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estherfilbrun's review against another edition
5.0
Although I wasn’t sure, at first, that I would enjoy this story, Roseanna White drew me in as she has with all her other books, and I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to, it was with great reluctance. This is an excellent mystery, an intriguing setting (I had no clue where the Isles of Scilly were before reading this story—although I’m pretty sure I had heard of them before), and, as always, delightful characters. What’s not to love about a heroine that will toe the line with most social expectations, but decides to put her foot down and go do the thing she loves most for a few months? Especially when the “thing she loves” is the study of nature—this book only grew my appreciation of all the varieties and nuances God has built into creation! And then there’s a mystery with pirate treasure…and mistaken identity…. Well, suffice to say, I thoroughly loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel, whenever that is coming.
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
It's no secret that I enjoy Roseanna M. White's books, and when I saw this new trilogy was being published, of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! Overall I liked this story. As with all of White's books, it includes romance, historical elements, and also a bit of a mystery, along Christian themes. This one was slow moving in the beginning, and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as first, but it ended up being a good read—not a favorite—but good. At times it just lacked a little excitement. I think I would have enjoyed the book a bit more if the intrigue had played a larger part, and the romance had felt a bit more intense. The island setting and the bit of intrigue reminded me of Mary Stewart's book The Moon Spinners, but only a little.
I enjoyed every character in this book, especially Libby and Oliver, and I really liked how Libby came to understand that God and science are not mutually exclusive of each other but go hand in hand. This part of the book—the naturalist part— reminded a little of Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. I think the real strength of the book is the message about being yourself and finding your place in the world. I enjoyed how Libby was able to find that.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
It's no secret that I enjoy Roseanna M. White's books, and when I saw this new trilogy was being published, of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! Overall I liked this story. As with all of White's books, it includes romance, historical elements, and also a bit of a mystery, along Christian themes. This one was slow moving in the beginning, and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as first, but it ended up being a good read—not a favorite—but good. At times it just lacked a little excitement. I think I would have enjoyed the book a bit more if the intrigue had played a larger part, and the romance had felt a bit more intense. The island setting and the bit of intrigue reminded me of Mary Stewart's book The Moon Spinners, but only a little.
I enjoyed every character in this book, especially Libby and Oliver, and I really liked how Libby came to understand that God and science are not mutually exclusive of each other but go hand in hand. This part of the book—the naturalist part— reminded a little of Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. I think the real strength of the book is the message about being yourself and finding your place in the world. I enjoyed how Libby was able to find that.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.
gretka's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Violence
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, and Death of parent
english_lady03's review
5.0
Mystery, a treasure hunt, love, and family all feature in the first book of Roseanna M. White new series, set on the Isles of Scilly. A small archipelago of islands some 20 miles off the coast of Cornwall.
Libby Sinclair is an unconventional Earl's daughter who is more interested in science and the natural world than marriage and the London Season. She is, what we would probably call a nerd today. Oliver Tremayne is a vicar and nobleman's son who is mourning the loss of his older brother to a rare mitochondrial disease when he finds out his sister, Beth, is missing after a visit to a small cottage on one of the islands.
The Nature of a Lady is about their story, but also provides a cast of fascinating and memorable characters set in a part of Britain that rarely features in novels. The Scilly Isles are in the Atlantic and home to many rare varieties of plant and animal life which would be a treasure trove for any naturalist, a branch of science which was still in its early days in 1906.
As the plot thickens and comes to involve pirate treasure, as well as some unscrupulous individuals who are willing to kill to obtain their goals and Oliver's grandmother, a lady of faith who seems to have rare insights into people and nature. Both characters develop and take their own journeys, with Libby learning to love the rare landscape and culture of the islands.
Recommended to all lovers of historical fiction and Edwardian Fiction.
Thanks to the publisher for my ARC. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Libby Sinclair is an unconventional Earl's daughter who is more interested in science and the natural world than marriage and the London Season. She is, what we would probably call a nerd today. Oliver Tremayne is a vicar and nobleman's son who is mourning the loss of his older brother to a rare mitochondrial disease when he finds out his sister, Beth, is missing after a visit to a small cottage on one of the islands.
The Nature of a Lady is about their story, but also provides a cast of fascinating and memorable characters set in a part of Britain that rarely features in novels. The Scilly Isles are in the Atlantic and home to many rare varieties of plant and animal life which would be a treasure trove for any naturalist, a branch of science which was still in its early days in 1906.
