This cover is gorgeous!!!
This book is ok to “judge the book by it’s cover”! Gorgeous cover comes with a book full of gorgeous scenery, flowers and characters. I enjoyed learning more about these beautiful islands. The landscape descriptions made me feel as though I was soaking it all in with Libby. The multiple points of view added depth and brought even more to the story. The mysteries are intriguing and it kept me thinking about them when I had to take a break for life. Suspenseful events and the unknown send the characters into a crazy hunt for answers. Twist and turns galore!

The group of characters were unique and I enjoyed all the personalities that did and didn’t mesh well together. Libby is independent and doesn’t fit into the normal London society. She not only loves scrubs and lacks interest in society, but she is also friends with her ladies maid. Libby refuses to just accept things she doesn’t want and plows her own path. Oliver is caring and a loving vicar. He is worried about his missing sister and opens his heart to Libby. Oliver and Libby’s relationship is adorable and I enjoyed watching it blossom. They helped each other grow and become better people together. They encouraged and strengthened even before the love bug sets in.

This is another excellent story written by one of my favourite authors. The Nature of a Lady is full of good history and romance which we’ve come to expect from this talented story teller. Roseanna M White expands her creativity in this first edition of the Secrets of the Isles series. What begins as a simple summer vacation intended to be an escape from proper English society, ends up full of secrets, old legends, pirates, and buried treasure. The plot builds well. The characters are likeable and relatable. However, the inclusion of certain scientific theories, such as Darwinism, I thought unnecessary. While the science theme was a good one, and one that I support, I would have liked to see a stronger biblical perspective come through by the end. Beyond this one aspect, I recommend this novel to my fellow historical fiction and romance fans. I can’t wait to read book 2!

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Nature of a Lady is only the second book I’ve read by Roseanna M. White, but let me tell you, I’m a FAN. I loved just about everything about this—the pirate lore, the captivating setting in the Isles of Scilly, the community in those islands, the heroine’s refreshing personality....loved it! The author’s writing style is immersive; I can’t say one negative thing about it. There’s nothing dry, even with the more scientific descriptions woven in. There’s wit and banter and layered characters that you have to take the time to get to know to figure out.

A character I especially appreciated was Libby. She’s intelligent and unwilling to conform to society’s norms while also not being brash or headstrong to the point of annoyance. I loved reading about her spiritual journey. Everything about that felt organic to her logical mind. (I ended up loving all of the characters, to be honest.)

4.5 stars all the way. (The only thing that holds me back is a theological mention about Creation that didn’t seem to be clarified by the end.) I’m already wanting the next in this series! These islands were a setting I was reluctant to leave as I finished the book, so I’m eager get back to them.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for participation in a Just Read book tour. All opinions are my own.*

"The Nature of a Lady" is a Christian romance set in 1906 in England. Oliver's sister has gone missing. People keep delivering messages and objects to Lady Elizabeth because she's living in the same vacation cottage and both women have a similar look. However, Oliver's sister promised an archaeological find to some men who now think that Lady Elizabeth is their contact and is withholding their prize. They've already killed one boy to get their treasure. Libby and Oliver must find Beth before more people get hurt.

Libby and Oliver shared an interest in science and studying nature. Oliver encouraged Libby to learn more, sharing his knowledge with her. He also respected her intelligence and her courage during their efforts to protect and find his sister. She encouraged him to live up to his faith and forgive a longtime rival. All of the characters were complex, realistic people, and I cared about what happened to the main characters.

Libby felt that science explained the world without a need for God. Oliver, a vicar, explained that learning more about God's creation didn't negate the need for God. He helped her to a sense of wonder at Christ's act offering salvation. Based on one sentence, it seemed like Libby still felt that the things she discovered using science should be used to reinterpret the Bible. I'd assert instead that the Bible helps us to properly interpret what we discover through science. After all, God knows how He created everything! There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance with a mystery.

