I can't even express how much I enjoyed this book. Honestly, it had everything I needed. A great setting, interesting characters, a fun plot, and romance. The main character was interesting and unique with her love for all things that grow. And although this was a Christian book (which I love) it was done in a light manner that felt more natural than many other similar books.

And what can I say about our main love interest. Honestly, I loved everything about him. The kindness and care he shows for others, his whole attitude and love. He was just everything I want and need!

PS. almost forgot to mention: pirates and hidden treasure. Yeah like I said, sheer perfection!

So as you can tell, this book was amazing and I will definitely be reading more from this author!

What is not to like about this fascinating, delightful book? It has treasure maps, pirates, gold, ghosts, and a beautiful island filled with lovely cascading gardens. I enjoyed learning about Libby’s Passion for flowers and all the secrets they hold. I was mesmerized by what she saw, the plants she drew and how she categorized them.

This is a charming story that grabbed my imagination with deep characterization, a solid setting, and the exploration of the island with Lady Elizabeth. The characters were engaging and unique and I adored the setting. I was drawn deeper into the story by the mysterious disappearance of Beth Tremayne and was then pleasantly surprised at how Lady Elizabeth was drawn into this multifaceted story line as outsiders searched for John Mucknell’s treasure.

I delighted in the fairy tale within the story that helped give the characters clues to the whereabouts of the buried treasure. Likewise, I enjoyed the story line with Mabena and the growth of her and the other characters along the way such as Oliver Tremayne and Lady Elizabeth walk in circumstances that force them to gather the courage to walk out their faith and obtain the desires of their hearts. The spiritual thread was interesting as Lady Elizabeth struggles with the conflict between evolution and creation theories. As she learns, she is open to a deeper understanding of faith and science.

I liked the natural spiritual thread and the challenges of faith all of them had, even though one of the characters was a pastor there were no preachy sermons, I appreciated how the author allowed readers to see the clergyman struggle with walking out what he believed the bible said. He had a blind spot he wanted to correct. It was harder than he thought. I liked how all the characters changed with time. I enjoyed how the author took readers on a tour of the island with the help of a friend who lived on The Scillis Islands. She said, “It’s historically a popular place for “Pirates and smugglers to congregate…Pirate lore – “Muchknell most notorious of the Scilles ‘pirate residents.” “Is Muchnell’s treasure still buried somewhere? Or did he really turn it over to the crown?”

The author continues, “I wanted a hero who had been forever affected by loving a brother with a debilitating illness – and a brother who had loved him so much that he’d selflessly preserved as much of the family legacy with leaving something after.” I appreciated how she went about doing this.

I like to have fun reading a story., but it is a double bonus when I learn a thing or two about history and a new place along the way. The author says she wanted her book to be set somewhere fun and different. She achieved her goal. It is an enchanting get a way to an exotic island, with characters I instantly liked and some I didn’t. This is a wonderful staycation for you in your comfy reading chair. It is one that would be great book club too. Oh, there is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

It's no secret that I enjoy Roseanna M. White's books, and when I saw this new trilogy was being published, of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! Overall I liked this story. As with all of White's books, it includes romance, historical elements, and also a bit of a mystery, along Christian themes. This one was slow moving in the beginning, and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as first, but it ended up being a good read—not a favorite—but good. At times it just lacked a little excitement. I think I would have enjoyed the book a bit more if the intrigue had played a larger part, and the romance had felt a bit more intense. The island setting and the bit of intrigue reminded me of Mary Stewart's book The Moon Spinners, but only a little.

I enjoyed every character in this book, especially Libby and Oliver, and I really liked how Libby came to understand that God and science are not mutually exclusive of each other but go hand in hand. This part of the book—the naturalist part— reminded a little of Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. I think the real strength of the book is the message about being yourself and finding your place in the world. I enjoyed how Libby was able to find that.


Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The Nature of a Lady is a delightful story set in the Isles of Scilly - full of friendship, romance, history, and intrigue as Libby and Oliver search for long-lost pirate treasure. Libby is a charming heroine, searching not only for adventure but also her independence. She doesn’t fit the mold of “lady” that her brother and society want her to conform to; she loves to study nature and feels much more at home on the isles than anywhere else. Oliver, a wise clergyman and a concerned brother, makes a dashing hero. The cast of secondary characters and the idyllic setting make this a thoroughly enjoyable story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have loved every book I have read by Roseanna M White. I was so excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release and the start of The Secrets of the Isles series, The Nature of a Lady. I was far from being disappointed. It was so very good. This one may be my new favorite she has written to date. I loved the beautiful setting and adored Libby right from the start. Her strength and courage was inspiring. I found her and Oliver’s story to be fun and entertaining.

