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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
I’m a relative newcomer to Edwardian Era fiction, and thankfully I have been fortunate enough to pick some superb novels for my introduction to the genre. British Fiction written by American authors can in my experience be somewhat hit and miss. This trilogy was at the better end of the scale. I believe the main strengths were the solid characterisation and development, and a plausible setting. I understand that the author had not actually visited the places she wrote about until recently, but she certainly did her research.
As other reviewers have said, the developing relationship and chemistry between the leading characters, Ella and James Cayton were was very well written. We met both characters in previous instalments. Ella was the sweet if rather ditsy sister of Brice, an aristocratic friend and neighbour of the protagonists from the first book. Cayton was a cousin, known as a cad and a heartbreaker for his previous failed courtship of another relative.
The witty friction between them in most of their meeting and scenes together added a delightfully light-hearted and humorous cadence to a story that took on a gradually darker and dangerous tone with the actions of certain characters. Of course, Ella and Cayton were both initially in denial over their attraction, but the resolution did not come across as fluffy, trite or predictable (until a couple of passages near the end, when things started to slip a little bit).
Putting them aside, it was lovely to catch up with some of beloved characters from the previous stories, and see them relating so some of the new ones. The former ballerina Kira/Sophie allowed for some fascinating insights into pre-revolutionary Russian culture. Even for the ‘bad’ characters it was possible to sympathize with their plight and experiences. As another reviewer also said, the senstitive and realistic depiction of human nature, and religious content without preachiness is another strength of this series, and this book.
My only complaints were a few Americanisms in the characters’ speech and manners. British people- especially high class British people at the turn of the century would have said ‘curtains’ not ‘drapes’, and Autumn instead of ‘fall’- and they certainly would not have put cream in their tea. Nobody takes clotted cream in tea, it’s not suitable- it’s for cakes and scones. I understand these terms being used in the narration, but they’re unrealistic when they’re put in dialogue between British characters. Finally, I did feel the resolution was a little predictable and overdone. Very similar to that of the last two books, it a lot of ways.
Despite these reservations though, I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. I would say it was one of my favourites in the trilogy, with a fitting and satisfying end. Now I want to get the paperback to go with the other two for future re-reading.
I received an eBook edition of this title from the publisher via Netgalley for the purposes of giving a review, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one, and all opinions expressed are my own.
As other reviewers have said, the developing relationship and chemistry between the leading characters, Ella and James Cayton were was very well written. We met both characters in previous instalments. Ella was the sweet if rather ditsy sister of Brice, an aristocratic friend and neighbour of the protagonists from the first book. Cayton was a cousin, known as a cad and a heartbreaker for his previous failed courtship of another relative.
The witty friction between them in most of their meeting and scenes together added a delightfully light-hearted and humorous cadence to a story that took on a gradually darker and dangerous tone with the actions of certain characters. Of course, Ella and Cayton were both initially in denial over their attraction, but the resolution did not come across as fluffy, trite or predictable (until a couple of passages near the end, when things started to slip a little bit).
Putting them aside, it was lovely to catch up with some of beloved characters from the previous stories, and see them relating so some of the new ones. The former ballerina Kira/Sophie allowed for some fascinating insights into pre-revolutionary Russian culture. Even for the ‘bad’ characters it was possible to sympathize with their plight and experiences. As another reviewer also said, the senstitive and realistic depiction of human nature, and religious content without preachiness is another strength of this series, and this book.
My only complaints were a few Americanisms in the characters’ speech and manners. British people- especially high class British people at the turn of the century would have said ‘curtains’ not ‘drapes’, and Autumn instead of ‘fall’- and they certainly would not have put cream in their tea. Nobody takes clotted cream in tea, it’s not suitable- it’s for cakes and scones. I understand these terms being used in the narration, but they’re unrealistic when they’re put in dialogue between British characters. Finally, I did feel the resolution was a little predictable and overdone. Very similar to that of the last two books, it a lot of ways.
Despite these reservations though, I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. I would say it was one of my favourites in the trilogy, with a fitting and satisfying end. Now I want to get the paperback to go with the other two for future re-reading.
I received an eBook edition of this title from the publisher via Netgalley for the purposes of giving a review, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one, and all opinions expressed are my own.
addieray's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
booked_withmissb's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the redemption of Lady Catherine through the series. Ella was awesome but Brook is my favorite. great conclusion to the trilogy!
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the first two books in "The Ladies of the Manor," series. They followed my two favorite characters- Brooke and Brice. When I discovered that the main characters in "A Lady Unrivaled," are Ella and Cayton, I was pleasantly surprised. They were two characters I did want to get to know better.
I will say I was a bit skeptical of the romance between Ella and Cayton at first. I am not a fan of insta-love stories. That's why I liked that Justin and Brooke were friends before they fell in love and that Brice and Rowena had to strive to love each other after they got married.