What a spectacular setting! I had never even heard of these islands but fell in love with them — and the hero is quite dashing, too. I could have done without the Darwin references, but this book being the first in a new series of mysteries makes me excited to read more.

The Nature of a Lady
by Roseanna M. White
Publishing Date: May 4, 2021

Another new Christian author for me! An excellent book that kept my attention! Thanks to her publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. My readers will enjoy this book!

5star

The Nature of a Lady is a captivating novel with the perfect balance of mystery and romance.

With compelling characters, rich descriptions, and tales and legends of princes and pirates and treasure, Roseanna M. White has once again crafted an incredible historical romance.

I think my favorite part of The Nature of a Lady was the characters, though. All the books I’ve read by White have included a great cast of characters, and this novel didn’t disappoint me. Libby and Mabena’s friendship was the first to draw me into the story. Not your typical lady-lady’s maid relationship, their interactions often left me smiling. And I loved the way White began to hint that things may not be as they seem. But best of all was the way they complemented one another. Libby’s sweet nature paired with Mabena’s spitfire personality to create one of the best literary friendships I’ve read lately. Then you have Oliver’s warmth and steadfastness. I couldn’t stop smiling whenever they were on the page together. These two pair so well I couldn’t help but root for them.

And White rounds out her cast with plenty of quirky supporting characters and a love interest for Mabena, even if she doesn’t want it at first.

As secrets are revealed and they worked together to solve the mystery, I was engrossed. White does a great job of drawing you in and keeping you on your toes. Especially as they get closer and closer to the mystery and unexpected characters show up.

As for the spiritual arc, I loved how Oliver and Libby discuss God and how science can help us better appreciate His creation.

Overall, The Nature of a Lady is a beautifully-written, well-cast romance historical fans will love. I can’t help but look forward to the future books in this series.

(Review will go live on the blog May 14 at 12 pm EDT.)

The latest from faith-based, historical-romance author Roseanna M. White is a rich tale that combines mystery, romance, and suspense against the beautiful backdrop of the Isles of Scilly. You might find yourself making travel plans to visit! Over one hundred islands, and only five of them inhabited.

Where do I start? First of all, this book cover drew me right in (so kudos to the design/art team!). Purple is my favorite color, and I am a long-standing advocate for more book covers with purple aesthetics. Second of all, the heroine’s name is Elizabeth…and how can I not feel a connection and bond with a character who shares my name? Especially after the lovely dedication page where the author acknowledges all us readers bearing that name. And side note: Oliver is fast becoming a favorite hero’s name as well.

While her name encouraged a liking to the character, from the beginning I found myself connecting with Elizabeth—her questions, her struggles, her desperate desire to find her place in the world. And very soon into her island ‘get-away,’ the mysteries begin to unfold and draw her in—and me along with her. Along with the mystery of the vanishing of the ‘other Elizabeth’ in this story, who is Oliver’s sister. Both Elizabeths seek adventure and freedom, but danger shadows their steps.

I thought this story was a beautiful expression of searching and longing, written in a sometimes achingly poetic way that touched my heart. Especially where it came to addressing a Scriptural truth that I actually have written in its original language on my wall in my own home: “I have called you by name, you are Mine.” To know that, not only are we never truly alone in this world—even should we feel friendless and outcast—but we are known and understood and seen in a way that goes beyond the name our parents gave us, or the nicknames others call us by. It is rather by a soul-deep identity which our Heavenly Father has given to us.

As for Oliver, I truly appreciated his character and how he came alongside and complimented Elizabeth (Libby) on this journey. He had a gentle, understanding, and naturally caring demeanor that made their interactions easy and natural. I would have loved to have spent more time in their company, watching their relationship develop and being privy to more of their conversations. Their love story was just so sweet and their interactions so heart-warming!

