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A READER'S OPINION I want to preface this review by saying, I don't normally read middle-grade books. In fact, I recall reading only one or two in my adult life, but I was so drawn in by the book cover, the setting, and the description, that I decided to give this one a try. I honestly didn't imagine I could be drawn into a younger-audience story as much as the author managed with SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK. The Biltmore Estate, the mystery of the Smoky Mountains, a young girl caught in a mysterious disappearance, and her desire to learn more about herself, are all richly combined into one remarkable story. SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK is a thrilling ride of suspense, self-worth, bravery, and relationships. I cannot tell you more without risk of giving something away. Bravo to Robert Beatty for a wonderful story that has you experiencing Serafina’s adventures right alongside her. I immediately ordered SERAFINA AND THE TWISTED STAFF because I couldn't wait to continue my adventures with this vivacious and fascinating character. Adults, don't shy away from this book—it's one for all ages! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : MK McClintock BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS "Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul." Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and opulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A mysterious man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy, but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity. Historical Mystery/Middle-Grade | June 14, 2016 | 320pp | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Format Read: Hardcover | Source: From the reviewer's personal library. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick #EditorRecommended

A READER'S OPINION ROLF'S QUEST by Aubrey Wynne is a sweet tale of magic. This fun story is based on Merlin the Magician! It has elements of romance, magic, curses, wizards, just enough to keep the readers' interest. It tells the story of Rolf, a cursed magician, who is determined to break the curse that haunts his family. He often dreams of a beautiful lady named Melissa, who might be able to help him break this curse. Unfortunately, she has been betrothed to Lord Roker ever since she was a child. Rolf, a descendant of Merlin, who is trapped and awaiting his release, must find true love without using his magic. Both Rolf and Melissa's journey will be filled with twists and turns. If you want to know what happens next you’ll need to read the story—it was fun! If you love tales with magic and charming characters, then ROLF'S QUEST is perfect for you! Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A wizard, a curse, a fated love… When Rolf finally discovers the woman who can end the curse that has plagued his family for centuries, she is already betrothed. Time is running out for the royal wizard of King Henry II. If he cannot find true love without the use of sorcery, the magic will die for future generations. Melissa is intrigued by the mystical, handsome man that haunts her by night and tempts her by day. His bizarre tale of Merlin, enchantments, and finding genuine love has her questioning his sanity and her heart. From the moment Melissa stepped from his dreams and into his arms, Rolf knew she was his destiny. Now, he will battle against time, a powerful duke, and call on the gods to save her. Historical Romance with Fantasy Elements | February 1, 2017 | 234pp Publisher: Plato Publishing | Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance #FantasyRomance

A READER'S OPINION An intriguing blend of action, mystery, and suspense, EXODUS '95 follows the story of Claire, a graphic designer who learns a secret that is more dangerous than she realizes. When it's discovered how Claire's neighbor impressed upon her mind his knowledge, the truth seem dubious, but sound. Her quest collides with Israeli engineer Dan Ze’evi who entered the fray without all the details, but little choice if he wants to save his company. From Italy to Tel Aviv to Cairo, the author traverses the globe at a blistering pace while keeping the reader on the edge. We are given little clues along the way but crave more as the story unfolds. Claire and Dan, both excellent characters with depth, are in a race of discovery for Moses' Biblical staff. Will they survive against the extremists who will stop at nothing to possess or destroy the staff? EXODUS '95 is well-written, detailed, and entertaining. The author kept up the action-packed pace from the start to finish. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Claire, a young graphic designer, learns a secret that her dying New York neighbor has kept for twenty years: the whereabouts of Moses' Biblical staff. Claire needs the help of an Israeli engineer and the money of a Russian oligarch to recover the staff before her body betrays her. But first she needs to stay alive in a race with fanatics, who will do anything to keep the staff from coming to light. Then the LORD said to Moses: Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. Mystery/Thriller | May 1, 2017 | 225pp | Publisher: Pine Ten Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #412Stars #MysteryThriller #ReviewersTopPick

