Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd - Blog Tour & Giveaway!
 |
| Mist of Midnight Daughters of Hampshire By Sandra Byrd Copyright 2015 Howard Books ISBN: 9781476717869 |
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.
To read more about the story and the author visit Sandra's website: http://sandrabyrd.com
Byrd has really outdone herself with this story. The attention to period details make you feel as though you're reading a story by someone who lived during the time. While our heroine is a daughter of missionaries, and the story is threaded with Scriptures, it doesn't feel preachy or heavy handed in its delivery. Captain Luke Whitfield is certainly a quiet force to be reckoned with. The perfect Gothic hero with that mysterious air.
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.
To read more about the story and the author visit Sandra's website: http://sandrabyrd.com
My Thoughts:
Not since Jane Eyre have I read a Gothic romance that has captured my heart so completely. From the exotic India to an English estate shrouded in mystery, Byrd’s eye for detail shines through on every page. Readers are sure to devour the tale of Rebecca Ravenshaw and her search for the truth behind the mysteries of Headbourne House and the handsome young captain who lives on the estate. As with any good Gothic story, there's a little mystery and of course there's a rambling estate covered with lands covered in mist and fog and, of course, a few characters you can't really pin down. Who is trustworthy? Who among them is full of lies and deception? Is someone going to meet their doom?
Byrd has really outdone herself with this story. The attention to period details make you feel as though you're reading a story by someone who lived during the time. While our heroine is a daughter of missionaries, and the story is threaded with Scriptures, it doesn't feel preachy or heavy handed in its delivery. Captain Luke Whitfield is certainly a quiet force to be reckoned with. The perfect Gothic hero with that mysterious air.
Mist of Midnight is, hopefully, part of a trend in Christian fiction towards more dramatic undertones and stories that toe the line between general market books and faith-based fiction. In a subgenre where I've read it all, seen it all before, books like Klassen's, Dotta's, and now Byrd's provide for a refreshing shift that explores the darker sides of the fictional world rather than just the saccharine sweet romance. Mist of Midnight is certainly one of the most intriguing tales I've read in a while, and I look forward to seeing where this series heads.
~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
**************
#MistOfMidnight Kindle Giveaway
Enter for the chance to win the all new Kindle Voyage touchscreen or other fantastic prizes including a copy of Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd!
Enter for the chance to win the all new Kindle Voyage touchscreen or other fantastic prizes including a copy of Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd!
Happy Reading!
Renee, I'm glad you enjoyed this book so much. Your enthusiasm shines through. Thanks for a great review, and for hosting this terrific giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Good luck in the giveaway. 😊
ReplyDelete