She’s desperate to keep her secret hidden, but he’s a determined Marquis.
As the son of a duke, Maxwell Oliver Weld, Marquis of Daventry, is allowed entry into the finest of London’s ballrooms, access to political figures, and advice from the best physicians. Yet, his wealth and contacts won’t heal his friend, Charlie, who’s dying from consumption. Hopeful for a miracle, Max persuades Charlie to sail across the Atlantic to stay in the Artesian Hotel on the island of Nevis and bathe in its famous healing springs. Max’s optimism is washed in doubt as the truth unravels about the hotel, its hot springs, and the beautiful caretaker.
The blaze of Evelyn Mairi Sheraton’s fiery side has long since been snuffed out. Hunted by a vengeful man from her past, only fortitude and the island’s sanctuary have kept Evelyn alive. She will do whatever it takes to keep her precious secret safe, even work for the demeaning Artesian Hotel owner, Edward Rousseau. However, when a jaunty marquis and his ailing friend arrive, sparks ignite, but Evelyn fears the revealing of her secrets will burn her to ash.
The elusive Evelyn may tend to Charlie’s well-being, but she stirs Max’s protective nature. He’d like nothing more than to remove her from the wretched employment of Edward Rousseau, yet that might endanger Charlie’s health even more. Refusing to give up on a miracle, Max waters her guarded heart, certain beauty will rise out of ashes. But when her secrets come to life, will love be worth the price?
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master's degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone-filled household. Find her online at www.Lorridudley.com
This book grabbed at my emotions from the beginning and didn’t let go! The danger, romance and spiritual inspiration tugged at my heart from start to finish. It was poignant and heart wrenching, yet uplifting and inspiring at the same time. Evelyn is a young woman trying to run from the mistakes of her past when a fortuitous meeting with two gentlemen missionaries, Max and Charlie, unequivocally changes her present as well as her future. The lush, tropical setting provided an uncommon backdrop to the unfolding drama while the unique blend of secondary characters added much depth and even a touch of humor. Charlie contributed so much to the story and was an incredible human being, showing much kindness and compassion for others even as he battled his illness. This compelling and redemptive story contained many uplifting spiritual messages about God’s grace, forgiveness and second chances. This is the second book I have read of the Leeward Islands series and I look forward to reading the others!
I received an advanced review copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
The Marquis’s Pursuit really captured me and kept me turning the pages late into the evening to find out how things would work out for Evelyn and Max. This story is the fifth book in the Leeward Islands series, yet it can be easily read as a stand alone novel. If, however, you have read book one of the series, The Duke’s Refuge, you may remember Max as the son of the Duke who was living on the island and working as the school teacher. It is this connection that brought Max back to the island to hopefully save the life of his very dearest friend, Charlie.
Charlie was a side character, yet he was such an amazing man. His heart for leading those he met to the Lord was inspiring and spoke to what his focus was on. I loved seeing the way he was leading others to God as much as I loved watching the relationship blossom between Evelyn and Max. And the friendship that Charlie and Max shared was heartwarming.
It was sweet to see love begin to grow between Evelyn and Max, who had once been childhood friends, yet their path to happiness was not a guaranteed one and actually had so many obstacles in it that I wasn’t sure how the author was going to find a way through for them. However, I am glad that all eventually was made right in their lives and that the pain and heartache that both Evelyn and Max had, at times, experienced in their pasts made them treasure their love for each other even more.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I think I have read every book in this series but the problem is I forget what happened and then I am trying to figure out if I know this character from a past book or not.
Such was the case with this one. I enjoyed the story itself I was just trying to figure out if I knew Evelyn and Max from a previous book and if I did, what happened? Because something happened to Evelyn that resulted in a daughter and I wanted to know what exactly?
I also hoped Charlie would be healed and live a long life. I won’t tell if he does or not, you will have to read on your own to find out.
