Born of Persuasion ~ Jessica Dotta (& Giveaway)…

I was contacted a few months ago and asked if I would be interested in reading a debut novel that was set to come out this fall. I was told to “think Austen meets Bronte set within the pages of Victoria Magazine”. I’ll have to admit I don’t commit a lot of time to reading books, I mostly read articles in magazines…So when I received “Born of Persuasion”, I wondered if this book would keep my attention. I sat down one evening and began to read – my intentions were more of an honored commitment because I said I would.  After just a few pages I was very intrigued and found myself reading deep into the evening, tea in hand for several chapters.  The way this book is written I could visually see the setting and felt the mood as it was described in the story.  It didn’t take me more than a week to complete the book – I read at every opportunity possible ~ not so I could finish the book, but because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!  I am really looking forward to the next book already. 

Here is a little tease below:

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.

“I am quite vexed with you.” Mrs. Windham placed a slice of lard cake on a plate. She eyed my dress hanging loosely over my frame, then added another sliver alongside a gooseberry tart. “Why did you not tell us your mother was ailing? Had I knowledge, I would have visited before she passed; indeed, I would have.”
My hand faltered as I reached for the plate. While I’d known the topic of Mama’s death was unavoidable, I had not expected it so soon.
“Mama.” Elizabeth cast her mother a disapproving look over the rim of her teacup. “You can scarcely blame Julia for it.”
“Blame Julia?” Mrs. Windham dabbed her eyes with the corner of her gardening apron. “What a notion, child.” Then to me, “Did she linger in much pain? Did she send me remembrances? Did she call for me in her deep despair?”
Tightness gathered in my chest as I sought for an explanation, knowing full well the Windhams wouldn’t be fooled into believing Mama had pined herself into an early grave over my father’s death. I placed the plate on my lap, then set about tearing the cake into bite-sized pieces. “She called for no one. The cholera took her quickly.”
Elizabeth froze, midsip, as if detecting my lie. Mrs. Windham frowned, but I wasn’t certain whether she sensed deception or simply disliked being robbed of the notion that Mama had died crying out for her.
Mrs. Windham turned toward the window, pressing her lace handkerchief against her mouth. “Well, if you’re going to try to spare me, I am sure there is nothing I can do.” Her voice trembled. “I have lost my dearest friend, but why should anyone consider me?”
A long silence ensued, during which Elizabeth frowned and I twisted my cup in its saucer. We both knew trying to start a new conversation would be useless until her mother had been properly indulged.
After a minute, Mrs. Windham’s mouth puckered. “Humph. Well, do not think yourself cleared on all accounts. I am even more outraged you agreed to have this . . . this guardian. I scarcely believed my own ears when I heard the tidings. Nothing, no, nothing, could have made me believe you would choose this person over me. Whatever are you thinking?” I tore the cake into yet smaller pieces.
Elizabeth darted an apologetic look at me, wrapping her hands about her cup. “Mama, you can scarcely blame Julia for whom her parents selected as her guardian.”
“What else am I to think? Especially when Lucy wrote me a mere month before her death begging me to care for Julia should this very thing happen. Well, all I can say is that Julia has certainly made it clear whom she prefers. Surely this person has no tie, no claim over you. I never heard of such an odd thing in all my life. Not give a name, indeed! And that man who came. That rude man! Is it so unreasonable to assume your guardian would have taken it into account that I have a daughter, and as such made allowances? See if I merit approval. Of all the insults.” She snorted into her half-empty cup.
I shot Elizabeth a questioning look. She’d not written anything about my guardian sending someone to Am Meer. Instead of meeting my eyes, her gaze drifted to the open windows.
“I never met such a rude man as that Simon.” Looking at my untouched food, Mrs. Windham fluttered her handkerchief at it. “Indeed, I wish we’d begun dining amongst higher spheres before I listed our acquaintances. That would have swept the smug look off that Simon’s face.”
Elizabeth let out a short sigh. “His name was Simmons, not Simon.”
“I think I should remember better than you, missy. I tell you it was Simon, and I cannot imagine a more disdainful or trying butler.”
“Butler?” I asked, more perplexed than ever. “Are you saying my guardian’s butler came here?”
“He was no butler; trust me,” Elizabeth said. “He dressed the part of a gentleman. I think he was a solicitor.”
“You can hardly expect a butler to wear his black tie when travelling. Take my word, the man is a servant, one who holds much too high an opinion of himself.”
“But, Mama, think upon it. What sort of person sends a servant to make those types of inquiries? Who would run the household during his absence?”
“Are you never to tell me of what you are speaking?” I finally said. “What does this man and his lists of acquaintances have to do with my guardian?”
Elizabeth gave her mother a look that plainly asked if she was satisfied now that I was upset. “Well, we were not supposed to mention the visit.” She glared a second longer at her mother. “Three months ago he arrived, stating he’d come to make certain Mama was a suitable chaperone for a visit.”
“Very rude, he was, too. I should not have thought there was such a rude man in all of England.”
Elizabeth took a sharp, annoyed intake of breath. “He gathered the names of all our acquaintances—”
“He dared to ask what we required as compensation for keeping you here for a month or two. The very idea, expecting to be reimbursed for keeping Lucy’s child! He made it sound as though you were living on—” Mrs. Windham stopped suddenly and eyed the patch on my threadbare dress. The tinkling of the wind chimes was the only sound filling the space for a half minute.
“I heard nothing about this visit,” I said, forcing an even tone. “Pray, did he happen to mention the name of my guardian?”
“No, indeed. This is all very strange.” Mrs. Windham spooned more sugar into her tea. “I think your guardian must be very ill-mannered. What sense can there be in keeping one’s identity hidden, I ask?”
She paused, eyeing me for all she was worth. But I had no suitable answer. I no longer even wanted to know about the man who’d been sent here. His visit only increased my unease, making it harder for me to find the nerve to do what I must. If I succeeded in accomplishing my goal, then this Simon or Simmons person mattered little.
" A soft knock on the door interrupted us.
"Yes?” Mrs. Windham sank back into her chair, glaring. “What now?”
“I beg pardon.” Their stout housekeeper managed to open the door and curtsy at the same time. “Only the room’s ready, and Miss Lizbeth asked me to come fetch her.”
“Thank you, Hannah.” With undisguised relief, Elizabeth stood. “Mama, poor Julia must be exhausted. Surely you will excuse her.”
Mrs. Windham waved me away with her handkerchief. “I have no wish to talk further regardless, what with her upsetting the household. My poor heart is pounding after such a distasteful tea. When you wake, I insist you write your guardian. Tell him this whole affair upsets my digestion, and that you wish to be transferred into my care. For I cannot conceive he wishes such vexations upon me. And—”
“What shall we do about a lady’s maid for Julia?” Elizabeth had the mercy to interrupt. “Betsy scarcely has time in the mornings to arrange our toilette, much less someone else’s. What about that girl Nancy?”
“Yes, yes, anyone will do,” agreed Mrs. Windham, picking up her teacup. “I am quite certain Julia shall not mind."


