Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta

Overview: Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.

ISBN-13: 9781414375571
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date: 1/1/2015
Series: Price of Privilege Series , #3
Pages: 464

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I absolutely enjoyed this final book to the Price of Privilege series. Book two left us with more questions than answers, and I'm happy to say that the author provides a satisfying conclusion. This book is definitely written in the Victorian Gothic style, as are the other books in the series, but with humor and witty conversation sprinkled liberally throughout, the reader does not get bogged down in the negative. The plot itself is fantastic. Scandal, romance, murder, and intrigue kept me turning page after page late into the night! 

As in book two, Julia's growth throughout the book was natural and well-written. I didn't expect her to become a religious fanatic, and the author didn't write her as such. She struggled daily against all that was thrown at her, and her faith struggled as well. Her relationships with the people she interacted with on a daily basis grows as she overcomes her personal issues. Edward's character was the true vicar and husband I had been hoping for. He is patient, caring, kind, fierce, loyal, and protective all at once. The comic relief comes in the form of Jameson, Edward's father's personal valet. He is a loyal man with a knack for knowing just what is needed, and when. 

The masterful way the message was weaved into the plot gives true credit to the author who wrote it. Overcoming fear and learning to trust comes when we fully and wholly rely on God. Isaac, in my opinion, was the picture of Christ for Julia. He was there for her over and over, time after time, even though she rejected him and hurt him deeply. In the end, just as Christ's sacrifice saved us from eternal damnation, Isaac's sacrifice saved Julia.

Overall, the author provided a satisfying conclusion, ripe with scandal, romance, and a hefty dose of faith. I was choking back tears reading the last couple chapters of this book as the beautiful sacrifice and acceptance of all that had happened took place in Julia's life.  I look forward to reading more from this masterful author.

*Spoiler alert* - Here are a few quotes from this book that really touched me:

"God is rich with mercy on the castaways and smoldering brands. They are precious to him, and he's willing to cast aside all that is dirty and offensive and replace it with robes of honor."  - Edward to Julia

"'Though he slay me,'" he quoted softly after a minute, "'yet will I trust in him.' If anything happens to me, then fix your eyes on the star, Juls, and never look away, even if you sink and drown. You let God kill one life to resurrect another." - Edward to Julia

"Shame will unmake and warp any soul." - Julia

"Pain, it seems, was God's sharpening tool." - Julia

**Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

About the Author: Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

• 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 

Top Ten Tuesday: Can't Wait for Sequels

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

 Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. 

 

This Week's topic: Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

 

 

I really enjoy series that follow a family or group of friends, such as Sabotaged and Now & Forever. It's fun to meet the new family member or friend, while still keeping up with the previous characters. A new favorite kind of series of mine is one that follows the same person throughout the whole series, like Julia Elliston in Price of Privilege, Kate Adams in Desperate Measures, and Mia Quinn in Lethal Beauty. I feel like you can really connect with the character and watch them learn and grow.

1. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey - Alaskan Courage Series
2. Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta - Price of Privilege Series
3. To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander - Belle Meade Plantation Series
4. Now & Forever by Mary Connealy - Wild at Heart Series
5. Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas - Appalachian Blessings Series
6. Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley - Logan Point Series
7. Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard - Port Aster Secrets Series
8. Lethal Beauty by Lis Wiehl - Mia Quinn Series
9. The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky - Edwardian Brides Series
10. After a Fashion by Jen Turano - I don't know if this will be a series or not, but I love Jen's writing so I added it anyways :D

 What sequels are you DYING to get your hands on?

 

Birthday Bash - Winners!

First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the authors who participated in my Birthday Bash and made it successful. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Second, thank you to all my followers! You all made my birthday fantastic with your comments and support! I truly appreciate it!

So, without further ado- let's get to the winners!

The winners of The Sinner's Garden by Williams Sirls are....

AmyC**

Rita N.**

Jessica C.**

Elizabeth R.**

Laura C.*

The winner of A AMatch of Wits by Jen Turano is.....
Amy M.**

The winner of Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is....
Jan H.**

The winners of Sushi for One? by Camy Tang are....
Zekkaina S.**
Linda R.**
Dana K.**
Robyn W.**
Ashley P.**
Jennifer T.**
James D.**
Laura P.**
Aizess*
Kai W.**

The winner of the $25 E-Book is....
Elizabeth N.**

The winner of A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert is....
Rachael M.**

The winner of The Alaskan Courage Series by Dani Pettrey is....
Patty M.*

*winners have been notified. winners have one week from the date notified to claim their prize.*
**winners have claimed their prize**

 

Birthday Bash! - Day 3 - Jessica Dotta Guest Post

Jessica Dotta has always been fascinated by the intricacies of society that existed in England from the Regency through the Edwardian era. She writes in a manner that blends past and modern fiction techniques. She lives in the Nashville area and works as a freelance media consultant and publicist. The Price of Privilege trilogy is her debut work.