I have enjoyed every book I have read by Lorri and this one was no exception. If you haven’t given her books a read I recommend you do.
A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
This book's full of good stuff. Romance, danger, betrayal, forgiveness, and I cannot forget the beautiful tropical scenery. The characters are genuine and their stories are heartfelt. I appreciated the spiritual thread and the realism that struggles in our lives can lead us to something better. I enjoyed this story and recommend to lovers of Historical Christian Romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the characters and the development that happened in the plot but I wanted more of a resolution before the story ended. So many things left hanging and unresolved. I don’t think the next book explains them. 😞
I found this book good. This series has been nice. You can read them out of order and not miss anything but it is fun to see the characters reappear in the books. I do find that there are bits and pieces that are getting abit repetitive but you get that with these types of books. Over all it was good and I would recommend this series so far.
I have enjoyed the first four books from Lorri Dudley’s The Leeward Islands series. I was excited to have the opportunity to read the fourth installment, The Marquis's Pursuit, and I was far from disappointed. I loved going to the Leeward Islands again and getting to know Max and Evelyn, as well as, Charlie. I was captivated by the danger, adventure, faith and love within the pages. I loved every single page.
The Marquis's Pursuit is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I can not wait to see what happens next in the sixth book from The Leeward Islands series, The Heir's Predicament.
I received a paperback copy of The Marquis's Pursuit from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The author has crafted a magnificent tale of loss, second chances, forgiveness, betrayal and struggle to overcome the past. I couldn't get enough of this story and its characters. Max, Evelyn, Charlie, Rousseu and all the other secondary characters touched my soul. I'm still thinking of about this days after finishing it! Its message is still resonating with me. Max has brought his best friend to the island in hopes that it will cure him of consumption. He doesn't want him to die and will do everything in his power to help him live. Charlie was a tower of strength and even though he was struggling with an incurable disease, he touched so many lives with his faith and testimony of God. Evelyn has been paying for her youthful mistake for years and feels she is unredeemable. Even when she meets Max again (she knew him as a child), she knows she is not worthy of him and will just take care of Charlie (she has medical background) the best she can. Max, born into nobility, doesn't act like a nobleman. He's kind and loving and always caring about other people. He's drawn to Evelyn and feels like he knows her but can't place her. Why won't she tell him her secrets? There is so much to love about this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
I loved it. It was filled with love, protection, friendship. It was a wonderful read. It was hard to put down. She brings the characters to life and you can't wait to see how it all will end up. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Max was one of my favorite characters from The Duke’s Refuge so it was wonderful to meet up with him again, all grown up, and see his enormous heart for his friend Charlie and for Evie. I loved catching up with beloved characters from Max’s childhood, and I also enjoyed getting to know several new characters. Charlie was one of my favorite characters. He inspired me with the way he allowed the love of God to flow through him to everyone around him. God always amazes me with how His love is accepting, non-judgmental, unconditional, and redeeming. I loved watching the transformation and incredible difference that God’s love flowing through Charlie made on Max, Evie, Grace, Rousseaux and even guests at the hotel. Forgiveness, surrender and learning to trust God are real struggles for me so it was encouraging to see the tangible rewards of these in the lives of Max and Evelyn.
Lorri is one of my favorite authors!! Keep ‘em coming!!
I have really enjoyed the books in this series. The author works in Christian themes, action and sweet romance. This installment in the series was a little heavier than the others on many fronts so it had a different tone to me. It hit on some difficult topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, fatal illness and some shocking cultural subjects. I liked getting to see a grown up Max since I liked his character in the first book. And while I enjoyed meeting Evie (it has been a long time since I read the first book and I can’t remember if she was a prominent character or not) but her unwillingness to share her plight with Max dragged on to long for my taste. This was a fairly long book for its genre and I wanted a little more out of the romantic connection between Max and Evie. I also thought the end happened rapidly without a lot of explanation of how things are left with the hotel and villain. The themes of forgiveness and that we are all sinners in need of a Savior was well done.
