A Lady's Honor

Cliffs of Cornwall #1

by Laurie Alice Eakes

Laurie Alice Eakes, winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best Regency novel, presents a story rich in historical detail that explores the tension in one woman's life between her desire to love and trust and the security of her ancestral home.

Society is concerned about her honor, but Elizabeth must realize her worth doesn't lie in her inheritance.

In order to avoid a forced marriage to a dangerous man, Elizabeth Trelawney flees London. An unexpected stranger arrives to help her, and as they elude her pursuers across Cornwall in the night, Elizabeth realizes her rescuer, Rouan Curnow, is familiar.

Their differences in social status kept Rouan from pursuing a courtship with the lady his heart wouldn't let him forget. Now because of dangerous smugglers and local murders, the two are plunged into a reckless alliance that rattles Rouan's fledgling faith in God.

The closer they get to Bastian Point-Elizabeth's true home-the more she realizes it is the only place she longs to be. Even the sight of its solid structure perched on the cliffs makes her feel safe. Elizabeth is the most likely to inherit Bastian Point if Grandfather never learns she spent the night, however innocently, with a near stranger.

As spring warms into summer, Elizabeth finds herself torn between wanting to be the perfect grandchild and her growing love for a man of whom no one will approve as a match for her, a man she knows she shouldn't entirely trust. Unsure whether she is being foolish or following the right path, she sets out with Rouan on a quest to find the true culprit behind the local violence.

Their quest leads them to danger, and she must choose whether to follow the man she loves or cling to the safety of her family home.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Christian

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2014

About the author

Laurie Alice Eakes used to lie in bed as a child telling herself stories so she didn’t wake anyone else up. Sometimes she shared her stories withothers; thus, when she decided to be a writer, she surprised no one. Family Guardian, her first book, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007. In the past three years, she has sold six books to Baker/Revell, five of which are set during the Regency time period, four books to Barbour Publishing, as well as two novellas to Barbour Publishing and one to Baker/Revell. Seven of her books have been picked up by Thorndike Press for large print publication, and Lady in the Mist, her first book with Revell, was chosen for hardcover publication with Crossings Bookclub. She also teaches on-line writing courses and enjoys a speaking ministry that has taken her from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.
Laurie Alice lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs and two cats, and is learning how to make tamales.

You can learn more about her and her work at http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when a book starts mid-scene and doesn't quite give you enough time to figure out what's going on before moving forward in the action. You feel a little off-kilter, and are just waiting to find out what's going to happen next.
That was this kind of book for me. I almost immediately connected with Elizabeth, and her desire to please everybody, even at the cost of her own happiness . . . how she just couldn't wrap her mind around the idea of Christ's unconditional love because no one had ever loved her without any expectations before.
I had a harder time connecting with Rowan. But, I eventually found out that there was a reason for that. Just when I thought I had figured out what was going on at Bastion Point and Penmara, things took another turn, and left me trying to figure it out again. Though I did end up having some suspicions about what was truly going on, the actual revealing evidence and revelations about certain characters took me by surprise and turned this story on its head.
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed her 'voice' . . . and especially that the faith element was strong.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story started out super slow for me, but it eventually picked up and I enjoyed it very much. I liked how Elizabeth had strong opinions and stuck to those, even though it went against what her parents and grandparents may have thought to be beneficial for the family. I also enjoyed Rowan's character, and I had an inkling something was going to come out that he was richer than he was putting on, and was so glad him and Elizabeth were able to be together in the end.

This is a new to me author, and will continue to the next book to see how the saga continues.

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

1811 Cornwall, England

Elizabeth Trelawny flees London for the safety of her grandparents home. With a determined suitor in pursuit, she quickly puts trust in a man offering assistance during her journey. Lots of family dynamics in the pages. I enjoyed the surprises revealed at the end.

[Valerie L · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had a great start. I love a fast paced heart pounding beginning. When a stranger rescues Elizabeth all seems well until her brother confides to her a shocking truth about this man she thought she was safe with. Mystery and danger speed through this story at an enjoyable pace.

Yet, as the main story develops I began to grow a little weary of Elizabeth. She is spoiled and annoyed at all men for wanting her dowry, constantly sneaking off, and supposedly she’s so strong, but yet can’t muster a truth to her grandparents. I felt her character was not consistent. She lacked a true backbone one that is unyielding to truth and honor. Then there is Rowan. If he was truly a gentleman and loved her as he proclaimed then why does he constantly coax her to meet with him unchaperoned? Do you really love someone if all you think is of their outward beauty before you care about their honor, their morals and the life they want?