As the plot thickens and comes to involve pirate treasure, as well as some unscrupulous individuals who are willing to kill to obtain their goals and Oliver's grandmother, a lady of faith who seems to have rare insights into people and nature. Both characters develop and take their own journeys, with Libby learning to love the rare landscape and culture of the islands.
Recommended to all lovers of historical fiction and Edwardian Fiction.
Thanks to the publisher for my ARC. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
protagonistspub's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
5.0
“The islands know your name, as they know all of us who love them.”
“The veil is slipping.”
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Especially when it’s coupled with romance and a soul-stirring message.
Once again Roseanna stunned me with her ability to plant clues throughout her story and still confound me when my questions are answered. I like to try and guess at what is really happening behind the scenes but I’m almost never right and when the truth comes out I think “Ohhhhhhhhhhhh…!” and everything makes sense.
I love Roseanna’s big casts of characters and getting to follow them all on their own adventures. Giving her side characters their own stories makes them feel more three-dimensional and it allows readers to see the story from different angles. Some authors will feature the perspectives of side-characters and I don’t usually like it. But Roseanna does it so well that I find myself looking forward to reading not only the main protagonists’ scenes but also the scenes of the supporting characters. In fact, I think I preferred Mabena’s love story to Libby and Oliver’s. But that was not because it wasn’t as well written, it was just different. And that in itself makes me love Roseanna’s writing even more. She always makes sure her characters have unique love stories. It gives each of her characters an experience that is not only new and interesting for the reader but makes sense because of who the characters are.
Also, the rhythm of the story is so satisfying to read. I appreciate the flawless balance of the fast-paced with the moderate because it allows both characters and readers to process the events as they come and go.
Finally, I must touch on prose. The prose in this book was exquisite. I often found myself rereading sections just to appreciate how pretty it sounded and the musical way the words were arranged. I envy Roseanna’s ability to string words together in such a moving way. I hope one day I can emulate even a fraction of this.
Thank you so much @roseannamwhite for being both an entertainment and an inspiration to me.
“The veil is slipping.”
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Especially when it’s coupled with romance and a soul-stirring message.
Once again Roseanna stunned me with her ability to plant clues throughout her story and still confound me when my questions are answered. I like to try and guess at what is really happening behind the scenes but I’m almost never right and when the truth comes out I think “Ohhhhhhhhhhhh…!” and everything makes sense.
I love Roseanna’s big casts of characters and getting to follow them all on their own adventures. Giving her side characters their own stories makes them feel more three-dimensional and it allows readers to see the story from different angles. Some authors will feature the perspectives of side-characters and I don’t usually like it. But Roseanna does it so well that I find myself looking forward to reading not only the main protagonists’ scenes but also the scenes of the supporting characters. In fact, I think I preferred Mabena’s love story to Libby and Oliver’s. But that was not because it wasn’t as well written, it was just different. And that in itself makes me love Roseanna’s writing even more. She always makes sure her characters have unique love stories. It gives each of her characters an experience that is not only new and interesting for the reader but makes sense because of who the characters are.
Also, the rhythm of the story is so satisfying to read. I appreciate the flawless balance of the fast-paced with the moderate because it allows both characters and readers to process the events as they come and go.
Finally, I must touch on prose. The prose in this book was exquisite. I often found myself rereading sections just to appreciate how pretty it sounded and the musical way the words were arranged. I envy Roseanna’s ability to string words together in such a moving way. I hope one day I can emulate even a fraction of this.
Thank you so much @roseannamwhite for being both an entertainment and an inspiration to me.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
I had high hopes for this new series, but thus far I'm not in love with any characters yet like I was with previous series. Libby was interesting and Oliver was kind and patient. But one month?! I really dislike love stories that happen so quickly.
loved the grandmother and I love the set up for Sinclair and Beths story which totally has to happen!!! I thunk they will be a much more lively and interesting pair!
I did enjoy the exploration of Libby as a botanist too.
it was a solid 4 stars for me.
loved the grandmother and I love the set up for Sinclair and Beths story which totally has to happen!!! I thunk they will be a much more lively and interesting pair!
