"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."

What a delightful start to the Secrets of the Isles series! Roseanna White is a master storyteller who weaves a fascinating tale with intriguing plot infused with mystery and suspense, witty dialogue among the 1900 English nobility and commonfolk, lovable characters who are diverse in background and interests, and deeply profound spiritual truths. The central theme of 'to know and be known' is beautifully laid out in the plot and in the characters' lives. This book has more mystery and shroud of intrigue surrounding the plot than her previous books and the plot has some nicely placed twists. If you enjoy historical fiction with a side of pirates and treasure-hunting, you will absolutely adore this book.

Libby is an unusual earl's sister - a naturalist with a keen scientific mind and a refreshing innocence, sweetness, and tenderness. She feels lost in her world until she comes to the Isles of Scilly. Oliver is a vicar on the islands who is truly lovely - so compassionate, caring, and loving. They're brought together when Oliver's sister goes missing and Libby becomes embroiled in the mystery and danger surrounding her disappearance. Mabena, Libby's maid, and Casek, Oliver's life-long nemesis, are fun and their relationship adds a different dimension to the plot. I can't wait for the next books in the series to get to know the other characters better.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

I have been a longtime fan of Roseanna White's novels. Her Shadows over England and The Codebreakers are a couple of my all-time favorite series. The Secrets of the Isles series promise to have a different type story, yet one that will surely please its reader's hearts.

With an eclectic cast of characters and vivid descriptions that will fuel the imagination, this captivating story has set a high bar of excellence for the rest of the series. Ms. White crafts an intoxicating blend of mystery, tales of pirate treasure spun from legends of old, stunning setting and a sweet romance delicately laced with the faith thread I have come to expect in her stories.

I loved Libby's strive for independence, her journey of faith. But a couple of other characters that I simply adored were Mamm-wyn and Benna. I definitely treasure the nuggets of wisdom dropped by the older cast of characters, but I also found Benna's strength of character and past intriguing. Hoping to find them both gracing the pages of future stories in the series.

It was with a satisfied smile that I turned the last page, knowing I would be able to visit the Scilly Islands again. This is a book for the keeper shelf. Highly recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This. Book. Is. Fantastic.

I've read a number of White's books over the years, and a few have stood out as downright exceptional; notably, 'The Codebreakers' and 'Shadows over England' series in particular. 'The Nature of a Lady,' White's newest release and first book in the 'Secrets of the Isles' series (YAY new series!), is absolutely the latest addition to that shortlist.

Part mystery, part romance, with a good bit of theology entwined within both--this read is a feast for the senses. A perfect read during a pandemic, allowing the reader to escape their lockdown status if even for a short while (and, perhaps, mentally plan their next post-pandemic trip?).

Highly recommended, especially for fans of the aforementioned series. White has hit another high note with this release. (And can I say how beautiful the cover is, too?!)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I found the Isles of Scilly in The Nature of a Lady an interesting setting. When Libby escapes the rule laden society she lives in and takes her lady’s maid with her to the islands to explore the flora and fauna, she’s awakened to a life where she can be herself. This book is full of mystery, adventure and romance. With many layers and fascinating characters, Roseanna White has created a tale to savor. The descriptions gave me a feel for the islands, creating an image of life on the sea. The characters, from Oliver’s Mamm-wynn to Libby’s bossy brother, Bram, interlace to make a lovely story of family, faith, and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Nature of A Lady by Rosanna White is set in 1906 on the Isles of Scilly. Lady Elizabeth Sinclair is fascinated with microscopes and nature. Which sets her apart from society. She and her maid holiday for the summer on St. Mary's Island. The former cottage resident is also named Elizabeth, who has vanished.

Oliver Tremayne, a vicar and brother of the missing Elizabeth, meets up with Libby. Which starts a hunt for Beth and the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

There are stories and legends about ghosts and pirates. Which appears to try to draw one in. There was an abundance of explanations that might have been shortened just a bit. But I really enjoyed the third part of the book, with a clear gospel message and enemies making peace with one another.

