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Moonstone Romance #1
Moonstone Obsession
Secrets, scandal, and passion...
Selina Rosewall had given up on love, but while helping her brother further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. Their attraction is mutual, but what James wants from the relationship goes further--much further--than Selina could have expected. And she learns that in the world of the Ton, scandal and deceit are commonplace.
For Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen, it's hard to say which is more being a spy or being considered husband material by the Ladies of the Ton. With political machinations threatening to draw England into the violent wake of the French Revolution, the last thing James expected was to fall in love with Selina Rosewall, daughter of an untitled seafaring family. But when James' investigation stirs up a hornet's nest, can he protect Selina from danger that threatens her very life?
Moonstone Obsession has a standalone sequel Moonstone Conspiracy
Selina Rosewall had given up on love, but while helping her brother further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. Their attraction is mutual, but what James wants from the relationship goes further--much further--than Selina could have expected. And she learns that in the world of the Ton, scandal and deceit are commonplace.
For Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen, it's hard to say which is more being a spy or being considered husband material by the Ladies of the Ton. With political machinations threatening to draw England into the violent wake of the French Revolution, the last thing James expected was to fall in love with Selina Rosewall, daughter of an untitled seafaring family. But when James' investigation stirs up a hornet's nest, can he protect Selina from danger that threatens her very life?
Moonstone Obsession has a standalone sequel Moonstone Conspiracy
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2013
304 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
59 books354 followersUSA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Ellen Carter is an award-winning historical romance writer who pens richly detailed historical romantic adventures. A former newspaper journalist, Carter ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. She lives in Australia.
On the publication of her debut novel in 2013, Carter was heralded by critics as ‘a writer worth keeping an eye on’ with a style reminiscent of classic suspense novelist Daphne du Maurier. This impression has been borne out in her subsequent work.
Her full-length novels frequently feature psychologically complex relations between the central characters and often delve into dark themes.
Nonetheless, she also occasionally turns her hand to sweet romance (always with a touch of adventure) suitable for younger readers as well as older fans looking for a change of pace.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s full-length titles and several novellas have been published by Dragonblade Publishing since 2017. She also regularly contributes to various multi-author anthologies and is a member of The Bluestocking Belles group of Regency romance authors.
On the publication of her debut novel in 2013, Carter was heralded by critics as ‘a writer worth keeping an eye on’ with a style reminiscent of classic suspense novelist Daphne du Maurier. This impression has been borne out in her subsequent work.
Her full-length novels frequently feature psychologically complex relations between the central characters and often delve into dark themes.
Nonetheless, she also occasionally turns her hand to sweet romance (always with a touch of adventure) suitable for younger readers as well as older fans looking for a change of pace.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s full-length titles and several novellas have been published by Dragonblade Publishing since 2017. She also regularly contributes to various multi-author anthologies and is a member of The Bluestocking Belles group of Regency romance authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 6, 2016
An intriguing love story…
I really enjoyed Moonstone Obsession and loved the main characters Selina and James. The story starts with Selina attending her first ball with her brother. James came to the ball with the intention of keeping his mother happy by finding a suitable wife. Selina is a pretty woman with no title and even though that should be a deterrent for James, neither of them can fight their attraction to each other. Unfortunately, James has been connected to a conniving witch names Abigail and she's not letting him go.
There are many intrigues within the story that both characters become involved in. James has a friendship with the Prime Minister and he does some private work for him. Selina gets drawn into his intrigue because of her knowledge of shipping and French. The mystery is a major part of the story and kept the pace moving well.
Ms Carter has a wonderful way of describing a scene. She gives vivid descriptions of costumes and furniture which makes the story come to life. Her knowledge of the times is obvious. I loved her descriptions when the clothes changed from wide skirts to wet down dresses and the shock of the characters to have so much exposed. It made me stop and step out of the story to think - if they only knew what we’re wearing now…
There is a deep connection between the main characters with some sensual love scenes. Some wonderful side characters are introduced with family and friends that you wonder are friend of foe.
This was Ms Carter’s first release and I think she did a marvelous job. My only negative was I think it was a little too long. With so much detail thrown at us, it sometimes felt drawn out and I also felt that there may have been too many unnecessary twists in the plot.
Overall I enjoyed Moonstone Obsession and will definitely be reading more from this author. Thanks again Ms Carter for gifting me a copy of Moonstone Obsession.
To buy Moonstone Obsession from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1LZFXcF
I really enjoyed Moonstone Obsession and loved the main characters Selina and James. The story starts with Selina attending her first ball with her brother. James came to the ball with the intention of keeping his mother happy by finding a suitable wife. Selina is a pretty woman with no title and even though that should be a deterrent for James, neither of them can fight their attraction to each other. Unfortunately, James has been connected to a conniving witch names Abigail and she's not letting him go.
There are many intrigues within the story that both characters become involved in. James has a friendship with the Prime Minister and he does some private work for him. Selina gets drawn into his intrigue because of her knowledge of shipping and French. The mystery is a major part of the story and kept the pace moving well.
Ms Carter has a wonderful way of describing a scene. She gives vivid descriptions of costumes and furniture which makes the story come to life. Her knowledge of the times is obvious. I loved her descriptions when the clothes changed from wide skirts to wet down dresses and the shock of the characters to have so much exposed. It made me stop and step out of the story to think - if they only knew what we’re wearing now…
There is a deep connection between the main characters with some sensual love scenes. Some wonderful side characters are introduced with family and friends that you wonder are friend of foe.
This was Ms Carter’s first release and I think she did a marvelous job. My only negative was I think it was a little too long. With so much detail thrown at us, it sometimes felt drawn out and I also felt that there may have been too many unnecessary twists in the plot.
Overall I enjoyed Moonstone Obsession and will definitely be reading more from this author. Thanks again Ms Carter for gifting me a copy of Moonstone Obsession.
To buy Moonstone Obsession from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1LZFXcF
July 14, 2015
I have mixed feelings...
Selina was sometines delightful and sometimes too naive for my tastes. And so was James...
I just couldn't decide if they were adults or immature youngters...
What I liked is the spy aspect and the historical research parts of this book.
Where I was disappointed was the romance part. I didn't feel the connection between Selina and James... to me it seemed like an afterthought. I would have preferred if the book was more centered on historical happenings and spy machinations. The "hot parts" didn't seem hot for me... sorry...
Selina was sometines delightful and sometimes too naive for my tastes. And so was James...
I just couldn't decide if they were adults or immature youngters...
What I liked is the spy aspect and the historical research parts of this book.
Where I was disappointed was the romance part. I didn't feel the connection between Selina and James... to me it seemed like an afterthought. I would have preferred if the book was more centered on historical happenings and spy machinations. The "hot parts" didn't seem hot for me... sorry...
February 20, 2014
MOONSTONE OBSESSION is Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s Historical debut novel and I loved this charming romance with an intriguing historical setting.
James and Selina are such a delightful couple. James has all the qualities of a wonderful hero… handsome, kind, intelligent, witty, honourable and protective of those he loves. Selina is bookish with a love of painting and drawing and a taste for political tracts and business newsletters.
The love story between these two is tender, passionate and romantic. I like how, from the initial attraction, their relationship develops gradually…friendship, talking and discovering how much they have in common. Their falling in love seemed natural and inevitable.
He was fulfilled in a way he never thought possible just six months ago, and all because of this remarkable young woman by his side.
But now she wasn’t alone. She was one half of a whole and James knew her. She was still learning to rely on his strength
I enjoyed seeing James and Selina work together to uncover the traitor and especially loved the way in which Selina’s drawing ability and knowledge of French played such an important part.
The love scenes are deliciously sensual and one of my favourites is where Selina is washing and she doesn’t realise that James has entered the room. Of course, it is too much of a temptation for James to resist helping her…
Her feet shifted and her hips swayed, chasing the sponge with small movements as it washed across her belly and then hips before its fluid warmth slid across her thatch of curls.
There is quite an array of secondary characters including American Toby Jackson, James’s friend and confidante, the cheating and conniving Lady Abigail and the iniquitous Viscount Canalissy. My favourite is the straight-talking Lady Margaret, James’s grandmother…
“Very well…If you marry Abigail, I’ll disinherit you as the idiot wastrel progeny of your easily led father and your avaricious, vacuous, social-climbing mother.”
I enjoyed the way in which Ms Carter incorporates real historical people like William Pitt into the story together with the fictional character of Sir Percy Blakeney.
