Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta (Review)

• Series: Price of Privilege (Book 2)
• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 18, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1414375564

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.

My Review:

Overall I thought this was a good Christian regency book. It was confusing in the beginning until I remembered what happened in the first book and put it together with what was happening in the current book. It is the second book in a series and cannot be read alone. The characters and plot are well developed. I could not turn the pages fast enough. I am so ready for the next book to come out. It has dark Victorian undertones like a Bronte book. I could feel the atmosphere created. There was not a strong Christian message and Julia seems weak at times. The book is somewhat told from Julia's point of view looking back on her life. Otherwise a good regency book if read in order.






Jessica Dotta has always been fascinated by England during the Regency and Victorian era. Her passion for British Literature fueled her desire to write in a style that blends the humor of Jane Austen and the dark drama of a Bronte sister. She lives in the Nashville area with her family and works as a freelance media consultant and publicist.
 

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta (Review)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Born of Persuasion Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013) by Jessica Dotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

My Review:

Overall I liked this book. There were some good and some bad. The great include the way the author's writing took you back to 1838 England. I liked the feel of the book which was a little Gothic. I liked the plot and there were several twists and turns. At over 400 pages the book felt too long especially since it is the first book in the trilogy. There was some repetition in scenes that was a little annoying. The main character Julia goes back and forth so many times I lost count over Edward and Mr. Macy. The premise was interesting and kept me reading. The ending was abrupt and just cuts off the story. The second book in the series is previewed at the end so I know it will pick up. I do not see how this will be a trilogy. I will reserve judgment until I read the next book. Unfortunately we will have to wait a year. Recommended to readers who like this type of book.



Jessica Dotta has always been fascinated by England during the Regency and Victorian era. Her passion for British Literature fueled her desire to write in a style that blends the humor of Jane Austen and the dark drama of a Bronte sister. She lives in the Nashville area with her family and works as a freelance media consultant and publicist.