I am giving The Nature of a Lady a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I am looking forward to reading the next installment from The Secrets of the Isles series

I received a paperback copy of The Nature of a Lady from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

What a beautiful book. Gorgeous, unique setting, swoony romance, fabulous feminism, mystery, murder, and buried treasure all in one book? What more could you need?
Reading this was an absolute pleasure. The characters were all wonderfully unique, yet they fit together to form the story so well.
The theology was perfectly incorporated and probably my favorite part of the book. It wasn't pushy or preachy, but just present enough to make you think and give you a dose of Godly love.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White. All opinions are my own.

Lady Elizabeth Sinclair is not your typical young lady in 1906. She does not enjoy fancy balls and she definitely does not want to marry her brother's friend, Sheridan. When an opportunity to vacation in the Isles of Scilly for the summer with her maid, Mabena, comes to her she jumps at the chance to escape.

I loved this story. It is full of myth and folklore of pirates and ghosts plus a treasure hunt. The family and friend relationships are beautiful. Elizabeth, Libby, is unique and very likeable character.

This book is just what I needed after a slow month of reading. I didn't want to put it down. The cover is gorgeous and the author has some interesting notes at the end. This is the first book in The Secrets of the Isles series. I cannot wait read the future books.

Christian
Historical Fiction
Romance
Release Date: May 4, 2021

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
___________________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Roseanna M. White brings readers the start of what looks to be a really fun series of stories of young people finding love in unexpected places.

Libby Sinclair has come to the Isles of Scilly to find respite from her brother's attempt to marry her off to his friend. She is determined to take the summer to ponder her situation and find a solution to her problem. Libby was guided to the Isles by her maid and friend, Mabena Moon who grew up on one of the islands. But what starts as a quiet summer they intend to spend lazing on the beach and visiting the local gardens turns into far more when the former occupant of their cottage turns up missing. Oliver Tremayne is the vicar of the Isles and loves his calling and the people. His sister, Elizabeth, had gone to stay on another island for a time and promised to write him updates. But now it's been weeks since a letter from her - and her cottage is being let by others. Oliver has known "Benna" Moon since childhood and is surprised to find her back on the islands. She left after her love interest married another. She has come back to find Elizabeth and agrees to help Oliver if she can; as long as she doesn't have to work with too handsome, Casek Warne. Casek's brother left Benna behind but it was really Casek who was really in love with her years ago. Can he convince her he's always loved her and because of that he let her choose who she wanted to love? Libby is not what Oliver expected when he arrives at the cottage, but she seems to have inadvertently put herself in the middle of whatever Elizabeth has gotten involved in. It seems he has no choice but to work with her to find out what has happened to Elizabeth and what are the secrets hidden on the Isles. But danger is waiting to find all of them as they dig deeper in the treasure that is supposed to be hidden on the one of the Isles. Can they keep themselves alive long enough to find the treasure or will it cost them what they have come to value more than silver or gold? Such a great plot line - a bit complicated but everything works out just fine. I loved the introduction of all the characters and how they all fit together. It's clearly going to be a fantastic series and I'm excited to see where it goes. It was very good to have two couples in this first story to give it depth and not leave anyone out. I loved the opposite characteristics of Oliver and Casek. They were good "enemies" throughout most of the book but eventually became the friend the other needed. And with their matches of Libby and Benna, they became better men than they started out. The convoluted treasure hunt was a marvelous addition to the story and kept me guessing what was going to happen next. I will certainly be recommending this story to others and hope they will enjoy it as I did. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series and seeing who is the focus - I hope it's Sheridan or Bram!

I received this temporary complimentary E-Book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

***4.5 stars***

This book is beautiful inside and out, just like the main character Libby. She is a young woman who is struggling to find herself. To escape an unwanted engagement, she travels to the Scillies Islands with her maid. I have never heard of the Islands before, but they sound absolutely beautiful and are now on my wish list to visit someday.

