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24 March 2016

Diana's Review Of Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd





Reviewed By Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)
~5 Stars~

Riveting Historical Fiction!

With the sweep of her pen, author Sandra Byrd has written an exotic, intriguing Victorian era novel with a permeating aura of mystery—wrapping an invisible veil around the reader and ensnaring them until that last exquisite page is turned.

A school teacher for young ladies in Winchester, England, Annabel Ashton is summoned for a seemingly short visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall, near the sea. However, she finds herself at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge, and is unable to leave. Highcliffe Hall is to go up for sale, and much to Annabel's horror Edward has promised her to a evil, menacing man of means. She has little say so in the matter as she was born the half Maltese, illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, making Edward and his wife heirs to Highcliffe. But soon sinister secrets surround Annabel as she starts to exhibit disquieting behavior—and jewelry, portraits, and other items begin to mysteriously appear, suggesting that she may be the true heiress of Highcliffe after all. Can she trust the handsome Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua to help her, or is he just using her as means to an end?

Lovers of Gothic era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside. I never knew anything about Malta and the author's amazing research of the island's people and customs totally fascinated me. There was more than one time I wanted to thump Annabel on the head and say, "Do something!" until she finally read my thoughts and DID something that knocked the props right out from under me! To say I was shocked would be an understatement! And oh, the hunky, romantic hero...be still my heart! Although the story may appear dark from the description, the playful, humorous quips between the two main characters, the balls, shipboard dinners, and fireworks (real and those between the hero and heroine!), keep it from being so. With many haunting plot twists, vivid detail, and a mesmerizing plot, this is one novel I'll long remember!


"Alla fine andrà tutto bene se non andrà bene, non e le fine".
"All will be well in the end; if it's not well, then it's not the end."
~Quote From Bride of a Distant Isle~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Thanks to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Sandra Byrd is generously giving away a paperback copy of Bride of a Distant Isle to one blessed commenter AND a gorgeous cameo bookmark to another! *US entrants only.* To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Beautiful Cameo Bookmarks By Nicole Laverdure!

74 comments:

  1. Great review! Can't wait to read it.

    2bbonniesue(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much, BONNIE! Sandra Byrd can really write a wonderful story!

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  2. Her books are so amazingly well-done...I'd love to read it, then review it. jksfamily5(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Indeed they are, SUSAN! Her research is impeccable!

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  3. With the sweep of her pen, Diana Flowers has written another stellar review. ;)
    Luke

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    1. Aww, you just made my day! Thanks, LUKE! This book was fairly deep and had a lot of substance, so I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to do it justice! :/

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    2. I'd say you did! Never fear blondie. ;)

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    3. You're too kind. :) Hope you are having a great trip and able to take in some sights! Blessed Easter to you, bud.

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  4. What an interesting story! Looking forward to reading this story.
    ahenderson312(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I so hope you get the chance ASAP, MELISSA! You'll love it!

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  5. Though Sandra Byrd is a new author to me, I can't wait to read this book. Sounds so interesting.
    princessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. If you get the chance, DEBBIE, be sure to read Book One in the series, Mist of Midnight! It's awesome! It isn't necessary to read it before this one, however. They both stand alone very well! Just wanted to recommend it to you.

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  6. What was the spiritual arc Diana? Thanks for the lovely review!

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    1. You're welcome, CARRIE! The heroine is a Christian and seeks God with all of her heart to deliver her from the dilemma she is in. And she is definitely in a pickle!

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    2. Thanks, Diana! I bet this will be on audiobook. I used to love gothic stories! Still do!

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    3. It more than likely will be on audiobook, Carrie. I loved Jane Eyre, and some of Julie Klassen's and Sarah Ladd's books also have a Gothic aura.

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  7. Stunning review!!!! You have me aching to read this one NOW!!!! I do have it on order so I can't wait to get into it when it arrives.

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    1. Thanks so much, KAV! Aching and salivating? LOL You will love it!

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  8. Oh, this sounds sooo good! I need to add this to my TBR list! Thank you for this opportunity! katie07edgar(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Welcome to OWG, KATIE! Be sure to put it at the top!!

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  9. Thank you so much for your lovely review!!! And a special thanks, too, to everyone who will give the book a ready! xx

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    1. You're welcome, SANDRA! What a pleasure it was reading your exquisite writing!

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  10. I haven't had the chance to read a book by Sandra Byrd yet, so this would be a great start. Sounds like an incredible story and what a pretty cover.
    amylsmith AT bledsoe dot net

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    1. She is remarkable, AIMEE! If you get a chance, try to read the first one in this series as well -- Mist of Midnight. It has been on sale a couple of times. It isn't necessary to read the first one before reading this, but I think you'll love it!

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  11. Diana,love your review. What a great quote! I don't know anything about Malta, either, so that is a plus for this book. It sounds like one I'd like to read. Blessings, KM

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    1. I love that quote and just had to share it with all of you, KAY! I enjoy traveling to exotic places via books, don't you? ;)

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    2. Diana, I do enjoy traveling by book. I've been alot of different places that way!

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    3. More than I'll ever get to in this lifetime, KAY! lol

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  12. Wonderful review! Another book to add to my TBR list. The first one is already there!

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    1. Oh, yes, LORI! Add this one to it for sure! Simply amazing books. Thank you for coming by!

