The Forgiven Duke... Review

Release date: July 2012

Have you read The Guardian Duke? No? Definitely consider it before diving into The Forgiven Duke. You have time before The Forgiven Duke is released (July 2012). As part two of Jamie Carie’s three-part series, The Forgiven Duke picks up where The Guardian Duke leaves us. It doesn’t skip a beat.

Our heroine, Lady Alexandria Featherstone, continues her quest to find her parents who’ve disappeared a year earlier leaving the prince regent to believe, or maybe for appearances’ sake, them to be deceased. Why would he need to do this? That is for you to discover along with Alex when she travels the seas to Iceland, and then across the terrain of Iceland’s land. Clues and stories surrounding the object of Alex’s parents’ search stir the intrigue and anticipation of winning the prize. Danger lurking about, decisions whether to trust or not arise, Alex’s companion lets us know whether he is who and what he says.

Gabriel’s—Duke of St. Easton and Lady Featherstone’s guardian—affliction brings him to a new level of trust in God. He comes to realize how much he’d taken for granted and learns to be thankful in his situation; although, it does prove problematic when encountering men bent on doing him bodily harm. 

 Foy Pour Devoir (Faith for Duty)

In the end, Alex and Gabriel come to the place where they must admit their weaknesses and find the courage to trust, not only God but each other. They learn to walk in forgiveness; but, can this new knowledge hold their relationship together when Gabriel learns of circumstances that would ordinarily be scorned in his circles? Forgiveness and trust will be paramount to the health of their life together. 

 Valens et Volens (Willing and Able)

Unlike the first book, I was instantly engaged in this sequel. Of course, Jamie Carie (as stated in the previous review) spent considerable time laying the groundwork for this tale. By the end of book 1, I knew each character—or felt we did—and had a sense of which ones I could trust and those whose motives I questioned. Throughout book 2, I found myself wishing someone would come to Gabriel’s aid. I wanted Alex to come to her senses and see clearly who was for her and who was out to take her fortune. In the end, I do see her hoping she has what it takes to face her future with Gabriel, however the days ahead turned out. (Please forgive the intentional ambiguity. Don’t want to spoil it for you.)

I have enjoyed these books and look forward to the third and final installment in the Forgotten Castles Series. There is so much to see and experience when reading these books. Pre-order your copy today on Amazon.com

Release date: September 2012

Come Rain or Shine, Keep Dancin'

K. A. Jacobsen
Writer
southpawscribbler@gmail.com

 

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Guardian Duke... Review

What would you do if you were told your parents, who thrived on adventure, were missing and presumed dead; top it off with the news that someone you’ve never met is now your guardian and every decision you make, every penny you spend, everything you do must first pass through his hands for approval? What if this new guardian was the Duke of St. Easton, presumed to be one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world?

Would you feel comforted in knowing your affairs were taken care of? Would you balk at the situation?

Jamie Carie has woven a tale of just such a scenario. Gabriel, Duke of St. Easton has been assigned the duty of overseeing the affairs and eventual season of courtship concerning Lady Alexandria Featherstone, a 20 year old woman who has yet to experience life outside the walls of her castle on Holy Island.  

Throughout the story, we’re taken on a journey across the countryside of England and Ireland. We get to eavesdrop on conversations, dropping clues regarding our next destination. The Duke battles between frustration over his ward’s inability to follow direction, his fascination with the feeling he gets whenever reading her letters addressed to him, and the anger and helplessness he faces when he is afflicted with a weakness for which he can’t find a cause or a cure.

This first installment of Jamie’s trilogy spends considerable time introducing us to the people involved. Everyone the lady meets instantly adore her and wish to help. Well, except for those who are out to capture her and what it is that she seeks. Personally, I struggled connecting and maintaining that connection; perhaps it has to do with my knowledge that this was the first in a series? I don't know. However, as this book comes to a close, we begin to see the danger following her, question the motives of her companion, and hope for the Duke to finally get within grasping distance.

I’ll leave the details for you to discover.

The only trouble I found with reading this book is the end. I was invested in Gabriel’s determination and devotion and Alexandria’s quest, and didn’t want it to end where it did.

Thankfully, I was offered the opportunity to review the second in the series,  The Forgiven Duke, as well. You can read about that on Wednesday, April 18.

Review coming 4/18/12

Come Rain or Shine, Keep Dancin'

K. A. Jacobsen
Writer
southpawscribbler@gmail.com

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it 

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance 

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the 

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”