonderful historical fiction. There is quite a bit of talk of Christianity and scripture, however given the overall characteristics of the story and players, it never felt preachy or overdone to me. In the same vein, while romance is never something I gravitate towards, the romantic situation Gillian finds herself in isn't overly done and is therefore something that can be enjoyed by those that do enjoy romance but not something that will be a turnoff for those that don't. There's even an excellent author's note at the end of the story that cements the facts from the fictions within the story, something I always look for with historical fiction. I definitely recommend this novel, along with all of Ms. Byrd's historical fiction novels, to anyone looking for an escape into another time and place they might otherwise never get to experience.   

What Did I Think About the Cover?

I think the cover is perfect for the story! First off, the cover designer gave the woman on the cover the same color of hair as our main character was described as having (I can't stand when a character is described in detail and then does not match up with the picture on the cover!). The empty, hazy streets and elongated shadows are also perfectly matched to the story and give that sense of isolation and eeriness that is so key to the narrative. Finally, I love the muted colors, not only for the pleasant appearance but because the book will fit in nicely next to the other books in the series on my shelves.

My Rating: 4.0/5.0 

Thank you so much to author Sandra Byrd for sending me a copy of A Lady in Disguise in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Continue below for more information about this lovely book and it's author.

Praise for A Lady in Disguise 

"Capturing a distinctively gothic feel, the third standalone novel in Daughters of Hampshire series beautifully pairs mystery with romance. Byrd's research into the traditions, culture and dark under belly of England in the 1800s resonates on each page to help readers become immersed in the era. Descriptions of lavishly sewn gowns and the fascinating world of the theater are brought to life by Byrd's superb writing." - RT Reviews


"This Victorian inspirational romance features everything fans of the genre expect: a plucky, relatable heroine with a visible Christian faith, a dashing but kind love interest, and a mystery element to foster tension until the dénouement and 'happy ever after' epilogue." - Book list


"With impeccable research and elegant writing, Sandra Byrd brings Victorian England to life in her latest novel, A Lady in Disguise. Readers of historical fiction will be delighted with the romance, mystery, and inspiration in this page-turning story, and they will be kept guessing until the end to see how the heroine will uncover the truth behind her father's death. Well done and highly recommended!" - Carrie Turansky, the author of A Refuge at Highland Hall and Shine Like the Daw
"Sandra Byrd's talent for keeping readers on the edges of their seats once again shines throughout this well-written tale. Brimming with mysteries from the very first page, lovers of historical fiction and historical suspense will adore discovering the startling truths alongside the heroine in A Lady in Disguise." - Dawn Crandall, award winning author of The Everstone Chronicle

My Reviews of Sandra Byrd's Other Historical Novels

To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (Ladies in Waiting Series #1)

The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kathryn Parr (Ladies in Waiting Series #2)

Roses Have Thorns (Ladies in Waiting Series #3)

Mist of Midnight (Daughters of Hampshire #1)

Bride of a Distant Isle (Daughters of Hampshire #2)

Buy the Book

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Books-A-Million

About the Author

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick, as was The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr.

A life-long lover of Victorian Gothic romances, Sandra’s new series, Daughters of Hampshire,

weaves elements of that mystical, traditional genre with inspirational and literary threads. Mist of Midnight, the series’ first book, was honored with a coveted Editor’s Choice designation from the Historical Novel Society. The second book in the series, Bride of a Distant Isle, launched in March, 2016 and the third, A Lady in Disguise, will publish in 2017.

A devotionalist as well as a novelist, Sandra’s best-selling devotional for tweens, One Year Be-Tween You and God will be followed up with her first devotional for adults, The One Year Home and Garden Devotions. Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.

Fine out more about Sandra on her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Upcoming Release: A Lady in Disguise by Sandra Byrd

Publisher: Howard Books
Pub. Date: March 21st, 2017
Pages: 384

Book Series: Daughters of Hampshire #3
Genre: Historical Fiction


In this intriguing novel of romance, mystery, and clever disguise set in Victorian England, a young woman investigates the murder of her own father.

After the mysterious death of her father, Miss Gillian Young takes a new job as the principal costume designer at the renowned Drury Lane Theatre Royal. But while she remembers her father as a kind, well-respected man of the Police Force, clues she uncovers indicate he’d been living a double life: a haunting photograph of a young woman; train stubs for secret trips just before his death; and a receipt for a large sum of money. Are these items evidence of her father’s guilty secrets? His longtime police partner thinks so.