There are just a couple of content cautions. Libby does reference her belief and estimation of Darwin and his evolutionary theories, and that mindset/viewpoint never seems to be challenged or firmly disputed. Some references which tier us alongside ‘animals’ in our behavior—such as attracting a mate and primal instincts/needs. These references are subtle, but no less present, in a few places. The romance is a bit fast-paced, as the characters do not know each other very long before they pursue their attraction for each other, but nothing inappropriate or physical beyond holding hands and kissing. I would recommend this book to older teens and adults looking for a clean and faith-oriented romantic-adventure set in a beautiful and historic setting.

In summary, I found this to be a beautiful story that combined soul-searching questions about faith and our place in this world with the adventure and mystery of a treasure hunt, and a sweet and heart-warming romance of finding and fighting for true love. I look forward to continuing this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this one. It had complexities of family relationships without being tedious or those complexities slowing the story down. Great dialogue. Interesting journey of MC rejecting God in favor of science, and coming to realize God has created an orderly natural world. Sweet romance.

Vicar seemed ignorantly unprotective at times, in favor of the plot.

Loved the island setting. Loved every side character- well developed and cannot wait to see what happens to them all. Each is flawed but loveable.

Pacing was off a tad but that could have been me.

The Nature of a Lady
by Roseanna M. White
Back of the Book: “1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.
Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.
As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.”
Impressions: Oh, I love suspense… but I hate it! Waiting for answers isn’t my strong suit but read on I did (channeling Yoda there) and you won’t want to miss this adventure.
Rated: Murder (not graphic)
Liked: I loved this book. How can you not like a well written treasure hunt with romance bundled up!? I enjoyed all the characters and their unique personalities😉.
Disliked: The fact that I have to wait for the next books…
Quotes: “Never in her life had she disobeyed her brother though. Or, before that, their father. The very idea of it made her stomach squirm.” – Ok back story I was the obedient goodie two shoes… I read this and sparks flew. A new reader-character relationship made 😊
“But he prayed every day it would be enough to satisfy her. That she’d come home in September and forget all her fool ideas about needing something more, something bigger, something else. She was always after the else, Beth was. Despite it always disappointing her.” – Ok back story I have a sister… take out Beth’s name and that’s her. Another character spark.
“Because it’s by naming a thing, knowing a thing, that you come to understand it. Only when you see its unique traits can you truly appreciate what it is, and what it isn’t…He (God) knows you, and He calls you by it. You, in all your uniqueness. You, in everything that differentiates you from others. You, in all you have in common with them. He knows you, and He calls you by name. He knows how you fit into this world…You are you, which is absolutely perfect.”- 3- in -1 here but it all is relative to the same idea. God named us, knows us (faults and all), and loves us as we are.
“Why should she spend the read of her life struggling to fit into a world that couldn’t appreciate her?” -Anxiety, depression… they come easy to me. I struggle sometimes with trying to fit in and trying to be liked. It feels silly as an adult to still feel this way but the more I turn to Jesus the less I feel the pull to be confused in who I am. Do I still feel insecure, frustrated to fit in… yes, but I need to redirect my focus of who I’m trying to impress or be validated by and look to the Lord. From there I see who I am and was made to be.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

In a case of mistaken identity, Libby starts receiving packages and letters meant for Beth. At first they don't make sense, but when Beth's brother shows up and finds out Beth is missing, things take an ominous turn. Libby and Oliver are determined to find Beth and figure out what all the secrecy is about. Little do they know what their efforts and curiosity will reveal.

This book feels different from White's other series yet the aspect of a great mystery remains the same. It's always fun to read about pirates and lost treasure. I'm curious to know what other secrets the Isles will reveal in future books.

The characters were amazing. I loved Oliver's grandmother. She always seems to be looking ahead where others can't see. I appreciated that Oliver didn't have the stereotypical reactions to his relationship with Lady Libby. I enjoyed the whole island camaraderie and wish I could be there for a Wednesday gig race.

I would highly recommend this book. It was a great read. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

All Libby wants to do is to be allowed to study nature. Not be a society lady. Her brother has arranged a marriage for her with his best friend. The problem is that they argue any time they're together. She refuses to marry him. She convinces her mother to let her stay at a cottage in Scilly for the summer. She soon discovers that she is staying in a cottage that had previously been rented by someone else named Elizabeth. Only they disappeared and people think she's that Elizabeth. She meets Oliver, the brother of the missing Elizabeth. She soon discovers that he loves nature just as much as she does.

