jamieaade5's review
5.0
A Thing of Beauty is a fitting title for this novel, because after everything that happens, the author offers you beauty in the end—which, to me, was the hope of love between Henry and Eliza. Their romance starts off with friendship when Henry rescues Eliza on the side of the road, and then blossoms into mutual trust and affection. In the beginning of the book, I was tempted to label it as a romance. But after a while I realized I was reading a thriller with romantic elements. The romance is significant, but not overwhelming. Neither does it distract from the plot. Before I discuss the thriller aspect, I would fist like to mention that Henry’s character was refreshing. He’s intelligent, a little naughty, but always a gentleman. He wasn’t overbearing, and instead welcomed and encouraged Eliza’s aid. She wasn’t just a pretty prop, but became his equal. Also, when it came to the sexy parts, Henry was a perfect lover for Miss Eliza.
Now, onto the plot. This truly was a dark historical thriller. There were moments when my heart was pulsing with anticipation and dread, and the author wrote it in such a way that made me truly fear for the characters involved. And despite the uplifting ending (which I think was necessary), there were sections that were sinister and shocking. The revelation at the end was also a pleasant surprise and sent a chill through me.
Of course, A Thing of Beauty is the first novel in a series. So I won’t hold anything against the author for not revealing everything in the first book. Those unanswered mysteries only entice me to read the next one! But everything that is necessary to the first book’s plot is resolved.
I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about Henry's position and the secret society the author created!
Now, onto the plot. This truly was a dark historical thriller. There were moments when my heart was pulsing with anticipation and dread, and the author wrote it in such a way that made me truly fear for the characters involved. And despite the uplifting ending (which I think was necessary), there were sections that were sinister and shocking. The revelation at the end was also a pleasant surprise and sent a chill through me.
Of course, A Thing of Beauty is the first novel in a series. So I won’t hold anything against the author for not revealing everything in the first book. Those unanswered mysteries only entice me to read the next one! But everything that is necessary to the first book’s plot is resolved.
I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about Henry's position and the secret society the author created!
binx923's review
5.0
“From the brutal opening pages, to the tenderest of love scenes, THE INNKEEPER'S DAUGHTER took me on a ride of contradictory emotions. Sadistic villains paired with beautiful regency details made this story unforgettable, but it is truly the characters who steal the show. Eliza is a delight, Sir Henry March has my heart, and our author, Bianca M. Schwarz, has me eagerly awaiting the next book.”
kellyc3c976's review
4.0
I love historical fiction set in the UK. Add in mystery and romance - even better. So I had high expectations when I began this novel.
It did not disappoint.
The heroine, Eliza, is beautiful, smart, strong, and by all accounts, should be damaged beyond belief. But it was the hero, Sir Henry, who stole the show for me. He is a proper hero: physically attractive, brave, insanely rich, but most of all, kind and good. He doesn't give a second thought to do for others, especially Eliza in her broken state.
As the mystery unravels, we are introduced to the author's vivid descriptions. At the retelling of a particularly horrendous act, we are dumped into the scene - the last place we want to be. The graphic nature with how Daisie tells her story had me both angry and uncomfortable, however, it is not gratuitous. When we are finally confronted with the actual environment from Daisie's story, even knowing the space was unoccupied, I stilled skimmed through.
I would have liked to have seen more of Sir Henry's relationship with his daughter, Emily, earlier rather than only hearing about it. I believe the stakes would have felt higher for me. Maybe more actual involvement of Emily to the plot as well. But those are small complaints that are easily overlooked because of the overall enjoyment of reading this book.
I highly recommend to any reader.
It did not disappoint.
The heroine, Eliza, is beautiful, smart, strong, and by all accounts, should be damaged beyond belief. But it was the hero, Sir Henry, who stole the show for me. He is a proper hero: physically attractive, brave, insanely rich, but most of all, kind and good. He doesn't give a second thought to do for others, especially Eliza in her broken state.
As the mystery unravels, we are introduced to the author's vivid descriptions. At the retelling of a particularly horrendous act, we are dumped into the scene - the last place we want to be. The graphic nature with how Daisie tells her story had me both angry and uncomfortable, however, it is not gratuitous. When we are finally confronted with the actual environment from Daisie's story, even knowing the space was unoccupied, I stilled skimmed through.
I would have liked to have seen more of Sir Henry's relationship with his daughter, Emily, earlier rather than only hearing about it. I believe the stakes would have felt higher for me. Maybe more actual involvement of Emily to the plot as well. But those are small complaints that are easily overlooked because of the overall enjoyment of reading this book.
I highly recommend to any reader.
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