Then Gillian meets the dashing Viscount Thomas Lockwood. Their attraction is instant and inescapable. As their romantic involvement grows, Gillian begins to suspect even Lockwood’s motives. Does Lord Lockwood truly love her? Or is his interest a front for the desire to own her newly inherited property? And what should she make of her friend’s suggestion that Lockwood or men like him were involved in the murder of her father?

Soon Gillian is convinced that her father has left evidence somewhere that can prove his innocence and reveal the guilty party. But someone wants to stop her from discovering it. The closer she comes to uncovering it, the more menacing her opposition grows. With her life on the line, Gillian takes on an ingenious disguise and takes on the role of a lifetime to reveal the true killer—before it’s too late both for her and for those that she loves.

Advanced Praise for A Lady in Disguise

"Capturing a distinctively gothic feel, the third standalone novel in Daughters of Hampshire series beautifully pairs mystery with romance. Byrd's research into the traditions, culture and dark under belly of England in the 1800s resonates on each page to help readers become immersed in the era. Descriptions of lavishly sewn gowns and the fascinating world of the theater are brought to life by Byrd's superb writing." - RT Reviews


"This Victorian inspirational romance features everything fans of the genre expect: a plucky, relatable heroine with a visible Christian faith, a dashing but kind love interest, and a mystery element to foster tension until the dénouement and 'happy ever after' epilogue." - Book list


"With impeccable research and elegant writing, Sandra Byrd brings Victorian England to life in her latest novel, A Lady in Disguise.Readers of historical fiction will be delighted with the romance, mystery, and inspiration in this page-turning story, and they will be kept guessing until the end to see how the heroine will uncover the truth behind her father's death. Well done and highly recommended!" - Carrie Turansky, the author of A Refuge at Highland Hall and Shine Like the Daw


"Sandra Byrd's talent for keeping readers on the edges of their seats once again shines throughout this well-written tale. Brimming with mysteries from the very first page, lovers of historical fiction and historical suspense will adore discovering the startling truths alongside the heroine in A Lady in Disguise." - Dawn Crandall, award winning author of The Everstone Chronicle

 

Buy the Book

 

 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Books-A-Million

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick, as was The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr.

A life-long lover of Victorian Gothic romances, Sandra’s new series, Daughters of Hampshire, Mist of Midnight, the series’ first book, was honored with a coveted Editor’s Choice designation from the Historical Novel Society. The second book in the series, Bride of a Distant Isle, launched in March, 2016 and the third, A Lady in Disguise, will publish in 2017.

A devotionalist as well as a novelist, Sandra’s best-selling devotional for tweens, One Year Be-Tween You and God will be followed up with her first devotional for adults, The One Year Home and Garden Devotions. Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.

weaves elements of that mystical, traditional genre with inspirational and literary threads.

 

Fine out more about Sandra on her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

 

 



Review: Bride of a Distant Isle by Sandra Byrd

Publisher: Howard Books
Pub. Date: March 22nd, 2016
Pages: 384

Series: The Daughters of Hampshire (Book 2)

Synopsis

An unforgettable romance set in Victorian England, Bride of A Distant Isle is the engrossing story of Annabel Ashton, who fights to save her family home and her mother's honor while trying to figure out if the man she loves wants her—or just wants to use her to achieve his own ambitions.


Miss Annabel Ashton is a teacher at the Rogers School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she takes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall at Milford-on-Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge.

Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house gets packed for sale, it begins to reveal disquieting secrets. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe.

She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell’Acqua. But does he have Annabel’s best interests at heart?

And then, a final, most ominous barrier to both her inheritance and her existence appears: a situation neither she nor anyone else could have expected. Will Annabel regain her life and property—and trust her heart—before it’s too late?

 

What Did I Think About the Story?

I have long been a fan of Sandra Byrd's writing and have read and enjoyed all three books in her Ladies in Waiting series (To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, and Roses Have Thorns) as well as the first book in this Daughters of Hampshire series (Mist of Midnight). I always know that when I see a new historical fiction book by Sandra is coming out I'm going to want to read it and I'm going to enjoy it. I'm happy to say that Bride of a Distant Isle kept her on this streak and once again provided hours of entertainment.