Congratulations to J.R. Lindermuth, author of SHARES THE DARKNESS, winner of the March 2017 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! #CoverContestWinner

A READER'S OPINION Emotionally charged! Rhonda Frankhouser really surprised me with her book RETURN TO RUBY'S RANCH! Rhonda Frankhouser is a new-to-me author and I truly didn't know what to expect! I chose to read it because of the cover; it felt so romantic. I'm totally surprised by the intensity of this suspense—it kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, had me turning pages after pages, and kept me reading late last night. Once you start reading it, you'll need to know more! Beware, this story is emotionally charged and but beautifully written! RETURN TO RUBY'S RANCH tells the story of families torn apart by lies and secrets! The heroine, Ruby Lattrell, inherited from her grandmother, Ruby's Ranch, where she wishes to make a new start. To do that, she needs answers to her mother’s, Katherine’s, disappearance. Welcoming her back to the ranch is her old friend Billy who secretly always loved her. Suddenly, in her grandmother’s room, Ruby discovers letters that reveals shocking secrets. Could it be true? At that moment I could not put it down! Can hope, trust, and forgiveness give a chance to these people so they can move on with their lives and forget their past mistakes? If you love stories about family relationship then you will be very pleased with RETURN TO RUBY'S RANCH! The author slowly built the suspense and blended her charming characters into a realistic family drama. I’m not disappointed! Eagerly awaiting her next book! Excellent blend of suspense and a dash of romance! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Ruby Lattrell inherited Ruby's Ranch after the death of her grandmother. Before she can begin to live her own life, she has to answer the questions that have haunted her for the two decades since her father dragged her away from the only true home she had ever known. What really happened to her beloved mother? And what drove her poor Granny Rube insane? When Ruby returns to the ranch, her chance at true happiness comes in the form of a handsome cowboy named Billy McCallister—who has loved her since they were kids. Will the truth about her mother come between them? In the end, Ruby finds all of her answers with the shocking death of someone dear, and a surreal family reunion that will give the reader unrelenting hope for happy endings. Genre: Contemporary Romance/Suspense | November 16, 201 |202pp Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing LLC | Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #ContemporaryRomance #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION THE LOST BOOK OF WONDERS by Chad Brecher is a historical thriller about the quest for the Garden of Eden that Marco Polo supposedly sought and perhaps found but kept the secret safe for centuries. Safe, until a canal is dredged in Venice and a box is found with some of Polo’s artefacts inside. These come into possession of Dr. Ellie Griffiths an archaeologist, and Alex Stone an earnest undergraduate student. These items soon lead Ellie and Alex on an adventurous and life-threatening quest, as there exist others who are interested in finding the Garden for their own ends, one for the betterment of humanity, the other for his own selfish purposes. Both will do anything they can to find Eden! This is an ambitious 474-page debut novel from Chad Brecher and one that fans of Allan Quatermain and Indiana Jones will especially like. It has Biblical elements, historic people and places, and even the promise of finding Eden’s Tree of Life, the leaves of which have amazing curative properties. History buffs will appreciate the lengthy historical sidebars that Ellie and Alex get into, but which can be skimmed over if you find them too protracted, without interfering in the storyline. Overall, a good, action-filled historical adventure thriller that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can read them at times. While some plot turns are telegraphed by the author (or experienced readers may see coming a mile away e.g., Alex & Ellie = Adam & Eve), other twists come as much of a surprise to the reader as they do to the characters themselves. Definitely a worthwhile read, and proof that a good story can be told without profanity or sexual elements. Rating : 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : James M. Fisher BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Venice is sinking. As engineers struggle to save the city from its watery fate, a metal chest is discovered beneath the surface of a murky canal. Tossed into the waters in 1355, it contains the long-lost possessions of none other than the famed explorer Marco Polo. When the chest is brought to light, its discovery stirs an ancient society from the shadows of history. Convinced that Polo died without revealing all he found during his voyage to the East, the society will