Path of the Vestal

by J.D. Easterling

Evelyn Dalton longs for the freedom she enjoyed as a child, exploring her ancestral home of Airedale Keep and causing as much trouble as she could get away with. Now her conscience is heavy with expectations, and the only time she truly feels free from the stone walls of the Keep is when she takes her daily ride. From the top of her favorite viewpoint, she watches and wonders about the lives of the people in the port and the ships that frequent it. Little does she know that someone on an approaching ship will change her life forever.

In just a matter of days, Evelyn finds her life turned upside down as her parents prepare to marry her to the youngest son of the Tallisker family. Unwelcome as this news is to Evelyn, she’s about to learn there are others who seek to undermine her marriage and attempt to win her hand.

331 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2021

Reviews

[Steph Ashby]

A brilliant, racy read. Loved Evelyn’s story - a woman ahead of her time searching for more in life. Has she found it with Captain Finn Harper? A fast paced adventure with twists, turns, tears and drama aplenty.

[Kayla JaQuay ⏾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling and adventurous surprise!

I don't often gravitate to historical fiction, but I decided to try this one and was blown away! I was captivated and absorbed by the start and devoured this book!

Easterling does an excellent job of giving us different perspectives from different characters rather than just the main ones. I love when authors do this cause I always tend to fall in love with more characters and their stories. I don't want to give too much because the book doesn't lead where most people would assume. However, if you enjoy victorian era fiction, nautical battle scenes, strong and brave heroines, or a good love story with a tasteful amount of great spicy scenes, this is your next book! You won't be disappointed in this page-turning novel.

Evelyn, Harper, and Edmond's stories aren't finished being told, and I cannot wait to find out what else is in store for them and their future. Thank you, J.D. Easterling, for showing me a world and characters I have grown to love and am eager to learn more about. I look forward to seeing what else comes from the author!

[Laila Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like finding a pearl in an oyster…

I generally start a review with a summary of the novel, but I feel like that will result in generic assumptions that really won’t do this story justice. What we have here is phenomenal character development; the inciting incidents are organic and well-timed; the love story is realistically compelling, and the villains are not whom you would expect. The dilemmas are heart-wrenching, and the decisions are so mature they resonate. The intimacy strikes all the right notes, and the historical setting is truly enchanting and entertaining, not just a device. Evelyn and Captain Harper’s love story is an absolute treasure (no pun intended) from start to finish. I haven’t read anything this voraciously since high school. I did not want to put it down.

So color me shocked and pleased. This turned out to be one of those surprising, hidden gems in the indie publishing world. Easterling should be mainstream and dominating the romance market right now.

Highly recommended. I’d give this 10 stars if that were possible.

There better be a sequel.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the strong and complex characters, the romance of the era of sail and the drama as Evelyn struggles to be able to choose love and freedom.
A surprising ending

[Elena Slominski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic. Captivating. Simply irresistible ~ a well-deserved 5/5 stars.
A gripping tale of courage, love, and character growth, this book swept me up from the very first chapter and kept me hooked until the end. Some nights I stayed up until 4am because I just couldn't put it down! Packed with adventure, romance, and rich historic detail, 'The Path of the Vestal' is a book - and a journey - readers will want to return to again and again. I cannot wait for J.D. Easterling's next novel!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not quite what I was expecting. The strong female lead is stuck in quite the precarious scenario and there is no one to save her but herself and her choices. The written visuals, emotions, and characters leave you begging to be a part of this story. Though I don't want to give spoilers, the male leads are captivating and human with the flaws that I crave. It's primal and courtly. It's rough and gentle. It's modern and historic. Beautifully written novel that begs to be read again. 5/5

The Path of the Vestal starts off fast. You are immediately met with our heroine, Evelyn and she knows her role but also knows what she can get away with. When she meets eyes with a rough looking man, of sorts, she immediately knows she is in trouble. She also knows that nothing is likely to happen since she is the Lords daughter. Then you go on a wonderful ride of ups and downs, stolen affections and so much more. I love the fact that the villain is the old way of thinking personified. Edmund and Harper are so easily loved. I know we are supposed to like Harper more, but that is what makes liking Edmund so much more interesting. I secretly want Edmund to be this secretly dark hero when he is exactly what he needs to be. He is the man that is safe, comfort, and easy. While Harper is the violence, spontaneous, and adventurous that Evelyn craves.