Revolutionary France provides a fascinating backdrop to this tale of intrigue, danger and suspense and the carefully researched historical details lend the story realism. I love Ms Carter’s writing style; it flows smoothly and her vivid imagery made it easy to picture the scenes.
When she moved, smaller bows in the same color fluttered and danced like butterflies across the expanse of pleated fabric on the skirt.
Lines of liquid gold shimmered hypnotically on the waves falling toward the shore.
There is also some delightful dialogue.
This was a very impressive debut novel and I will certainly be reading more of Ms Carter’s books.
REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 STARS
My sincere thanks to Elizabeth Ellen Carter for providing me a copy of her book in return for an honest review.
This is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
James and Selina are such a delightful couple. James has all the qualities of a wonderful hero… handsome, kind, intelligent, witty, honourable and protective of those he loves. Selina is bookish with a love of painting and drawing and a taste for political tracts and business newsletters.
The love story between these two is tender, passionate and romantic. I like how, from the initial attraction, their relationship develops gradually…friendship, talking and discovering how much they have in common. Their falling in love seemed natural and inevitable.
He was fulfilled in a way he never thought possible just six months ago, and all because of this remarkable young woman by his side.
But now she wasn’t alone. She was one half of a whole and James knew her. She was still learning to rely on his strength
I enjoyed seeing James and Selina work together to uncover the traitor and especially loved the way in which Selina’s drawing ability and knowledge of French played such an important part.
The love scenes are deliciously sensual and one of my favourites is where Selina is washing and she doesn’t realise that James has entered the room. Of course, it is too much of a temptation for James to resist helping her…
Her feet shifted and her hips swayed, chasing the sponge with small movements as it washed across her belly and then hips before its fluid warmth slid across her thatch of curls.
There is quite an array of secondary characters including American Toby Jackson, James’s friend and confidante, the cheating and conniving Lady Abigail and the iniquitous Viscount Canalissy. My favourite is the straight-talking Lady Margaret, James’s grandmother…
“Very well…If you marry Abigail, I’ll disinherit you as the idiot wastrel progeny of your easily led father and your avaricious, vacuous, social-climbing mother.”
I enjoyed the way in which Ms Carter incorporates real historical people like William Pitt into the story together with the fictional character of Sir Percy Blakeney.
Revolutionary France provides a fascinating backdrop to this tale of intrigue, danger and suspense and the carefully researched historical details lend the story realism. I love Ms Carter’s writing style; it flows smoothly and her vivid imagery made it easy to picture the scenes.
When she moved, smaller bows in the same color fluttered and danced like butterflies across the expanse of pleated fabric on the skirt.
Lines of liquid gold shimmered hypnotically on the waves falling toward the shore.
There is also some delightful dialogue.
This was a very impressive debut novel and I will certainly be reading more of Ms Carter’s books.
REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 STARS
My sincere thanks to Elizabeth Ellen Carter for providing me a copy of her book in return for an honest review.
This is also posted on my blog:
http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
March 22, 2014
Sumptuous - if I had to describe this book in one word, that's the one I'd choose.
The detail in this is stunning, particularly early. There's such lovely description of clothing and setting for the period. Little nuances set the mood and I think the author does this delightfully. I'm not much of a 'bling & clothes' type of girl in modern life, whereas way back in the period where this book was set, clothes and jewellery made such status symbols they were a huge part of the life. Well, some of these descriptions almost made me want to head out to the vintage shops and, like, go shopping.
There is a lot of political intrigue in Moonstone Obsession. I knew this, as I've seen many of the author's blog posts about this book. I particularly remember a recent post in a Coastal Romance Facebook group discussing the ship, The Pandora, and its wreck and sinking which is set up in the prologue and referred to throughout the story. While the politics was an interesting part of the plot, and added much suspense to the story line, for me it was the relationship between James and Selina that most held my interest.
I haven't read many historical romances and this might be from my view (right or wrong) that they'd be generally, too sweet for me. I do tend to prefer open-door scenes, and I like my romance on the kettle-boiling side of steamy.
So I was more than pleased to find a lot of 'phwoar' factor in Moonstone Obsession. EE Carter didn't just keep the bedroom door open, she had the bathroom door open too!
I also enjoyed the cattiness, snobbery & competition described between the women of the time when it came to scoring the man upon whom they'd set their (sometimes vindictive) little hearts - that read very real to me.
This is the author's debut work, it offers brilliant value for money as it's a long, intricate book. Nothing feels rushed, and the ending left me feeling very satisfied that James and Selina have a very happy HEA ahead.
The detail in this is stunning, particularly early. There's such lovely description of clothing and setting for the period. Little nuances set the mood and I think the author does this delightfully. I'm not much of a 'bling & clothes' type of girl in modern life, whereas way back in the period where this book was set, clothes and jewellery made such status symbols they were a huge part of the life. Well, some of these descriptions almost made me want to head out to the vintage shops and, like, go shopping.
There is a lot of political intrigue in Moonstone Obsession. I knew this, as I've seen many of the author's blog posts about this book. I particularly remember a recent post in a Coastal Romance Facebook group discussing the ship, The Pandora, and its wreck and sinking which is set up in the prologue and referred to throughout the story. While the politics was an interesting part of the plot, and added much suspense to the story line, for me it was the relationship between James and Selina that most held my interest.
I haven't read many historical romances and this might be from my view (right or wrong) that they'd be generally, too sweet for me. I do tend to prefer open-door scenes, and I like my romance on the kettle-boiling side of steamy.
So I was more than pleased to find a lot of 'phwoar' factor in Moonstone Obsession. EE Carter didn't just keep the bedroom door open, she had the bathroom door open too!
I also enjoyed the cattiness, snobbery & competition described between the women of the time when it came to scoring the man upon whom they'd set their (sometimes vindictive) little hearts - that read very real to me.
This is the author's debut work, it offers brilliant value for money as it's a long, intricate book. Nothing feels rushed, and the ending left me feeling very satisfied that James and Selina have a very happy HEA ahead.
November 5, 2014
3 and 1/2 Stars--Good Spy Tale, but has a few issues
It was difficult to rate this book. There were parts I loved and would have given 4 and ½ stars to and others I really just wanted to skip. My rating is a sort of compromise.
Set in England in 1790, this is the story of Selina Rosewall and Sir James Mitchell, “Lord Penventen.” The story begins with a shipwreck off the coast of Cornwall and there are allusions later to the special cargo the ship was carrying when it went down in a mystery dealing with someone in the government surreptitious supporting the French revolutionaries. Then we are thrust into the world of London and the affairs of the ton.
While helping her sea captain brother further his merchant business, Selina meets Sir James Mitchell. Tired of the ladies of the ton, James is immediately taken with Selina’s sincerity and her direct manner. And Selina, an artist, begins putting her fantasies about James onto canvas, unaware that the rake is also a spy for Prime Minister Pitt. With the situation in France worsening, James warns Selina his life is complicated. And it is…and Selina becomes involved in the mystery.
This story is obviously based on considerable research into the period and I did like that. It also has some good twists and turns, and the dialog was very good. Both James and Selina are worthy characters, though neither seemed to have a flaw and there was virtually no conflict between them. They quickly fall in love.
However, there were some distractions that affected my rating: incorrect forms of address persisted throughout (for example, we are told first James is a viscount and then he is a baronet, but the latter is not a peer so he would not be Lord Penventen, and once a woman in the nobility is married she is no longer referred to as Lady [firstname]); a plethora of secondary characters that were sometimes difficult to recall; modern words (for the era); breaches in late 18th century customs (it read more like a Victorian. One confused reviewer called it “a delightful romp through Regency England”); and narrator intrusion into the characters’ thinking (the omniscient point of view dropped in to tell us some facts). Some readers might not notice these things or not care, but they bothered me.
I think the author has great potential and is obviously a good storyteller able to weave an intricate plot, but I’d like to see the next one correct the issues noted.
It was difficult to rate this book. There were parts I loved and would have given 4 and ½ stars to and others I really just wanted to skip. My rating is a sort of compromise.
Set in England in 1790, this is the story of Selina Rosewall and Sir James Mitchell, “Lord Penventen.” The story begins with a shipwreck off the coast of Cornwall and there are allusions later to the special cargo the ship was carrying when it went down in a mystery dealing with someone in the government surreptitious supporting the French revolutionaries. Then we are thrust into the world of London and the affairs of the ton.
