Ruth Axtell MorrenCritiques

This is a good, clean, classic romance. While the ending is predictable, the plot does throw some curve balls. I'd like to read more books by this author.

This book description taken partially from Amazon:

1641 Amsterdam.
When Francesca di Paolo is abducted by a band of brigands on her way home to Amsterdam, little does she realize she will become a pawn in a game of revenge. A budding artist, Francesca is enthralled by her rescuer, Dirk Vredeman, and would love to paint his portrait. Dirk, raised on the streets and surviving by his wits, has spent the last 20 years in the East Indies, where he has amassed a fortune. Now he has returned to Holland to destroy the man who destroyed his mother--the man who is Francesca's guardian, and to whom she owes her loyalty and gratitude. 'In Your Eyes' is a story of love and loyalties, tenuous trust against age-old betrayal.

This book description was taken from Amazon's review becauce it did a great job of descripbing this story:

"In the 1890 thriving coastal town of Holliston, Maine, the leading lumber baron's son, Warren Brentwood, III, returns from his years away at college and traveling to take up his position as heir apparent to his father's business empire.

Esperanza Estrada, daughter of a Portuguese immigrant fisherman and a local woman, lives on the wrong side of town, surrounded by a brood of brothers and sisters and a careworn mother. She is unable to pretend she is anything but "one of those Estradas." When she overhears of a position to clean house at a local high school teacher's home on Elm Street, she jumps at the opportunity--to be able to run into Warren Brentwood now and again, but also to imbibe of the culture and intellectual atmosphere of the Stocktons.

When rumors about Espy and her respected employer begin to circulate, the entire church congregation and then the community pronounce judgment on her behavior. Warren believes the lie and his loss of faith in her causes Espy to give up without a fight. She leaves her family and hometown for the nearest city with little money and no acquaintances and is forced to spend the night on the street. A man who heads a mission for the homeless finds Espy and offers her shelter. Espy finds the true love of God while working at the mission. Will she be able to forgive the townspeople and return home?"

I appreciated Espy and her determination to never give up hope. I enjoyed reading and watching her life, the ups and downs and how she came out with a real love for her Lord (and for Warren) at the end.

This story takes place after the book "Moonlight Masquerade" (The London Encounter series). You could read it as a stand alone, but will have a greater understanding of what is going on in this story if you read them in order. A good look at life in England in the early 1800s and the way people live and the "rules" they live by in the world of the aristocrats.

Jessamine Barry is in London, staying with her godmother and trying to wait patiently for a man to decide her future. She is somewhat bitter at the way her life has turned out recently and so she rejects the interest shown to her by Lancelot Marfleet, a man wants to become a vicar. Instead she gets in trouble by flirting with a man who does not have best intentions towards her. As the back cover of the book says, "Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell's sumptuous story of discovering one's true self and finding true love." A story "where a heart's rebellion slowly ripens into a love everlasting".½

This was an interesting story and I liked what the back cover said: "Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are the cat or the mouse". Lady Wexham is French by birth, but living as a widowed English countess in 1813. Is she spying though for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte??

Rees Phillips was working in the British Foreign Office at a routine job, when he is given the chance to pose as the countess's butler and discover where Lady Wexham loyalties lie. The problem is, the longer he works for her, the harder it is to spy on her, as his feelings for her are far more than a butler should have for a "lady". And then what happens when Lady Wexham finds out who he truly is and sets up to deceive him, even though it is hard for her, as she too finds herselt drawn to her butler.

This was a story of intrigue, where (as the back cover says) "black and white burst into a confusion of colors - and no one is who they seem". I appreciated the dialogue between the two main characters, and the 'moonlight masquerade' scene was one of my favorites. Looking forward to "A Heart's Rebellion" next, which I believe is about one of the secondary characters in this story.½

This book was fun and the romance was subtle and romantic rather than erotic. The spy aspect makes this book more interesting and easy to get caught up in.

