Allerednic

Summary: Lady Charlotte Eversley, heir of the Earl of Everston, has lived a charmed life. Wealthy, beautiful, and one day she will be a Countess in her own right. No mother has ever loved a daughter more. Her sisters admire and adore her, and of course, her father dotes on her. She is one of the most eligible ladies of the Season.

Mr. Jasper Seyton misses the country. Along with his trusted servant, Worley, he endures the delights of Town for one purpose. After three Seasons, he has little confidence in the so-called “Marriage Mart.”

They enjoy each other’s company, and her father approves. She knows he intends to propose. He knows that she will accept.

So where is she when he returns to Everston Hall, and why does she think there is no hope for happiness again?

My Take: This had an authentic regency feel to it. The time spent describing fashion, colors, and that sort of thing reminded me of books written during the period.

I think the label "A Regency Cinderella Tale -- In Reverse" was distracting. You find yourself looking for those elements instead of just reading the book.

There wasn't a huge amount of conflict in the book - and her reaction to the one big bump in the road didn't seem to fit with the rest of her actions.

I still really enjoyed the book and the author's writing style.

At Every Turn

Summary: She's off to the races!

Caught up in a whirlwind of religious enthusiasm, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. Now she just has to find a way to get the money.

Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles, and she's spent many an afternoon driving around the rustic track in the field behind her home. When she discovers that her father's company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events--races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money--she conspires with her father's mechanic, Webster, to train and compete.

But when her friends cast aspersions on Webster's past, she realizes she may have trusted the wrong person with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her hasty promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?

My Take: My husband and I are big fans of NASCAR and having the history of the races talked about in a book was really interesting and unique. I don't think I've read a book with that as the backdrop before.

I thought the main character had good intentions, but there is a cliche about good intentions . . . I could understand her initial mistake, but it seemed that even though she was provided information talking about the character of Lawrence and of Webster, she ignored that (and her own instincts) in order to believe the opposite of both men.

I loved picturing her zooming down the roads and around the racetrack. I think her driving fit with everything else we learn about her character.

There are a couple "types" of Christian romance novels. One of them stresses the romance and another the spiritual aspects. This talked and dealt with her spiritual life in much greater depth and detail than her relationship with either man.

It was an entertaining book and I thank Bethany House for providing it. Their gift in no way influenced my review.

News

It took me too long to admit -- but I figured out why I couldn't sign in and post on here. The Java was out of date. I had tried installing updates, but it didn't work. I downloaded the whole program and it seems to have worked. {crossing fingers}

That's me lately -- cleaning like a crazy woman. Why? I have great news -- my husband finally got a job. {doing happy dance} He's gone a lot but it's a job he likes and I'm so thankful for the opportunity.

It also means we will be moving back to Kansas. The first of March we need to be there. That gives us very little time to get the house ready to show, pack things up, clean again, and hopefully leave here with a sold house and not another rental agreement.

I have been sick as a dog (on top of the fibro) - and my husband is gone so much that this is an extra challenge. We're way behind where we'd like to be in this process. Still, it's exciting to think about all the changes that will be coming our way.

Any moving/cleaning advice? Any exciting changes you'd like to share?