While helping her sea captain brother further his merchant business, Selina meets Sir James Mitchell. Tired of the ladies of the ton, James is immediately taken with Selina’s sincerity and her direct manner. And Selina, an artist, begins putting her fantasies about James onto canvas, unaware that the rake is also a spy for Prime Minister Pitt. With the situation in France worsening, James warns Selina his life is complicated. And it is…and Selina becomes involved in the mystery.
This story is obviously based on considerable research into the period and I did like that. It also has some good twists and turns, and the dialog was very good. Both James and Selina are worthy characters, though neither seemed to have a flaw and there was virtually no conflict between them. They quickly fall in love.
However, there were some distractions that affected my rating: incorrect forms of address persisted throughout (for example, we are told first James is a viscount and then he is a baronet, but the latter is not a peer so he would not be Lord Penventen, and once a woman in the nobility is married she is no longer referred to as Lady [firstname]); a plethora of secondary characters that were sometimes difficult to recall; modern words (for the era); breaches in late 18th century customs (it read more like a Victorian. One confused reviewer called it “a delightful romp through Regency England”); and narrator intrusion into the characters’ thinking (the omniscient point of view dropped in to tell us some facts). Some readers might not notice these things or not care, but they bothered me.
I think the author has great potential and is obviously a good storyteller able to weave an intricate plot, but I’d like to see the next one correct the issues noted.
October 18, 2013
James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, meets his match in the beautiful, educated and artistic Selina Rosewall. Close to being on the shelf, Selina attends her first London ball and dances the barely acceptable yet wonderfully intimate waltz with Lord Penventen. Suddenly, working as a companion no longer has the same appeal. James is almost engaged to a lady-in-waiting, Abigail, when Miss Rosewall dances into his arms and his heart is never the same. Together they must face blackmail, political intrigue and an unknown adversary who wants to draw England into a war, just as France is ripping herself apart under the guise of the cult of Reason. As James’s summer house party draws to a close, danger looms over their growing attachment to one another. Secrets, lies and the safety of the realm threaten to keep them apart and they must fight for England, and for the sake of each other.
I enjoyed the blending of real and fictional characters and the well researched background of this story. The motif of the moon that appears throughout linked well with Selina’s character.
The first novel of author EE Carter incorporates historical characters and events in a romantic suspense story that takes readers from the rugged Cornish coast and smugglers luring ships onto the rocks, through the ball rooms and political intrigues of London and into the heart of revolutionary Paris. English Prime Minister, William Pitt, rubs shoulders with Sir Percy Blakeney, whose appearance and sense of humour were highly entertaining; I loved his choice of costumes for his co-conspirators at Pitt’s masquerade ball, and if that isn’t historical fact, it should have been!
At nearly 350 pages, this is a longer read; just right for Xmas holidays. Treat yourself and lose yourself reading this great story. It is delightful.
I enjoyed the blending of real and fictional characters and the well researched background of this story. The motif of the moon that appears throughout linked well with Selina’s character.
The first novel of author EE Carter incorporates historical characters and events in a romantic suspense story that takes readers from the rugged Cornish coast and smugglers luring ships onto the rocks, through the ball rooms and political intrigues of London and into the heart of revolutionary Paris. English Prime Minister, William Pitt, rubs shoulders with Sir Percy Blakeney, whose appearance and sense of humour were highly entertaining; I loved his choice of costumes for his co-conspirators at Pitt’s masquerade ball, and if that isn’t historical fact, it should have been!
At nearly 350 pages, this is a longer read; just right for Xmas holidays. Treat yourself and lose yourself reading this great story. It is delightful.
October 20, 2013
Elizabeth Carter's Moonstone Obsession is a delightful historical romance that combines all the elements of passion and intrigue that anyone could want in a story.
The author uses historical fact well throughout the story in a manner that kept me spellbound for the entirety of the book. Lord James Penventen, our hero, is a honorable man in a society where deceit and scandal run rampant. Selena, our heroine, is portrayed as an independent, well educated, intelligent lady. A character who we can all relate to.
This book takes us from the ballrooms of London to the shores of Cornwall and to revolutionary Paris. The story is of intrigue and suspense, of romance and history all blended into one.
James and Selina together face blackmail, political intrigue and unknown adversaries. England is being drawn into a war. France is being torn apart internally under the guise of Reason.
Utterly an amazing read. Long enough to keep you immersed for hours. This book will appeal to many different audiences, if for no other reason than it is a compelling read. A MUST read!!. I absolutely LOVED this book and will read it over and over again.
The author uses historical fact well throughout the story in a manner that kept me spellbound for the entirety of the book. Lord James Penventen, our hero, is a honorable man in a society where deceit and scandal run rampant. Selena, our heroine, is portrayed as an independent, well educated, intelligent lady. A character who we can all relate to.
This book takes us from the ballrooms of London to the shores of Cornwall and to revolutionary Paris. The story is of intrigue and suspense, of romance and history all blended into one.
James and Selina together face blackmail, political intrigue and unknown adversaries. England is being drawn into a war. France is being torn apart internally under the guise of Reason.
Utterly an amazing read. Long enough to keep you immersed for hours. This book will appeal to many different audiences, if for no other reason than it is a compelling read. A MUST read!!. I absolutely LOVED this book and will read it over and over again.
July 26, 2014
(Original post at Doing Some Reading)
I have had this on my list forever! And I'm super happy to have gotten a chance to finally read it and can I say I absolutely loved it!
Right from the gecko I was hooked on this story. The prologue was just sad and heartbreaking. I'm not sure if it was due to the fact that I was listening to a certain song that evoked a certain feeling in me but I was struck speechless after I read the prologue. It left much to speculate about how the story was going to go about the mystery and with the whole romance plot.
But as to my knowledge of romance stories and their way of storytelling, there will be a HEA nevertheless!
But we start off with the heroine, Selina Rosewall, a spinster going to London for the first time as support for her shipping Captain of a brother William to gain support and partnerships in their shipping business. She has given up on love and marriage of her own because she's just a seafarer's daughter with no dowry or anything to her name. So she has made her decision to go into work as a governess or a lady's companion.
Of course she didn't know how much her world would be changed by attending a homecoming ball with her brother and meeting the hostess's son Lord Peventen, James Mitchell.
James has returned after 6 years to take his father's place as head of the household and to his dismay, back to the marriage market and to that of a lady he dislikes, his supposed intended, Lady Abigail, Princess in waiting.
His mother has wanted the suit for a very long time and after ditching Lady Abigail after finding another man between her legs 6 years ago, he has vowed never to fall prey to her or any other again. But of course she won't back down for he has returned and no one ever refuses her, she's the Princess in waiting! And like it or not, she gets what she wants. Being her enemy will not be the best idea.
So what does he do? Avoid and ignore by taking advantage of his new friend William Rosewall and partner up with his sister in a dance. But as it turns out he finds the young Miss fascinating and intelligent, nothing like any other women he has meet before.
But to his perturbation, he finds he has competition in Viscount Canalissy, a neighbor and a unfortunate friend of Lady Abigail's.
As things would turn out, James and Selina's relationship turns to friendship and then to mutual attraction as they spend more time with each other throughout the last weeks of summer. And as they become friendlier, Lady Abigail becomes more tenacious
But James is a spy trying to find the missing answered to a sunken ship and murder of a well-known sea Captain carrying cargo pertinent in helping supply to start a revolution. And things doesn't get any better when threats are about and Selina and her family gets pulled into its peril.
This really is a fun read and it absolutely got me smiling and laughing at many witticisms! I absolutely enjoyed many of the secondary characters for they made the story more enjoyable and helped moved and add information to build and relieve stress, tension, misunderstandings, and Romance!
Selina is a very smart and sweet girl. She's very aware of the political issues going on and is not afraid to speak her mind on such subjects if brought to her attention. Although she can be outspoken and talk politics, she knows her place as a woman and knows when to hold her tongue. She also reflects on her actions and contemplates a lot about her future. She's also strong and can stand up for herself when need be, like against that of Lady Abigail's venomous remarks. One thing I found as her flaw was jumping to conclusions. Her views of James and his relationship with Lady Abigail is just misled even if he tells her ahead of time that he had no attention to court Lady Abigail, she jumps to conclusions anyways and disregard his assertions. But I still like her because everything else is perfect in making her a likeable heroine.