The only negative I can say about this book is that sometimes it went into too much detail about the bugs Libby was studying. Other than that, it was a good book. A little bit of mystery and a little bit of romance.

I received a copy of this books from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an hones review. I was not compensated in any way.

The Nature Of A Lady by Roseanna White has it all...romance, mystery, exotic location, and fascinating characters. I loved all of the details about island life, I could imagine being with Libby as she explored the islands. This is the first book I have read about the Scilly Islands and now I long to see them. It was fun watching Libby and Mabena become the friends they already thought they were. I also loved Oliver and the way he was comfortable with who he was. He lived and breathed the islands. Then add in the mystery of pirates, ghosts, and a treasure and you have the makings of a fine book. A case of mistaken identity just adds to the story. So grab your favorite tea, it is England after all, and settle in for a wonderful read.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy for a review. I loved The Lost Heiress, 5 stars, so I was quite excited to read another by the author.

I actually finished this a few days ago but had to let the story percolate through my mind before writing a review. This wasn't as much of a slam dunk for me as the first I read by Roseanna M. White, so I have decided not to leave a rating.

Both the main characters - Lady Elizabeth "Libby" and Oliver, a local vicar, were very likable characters with bright minds and good character. There were fun secondary characters, episodes of mistaken identity, searches for lost pirate treasure, plenty of mystery, and a unique setting on the Isles of Scilly. What's not to love?

I read both secular and Christian fiction, but I unfairly do not judge them the same. This contained a positive message to be yourself. God created you to be unique. I loved that, and I enjoyed the creativity of the story. The writing is beautiful. If I had not been asked not to copy any of the text, I would share some quotes. Not only was it beautifully written, it was relatable; and I cared. I even cried at a couple moments.

My only complaint is what I felt was the second message. Darwin's evolution became widely accepted in the 1870s. This took place in 1906, and Libby seems to have rejected God because of her love for science. Oliver helped her to understand that she could have faith in God while studying nature and embracing science. While I agree that a person may love and learn about God's creation, I have a difficult time encouraging closely embracing and working with natural scientists who have to explain everything without a God in the equation. I am one of those old-fashioned people who take the first 6 chapters of Genesis literally even though I was taught otherwise at college. I guess I just expect the Christian authors I read to do the same even though I have no such requirement for the many secular authors I support.

The story is clean and positive. Although the rhythm was slow, it was engaging and entertaining. If advocating agnostic science would not bother you, you will likely enjoy this book.

A pleasant read with some charming characters. Libby was definitely her own person. The setting of this book is what captured my attention. The message of the gospel was expressed clearly which is always a plus. Not my favorite by this author but enjoyable.

Imagine planning to escape for the summer to a coastal cottage and upon arriving, finding yourself misktaken for someone else and suddenly embroiled in a mystery of a missing person and pirate treasure! Definitley not the makings for a relaxing getaway but most assuredly the makings for an entertaining and fun story!

I have been a longtime fan of Roseanna M. White and The Nature of a Lady did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed being whisked away to the Isles of Scilly off the shores of Cornwall. I have not read many books set in this particular locale and found myself thinking how wonderful it would be to actually visit. The cast of characters in Nature of a Lady were all so likeable, but Libby was my favorite. I loved how she wasn't your typical English Lady and she felt more at home among nature than among the English elite.

My favorite quote: "He knows your name. Not LIbby, not Elizabeth Sinclair. Your true name, the one at the heart of you that has never been spoken. He knows you, and He calls you by it. You, in all your uniqueness. You, in everything that differentiates you from others. You, in all you have in common with them. He knows you, and He calls you by name. He knows how you fit into this world." What a wonderful reminder to all of us who have struggled from time to time, that our Creator knows us inside and out, He gave us our quirks, foibles and strengths that make us who we are, and He loves us just the way He made us. How awesome is that!