I did enjoy the exploration of Libby as a botanist too.
it was a solid 4 stars for me.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
My rating: 4.5 stars
This was such a fun read! I haven't enjoyed a Roseanna M. White book this much in awhile.
My favorite thing about this book was the setting. I had never heard of the Isles of Scilly before, but now I want to visit them so bad, thanks to Roseanna M. White. Her vivid descriptions of the Isles made me feel as if I were really there.
I also liked the well rounded cast of characters. My favorites are Mabena and Casek (their banter was top notch). I'm excited to learn more about other characters as the series continues!
I think the mystery was also well done. It involves pirate treasure and mistaken identity, two things I'll never say no to in a story:)
I only had a couple of small issues that lead to me giving this a 4.5 instead of a 5 star. First was that I found it really hard to connect with one of the main characters, Elizabeth "Libby," at first. She did grow on me by the end, though.
The second issue I had was that it contained a Christian fiction trope I just don't like- missionary dating. Throughout most of the book Libby is an evolutionary believing agnostic, while Oliver is a believer and creationist. Libby does have a come to Jesus moment, thanks in part to Oliver and his encouragement, but it happens at the very end of the book, when she and Oliver are already in love. I don't condone missionary dating. I think it's unwise, as it could lead to comprises. I dislike how often it happens in Christian fiction :(
My two qualms about this book did not stop me from really enjoying this exciting start to The Secrets of the Isles series.
This was such a fun read! I haven't enjoyed a Roseanna M. White book this much in awhile.
My favorite thing about this book was the setting. I had never heard of the Isles of Scilly before, but now I want to visit them so bad, thanks to Roseanna M. White. Her vivid descriptions of the Isles made me feel as if I were really there.
I also liked the well rounded cast of characters. My favorites are Mabena and Casek (their banter was top notch). I'm excited to learn more about other characters as the series continues!
I think the mystery was also well done. It involves pirate treasure and mistaken identity, two things I'll never say no to in a story:)
I only had a couple of small issues that lead to me giving this a 4.5 instead of a 5 star. First was that I found it really hard to connect with one of the main characters, Elizabeth "Libby," at first. She did grow on me by the end, though.
The second issue I had was that it contained a Christian fiction trope I just don't like- missionary dating. Throughout most of the book Libby is an evolutionary believing agnostic, while Oliver is a believer and creationist. Libby does have a come to Jesus moment, thanks in part to Oliver and his encouragement, but it happens at the very end of the book, when she and Oliver are already in love. I don't condone missionary dating. I think it's unwise, as it could lead to comprises. I dislike how often it happens in Christian fiction :(
My two qualms about this book did not stop me from really enjoying this exciting start to The Secrets of the Isles series.
jolantheerb's review
5.0
While this one took me a bit to finish (thanks to life picking up), it is in no way a reflection of the book itself. Roseanne White has knocked it out of the park again with this new series, and I cannot wait to read the next installment.
Particularly fun is reading her notes at the end of the book where she describes her inspiration for the story and seeing how real life happenings catapulted into a book!
One thing that I love about White’s writing is how she incorporates faith without being preachy. One of the main characters is a clergyman, but his approach is gentle.
The deeper dive into flora/fauna with the main character and her gentle love for the scientific was wonderful. Add in the mystery of a missing person, a murder, and potential hidden treasure and you have a lot to cover!
A favorite quote from the book: “He knows your name. Not Libby, not Elizabeth Sinclair. Your true name, the one at the heart of you that has never been spoken. He knows you, and He calls you by it. You, in all your uniqueness. You, in everything that differentiates you from others. You, in all you have in common with them. He knows you, and He calls you by name. He knows how you fit into this world.”
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley - all opinions are my own.
Particularly fun is reading her notes at the end of the book where she describes her inspiration for the story and seeing how real life happenings catapulted into a book!
One thing that I love about White’s writing is how she incorporates faith without being preachy. One of the main characters is a clergyman, but his approach is gentle.
The deeper dive into flora/fauna with the main character and her gentle love for the scientific was wonderful. Add in the mystery of a missing person, a murder, and potential hidden treasure and you have a lot to cover!
A favorite quote from the book: “He knows your name. Not Libby, not Elizabeth Sinclair. Your true name, the one at the heart of you that has never been spoken. He knows you, and He calls you by it. You, in all your uniqueness. You, in everything that differentiates you from others. You, in all you have in common with them. He knows you, and He calls you by name. He knows how you fit into this world.”