stop at nothing to collect the pieces of the puzzle Polo left behind. A continent away, another clue has emerged. While on a mission to recover looted artifacts in war-torn Iraq, Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Griffin, an expert in pre-Biblical and Biblical archeology, happens upon an unusual wooden box. When her expedition goes horribly wrong, Ellie is left broken, but with the box. Determined to uncover the significance of this mysterious find, Ellie teams up with Alex Stone, a precocious graduate student, and soon, the two embark on a journey that takes them across the world in pursuit of the greatest treasure imaginable, a prize searched for and dreamed about since the beginning of time. Historical Mystery/Thriller | April 6, 2017 | 474pp | Publisher: Deeds Publishing Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalMystery #MysteryThriller

"Vicki Batman has done it again! Her quirky and endearing character Hattie Cooks has once again taken us on a wild ride full of romance, humor, and mystery." — Amazon Reviewer FEATURED BOOK No man. Bad job. And Murder. Hattie Cooks is still searching for her dream job and one might be available...in the Big Apple, far from friends, family, and Allan Wellborn, the man who still makes her heart race. In the meantime, she finds temporary employment at an accounting firm where two auditor friends turn up dead. Detective Allan Wellborn dropped Hattie for Blonde Bimbo who, coincidentally, is employed at NLB where fishy things are taking place. When Allan interviews Hattie, he must determine why all signs point to her as a suspect. Can Hattie discover why Allan dumped her and who is murdering auditors before death strikes again? AMAZON | PAPERBACK | WILD ROSE PRESS Add to Goodreads Series: A Hattie Cooks Mystery, Book 2 | Genre: Romance - Contemporary Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Content Rating: PG-13 Q&A with Vicki Batman In a few words, what can you tell us about your newest release? Temporarily Insane is a romantic comedy mystery, and the second in the Hattie Cooks mystery series. Can Hattie discover why Allan dumped her and who is murdering auditors before death strikes again? Do you remember the moment when you first considered yourself a writer? Yes! I began my writing career by writing a book, but was sidetracked into writing short stories. Not very many publishers were taking them then; so I submitted to the True magazines. Was I thrilled when they liked my work. I kept submitting and they published thirteen. This really taught me how to hone my craft and even today, I write and sell short stories. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? Early in my writing career, I submitted to contests as I didn’t have a critique partner to help me out. I received judges’ scores back and on one was written, “Why are you writing?” I told several fellow writers and they were appalled. Some said to turn the judge in, but I couldn’t do that. I was too shy. After two days, I pulled myself together and thought, “No one is going to determine my destiny but me.” I doubt the judge intended that response. And now, I can be grateful she wrote that. One of the best compliments came for Temporarily Insane : Vicki Batman is a master at creating quirky characters. Hattie is a delight. Mix all of her quirkiness with an assortment of equally unusual characters and a hot hunk of a hero and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a good book. Add in a murder mystery and the story elevates to great. What is your favorite scene in Temporarily Insane ? Hattie reluctantly agrees to take her co-worker, Stuart, to a party. In this scene, she sets the rules: “We need to cover the ground rules.” “Ground rules?” His brow vee-ed. “Is this normal?” “Absolutely.” I nodded. “The ground rules are: No kissing. No hugging. No whispering lovey-dovey stuff in my ear. No nothing. Understand?” “I understand, but I thought people in love do this.” “Let’s set the record straight right now—we are not in love. And here’s another rule: don’t speak to anyone.” “Don’t talk to anyone—why not?” Noticing the bizarre look on his face, I relented. “Okay, you can talk. Just say one sentence.” “Is this a weird family thing?” “Nope. It’s a Hattie-who-is-being-nice thing.” What appeals to you most about your chosen genre? I’ve read mysteries since I was a kid. When I was fourteen, my mom introduced me to romance. Every now and then, I’d pick up a book and really enjoy laughing. I craved more. When I began writing, the humor flowed into my work naturally. To tell the truth, I didn’t know I was funny until a girlfriend told me so. “Temporarily Insane,” Vicki Batman’s follow up to “Temporarily Employed,” is an unpredictable combination of humor, romance, and mystery. Hattie Cooks is smart and sharp-witted. The author takes the reader right into Hattie’s head from the very first page and readers are with her every step of the way." — Amazon Reviewer THE AUTHOR Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, Vicki Batman , has sold many romantic comedy works to the True magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two romantic comedy mysteries to The Wild Rose Press. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and several writing groups. An avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Cat fancier. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??" Visit the author at www.vickibatman.blogspot.com . #AuthorInterview #ContemporaryRomance