I thought this story had real potential but the hero and heroine lacked too much to make me really enjoy this story and really root for them. I thought the real hero was Elizabeth’s cousin.
This book was free in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Acalinei · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is set in 1811 England, and begins with Elizabeth Trelawney (known as Elys to her family) fleeing to her home in Cornwall to escape an engagement she doesn’t want to a man as old as her grandfather. She is kidnapped by a Rowan Curnow, who is pretending to be a friend of her brothers. Can she trust him? Does she have a choice?

When Elizabeth eventually arrives, she finds her childhood friend is dead, her smuggler brother has run away to hide from dangerous men, her cousin has been banished for getting herself into a ‘delicate situation’.. And it seems danger still lurks …

There were a couple things that bothered me about A Lady's Honor. First, Elizabeth (Elys) goes through an "I love him, I love him not, I love him, I love him not" crisis throughout the entire book, which becomes a little distracting. I also felt that this could have been an even better book had the character’s been more developed. The writing seemed to keep me from really getting to know the characters. As I read it, I felt told about Elizabeth, Rowan, and the rest—but not really shown.
But I did enjoy the plot twists as the end, & I think the last 70 pages were my favorite part of the book.

I also enjoyed the spiritual aspect of this book and the quotes from the time period literature about God. It was a good combination of suspense, mystery and romance with a strong underlying Christian message about treasure and unconditional love.

[Emma Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars

I had a rough start with this one, but by the ending I grew more of a liking for the characters and the story.

Elizabeth, at first, was a stuck-up, annoying lady who would have nothing to do with anything beneath her class. She struggles with her faith in God and doesn’t believe He has anything to do with her life. I truly had a bit of admiration for her by the end of the book.

Rowan appeared to be a perfect gentleman, but I was somewhat annoyed by the fact that he tried to make Elizabeth go with him in certain instances when she shouldn’t have. He is portrayed as a Godly man so it bothered me that the author allowed him to take such liberties with Elizabeth.

The storyline was a bit slow for me until the end, when it picked up quite a bit.

Regency novels aren’t my favourite, but this one wasn’t too bad.

Wouldn’t recommend for young teens as it mentions many instances of wedlock and improper physical contact.

[Teri Voskuil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great story set in Cornwall during the 1800s with unpredictable twists and turns, edge of your seat romance, mystery, intrigue, muder and suspense! Fantastic character development, building intimacy between the two main characters, and nice resolution at the end.
Laura Kirman does an excellent job of narrating. At first I thought her American accent sounded a little cheesy, but it got better as the book progressed and overall, she did a remarkable job! I kept picturing Christian Kane as the hero in this story too! 😉😆
Honestly, I think I liked the second book in this series a little bit better, although both books are fantastic!

[English · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Laurie Alice Eakes Midwives Trilogy which I read recently, my opinions of her latest novel were rather mixed. On the one hand it did have a sound Christian and important message about not putting one’s trust in earthy treasures, and some wonderful descriptive passages, it was weak in places but improved towards the end.
On the other hand it was blighted by the two things I dislike most in historical fiction. Judging the past by modern standards or imposing them upon it, and anachronistic or otherwise out-of place language. The British characters used a number of Americanisms in their speech on a fairly frequent basis like ‘someplace’ instead of 'somewhere’.

In the case of the former the novel seemed to be imbued with a prejudice against the aristocracy, their culture, attitudes, values and way of life. It may be that as a Brit I have a different outlook on these things, and I know the central theme of the story was looking for heavenly treasures instead of earthly- but I don’t believe there is anything intrinsically wrong with being born to wealth and privilege, owning land or having servants in and of itself.

Then there was Elizabeth. I never really warmed to her, and she came across a selfish, spoiled madam. I think this was how the author intended for her to be portrayed, and she acknowledged this fault in the end- but not for the reasons I found it most annoying. Basically, she hated the lifestyle her class and upbringing expected her to live, and shunned social expectations because she couldn’t do what she wanted, like go horse-riding on her own, or go swimming and was expected to do things she found boring or tedious instead such as sewing or attending parties.
Elizabeth the self-centred brat who had everything, was still not happy- and really just because she found her lifestyle ‘stifling’ it does not mean it wholly bad.

Most women in Elizabeth’s position would have been happy with the provision her grandparents were willing to make for her, giving them financial security for life. Yet even this was not good enough for Elizabeth- I could understand why she did not want to marry a potential murderer, but of course she was determined not to enter into an arranged marriage for the sake of money, land and power… and it was assumed that all such arranged matches not based on modern notions of romantic love were unhappy. Yet history shows they were not always.