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley - all opinions are my own.
inspiretruth's review
3.0
Welcome to the Isles of Scilly, a cluster of islands off the coast of Cornwall widely known for its stunning scenery, tropical flora, pirate folklore, and quaint holiday homes. Every year, flocks of holiday-goers come to the Isles to revel in the sunshine; however, in the summer of 1906, danger lurks around every corner, and mistaken identity could lead to a perilous end. Join Lady Elizabeth Sinclair, Mabena Moon, and Oliver Tremayne as they unlock the secrets that have been buried for too long!
Lady Elizabeth (Libby) Sinclair has always felt out of place in London's high society. Fascinated by science and botany, she would rather spend her days with her nose in her notebook, sketching the new plants surrounding her, than dressing up to spend the evening with the ton. Desperate to leave the city after her brother declares his plans for her to marry Lord Sheridan, Libby takes her maid, Mabena's, advice and rents a small cottage on Saint Mary's. Excited to be free, Libby's dream of a quiet summer quickly comes to an end when she arrives at her lodging to discover that she is not the first person to inhabit the cottage that summer, nor is she the first Elizabeth.
“Perhaps you weren’t perfectly adapted to the environs into which you were born, Libby. But that doesn’t mean He made a mistake in where He put you. It means only that He set you on a journey, like any other migratory creature who needs different settings for different seasons. He led you here.”
Mabena Moon said she would never come back to the Isles. Having left two years prior, she was content with staying as far away from her past as possible, but, after receiving a strange letter from her best friend, Elizabeth (Beth) Tremayne, Mabena knows she can't keep away anymore. Returning under the guise of a maid, Mabena hopes to find Beth while keeping the truth from Libby; unfortunately, those hopes are disrupted the moment Beth's brother shows up at the cottage.
Oliver Tremayne, a vicar, and fellow science enthusiast, is determined to find his sister. When Beth exclaimed her desire to spend the summer on Saint Mary's, he could not deny her; however, Oliver knows something is wrong when her letters abruptly stop. Going in search of her, Oliver is stunned to find another woman in the home his sister rented. More surprising, he knows the lady, having met her two years prior.
The truth doesn't stay hidden for long, but will the trio be able to locate Beth before it's too late, or will Libby be the one to face the consequences if Beth doesn't show up in time?
He had nothing to gain here but Libby herself. And everything—absolutely everything to lose.
The Nature of a Lady, book one in The Secrets of the Isles series, is a beautifully written novel that inspires readers to look at the world through the Creator's eyes while highlighting the importance of identity, faith, love, and family. We all long to find our place in this world, but it's not until we hear the wind call our name that we know we have reached our destination, though it might not be the future we expected.
When we stay, it’s because the islands know our names, and they whisper them to us on the wind.
While I was quickly absorbed into the story and looked forward to working with the characters as they unraveled the clues that would find Beth and, hopefully, uncover the pirate treasure hidden somewhere on the Isles, I was really disappointed when the plot focused more on romance than mystery (not that I'm complaining too much about this). Was there suspense? Sure; but, before I could get too excited about a discovery or revealed clue, the scene would jump, and the momentum would die before it had really begun. By the last third of the book, I found myself caring little about finding Beth and more about Libby and Oliver's growing chemistry (it was fire)!
Love really was like a bird. You didn’t know where it might settle, or when. You couldn’t tame it, couldn’t force it. Couldn’t often predict it. You could call and call for it and never would it flutter down. Then, at the most unexpected time, in the most unexpected place, there it was. Here it was.
As my introduction to Roseanna White's work, I have no idea if this is her usual writing style; nevertheless, I do not want to deter anyone from reading this book. There are some great messages and scenes that make this story worth a read. Setting aside my disappointment, I thoroughly enjoyed The Nature of a Lady and loved the godly aspects strewn through the pages. The characters were also relatable. Libby's search for purpose and belonging greatly resonated with me, and I enjoyed watching her grow more confident in her skin.
In her mind, God had always been distant, abstract. But now, here, with these people, she couldn’t help but think that He’d come near. Or that she had.
The Nature of a Lady is a great Historical Fiction Romance novel that will make you want to book a trip to the Cornish coast ASAP, especially when you learn that the Isles of Scilly and the Tresco Abbey Garden really exist!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*