Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

Hello everyone! I know I just posted a review for Tattler's Branch by Jan Watson, but I couldn't wait for this one. I've been following the book release party for Born of Persuasion since the beginning of August and was delighted to receive a free copy from Net Galley for my honest review. The ONLY reason it took me all week to read it is I was SUPER busy this week and work and after work. I didn't have a lot of time to read. I can't wait even one more minute to write this review, so here it goes!

Overview: 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. 

My Review: Where to begin! There is so much I want to say about this book, I can't even think of where to start! Let's start with the meat of the story: the characters. BOY, are there some good ones! Julia Elliston is intriguing. She seems so human to me because she is vulnerable, strong-willed, and determined all at once. She just wants what anyone wants: to be loved. Mr. Macy, oh Mr. Macy. I am determined to not like him, but Jessica Dotta wrote his character in a way that you almost can't help but like him: if not like him, then be drawn into his character and entranced by his ways as Julia was. Mr. Greenham and Lady Foxmore are interesting characters, as well as Elizabeth and Henry. I cannot wait to read the next book in series to see how their characters progress!

Now, onto the story. There are SO many twists, turns, and surprises. The book is definitely written in the Gothic style. Everything is dark and menacing. Everything is not as it seems. At this point in the story, I'm not sure how I feel about some of the characters, but I know I want Edward and Julia to end up together! What really happened to Julia's mother? How is Mr. Macy connected? What is going to happen to Julia and Edward? All of these questions beg to be answered (hopefully in the next book?!)!!! Jessica Dotta has the uncanny ability to pull you into the story from the very beginning. I had a hard time not reading this book late into the night, and had to force myself to put it down several times.

To date, I've never read a book where the main character was an atheist. Jessica Dotta masterfully weaves the Christian theme without being unrealistic. I am very impressed with the way Jessica handled the Christian aspect of the story. I don't think a lot of authors could have made it so realistic. I can't wait to see how she handles the next story and the rest of the series.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Jessica Dotta did a fantastic job with this Edwardian Gothic style book and I will be waiting in agony for the next book in the Price of Privilege series!

More fun - with links!

• Learn more about Jessica Dotta
• Check out Jessica's blog to see photos from the Launch tea party and more!
• Follow Jessica: Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * GoodReads
• Purchase Born of Persuasion:  B&N * Amazon * Christianbook.com
• Read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion

I would love to hear what everyone thinks of this book! Comment below! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!