Libby is fascinated with nature. In the early 20th Century, it is not something that is considered fashionable. It makes her an outcast from members of society. She is happy to dig in the dirt and draw flowers. Her trip takes an unexpected turn when she is caught up in the mystery of the woman who lived in her cottage who has disappeared. Her adventure leads her to find God and the Vicar Oliver Tremayne.

I loved the descriptions and the love that the people had for their islands. The sense of community and acceptance was wonderful. They took a woman who needed a community and helped her feel at home. The book contains excitement, danger, and intrigue that leads to a search for pirate treasure.

The Nature of a Lady is a story that left me feeling good and edified.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book, guys–it makes me want to pack my bags right away and fly over the Isles of Scilly to tour the Abbey Gardens, watch the Wednesday morning gig races, and search for pirate treasure! Every time I opened its pages, it just made me feel happy inside!

There was so much to love about this brilliant start to Roseanna’s latest series! First, the characters… I fell in love with Libby from her first appearance on the page. While at times she felt rather naive, I reminded myself that that is just part of who she is–she has been sheltered her entire life and this is her first experience with the world on her own. And I could relate to her in many ways, actually. I certainly don’t share her fascination with science, but I could totally sympathize with Libby’s feeling of being out of place and misunderstood because her interests and personality didn’t fit with everyone else. Next, I fell in love with Mabena; I appreciated how she was feisty and headstrong, but there were more layers to her than just that. Then in came one of the dreamiest heroes I’ve met this year in my reading–the vicar, Mr. Oliver Tremayne. **sigh** You gotta love a preacher man who also loves his family (especially his deceased, sickly brother that he took care of 😭), books and flowers, and lets the heroine be exactly who God made her to be. I appreciated that he still had flaws, though, to compensate for his otherwise perfection, namely his rivalry with Casek Wearne, which factors greatly into his arc as a character. It kind of reminded me of the feud between Ross Poldark and George Warleggan. Except Casek is far less despicable than George! I actually ended up liking Casek a lot!

As always, Roseanna’s secondary characters shine just as brightly as her main ones do. I could spend several more paragraphs talking about all of them–Casek, Tas-gwynn Gibson, Mr. Menna, Beth, Bram, Lord Sheridan–but for the sake of not making this review a mile long, I will only focus on one more, which was my favorite character in the entire story… Maam-wynn! After the recent loss of my own grandfather, this sweet, precious grandmother figure touched a tender place in my heart. I could just hear her pixie-like laugh, see her sunny and mischievous grin, and feel her soft hands wrap a handmade shawl around my shoulders. She was a refreshing, loving hug my heart needed.

The second thing I really loved about this book was the setting. The Isles of Scilly were almost like a character in their own right, and I could practically hear them calling my own name (coincidentally, my middle name is Elizabeth, so it’s a perfect fit LOL). I could practically feel the sand between my toes and the salty wind in my hair, hear the crashing of the waves and morning greetings from locals, and smell the mouth-watering scent of the bakery’s famous rolls. Like I said earlier, I want to pack my bags and fly there right now!

Lastly, I loved the uniqueness of the premise and the pirate lore and treasure hunting aspects of the story. The pace of the mystery surrounding Beth’s disappearance and the hunt for Mucknell’s silver didn’t unfold as quickly as I expected, and some threads of the mystery got slightly confusing for me there at the end, but the other aspects of the journey were so delightful that I loved it anyway. I’m anxious to see what “secret of the isles” the Scillonians and incomers will uncover next!

I’m convinced this book (and the rest of the series, I’m sure) would make the PERFECT Masterpiece Classic period drama. Seriously! The setting, the characters, the romance, the drama, the mystery–it has all the makings of a hit. So… someone please make this happen! LOL 😉

If you’re a historical fiction lover in need of an “armchair vacation” this summer (or anytime of the year) this is the book for you! Totally worthy of all 5/5 Stars!

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

In a unique tale that is cleverly woven in a way that Ms. White is know for, The Nature of a Lady is both intriguing and captivating for any reader of of historical fiction. The mystery of a loved one missing mixed with a young woman’s desire to be free of her family's station requirements offers several opportunities to keep the pages turning.
The wonderful subplot of the maid jumbled the story up just enough to keep it interesting.
Ms. White used her descriptive skill masterfully so that the reader felt like they planted right in the center of every location.
Lastly, I think this cover needs an honorable mention. It is stunning.
**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but freely given.