Once again Ruth Axtell Morren writes a story that is hard to put down and full of drama set in London in the early 1800's. Jonah Quinn is moments away from being hung from the Newgate Prison when he is unexpectedly broke free by the crowd. He grabs a young woman, Florence Hathaway, as his hostage and flees to the seedier part of town to hide. Jonah is an innocent man, but there is no way anyone would believe him. But Florence is a lady who reaches out to the needy and downtrodden and encourages him to come to her home and let her brother try to help him.

Before you know it, Jonah is in Florence and Damien's home and they are trying to make a gentleman out of this burly fugitive from the law. Jonah fight's Florence every step of the way and you don't see how these two people could ever grow to love one another, but it happens, very slowly.

You will find that looking like a gentleman on the outside won't change the man on the inside. But when you have people with faith in God and a powerful prayer life, the inside of a person can be changed and then it affects his whole demeanor. Florence was a hard person to get to know, but in time I came to understand and appreciate her. Jonah has a hard time coming to grips with life and his circumstances, but when he gives it all over to the Lord, he will find that the Lord's way is the best way. This was another great story and I am glad I found this author. She is easy to read and does a great job of weaving precious love stories.

Another great love story in this 'Regency Series' . We start this story in London around 1815. Hester Leighton has come from the American shores of Bangor Maine, with her father who is there doing business. She will have a chance encounter with the rogue, Major Gerrit Hawkes at a party. Gerrit you will have met in book 2 of this series and now you get to see what has happened to him. Right now he is a cynical, penniless soldier who is haunted by things he has seen and done in the war. Hester somehow sees the good in this man and never wavers from her believe in him. But Gerrit knows what kind of man he is and can't let anything but friendship come between the innocent Hester and himself. When Hester sails back to Maine, Gerrit will eventually follow her there and try to prove himself to her and her family.

This was a story of how the redeeming love of the Savior and the redeeming love of a young lady can change the heart of a rogue. It is a tender love story and I loved the faith and loyalty and love for her Lord that Hester has. I also appreciated her loyalty and love for her father and her willingness to abide by some of his decisions. I also appreciated the way Gerrit tried to protect Hester from himself and the way he slowly changed as he gave himself and his past to the Lord. This has been a series I would highly recommend and an author I have come to really enjoy.

I liked this story, but must admit that book 1 and 2 in this series I liked a little more. This story is about Dr. Ian Russell (who you will have met in the first 2 stories). Ian's life's calling is taking care of London's underclass. Very early in this book you will also meet stage actress Eleanor Neville. Ian's strong faith and his good works makes him stand out from all the other men Eleanor has known. But it is also what keeps them apart. Ian has strong feelings for this lady, but her lifestyle is something he can never accept. Through many different circumstances they will cross paths and both of them will have to overcome some obstacles to find true love and faith. God is able to make all things new, which he will do for Eleanor Neville.

This story takes place in the seedier part of town, but was very well written and shows the way things were in London around 1817. Life was not easy for some (and a little too easy for others). Ruth Axtell Morren's stories are hard to put down and pull you into the story in a way that makes you feel you are there with these people. I am enjoying my visit to London during this series, but must say I am glad I didn't live there during this time.

This is book 2 in the "Regency Series" and one of the many things a liked about this book is that it doesn't pick up where book one left off, but takes you back and shows you what happened in the life of one of the characters you met in book one, Althea's brother, Tertius Pembroke, Earl of Skylar. Tertius arrives back in London in 1814 and finds his father has arranged for his marriage to someone he has not met because he wants an heir. Lady Gillian Edwards is young, and beautiful and has been forced by her mother to enter into this marriage to Tertius, who she finds arrogant and cold.

The beginning of the book deals with these two getting to know each other as well as can be expected and coming to terms with the wedding. But on the wedding night things will go from bad to worse and the rest of the story will be trying to bring these two people together and save this marriage that had problems from the very beginning.