James is also very intelligent and more willing to act on what he wants, Selina. But he's also very thoughtful and attentive to others around him. Which made him perfect for a spy. He's not easily trusting of others for he's seen how cruel and unhappy his parents’ marriage was with his mother being a "fraud" and making the marriage unbearable for his kind father. He knows he wants a love match marriage but he also knows it's difficult to find one in his situation being a Lord and all. And when he found Selina, he was willing to forgo anything to be with her no matter what happens and does everything in his power to remind and show her whenever he gets the chance to let her know he loves her. I found his actions very romantic and sweet! Plus he thinks of Selina's future vastly to even ensuring if anything happens to him that she will live safely.
Some problems I had with this were the blunt and plainly use of first names for their time period. Between James and Selina, I was okay with but I found it shocking at first that they were so casual in calling each other by first names from the beginning without giving permission or having a second thought or reference to it. Another thing was calling James's mother Lady Christina and not Lady Peventen? She should be Lady Peventen right for his father is the late Lord Peventen. Not even James is called Peventen if I remembered correctly besides from Viscount Canalissy.
So, over all Moonstone Obsession is a very enjoyable and a very great read. It was longer than I thought but that didn't deter me from reading it and having a great time.
If you enjoy mystery, adventure, well-paced romance, great characters, and historical romances this will be great for you.
Rating: 4.5 out 5
I have had this on my list forever! And I'm super happy to have gotten a chance to finally read it and can I say I absolutely loved it!
Right from the gecko I was hooked on this story. The prologue was just sad and heartbreaking. I'm not sure if it was due to the fact that I was listening to a certain song that evoked a certain feeling in me but I was struck speechless after I read the prologue. It left much to speculate about how the story was going to go about the mystery and with the whole romance plot.
But as to my knowledge of romance stories and their way of storytelling, there will be a HEA nevertheless!
But we start off with the heroine, Selina Rosewall, a spinster going to London for the first time as support for her shipping Captain of a brother William to gain support and partnerships in their shipping business. She has given up on love and marriage of her own because she's just a seafarer's daughter with no dowry or anything to her name. So she has made her decision to go into work as a governess or a lady's companion.
Of course she didn't know how much her world would be changed by attending a homecoming ball with her brother and meeting the hostess's son Lord Peventen, James Mitchell.
James has returned after 6 years to take his father's place as head of the household and to his dismay, back to the marriage market and to that of a lady he dislikes, his supposed intended, Lady Abigail, Princess in waiting.
His mother has wanted the suit for a very long time and after ditching Lady Abigail after finding another man between her legs 6 years ago, he has vowed never to fall prey to her or any other again. But of course she won't back down for he has returned and no one ever refuses her, she's the Princess in waiting! And like it or not, she gets what she wants. Being her enemy will not be the best idea.
So what does he do? Avoid and ignore by taking advantage of his new friend William Rosewall and partner up with his sister in a dance. But as it turns out he finds the young Miss fascinating and intelligent, nothing like any other women he has meet before.
But to his perturbation, he finds he has competition in Viscount Canalissy, a neighbor and a unfortunate friend of Lady Abigail's.
As things would turn out, James and Selina's relationship turns to friendship and then to mutual attraction as they spend more time with each other throughout the last weeks of summer. And as they become friendlier, Lady Abigail becomes more tenacious
But James is a spy trying to find the missing answered to a sunken ship and murder of a well-known sea Captain carrying cargo pertinent in helping supply to start a revolution. And things doesn't get any better when threats are about and Selina and her family gets pulled into its peril.
This really is a fun read and it absolutely got me smiling and laughing at many witticisms! I absolutely enjoyed many of the secondary characters for they made the story more enjoyable and helped moved and add information to build and relieve stress, tension, misunderstandings, and Romance!
Selina is a very smart and sweet girl. She's very aware of the political issues going on and is not afraid to speak her mind on such subjects if brought to her attention. Although she can be outspoken and talk politics, she knows her place as a woman and knows when to hold her tongue. She also reflects on her actions and contemplates a lot about her future. She's also strong and can stand up for herself when need be, like against that of Lady Abigail's venomous remarks. One thing I found as her flaw was jumping to conclusions. Her views of James and his relationship with Lady Abigail is just misled even if he tells her ahead of time that he had no attention to court Lady Abigail, she jumps to conclusions anyways and disregard his assertions. But I still like her because everything else is perfect in making her a likeable heroine.
James is also very intelligent and more willing to act on what he wants, Selina. But he's also very thoughtful and attentive to others around him. Which made him perfect for a spy. He's not easily trusting of others for he's seen how cruel and unhappy his parents’ marriage was with his mother being a "fraud" and making the marriage unbearable for his kind father. He knows he wants a love match marriage but he also knows it's difficult to find one in his situation being a Lord and all. And when he found Selina, he was willing to forgo anything to be with her no matter what happens and does everything in his power to remind and show her whenever he gets the chance to let her know he loves her. I found his actions very romantic and sweet! Plus he thinks of Selina's future vastly to even ensuring if anything happens to him that she will live safely.
Some problems I had with this were the blunt and plainly use of first names for their time period. Between James and Selina, I was okay with but I found it shocking at first that they were so casual in calling each other by first names from the beginning without giving permission or having a second thought or reference to it. Another thing was calling James's mother Lady Christina and not Lady Peventen? She should be Lady Peventen right for his father is the late Lord Peventen. Not even James is called Peventen if I remembered correctly besides from Viscount Canalissy.
So, over all Moonstone Obsession is a very enjoyable and a very great read. It was longer than I thought but that didn't deter me from reading it and having a great time.
If you enjoy mystery, adventure, well-paced romance, great characters, and historical romances this will be great for you.
Rating: 4.5 out 5
January 15, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My absolute favorite genre of romance is the historical romance. Therefore I jumped at the chance to read and review Moonstone Obsession by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. There were parts of the book that I absolutely loved but other times I was confused and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of history included in the book.
So let’s break this review down into two sections – the romance part and the historical part. As far as a romance goes, Moonstone Obsession was wonderfully delightful. I loved the hero and heroine from the beginning. Selina Rosewall is a smart, independent, strong-willed woman who is determined to plan her life so that she is not a burden to her brother. But after meeting James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, those plans go out the window.
James is everything I would want in my historical romance hero. He’s titled, handsome, rich, debonair, patriotic, caring, loving (the list could go on and on.) When James waltzed Selina around the room he won both of our hearts. The relationship between the two was passionate and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Together, James and Selina were a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry was instantaneous and their love was enviable.
Selina is not your typical historical romance heroine and I applaud that. She was able to be an equal partner in solving the mystery of “Fidget” and she used her knowledge of French to help the Prime Minister and others. James not only loved her for her intelligence but never treated her as “the little woman” who should just sit back and let the men solve all the problems.
I even loved all of the secondary characters, good and evil. The cattiness amongst the women in the ton was so realistic that I didn’t know whether to laugh or cringe. Ms. Carter created multi-dimensional characters that came to life on the pages of Moonstone Obsession. Her imagery of the dresses, balls and more allowed me to completely lose myself in the book.
Set amidst a compelling time in French and English history, Moonstone Obsession, we are treated to adventure and intrigue as Selina and James seek out a traitor. Ms. Carter has obviously done her research. Her attention to detail is unbelievable and she created a picture of that time was so real that I felt transported in time. However, her amazing ability to write stunning details sometimes left me feeling that I was reading a college history textbook rather than a romance novel. While I appreciated Ms. Carter’s efforts, I just wonder if she could have left some factual information out. By 85% of the book, the hero and heroine had their happy ending. The rest of the book dealt with the intrigue and spy plotline. While I enjoyed the suspense, my ultimate focus was on James and Selina and I didn’t need so much mystery.
Moonstone Obsession is the first book I have read by Ms. Carter and my impression was favorable. In fact, the only thing keeping me from giving Moonstone Obsession all five stars are the lapses into history textbook. Overall though, I would recommend this book when you need your historical romance fix but still need a high quality book.
My absolute favorite genre of romance is the historical romance. Therefore I jumped at the chance to read and review Moonstone Obsession by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. There were parts of the book that I absolutely loved but other times I was confused and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of history included in the book.