From the get-go I knew I was going to like Annabel. Right from the start she is thrown into one horrible situation after another - from being ripped from the school she loved teaching at to being thrown at a man she couldn't stand to having her very freedom ripped out from under her - and at every obstacle she refused to give up and barreled through to try and find the best outcome of each dire situation...and she did it all with more grace than I believe I could ever have had.  I found her to be such a well drawn character, along with Captain Dell’Acqua and a most of the other secondary characters. I have to admit I wasn't as big a fan of the development of Mr. and Mrs. Everedge or Mr. Morgan (the man her cousin tried to force her to marry and who I didn't think necessarily warranted the vile disgust she seemed to feel for him, but that could just be me) but all of the other characters seemed very realistic.

I also really enjoyed the development of the surroundings our characters found themselves in. Sandra Byrd did an exceptional job of immersing me in the dark, slightly decaying Highcliffe Hall as well as the asylum we get to peek into. This whole world was so easy to see and experience along with the characters and I'm always delighted when an author is able to make me feel like I'm actually seeing the situations play out in front of  me. It makes the reading experience so much more enjoyable!

I do have to say that I didn't have a very hard time figuring out the mysteries surrounding Annabel and who was involved in them. I don't want to say too much and spoil any surprises for other readers, but for me I had most of it figured out pretty soon, even if I didn't know the exact why's and how's. There weren't any big surprises or gasp-y moments, but that isn't to say that it wasn't enjoyable going along for the ride and seeing Annabel figure out what was really going on and whom she could really trust.  I should also mentioned that this is clearly Christian fiction, so if you do not enjoy those elements in your historical fiction please take note. I think Sandra did a good job of never becoming too preachy (which I've experienced in other Christian fiction books and didn't enjoy) but I thought it should be noted.

I really do mean it when I say that I always know I'm going to enjoy a Sandra Byrd historical. She hasn't disappointed yet and this being my fifth book of hers I've read I have the upmost confidence that she'll continue to entertain me.  Any reader who enjoys Christian fiction will especially love her books.    

What Did I Think About the Cover?

I think it's beautiful! It represents the story very well, with the grassy lands by the sea and the old house on the cliffs. I can't really think of anything else I would want in this cover, so great job cover designers!!


My Rating: 4.0/5.0

I received a free copy of Bride of a Distant Isle from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Sandra! To read more reviews and find the various links to purchase a copy visit the Goodreads page HERE.

 

 



Mist of Midnight Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway!

Publication Date: March 10, 2015
Howard Books
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 384

Series: Daughters of Hampshire
 
Genre: Historical/Christian/Romance

Synopsis

In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her…and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca’s name, but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father’s investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

What Did I Think About the Story?

I became a huge fan of Sandra Byrd after reading her delicious Tudor Ladies in Waiting series (click on the titles to read my reviews of  To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr and Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I ) and therefore snatched up this newest novel of hers, the first in a new series set in Victorian England, as soon as I got the chance. While this novel has a very different feel from those mentioned above it was still as engrossing as its predecessors.

When Rebecca Ravenshaw steps off the boat from India she is seeking nothing more than some warmth, peace and serenity in a place she belongs after the painful and frightening ordeal of losing her family. Much to her dismay she finds none of that when she arrives at her ancestral home, Headbourne House, and instead is confronted with confusion and suspicion that she is an imposter, come to try and steal the home and fortune of the Ravenshaws from Captain Luke Whitfield, the closest relative now that the young woman who previously claimed to be Rebecca Ravenshaw died mysteriously. The whole community - from Captain Whitfield to the staff of Headbourne House to the local gentry - treat her coldly and make it quite clear they do  not believe her story. But Rebecca is determined to prove that she is who she states she is and that Headbourne House is by rights hers. Alone in a country where no one knows her and most think she is trying to commit a heinous crime, this proves a difficult task, one potentially fraught with danger.