A READER'S OPINION Charm, humor, and sizzling romance are blended into this well-written historical romance. IF THE DUKE DEMANDS is the first book I've read by Anna Harrington, and I thought it was delightful. I enjoyed the author's writing style and how well she blended the romance, drama, angst, and humor. Normally I find one overpowers the other, but not the case here. Miranda and Sebastian are fascinating characters, even if they do make a few decisions that had me wanting to beat their heads in . . . until the author pulled them back and made me fall in love with them again. The building chemistry between these two is fantastic! Miranda has to wonder if her former love is the man of her dreams while Sebastian isn't sure how to handle the growing, and unexpected, feelings he has for Miranda. Fans of historical romance are bound to enjoy Anna Harrington's storytelling style. Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A LESSON IN SEDUCTION . . . Miranda Hodgkins has only ever wanted one thing: to marry Robert Carlisle. And she simply can't wait a moment longer. During the Carlisle family masquerade ball, Miranda boldly sneaks into his bedchamber with seduction on her mind. Soon she's swept into rock-hard arms for the most breathtaking kiss of her life. But when the masks come off, she's horrified to find herself face-to-face with Sebastian, the Duke of Trent-Robert's formidable older brother. Shocked to find Miranda in his bed, Sebastian quickly offers her a deal to avoid scandal: He'll help her win his brother's heart if she'll find him the perfect wife. But what begins as a simple negotiation soon spirals out of control. For the longer this reformed rake tries to make a match for Miranda, the more he wants to keep her all to himself. Historical Romance/Regency | February 28, 2017 | 368pp | Publisher: Forever Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance

A READER'S OPINION An absolutely fantastic Scottish tale! Anna Markland did an amazing job researching history for her novella, HIGHLAND BETRAYAL. Written with words that flew off the pages, this action-packed Scottish tale really pleased me, and grabbed my attention from the first page until the very end. This author never disappoints me! If you love a story filled with adventure, danger, and historical facts, you'll find all of these elements with a touch of romance in HIGHLAND BETRAYAL. This is an intriguing tale that will surely captivate your heart! HIGHLAND BETRAYAL is based on the true story of the rescue of Scotland’s Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell’s clutches, and according to historical details, it appears that a woman had a key role in this theft. The plot is well paced to keep readers interested with all the twists and turns during the heroine and hero’s perilous journey. The heroine, Hannah Kincaid, a brave and smart woman, is a Royalist spy who is tasked with a mission to steal the King’s crown, sword, and sceptre. The hero, Morgan Pendray, is a Welsh soldier whose mission is to invade Scotland. During a brief moment, he spots her and becomes fascinated by this brave woman. Who is she? Will destiny have their paths crossed? Will a single kiss do it’s magic? Who is the traitor? There is no denying that there is a beautiful chemistry between Hannah and Morgan! Lovers of Scotland’s history will love HIGHLAND BETRAYAL! Anna Markland’s Scottish adventures are always fun to read! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Morgan Pendray is a career soldier, a Welshman serving in the English Parliamentary army sent to invade Scotland. Hannah Kincaid is a Royalist spy who spirits away Scotland's crown jewels from under Cromwell's nose. Can history bridge the gap between them? Genre: Historical Highland Romance | Pub Date: April 17, 2017 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #HighlandRomance #ReviewersTopPick

Every once in a while we like to spotlight books reviewed at Books & Benches. These all received 4 stars or higher from one of our dedicated, book-loving reviewers. We hope you enjoy discovering great new reads! THE BOOKS (In no particular order.) HOUSE OF SHADOWS by Nicola Cornick THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN by Charlie Donlea COURTING CARRIE IN WONDERLAND by Carla Kelly DEFENDED BY A HIGHLAND RENEGADE by Vonda Sinclair THE WITCHFINDER'S SISTER by Beth Underdown FOR THE LOVE OF A WIDOW by Christina McKnight SCORCHED by Paula Quinn REMNANTS by Carolyn Arnold A FEVER OF THE BLOOD by Oscar de Muriel BROTHERLY LOVE by Lorna Peel #10BooksList

