Mark of Distinction

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama. The next novel in the trilogy is the Mark of Distinction. I read part of this one and listed to the rest as an audiobook and it was again enchanting and entertaining with each new chapter. (I thought the narratored was well chosen, and I'm really picky when it comes to audiobooks!) Continuing the story and plot right where the first novel left off, more mysteries and secrets are revealed and more endearing characters are introduced to our dear heroine Julia's daily life.

This story is filled to the brim with entertaining London society culture. It is well written and the story flows so well that I hardly notice how much time passes as I'm enveloped in the story. While I would recommend reading this series in order, it would still be an enjoyable read if you had to start here. I can easily see wanting to recommend wanting to cuddle up in a cozy spot to just read the weekend away with this series.

This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

The Synopsis:


“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.

When Julia discovers that Lord Roy Pierson, her guardian and one of most influential men in England, is the father she has never met, she begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy's power is far-reaching as well.

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:

I really, really, really thought I would enjoy this book, it sounds like it would be right up my ally if you know what I mean. But, sadly, I was wrong. I tried and tried but I couldn't get past the first chapter. The author talked through a character in a very sophisticated language that was hard to read and understand. I know this is book two in the series, but I don't think they carry on the same storyline, but I may be wrong, but either way, this book had way too much back story that the author was trying to push down your throat in the first chapter. I was going to keep reading to see if it explained itself, but the more into the book I got, the more confused I became.

Also, in the first chapter, the character that is telling the story mentions an affair between her mother and another man, a scandal living with another man, and her step-father is a drunk...there is also a murder. All this is only the first chapter. I just couldn't read this book because of the content as well as the confusion, and I probably will not be reading the rest of this series and will definitely be hesitant in reading another book by this author.

“I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”