Another great book in "The Leeward Island" series!! As always you feel like you are on the island, this time being Nevis. The description of the sights, sounds and smells has you standing on the beech feeling the sun as the characters are. I enjoyed characters from previous books being brought back together to tell their stories. What a wonderful read that gave me romance, danger, deceipt and lots of love!! I highly recommend this book, but be sure to read the other 4 before this, if you can!!
This is one of those books that sweeps you in as you become part of the story. I immediately loved Evelyn and her strong will to survive. What she has endured has cost her the ability to trust. To think that a man would be so cruel to her is heartbreaking. Evelyn hides a secret that makes her weary of any stranger that comes to the hotel she works at. The author lets readers feel her fear as she daily guards was is most precious to her.
Max has come to the hotel with his dear friend Charlie seeking help. His friend is very ill and in need of a physician. To his surprise the doctor who he requested to meet him has not arrived. I know Max was disappointed in this news but God had provided just the right person to help. Evelyn steps up to care for Charlie and shows Max that she is equipped to handle the situation. Even though Max was a little skeptical he allowed Evelyn to take over the care for his friend. What I liked about Max was that he may be a marquis, but he never thought he was better than others. In fact his heart is filled with wanting to help others. He is humble but lingers with a past that he can’t forgive himself for.
My favorite character was Charlie. That man was such an inspiration. He knows that he is quite ill but believes he is there not to be healed but to be used to help lead someone to God. I loved his faith that was unwavering and how he emphasized how important it is to forgive. With his guidance he led Evelyn to a place in her heart where Jesus could enter. His kindness toward Evelyn allowed her to learn to trust and find hope. With Charlie’s help he showed Max that it was time to forgive himself for something in his past he had no control over.
The review wouldn’t be complete with mentioning Rousseau. He is not a man you can easily like but he did take in Evelyn and protect her from a man who wants to cause her harm. Rousseau is at times a greedy person and doesn’t always treat Evelyn with respect. As the story progresses we begin to see another side of him that most don’t know. He has been known to mistreat certain people and Max has a problem believing the man has changed.
The author delivers a story that has a bit of danger and secrets that keep people from trusting. I especially loved how strong the many lessons scattered throughout the book were. Our past is just that. We are forgiven and can begin a new life when we give ourselves to Him. Forgiveness is for everyone and is given with grace. The characters in the story experience their own Jesus time where emotions run deep with hope and a new beginning.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Christian Historical Romance has become one of my favorite Genres to read. The Marquis's Pursuit by Lorri Dudley is Book 5 in The Leewards Island Series. I have read a couple of the books in this series and as I continue reading out of order, I want to go back and read the entire series! They are great as Stand Alone books, but they are so intriguing that I want to read them in order!
Maxwell Oliver Weld has "clout" and knows a lot of High Class people. He will do anything to help his friend Charlie who is dying. He realizes his local Contacts cannot help Charlie, so he wants to take Charlie across the Atlantic Ocean to some well known "Healing Springs" on the Island of Nevis. Evelyn Mairi Sheraton has been at the Island for a while, seeking refuge and sanctuary from a vengeful Ex-Boyfriend. Maxwell and Charlie make their way to the Artesian Hotel and Maxwell is very encouraged to get there and help his friend heal. Within a few days of arriving he learns that the Hotel, The Hot Springs and Evelyn are not all that was promised. Evelyn knows the truth behind the "Healing Springs" but she is afraid to speak up because of her evil boss, Edward Rousseau, who owns the Hotel and Springs. Evelyn and Maxwell find themselves taking a liking to one another. Maxwell wants the best of both worlds, healing for his friend Charlie and to have a relationship with Evelyn. Will Evelyn reveal the truth about the Hotel and Healing Springs? Will there be a romance for Maxwell and Evelyn? Will Charlie be healed?