So let’s break this review down into two sections – the romance part and the historical part. As far as a romance goes, Moonstone Obsession was wonderfully delightful. I loved the hero and heroine from the beginning. Selina Rosewall is a smart, independent, strong-willed woman who is determined to plan her life so that she is not a burden to her brother. But after meeting James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, those plans go out the window.
James is everything I would want in my historical romance hero. He’s titled, handsome, rich, debonair, patriotic, caring, loving (the list could go on and on.) When James waltzed Selina around the room he won both of our hearts. The relationship between the two was passionate and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Together, James and Selina were a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry was instantaneous and their love was enviable.
Selina is not your typical historical romance heroine and I applaud that. She was able to be an equal partner in solving the mystery of “Fidget” and she used her knowledge of French to help the Prime Minister and others. James not only loved her for her intelligence but never treated her as “the little woman” who should just sit back and let the men solve all the problems.
I even loved all of the secondary characters, good and evil. The cattiness amongst the women in the ton was so realistic that I didn’t know whether to laugh or cringe. Ms. Carter created multi-dimensional characters that came to life on the pages of Moonstone Obsession. Her imagery of the dresses, balls and more allowed me to completely lose myself in the book.
Set amidst a compelling time in French and English history, Moonstone Obsession, we are treated to adventure and intrigue as Selina and James seek out a traitor. Ms. Carter has obviously done her research. Her attention to detail is unbelievable and she created a picture of that time was so real that I felt transported in time. However, her amazing ability to write stunning details sometimes left me feeling that I was reading a college history textbook rather than a romance novel. While I appreciated Ms. Carter’s efforts, I just wonder if she could have left some factual information out. By 85% of the book, the hero and heroine had their happy ending. The rest of the book dealt with the intrigue and spy plotline. While I enjoyed the suspense, my ultimate focus was on James and Selina and I didn’t need so much mystery.
Moonstone Obsession is the first book I have read by Ms. Carter and my impression was favorable. In fact, the only thing keeping me from giving Moonstone Obsession all five stars are the lapses into history textbook. Overall though, I would recommend this book when you need your historical romance fix but still need a high quality book.
April 18, 2014
Moonstone Obsession was an amazing book. It reminded me of the 18th century novels I used to study in my graduation and that IMO is high praise. This book had a romantic story, the political and societal aspects of the time and it was pretty well written.
Selena Rosewell has given up on love. She hasn't had her debut in her society at 21, as she was busy taking care of her sick father and running the household. There's not much time to socialize. After her father's death she is living with her brother and his family and helping her very pregnant sister-in-law run the household and take care of the children.
When Selena ends up at a ball with her brother to help further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. There is a mutual attraction between them that has Selena wishing for a kind of relationship she never thought she could have. Dreams she never dreamt because she thought they couldn't come true.
James Mitchell is taken by Selena from the first moment he sees her. She is beautiful, intelligent, smart and a strong independent woman. He is intrigued by her, but his life is not an easy one. James doesn't know what is more dangerous; being a spy or being considered a husband material by the women of the ton. He knows he is attracted to Selena and would like to make a move. But his Lady Abigail, lady-in-waiting to the Princess Royale is determined to keep James to herself. She is willing to go to any extent to get James, even blackmail.
In this world of scandal, blackmail, deceit and friendships of convenience, Selena has to stand strong and fight for what she wants. She has a champion in Lady Margaret, James' grandmother.
Moonstone Obsession is an intricately woven tale of history and romance. The real and fiction are fused so perfectly. Elizabeth E. Carter has managed to incorporate the societal and political happenings of the time with the fictitious romance. The world of the spies, the behaviour of the high society people, everything is a testament to the time period it is set in.
One of the best things about this book was how Ms. Carter used Selena's skills to help solve James' problems. Her knowledge of French and the sea was put to good use. She was not a damsel in distress. She was a strong, independent woman who could go head to toe with any man when necessary.
The characters are compelling and and interesting. They seem very human rather than perfectly made up statues. The story was well written and even though we could suspect the ones behind all the troubles, the story did not lose its intrigue. There were some revelations though which came as a surprise. Moonstone Obsession was well thought out and well researched. I was pretty much invested in the story from the start till the end and I couldn't help but want more.
I am very impressed by Ms. Carter's writing style and her well thought out story line. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Selena Rosewell has given up on love. She hasn't had her debut in her society at 21, as she was busy taking care of her sick father and running the household. There's not much time to socialize. After her father's death she is living with her brother and his family and helping her very pregnant sister-in-law run the household and take care of the children.
When Selena ends up at a ball with her brother to help further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. There is a mutual attraction between them that has Selena wishing for a kind of relationship she never thought she could have. Dreams she never dreamt because she thought they couldn't come true.
James Mitchell is taken by Selena from the first moment he sees her. She is beautiful, intelligent, smart and a strong independent woman. He is intrigued by her, but his life is not an easy one. James doesn't know what is more dangerous; being a spy or being considered a husband material by the women of the ton. He knows he is attracted to Selena and would like to make a move. But his Lady Abigail, lady-in-waiting to the Princess Royale is determined to keep James to herself. She is willing to go to any extent to get James, even blackmail.
In this world of scandal, blackmail, deceit and friendships of convenience, Selena has to stand strong and fight for what she wants. She has a champion in Lady Margaret, James' grandmother.
Moonstone Obsession is an intricately woven tale of history and romance. The real and fiction are fused so perfectly. Elizabeth E. Carter has managed to incorporate the societal and political happenings of the time with the fictitious romance. The world of the spies, the behaviour of the high society people, everything is a testament to the time period it is set in.
One of the best things about this book was how Ms. Carter used Selena's skills to help solve James' problems. Her knowledge of French and the sea was put to good use. She was not a damsel in distress. She was a strong, independent woman who could go head to toe with any man when necessary.
The characters are compelling and and interesting. They seem very human rather than perfectly made up statues. The story was well written and even though we could suspect the ones behind all the troubles, the story did not lose its intrigue. There were some revelations though which came as a surprise. Moonstone Obsession was well thought out and well researched. I was pretty much invested in the story from the start till the end and I couldn't help but want more.
I am very impressed by Ms. Carter's writing style and her well thought out story line. I look forward to reading more of her works.
November 16, 2013
From the first page of this story, I knew I was not going to be able to put this book down. We begin on the savage Cornish coast with intrigue, danger and unanswered questions. Then move to the opulent ballrooms of the Ton. Selina Rosewall, an intelligent, artistic merchant seaman’s daughter, begrudgingly attends a ball to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Penventen. Her sole purpose of attending is to assist her brother to further his business ventures and to engage in stimulating dinner conversation with the likes of Prime Minister Pitt and William Wilberforce. But a waltz in the arms of the handsome Lord Penventen stirs her heart to desire more than a dull future working as a lady’s companion; although her head demands she repel his advances. Not least of all because he is all but engaged to the treacherous Lady Abigail, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants: Lord Penventen.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a light-hearted romance set in a historical period. The burgeoning love of the hero and heroine is set in an impeccably researched heaving political time for both France and England where post-revolutionary unrest in France, stirred to a fever pitch by the cult of Reason, spills over to England. Where lies, treachery and deceit are rife and not even one’s closest acquaintances can be trusted. Carter’s characters are deeply embroiled in the dangerous game of maintaining political balance while being one step ahead of those committed to betrayal and self-gain. The settings in both England and France are so vivid and real, you can smell and touch the streets of Paris, the wild coast of Cornwall and envisage the magnificence of the ballrooms alive with the shimmer of ballgowns in candlelight. The edge-of-seat adventure and intrigue did not abate until the last page.
This impressive debut novel provides adventure, love, intrigue and a large dollop of history – thoroughly recommended for lovers of books that provide a feast for the reader.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a light-hearted romance set in a historical period. The burgeoning love of the hero and heroine is set in an impeccably researched heaving political time for both France and England where post-revolutionary unrest in France, stirred to a fever pitch by the cult of Reason, spills over to England. Where lies, treachery and deceit are rife and not even one’s closest acquaintances can be trusted. Carter’s characters are deeply embroiled in the dangerous game of maintaining political balance while being one step ahead of those committed to betrayal and self-gain. The settings in both England and France are so vivid and real, you can smell and touch the streets of Paris, the wild coast of Cornwall and envisage the magnificence of the ballrooms alive with the shimmer of ballgowns in candlelight. The edge-of-seat adventure and intrigue did not abate until the last page.