Rebecca is quite a character. Having gone through so much and still recovering from not only the  physical wounds remaining from her dangerous escape from the Indian Mutiny but the mental ones that plague her, she nevertheless refuses to give up proving her claim, even when almost everything about her points towards her being an imposter. I love how the author used the fact that she was raised in India and therefore does not know all of the English customs that would prove she is an English lady (the ability to play the piano, the delicate rules of protocol for visiting other ladies and having them come to you, etc.) as well as her continued recovery that further complicates her proof of identity (after an accident during her escape she is terrified to ride horses, something every fine English woman should do) as the catalyst that keeps everyone suspicious of her motives and the resolution of determining her true identity deliciously up in the air. I have to admit I had my own suspicions about her as there were instances when she saw things that didn't make sense or was told she had been in places or did something she had no recollection of. I loved that feeling of "is she going mad? Is she who she says she is?" and it really kept me turning the pages to find out.

Our Rebecca isn't the only suspicious character in this novel, however. In fact just about every single character makes you wonder about their motivations. Everyone around Rebecca has an air of doubt hanging over them but, at the same time, they all seems to also do things that make them seem trustworthy. It left me continually questioning what really happened at Headbourne House when the other woman claiming to be Rebecca showed up and then mysteriously died, who could be trusted and what dangers Rebecca might be facing whether or not she is proven to be the true Rebecca. This Gothic mystery element was my absolute favorite part of the novel.

The backdrop against which these characters revolved was so well described that it nearly became its own character. Headbourne house is delightfully crumbling, having dark passages with locked doors, a derelict chapel and a cemetery covered with bramble and mist that can't help but illicit a shiver. The surrounding countryside and the towns visited are just as well drawn and it was impossible not to become ensconced in this world.

Something to be noted for other readers is the fact that there is quite a lot of discussion about scripture and religion, something that fit in nicely given the fact that Rebecca's parents were missionaries but that some might not be expecting in a typical Victorian gothic novel. This element never veers into the "preachy" zone, which I appreciated, but there is an incident towards the end involving Rebecca's chaperone, Mrs. Ross, that I didn't really think necessarily fit in with the rest of the story. However, after reading the very informative author note at the end of the book and discovering that this incident is based on the author's actual experiences I can see why it was included. Something else to just be noted is that this is definitely a romance novel, with Rebecca and Captain Luke trying to overcome their concerns about the other person and their motives and dancing that delicate dance between giving in to their feelings and maintaining the expected propriety of the times.  These two elements - the religious discussion and the romance - slightly pulled me out of that foreboding mystery feeling I love about gothic novels but do have their importance in the story arc as well, especially the religious element as at times this deep belief within Rebecca is the only thing that seems to keep her level headed and from completely going mad. And without the romance between these two characters I wouldn't have been completely satisfied with the stories eventual outcome.

Mist of Midnight was a very satisfying read and firmly upholds Sandra Byrd's place on my "must read" shelf whenever she has a new historical novel coming out. I very much look forward to the remaining novels in this Daughters of Hampshire series!

What Did I Think About the Cover?

I love it! The darker colors and hazy atmosphere give that foreboding feeling I mentioned loving above and the woman in mourning black is somewhat of a mystery and could be either our Rebecca or the Rebecca who showed up to Headbourne House previously. It's perfect for the story.


My Rating: 4.0/5.0

 

Thank you to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for providing me with a free copy of Mist of Midnight in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to continue below for more information about the author, the book, the rest of the blog tour and how to win a beautiful lace bookmark!

 

 

 

Praise for Mist of Midnight

“Intriguing secondary characters and lush scenery contribute to the often sinister, even creepy, moments readers will come to anticipate. Infusing her story with mystery, tension, and emotion, Byrd (To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn) strikes a fine balance between the darkness of a Gothic mystery and the sweetness of a captivating love story. Byrd—and Brontë—fans will enjoy this first of the new Daughters of Hampshire series.”  - Publisher's Weekly

“A marvelous mingling of mystery and deeply moving family and romantic love, Mist of Midnight kept me guessing until the very end. A house on a cliff, a Victorian-Gothic atmosphere, a cast of suspicious characters including a dark, brooding hero and a strong heroine: shades (or mists) of Jane Eyre and Rebecca! I look forward to the next novel in this compelling new series.” - Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Mistress of Mourning