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    2. LORI, could you leave your email address, sweetie? We need one for contact purposes should you be our blessed winner. Thx!!

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  13. Diana! Stop making me laugh with your reviews!!! I have this book, but would love to win those cameos...if you draw my name, can I just get that and you can draw another for the book??!?? *wink wink. O, and did someone say there's a book 1??!! Hmmm.. I might need to read that one first.....

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    1. LOL, ANNIE! Of course, we'll count you in on the cameo bookmark! I would love to have one of those myself! Gorgeous and so unusual! Yes, Mist of Midnight is Book One, but they don't have to be read in sequence. Each novel is separate. But, you'll want to read the 1st one! ;)

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  14. This sounds like a great book, and the cameos are gorgeous. I would love to win either one. Thank you for the chance.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. Hi, SUSAN! Both are wonderful giveaways and Sandra is so generous and sweet to offer them! Good luck!

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  15. I can't wait to see what she did that knocked the props right out from under you. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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    1. JAN, you would never guess in a million years. Lol! But I'll bet you'll want to thump her in the head a few times yourself. You'll love her though.

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  16. Wow!! Sounds like an incredible book. Loved Mist at Midnight and can't wait to get caught up in this book!!!!! Dbucciotr(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Diane, welcome to OWG! Both books are marvelous and I'm not sure which one I liked the best. It would be hard to choose. I hope you get a chance to read this one ASAP.

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  17. If the synopsis of the book hadn't pulled me in, your review definitely would have. Looks like another great book to add to my TBR list.
    reneerachoyolsenATgmailDOTcom

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    1. What a nice thing to say, HEATHER! Thank you! Perhaps you'll win a copy here to add to your TBR. :)

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  18. DIANA, wow mate, you truly make this book a must-have-right-now book with your exquisite and glowing review!! Well done, I'm sure you have made Sandra Byrd proud! :-)

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    1. Aww...you made my night, NOELA. Thank you, my dear friend and cohort. Now you know how I feel when I read your fantabulous reviews. That same must-have-right-now desperation. lol Love you!

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  19. Diana - what a wonderful review! I certainly would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you so much, BETTI! Good luck to you, my friend.

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  20. Hello and thank you for the chance to win... I wish everyone luck... This book sounds fantastic..

    Email... oldsexy50 At gmail dot com

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    1. Hi, TERRYLEE! It is fantastic! Love your email addy. Sounds like you still got it going on. Lol

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  21. Thank you for the great review and giveaway. I love the title and the cover is just beautiful.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, MELANIE! Bride of a Distant Isle has a special meaning in the story, but you'll have to read it to find out what. Lol

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  22. Thank you for this review! Looking forward to reading this. Sounds like an interesting, mysterious story! lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome, LYNNE. I hope you get the chance to read this one ASAP! Good luck in the drawing!

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  23. This author is on my TBR list, so I would really love to speed up the process by winning a copy of this book1 rmaney(at)firstarpchurch(dot)org

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    1. Hi, REBECCA! Let's hope random number LOVES you and helps you speed up the process! lol Sandra Byrd is such a marvelous author and her descriptive imagery is second to none. Thanks for coming by and God bless!

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  24. Nice review. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom.

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  25. Wow!! This looks like a great read!! Thanks for the chance!1

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    1. JENNIFER, hi and welcome to OWG! You're so welcome! Could you please come back and leave your email address for contact purposes should your name be drawn? Have a blessed Easter!

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  26. I would love to win this book! It sounds like a great book!
    grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. BRENDA, it would make a wonderful Easter gift, wouldn't it? Besides the best gift of all that is! HE AROSE!!

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  27. DIANA, I loved your fabulous review! Blessings to you!

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    1. CARYL, thank you! Have you read this yet? Blessings back atcha, sweet friend!

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  28. I have read all her Historical Novels and love the depth of her story line and her accurate details of the period she is writing about. I can't wait to read this next book in "The Daughters of Hampshire."

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    1. debrah.nash@juno.com

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    2. That's what I enjoy so much too, DEBRAH. When I was a little girl I would skip over a lot of that stuff in books, but now I just drink it in. Have a blessed Easter.

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  29. What a beautiful review, Diana. So many of my Goodreads friends have read this and say it's great. I am super excited to have an opportunity to try to win it. Thank you for the chance!

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    1. Thank you, DEANNE! It is so awesome. I hope you get the chance to read it ASAP. Happy Easter!

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  30. Great review, Diana. Makes me want to read this book, too! Thanks for the kind mention.

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    1. You're welcome, JULIE! And thank you for the kind words! Both of you are amazing authors, and you have a lot in common in the WAY that you write. I hope you read Sandra's book. I believe that you will enjoy it. Thank you so much for coming by.

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  31. This sounds like an excellent book! Thanks for sharing it! Nancycooks4u[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thank you for coming by, NANCY! I hope you get the chance to read it ASAP as it is amazing to say the least! Blessings!

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  32. Congrats to winners via random number, Heather Olsen and Terrylee Warren! Thanks to all who came by & commented!

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    1. Hurray Hurray I am SOOOOOO excited about winning the book and the BOOK MARKER!! THE BOOK MARK IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.💜

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    2. TERRYLEE, I emailed you. Heather won the book, and you won the beautiful cameo bookmark! We had two separate winners for each of these prizes. Congrats!

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