CelebrateLit Blog Hop with Tina Rice for Roseanna M. White

A Lady Unrivaled 
#3 Ladies of the Manor Series

(Bethany House)

by Roseanna M. White

Reviewed by Tina St. Clair Rice

Five Stars ***** 

A Lady Unrivaled is book three in the Ladies of the Manor Series. Set in 1913 England, The Cotswolds, Ralin Castle where Lady Ella Myerston is visiting her good friend Brook—Duchess of Stafford. Ella has very specific reasons for visiting Brook and is determined to keep her reasons to herself...for now. She had me chuckling when she was sneaking around the castle to get to the massive library (oh, what a library it is!) unnoticed. Now why would she want to get to the library unnoticed? What was she sneaking around for—I am not saying? 

I love Ella's heart—full of love for her family, friends and God—overflowing on all she does, her optimism in all situations, gentleness and grace, loving and compassionate, joyfulness, ready smile and laughter, brave and oh so mischievous. I think her optimism and smiles bothered some, which may be why she is thought to be unaware of what is going on around her. However, she has chosen to find joy in all things and is far more aware of things than others realize. She is also determined to keep those she loves out of danger and from more tragedy—a danger that seems to follow the mysterious gems the “fire eyes”. 

Oh so handsome James Azerly—Earl of Cayton lives not far from Ralin Castle with his nine month old daughter, Lady Adelaide—or Addie. Addie is a precious little girl that captures the hearts of those around her—she certainly captured mine. James is a complex man, his past is not one he is proud of. However he is a changed man after giving his heart and life to Jesus, he—with God's help—has changed his way of life to a godly one, but his past won't let him be and he has questions. I appreciate that we can see how he struggles with the “old” man he once was and the “new” man he is now. I love his heart, integrity, love and devotion to his daughter. I especially love the interaction between Ella and James!

It was great to revisit many of the characters I fell in love with in the first two books and learn of their lives since then. Plots get more dangerous with even more daring attempts to obtain the mysterious “fire eyes”. I had my suspicions as to who actually was responsible for the evil lurking about, the escalating dangerous situations Ella, James and their loved ones found themselves in. Certain characters are not who they appear to be, to their own advantage of course. Surprise developments in the storyline, twists and turns, and unexpected dangers kept me reading—holding my breath at times, just one more chapter and then another chapter. At certain parts of the story I found myself laughing and crying at others. I appreciate the inspirational elements woven throughout the story—learning to trust ones-self and God, redemption, intrigue, forgiveness, joy, suspense, danger, love, betrayal, faith and a surprising ending. The descriptions of the era are such that I could envision the country-side, castles, walking alongside Ella as she strolls in the woods and the clothing—I felt as if I walked among the characters. I appreciate the list of characters and their relationships in the front of the book. A Lady Unrivaled is a gripping, heartwarming story that will stay with the reader—this reader at least—long after the last page.

~I received a copy of A Lady Unrivaled from the publisher, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

Enter to win 

 a complete set of the Ladies of the Manor series,
including A Lady Unrivaled, and a tin of Prince of Wales tea, 

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