Delightful from beginning to end, fans of Roseanna M White will rejocie! I am eagerly looking forward to reading more from this series and the many adventures yet to be had on the Isles of Scillly.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved this book!! It was so engaging, fun, suspenseful, and mysterious. The mystery revolving around the missing Elizabeth, secretly delivered letters, strange notes in a book, deaths, and hidden silver had me guessing and on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was written so well and I fell in love with the characters and story! Mamm-wyn was the cutest little old lady, Oliver was such a kind and sweet guy, Libby was so cool and I loved her passion for science and plants, and Mabena was so sarcastic, I loved her. I love how deep her character went, even though she wasn't the main character.

The book was completely clean, as are all of Roseanna's books. The writing and book wasn't the author's best, but I still loved it and can't wait for the next book in this series!

"He knows your name. Your true name, the one at the heart of you that has never been spoken. He knows you, and He calls you by it. You, in all your uniqueness...He knows how you fit into this world."

Oh. My. Word!! What a masterful, engaging, unique story this is! The characters, each and every one of them. The friendships, the drama, the intrigue, the setting. You will be pulled into the world of the Isle of Scilly and wish to never return.

I can always count on Roseanna M. White to write the most intelligent, unique, absolutely loveable heroines. I don't know how she does it time and time again! And Libby is no exception. Born into high society and being pushed into a marriage she does not want, she talks her mother into letting her escape for the summer to the island of Scilly with her handmaid (who has a tale of her own!). This is where the adventure begins. When she's mistaken for another Elizabeth and left with clues as to where this other Elizabeth has gone, she dives in head first to help "Beth's" brother, Oliver, find his sister before anything happens to her.

This story is exactly what we've come to expect from Ms. White...and if this is your first one of her books, devour this one. And then go find yourself any of her previous works! You won't be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I do love a good historical fiction book! One thing I really like about this one is that it is in a different setting--not the same old thing!! I also like the main character being interested in something other than what the typical lady of the day was interested in.
I like the characters and the plot development. If there's one drawback, it's that it can be a little long in spots, but not too bad. ;)
Overall, an enjoyable book, and I think it would be great for younger adults, as that is the age group of most of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advance e-copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

*Warnings*

#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.




Stars: 5+


Synopsis: Lady Elizabeth Sinclair had planned on running from a marriage arranged by her older brother—only, upon her arrival to the Scillies, she realizes that she may have run straight into the arms of danger...and maybe even the arms of love.


Favorite Quote: All of them!!! But if I have to pick just one…

“He knows your name. Not Libby, not Elizabeth Sinclair. Your true name, the one at the heart of you that has never been spoken. He knows you, and He calls you by it. You, in all your uniqueness. You, in all that makes you different from others. You, in all that you have in common with them. He knows you, and He calls you by name. He knows how you fit into this world.”




I have read all but one of Roseanna M. White’s books. I’ve read her biblical fiction, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland (as in, before it became A Heart’s Revolution), both the Culper Rings and Ladies of the Manor series twice, her two short stories, and for the last four years, I have been quite literally devouring every single new book she writes the moment I can get my hands on it.

I know the streets of London like the back of my hand, the ins and outs of high society, the best way to remain hidden in shadows whilst spying on Redcoats. I keep Camden and Lukas and Samuel on my bed because they are hands-down three of the best ever heroes. I’ve done the whole off-again/on-again relationship with White’s novels for so long—loving some, disliking others, being wholly engrossed in everything she writes anyway.

After On Wings of Devotion, I thought it couldn’t get any better. And for a while, it didn’t. A Portrait of Loyalty was good, but certainly not my favorite. Dreams of Savannah was amazing, and I loved the portrayal of the Civil War (and, more importantly, Southerners), but it was missing some little something that would have hoisted it to the #1 spot.

Then The Nature of a Lady showed up, and boy howdy, it got better!