"This is definitely a novel that I would read again. It is going to stay on my bookshelf for a very, very long time." —Readers' Favorite FEATURED BOOK Unchained Melody by Cynthia Roberts Pamela Landers had it all, a senior partnership with a top law firm, expensive car, and a luxurious condo. What she desired most was a loving husband, children and a life filled with precious memories that would comfort her through her golden years. Funny how fate has a way of steering you down that path where dreams really can come true. When Pamela encounters Gavin Templeton along her journey, she has some life-altering decisions to make that eventually lead her to happily ever after she always dreamed of. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | SMASHWORDS | IBOOKS | KOBO Add to Goodreads Series: Love Song Standards, Book 1 | Genre: Romance - Contemporary | Heat Level: 5 Q&A with Author Name What is your favorite motivational phrase? Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by those moments that take your breath away. What is your favorite quote? This is a sign off just below my email signature that reads, "Without imagination and dreams, we lose the excitement of wonderful possibilities." What can you tell us about your newest release? When I write, I love to listen to my iTunes library of old classic love songs. I have always been a die-hard romantic, and the classics are so inspiring. I thought, how awesome it would be to write a series of contemporary romances titled after some of the greatest American Standards ever written. So, my Love Song Standards Series was born. I started with Unchained Melody , the popular ‘pottery’ background song for the movie Ghost, and of course, a top chart hit in 1965 sung by The Righteous Brothers. I’ve completed six books in the series so far and hoping to finish the final four this year. Each book can stand alone, but the covers actually tie them all in. When I worked with my book designer, it was important that they resembled each other, but still had a look apart. What are three things people don’t know about you? I volunteer with at-risk teens, just five years ago I was homeless and lived in my car for three weeks after losing everything when the market nose-dived, and I would love to start a foundation that took care of those in need right here in our own country, including our Native Americans for the injustices our government have caused. What else have you written? I’m a cross-writer in the romance genre. I’ve written historical, suspense, suspense with a blend of sci-fi, and that one in particular (titled Keeper’s Watch) I can tell you was totally unexpected. And, of course, contemporary romance tops it off. I also write feature screenplays, which have been entered in some pretty prestigious contests. My most recent, Because I Can , made it to semi-finalist out of 900 submissions this past February. I was stoked! Sadly, I didn’t make the Top 10, but I’m hopeful one day somebody in Hollywood will opt to purchase one of my works. Readers' Favorite reviewer on Unchained Melody "This was a very sweet novel. There is no other way to describe it. Unchained Melody is a clean, passionate, and very good romance that you will love to read again and again. Pamela's journey is honest, something that every working woman can relate to. She is a great character, and Gavin is a very cool guy. This is perhaps the first romance novel I have read this year that is smooth, well conceived, and very well written. This is definitely a novel that I would read again. It is going to stay on my bookshelf for a very, very long time." THE AUTHOR My love of reading romance fiction goes back to those early years when I was raising a young family. It wasn't until much later in life I actually took up the pen to write. I wish I could have gotten to this point in my career much sooner rather than later but, life simply got in the way far too many times. I know because of those detours I have become a more passionate and expressive writer because I can draw upon those painful moments in my past when I need to create the kind of raw human emotion I want my readership to feel. My wish is that my readers walk away with not just an entertaining read but the importance in knowing, "Without imagination & dreams, we lose the excitement of wonderful possibilities." Visit the author at romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com . #AuthorInterview #ContemporaryRomance

In an unforgettable debut, Lisa Berne introduces you to the Penhallow Dynasty—men destined to marry, but hesitant to love. Wealthy and arrogant, Gabriel Penhallow knows it’s time to fulfill his dynastic duty. All he must do is follow “The Penhallow way”—find a biddable bride, produce an heir and a spare, and then live separate lives. It’s worked so well for generations, certainly one kiss with the delectable Livia Stuart isn’t going to change things. Society dictates he marry her, and one chit is as good as another as long as she’s from a decent family. But Livia’s transformation from an original to a mundane diamond of the first water makes Gabriel realize he desperately wants the woman who somehow provoked him into that kiss. And for all the ladies who’ve thrown themselves at him, it’s the one who wants to flee whom he now wants. But how will he keep this independent miss from flying away? AMAZON | B&N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO 384 Pgs. |Heat: 3 | Series Info | Avon | Rel: Mar 28, 2017 