This book is written in third person but it so effortlessly tracks the independent feelings and thoughts of each character without it jarring the reader. What drew me to this book in particular, is it is honest. There are no magic ways out of decisions or awkwardly put coincidences. From the start of the book, its honest. Honest to the time it is set in, honest to the brutalities of work, station, life, and honest to the effervescence of love.

It is a book that is definitely going into my read again pile. A wonderful story that I am hoping to read more of soon (hint hint).

[Mary Camilleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite extract ...
“The moustache moved with such puissance it looked as though it might leap off the Lord’s face and attack his son.” This image created from my understanding of show jumping, still has me smiling. I did not pick its sense of foreboding and that particular twist in the plot.
I found the novel tedious at first, too many cliches and predictably Gothic Romance. The title indicated immediately to me the forbidden virgin romance. The gothic darkness, madness, corruption, idealism, violence, desire, precious aristocracy and parental control were all there, along with charming outsider.
It kicked along at a good face revealing few but some unexpected plot twists. Power definitely corrupts!
The writing is fluent, great to have a gothic female heroine and her growth as an independent headstrong woman. Well researched. I sense a sequel.
I was impressed with the acknowledgment to writer’s parents, especially his literature loving mother.

[Melissabitesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously amazing!

Such an enjoyable historical, maritime romance! I loved every part of this book, from Evelyn’s strength and wit, to Harper’s persona, leadership and bravery(and looks🔥). Their banter and tension was sooo good (phewww🔥) The authors ability to make this such an immersive experience was incredible. He truly created a world that I loved and was invested in through and through. The character development was glorious, the plot and the twists- oh my god! I imagine there’s a book two coming and I quite literally cannot wait!!! Don’t pass this one up and add it to your TBR promptly!

[Elaine Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The basis of this story is an alliance between two powerful noblemen with their children as pawns. Along comes a sea captain hired to transport the young couple and her dowry who is drawn to the young woman. Beneath this is a treacherous plot which leads to a thrilling battle at sea. The characters are interesting and the story opens up to future adventures while bringing this initial work to a satisfactory conclusion

[E.M. Murren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good strong characters and interesting twists reminiscent of Raphael Sabatini but updated to project a strong female lead stuck in the era where she is basically a pawn of the patriarchal power plays. There are interesting twists that come from this premise. The end opens up possibilities for more. I look forward to what comes from here.

[Asa · Rating 5 out of 5]

While writing this review, I cannot express how delighted I am to have read this marvelous book. The end was so compelling that I immediately re-read the final chapter. Even a few days after finishing the story, I still wonder what will happen next. I can't think of a better indication of a great novel!

Each page along the way, I found myself trying to find ways to sneak in a few more pages any chance I could to continue reading this beautiful interwoven tale. Easterling's voice shows he has done his homework: the work consists of so much substance and historical detail that it would be impossible not to feel transported into the world. I frequently saw myself standing alongside the strong, witty female lead (Evelyn) as she navigated her feelings and her pre-defined role in the patriarchal political system rendered in Easterling's world.

Of this book's many beautiful traits, the most delightful is the engaging, multi-dimensioned relationships between Evelyn and her male counterparts: characters that are easily empathized with as they engage in the story's graceful twists and turns. It was as if I was there sailing the seas, sitting down to meals, and feeling the depth of their emotions along with them.

