Welcome to this stop on the
Loving Lady Marcia tour,
sponsored by
Innovative Online Book Tours!!
Today is the Release Day Review Blitz!!
I am not only doing a review,
but also having a giveaway,
thanks to the author, Kieran Kramer!!
Goodreads Synopsis
In the House of Brady, three very lovely girls have hair of gold—and hearts to match—but finding a match among the gentlemen of London is one comedy of errors that could bring down the house…
Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her family’s wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she is—until terrible news sends her back to the Brady clan…and into the arms of an unexpected suitor.
My Review
(Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Romance novels are always a pleasure for me to read, but some are especially delightful! In the case of Loving Lady Marcia, I zipped right through it, enjoying every aspect of the plot, and especially the characters!
Duncan Lattimore, also known as Lord Chadwick, is a wonderful hero -- gallant, steadfast in his duty, yet kind to his household staff. When she first meets him, however, Lady Marcia Sherwood isn't impressed, much preferring his very charming younger brother, Finn. She is, after all, only fifteen, and Duncan strikes her as rather boring...
Four years later, Lady Marcia is the proud headmistress of a young ladies' boarding school, and has vowed never to marry. She has given up on love after having her heart broken. Besides, she feels she is no longer worthy of marrying anyone; according to the standards of the time, her loss of virginity has 'ruined' her.
So it is that, when she meets Duncan again, and he shows a surprising interest in her, she does her best to discourage him. She fully expects to remain unmarried throughout her life, dedicated solely to 'her girls', as she calls them.
The dashing Lord Lattimore has other plans for her, of course, and he's not one to be so easily deterred.
As the delightful cat-and-mouse game begins, Lady Marcia suddenly finds the rug swept from under her feet - her employer, the spitefully envious Lady Lyssandra Ennis, a Viscountess, has dismissed Marcia from her position at the boarding school...
Her parents, although sympathetic, are happy that she can enter London society and look for a proper husband.
Lady Marcia has other plans, however, and silently vows to get her position back.
Throughout the rest of the novel, Kramer keeps the reader turning the pages with her interesting plot twists, as well as her well-depicted characters. Her sparkling wit lends touches of humor along the way, as well. Even Duncan's servants, whom he treats more like family, come alive, adding their own quota of humor to this enchanting novel.
Marcia is the perfect foil for Duncan. Fiercely independent, she leads him a merry dance as he pursues her. Meanwhile, the dastardly Finn continues to seduce his way along, with not a care in the world for the feelings of the women he adds to his trophy collection. He definitely keeps Duncan busy trying to repair the damage he leaves behind, and which Duncan, of course, feels honor-bound to do something about.
It was difficult for me to remember, as I read, that these were fictional people, so immersed did I become in their old-fashioned world, with all of its constricting, yet elegant, societal rules. The entire Brady family was wonderful; I loved Marcia's sisters, her brothers, her mother, who was so understanding and compassionate to all her children, and, last but not least, Marcia's stepfather, who loved her as if she were really his own daughter. Through him, Kramer paints a rather humorous, touching picture of the Irish temperament.
Finn, although despicable, was also memorable. He was such a contrast to Duncan! Where Duncan had compassion, he had none. Where Duncan was constantly concerned about the welfare of others, Finn thought of no one but himself, even passing up the chance to be a real father to the illegitimate son he had with one of his unfortunate conquests.
Then there is the Duke of Beauchamp, whose assistance Marcia is determined to win. Duncan decides to help her, but instead succeeds only in getting rebuffed. In the end, it's a young, innocent little boy, Joe, who wins the Duke's heart. He is then revealed to be a rather kind man, beneath his apparently crusty exterior. It's also very endearing to see him wholeheartedly participate with Joe in mock sword fights. Brandishing his invisible weapon, he gleefully announces that he will trounce Joe, who responds by gleefully announcing his own victory.
To sum up, this novel is a wonderfully entertaining read! It's great escape fiction, with very witty dialogues and funny events, in the midst of some very real domestic tragedies. I literally had to keep reading until the very end, to see how Duncan and Marcia would finally marry, to find out what would happen with the sleazy Finn, what would be the fate of the boarding school and its fiercely protective headmistress, and....well, I just wanted to know how Kramer would tie it all up neatly, a feat she most certainly accomplished, with great skill.
This is definitely not a beach read, though. Instead, it's a cozy winter novel, to be read while drinking some wonderfully aromatic tea, next to a roaring fire, while the snow falls softly outside the windowpanes...