This was a story that takes you back in time and makes you feel like you are there in England and sharing the ups and downs with these families. The author writes with much sensitivity and a heart for the things of the Lord. You will grow in your understanding of the times back then, you will grow in your love for and understanding how the Lord works in peoples lives and you will grow to love how this author writes. I had a hard time putting this story down and look forward to getting started on book 3, "The Healing Season".½

When I first started reading this book I didn't think I would give it this high of a rating, but the further I read, the more I grew to love the story and the message of faith that it inspired in me. As the author Susan Wiggs says on the front cover of this book, "Ruth Axtell Morren writes with skill, sensitivity and great heart about the things that matter most". I totally agree!

You will find yourself in London in 1817 in regency England where you have glittering ballrooms on one side of town and poorly run factories on the other side. This story is about widower Simon Aguilar. He is rising in his quest to be a star in Parliment, but also has a gravely ill young daughter who he needs help with. That is where Nurse Althea Breton enters the picture. She has left her wealth and social position to serve God in the needier part of town. But when her brother urges her to apply for the job with Simon she agrees and finds herself working with the upper class once again. She will quickly develop a love for the little girl but it will take longer for her to see herself falling for a man who wants nothing to do with God. But all things are possible with God and when Simon's world falls apart, he will finally open his heart to God's love and to Althea's.

As one reviewer stated about this book, it "inspires readers toward a deeper trust in the transforming power of God" and that is so true. It is very well done and gives one a real look at the deep emotions and convictions of people. I also learned a lot of history about the Jewish people and the way they were perceived in London during this time. I will definitely be reading more in this series!½

In times of war people have been known to go to drastic measures. Where will loyalties lie when the truth comes out?

Mr. McKinnon, or rather Rees Phillips, has been sent as a butler, a spy, into the house of Lady Céline Wexham. Céline is a French émigré who is most likely a spy herself. Although as he gets to know her his loyalty to his homeland falters. It is 1813 and word has it that Bonaparte will soon be conquered. The royalists long to reestablish the monarchy in France, however Lady Wexham is in favor of the republic. She has made enemies of the French and the British. Will Rees follow his country, his heart, or God’s call?

Moonlight Masquerade is an exquisite tale of love in regency England. Intrigue, espionage, masquerades and highwaymen fill the pages of this book from beginning to end. It is a very moving story filled with sorrow and joy. Ruth Axtell did a wonderful job detailing where our true loyalties must lie. First and foremost to God. Our path will become clear, if not easy, as long as we rely on Him to guide us.

I did not realize that this book was a sequel until I was already knee deep in it. While it stands alone fairly well, I wonder if my perception of a few key characters would have been different if I had read the first book.

As it was, Jessamine and I did not get on. At all. She spent a good portion of the book being caught up in whining, self-pity, and pining after another woman's man. Oh my. It was difficult to swallow. Like a raw egg.

Her behavior toward Lancelot was just awful. She was shallow and stuck up, immediately dismissing him because of his looks. After realizing who he was, I expected her to be mortified and humbled. But no, she was all pride and conceit, thinking herself better than him.

As the story went on, her self-involvement reached a peak with her blaming everyone else for her feelings and obsessions, as if she is purely a victim of her circumstances. She may have been at one time, but at this point she is choosing her own self destructive path. She is no victim. Even when Megan tries to gently direct her to God, telling her to trust in His plans for her, she hardens her heart and persists.

Jessamine's attitude and actions may be an accurate representation of how some people really think and behave but they are not people I could respect or stand to be around much.

That being said, I did sympathize with her on a few points; overhearing the brief words between Rees and Celine was humiliating. I cannot even imagine. Rees in general seemed to be rubbing it in her face from the beginning all the way to the end with his talk of wishing she had found a love like he had with Celine. Why did he feel the need to compare the two? Why talk about himself at all?

