This is the third novel by this author I've read and I'm looking forward
to more from her. Read my full review and enter the giveaway below...
to more from her. Read my full review and enter the giveaway below...
Havencross
by Julie Daines
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 282 Pages
August 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications
Summary
When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.
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My Review
WILLOWKEEP is a story of second chances, not only for the heroine, but also for some other characters. The area of Cornwall, England comes alive as do these characters and the legend of King Author that is woven through the story. The romance is full of tension and sweet moments and the drawing-ever-closer danger keeps things interesting. Historical romance readers will find much to enjoy here.
I loved, loved the setting of this story! I love the long, muddy and sandy walks that Elaine takes and how I could picture the area and almost feel like I was there. I thought the slight whimsical and mysterious touch of King Author's possible castle ruins and his Gwenevere was interesting, although I would have liked maybe a little more explanation or for things to make more sense (like when she is bleeding and holding her head?). It still added a certain charm to the story in this place where you could easily believe such things.
I also rather adored these characters. Elaine is in such denial, but I understood it. I loved that she loved the outdoors and traipsing about. I also loved Gareth. He had changed since she last had seen him, although she had too. I liked who he was, overall as a gentleman and friend. I loved when they would tease each other and reminisce about their childhood. I also loved Elaine's aunt and uncle.
I figured out the mystery fairly early on. I wasn't sure of all the side players, but figured out the main ones. What I didn't know was how it was all going to come down in the end, and what an ending it was! There was a fabulous climax and then a charming conclusion that follows that made me love these characters even more.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a story well balanced between the romance, family, danger, and a touch of whimsical. A very picturesque setting and likable characters, who I loved, made for an enjoyable story with a very satisfying ending!
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I loved, loved the setting of this story! I love the long, muddy and sandy walks that Elaine takes and how I could picture the area and almost feel like I was there. I thought the slight whimsical and mysterious touch of King Author's possible castle ruins and his Gwenevere was interesting, although I would have liked maybe a little more explanation or for things to make more sense (like when she is bleeding and holding her head?). It still added a certain charm to the story in this place where you could easily believe such things.
I also rather adored these characters. Elaine is in such denial, but I understood it. I loved that she loved the outdoors and traipsing about. I also loved Gareth. He had changed since she last had seen him, although she had too. I liked who he was, overall as a gentleman and friend. I loved when they would tease each other and reminisce about their childhood. I also loved Elaine's aunt and uncle.
I figured out the mystery fairly early on. I wasn't sure of all the side players, but figured out the main ones. What I didn't know was how it was all going to come down in the end, and what an ending it was! There was a fabulous climax and then a charming conclusion that follows that made me love these characters even more.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a story well balanced between the romance, family, danger, and a touch of whimsical. A very picturesque setting and likable characters, who I loved, made for an enjoyable story with a very satisfying ending!
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
Other Books by the Author
About the Author
Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.
She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her verveine.
She has three published novels and a novella, has won several awards for her writing, and her novel, Unraveled, was a contender for the ALA’s Schneider Award.
Tour Schedule
August 7th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/
August 8th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
August 9th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/
August 10th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
August 11th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Tour-Wide Giveaway
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