This impressive debut novel provides adventure, love, intrigue and a large dollop of history – thoroughly recommended for lovers of books that provide a feast for the reader.
March 30, 2014
I haven’t honestly read much historical romance, so this story was a bit of a diversion from my usual reading choice, but I’m really glad I took the opportunity and gave this one a chance. This impeccably written tale has so much going for it—yes, there is the romance aspect. James and Selina are a couple you want to root for. Selina’s character in particular resonated with me. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who almost seems ahead of her time, but I connected with her and genuinely wanted for her to find happiness. James comes across as a bit of an ass on first impression. His attraction and interest in Selina, however, are genuine and you can’t help but like him.
Then comes the plot full of mystery, deceit and intrigue that is woven into this love story and continues after James and Selina begin their lives together. While the romance aspect is sweet and endearing, this is what really set this story apart for me. Over the course of the book, a complicated plot unfolds, putting Selina and those she loves in danger, and I enjoyed seeing the active role both she and James take in trying to solve it.
I think the author did a fantastic job capturing this time period and all the little details about society and social status. She’s also got a rich cast of supporting characters that help bring it to life. Her writing style is very accessible and easy to read, while at the same time she has successfully portrayed this extravagant lifestyle in a way that is very believable. Definitely recommended!
Then comes the plot full of mystery, deceit and intrigue that is woven into this love story and continues after James and Selina begin their lives together. While the romance aspect is sweet and endearing, this is what really set this story apart for me. Over the course of the book, a complicated plot unfolds, putting Selina and those she loves in danger, and I enjoyed seeing the active role both she and James take in trying to solve it.
I think the author did a fantastic job capturing this time period and all the little details about society and social status. She’s also got a rich cast of supporting characters that help bring it to life. Her writing style is very accessible and easy to read, while at the same time she has successfully portrayed this extravagant lifestyle in a way that is very believable. Definitely recommended!
December 16, 2013
Lord James Mitchell, of Penventen, meets his match in the beautiful, educated and artistic daughter (Selina Rosewall ) of an untitled seafaring family. Her sole purpose for attending the ball, was to assist her brother to further his business ventures and to engage in stimulating dinner conversation with the likes of Prime Minister Pitt and William Wilberforce. She considers herself close to being a spinster, and in the process of making such plans for her future.
This ball turns out to be Selina’s first ball and she dances the barely acceptable yet wonderfully intimate waltz with Sir James Mitchell, they are never the same. Although her sensible head demands she repels his advances. Not least of all because he is engaged to the treacherous lady-in-waiting Abigail, who is as conniving as she is beautiful and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
As the summer draws to a close danger looms over their growing attachment to one another. Secrets, lies and the safety of the realm threaten to keep them apart and they must fight for England, and for each other.
The political machine threatens to draw England into the violent wake of the French Revolution, James is thrust on investigation which stirs up a hornet’s nest, and together they must face blackmail, political intrigue and an unknown adversary who wants to draw England into a war, just as France is ripping herself apart under the guise of the cult of Reason.
I thoroughly enjoyed Moonstone Obsession!
This ball turns out to be Selina’s first ball and she dances the barely acceptable yet wonderfully intimate waltz with Sir James Mitchell, they are never the same. Although her sensible head demands she repels his advances. Not least of all because he is engaged to the treacherous lady-in-waiting Abigail, who is as conniving as she is beautiful and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
As the summer draws to a close danger looms over their growing attachment to one another. Secrets, lies and the safety of the realm threaten to keep them apart and they must fight for England, and for each other.
The political machine threatens to draw England into the violent wake of the French Revolution, James is thrust on investigation which stirs up a hornet’s nest, and together they must face blackmail, political intrigue and an unknown adversary who wants to draw England into a war, just as France is ripping herself apart under the guise of the cult of Reason.
I thoroughly enjoyed Moonstone Obsession!
March 23, 2014
What a joy for me to discover Regency Romance again after so many years. Moonstone Obsession kept me enthralled from page one. The novel is populated by an array of characters, some artful, some sinister and others utterly delightful like the two protagonists - Selina and James. In true romance fashion the story romps along through Regency London, Cornwall, and revolutionary Paris with the constant question in the reader's mind: "will Selina and James overcome their obstacles and ever be together?" It's a rollercoaster of love, blackmail, ill-gotten gains, treason and trickery. Even ship-wreckers leave their mark in perfectly imaginable settings with fully-rounded characters. My congratulations to the author who has obviously great experience or has carried out intensive research of this period to create an enjoyable read.
November 19, 2013
A new-to-me author’s exciting debut, set in 1790 England during the volatile time of the French Revolution. I absolutely loved the history in this novel; it was reminiscent of The Turncoat by Donna Thorland, which was set in Revolutionary Philadelphia. Also like that novel, real-life people were characters here, including abolitionist William Wilberforce and William Pitt, prime minister of England. For my full review, on my blog: http://tinyurl.com/l4obvzn
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December 26, 2021🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2021)! 🎁
September 22, 2014
Moonstone Obsession is an amazing book. It reminded me of the 18th century novels I used to study in my graduation and that IMO is high praise. This book had a romantic story, the political and societal aspects of the time and it was pretty well written.
Selena Rosewell has given up on love. She hasn’t had her debut in her society at 21, as she was busy taking care of her sick father and running the household. There’s not much time to socialize. After her father’s death she is living with her brother and his family and helping her very pregnant sister-in-law run the household and take care of the children.
When Selena ends up at a ball with her brother to help further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. There is a mutual attraction between them that has Selena wishing for a kind of relationship she never thought she could have. Dreams she never dreamt because she thought they couldn’t come true.
James Mitchell is taken by Selena from the first moment he sees her. She is beautiful, intelligent, smart and a strong independent woman. He is intrigued by her, but his life is not an easy one. James doesn’t know what is more dangerous; being a spy or being considered a husband material by the women of the ton. He knows he is attracted to Selena and would like to make a move. But his Lady Abigail, lady-in-waiting to the Princess Royale is determined to keep James to herself. She is willing to go to any extent to get James, even blackmail.
In this world of scandal, blackmail, deceit and friendships of convenience, Selena has to stand strong and fight for what she wants. She has a champion in Lady Margaret, James’ grandmother.
Moonstone Obsession is an intricately woven tale of history and romance. The real and fiction are fused so perfectly. Elizabeth E. Carter has managed to incorporate the societal and political happenings of the time with the fictitious romance. The world of the spies, the behaviour of the high society people, everything is a testament to the time period it is set in.
One of the best things about this book was how Ms. Carter used Selena’s skills to help solve James’ problems. Her knowledge of French and the sea was put to good use. She was not a damsel in distress. She was a strong, independent woman who could go head to toe with any man when necessary.
The characters are compelling and and interesting. They seem very human rather than perfectly made up statues. The story was well written and even though we could suspect the ones behind all the troubles, the story did not lose its intrigue. There were some revelations though which came as a surprise. Moonstone Obsession was well thought out and well researched. I was pretty much invested in the story from the start till the end and I couldn’t help but want more.
I am very impressed by Ms. Carter’s writing style and her well thought out story line. I look forward to reading more of her works.
This review first appeared on The La La Land of Books and Gemstreet Reviews
Selena Rosewell has given up on love. She hasn’t had her debut in her society at 21, as she was busy taking care of her sick father and running the household. There’s not much time to socialize. After her father’s death she is living with her brother and his family and helping her very pregnant sister-in-law run the household and take care of the children.
When Selena ends up at a ball with her brother to help further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. There is a mutual attraction between them that has Selena wishing for a kind of relationship she never thought she could have. Dreams she never dreamt because she thought they couldn’t come true.
James Mitchell is taken by Selena from the first moment he sees her. She is beautiful, intelligent, smart and a strong independent woman. He is intrigued by her, but his life is not an easy one. James doesn’t know what is more dangerous; being a spy or being considered a husband material by the women of the ton. He knows he is attracted to Selena and would like to make a move. But his Lady Abigail, lady-in-waiting to the Princess Royale is determined to keep James to herself. She is willing to go to any extent to get James, even blackmail.
In this world of scandal, blackmail, deceit and friendships of convenience, Selena has to stand strong and fight for what she wants. She has a champion in Lady Margaret, James’ grandmother.
Moonstone Obsession is an intricately woven tale of history and romance. The real and fiction are fused so perfectly. Elizabeth E. Carter has managed to incorporate the societal and political happenings of the time with the fictitious romance. The world of the spies, the behaviour of the high society people, everything is a testament to the time period it is set in.
