The Reluctant Earl, a Book Review

a book review by Debra E Marvin

Once in a while, the subject of 'hokey' book reviews comes up when we learn the reviewer is acquainted with or friends with the author. Yes, I'm a cynic. 
So, all I can say is, I loved this book and it's just a happy coincidence that I know the author.

After reading C.J. Chase's first book Redeeming the Rogue, I was happy to have the chance to review her newest release, The Reluctant Earl, out now on your store shelves until the end of February, and available online well beyond that.

 

By the way, that reluctant Earl is, happily, the brother of  that redeemed rogue.  

Regency England: Former sea-captain Julian DeChambelle has come home to bury his father after the man’s (mysterious) accidental death. Now he must assume the title and shoulder family responsibilities. This includes replacing his father in negotiations with angry factions in the north of England—desperate and angry men struggling to survive a stunning food shortage. See my post:  The Year Without a Summer

After seeing his mother and younger sister settled home to grieve (yes, we get to spend more time with Maman and Caro!)  Julian must seek out his brother-in-law’s advice in these political matters.  Unfortunately, his sister Elizabeth has separated herself from the rest of the DeChambelle family for years, and he is not eager for the upcoming visit he must make upon their house.

Their daughter Teresa, Julian’s niece, is now a young woman and straining under her mother’s rules, especially if that means she can’t enjoy the company of her charming uncle.  Oh, did I tell you she still has a governess?

But this is no “Earl pursues lovely governess” story (and no bodices are ripped in the making of this novel).

The new Earl of Chambelston’s visit to the north of England is about to take a very interesting, and dangerous, turn!

When Julian finds governess Leah Vance rifling through his belongings—in his bedchamber—he becomes as taken with her fortitude as with her features...

Tune in tomorrow… actually just buy the book and find out for yourself.

The Reluctant Earl is fast paced, full of intrigue and surprises, and lots of heart and soul. Leah and Julian can’t trust each other but must work together, and even then, they still can't trust each other. The situation becomes increasingly unsettled. Who is the real enemy, and who is a target? Someone killed Julian's father, and if Leah is involved, something pretty important must be behind it. Something only Julian can really understand. 

And don't think you've got things figured out until the very end!

C.J.’s writing is smooth and lovely and drew me through the story with little desire to rest. She gave us two very intelligent, selfless characters to root for and if you like a story with an intricate plot that keeps you guessing, I think you’ll enjoy The Reluctant Earl as much as  I did. I enjoyed a second book with the DeChambelle family and look forward to more. A perfect combination of romance and suspense with a well-drawn setting--you might finish it in one sitting!

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Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. Debra likes to write, weed and wander and is blessed to have the best family and friends in the world. She has decided she needs to live closer to her grandchildren. She’s thankful each day that God is in control, that He chooses to bless us despite ourselves and that He has a sense of  humor. Her work has finaled in the TARA, Great Expectations, Heart of the Rockies, Maggie, the Daphne DuMaurier and was recently placed as the overall winner of the Phoenix Rattler contest.  Not too bad considering she’s trying a mashup of gospel and . . .  gothic.