I also understood the root of her insecurities, the cause and effect; her comparing herself to Celine and trying to compete, her seeking out what consoled her bruised ego, even why she was repulsed by a man who seemed too timid and was too similar to both her father and former intended, both of whom she blamed. What I didn't understand is why she thought she was superior to him or even equal to him, why she was so confident in her own appeal that she felt the need to rebuff his advances from the very first.

It was her total lack of humility and over abundance of insecurities (which I believe drove her constant defensive position at every interaction with Lancelot. I prefer characters who have a sense of humor; Jessamine was constantly irritable and offended.) that kept me from being able to connect with her or believe in their romance.

As a side note, I wasn't sure what to make of the drugging episode. Initially it rubbed me the wrong way because it seemed way too modern and out of place. Did that really happen back then? It would seem so, considering that Lancelot referenced a drug he was aware of. The author must have done her homework here. If that's the case, it just seemed too extreme and poorly contrived that he would have the nerve to drug her and make off with her in public. Perhaps he'd thought her defenseless before, but after Celine's arrival, and their connection, I'd have thought the former Lady Wexham's position and influence would have been enough to end any dishonorable schemes.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Axtell and though I would have preferred to closely follow Megan's story rather than Jessamine's, and I will likely not read the next book (Delawney?), I might just go back and read the first book. Celine appears to be a protagonist who is classy, intelligent and generous. She fell in love with a man because of his honor and respected that, rather than trying to dissolve it- my kind of heroine, my kind of love story.

Book Review: Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

“I Received this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”

The Synopsis:

“Holliston, Maine. 1892. No matter how striking she is, a fisherman’s daughter doesn’t stand a chance with Warren Brentwood, the heir of the local lumber empire. So in an effort to better her life and eventually catch Warren’s eye, Espy takes a job at the local professor’s home. But when the professor begins to tutor her, the rumors begin to fly.

Scandal turns Espy’s world upside down and she flees town in disgrace. Alone and penniless, Espy has nothing left but her faith when she is rescued by a missionary family. Espy longs to return home freed from the lies that surrounded her departure. But will anyone–particularly Warren–believe in her professed innocence?

My Review:

This was a very good book. There was not much action, but I did enjoy how the story progressed and how Espy and Warren looked to God before each other, and in that, their love grew.

I enjoyed both of their characteristics and personalities and they seemed very realistic. I also really liked the missionary family that took in Espy and then helped Warren get more involved in the ministry. The Pastor of the local church was also very likable.

Again, this was a pretty good book and I have nothing negative to say about it!

Although the beginning of the book nearly dissuaded me, I was very glad I kept with it, because I dearly enjoyed this book. I hadn't read a regency romance in ages so this really re-opened the floodgates for me. Ruth Axtell brings together a cast of characters that are flawed, vain individuals but makes them immensely likable. You root for them when they're down, chide them when they're misbehaving, and feel their sorrow when they're suffering. Jessamine Berry and her best friend Megan are enjoying their first season in London. Although not from the rich upper class, they intend to enjoy themselves to the best of their ability. Jessamine is determined that a season in the summer will help her forget about her heartbreak involving Megan's older brother. Almost immediately, they make the acquaintance of Mr. Marfleet, a young vicar who has his eyes set on Jessamine. Feeling that he is too intolerable, too rude, and too much like her father, Jessamine rebuffs his advances and tries to find someone more dashing for the season. But sometimes the heart can be a fickle thing, maybe Mr. Marfleet is what the doctor ordered?

Well written and enjoyable, this novel is well researched and true to the period. For fans of Jane Austen and other regency romances.

I received this book for free from Revell Reads in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.