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.

 

www.jessicadotta.com

https://www.facebook.com/BornofPersuasion


You can order the book here ~ Born of Persuasion, Price of Privilege

or Enter to Win by commenting below! Best of luck to everyone…Winner will be announced on 8/30/13 xoox, tracie

Comments

Art and Sand said…
I love historical novels so I would love to win a copy. If not, I will have to buy one.

Thanks for sharing.
RaeAbigael said…
I sometimes judge a book by its cover then judge it again after reading. hahaha. If I saw this book in a bookshop, I'll purchase it immediately because I am a lover of historical novels. And based on your teaser, I'm sure it's gonna be a great read so I'd like to win a copy please! :))) thanks for sharing this and hosting this awesome giveaway! ;D

xoxo,
rae
http://raellarina.blogspot.com/
Throw my name in the hat Tracie. Sounds like a good read! I love Downton Abbey and anything historical. I just hopped over here after visiting Dru from Country Farm Home. She was contacted also about the book. Hop over and see her all dressed for tea.
hugs,
Jann
Kristen Pare said…
I love historical novels especially all the discussions on the dresses!
That looks great, I would love to be entered, thank you for hosting this giveaway, Di@Cottage-wishes
Jessica's book does look intriguing, especially since I'm a Downton Abbey fan. I'd like to win a copy, so please enter my name Tracie.
Judith
Nancy said…
I am a lot like you-I read in small doses, unable to commit the time to a book. This book sounds intriguing. I would like to give it a shot.
Unknown said…
already have this on my reading list and can't wait to get my hands on a copy! ;)
dollie said…
This looks like a good book that would hold my interest. Thanks for the teaser. Would love to win a copy.
dollie said…
This looks like a good book that would hold my interest. Thanks for the teaser. Would love to win a copy.
Sounds intriguing, I'd love to win a copy, it's a genre that I love reading!
Hugs,
Patti
chedeb5353 said…
This looks like a great book. I would love to win. Debra chedeb5353@hotmail.com
chateau chic said…
I love reading a book that's hard to put down!
Mary Alice
Debbie said…
Always love those books you just can't put down.
Unknown said…
The teaser has caught my interest! I am in need of a good book. Great giveaway!
Tracie,
This book cover is amazing and intriguing, after reading the excerpt I am definitely in for a copy!
Happy Hugs,
Jemma
Burlap Luxe said…
Wow Tracie, this was an exciting surprise to visit and see something so different for you going on over here.
Love the cover I am sure it will be a beautifully intriguing book read.

Xoxo
Doré

Ps, looking forward to whats in your fall postings.
Xox
I really enjoyed this book review! I'm always looking for new and interesting authors to read! This sounds good. Sweet hugs!
Anonymous said…
I'm an avid reader and would love to be entered to win a copy of this book.
Jenny said…
I'd love to win,
Unknown said…
this book is SO on my "reading list!!!" i would LOVE a chance to win a copy! and..."merci" for joining i on my first EVER linky party! ;)
Unknown said…
Sounds great! I will purchase it if I'm not the lucky winner! Love the cover!
Unknown said…
Sounds great! I will purchase it if I'm not the lucky winner! Love the cover!
Thanks, Tracie. I really love historical novels and the cover looks like one I would like. I was going to look it up on Amazon, but it would be great to win a copy. If not, I'll order it..Happy Weekend..Judy
Brenda said…
I am a sucker for historical novels! If I do not win, I will probably look for it at the local library!
Kathy said…
Hello Tracie, I have been looking forward to this book for some time! Your review is marvelous, I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
Kathy

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