Regency Romance/Suspense Book Review: A Duel for Christmas

Publisher's Description

After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.

The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that affects both their families.
When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

My Review

Abounding with surprises and unexpected twists A Duel for Christmas, by Rosanne E. Lortz, is a thoroughly enjoyable novel! Exceptionally well-written from start to finish, this book is truly a pleasure to read. With its terrific blend of romance, history, and mystery, A Duel for Christmas is utterly compelling and satisfying.
 
Well-crafted elements of plot, characterization, and setting come together artfully to create an alluring reading experience. With a sumptuously intriguing plot reminiscent of those written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie, this novel is extremely clever and character-driven. This book creatively explores the themes of loss, love, redemption, honor, and courage through a diverse cast of entertaining and compelling characters who are richly developed and truly likable. Their strength and determination in the face of injustice is truly inspiring. Their idiosyncrasies, motivations, fears, desires, convictions, and choices shine with meaning. Integral to the story, the setting is just as enjoyable and memorable as any of the characters. Regency London and its fully detailed surroundings provide a fitting backdrop to the twelve days of Christmas and the events that make each day important to the unfolding story.

Like a favorite holiday tradition, A Duel for Christmas is a book that should be enjoyed again and again. Ms. Lortz’s richly descriptive style and attention to historical detail are deeply satisfying and memorable. The romance and mystery within this novel are elements worthy of being savored. This book is unforgettable and immensely entertaining. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

About the Author: Rosanne E. Lortz

Rosanne E. Lortz is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for ten years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently the Director of Academics and Admissions at Paideia Classical Christian School in Gladstone, Oregon.
Rosanne’s first book, I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince, released in 2009. This book explores the tumultuous landscape surrounding the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death and is a tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor. In 2015, Rosanne began her Pevensey mysteries, novels of romantic suspense set during the British Regency (with inspiration from medieval characters and events). The first three titles are: To Wed an Heiress, The Duke’s Last Hunt, and A Duel for Christmas.

Guest Post from Rosanne E. Lortz

The year is 1120. The place is the English Channel. A ship puts off from the French port. The passengers have been drinking, far too heavily. A submerged rock shatters the hull of the ship. The vessel goes down into the watery depths, and with it the heir to the English throne.
This incident from Medieval history was the inspiration for my Regency novel, A Duel for Christmas. Set in the early 1800s, the novel has a dash of suspense, a few tablespoons of murder mystery, and a heaping cup of sweet romance all blended together to make the perfect holiday read.
Lady Maud Worlington has just returned to London, determined to reclaim life on her own terms, but when an impulsive and unforgettable kiss creates a connection with Geoffrey, the Duke of Tilbury, she must decide if he can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her. A watery death, financial ruin, and a nefarious shadow from the past dog their steps as the Twelve Days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rosanne is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter:
KarenSueHadley, October 13
Just Commonly, October 13
Blogging With Carol, October 14
Remembrancy, October 14
Carpe Diem, October 15
Ashley's Bookshelf, October 16
Texas Book-aholic, October 17 - P
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 18
Wishful Endings, October 18
Faery Tales Are Real, October 18 - P
More Of Him, October 19
Bibliophile Reviews, October 20 - P
D'S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 20
Lis Loves Reading, October 21
Mary Hake, October 22
Simple Harvest Reads, October 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Book by Book, October 23 - P
proud to be an autism mom, October 23 - P
Reader's Cozy Corner, October 24 - P
Janices book reviews, October 25 - P
Bigreadersite, October 25 - P
Godly Book Reviews, October 26
Have A Wonderful Day, October 26

*I received a copy of this novel through the author and Celebrate Lit. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for your kind review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post and I appreciate getting to find out about another great book. Thanks for all you do and for the hard work you put into this. Greatly appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This book sounds like a fantastic read.

    ReplyDelete

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