Back to reality! I read the it during the month of July, although not at the beach. It did help me to escape the summer heat, transporting me to merry old England, a land I have long wanted to visit.
I recommend this beautiful, charming, funny novel to any romance fan, especially those who love the combination of a Jane Austen setting with the bright humor of a modern romantic comedy!
MY RATING:
And now for the giveaway!!
A swag package containing
the following items:
1 pink Loving Lady Marcia Pen
1 Loving Lady Marcia Wine Charm
1 Loving Lady Marcia Bookmark
1 Kieran Kramer Post-it Notes
1 Set of Impossible Bachelors Romance
Trading Cards
1 Loving Lady Marcia Romance
Trading Card
1 Signed Bookplate
1 Autographed Gold Sticker
Giveaway is open to US/CA readers
Just fill out the Rafflecopter below!
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Kieran Kramer Author Bio
Double Rita® finalist and USA Today bestseller Kieran Kramer is the author of the lighthearted Regency historical romance series, The Impossible Bachelors, published by St. Martin's Press. She has a new six-book contract with St. Martin's for another Regency series called The House of Brady, premiering in August 2012 with LOVING LADY MARCIA. A former CIA employee, journalist, and English teacher, Kieran's also a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. Without doubt her greatest adventure, which she's taken hand-in-hand with her husband of 23 years, a commander in the US Navy Reserves, has been mothering their three children.
KIERAN KRAMER ONLINE
Here's the complete Tour Schedule!
13-Aug Bibliophilia, Please Interview
13-Aug Reviews By Molly First Chapter
13-Aug Doctor's Notes Spot Light
14-Aug My Secret Romance First Chapter
14-Aug Live To Read First Chapter
15-Aug Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf Spot Light
15-Aug Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance Spot Light,
Interview
15-Aug Romance Book Junkies Spot Light
16-Aug LilyElement Book Reviews First Chapter
17-Aug Red Headed Bookworm Spot Light, Interview, First Chapter
17-Aug Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews First Chapter
20-Aug My World Spot Light
20-Aug Ramblings From This Chick First Chapter
21-Aug Books, Books, and More Books Interview
21-Aug Ramblings of an Amateur Writer Spot Light
21-Aug SOS Aloha Guest Post
22-Aug Lissette E. Manning First Chapter
23-Aug Adventures of Frugal Mom Interview
24-Aug The Self-Taught Cook Spot Light
26-Aug The Rockville 8 Interview
27-Aug The Popculture Divas Spot Light and First Chapter
27-Aug Bunnies Review Spot Light, Interview, First Chapter
13-Aug Reviews By Molly First Chapter
13-Aug Doctor's Notes Spot Light
14-Aug My Secret Romance First Chapter
14-Aug Live To Read First Chapter
15-Aug Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf Spot Light
15-Aug Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance Spot Light,
Interview
15-Aug Romance Book Junkies Spot Light
16-Aug LilyElement Book Reviews First Chapter
17-Aug Red Headed Bookworm Spot Light, Interview, First Chapter
17-Aug Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews First Chapter
20-Aug My World Spot Light
20-Aug Ramblings From This Chick First Chapter
21-Aug Books, Books, and More Books Interview
21-Aug Ramblings of an Amateur Writer Spot Light
21-Aug SOS Aloha Guest Post
22-Aug Lissette E. Manning First Chapter
23-Aug Adventures of Frugal Mom Interview
24-Aug The Self-Taught Cook Spot Light
26-Aug The Rockville 8 Interview
27-Aug The Popculture Divas Spot Light and First Chapter
27-Aug Bunnies Review Spot Light, Interview, First Chapter
29-Aug Reviewing Shelf Spot Light
29-Aug The Lucky Ladybug First Chapter
30-Aug Live To Read Spot Light
30-Aug My Secret Romance Spot Light
31-Aug A Night's Dream of Books Interview
31-Aug Cocktails and Books Spot Light and First Chapter
3-Sep ¡Miraculous! Spot Light
3-Sep Bibliophilia, Please First Chapter
4-Sep Ramblings From This Chick Spot Light
5-Sep Reading Between the Wines Spot Light, First Chapter
6-Sep My Cozie Corner Interview 29-Aug The Lucky Ladybug First Chapter
30-Aug Live To Read Spot Light
30-Aug My Secret Romance Spot Light
31-Aug A Night's Dream of Books Interview
31-Aug Cocktails and Books Spot Light and First Chapter
3-Sep ¡Miraculous! Spot Light
3-Sep Bibliophilia, Please First Chapter
4-Sep Ramblings From This Chick Spot Light
5-Sep Reading Between the Wines Spot Light, First Chapter
7-Sep T B R Spot Light, interview
10-Sep A Date with a Book First Chapter
11-Sep Ramblings of an Amateur Writer First Chapter
12-Sep Mission to Read Interview
13-Sep Crossroads Spot LIght, Review
14-Sep Always a Booklover Spot Light
14-Sep Reader Girls Spot Light
Thank you so much for hosting Kieran and what a wonderful review for LOVING LADY MARCIA!