Regency romance with today's heart issues.
Jessamine Barry has followed the rules and the faith all her life. Patiently waiting on God to supply her the right man has brought unspeakable grief and bitterness when the same man,Rees, marries a Frenchwoman instead. Determined from here on out to take matters into her own hands, Jessamine and her neighbor, Megan, enter London's society season via Jessamine's godmother, then continue due to the interest of a young vicar/botanist recently returned from India. Lancelot Marfleet is quiet, unassuming, and not at all handsome,nor exciting in the way that Jessamine desires. Spurning any advances from this man with whom she actually shares many interests, she encourages dashing, wild, life of the party gentlemen who cause her heart to race.

I loved that Axtell has her characters growing and learning many lessons. Jessamine is forced to be the recipient of great undeserved kindnesses of the French wife of Rees, whom Jessamine so dearly wants to hate for "stealing" away her love. The anxieties that Jessamine faces are set in the Regency era, (beautifully detailed), but are the same of young single women today unsure of themselves and who God would have for them as a mate. Or if they can even trust God with that selection. Perhaps, as Jessamine feels, God is ignoring her in that area, and matters should not be left up to the Almighty in that arena. I also loved the power of godly friendships. The book started slowly, as a lot of it was based on learning the feelings of individuals, but by the end, I was happy to see a lost heart finding its way back to God and trust in His almighty power.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

Ms. Axtell is a new to me author and a talented one she is! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Ms. Axtell blends coming of age, romance, true love, rebellion and determination with faith, hope and God's never ending love.

I was a little iffy on my feelings of Jessamine at first. I thought she would be a whiner through the whole story. But, pleasantly, she was not and I found myself pulling for her as she learned to rebel against her own past and grasp her future. She was a sweet character and I am glad I had the chance to get to know her!

And Lancelot. Now that is a man worth swooning over! I loved him from the start and found him witty and charming and down right enjoyable throughout the story. He lent the perfect depth to Jessamine and her torn heart!

I definitely recommend this story with 4.5 stars! Ms. Axtell will take you on a whirlwind adventure ride and toss you emotions from happiness to bitterness to love. Fabulously done, and I can't wait to go back and read book 1 in this series, as well as looking forward to the next release by this talented lady!

A HEART'S REBELLION by Ruth Axtell is an exciting Regency Historical Romance 1815. #2 in the "London Encounters", but can be read as a stand alone. See," Moonlight Masquerede".

Meet, Jessamine Barry and Lancelot Marfleet.

Filled with love, faith, and romance. You do not want to miss a chance to read A HEART'S REBELLION. Ms. Axtell writes in vivid details, with compelling, engaging characters who will steal your heart as they try to find their love everlasting. A must read for anyone avid reader who enjoys Regency romance as well as a great inspirational read. A compelling tale of faith, society, London, Regency and the power of love. You will not help but fall in love yourself with these characters. Received for an honest review.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More½

Title: A Heart’s Rebellion
Author: Ruth Axtell
Pages: 347
Year: 2014
Publisher: Revell
This is just a wonderful regency romance! The story is set in the spring of 1815 in London. The two main characters are Jessamine Barry and Lancelot Marfleet. There is a fine cast of supporting characters, too. I just loved Jessamine’s father, even though he is only briefly in the story.
Lancelot Marfleet has returned recently from a missionary trip to India that nearly cost him his life when he contracted a debilitating illness. Having recently recovered and not yet assigned a congregation in the role of vicar, he is forced by his parents to attend some of the social events of the London Season. His parents want him married soon and he is to find a wife among the many single, available ladies of the ton. After all, he is the second son of a baron, so he is nothing to sneeze at and has a lot to offer a potential bride. However, Lancelot wants to marry for love and won’t be pressured into a loveless marriage. Is Miss Barry the woman God has provided for him as a wife?
Jessamine Barry is experiencing her first London Season as a wallflower. She has no title, no connections and no money, so is beneath the notice of the ton. However, she catches the eye of Lancelot. Soon they meet at other social gatherings, but Jessamine wants nothing of a romantic nature to develop between them. She is still recovering from a broken heart and wants to find a man who can make her feel attractive, but won’t engage her heart. Mr. Marfleet has too many of the same qualities of her father, the local vicar. She keeps Lancelot at a distance, but thinks maybe a friendship only may develop. She soon begins behaving more boldly toward one man as he pays her more and more attention. She is warned that this man has an unsavory reputation, but she ignores the warning. Soon thereafter, she wishes she had heeded the warning.
God and His redeeming grace are very evident in this story. His willingness to forgive when in our human selves we don’t deem someone worthy of forgiveness is shown in more than one character. God’s endless love for His children, extended to all who would accept it, that covers a multitude of sins is also a theme herein. The realization that God can overcome any obstacle and provide immeasurable peace to those who trust in Him is also seen. I thought this was a charming romance, a tale of spiritual maturation and finding one’s place in God’s will with submission to Him.
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457

