Author: Sandra Byrd
Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian/Romance
Series: Daughters of Hampshire #1
Publication Date: 10th March 2015
Pages: 384
Book Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Synopsis: In the first of a brand-new
series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the
death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by
the man who holds her future in his hands.
Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of
missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her
family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in
Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her…and highly
suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian
servant and assumed not only Rebecca’s name, but her home and incomes.
That pretender died within
months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was
hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is
the real imposter. Her home and her father’s investments reverted to a distant
relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over.
Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she
is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne
House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she
suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?
A captivating Gothic love
story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will
leave you breathless.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Sandra Byrd's Ladies in Waiting series and jumped at the chance to read the first in her new Daughters of Hampshire series, set in Victorian England.
Mist of Midnight is wonderfully atmospheric with Headbourne House, the family graveyard and chapel shrouded in mystery and mist. The gothic feel with that delicious sense of foreboding was one of my favourite parts of the novel.
Rebecca Ravenshaw returns to her family home in England after her parents are killed in the Indian Mutiny, expecting safety and financial security. What she gets instead is the onerous task of proving her own identity and the 'other' Rebecca Ravenshaw an imposter.
I liked Rebecca's forthright character and I loved her flirty interactions with Luke and naughty sense of humour, all within the bounds of propriety of course. Luke was really likable but for a 'Gothic' hero I expected a little more brooding intensity so whilst the author gave us reason to be suspicious of him, I actually didn't mistrust him.
Mist of Midnight is marketed as Christian fiction, which I don't read much of but I found it very subtle and completely in keeping with Rebecca's missionary family. I loved the contrast in cultures and Rebecca's effort to 'fit' in her native England while embracing what she loved of both countries.
Next up, Bride of Poseidon in 2016 :)
Connect with Sandra Bryd
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Twitter Hashtag:
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Visit Sandra's website for fantastic prizes to celebrate the release of Mist of Midnight
I don't read as much Christian fiction as I used to but this one piqued my interest and I'm going to order it for my library's inspirational fiction collection.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intriguing story! I like that there is a mystery involved and the setting sounds really cool too.
A great addition to your library! Sandra's writing is gorgeous and the setting and mystery will keep you turning the pages. Thanks for stopping by Christina :)
DeleteThank you, Teddyree, it's always an honor to be on your blog; thank you for taking the time to read & review. Christina - thanks for considering it for your library. I appreciate that!!
ReplyDeleteMy absolute pleasure Sandra ... I'm looking forward to the next installment, you had me with the title! :)
DeleteThis sounds like a good story, I don' mind a little subtle Christian fiction and the story itself sounds good, interesting comment on Luke, that he is not really brooding enough to be a intense 'gothic' character. It must be difficult to come back to England after years of living in India.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy it Kathryn. I really liked Luke but he was probably less 'dark' than other gothic heroes I've read, if that makes sense? And he was so nice and kind I wasn't suspicious of him lol.
DeleteI love the cover for this one and like Gothic type stories. I don't mind Christian fiction if it works with the story and in this case it sounds like it does. I'll definitely be looking for this one! Great review!
ReplyDeletethis cover definitely had a cover fairy, it's gorgeous isn't it and the gothic story ties in with the cover perfectly!
DeleteSubtle is nice cos I do not want preachy
ReplyDeleteI'm with you B ... this was just right!
DeleteOooh, I love the sound of this one. I'm thinking the Gothic aspect may keep me interested in this one.
ReplyDeleteI loved the gothic feel Ryan and the mystery pulls you in, hope you like it too :)
DeleteThis does sounds good! You know how to find the good ones! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting premise. Even though gothic is not really my thing I have to say I am intrigued after reading your review.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhhhh this sounds GOOD!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the cover, love the summary and glad you liked it. Bodes well for me.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book right up my alley! Thanks for sharing your good thoughts.
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