What can I say about another excellent book from one of my very favorite authors? Probably just that, it was wonderful! I loved this story! It's probably one of my favorite reads of the year, so far. So rich in history with characters I adore, it doesn’t get much better for this reader than one of Roseanna M. White’s books.
One of the things I greatly enjoyed about this book was the beautiful setting! Ms. White has such a marvelous way of adding details until it’s almost as though I can smell the flowers blooming and feel the spray of the surf. I loved getting to experience the Isles of Scilly through newcomer Libby, as well as through the eyes of Oliver and Mabena, natives to the islands. The islands almost seemed a character in and of themselves, at times. I also enjoyed Libby’s love of nature and science and how Ms. White used her perspective to show us a different way to see the world.
There are some quirky characters who add colorful life to the island, including Fitzwilliam Gibson and Oliver’s Mamm-wynn, whom I fell in love with. Being that this is the first book in a series, I’m hoping they might make a special appearance in the future stories, as well.
The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing. It’s always interesting to me, reading about investigations prior to the “connected generation” where we have everything at our fingertips. I love the old ways of problem solving and sleuthing, reminiscent of some of the stories I grew up with.
I’ve said before that my favorite Roseanna M. White novel is whichever I read most recently, and I’d say that’s true of this one, too. If you’ve never given her books a go, I would highly recommend this one! (or any of them, really. But the beginning of a series is always a nice place to start.)
*My thanks to the author for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair is tired. Tired of being expected to be something she isn't, and of being pressured to marry someone she doesn't love. She is still grieving the loss of her father, and even though she loves her family dearly she just wants to make her own choices without the pressure of their expectations. When the opportunity arises to spend the summer with just her laddies maid (and friend) Mabena on the Isles of Scilly, she jumps at the chance. She doesn't know that Mabena has her own reasons for wanting to go, or that there is possible danger - and maybe even love - waiting for her when she arrives.

Oliver Tremayne's sister - also named Elizabeth - (this is a crucial story point) has been off on an adventure and asked for some space...but since she hasn't checked in recently he is starting to worry. His responsibilities as the village vicar are many, and his beloved grandmother (Maam-wynn) seems more frail than usual. When the mystery intensifies - and people are missing and possibly dead - Libby and Oliver work together to solve it

I loved learning about the "Scillies", and enjoyed the deep family relationships and ties. I always experience some frustration over the rules of the day dictating certain behaviors but that is what it is. :) I also enjoyed learning about the rich history of this area and people. I am happy to recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series (The Secrets of the Isles).

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the setting for this book. I had never heard of these islands before, so it was fun to learn about a new location. The characters were enjoyable. I loved Lady Elizabeth's fascination with nature, and how her view of plant life gives her a different perspective for all of life. Oliver also has a different view of life from most. While he too sees the beauty of nature all around him, he also has been touched deeply through the pain of loss giving him a different perspective. Each of the characters in this first book, both main and secondary, has great appeal in their backstories which provides for a great story. But in addition to the characters, the tales that are being told about long-forgotten pirates and treasure hunting is a fun added mystery. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery as I read through the story, and it was satisfying to see it come together at the end. My only complaint is that I usually can read through a book pretty quickly, and this book took me a lot longer to finish. I wasn't speeding through the pages like I have done before with Roseanna's books. However, I would not let that discourage you from reading this novel. I think it has a lot to offer, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in her series when it comes out.

***I received this complimentary book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White is the first book in her new series The Secrets of the Isles and a must read for those who love inspirational historical romance with a little suspense added to it.
When Libby Sinclair flees society for the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer she finds more than she's bargained for when she stumbles upon dangerous secrets that were left by the former occupant of the cottage, who just happens to have disappeared.
Oliver Tremayne is determined to find out what has happened to his sister with the help of Libby who is not only the new guest in the cottage, but the young woman he met a few years ago.
They are not only uncovering many hidden secrets, but the fact that they are falling in love.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more wonderful books in this series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

The Nature Of A Lady is the first in the new Secrets of The Isles Book.
Libby doesn't exactly fit the expected rules of society that are set in 1906. She is more than happy to escape to Isles of Scilly as her lady's maid Mabena suggests. There she can avoid her brother's attempts to marry her off and she can finally relax and be herself studying the flora and fauna with her microscopes. Full of mystery,intrigue,romance and danger.
I am captivated by the descriptions of the island , the scents,the sounds,the textures. The mystery comes alive at this author's hands.
I am very much looking forward to the next story in this series!