I mean, Oliver isn’t Camden or Cayton. Libby isn’t Ara or Zip. It wasn’t as intriguing as the Culper Rings, as mysterious as The Codebreakers, as exciting as Shadows Over England. It wasn’t as romantic as On Wings of Devotion or A Lady Unrivaled. It wasn’t as raw as A Stray Drop of Blood or as powerful as A Soft Breath of Wind. It wasn’t as political or cultural as Dreams of Savannah.

But, y’all. Y’all. Y’all. Y’ALL. y a l l . . .

(I will devise a million different ways to write y’all.)

this book was perfect

there i said it

(Now you may dis me for not using periods or proper capitalization.)

IT WAS EVERYTHING. All of it, all at once.

Raw emotion, Holy Ghost power, mystery and intrigue, PIRATES, sugary sweet, tender romance—times two! I mean, I honestly don’t know what to say.

Let me put it like this:

Libby was an amazing heroine. No, she was not my favorite of White’s heroines. No, she wasn’t perfect. No, I didn’t feel for her like I do Charity O’Connor or Eliyana Ember. But she was different, unique—but not in an overbearing way. She wasn’t trying to be unique. She just was. And I mean that from an author’s point-of-view. Her character wasn’t forced or contrived. White wasn’t confining her to a strict idea of how her character should be to move the plot along. Libby was natural, graceful, flowing. That’s really what I liked about her. I got a little upset with her over the whole science/evolution thing, but she was never forceful about it—toward other characters or in her own mind.

Ugh. I’m not making any sense.

Let me just compare her to Margot. Margot is probably one of my least favorite White heroines (I know, I know; everybody else likes her...I just have to be the odd one out, okay?). She wouldn’t depend on God or surrender herself to Him. She forced her opinions and views on other people (no matter if they were right or wrong). She had her strengths, yes. But I couldn’t get past her weaknesses to appreciate her good qualities.

But Libby? She was like a Margot do-over for me—same goes for Oliver with Drake. She was a softer, gentler, kinder, more mature version of Margot. Libby was so kind and unassuming—like Arabella. But also intelligent and progressive like Margot—just not to the point of being annoying.

Yes, she committed the great sin of rebelling from authority (yes, that’s the great feminist sin in my mind; it’s really a matter of morals and scripture rather than opinion). But I feel like she handled the situation better. And that’s really all I have to say about that. Libby was just better than Margot. There.

Can I just say, though, that she had that insightful, tenderhearted air of Arabella that just made her all the more perfect? I mean, can you imagine Margot saying something like this to Drake?

“It’s you that see people, Oliver. Sees them truly, sees them clearly. Sees them with purpose—and that purpose is to care.”

She truly cared for Oliver and wanted to help him see what a good man he was—and where he needed to change. And she loved Mamm-wynn and Mabena and even her brother (I think). Her compassion and love for people was there, which was so beautiful to witness.

And Oliver?

Ugh.

He was just so...Oliver.

Like, I shouldn’t like him, because he’s nice and calm and too perfect. He’s not Cam. He’s another one of White’s too-perfect, too-sweet, too-handsome, too-kind, too-loving, too-darn-beautiful heroes. Like Peter, Drake, Thad, Brice, Samuel—all of those adorable munchkins. (Yes, I just called them munchkins. Don’t give me that look.)

But here’s the thing, guys.

I liked Oliver.

More than that, I loved him as much as I love Peter and Samuel (because those are the munchkins I was referring to, not Drake and Thad).

Why? Because he had his faults too. Not his insecurities—Peter and Sam and Brice and all had insecurities, not faults.

Oliver quite literally had faults. Not to mention he was extremely sarcastic (which is actually not a fault, believe it or not).

To prove my point, cue my favorite Oliver quotes:

“Isn’t it tiring, being such a blighter all the time?”

“I’m right and they’re wrong.”

“Well, if you’re giving me a choice—I’ll take the flirting.”

Can it get any better? No. It can’t.