Then there was Rowan godly heroic, and handsome, yet perhaps something of a cliché- and apparently possessed of the notion that anything which did not line up with his proletarian ideology was unchristian and bad. He was probably the source of most of the prejudices about the upper classes- lazy because they did no manual work, uncaring because they were only about appearances and reputation ... and apparently regarding people in domestic service as little better than slaves. No- especially considering that Britain abolished slavery before America did.

What got to me was how he thought Elizabeth’s grandparents worthy of his wrath for sending her brother away because of his involvement in smuggling because this was ’unmerciful’. Seriously…what were they supposed to do knowing their grandson was mixed up with ruthless killers? As for his apparent admiration for Thomas Paine- well no mention that he was a deist who regarded Christianity as an ‘invention’ that held back the progress of humanity, and helped Napoleon to formulate plans to invade the land of his own birth- just that he influenced the American Revolution. Gosh- so that automatically made him a good guy?

Altogether, a fairly good story with a hint of mystery and decent as a one-time read, and maybe pass onto unbelieving friends or relatives. Just too much kissing, or thinking about kissing for me, and I personally prefer my historical fiction more accurate and less judgemental for no other reason than that it does not fit in with modern ideals.

I received a free copy of this book free from Booksneeze for review, I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

[Christin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started well. Then it sort of dropped that plot and slowly progressed until the end where everything was wrapped up prettily within a few pages. I like a happy ending but it just seemed really quick. A nice read but not excellent.

By the end of the book, I was thoroughly sick of reading the phrase "the grandparents." Why not say "her grandparents" or "my grandparents?" WHY DID SHE ALWAYS REFER TO THEM THIS WAY?! Even in her thoughts? And why so often?! It was almost every other sentence by the end. Very distracting.

Lastly: the basis for faith should not be our own feeling. Why did the Bible figure so inconsequently in conversion? It was disappointing that one character's conversion was dependent upon their own love of someone. What?! You acknowledge Jesus is true because you realize how well you love someone? More like the opposite in real life! I did really enjoy the Whitefield excepts--they were excellent and portrayed Christ well.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, yet another enjoyable book I missed taking the time to rate! I can't even pinpoint when I read it beyond the rough estimate of which week in the month. This is the classic type of suspense I love–the book opens with the fair heroine running away from Town in the middle of the night in a wild desperation to escape an unwanted suitor, and the action never lets up. A delight from cover to cover.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don’t like it when antagonists motive is that insanity. It usually feels like the author used that because she couldn’t think up a more logical reason.
This authors style is somewhat hard for me to follow. It seems like instead of telling you what is going on she hopes you figure it out and then she makes a statement about it later and I’m left wondering when the event happened and how I missed reading it. I had to do some backtracking, which is annoying.
Passable story. Okay characters. The grandparents bother me. They have so much potential for being really epic. Grandpapa was a pirate, he and grandmama are really in love. You’d think they’d be more understanding. They’re actually pretty hypocritical and they never listen to their grandchildren.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Trelawny must flee London to escape a forced engagement with a despicable man. As his pursuit of her carriage draws ever nearer, Elizabeth, desperate to return safely to her childhood home, Bastion Point, in Cornwall, accepts the help of a stranger. Yet, as it turns out, Rowan Curnow is not exactly a stranger – given his previous kiss with Elizabeth. And he cannot seem to remove thoughts of her from his heart and mind, though their social differences prevent any possibility of formal courtship. Upon arriving to Bastion Point, Elizabeth and Rowan find dangerous mysteries – circumstances continuing to bring them together, rattling both their resolves. In the end, Elizabeth must make the choice: obey her family’s wishes as the dutiful child or follow the suppressed longings of her heart.

A Lady’s Honor, by Laurie Alice Eakes, brings to life relationships and social interaction in early 19th-century England. What a different world these characters know – so very unlike 21st-century America. The formality, the calculations, the suppositions. The novel transported me, completely captivated, wondering if I could have survived in such a time period. With the romance and suspense added to this setting and its characters, A Lady’s Honor is an enjoyable read – one I would recommend to anyone with an interest in historical fiction. So, I cannot help but thank BookLook Bloggers for providing me with a free copy of this novel, as well as the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the beginning, but very quickly grew tired of the heroine, Elizabeth. I found her cold, calculating, and impersonable and I just didn't connect with her. In fact, even her grandparents, who were supposed to be the spiritual guides in this story weren't much better. They were willing to marry her off to a dangerous land-grabber, just as her parents had attempted to do.
Also, the use of the term "the grandparents " instead of "her grandparents " at first was just annoying, but eventually became downright irritating and grating as it continued throughout the entire book. Maybe that's what grandparents are called in Cornwall, but it became a distraction for me.
Overall, the story line had potential, but I was disappointed. I will try the next in the series, but if it follows the same path as this, I won't finish it.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great Regency romance set in England—Cornwall to be exact. Smugglers, danger, landed gentry, mystery. What more would a good story need? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 🤓