Pub Date 04 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Nature of a Lady, by Roseanna M. White, is the first book in The Secrets of the Isles series. Set on the Isles of Scilly off the southwest coast of England at the beginning of the twentieth century, this novel is a stunning piece of historical fiction. With great skill, thorough research, and thoughtful insight, Ms. White successfully combines elements of history, mystery, suspense, danger, romance, and faith. Page after page, these elements meld together effortlessly creating an immensely satisfying story that is utterly enjoyable and thought-provoking. 

In this novel, Ms. White’s undeniable talent as a writer is fully revealed through a clever cast of characters and an utterly compelling plot. Mistaken identities, mysterious deliveries, and island legends envelope the characters in a complicated mystery that only they can solve. As they work together to uncover clues and make sense of puzzling events, the characters in this book are genuinely likable and inspiring. They are authentic and interesting as they wrestle with issues of faith, doubt, belonging, purpose, friendship, and forgiveness. Like ever-present waves upon a shore, the characters and their experiences are memorable and moving long after this book has ended.  

Ms. White is a gifted storyteller and her books always offer a very enjoyable and satisfying reading experience. Therefore, it is no surprise that The Nature of a Lady is a well-written story that is uplifting, unique, and wholly intriguing. It is certainly a special start to a new series, and I eagerly recommend it to all readers.

*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is a magical story! I really loved the island setting, the mystery element and the great characters that we are going to get to know in Roseanna’s latest series. It is an immersive story full of lovely details and beautifully written island settings and a historical pirate treasure mystery. I mean honestly, what’s not to love about all of that?? A perfectly woven story with a great ending. Don’t miss this one!!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

With a fascinating setting in the Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall in the summer of 1906, The Nature of a Lady swept me away to a great adventure. While this story had a different flavor than most of Roseanna M. White’s previous books, it still had the colorful, realistic, and engaging characters which I’ve come to expect from her writings. Lady Elizabeth Sinclair is an intelligent, unassuming, and charming heroine who travels to the Isles of Scilly with her maid Mabena Moon for a summer holiday. Oliver Tremayne is a well-respected and loved vicar who is compassionate and helpful. It was delightful to see their relationship grow and develop as they worked together to solve the mystery of Oliver’s missing sister, Beth.

I greatly enjoyed learning more about the Isles of Scilly and visiting there vicariously. Although there were a few parts of the tale that seemed a bit slow to me, there was plenty of adventure and suspense to make up for that. With the added inspiration and romance thrown in, it was a wonderful read, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Roseanna M. White writes characters that leave the page and breathe right in front of the reader, which is why I am always eager to pick up a new book by her. This latest series opener does not disappoint; instead, it transports us to another time and place with people who rapidly become like old friends.

Life is different on the islands, both for those of us reading, and the characters in the story. Libby only wants a place to fit in, but she cannot find it in London. Pressured to marry a man of her brother’s choosing, she instead takes a summer trip, hoping to enjoy herself and give distance to the problem.

Fitting in is a dominant theme. Expectations of others, societal rules, and family dynamics all play heavily into the struggle to find a place where she feels like she belongs. When Libby finally feels like she has found home, the problem is that those who are in charge of her life will never accept her solutions; does she have the strength to fight for her place?

Oliver has a home and belonging, but his life is not free of problems. One by one, he has lost many he loves, with others possibly leaving his life, too. His responsibilities are great but he is a man who accepts them with grace and takes his position seriously.

The author fleshes out both the primary and secondary characters, who provide integral parts of the mystery without ever feeling like their only reason for existence is to provide a clue. I loved that this novel of belonging provided that for all of its characters.

This is an excellent novel about finding one’s place in the world, about seeking God’s will over man’s, about discovering who one is created to be. I give it my highest recommendation for teens and up, and those who enjoy historical novels set in England will especially relish the incredible setting the author gives her unforgettable characters.

I received a review copy of this novel from the author and publisher, but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.