Ella fell for Cayton really quick. She was self aware of this, however, which is not the case for a lot of insta-love stories. Cayton was a mature character that balanced Ella's quick emotions well.
My favorite thing about this story was how the case of the fire eyes was handled. I kept wondering throughout the book how the main characters were going to handle the threats and figure out how to get rid of the jewels. Everything was wrapped up quite nicely!
I enjoyed the "Ladies of the Manor," series and will definitely read more books by Roseanna M. White in the future.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I will say I was a bit skeptical of the romance between Ella and Cayton at first. I am not a fan of insta-love stories. That's why I liked that Justin and Brooke were friends before they fell in love and that Brice and Rowena had to strive to love each other after they got married.
Ella fell for Cayton really quick. She was self aware of this, however, which is not the case for a lot of insta-love stories. Cayton was a mature character that balanced Ella's quick emotions well.
My favorite thing about this story was how the case of the fire eyes was handled. I kept wondering throughout the book how the main characters were going to handle the threats and figure out how to get rid of the jewels. Everything was wrapped up quite nicely!
I enjoyed the "Ladies of the Manor," series and will definitely read more books by Roseanna M. White in the future.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
Ella Myerston didn’t know that the earrings she borrowed from her sister-in-law contained the mysterious Fire Eyes, but once she finds out, she is determined to break the curse and restore them to their original owners. As she visits her friend Brook, Lady Stafford, she finds herself intrigued by Brook’s cousin-in-law, Lord Cayton. The moody but handsome Cayton is still in mourning for his wife, doting upon his nine-month-old daughter Addie but shutting the rest of the world out. When the villains come looking for the Fire Eyes, Ella and Cayton concoct a pretend courtship to throw them off the scent–but even though their daily visits in the library and walks in the garden are “pretend,” they both know that something real is glimmering underneath.
Once upon a time Lord Cayton had enjoyed some forbidden trysts with Brook’s cousin Melissa. That was before he broke the girl’s heart by marrying a rich heiress, and then broke his wife’s heart by never learning to love her before it was too late. Now, he has his daughter Addie to care for and his guilty feelings to suffer. His cousin Justin, Lord Stafford has been teaching him to find hope, but is it too much to hope that he can atone for his past and find happiness with a ray of sunshine like Ella Mysterston?
Ella was my favorite of the heroines in this series. She was bright and sunny without being annoying, and she was enterprising and whimsical without being…well, annoying. Cayton was a character who was difficult to appreciate at first but seemed right for Ella in the end. His role in the previous two books showed him as a weak man, willing to acquiesce to the wrong thing. In this third book, he is on the path to redemption. Ella, like her brother Brice in the previous book, is the lodestar, the constant character with unwavering faith upon whom Cayton can depend–and yet, she knows that she cannot be his salvation if he has not found salvation first.
I was delighted to see all the threads from the previous books wrap up nicely in the grand finale as the saga of the Fire Eyes comes to an end.
Once upon a time Lord Cayton had enjoyed some forbidden trysts with Brook’s cousin Melissa. That was before he broke the girl’s heart by marrying a rich heiress, and then broke his wife’s heart by never learning to love her before it was too late. Now, he has his daughter Addie to care for and his guilty feelings to suffer. His cousin Justin, Lord Stafford has been teaching him to find hope, but is it too much to hope that he can atone for his past and find happiness with a ray of sunshine like Ella Mysterston?
Ella was my favorite of the heroines in this series. She was bright and sunny without being annoying, and she was enterprising and whimsical without being…well, annoying. Cayton was a character who was difficult to appreciate at first but seemed right for Ella in the end. His role in the previous two books showed him as a weak man, willing to acquiesce to the wrong thing. In this third book, he is on the path to redemption. Ella, like her brother Brice in the previous book, is the lodestar, the constant character with unwavering faith upon whom Cayton can depend–and yet, she knows that she cannot be his salvation if he has not found salvation first.
I was delighted to see all the threads from the previous books wrap up nicely in the grand finale as the saga of the Fire Eyes comes to an end.
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
4.0
This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2016/10/01/blog-tour-and-giveaway-a-lady-unrivaled/
I really enjoyed this book, it was interesting to read a book set during the Edwardian era – I haven’t read a whole lot set during this time period. This is also the first Roseanna White book that I have read and I think it was a great introduction to the author.
I really enjoyed the mystery and the intrigue surrounding the “Fire Eyes” diamonds, I was left guessing as to what would happen regarding all the drama that seems to follow those who have been impacted to some extent by the diamonds and how different people react differently.
The characters were well developed and I really liked Lady Ella because she was so spunky and was constantly trying to prove that she could be an independent woman. I also enjoyed seeing her interaction with the other characters in the novel. I liked that she was realistic in some of the thoughts and “struggles” that she endures over the course of the novel. I also enjoyed Lord Cayton, although I felt like he was constantly focused on what he had done in his past – especially since he was continuously reminded of it – and it was frustrating.