One of the best things about this book was how Ms. Carter used Selena’s skills to help solve James’ problems. Her knowledge of French and the sea was put to good use. She was not a damsel in distress. She was a strong, independent woman who could go head to toe with any man when necessary.
The characters are compelling and and interesting. They seem very human rather than perfectly made up statues. The story was well written and even though we could suspect the ones behind all the troubles, the story did not lose its intrigue. There were some revelations though which came as a surprise. Moonstone Obsession was well thought out and well researched. I was pretty much invested in the story from the start till the end and I couldn’t help but want more.
I am very impressed by Ms. Carter’s writing style and her well thought out story line. I look forward to reading more of her works.
This review first appeared on The La La Land of Books and Gemstreet Reviews
July 13, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mo...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Moonstone Obsession was a delightful romp through Regency England. Not just a light hearted romance novel, it included blackmail, espionage, treason, slavery, kidnapping, and embezzlement, all wrapped up in the glittery late eighteenth century wrapping paper of the Ton. The action moved from Cornwall to London to Paris with ease, and this reader felt like she was really there. Ms. Carter did a skillful job of weaving actual historical figures with fictional characters, and there were many historical facts sprinkled throughout.
The romance between Selina and James was endearing and tender, much more than simply physical attraction and lust. James was honorable in his actions, and Selina was not merely an ornament, but intelligent and involved. It may not be true to the period, but Selina’s artistic eye and fluent French contribution to the cloak and dagger dealings were much appreciated. The hero and heroine were drawn as human, with faults and shortcomings. This made all of the swashbuckling action all the more believable. The supporting characters were also thoroughly fleshed, and I enjoyed getting to know all of them, whether dastardly or matriarchal. Abigail, James’ original fiancée, was the type of foil one just loves to hate and see get her just due. James’ friend, Jackson, and grandmother were also particularly fun.
I recommend this romantic suspense to fans of the Regency period and those who like a meatier romance novel.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Moonstone Obsession was a delightful romp through Regency England. Not just a light hearted romance novel, it included blackmail, espionage, treason, slavery, kidnapping, and embezzlement, all wrapped up in the glittery late eighteenth century wrapping paper of the Ton. The action moved from Cornwall to London to Paris with ease, and this reader felt like she was really there. Ms. Carter did a skillful job of weaving actual historical figures with fictional characters, and there were many historical facts sprinkled throughout.
The romance between Selina and James was endearing and tender, much more than simply physical attraction and lust. James was honorable in his actions, and Selina was not merely an ornament, but intelligent and involved. It may not be true to the period, but Selina’s artistic eye and fluent French contribution to the cloak and dagger dealings were much appreciated. The hero and heroine were drawn as human, with faults and shortcomings. This made all of the swashbuckling action all the more believable. The supporting characters were also thoroughly fleshed, and I enjoyed getting to know all of them, whether dastardly or matriarchal. Abigail, James’ original fiancée, was the type of foil one just loves to hate and see get her just due. James’ friend, Jackson, and grandmother were also particularly fun.
I recommend this romantic suspense to fans of the Regency period and those who like a meatier romance novel.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 30, 2015
I've been meaning to read this one for a while, and in my excitement at the chance to meet the author at Readers and Writers Down Under 2015, I knew I had to at least start it before I met her.
It starts with a deliberate shipwreck of the Cornish coast and then cuts to a royal ball in London, giving me the illusory impression that it was a regency romance...but this book is as much historical fiction as it is romance. From English politics and intrigue to the streets of Paris at the time of the French Revolution...and the horrors of the slave trade. Meticulously researched and absolutely fascinating, I'd have read this book just for the portrayal of this period of history. The heartbreak of the damage to Notre Dame, the life of women in English society who weren't independently wealthy and the investigation of a mystery in an age where modern detective methods and technology weren't available...wow. Just wow.
Like the many-layered skirts worn by the ladies at the ball the book opens with, this story's history is interwoven with the romance between Selina and James...and the efforts of two very persistent cousins to ensure that the two don't come together. Courting and conspiracy, with the ever-present threat of being hanged or sentenced to transportation for a trumped-up charge of treason, makes for a thrilling story. I actually had to force myself to put it down just so I could sleep, without staying up all night to read the whole book in one very long sitting.
Five stars. No question about it. I only hope Ms Carter has more books planned in this time period - and hopefully with some, if not all, of the same characters.
It starts with a deliberate shipwreck of the Cornish coast and then cuts to a royal ball in London, giving me the illusory impression that it was a regency romance...but this book is as much historical fiction as it is romance. From English politics and intrigue to the streets of Paris at the time of the French Revolution...and the horrors of the slave trade. Meticulously researched and absolutely fascinating, I'd have read this book just for the portrayal of this period of history. The heartbreak of the damage to Notre Dame, the life of women in English society who weren't independently wealthy and the investigation of a mystery in an age where modern detective methods and technology weren't available...wow. Just wow.
Like the many-layered skirts worn by the ladies at the ball the book opens with, this story's history is interwoven with the romance between Selina and James...and the efforts of two very persistent cousins to ensure that the two don't come together. Courting and conspiracy, with the ever-present threat of being hanged or sentenced to transportation for a trumped-up charge of treason, makes for a thrilling story. I actually had to force myself to put it down just so I could sleep, without staying up all night to read the whole book in one very long sitting.
Five stars. No question about it. I only hope Ms Carter has more books planned in this time period - and hopefully with some, if not all, of the same characters.
April 2, 2014
Moonstone Obsession is a gem. Historical is not my go-to romance category but I went on a historical streak recently. This book rose to the top as one of my favorites. It is well written, engaging, and filled with historical details that made me feel like I learned a bit too.
Selina is a likable heroine. She has notions of romance but is sensible enough to know that she may end up a spinster. She neither accepts nor rejects matrimony at face value, and I enjoyed a heroine with such a pragmatic view in a historical. As the intrigue heightens in relation to the French Revolution and its impact on England, we also see that she is incredibly brave.
James is a worthy hero. He has elements of the rogue but also a deep sense of honor. His connection with Selina is believable and a pleasure to read.
The secondary cast of characters are well drawn and added depth to the story. The descriptions are lush. The countryside almost felt like its own character in a way. For the most part I enjoyed the descriptions but they could be a tad excessive at times. The last quarter of the book became heavily political and dragged for me as it caused the story to stop feeling like a romance. That is the only reason I give this book a 4.5 out of 5.
Selina is a likable heroine. She has notions of romance but is sensible enough to know that she may end up a spinster. She neither accepts nor rejects matrimony at face value, and I enjoyed a heroine with such a pragmatic view in a historical. As the intrigue heightens in relation to the French Revolution and its impact on England, we also see that she is incredibly brave.
James is a worthy hero. He has elements of the rogue but also a deep sense of honor. His connection with Selina is believable and a pleasure to read.
The secondary cast of characters are well drawn and added depth to the story. The descriptions are lush. The countryside almost felt like its own character in a way. For the most part I enjoyed the descriptions but they could be a tad excessive at times. The last quarter of the book became heavily political and dragged for me as it caused the story to stop feeling like a romance. That is the only reason I give this book a 4.5 out of 5.
May 8, 2014
Moonstone Obsession was a really enjoyable book to read. The characters were described in wonderful detail from the very beginning so it was easy to see them come to life with each turn of the page. The author never bogs us down with too much information but found the right balance of describing life in the 1700's so that the reader feels they are transported back in time very naturally. The main character, Selina, is a great mix of intelligence, humility and bravery with a unique beauty to go with it. Her love interest James, is interesting and handsome and has us wondering at times if his motives are true. There are many questions regarding his involvement with Selina and her brother but there is something solid about his character that has the reader on his side. Politics, crime, social lives and loves are all part of this story that is written with a great historic feel. The author has done a wonderful job building the connection between our main characters from their initial attraction to a love that is complete in every way. A delight to read!
