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| Brentwood's Ward |
by Michelle Griep
Shiloh Run Press (January, 2015)
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels
5 Stars *****
GREAT VALENTINE's DAY SELF-GIFT!!!
It's been a while since I've read a novel with writing at such a stellar level! Because I'm often writing and editing my own stuff I've just become super critical of what I read. Argh!!! Then I read Noela's review of Michelle Griep's new Regency. Because of what she wrote, I decided to read the copy I'd downloaded from NetGalley. (Full disclosure, I was under no compulsion to give a positive review.)
Characterization and story line were well done and writing craft exceptional. In fact, periodically I'd stop reading and just decide I should stop bothering to write anything more myself because Michelle's beautiful wordsmithing floored me!
Characterization and story line were well done and writing craft exceptional. In fact, periodically I'd stop reading and just decide I should stop bothering to write anything more myself because Michelle's beautiful wordsmithing floored me!
She captures a time in London's history, early 1800's, when there were no police. Those who did work as Bow Street Runners" were mocked for their efforts and many, to earn a living, had to also perform detective work. Hero, Nicholas Brentwood, is losing his sister, and can't turn down the offer to guard the daughter of a wealthy slave ship owner (another nice twist is that law has just been enacted to END this horrible practice in England.) Emily Payne, although lovely and entitled is also embued with a fragility that makes her more likable plus her father has been unloving and even placed her in an unsafe situation which resulted in terrible consequences for her maid.
In a time when one's marriage matches determined the future, the underbelly of that system is fully exposed in this novel.
In a time when one's marriage matches determined the future, the underbelly of that system is fully exposed in this novel.
Faith messages included placing trust in God instead of self, finding one's own faith, and drawing on faith in difficult circumstances.
Bibliotherapy elements: This wasn't a strong bibliotherapy book per se and I'm loathe to indicate them all because I'm concerned that they'd result in spoilers. There's so much happening in this book that I'd have a long list of potential themes but my recommendation is just enjoy the great writing and don't worry about the therapeutic value of the story.
Bibliotherapy elements: This wasn't a strong bibliotherapy book per se and I'm loathe to indicate them all because I'm concerned that they'd result in spoilers. There's so much happening in this book that I'd have a long list of potential themes but my recommendation is just enjoy the great writing and don't worry about the therapeutic value of the story.
LIKELY TO BE ONE OF MY BEST OF 2015 BOOKS!!!
Purchase 'Brentwood's Ward' at: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM; Book Depository.
GIVEAWAY: A copy of Brentward's Ward to one of our Valentine's Day weekend commenters!
GIVEAWAY: A copy of Brentward's Ward to one of our Valentine's Day weekend commenters!
Love to read about this era! Ready to dig in!!
ReplyDeleteLove to read about this era! Ready to dig in!!
ReplyDeleteI love this era, too, particularly in the US, where it isn't Regency here, but Early American!
DeleteThis looks wonderful and I am intrigued by all of the reviews I have read for it so far, including yours. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThat's what got me looking at this, Lynda! You're welcome!
DeleteLooks like a book to be read! Thx for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteAnne@rightler.com
I think she has a 5 star average on Amazon and with good reason, Anne!
Deletesounds like a book I would love to read with a cup of coffee. Thanks for the giveaway. Hope you have a Happy V day.
ReplyDeleteIt is sort of long, Tammy. I'd recommend spacing out your read so you can savor it. It's so good, you won't want it to end!!!
DeleteI haven't read much in this time period. The book sounds quite interesting. I'd love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
Cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Really? Have you read any of Julie Klassman's books? How about Sarah E. Ladd's? Melanie Dickerson also has a Regency coming out eventually!
DeleteI just got this one in the mail from Michelle, and now you have me even more excited about reading it. What a great review, CARRIE! Noela spoke so highly of this one as well, and I KNEW I would have to read it. SOON!
ReplyDeleteI got this from NG, Diana! Wonderful book!!!
DeleteBeautiful, glowing review, Carrie!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading "Brentwood's Ward" - I've read so many wonderful reviews of Michelle's writing!! With MaryLu Tyndall, yourself and Noela - each recommending this book, I'm sure to have a wonderful reading experience!!
Shared post!!
TY! We have to get you onto NetGalley, Bonnie! Hugs!