Welcome Jessica!

Birthdays in the Victorian Era

I thought it would be fun to do some research and write a post about birthdays in the Victorian era. I hoped to find some interesting tidbits, pictures, and for a grand finale, a translatable cake recipe that I'd put on a printable recipe card and make available for download.

Normally when I research this era, I either find precious little, or a plethora of conflicting information that I have to sort through and discern which information seems most congruent with what I know about this time period. In this case, I hit both brick walls. There was very little information, and what I did find, conflicted.

It gave me a chuckle, because I should have known better. Of course it'd be difficult to pin down how Victorians celebrated their birthday—because . I combed through all sorts of indexes in my research books and found birthrates and birth control—but nothing on birthdays. Charles Dickens mentioned birthdays in his various fictional works, but nothing enough to form any picture of what their traditions might have looked like. I scanned etiquette and deportment books, hoping to gain a glimpse of what happened based on the advice they gave. I googled and found a few discussion boards asking how birthdays were celebrated as well as a few blogs posts.  

In fiction, I could easily mend this in a scene by making up a tradition and clarifying that it was this character's family tradition. For this birthday post, however, I'm going to take a stab on what birthdays were like.

Firstly, the Victorians are credited for starting the trend of having birthday parties, but my best guess is that it was the middle class and the rich who started this trend. There was a high mortality rate for children and survival was great reason to celebrate. Furthermore, birthday parties were the perfect occasion to start teaching young lords and ladies how to behave. The birthday child would gain practice at greeting their guests, hosting a party and sending out thank you notes. The working class and the poor most certainly would have acknowledged birthdays with a special addition to dinner or a merry friend over to dinner to toast to one's health.

Birthdays were most certainly acknowledged. I found at least one article recommending the gift of someone's birthstone as a birthday gift idea. Even more delightful, apparently there were birth month flowers.

January Birth Flower - the Carnation

February Birth Flower - the Violet

March Birth Flower - the Jonquil (aka Daffodil or Narcissus)

April Birth Flower - the Sweet pea

May Birth Flower - the Lily of the Valley

June Birth Flower - the Rose

July Birth Flower - the Larkspur

August Birth Flower - the Gladiolus

September Birth Flower - the Aster

October Birth Flower - the Calendula (Marigold)

November Birth Flower - the Chrysanthemum

December Birth Flower - the Narcissus

The majority of birthday cakes were not likely what we envision today. Baking powder was only invented in 1843, so most cook were used to using eggs to give air to cakes, which would have required a lot of man power (so those young lords and ladies might have had some nice cakes, though). Likely enough they would have been seed cakes. (On that note, those of you who are historical readers likely have come across the term seed cake in novels, might be interested to know that those are caraway seeds.) The first birthday cake recipe in a cookbook is from the 1870's.

 

Birthday candles weren't likely to have been used until the last 1800's, but nonetheless the picture I found here (by Frederick Daniel Hardy) shows a baby having their first birthday and there is clearly a candle there.

One etiquette book had a section on how to properly ask a lady her age on her birthday (but alas, I couldn't open that file online!) but it did lend to the thought that in a society that placed great pressure on women not to become old maids and to be married young, birthdays might have started becoming wretched for unmarried girls over twenty, although they would have gained legal independence at twenty-one.

Thank you so much for inviting me to blog during your birthday week, Shannah! The proper greeting from the past would be "Many Happy Returns!"

Thank you for joining us today, Jessica! I really appreciate it!

Check out my reviews of Jessica's books:  Born of Persuasion | Mark of Distinction
Connect with Jessica: Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * GoodReads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

Overview: 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. 

Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

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. 

ISBN-13: 9781414375564
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date: 4/18/2014 

Series: Price of Privilege Series , #2  

B&N | Amazon | CBD

 

My Review:  This book, much like the first, is a Victorian Gothic style that will be sure to entrance readers who enjoy the works of Jane Eyre and Northanger Abbey. It is dark and menacing, with many twists and turns that keep you turning the pages and biting your nails until the very end. The author did a wonderful job of making the story flow. It could have been a very depressing book, because a lot of bad things happen in succession to Julia, but Ms. Dotta sprinkled just enough action and intrigue to keep the reader from being bogged down.