“Mist of Midnight is wonderfully atmospheric, with all the right elements for a true Gothic novel, from sounds that go bump in the night to characters who are not at all what they seem. The spiritual underpinning is solid, comforting, even as we’re trapped in the author’s finely spun web of mystery, romance, and a sense of foreboding that doesn’t lift until the final page. Charlotte Brontë? Victoria Holt? Meet Sandra Byrd, the modern mistress of Gothic romance!” - Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night

“Among the many things I love about reading a Sandra Byrd novel is knowing that her words will transport me to another place and time, that she will win me over with intriguing and complex characters, and that I’ll savor every word. Mist of Midnight is no exception. I loved this book! Sandra Byrd could belong to the writing group of the Bronte sisters if they’d had one. Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre along with crumbling mansions, mysterious distant cousins, and one woman’s journey to prove who she really is are just few layers that ripple through the mists. Bravo, Sandra! Another winner.” - Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of A Light in the Wilderness

“Richly written and multi-layered, Mist of Midnight blends traditional England and exotic India in a historical feat worthy of Victoria Holt. Breathless danger, romance, and intrigue made this series opener by the ultra-talented Sandra Byrd a compelling must-read!” - Laura Frantz, author of Love’s Reckoning

“Once again, Sandra Byrd delivers a richly layered story that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next book in this brand-new series. Mist of Midnight has it all: intriguing and memorable characters—including a central female protagonist who is both complex and inspiring—a plot chock-full of mystery and suspense, and a Victorian gothic setting, impeccably researched and artfully and evocatively relayed. Prepare to be transported!” - Karen Halvorsen Schreck, author of Sing For Me

“Mist of Midnight is a beautiful, haunting tale. Sandra Byrd masterfully weaves together both romance and suspense among a cast of mysterious characters. I was immediately swept into the wonder of this story, and I loved unraveling all the secrets and discovering exactly what happened at the old Headbourne House.” - Melanie Dobson, author of Chateau of Secrets and The Courier of Caswell Hall

“Sandra Byrd’s trademark attention to historical accuracy combines with an eerily building intrigue to envelope readers in a sense of dark foreboding that hinges precariously between hope and desperation. Mist of Midnight is a subtly haunting, beautifully atmospheric, and decadently romantic Victorian tale that will find a comfortable home among the best Gothic romances of days gone by.” - Serena Chase, author of The Ryn and contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog

“Not since Jane Eyre have I read a Gothic romance that has captured my heart so completely. From the exotic India to an English estate shrouded in mystery, Byrd’s eye for detail shines through on every page. Romance lovers are sure to devour the tale of Rebecca Ravenshaw and her search for the truth behind the mysteries of Headbourne House and the handsome young captain who lives on the estate.” - Renee Chaw, reviewer at Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot

“From the first word to the last, Mist of Midnight is a completely absorbing romantic, and mysterious, novel. Ms. Byrd’s writing is splendid, and her characters are so complex and endearing that they leap off the pages. I couldn’t put it down. An absolutely irresistible read!” - Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso

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About the Author

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of
Elizabeth I published in April, 2013.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens including the Secret Sisters Series, London Confidential Series and a devotional for tweens.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has published many nonfiction articles and books. She is passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more, or to invite Sandra to your bookclub via Skype. You can also connect with Sandra on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

 

Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

To win a lace bookmark like the one above please fill out the form HERE.

 

 

Please note that the mandatory entry requires you to leave a comment below. If you do not leave a comment and then enter your name and email on the form you will not be entered. All other entries are optional.

 

I will pick a winner on March 12th and email the winner for their mailing address. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before I have to pick another winner.

 

You must be 18 or older to enter.
Giveaway is open to US and CAN residents.

 

Only one entry per household.

All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.

 

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

Mist of Midnight Blog Tour Schedule

 

Monday, March 2

Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish
Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, March 3

Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee

Wednesday, March 4

Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Thursday, March 5

Review at Reading the Past
Review & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation
Review & Guest Post at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Friday, March 6

Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Monday, March 9

Review & Giveaway at Historical Readings & Views

Tuesday, March 10

Review at Just One More Chapter
Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, March 11

Review & Giveaway at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, March 12

Review at Book Drunkard
Spotlight at Books and Benches

Friday, March 13

Review & Giveaway at Forever Ashley

Monday, March 16

Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, March 17

Review at Layered Pages

Wednesday, March 18

Review at The Book Binder’s Daughter

Thursday, March 19

Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Guest Post & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Friday, March 20

Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books