I have enjoyed Rosanna's other books. Her writing style has always been very engaging. This one was nice, interesting setting, mostly good characters and sound faith message.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

The Nature of a Lady, by Roseanna M. White, is a tale set in the early 1900s. Lady Elizabeth Sinclair is looking to escape her brother's attempts to marry her off. Her lady's maid, Mabena, has the perfect solution. A summer vacation on the isle of St. Mary's: a favorite vacation spot for many in the upper class!

From the moment Elizabeth (Libby) sets foot on this island, mysteries seems to flourish. First, the cottage that Libby rented has been recently abandoned by another Elizabeth (Beth) and this woman is now missing. Next, she meets Oliver Tremayne, a local clergyman who has come to the island to discover the whereabouts of his sister, Beth. Libby had met Oliver earlier in her life and found in him a kindred-spirit. You soon get the sense that this spirit is still alive and thriving!

This is an interesting tale to follow, as these three make their way around the islands looking for Beth. You will learn a lot of interesting truths about all three by the end of this tale!

I received an e-copy of this book from netgalley.com.

I was hooked by the setting of this book, having never even heard of the Scilly islands before, and I love that this appears to be the first in a series so we can return. Roseanna has certainly set up a cast of secondary characters whose stories we need - are Beth and Sheridan going to get an enemies to lovers tale of their own? I certainly hope so.

Oliver, the sweet island vicar from the most precious family, made a wonderful hero. Libby didn't charm me as much. I didn't dislike her, but I fail to understand the need for SO many stories from Disney, Christian fiction, etc. to be about females who don't fit in whatever their lot is in life and go searching for "more." Thankfully, Libby found it in God, and Roseanna wrote a very clear gospel message, which is rare. I suppose I've never felt this way so I don't understand the sheer number of fictional females who do. She felt "done before" to me, I suppose. I wonder why a dark haired model was used on the cover of this book, when the heroine was fair-haired. It was confusing the whole book and something that seems easy to get right.

I love when a romance shows us why THIS particular man and woman are perfect for each other, and that seemed to be missing here; they fell in love because they appreciated things about each other, but I wasn't convinced about their strengths and weaknesses complementing each other as much as I Iike to see.

One thing that stood out to me as I read was that there was a lot of explaining. Every thought and conversation had a paragraph of explanation behind it, telling us about the culture or why the character felt that way. It made the story not feel smooth. It was odd and was in some places, redundant (we know everyone on the islands knows each other!).

The plot was okay and it was a nice read, but there wasn't anything magical, nothing to make me laugh or cry or remember it forever. Overall, I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the faith message, and I'll read the rest of the series if it happens. I do wonder if Roseanna will ever write anything on the level of the Shadows over England series again.

I read a review copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher but I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

"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."

Ah, an idyll escape to Italy, with pirates thrown in!

THE NATURE OF A LADY is the first novel in the Secrets of the Isles series by ROSEANNA M WHITE, and I cannot wait for the next one! With a history of smugglers, the search for treasure, "sightings" on Samson Island and the far fetched tales of old Tas-gwynn Gilbert, the stage is set for excitement and intrigue. Add to this the confusion between the two Elizabeths and at least two rogue factions who are trying to find the treasure, and you have an interesting and nail biting plot.
Lady Elizabeth Sinclair does not have a good self image. Being more interested in science and plants than making an impression in society, she is delighted when her maid, Mabena Moon, suggests they hire a cottagel on St Mary's, an island in the Scillies, for the summer where she can indulge her passion for botany and the outdoors and hopefully give the irritating Lord Sheridan, who her brother has chosen for her to marry, time to forget all about her.
Oliver Tremayne, vicar and botanist, who she met two years previously, lives on Tresco Island and they become re-aquainted when he comes to the cottage to look for his sister Beth, who has disappeared. Will he be able to convince Libby that science and faith in God do not need to be at odds?
There are so many interesting characters, for example Mamm-wynn, Oliver's grandmother, who seems to live in another world and who takes to Libby immediately.
I like to see the way the author contrasts the people of the island, who are all part of one large and mostly loving family, with society families who are tied up in useless pursuits and look down on anyone they feel is beneath them.
I will not tell you any more of the story as I do not want to spoil things for you.
It is a delightful and inspirational read and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers,. The opinions in this review are completely my own.