WOW, this book is definitely a page turner! I was hooked from the very first page. The characters truly and the authors writing style make the book a very interesting read. I truly LOVE the Determination of Maxwell to help his friend Charlie. I also love the fact that he realizes that Wealth and Clout don't always buy happiness or healing. Evelyn has a fear because of her past and is willing to do anything to have a safe santuary. I admire her for her sensitivity to all the clients who come to the Healing Springs. The Twists and Tursn in this book really kept me intrigued and I didn't put the book down until I was down reading! The book is not predictable and I totally LOVE that! Although this book 5 in the series, it reads GREAT as a standalone book! FANTASTIC BOOK!!
I loved this book. It’s a beautifully written story filled with historical details that help the reader feel as if you had been walking the sandy beaches on the island. By the time I finished the book, it was as if I’d actually come to know the three main characters: Max, Evelyn, and Charlie. Each one of these characters has their own compelling backstory and the author brings their paths together in an amazing way. Evelyn’s story is especially compelling, and she seemed to be in an impossible situation in which to ever find happiness in life. Max made the perfect “imperfect hero”. But I think it was Charles’ story that touched my heart the most and made me think past the book itself. If all professing believers in Christ had the same love, compassion, and desire to reach lost souls that Charles did, we’d see a major difference in our homes and churches.
As with all the books in this series, this one is filled with faith, hope, love, and even some romance and adventure. Please note this: There is a brief description of spousal abuse in a couple of the chapters. They are not graphic descriptions, but if there this is a trigger for you, be aware this topic is addressed in the book.
This book is the fifth in the “Leeward Islands” series, but it’s easy to read it as a stand-alone story. However, if you’ve been following the series, you’ll recognize Max as a young boy from earlier in the series. It was fun watching a younger character grow up and become the main character in one of the books in the series. Once you’ve read this one, you’ll want to go back and read the others.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Marquis’s Pursuit, a historical Christian story, examines the lives of Maxwell Oliver Weld, Marquis of Daventry, his best friend Charlie, and Evelyn Mairi Sheraton. She carries secrets from her past while the two men come to the island on which she serves as a doctor of sorts at a resort renowned for its healing hot springs. The three find their paths colliding when Charlie suffers from a bout with consumption. What I love best about this book stems from the way the characters, their lives, and their faith collide in ways that kept me reading.
Sometimes, a life-changing event alters the course of someone’s life and changes his or her attitude completely. Such a transformation occurs for Rousseau, the person in charge of the resort. Initially, I intensely disliked this man, but after a stroke, some interactions with Charlie, and some divine intervention by God, this man transforms in radical ways.
Evelyn’s other nemesis and father of her child that forced her to flee England and be estranged from her family eventually arrives on the island and the resulting interactions caused me to continue reading. I loved the way this story ended. I also felt the author did an excellent job of building a story with memorable characters. Truly, this book deserves to be read. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
What I think you should know: The Marquis’s Pursuit by Lorri Dudley is a Christian Historical Fiction . It is the fifth book in the Leeward Island Series. This book features Max who was a boy in the first book in the series. I highly recommend that you read at least the first book in the series prior to reading this book. Max returns to his childhood home on Nevis in an attempt to find a cure for his best friend.
What you might need to know: Evelyn was abused prior to the start of this story, but it does tell about some of the things that happened to her.
***Spoiler*** Charlie is dying, as much as I didn’t want him and and as much I wanted the author to come up with a cure for him, she didn’t and while I was heartbroken I love the strength and peace that Charlie showed in the face of death. Although he did not get the ending that I wanted his character and the grace he demonstrated will stick with me for a long time. **** What I think about this story: This may be my favorite book in this series yet! I always love revisiting characters that I already know. It was very interesting to see Max as an adult instead of the young boy that we knew in the first book. Evelyn is trying to overcome mistakes of her past and protect her daughter at all cost. I love this story of healing and forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
What a fun read. It’s a nice romance but has some added suspense and mystery. It’s also part of The Leeward Island Series. You don’t have to read them all in order but do yourself a favor and read them in order. They’re wonderful books and I’ve loved every one that I’ve read. This is book 5 if you’re curious.
