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What It's About:
When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.
Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.
Mine owner Steven Pierce is about to lose his business after the theft of several bullion shipments--until hope arrives in the unlikely form of Lavinia Stewart, who offers to invest in Steven's mine. In his wildest dreams, Steven never expected to be rescued by an inquisitive gray-haired widow...or to fall head over heels for Lavinia's captivating niece, Jessie.
But then the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Will she be forced to reveal her true identity before the criminals are caught? What will Steven do when he discovers the woman he loves doesn't exist?
My Thoughts:
I was intrigued to see how Ellie would handle playing two different people, which she pulls off quite well! I loved the humor, adventure, romance and suspense of this story. Though I had my suspicions on who was in on the silver thefts, Cox does a good job of keeping you guessing right up to the end. I also enjoyed that this story didn't feature the typical gorgeous heroine - Ellie is described several times as being quite plain. This added to the realness of her character and the very satisfying, happy ending!
Find it here on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
live, laugh, love, write
Stacy Henrie
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Friday, January 18, 2013
My Recommendation: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox
What It's About:
When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.
Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.
Mine owner Steven Pierce is about to lose his business after the theft of several bullion shipments--until hope arrives in the unlikely form of Lavinia Stewart, who offers to invest in Steven's mine. In his wildest dreams, Steven never expected to be rescued by an inquisitive gray-haired widow...or to fall head over heels for Lavinia's captivating niece, Jessie.
But then the thieves come after both Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Will she be forced to reveal her true identity before the criminals are caught? What will Steven do when he discovers the woman he loves doesn't exist?
My Thoughts:
I was intrigued to see how Ellie would handle playing two different people, which she pulls off quite well! I loved the humor, adventure, romance and suspense of this story. Though I had my suspicions on who was in on the silver thefts, Cox does a good job of keeping you guessing right up to the end. I also enjoyed that this story didn't feature the typical gorgeous heroine - Ellie is described several times as being quite plain. This added to the realness of her character and the very satisfying, happy ending!
Find it here on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Character Reveal!
Back in October, I ran a review contest for my debut novel LADY OUTLAW. The winner was Janet Ruth of Along the Way who got to have a character in one of my WWI books named after her. Today I thought I'd give a sneak peek of the character who has Janet's name in the second book in the series.
Janet is a Army Nurse Corp nurse like the book's heroine Evelyn. They meet toward the end of the book when Evelyn is transferred to an evacuation hospital near the front lines. Conditions at the front were not only dangerous during WWI - hospitals near the front lines could come under enemy fire - but the food was bad and the mud was worse. Still, positions so close to the front like this were coveted spots for nurses.
Evelyn and Janet experience all of these hardships at the evacuation hospital. Janet, however, remains cheerful, despite the rough situation. When Evelyn questions her tent mate about her optimism, she learns about the tragedy that changed both Janet's life and her perspective. Janet's story touches Evelyn and allows her to view her own past and mistakes in a different light. Janet has become one of those secondary characters, who I think, add so much to the story and to the hero and heroine's lives.
And speaking of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode of Downton Abbey's 3rd Season! I love the new dramas and conflicts and situations, both upstairs and down.
If I had to pick my favorite characters from the show, it would probably be Matthew, Mary and Anna. I like that despite their disagreements, some quite large, Mary and Matthew still love each other. And sweet Anna - what a determined woman to see her wronged husband set free. Of course, I'd also have to say the show wouldn't be as good without the grandmother's witty one-liners that keep me laughing.
Who's your favorite Downton Abbey character?
Janet is a Army Nurse Corp nurse like the book's heroine Evelyn. They meet toward the end of the book when Evelyn is transferred to an evacuation hospital near the front lines. Conditions at the front were not only dangerous during WWI - hospitals near the front lines could come under enemy fire - but the food was bad and the mud was worse. Still, positions so close to the front like this were coveted spots for nurses.
Evelyn and Janet experience all of these hardships at the evacuation hospital. Janet, however, remains cheerful, despite the rough situation. When Evelyn questions her tent mate about her optimism, she learns about the tragedy that changed both Janet's life and her perspective. Janet's story touches Evelyn and allows her to view her own past and mistakes in a different light. Janet has become one of those secondary characters, who I think, add so much to the story and to the hero and heroine's lives.
And speaking of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the first episode of Downton Abbey's 3rd Season! I love the new dramas and conflicts and situations, both upstairs and down.
If I had to pick my favorite characters from the show, it would probably be Matthew, Mary and Anna. I like that despite their disagreements, some quite large, Mary and Matthew still love each other. And sweet Anna - what a determined woman to see her wronged husband set free. Of course, I'd also have to say the show wouldn't be as good without the grandmother's witty one-liners that keep me laughing.
Who's your favorite Downton Abbey character?
Joy Journal
- Saw the movie Les Miserables (loved it!)
- Watched Mythbusters with my boys
- Deep cleaned and reorganized my kitchen
Friday, January 4, 2013
My Recommendation: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen
I can't think of a better way to start out the new year than with a recommendation for a great book in one of my favorite genres - inspirational historical fiction.
What It's About:
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?
Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book! I've read several of Julie Klassen's novels, and while I enjoyed the others, this one was by far my favorite. I read it in one day - part of that was because I was sick in bed, but part of it was because it was such a fun story and I had to know what was going to happen next. This book delivers the perfect combination of interesting characters, romance, mystery and life in a great English house.
While the book takes place in 1815, I found the portrayal of life upstairs and down in a wealthy household to be very similar to Downton Abbey - which starts up again in just a few days! - though the show takes place in the early 20th century. Crazy to see how little things changed between servants and masters in the course of a 100 years!
Find it here on Amazon and here at Barnes and Noble.
What It's About:
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?
Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?
My Thoughts:
I loved this book! I've read several of Julie Klassen's novels, and while I enjoyed the others, this one was by far my favorite. I read it in one day - part of that was because I was sick in bed, but part of it was because it was such a fun story and I had to know what was going to happen next. This book delivers the perfect combination of interesting characters, romance, mystery and life in a great English house.
While the book takes place in 1815, I found the portrayal of life upstairs and down in a wealthy household to be very similar to Downton Abbey - which starts up again in just a few days! - though the show takes place in the early 20th century. Crazy to see how little things changed between servants and masters in the course of a 100 years!
Find it here on Amazon and here at Barnes and Noble.
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- Stacy Henrie
- I'm a stay-at-home mom to three kids and an author of inspirational historical romance. I love laughing with my family, reading, interior decorating and chocolate.