Loved this book!

Loved it! Review to come...












*With appreciation to Revell for providing a reading and review copy without obligation.

Read from February 24 to March 06, 2013 — I own a copy

I have been looking forward to reading something from Ruth Axtell, aka Ruth Axtell Morren for a while ever since I kept seeing such beautiful covers on mass market imprints. I'm delighted that she is now writing for publishers like Howard and Revell Books. Revell has another great read in this author and I hope for more to come. I did not know what to expect with this story except romance and that was definitely there as well as some fun suspense all set in the background of an English regency. Trying to figure out characters' motives and sides in the war between France and Napoleon was an interest keeper and I enjoyed coming back to this novel every time I had to put it down for life events. I truly enjoyed the characters and while I'm not ecstatic about the novel, without a doubt I will be willing to go back for future novels as well as backlist from Ruth. She knows how to tell a story. While it's a century earlier, this one would also appeal to Downton Abbey-esque fans with an Upstairs/Downstairs dynamic and feeling as well.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2013/03/07/moonlight-masquerade-by-ruth-axte...

MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE by Ruth Axtell is an exciting inspirational Regency Historical Romance set in 1813 London. "A Regency Romance". Follow, Lady Celine Wexham,who has a secret and Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office on a journey of treason,secrets,intrigue and love. Rees goes from a butler to a diplomat and everything in between. Lady Celine is a possible French spy. "Moonlight Masquerade" is filled with mystery,romance,faith,healing,social class,forbidden love,betrayal,adventure,spies,and second chances. A heartfelt story of how love can blossom in the strangest places and when you least expect it to. Ms. Axtell has written a story that is intense,heartfelt with an intriguing plot and characters that pull you in from the first page to the last. With secondary characters who are also engaging and intriguing. A must read for anyone who enjoys spies,treason,romance, French spies and England. Filled with historical intrigue.A wonderful,fast paced story. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

“Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”



RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

Lady Céline Wexham is living in England in 1813, she is a sweet, kind woman. When her butler is injured, he sends his nephew, Rees Phillips...aka Mr MacKinnon, to help out.
Yeah right...his cover is blown when they see him, handsome, tall and only 31. Whereas most butlers are at least in their 50's. What no one realizes is the fact that everyone seems to be a spy. Spies and spying on spies...yup. Makes for a very interesting read.
Love all the historical background given, and you find yourself living in the beautiful homes, traveling the countryside, and attending lavish balls. Also you feel like you are in the room looking for clues...creak, creak on the floor boards.
Where does Céline's loyalties lie? With England or the home of her birth France. Is she a Royalist, or following Nepoleon? Will Ree, a very Godly Man, remain loyal to England, or follow his heart?
Travel along with this page turning read, you won't be disappointed, and you will relive a lot of history. I really enjoyed this book, and hope you will also!

I received this book through the Revell Publishing Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

Another predictable romance, but better than the average. I did find myself caught up in the action, not sure how the author would resolve all the problems so that the romance could happen. She did it successfully and kept my interest until the end of the novel. I'm not sure about the title, though. The book had only a little to do with Scotland.