Initially, I could not decide whether I was in the mood to read the story I thought this was but persuaded myself to just jump in and read a few pages. I was hooked from the first page and just blazed through it as fast as possible.

If you like historical romance, you should enjoy this. I cannot wait to start book 2!

[Xavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved how the book begins by jumping right into the action. The storyline was interesting and intriguing, kept my attention. Although the intimacy of the two main characters seemed much too forward for the time period, I mostly enjoyed their interactions. The narration was a bit too broad, 3rd person omniscient, I think. Not only do we receive the story from different perspectives, we also receive their thoughts. It was a lot to take. I’d rather just be told the story and surmise the thoughts myself from actions.

[Charity Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't the worst book I've ever read... but it reminded me of an authors first book they wrote when they were 15. It's not a horrible plot. There are too many dramatic adjectives, though, and so many "icy" eyes. 🙄 The characters were just okay. I did appreciate the author trying to convey the concept that it is hard to believe in the unmerited love of God when earthly people put stipulations on their love...though I feel like the character's conversionwas anticlimactic I feel like the supporting characters were very weak. I doubt I will read more of the author, though I did finish the book.

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Elizabeth has a line of suitors, most interested in her dowry or title, but one lowly secretary loves her unconditionally. Things are not as they seem. Elizabeth is bent on inheriting Bastion manor, even at the cost of true love. She must learn the hard way what truly matters in life amidst danger and intrigue. Excellent story that would interest readers interested in a murder mystery with a touch of romance and forbidden love.

[Anna Plascencia · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the plot had potential, the characters lacked a certain depth for me so that I found myself apathetic to what happened to them. I appreciated the clean Christian romance even though it had quite a bit of kissing going on for the 1800s. I enjoyed the quotes from George Whitfield; however, the theme of heavenly treasure verses earthly treasure was too heavy-handed for me.

[Amy Betancourt · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit disappointed with this book. Everything was going great until a kissing scene was graphically described with tongue. People choose Christian fiction because they don't want to read about this kind of stuff. I didn't finish the book. Just an FYI for Christians who are looking for a clean book, don't bother with this one.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh the mystery. First Elizabeth is rescued from a forced engagement and then trouble surrounds her family. To top it off, she is attracted to a man whose station prohibits her from pursuing her growing feelings. I enjoyed working to solve the mystery presented in the first part of the book. There were many suspicions but the author still managed to surprise me some.

[Anria Breed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The first book I read of Laurie Alice Eakes, and I will definitely look out for the others. The cover drew me, I just randomly picked it between a pile of second-hand books, but I know I was meant to read it. Such a lovely way to describe how much God loves us and how important it is to give our lives to Jesus, our Savior. Thank you!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this book a 3.5 rating. The reason it wasn't higher was because the heroine was so infuriating it made it difficult to connect with her, let alone root for her and the hero to come together and work things out. But the plot was interesting and definitely kept me guessing.

[Fanaticmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard to follow. The character names were similar enough that I kept getting confused. By the middle I think I had it straight and enjoyed the book more. Loved the way that Christ’s name and love were lifted high in the end.

[Betty E Sclater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read in Cornwall.

I became a follower of the region of Cornwall after reading the books of Winston Graham. The rural territory depicting the life of the inhabitants and the beauty of the cliffs and water lend to their lifestyle.

[EvaLynn Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into the story but thank goodness I eventually did. I thought it was a good story and I seem to like the 1800 period. I’ve read a lot of it lately.
I’ve read similar stories like this so I wasn’t surprised in the story or the ending ending. On that I thought predictable.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally engrossing. I love this author's writing.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The story had me guessing all the way through.

[pam moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book contains everything I enjoy reading about: the setting in Cornwall, the period of history I enjoy, romance, and a good mystery. Loved the ending, too.

[Vickie]

Didn't read just marked as "christian".

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was a nice mix of romance and suspense.

Content: clean- some violence