Getting to know Evelyn was fun in this read. She is quite the character with her past. Plus she’s willing to work and hide out under the worst of employers. Even when she’s offered help and freedom she has to count what it could cost.
Max is fun-loving but also protective. And poor Charlie just needs the help and healing that hopefully, he can find.
The characters reached out to grab you and refused to let go. Plus the secondary characters are just as appealing and I’m hoping to find out some of their stories in the future.
I love historical fiction and this is a great one. The whole series is wonderful with it’s romance and suspense. You won’t be disappointed if you grab these books to fill your shelves.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Readers who have been following Lorri Dudley’s Leeward Islands from the beginning may recognize the names of Max’s father and stepmother. Why? Because they starred in the first book of the series. And now, several years later, Max and Evelyn step into lead roles in The Marquis’s Pursuit.
I loved this passage of time in the series. Too often it seems like everyone in a town hooks up and then where do you go? But with this twist, Dudley not only gives the series a revamped renewal, she also gives her faithful readers a pleasant surprise while leaving her new readers with another book to return to.
The prevailing theme in this book is forgiveness. Not only forgiving others but more so forgiving yourself. Why is that so difficult for us to do sometimes? Guilt and shame are the enemy’s greatest tools in the Christian life.
And though this book was about Max and Evelyn, Charlie holds a soft spot in my heart. He is the light that leads the others along the paths God has laid out for them as well as the wise one who speaks truths when others most need to hear it.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This novel is a wonderful addition to a fantastic series! I have really enjoyed reading about the beautiful Leeward Islands. The setting is easy to envision with the descriptive imagery. Max and Evelyn are great characters in this novel; I loved their relationship as it grew in the story. And Evelyn has secrets that complicate their relationship and add depth to the book. I found myself emotionally invested in the storyline and this did not let up throughout the entire novel! The hope woven among the pages also brings a positive light to some of the darker troubles and tidies up the book with a good ending. This book can stand on its own but those who have read the series will enjoy reading more about Max who was first introduced in The Duke’s Refuge. I have truly enjoyed this whole series and I hope the author keeps writing more! In the meantime, I think it’s time for a reread of the earlier novels, as they are all great! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A beautiful story about healing and forgiveness Set sail on a journey with two best friends from university who are closer than brothers. Max, the Marquis of Daventry, and Charlie cross an ocean together destined for the beautiful island of Nevis. Charlie has consumption and Max knows the fresh island air, sunshine and the famous healing springs of Nevis will be the cure he needs. The story centers around the grand Artesian Hotel, owned by the vengeful Mr. Rousseau, and all sorts of colorful characters who are drawn in from afar for the famous healing springs. The lovely Miss Evelyn Sheraton, a beautiful hostess and patient caregiver at the hotel is hiding from her past. What secrets lie behind the hotel walls…Whose defenses will come down…Whose nightmares are revealed…Will the healing springs eventually save them. Can beauty rise from the ashes. So many surprises in this heart-felt story.
The Marquis’s Pursuit is written by Lorri Dudley. This is book five in the Leeward Islands series. I’ve only read one other book in the series and didn’t have a problem following along. This is a great read. It’s around 424 pages and will draw you in within the first few chapters.
Evelyn is running from her past. She’s hiding a secret that makes her very leery and stand off ish toward people she doesn’t know. Max has come to the hotel with his friend Charlie. They’ve come to the Islands to seek medical healing. However the doctor that is supposed to be meeting them isn’t there. Evelyn steps up and offers to care for Charlie.
The book is filled with mystery, forgiveness, healing and romance. I love the reminder that God has forgiven us. This is a wonderful series. The characters have great development. The storyline is Unique and intriguing.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. This book is a part of a series, but I didn't feel as if I were missing something in reading it. It stood very well on it's own. Evelyn was an instant favorite character. She's had a past and she has trust issues (rightfully so). I love that she is strong, protective, and just a good person.