In short, The Path of the Vestal was worth every penny: you will be unable to put it down, even after you've finished it. I can't stop thinking about how lucky I was to experience the journey of these characters. This book will stay with me for at least as long as it takes Easterling to release his next novel.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, eminently readable story. Not my usual favourite genre - but I found I kept sneaking to read a few pages every time I had a gap in my day.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers here, you need to travel this journey for yourself. I promise it’s worth it. I really enjoyed this book, finding myself deep in the story at every turn. The dialogue, the descriptive detail and the plot kept me gripped, it was easily made real in my mind. There were always enough possible plot lines that it maintained that tension of “How will this all turn out” throughout.
Looking forward to more from this author

[Daniel Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Path Of The Vestal by J D Easterling is a masterpiece of storytelling that will leave you captivated until the very end. Set in the 18th century, the story follows the journey of Evelyn Dalton, a young woman trapped in the confines of her ancestral home, Airedale Keep. Her only solace is her daily ride, where she can escape the expectations and responsibilities that weigh heavily on her shoulders.

Evelyn's life is forever changed when she meets a mysterious man on a ship approaching the port near her home. From the moment they meet, there is an undeniable connection between them, and Evelyn finds herself drawn to him in a way she never thought possible. As their relationship grows, she must navigate the expectations of society and the secrets that surround her new love.

Easterling's writing is beautifully descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings. The plot is well-developed and keeps you on the edge of your seat, with unpredictable twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. The emotional rollercoaster that Evelyn goes through is palpable, and you will find yourself rooting for her from the very beginning.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is the unique perspective it offers. Set in a time when women were expected to conform to society's expectations, Evelyn challenges these norms and follows her heart, even when it goes against what is expected of her. This message of independence and self-discovery is woven throughout the story and adds depth to the characters and their relationships.

The Path Of The Vestal is a touching and heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and survival that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Easterling's impeccable research and attention to detail make this book a must-read for historical fiction lovers. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written, captivating story that will keep you hooked until the very end.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Path of the Vestal” weaves a web of familial expectations, forbidden desires, and the quest for true freedom. Evelyn Dalton, yearning for the unbridled joy of her childhood, discovers that her impending arranged marriage is just the beginning of a tumultuous journey. The author masterfully paints the vibrant backdrop of Airedale Keep, infusing it with a rich history that mirrors Evelyn's internal struggles.

Evelyn's character is beautifully nuanced, torn between duty and her deep-seated longing for autonomy. Her daily rides provide a symbolic escape, a poignant metaphor for the fleeting moments of liberty. The author's prose is elegant and evocative, creating a vivid tapestry of emotions and landscapes. This novel is a spellbinding tale that resonates with themes of resilience and self-discovery, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Evelyn's journey.

[Angel Giacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Path of The Vestal" by J.D. Easterling is set in the 18th-century Airedale Keep. The story follows Evelyn Dalton, a young woman who longs for freedom from the constraints of her family home. She finds some relief from her stress during her daily rides. Her life takes a turn when a mysterious man arrives on a passing ship. Easterling clearly knows his history, bringing a lot of detail into the story. The book is captivating, especially with its rich and complex relationships between Evelyn and others. Easterling creates very vivid descriptions of both the characters and the setting. As Evelyn's relationship with the mysterious stranger develops, readers are drawn into their journey.

[Tim McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot steamier than I expected, but an exceptional read. I'm a huge fan of seafaring historical fiction but find many books set in the period too dense. The Path of the Vestal, on the other hand, was a wild ride from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially some of the twists. An unlikely friendship earned during a pivotal battle stuck with me for what it meant to the story - masterfully done.

[Laurie Bowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Path of the Vestal is a page-turning, mesmerising story with an engaging and creative narrative. The plot twists and turns are eloquently written, pulling you into the story and holding your interest all the way through. The intricate relationships between Evelyn and the male characters were very easy to follow, adding to the captivating effect of a well-written story.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing is exceptional - eloquent, easy to read, engaging. Story line is incredibly creative and clever and it kept me engaged to the end - especially toward the end.

[Naaman Kranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hidden gem, perfect for anyone who likes historical romance with a strong female lead. Very well written and had me hooked from the start. Bring on the sequel. Highly recommend.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving, well written tantalising story. Keeps you thinking until the very end. For mature readers!