DeleteWhat an excellent review Carrie. You have really made the book come to life. I love to read about this time period. I wold love to read this one. I hope your health is improving and you are feeling better. My prayers continue to be with you. Happy Valentines Day I hope you had a wonderful day with your sweetie !
ReplyDeleteDee, I think better to read Noela's to bring it to life as she did fab review. Am so GRATEFUL to have power on again and heat in the house this afternoon after 16-17 hours without it!!! TY!
DeleteI have really been looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Valentine's Day!! :)
ReplyDeletecrazybooklover7 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Hope your Valentine's Day was good, Aerykah! Mine was until we lost power at 9 pm!!! TY!
DeleteOh, this looks like a goodie! Thank you so much for the chance to win a great novel and a wonderful gift. Your team finds the best books.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Barb
Barb, With Noela's glowing review I could NOT resist reading even though I have edits due plus I'm finishing up another new novella. It was well worth the read! TY!
DeleteWhoops! barbjan10@tx.rr.com
ReplyDeleteBarb, I've known u for years as you were one of my first followers! I know where to find you! Hugs!
DeleteWOW! Thanks for the fantastic review. Now I MUST read Brentwood's Ward!!!!! Happy Valentine's Day. :)
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com
Don't pass this one up, Caryl! Hope your day was good! I'm nice and warm now and about to put the thermostat even higher. 52 degrees in the house was too cold, without power! TY!
DeleteThank you for sharing your review, this looks like a great book. I would love the chance to win it. griperang at embarqmail dot com
ReplyDeleteWill enter you, Angela! You are welcome!
DeleteI am hearing such exciting things about this book! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteNancy, this book should do VERY well! Blessings!
DeleteI am waiting for my Valentine to arrive as I read this review. I really enjoyed Michelle's first book set in this time!
ReplyDeletePatty, if this book is any indication, Michelle will be a Regency knock out!!!
DeleteHappy Valentine's Day! What a great giveaway! Sounds like a winner to me!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Melanie, I highly recommend it for your book club! Blessings!
DeleteI am really looking forward to reading this book. The regency period is one of my favorites. Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteWell, Loraine, Regency just added a stellar author to its league!!! You are welcome!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite time period to read! I'm ready to read it, simply based on your review Carrie! Thanks so much for sharing this book giveaway! Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteRobin in NC rw620 at aol dot com
Robin, did you get to read Noela's amazing review? I don't usually do them but couldn't resist on this book. Am glad I have power back on and stay safe down in NC!!!
DeleteThanks for such a great review. I can't wait to read this book! It has been in my TBR pile for a while. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteI pulled this right out of my TBR after Noela reviewed it, Lori!!! TY and YW! Great post-Valentine's Day gift of electricity back on!!!!
DeleteThis does sound like a great gift to give to myself.
ReplyDeleteDo it Mary! Self-gifting is great!
DeleteThis sounds just like my kind of read! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteTY & YW! I'm glad we review your kind of reads here!
DeleteHello Carrie. WOW! what praise this book arthur is getting. Must really be good. I've been trying to win it. Hope all of my OWG girls had a wonderful Valentines day. GOD bless you all. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDelete(((Hugs))) to all of you sweeties. :)
Maxie, I pray this book gets into your sweet hands very soon! It's really a super book! (((HUGS)))
DeleteFabulous review of this terrific book, Carrie!! Have to say Carrie, I was rather impressed by the 'wordsmithing' in your review, as I am with all of your own books!! :) And I love that my review was instrumental in you reading this fabulous book!! Hey have you also read Michelle's 'A Heart Deceived'? I have a review of that one on Amazon... That was a WOW book as well! :)
ReplyDeleteI have the book on Kindle, Noela, and now that you've recommended it, I'll check it out. Will go and check out your review!!! TY for your kind words.
DeleteWonderful review, I can't wait to read Brentwood's Ward. I love how I learn new things while reading... runners were something new. :)
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Yes, I love that too, Merry--love those Editorial notes or Authors notes at the end of a book that gives tidbits!!! Another author who includes all kinds of cool historical stuff is Susan F. Craft (and I do, too, in my books!) TY!
DeleteWow. I am humbled beyond words. Thank you, Carrie for hosting my book on your blog. And thank you, readers for your warm responses!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Michelle. Great read!
DeleteSounds good! Want to read this!
ReplyDeleteamandatonar@yahoo.com
You'll love it, Amanda!!!
Delete