by Jessica Dotta
Price of Privilege series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Historical
Available September 2013
Tyndale House
448 pages
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About the Book
The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.
With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
My Thoughts
Update (6/16/2014): Well, nine months later and I have still not finished this book. I have picked it up and tried to finish several times, but it's just not capturing my full attention. I really don't like the main character and am a bit confused as to what's going on. Add to that the fact that this is a really "dark" book, and I'm just not into it. At the halfway point, I'm setting this book aside and marking it as DNF. There are a lot of readers who seem to have really enjoyed it. Sadly, I'm not wone of them.
Unfortunately, I haven't finished this book yet. However, let me share my first impressions with you. While I found the beginning quite confusing, I pushed through that first chapter and started putting the pieces together. And I'm so glad I did. This book is completely different than anything I can remember reading in quite some time. Maybe ever. It's dark and twisty, and there's a hint of romance to come. The story is complex and the characters are numerous, but so far I'm enjoying getting to know them.
The author has been compared numerous times to Emily and Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen; however, since I have never read anything by any of these three classic authors (except the Cliffs notes of Wuthering Heights ... gasp!), I couldn't tell you if this is true or not. But if you're intrigued by the comparison, you might want to check this book out. :)
Update (6/16/2014): Well, nine months later and I have still not finished this book. I have picked it up and tried to finish several times, but it's just not capturing my full attention. I really don't like the main character and am a bit confused as to what's going on. Add to that the fact that this is a really "dark" book, and I'm just not into it. At the halfway point, I'm setting this book aside and marking it as DNF. There are a lot of readers who seem to have really enjoyed it. Sadly, I'm not wone of them.
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House and CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.
She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.
She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.
Jessica Dotta Online
I just received my copy from Tyndale last week and started it just this morning. I too was somewhat confused by the first chapter. Moving on things are getting a little better. I have read and adore Jane Austen and will have to think about that comparison...not seeing it just yet. This one is my primary focus (meaning I have more than one going but this one is the one I must finish first) so I hope it won't take too long. I am not a speed reader and I work a full time job... :(
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for featuring Born of Persuasion! Brooke (and Joyful Reader) I appreciate your comments as well! Blessings!
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