ENJOY AN EXCERPT from You May Kiss the Bride She had been dismissed. Livia rose and after dipping the briefest of curtsies in Lady Glanville’s direction, went to the door with long strides, so angry that she felt she had to get out of there or explode. Behind her she heard Aunt Bella saying in a soft little bleat, “Livia! No word of gratitude! Pray come back!” Instead, she closed the door with exaggerated gentleness and leaned against it for a moment. By the bannister stood a maidservant with an armful of gowns. With a muttered sentence of thanks Livia took them and hurried upstairs to her room where with savage satisfaction she flung the gowns against the wall, leaving them to lie in a crumpled heap on the floor. She paced back and forth, back and forth, until the red haze of rage subsided. Then she went to her bed and dropped full­length upon it with unladylike abandon, causing the old wood frame to creak alarmingly. It was stupid of her, she knew, to react like that to the Orrs. But it was hard, so hard, when Cecily had every­ thing and she had so very little. No parents, no brothers or sisters; no money, no education, no prospects. Your future must be thought of, too. It was strange, now that she considered it, how little time she had spent thinking about her future. Possibly because there was no point to it. In her existence here she was like a great hoary tree, deeply, immovably, rooted into the earth. She couldn’t even hang on to the morbid hope of inheriting anything from Uncle Charles when he died. He’d run through most of Aunt Bella’s money ages ago, and year by year everything had slowly declined, dwindled, faded away. Now there wasn’t much left; the estate barely brought in enough for Aunt Bella to pay for her cordial, and for Uncle Charles to spend his days hunting, drinking, and eating. Speaking of romantic marriages. Well, it could be worse. At least she didn’t have a mother like that revolting Lady Glanville. Imagine having her breathing down one’s neck all day. Still, this was only a small consolation. A very small consolation. Livia thought about Cecily’s beautiful white gown and those elegant kid slippers with the dainty pink rosettes. It was those rosettes that did it. Envy, like a nasty little knife slipping easily into soft flesh, seemed to pierce her very soul. Abruptly Livia twisted onto her side and stared at nothing. She would not cry. Crying never helped anything. There came to her, suddenly, the memory of the first time she had met Cecily, some twelve years ago; they’d both been around six. Cecily and her mother had come to call. Livia, recently arrived from faraway India, desperately lonely, was so anxious to be friends with the lovely, beautifully dressed girl with the long shining curls. Shyly she had approached, trying to smile, and Cecily had responded by saying in a clear, carrying voice: “Oh, you’re the little orfin girl. Your papa was sent away from here and he died. And your grandpapa was a runaway and he drownded. And your mama drownded, too. Why is your skin so brown? Are you dirty?” And she had backed away, to hide behind the skirts of her mother Lady Glanville, who had said to her, with that same cold smile that never reached her eyes, “Poor little Livia isn’t a native, my dear, she’s every bit as English as you and I. The sun shines quite fiercely in India, and she had no mama or papa to make sure she stayed under her parasol. Do you see?” Livia had never forgotten the burning sense of shame from that day. Nor had Cecily made it any easier, for from time to time she would laughingly recall the occasion of their first meeting and how she had thought Livia to be unwashed, as if it was the funniest anecdote in all the world. Livia did not like to remember, even if only hazily, how when she was four, the monsoon season struck Kanpur with devastating onslaughts of rain. Both her widowed mother and her grandfather had died in a great flood, and it was with grudging reluctance that Uncle Charles had sent money for his niece’s passage to England. Upon arriving in Wiltshire, Livia was not so much welcomed into the home—if such the ancient, ram­ bling domicile known as Ealdor Abbey could be so termed—of Uncle Charles and Aunt Bella, as absorbed. Aside from grumbling within earshot about the expense of feeding her, Uncle Charles barely noticed her. Aunt Bella, childless, somnolent, always unwell, with interest in neither Society nor useful occupation, accepted Livia’s presence without a blink but also without care or concern for the little girl for whom she was, ostensibly, responsible. Oh, you’re the little orfin girl. Livia smiled without humor. Yes indeed, Cecily certainly had a knack for getting to the heart of things. Excerpt © Lisa Berne. Continue Reading AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO THE AUTHOR Lisa Berne read her first Georgette Heyer book at fourteen, and was instantly captivated. Later, she was a graduate student, a grantwriter, and an investment banker, but is thrilled to be returning to her roots and writing her own historical-romance novels! She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS #ExcerptPost #GuestAuthor #HistoricalRomance