A Necessary Deception, Book review

Book description:

When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting her family in danger?

Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.

My review:

With 'A Necessary Deception, Laurie Alice Eakes introduces readers to her new series 'The Daughters of Bainbridge House'.

Set in the Regency era of London society it reminds us of a time when political tension betwixt England and France was strong. This was after all a time when Napoleon Bonaparte's Armies swept the European continent yet the Royal Navy ruled the seas, much to his chagrin.

Suspicion and distrust plagued many of the French emigres and spies were thought to be everywhere.

In 'A Necesary Deception' Laurie Alice Eakes brings us a glimpse of an elegant world complete with intrigues, drawing room etiquette, balls, mysteries, foreign spies and unsuitable suitors but somehow it fell short of my expectations. Her 'Midwives' series was after all well received and faithful readers spoke of fascinating historical background and intriguing characters.

Neither the young widow Lydia Gale or the Frenchman Christien de Meuse (living in England for 10 years seems to have a deplorable effect on his french articulation!) appeared as credible characters in this particular story however and the many extras added little to its development.

The plot in itself was enticing but as such provides little entertainment and confuses readers in its ultimate climax.

Regrettably I cannot say this is anything but a light historical novel to be enjoyed on a cold winter night, tucked by the fire perhaps with a nice box of chocolates to make it a bit sweeter!

I suggest you decide for yourself! After reading her first blog (here) and her latest one (here) there seems to be much more to this author than this one novel!
I gave it 3 stars.

About the author:

Laurie Alice Eakes grew up in a family of readers. Some of her earliest childhood memories are of being read to. She liked adventure stories the best. Once she started to read herself, she carried a book with her everywhere. When Laurie Alice was naughty (more than she likes to admit), her mother threatened to take her books away from her as a form of serious punishment. It worked. More (here)

 “Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book free from BAKER REVELL* as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

*Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.