My love for reading started at a fairly young age, most likely around the time I first learned how to read. I read everything from books to magazines to newspapers to comic books. There really was no limit to what I would read nor did I set a standard on what to read. As I’m trying to teach my son the joys and benefits of reading, I too have picked up several books to read at once. Although it’s probably not a very sensible practice as intertwining stories can happen, I’ve decided to dedicate my sole reading time to Prelude for a Lord as a book blogger for the BookLook Bloggers program.
One of my favorite genres is historical romance. I love learning about anything from a different era especially during the Regency period where everything seemed so elegant and extravagant. What a life it must have been to wear lavish gowns and attend glorious social events. Thus, when I chose Prelude for a Lord, I expected just that. Allow me to start off with saying that this book has a beautiful and elegant cover which was what drew my attention in the first place. I think a cover really draws the initial attraction and helps establish the essence of the actual story.
Aside from the charming cover, Prelude for a Lord, written by Camille Elliot is a tale of love, compassion, and triumph. I felt sad for the Heroine, Alethea at times because of the situations she was put in but she felt like a true hero, a bit naive even at 28 years old, and sometimes self-deprecating.
Although it read a bit differently than the other Regency romance books I’ve read in the past, the story still felt like you were thrust into the lavish and sometimes cruel world of Regency, England. The writing was engaging but felt a bit modern at times and I don’t know if that was the style of the author or not, but overall for those who have never read a Regency-period novel, you’ll still find the story delightful. There were many characters in the book so a lot of names to keep track of, but usually in these Regency romance books you’ll find many supporting characters – and some are great while others need not be in there.
I did like the Hero, Lord Bay Dommick as he was quite misunderstood and had a bit of an edge to him. He is a professional violinist and daunted by love. Although he wasn’t as romantic as I had hoped he would be, he was still sweet to Alethea at times. Reading their interactions together is like stepping back in time into their world.
Overall I did enjoy the story and although there was supposed to be bit of a mystery going on, it would have been nice if the author delved more into the workings of a violin and gave more explicit details about the instrument. I don’t know a lot about violins and whenever I read a story that focuses on a specific topic, it would help to have more detailed descriptions of it.
Prelude for a Lord is a gentle read and great for virgin Regency romance novels. Although it’s listed as a Christian romance, there weren’t really anything in the book to sway you otherwise. There were a few mentions of the Bible but not enough where those who are opposed to any kind of religion might find it offensive. Perhaps because it is also a “clean” book without a lot of explicit details on the romance, it is a good book for those who don’t want to read erotica or anything trashy.
Zondervan’s summary of the book, Prelude for a Lord:
An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart? Bath, England—1810 At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician. In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal. But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick. Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul. Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .
Editor’s Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions made on this book are entirely my own and has not been influenced in any way. I have not received monetary compensation for reviewing this book other than receiving a copy of it.
I may reveal spoilers from time to time but I will always preface it so you can skip that part or read them for the sheer fun of it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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