ReplyDeleteOK, I have to say that this is not really my kind of book. However, your review is very well written and insightful that I l and does make it actually sound interesting. It also seems that the author really tried to paint lively and fun characters.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kati!
ReplyDeleteOh, you're welcome! I'll go take a look at your blog. And thank you for posting such a nice comment!! : )
Hey, Brian!
ReplyDeleteI greatly appreciate that you've left a comment, even though this is not your kind of book. That's very nice of you! Of course, we women LOVE to read this kind of stuff!
As you know, I have an eclectic book blog, so I read several different genres, including romance. As you also know, I absolutely refuse to read either horror or erotica. As for nysteries, the only detective I like is Sherlock Holmes. I should try out Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, though, and I've been meaning to, but somehow haven't gotten around to it...
Thank you so much for your nice comments about my review! Yes, this author did indeed paint lively and fun characters! I enjoyed this book immensely! In spite of being classified as 'a light read', Kramer does touch upon such subjects as class relationships, feminism, and social consciousness, not to mention Christian ethics. Her main characters are absolutely endearing in their attempts to forge a life for themselves, while falling in love with each other. If you'd like to try reading this book, you'll see what I mean!
Thank again for your input!! : )
Oh, my goodness, I am so thrilled that you enjoyed my book. I just love how you phrased your thoughts--you should be a writer, too!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for noting that I try to dwell on fictional historical characters who have a desire to reach their potentials--which was really hard to do in those days if you were a woman, in particular. But smart women exist in every age, don't they? Look at Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. Look at Jane Austen herself! I hope they were able to thrive. One reason I write this period is to imagine how I would have responded to the particular challenges of that era, and I try to create the happy ending I hope all those clever, colorful women deserved.
I truly loved this review because your take on the book was so lively and intelligent and I thought, "I've pleased a reader that I'm truly honored to please."
Have a wonderful holiday weekend, and I hope you'll consider putting this up on Amazon, if at all possible. I want other people to see that I have fantastic readers like you.
Hugs,
Kieran :-)
Oh, Kieran!!!! I'm so honored that you've givem me such a compliment!! You've made my day!!! Yes, I've long wanted to write, and have indeed penned some fan fiction, but haven't gotten serious enough about it to try to publish anything. Gotta do something about that! Thank you so much for your encouragemnt!!
ReplyDeleteIn regards to your bokk, it was one of the most enjoyable reads I can remember getting into in a long time! Your characters just jump off the page. You're very welcome for my taking note of the fact that you like to portray fictional historical characters interested in achieving their potential. I loved that you made Marcia such a resourceful, smart young woman. She is a very believable character, and it was wonderful to see how she took charge of her own life, despite the restrictions of the era! The one thing she was, sadly enough, ashamed of was her loss of virginity. That was a very realistic touch; I think it would have been too anachronistic for a society lady of that time not to be concerned about something like that. However, she was most definitely neither a wallflower nor a wimp, and it was her intelligence and wit that totally enchanted Duncan, who, by the way, was totally adorable! He was all male, but yet, not an overbearing male chauvinist. In this he was unlike his brother Finn, who came across as the quintessial MCP.
Thanks for all your compliments about my review!! Of course I'll put it up on Amazon, and on Goodreads and Shelfari, too!! (I just need to fix a couple of typos I've just noticed, because I went back and re-read it.) I'll be taking care of this now that we have this nice, long weekend!!
Many thanks as well for saying that I'm 'a fantastic reader', as well!! Oh, WOW!!! I'm pleasantly overwhelmed!!!!
Hope you have a beautiful, relaxing weekend!! BIG HUGS!!!! : )