I am SO happy with the way Julia progressed, as a character. The first half of the book, I pitied her and her situation. Her actions were selfish, but I understood them. Her very identity had been stripped from her and she was struggling to come to terms with who she was. Her faith in God was being formed and tested and she was beginning to lose herself until she finally surrendered. The supporting characters were different in this story than they were in the first book because she had been stripped from her familiar surroundings and thrust into another world. Lord Pierson is a powerful, but troubled, man. I wanted to dislike him, but Jessica Dotta wrote his character in a way that made me grudgingly respect him instead. He is the typical man, not good with his emotions, but she gave him just enough to make him human. Isaac is Julia's saving grace. He is gentle, where her father is gruff. He is kind and accepting, when Julia is hard and distrusting. He helped shaped her character in more ways that she realizes throughout this book.

As I have previously stated, Jessica Dotta is a master storyteller. The events and character development seem so natural. The story was nail biting, fast paced, and packed with intrigue and suspense. The ending was so unexpected, but I wanted to shout for joy!  I absolutely enjoyed the story and cannot wait until the third, and final book comes out! 

**Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

About the Author: Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

• 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 
• Read Chapter One of Mark of Distinction
• Read my review of Born of Persuasion

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!

Dressing for Tea! The Born of Persuasion Book Launch Party for Jessica Dotta

Hi All! I discovered this new author through The Literary Maiden's blog and I thought it was interesting for two reasons: #1- The title of the book and book blurb look fantastic. #2- I LOVE Downton Abbey.

So, I've decided to help promote this book launch and tea party for the author! I am really excited about this book and can't wait for it to come out so I can read it!

Here is the invite Jessica Dotta sent out on Facebook:

Please help me celebrate the launch of my debut novel, Born of Persuasion and Win an autographed copy when it releases!!! I’m hosting an online tea party! How can you help and celebrate this amazing moment with me and possibly walk away with 1 of 5 autographed 1st Edition copies!

1. Take a picture of yourself holding a teacup and wearing a hat. Any hat will do!

2. Make it your profile picture (or simply post it on your wall) during the 31-Days of Giveaway (the month of August.) When you change the picture, let people know you’ve joined the Tea Party and link to: https://www.facebook.com/BornofPersuasion

Here’s a sample status you could use:

Why the hat and cup? I’m helping Jessica Dotta celebrate the release of her debut novel, Born of Persuasion! You can celebrate too by posting a picture of you having high tea!

What can you win? Here's the list!

What can you win?

We’re glad you asked!

Week 1 – Getting Set for Downton Book-club Tea

August 1: Stacked Teacup Painting by Wanda Wright

August 2: Gracie China TeaSet

August 3: Faerie Cakes for Tea

August 4: Wooden Flower Napkin Rings for Tea

August 5: Hand painted Teacup Cookies

August 6: Loose Tea Sampler

August 7: Honey Tea Favor plus Signed Copies of all 3 of Gina Holmes’ novels, Crossing Oceans, Dry as Rain and Wings of Glass)

Week 2 – Now for the Book

August 8: Magnetic Clothes Pins + 3 Copies of Abbey Cooks (4 winners that day)

August 9: Edwardian Ladies Apron Pattern plus Signed Copies of all 3 of Gina Holmes’ novels

August 10: Jane Austen Fairy from this Etsy Store

August 11: Audio Book of Born of Persuasion, donated by Oasis Audio

August 12: Personalized Wooden Book Stamp

August 13: Vintage Ex Libris Book Stamp

Week 3: – Getting Dressed For the Tea

August 14: Packable Portwine Velvet Hat

August 15: Dapper Fox Neck Tie

August 16: Victorian Neck Ruff

August 17: Tribal Jewelry is coming out of retirement to design a Downton Abbey Necklace- Reveal is on August 17th!

August 18: Even the Cat Dresses for Tea!

August 19: Edwardian Necklace and Earrings specially designed by this Etsy Shop. Reveal coming August 19th!

August 20: Lace Cuffs

August 21: Vintiques Necklace – Reveal August 21!

Decorating your House for the Tea!

August 22: Vintage Pink Garland of Hearts

August 23: Winners Pick of 3 Tutorials from the Feathered Nest

August 24: Clay Magnets made from Old Button Impressions plus Michelle Griep’s Book Club Kit with A Heart Deceived, printed invitations, CD of the music.

August 25: Jane Austen Pillow

August 26: Paper Wreath

August 27: Angel Wing Soap plus novella giveaways by Carrie Fancett Pagels

August 28: Instant Library – 35 Fiction Titles from Tyndale House Publishers

August 29: Message Chalkboard with hand-painted roses by this artist

August 30: Paper Flower Bouquet

August 31: Queen Anne Scarf

HOW can you win? It’s easy! Simply like Jessica’s author page on facebook and check back every day to enter for that day’s prize(s).