A Respectable Actress

A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love has something for everyone. It is a historical thriller with a gentle love story building in the background.
India Hartley is an actress in America in the middle of the nineteenth century. At this time, acting is not seen as a respectable career. A tragic event on stage sees India, at the start of the novel, suspected of murder. Now she has a reason to be twice shunned by society. Philip Sinclair offers his services to India, as her lawyer. It is up to him to prove her innocence before the hangman's noose beckons.
A Respectable Actress is an amazing thriller full of plot twists and turns. I certainly could not guess the outcome, which made the action all the more thrilling. It was very intricate and held my attention from the start.
A Respectable Actress is also interesting as a social comment on the times. Following the American Civil War, slaves had been set free. Here in the novel, the reader sees what jobs the ex-slaves now have, and attitudes towards them.
India is very much a modern woman in ancient times. Her father having recently died, means that India must fend for herself, in a world where independent women were frowned upon.
India believes in personal achievement and dreams. She has her own, and she encourages the young girls to dream too, believing that nothing is beyond your grasp. One just needs to go for it.
Dorothy Love in the novel shows the importance of having encouragers in one's life. When doubts creep in, everyone needs someone to be standing by them, believing in them.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Respectable Actress, it had me hooked until the very last page. This is the first novel I have read by Dorothy Love but I shall be seeking out more.

"A Respectable Actress" is the perfect mix and balance of suspense and romance. Dorothy Love has created her characters based on real people and historical events which really brings the story alive. India is a character whom I loved immediately and felt for as she was confused, scared, alone and being accused of a murder she did not think she had committed. Philip comes to her rescue; however he also has a past and he is trying to move on with his life in all areas. I loved the setting of the story and Dorothy did a wonderful job with creating the scene. Set in the deep south following the war and the devastation that took place in the land, but also in the people's spirits. Indigo Point is home to Philip and a haven to those living there, but it also holds secrets and is holding the past captive for Philip and others. I could picture the home, the walkways, the destruction and the vision that Philip had for rebuilding it. The other characters added so much to the story and of course my favorites were Celia and Frannie, but Mr. Lockwood became a favorite as well. I loved the roles that they played in India's life. The book started right out in the midst of the action and I was immediately engrossed in the story as details from the past and present were woven together. I highly recommend this book for Dorothy Love fans and also those who enjoy historical fiction,

I have been looking forward to reading this book because so many people told me it was amazing. Not only that, but it’s one of Amazon’s “best of the month”. Screen shot 2015-11-02 at 7.37.27 AM So, I was ready!!

India Hartley is an actress who is accused of murder. Because of the reputation of actresses, the residents of Savannah, Georgia have prematurely made up their minds about her guilt. Proving her innocence is up to famed lawyer, Phillip Sinclair.

This book was pretty well done. It is a historic novel and she definitely knows her history. I did think that the relationship between India and Phillip was a bit forced. I didn’t really “feel” them falling in love and the kisses seemed to come out of nowhere!! I also felt like the supporting characters were not well written. Other than that, it was a good read. It kept my attention and I felt drawn to the main character. I would definitely recommend as a light and fun read.

Thank you, Litfuse, for giving me this book. As always, this is my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!!

A Respectable Actress is set in one of my favourite time periods in the South of America. It follows the story of India, who grew up in the theatre world and has herself become an actress. It is still a profession that is looked down upon, especially for women. We encounter this several times throughout the novel. Dorothy has this fantastic way of putting historical facts into the story without taking over the plot.

The way the story comes together is fascinating and keeps you guessing right to the very last second. The secrets India uncovers not only set her free but also Philip as well.

Well written, interesting and captivating, A Respectable Actress will become a quick favourite to read!