Max is a good character as well. He's very protective and I liked his interactions and reading the dialogue that included him. The author did a good job with all the characters. Some were good, others weren't. Some redeemed and some heartbreakingly hurt. I loved the mystery here and the romance. It was a good book to read.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
"The Marquis’s Pursuit" by Lorri Dudley was a great read! I kept reading because I had to see if the story ended the way I wanted the book to end! I will just say I am happy with the ending! This book is a story of secrets and trying to protect her secret at all costs. The faith element in this story was an inspiration. Charlie knew he was there to help lead someone to Christ , but Max wanted a healing! Who is right? I have read all five novels in this series and I think this one is my favorite of the five. I recommend all five and the order doesn't matter because they are all standalones. I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this story to you. It is a poignant story but shows the power of God's love, forgiveness and saving power in a beautiful way. It is a gritty story, the cruelty and wickedness of some on open display. Yet no one who is willing to come to Jesus, is beyond His reach. The ending is beautiful. You will feel for the characters as though you know them. Charlie and little Grace may steal your heart and in the end you will rejoice with our hero and his heroine as well. My one tiny niggle, is that I would have liked to know what happened to the hotel, its guests and the staff. Not that the lack of info regarding that detracts from the story whatsoever. Just my own curiosity...
"The Marquis's Pursuit" by Lorri Dudley is a poignant, spiritually inspiring novel that tugs at our heartstrings from start to finish. This is a most extraordinary book, with such amazing twists and turns, that it has to be read in order to be believed. It even ends spectacularly with a towering inferno! As we read page after page, we are overwhelmed at the intensity of the emotions tearing the main characters apart. Lorri Dudley has painstakingly crafted an awesome tale of loss, second chances, forgiveness, betrayal, surrender, redemption and beauty for ashes. I highly recommend this inspiring book, that is guaranteed to give readers full satisfaction and ultimate spiritual fulfillment.
Lorri brings to life 2 kinds of love. One is about the deep love between friends , also, the love that lives between a man and a woman. Max and Charles have a deep brotherly love for each other. They had been on the mission field in India. In their trials they draw strength from the word of God. Max and Evie (Evelyn) are attracted to each other not just physically but also for the strong moral character they see in each other. This story deals with some of the hard situations in life that are still true today. The Marquis's Pursuit is a winner on all fronts.
I just love Lorri's books and this one is no exception! Stories are so different due to time period, but the messages of the book rings clear in present time as well. Lorri makes the characters so real as well as the location where the story is set. I like that she has researched the language of the time period. Most of all she always uses scripture verses and shows how everyone can be forgiven and there is no condemnation for those who are saved. Well done Lorri!!
Another visit to Nevis brings us a wonderful story of surrender, forgiveness, redemption and beauty from ashes. Evelyn has made some questionable choices in her life and is now living with the results. Learning to forgive herself and trusting those around her could result in a brighter future. But will she?
Max, the Marquis of Daventry, has brought his friend Charles to Nevis to be cured of consumption. Charlie has a faith that is visible throughout the book, giving this story a strong spiritual thread. Our limited minds can’t always grasp God’s divine plan - but every time I surrender my will, I discover His way is perfect. Will they be able to surrender and leave the future in His hands?
I received an ARC of this incredible book through Wild Heart Books, CelebrateLit and BookFunnel. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Loved this book! The Marquis‘s Pursuit is full of relationships the evoke emotions. The love that Max demonstrates for his friend, Charlie, is so endearing. The friction and tension depicted between Max and Rousseau is captivating and nail-biting. There is a sweet, alluring relationship with Evelyn and Max that keeps you questioning if it will blossom into love. The last scene was so intense that my stomach stayed knotted and I was on the edge of my seat. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a must read!