A Duel for Christmas - My Review

I know you cannot judge a book by its cover, but I love this cover!  The building on the front reminds me of Downton Abbey, so I knew this story would be good, and I was right.  It is interesting to note that this is not the typical romance story, because there is a mystery in the mix.  A murder has occurred, and it is up to the reader to decipher who the culprit might be.  The characters in this story are interesting and easy to relate to, and since I love books set in this era of history, it made for the perfect read.  I also loved how the sections were divided—according to the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Several chapters were enclosed in each day of the holiday.  I have never seen this done before, but I thought it was simply brilliant! 

Lady Worlington carries many scars from her previous marriage, and she still has so many moments that haunt her.  Will she ever be able to put the past behind her?  Unfortunately, one individual will not let her mind wander far from her previous indiscretion.  Even in her new place of residence, she worries about sharing her actions with her favorite brother.  What will he think of her?  However, Maud Worlington must find a way to move forward—otherwise there will be no new life to pursue.  Especially, when she sees a new path she might follow right within sight. 

The Duke of Tilbury is more of a man of honor than some might think.  It takes awhile for certain individuals to understand his true character and nature regarding matters of the heart.  Geoffrey Tilbury also has a moment of indiscretion he deeply regrets—or does he?  When Geoffrey discovers evil at his front door, he tries to do all he can to stop it.  Yet his naïve sister does not seem to understand that there is more to love than feelings.  Will he ever be able to prove the truth regarding certain men who only look out for themselves?  He knows that these men will only ruin those individuals who dare to enter their path. 

There are two other books before this novel in the Pevensey Mystery series, and I cannot wait to go back and read both of those stories.  If you enjoy mystery, romance, and the historical genre, I recommend checking out this book.  Happy reading! 

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for my copy. 

A DUEL FOR CHRISTMAS 

By Rosanne E. Lortz 

Publication Date: October 1, 2018
Madison Street Publishing
Paperback & eBook; 383 Pages

Series: Pevensey Mysteries, #3
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Regency

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.

This novel takes the medieval events surrounding the sinking of the White Ship and transposes them to Regency London. It is the third book in the Pevensey series, but can be read as a standalone.

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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, was 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.

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A Duel for Christmas