Even though this novel is the last one in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed the ploy, although sometimes it did tend to drag a little bit.
I am giving this book 4/5 Stars because I enjoyed it, although some of the characters did get on my nerves and there were some slow parts in the plot.
I really enjoyed this book, it was interesting to read a book set during the Edwardian era – I haven’t read a whole lot set during this time period. This is also the first Roseanna White book that I have read and I think it was a great introduction to the author.
I really enjoyed the mystery and the intrigue surrounding the “Fire Eyes” diamonds, I was left guessing as to what would happen regarding all the drama that seems to follow those who have been impacted to some extent by the diamonds and how different people react differently.
The characters were well developed and I really liked Lady Ella because she was so spunky and was constantly trying to prove that she could be an independent woman. I also enjoyed seeing her interaction with the other characters in the novel. I liked that she was realistic in some of the thoughts and “struggles” that she endures over the course of the novel. I also enjoyed Lord Cayton, although I felt like he was constantly focused on what he had done in his past – especially since he was continuously reminded of it – and it was frustrating.
Even though this novel is the last one in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed the ploy, although sometimes it did tend to drag a little bit.
I am giving this book 4/5 Stars because I enjoyed it, although some of the characters did get on my nerves and there were some slow parts in the plot.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
5.0
There are many things to love about A Lady Unrivaled. Not the least of which, the way that these ladies of the manor are not bound by society’s restrictions or expectations but carry concealed weapons on their persons and charge in to save the day despite being barely pregnant and nearly due (two different people there, in case you were wondering).
But we had all these marvelously strong yet feminine characters in the previous two books as well, and while I love them there is just something about A Lady Unrivaled that shines the tiniest bit brighter.
That light is Lady Ella Myerston, front and center stage. With her delightful quirks and her charming wit and her sincere heart, she not only spreads sunshine everywhere she walks within the pages of the book but to the reader as well. She truly is a lady unrivaled, and I was thrilled to “meet” her again and see her story come to life. Combined with Lord James Cayton (whom we’ve also met before), their chemistry is fantastic and I’m not sure I’ve yet stopped smiling at their banter.
Underlying the awesome characters and the witty humor and the delicious romance (that first kiss – WOW!) is a gentle theme of trust. Trusting who we are in Jesus… not living in the regret of who we were without Him. Trusting what we know is right… even when we can’t see the outcome. Another theme is more sobering, specifically of how deep a pit that greed can lead us into – far deeper than anyone ever dreamed we would fall. And while it is true that, as Corrie Ten Boom said so wisely, there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still, the story woven so beautifully, and also so tragically, throughout the Ladies of the Manor series reminds us that we all have a choice when given the opportunity for Divine Rescue.
A Lady Unrivaled takes you from laughter to tears to holding your breath in suspense to fond smiles of kinship to fanning yourself over that doozy of a kiss. And always always – no matter your current emotional state – it keeps you totally immersed in the story and in these characters. Reuniting with beloved characters from the previous books – as well as some rather dastardly ones that we can’t quite seem to get rid of – is quite simply the icing on the cake for what is an absolutely fantastic conclusion to an absolutely fantastic series!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
But we had all these marvelously strong yet feminine characters in the previous two books as well, and while I love them there is just something about A Lady Unrivaled that shines the tiniest bit brighter.
That light is Lady Ella Myerston, front and center stage. With her delightful quirks and her charming wit and her sincere heart, she not only spreads sunshine everywhere she walks within the pages of the book but to the reader as well. She truly is a lady unrivaled, and I was thrilled to “meet” her again and see her story come to life. Combined with Lord James Cayton (whom we’ve also met before), their chemistry is fantastic and I’m not sure I’ve yet stopped smiling at their banter.
Underlying the awesome characters and the witty humor and the delicious romance (that first kiss – WOW!) is a gentle theme of trust. Trusting who we are in Jesus… not living in the regret of who we were without Him. Trusting what we know is right… even when we can’t see the outcome. Another theme is more sobering, specifically of how deep a pit that greed can lead us into – far deeper than anyone ever dreamed we would fall. And while it is true that, as Corrie Ten Boom said so wisely, there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still, the story woven so beautifully, and also so tragically, throughout the Ladies of the Manor series reminds us that we all have a choice when given the opportunity for Divine Rescue.
A Lady Unrivaled takes you from laughter to tears to holding your breath in suspense to fond smiles of kinship to fanning yourself over that doozy of a kiss. And always always – no matter your current emotional state – it keeps you totally immersed in the story and in these characters. Reuniting with beloved characters from the previous books – as well as some rather dastardly ones that we can’t quite seem to get rid of – is quite simply the icing on the cake for what is an absolutely fantastic conclusion to an absolutely fantastic series!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
millysreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0