February 24, 2014
I loved everything about this Georgian historical romance set in late eighteenth century England and post-revolutionary France. The engaging heroine, Selina Rosewall is not only beautiful, but clever and spirited. Sir James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, is my favourite type of hero—handsome, charming, smart, loving (plus a spy). In short, he’s an alpha male with plenty of beta qualities (swoon!). The interweaving of historical fact with fiction by the author was well done also—there's even a wonderful cameo appearance by Sir Percy Blackeney. If you enjoy intelligent, cleverly plotted, meticulously researched novels with a good dash of intrigue combined with a beautiful love story, ‘Moonstone Obsession’ is for you. A wonderful read, Elizabeth Ellen Carter. I can’t wait to read more of your work!
September 24, 2014
After reading this book, the only thing I could say was, wow! Moonstone Obsession has now become my favourite book.
Although it is categorised as Historical romance, this book is anything but that. The historical research that went into to this novel is astonishing. I really felt like I was part of the action.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter creates this beautiful world of intrigue, mystery and romance, that made this book impossible to put down. Wonderful characters, wonderful plot – just a sheer delight to read.
Although it is categorised as Historical romance, this book is anything but that. The historical research that went into to this novel is astonishing. I really felt like I was part of the action.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter creates this beautiful world of intrigue, mystery and romance, that made this book impossible to put down. Wonderful characters, wonderful plot – just a sheer delight to read.
March 13, 2015
This isn't lightweight historical romance with is a real plus for me. Highly detailed which appeals to my tastes and quite a good span of settings from England to revolutionary France. The heroine is appealing because she's not helpless - I hate romances where she can't pull her own weight. The hero is willing to draw on Selina's expertise too so in some ways they're a modern couple but then again still of their time, there's nothing historically out of place about the way they sort out their situation. Good intrigue plot too.
November 8, 2013
Review coming soon!
April 2, 2014
Review by: Maria Almaguer
Review Rating: 4.5 Stars
Link to Review: http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
Review Rating: 4.5 Stars
Link to Review: http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
July 20, 2018
Ignore the title and the cover, this book is far better than they are.
I still do not understand the link to moonstones. Our heroine admires some in a shop window, she is given a set by her future grandmother-in-law, and her name is Selina, a name of Greek origin, meaning moon. The moon is mentioned a couple of time, but there is no significance to moonstone. The title therefore cheapens the novel.
The story was exciting and, in the way of the best historical novels, details the effect of the history on the characters’ story. Set in 1790, the story includes Cornish wreckers, the beginnings of the French Revolution; Thomas Paine and France’s Declaration of The Rights Of Man And Of The Citizen; George III, the English King, beginning his descent into madness; William Pitt the Younger as Prime Minister; and the abolition movement of the slave trade with mention made of William Wilberforce and other leaders in the anti-slavery camp. These are painted both in broad strokes and in the detail, such as the Wedgewood abolitionist medallions made in 1787. The romance of Selina and James is woven into this history effectively, and makes good use of the social history of the time also.
While the history made the book for me, it also broke it. Two historical references were incorrect and I found that hard to forgive. Abigail, Lady Houghall, ex-lover to James, was described as lady-in-waiting to Charlotte, the Princess Royal. Unfortunately, Princess Charlotte was not born until 1796, six years later than the story is set. Additionally, reference is made to the approval for a prince regent for George III after several bouts of madness. This supposedly happened 18mths earlier, when in reality it happened twenty years later in 1810. I would suggest that these incidents may have been added later in order to improve aspects of the story such as describing how Abigail has such power; however, even though they were only minor references, they did effect my opinion on the reliability of Carter as an author.
Had I not realised these errors, I would probably have awarded this book a 5 star rating. Even though I then double-checked so much more of the history than I usually would, and maybe because of it, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Carter has the ability to draw the reader in, to write interesting characters, to weave plots and subplots fairly seamlessly and to provide the details (usually) that mark this writing as good literature instead of a cheap historical romance.
Lastly, I feel I need to mention Carter’s erotic scenes. They are written tastefully but are still titillating, with the bathing scene where James first sees Selina naked being especially poignant. They would preclude my recommending the book to a younger reader but I would happily recommend this otherwise.
I still do not understand the link to moonstones. Our heroine admires some in a shop window, she is given a set by her future grandmother-in-law, and her name is Selina, a name of Greek origin, meaning moon. The moon is mentioned a couple of time, but there is no significance to moonstone. The title therefore cheapens the novel.
The story was exciting and, in the way of the best historical novels, details the effect of the history on the characters’ story. Set in 1790, the story includes Cornish wreckers, the beginnings of the French Revolution; Thomas Paine and France’s Declaration of The Rights Of Man And Of The Citizen; George III, the English King, beginning his descent into madness; William Pitt the Younger as Prime Minister; and the abolition movement of the slave trade with mention made of William Wilberforce and other leaders in the anti-slavery camp. These are painted both in broad strokes and in the detail, such as the Wedgewood abolitionist medallions made in 1787. The romance of Selina and James is woven into this history effectively, and makes good use of the social history of the time also.
While the history made the book for me, it also broke it. Two historical references were incorrect and I found that hard to forgive. Abigail, Lady Houghall, ex-lover to James, was described as lady-in-waiting to Charlotte, the Princess Royal. Unfortunately, Princess Charlotte was not born until 1796, six years later than the story is set. Additionally, reference is made to the approval for a prince regent for George III after several bouts of madness. This supposedly happened 18mths earlier, when in reality it happened twenty years later in 1810. I would suggest that these incidents may have been added later in order to improve aspects of the story such as describing how Abigail has such power; however, even though they were only minor references, they did effect my opinion on the reliability of Carter as an author.
Had I not realised these errors, I would probably have awarded this book a 5 star rating. Even though I then double-checked so much more of the history than I usually would, and maybe because of it, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Carter has the ability to draw the reader in, to write interesting characters, to weave plots and subplots fairly seamlessly and to provide the details (usually) that mark this writing as good literature instead of a cheap historical romance.
Lastly, I feel I need to mention Carter’s erotic scenes. They are written tastefully but are still titillating, with the bathing scene where James first sees Selina naked being especially poignant. They would preclude my recommending the book to a younger reader but I would happily recommend this otherwise.
July 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much & enjoyed the different plot that it offered. Our heroine is Selina Rosewall, a bright, pretty, clever young lady that has given up on chances of love & has decided to become a companion or governess. Our Hero is Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen, who is handsome, manly & a little bit of a rake that has many a lady of the Ton swooning. Selina has been helping her brother make a success & improvement of his merchant fleet business. James & Selina & William, Selina's brother meet at a ball & James dances waltzes with Selina & sets a business meeting with William. They both feel the attraction from the beginning of the waltz & it just grows from there. The have quite an adventurous courtship with lies, attempted murders, kidnappings, secrets, romance, love & a great supporting cast of characters. I highly recommend this historical read - you won't be disappointed!
July 16, 2018
This novel has many layers ~ the dastardly actions of wreckers who lure ships into the rocks in Cornwall to get at their cargoes and murder the survivors for their personal possessions (with a sinister undertone of a treasonous plot); the indifferent but intellectual philosophical arguments that disinterested people (mostly unaffected aristocrats and intellectuals) have with regard to whether blacks are a different breed of human beings and the strong emotional gut~wrenching story William Rosewall told in defense of the slaves' treatment; the religion of Reason in France; the need for money and monetary gain vis~a~vis Honour and Honor and loyalty to one's country versus Treason... etc...etc... This is more than a romance in a timeline of turmoil caught in the boiling cauldron of a revolution.
July 14, 2018
Wow,Pre French Revolution English Romance, Author does her Homework!!!
I got this book because of BookGorilla. This series starts in England pre French Revolution. The author has done a LOT of research which she seamlessly weaves into a nail bitter of a romance. This is a time frame I have rarely seen in Romance novels. Early Regency in England, concerns over possible violent revolution in France turning bloody and spreading war. Post American Revolution. A complicated time well handled by the author. Starting with wreckers on the English coast. The story moves from treason, foreign spies, revolutionaries inside and out of England and still ends with an HEA. This author is a must read if you enjoy well researched historical romances taking place in interesting times.
I got this book because of BookGorilla. This series starts in England pre French Revolution. The author has done a LOT of research which she seamlessly weaves into a nail bitter of a romance. This is a time frame I have rarely seen in Romance novels. Early Regency in England, concerns over possible violent revolution in France turning bloody and spreading war. Post American Revolution. A complicated time well handled by the author. Starting with wreckers on the English coast. The story moves from treason, foreign spies, revolutionaries inside and out of England and still ends with an HEA. This author is a must read if you enjoy well researched historical romances taking place in interesting times.
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