Oliver was just everything perfect. Strong, loving, kind, understanding. He didn’t presume (although Casek’s presumptuous attitude was seriously adorable, but we’ll get to that in a second). He didn’t push. He just stood there, a little smile on his face, eyes shining with love, waiting for you to open up and spill all of your woes and tears on his shoulder.

Ugh, yes. He was just too perfect.

At the same time, he sucked at being friends with Casek. He was prejudiced, prideful, persuasive. (I seriously just wrote that so I could get an Austen pun in. He was really only judgmental toward Caz, which is a terrible offense in my book.) He couldn’t get past the surface to see the man’s soft, teddy-bear heart. Because, y’all, Casek Wearne has a heart!

And in addition to his heart, he is currently in possession of mine, ‘cuz, y’all. This man. Caz. Casek Wearne. Mr. Hottest Headmaster Ever. (Can I say my ‘ansum?)

I know I should continue gushing about how wonderful and tender Oliver was and how sweet he was with Libby and how cute they were together and how godly Ollie was and all, but Casek is demanding all of my attention right now.

With good reason.

Quite possibly, he was the best part of this book. And there were a ton of good parts, so that’s saying something.

He and Oliver were a lot alike—just like Libby and Mabena had more similarities than differences—which is probably the main reason why they butted heads all the time. And then they contrasted in other ways, of course, so it was fun to see both guys. Even if Casek didn’t get the POV he deserved.

Speaking of Benna...she was an awesome character as well! Actually, there wasn’t a single character I disliked even the slightest bit in this entire book—except for the bad guys, of course. Surprisingly, I didn’t like her quite as much as Libby, but her relationship with Caz? Perfection!

To wrap up my gushing over the characters...Sheridan was fabulous. I had him enlisted for a story from the moment I met him, so I am beyond excited to see him in a future book! And Bram was just as amazing—though not quite as humorous. The two of them together, however? Priceless! Honestly, if I were Libby, I would’ve married Sher just because of how stinkin’ funny he is! What a guy. What a guy.

Oh, wait. I haven’t even gotten started on Mamm-wynn. Here, let me make this short.

I want a grandma like Mamm-wynn (no offense to my actual grandmothers, I assure you). Scratch that—I want to be a grandma like Mamm-wynn. On top of that, she is now one of my two favorite fictional grannies (which is a thing, yes). The other is Bernia from Tamara Leigh’s Merciless. That woman stole my heart, let me tell you!

And even though Mamm-wynn is slightly different, she is hands-down one of the best grandmas and definitely one of the best characters in history.

So there’s that.

Speaking of Mamm-wynn, I absolutely loved the spiritual content White included. Ever since reading A Soft Breath of Wind, I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for that novel including both her signature historical style and the Holy Ghost power in her biblical fiction…

For a time, I thought the book would never be written…

But then! The Nature of a Lady.

#greatestroseannamwhitebookever

Yes, the little vignettes of Holy Spirit were so beautiful! I got the chills multiple times. The wisdom and discernment—dare I say prophetic aspects—that Mamm-wynn and even Oliver possessed made the story so much richer. With my Pentecostal beliefs, it’s guaranteed that I’ll be a hundred kinds of excited when I see authors pouring the power of the Spirit of God into their stories.

Plus, the addition of the spiritual world made Libby’s arc so much more amazing.

Here, I’ll just let Mamm-wynn explain it for y’all:

“He can whisper the future to His prophets. He can send and heal plagues. He can raise the dead.”

“We see only in part. But there is more. More to this physical world that your magnifying lenses can show you. And more still beyond it that we need a spiritual lens to see.”

So, yeah. That was just the cherry on top.

And I haven’t even gotten started on how lovely the setting was. I am seriously moving to the Scillies.

So, um, yeah. I think I’ll quit while I’m ahead. If you skipped all the crazy stream-of-consciousness, I don’t blame you.

I’ll just sum things up for y’all with one simple sentence: GO BUY THIS BOOK.

The End.


Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.