Review of Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge
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Stephanie Runyon
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Review of Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge" by Noëlle de Beaufort.]
How long can a person keep a secret? In the novel Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge, Lady Gabriella “Bri” Wyndward learns everyone has secrets. Bri stood out among the rest of the upper class in London. She was talented at handling the estate’s finances, and Lord Ravenshire, her father, had made her his secret man-of-affairs. However, this was also her time to enter her first marriage season. Bri didn’t care if she found someone to marry because she was an independent woman and would prove that women should be treated the same.
Meanwhile, Duff Blackburn and Edward James were both interested in marrying Bri. Blackburn was the right-hand man to her father and had been in charge of operations when Ravenshire was traveling abroad. Blackburn had been planning to get what he was owed and knew Bri’s inheritance would provide him with unlimited power. Edward was the advisory banker for Lord Ravenshire’s investments. Upon meeting Bri, they were embroiled in arguments regarding future investments. They debated over an operetta and whether love was a fantasy or reality. While going over the company books, Bri discovered that someone had been embezzling money from her father. Why would someone betray their family’s trust?
Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge is the first book of the Gabriella Trilogy by Noelle de Beaufort. This historical fiction is based on the author’s discovery of journals from her ancestors. The detailed depiction of the characters made them feel realistic. I imagined Bri's fiery temper flaring when she didn't get her way. Disagreeing with her would cause her impulsive retorts proving she usually got her own way from her family. Edward could match her in opposition. His archaic thought of men being superior to women was challenged constantly.
This historical romance needs no improvements. The alternating views of several characters gave a fresh perspective of the events beginning on March 8th, 1811. The effortless transitions between several intriguing characters added depth to the story. I am eager to learn more about the French trapper, Jean-Louis. His character was created with mystery, danger, and unrivaled skill in gaining information and protecting the Wyndward family. I also felt the dwarf painter, Gio, knew everyone’s secrets. He spoke with innuendos and riddles that made the people he interacted with question their own thoughts.
There was nothing to dislike about this book. Therefore, I rate Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge five out of five stars. Professionally edited, I encountered only four minor errors in the entire book. They didn’t affect the reading quality in this novel. The multiple subplots captivated me, adding layers of suspense to the story. The unpredictable plot twists added to the tension; the possibilities were endless with the character interactions. Including the dates made it easy to follow the timeline between the major social events.
This book would be entertaining for fans of character-driven historical fiction. I commend the author on her research on how commerce affected the lives of people in the early 1800s. The open ending was perfect for the sequel to begin, and I am eager to read it. Young adult readers will be drawn into a world of romance, betrayal, revenge, and family drama in Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge.
******
Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
How long can a person keep a secret? In the novel Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge, Lady Gabriella “Bri” Wyndward learns everyone has secrets. Bri stood out among the rest of the upper class in London. She was talented at handling the estate’s finances, and Lord Ravenshire, her father, had made her his secret man-of-affairs. However, this was also her time to enter her first marriage season. Bri didn’t care if she found someone to marry because she was an independent woman and would prove that women should be treated the same.
Meanwhile, Duff Blackburn and Edward James were both interested in marrying Bri. Blackburn was the right-hand man to her father and had been in charge of operations when Ravenshire was traveling abroad. Blackburn had been planning to get what he was owed and knew Bri’s inheritance would provide him with unlimited power. Edward was the advisory banker for Lord Ravenshire’s investments. Upon meeting Bri, they were embroiled in arguments regarding future investments. They debated over an operetta and whether love was a fantasy or reality. While going over the company books, Bri discovered that someone had been embezzling money from her father. Why would someone betray their family’s trust?
Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge is the first book of the Gabriella Trilogy by Noelle de Beaufort. This historical fiction is based on the author’s discovery of journals from her ancestors. The detailed depiction of the characters made them feel realistic. I imagined Bri's fiery temper flaring when she didn't get her way. Disagreeing with her would cause her impulsive retorts proving she usually got her own way from her family. Edward could match her in opposition. His archaic thought of men being superior to women was challenged constantly.
This historical romance needs no improvements. The alternating views of several characters gave a fresh perspective of the events beginning on March 8th, 1811. The effortless transitions between several intriguing characters added depth to the story. I am eager to learn more about the French trapper, Jean-Louis. His character was created with mystery, danger, and unrivaled skill in gaining information and protecting the Wyndward family. I also felt the dwarf painter, Gio, knew everyone’s secrets. He spoke with innuendos and riddles that made the people he interacted with question their own thoughts.
There was nothing to dislike about this book. Therefore, I rate Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge five out of five stars. Professionally edited, I encountered only four minor errors in the entire book. They didn’t affect the reading quality in this novel. The multiple subplots captivated me, adding layers of suspense to the story. The unpredictable plot twists added to the tension; the possibilities were endless with the character interactions. Including the dates made it easy to follow the timeline between the major social events.
This book would be entertaining for fans of character-driven historical fiction. I commend the author on her research on how commerce affected the lives of people in the early 1800s. The open ending was perfect for the sequel to begin, and I am eager to read it. Young adult readers will be drawn into a world of romance, betrayal, revenge, and family drama in Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge.
******
Secrets of Ravenshire: Romance and Revenge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"Facts don't care about feelings." Ben Shapiro
"If you aren't paranoid, then it's already too late." Marilyn Manson
"If you aren't paranoid, then it's already too late." Marilyn Manson
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