The Captain's Daughter, London Beginnings Series #1

The orchestra music plays; voices rise and fall in melodious song; organized chaos, hustle and bustle of people and props. The Opera.

Jennifer Delamere has penned a stunning page-turner in The Captains Daughter. I was immediately captivated by heroine, Roslyn Bernays story set in Victorian London, England. From the first page I was sucked in by Roslyns desperate plight. We follow her through danger and destitution. Rejoice when she reaches a safe, satisfying destination.

Theatre is the backdrop of this entertaining novel. I enjoyed learning about all the ins and outs of stage and opera life. Jennifer Delamere gives such descriptive details of this world that one feels as if one has been a part of the cast. I have never seen the two productions mentioned in The Captains Daughter, but now have a desire to see them for myself!

Opposite the frolic and fantasy of theatre life, we have the faithful fortress of a family. Roslyn is an orphan with two sisters, but no living parents. She is a more serious, quiet heroine, but will talk more and relax with people she knows. Roslyn is independent, but is cautious and can be slightly too trusting at times. She was different from a lot of heroines and I liked that. I love the hero, Nate Morans steadiness and care for Roslyn. She needs a place in life and Nate and his family are a stable influence in her world. As a hero I never felt like I got to know Nate as well as I should have. I liked him, but wished I could have gotten to know him better. The Moran family is the best. Especially Nates brother. They provide a lightness in what could be a more serious story. These supporting characters added to the novel greatly.

Ms. Delamere has such a gift for story-telling and keeping ones attention. I could hardly put the book down! The only drawback was not enough romance. It could have been upped more, but I had to keep reminding myself that this novel is categorized as historical fiction, not romance. The authors previous series was romance and I kept expecting more.

There is a slight Dickens feel to this novel, but the setting, atmosphere, and characters have stepped right from the pages of a Sherlock Holmes story. One without the mystery though.

The Captains Daughter is an excellent, entertaining read. If you enjoy the writing styles of Rosslyn Elliott, Anne Mateer, and Karen Barnett, you will want to read this novel.

I have to be honest. As much as a I enjoyed this novel, I was totally surprised by the route the plot took. I think that the title and the description led me to feel as if the story would play out in a different way. Maybe that is a good thing. It definitely surprised me, but I just personally felt like I could not connect with the book like I have with other historical fiction works. Still, if you are a fan or know a lot about the the 1800's, you might find yourself totally head over heels in love with this book. Being that I participated in high school plays, I can relate to the feelings and emotions of being on stage. However, I feel like it needed more action in my opinion. It felt as if the scenes got bland and slow. Only when she was working or on stage did I start to feel lost in the pages. I very much hope that her writing and story picks up pace as the books are released.

That being said, there are a few things that I absolutely loved about the book. First, I fell in love with the characters immediately. They were very believable and had chemistry. I enjoyed watching main character Nate interact with his family, especially his brother Patrick. They all seemed so warm and welcoming. I found myself laughing out loud many times at how old school his mother's comments sounded. It still amazes me how different things were back in those days. Second, I just loved her morals and how she lined everything up for a life lesson on how God works in our lives, even when we do not realize it. Third, I really enjoyed learning about the theater in those days. Though I know nothing about stage lighting now or then, it did place an interest in me to do some research on my own time. She really has a way of making it all sound so interesting and intriguing. Her writing flows nicely and never was there a time that I felt lost or confused.

I am very optimistic about the second novel. I was not surprised to find that it will be based around her sister. I wondered, when I first began to read the book, if each one would be from a sisters point of view. I really love this idea, and being that her youngest sister sounds so interesting, I am very excited to hear more about her story. If you love historical fiction, then I high recommend giving this book a chance. I want to thank Bethany House for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. It really was a nice and easy read that I am happy to add to my growing collection.

SUMMARY:

Needing to urgently leave town due to circumstances beyond her control, Rosalyn Bernay finds herself in London, penniless, homeless, and jobless with few possibilities. Making her way through London, Rosalyn soon makes acquaintances- some helpful, others not. Landing herself a job backstage at a theatre, with the help of her new friends Jessie and Nate, her life takes a change in direction for the better albeit one that could also affect her heart...

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:

As a new author to me, I can honestly say I have found another favorite author in Jennifer Delamere. Grabbedfrom the first page and reading straight through to the end, this was one of the fastest books I have ever read. With a bit of turbulence, romance, and secrets mixed with my favorite genre of time and place, The Captain's Daughter was a success for me. Glad to know this is only book one of the new series, London Beginnings, I absolutely will watch for the next installments. Welcome to my favorite author list, Jennifer Delamere!

RATING:

5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Captain's Daughter from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

Saying goodbye to her two younger sisters Julia and Cara was bittersweet for Rosalyn Bernay. After their mother loses her battle to an illness and their father, a sea captain, is seemingly lost to the oceans, the three children lived a pleasant life in a Muller Orphanage, until they went their separate ways.

Unfortunate circumstances force Rosalyn to leave the home where she worked as a ladies maid. Whilst she planned to join her sister in Bristol, she ends up taking a train to London. There, she is accosted by two men.

Nate Morgan, dressed in his military redcoat, happens upon Rosalyn as she arrives at Paddington (station). Unfortunately, she takes his helpfulness the wrong way and walks away with a woman who he suspects isnt who she says she is.

Regretting the manner in which he handled the situation, he turns his mind back to his healing hand and the circumstance of his return from India.

After overhearing the real reason she was helped by Aunt Molly, Rosalyn finds herself in a back alley outside a theater. Immediately befriended by a young actress, Jessie, she convinces Miss. Lenoir, the administrator of the theatre, to take on Rosalyn as the new dresser.

Fate has intervened, and Rosalyn is surprised and wary of bumping in to the rugged soldier again. But, as she soon discovers, Nate is not as rough, or someone to distrust, as she first believed.

The bright lights ofthe theatre works its magic on Rosalyn, and she wonders if the stage is for her. However, will the life she abruptly left behind, find her again in London?

Thrown together in a close-knit community, Nate and Rosalyn form a friendship, with hints of something else. But with both having a past they would rather keep to themselves, as well as a future that wouldnt include the other, will they be able to work past their different pursuits and perhaps turn their friendship in to something more?

The mainprotagonists are likeable andwarm.And, with theauthor giving subsequent characters as much depth and enticing background stories as Rosalyn and Nate, it was an excellent opening to both the Bernay and Moran families as well as the beginning of a serial. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the theatre group, the descriptions of 1800s London and the romantic undertones.I look forward to reading more from this author and her London Beginnings series. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Captain's Daughter is the first book in London Beginnings. I enjoy historical fiction. In this book, Rosalyn is leaving her employer, but ends up losing everything she owns, ends up in a brothel and employed at the London theater. While there she comes across a man, Nate, who has his own story. He was part of the army, serving in India when he suffered a hand injury. He goes back to London, his home. While there he agrees to fill in for his brother as a stage hand, as his brother recovers from a broken leg. He knows he will return to his regiment and to his future. The he meats Rosalyn.

I enjoyed this novel but I felt like the pace needed to settle down. the beginning felt rushed and then, partway through the book, I felt like it began to drag. The relationship between Nate and Rosalyn was lovely. It was a joy to share in their relationship.

I also enjoyed the theater story line, including the author bringing Gilbert and Sullivan into it.

For those that enjoy historical romance, I feel like this book is a good choice.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.