CFBA: Mystery of the Heart by Jillian Kent

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:   Mystery of the Heart Realms (January 8, 2013)   by   Jillian Kent


MY TAKE:

I was quite excited to see that Jillian Kent was listed on our tour this month. After reviewing the previous Ravensmoore Chronicle book Chameleon, I knew that Mystery of the Heart would be a winner. So glad to know I was right. :)

Lady Mercy is a modern woman in a world dominated by men. Some with good intentions, many with bad, but nevertheless it's a battle of the sexes. Isn't is always? But Lady Mercy isn't battling just to prove she's better, it's not about pride, it's about a calling and following after God's heart. Medicine and her gift for healing could lead her in so many different directions, and her choice affects not only her own reputation, but that of her family as well.

It's a great story, from the very first page where Mercy washes ashore half drowned to finding herself holding the fabled spear that pierced Christ's side. This isn't your average historical romance, this is an adventure.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lord Eden is intrigued when he discovers Lady Mercy Grayson’s secret, but how can he hope to gain her heart when he is forced to betray her?

Lady Mercy Grayson longs be a physician like her big brother, Devlin, Lord Ravensmoore. However, society would never tolerate a female physician, let alone one who is a noblewoman. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to get through medical school. But then a male colleague discovers her secret, which is only the beginning of Mercy’s problems that could destroy her dreams forever.

The Prince Regent is awaiting the return of Vincent St. Lyons, Lord Eden, whom he sent on a secret voyage to locate and bring back a relic that some believe possesses the power to heal. St. Lyons discovers Mercy washed up on England’s shore upon his return and agrees to give her safe passage to London aboard a ship of men practicing African Vodun. Both must face treacherous circumstances, difficult decisions, and a growing attraction to one another that could forever change the course of their lives.

As the final installment in the series, the theme of this book is God’s plans for our lives. “Whatever the hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might” (Eccles. 9:10).

If you would like to read the first chapter of Mystery of the Heart, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.

Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.

Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.

Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.

CFBA: Chameleon by Jillian Kent

Song Stuck on the Brain:  We've Got Tonight by Phillip Phillips 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Chameleon Realms (May 15, 2012)
by
Jillian Kent

MY TAKE: 

Lady Snoop. What a great character endearment. :) Lady Victoria, as the rest of London knows her, is ready for her big adventure and can't help but find herself drawn into a rather gruesome murder mystery. The author did a great job of balancing the bleak tones of asylums, murder and revenge with a lighthearted sense of humor and romance. Victoria is the perfect window to see the story through, her insight and wisdom gained from years being ill and learning to read people serve her well. Her innocent and compassionate heart glow like light in a dark, cynical world; illuminating both the good and bad in those around her.

The witty bantering between Victoria and her paramour Lord Witt is well done, and I loved the addition of Victoria giant horse of a dog. Animals are people too, as we say in our family, and Lazarus was a perfect example of that.

Chameleon is book 2 in the Ravensmoore Chronicles. I didn't realize that when I optioned to review this one, but thankfully I didn't feel like I was lost in the story. It stood up well as a novel on it's own. I do recommend reading Secrets of the Heart first however, I would have given the chance. There are references to it and I know I would have enjoyed it as well.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

How much can you really know about someone?
Lady Victoria Grayson has always considered herself a keen observer of human behavior. After battling a chronic childhood illness that kept her homebound for years, she journeys to London determined to have the adventure of a lifetime.

Jaded by his wartime profession as a spy, Lord Witt understands, more than most, that everyone is not always who they pretend to be. He meets Victoria after the Regent requests an investigation into the activities of her physician brother, Lord Ravensmoore.

Witt and Victoria become increasingly entangled in a plot targeting the lords of Parliament. Victoria is forced to question how well she knows those close to her while challenging Witt’s cynical nature and doubts about God. Together they must confront their pasts in order to solve a mystery that could devastate their future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chameleon, go HERE.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.

Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.

Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.

Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.