On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Welcome! Read my review and enter the tour giveaway below...
Cinders Like Glass
(Victorian Retellings #2)
By Clarissa Kae
Historical Romance, Fairy Tale
Paperback & ebook, 234 Pages
July 29, 2021 by Carpe Vitam Press
Summary
Grieving her father's sudden death, Lady Ada Whitworth's childhood stutter resurfaces. She seeks solace in her charcoal sketches secretly published in London's Thames & Times newspaper. Her brother's sharp tongue and quick temper shame Lady Ada into complete silence but not before she overhears his traitorous plot to kill the queen at the upcoming International Ball.
Mute and heartbroken, Lady Ada's private pain is mistaken for arrogance, earning the ire of society. The Duke of Girard is tasked with sniffing out the elusive French spy called Tailor while an anonymous artist pokes fun at the duke's failed pursuit, taunting him every step of the way. With the upcoming International Ball just weeks away, the Duke will stop at nothing to bring stability back to his beloved Britain-including finding the artist behind the sketches.
When Lady Ada's accused brother disappears, she becomes the target of the Duke's wrath, assuming her silence is from guilt, not grief. To loosen her tongue, the Duke demands Lady Ada be interrogated at his estate, a home hidden in the wild Welsh countryside. She sweeps the chimney, launders her clothes and helps the cook-she will do anything but speak to the Duke.
Lady Ada's quiet service softens the Duke, his mind often turning to thoughts of her. But can he earn Lady Ada's trust in time to save the queen?
My Review
CINDERS LIKE GLASS is a story set in Victorian England where a duke is hunting for a spy and a woman is trying to secure her freedom. It's an engaging story with likable characters, and underlying sense of suspense and sweet romance. Definitely recommended to historical romantic suspense, romance and fairy tale retelling fans.
I enjoyed getting to know these characters. They were each complex with their own secrets and dreams. I felt empathy for Ada as she has stuttered since childhood and faced ridicule and cruelness for it. Then there was the duke who has just realized that his life is a bit lonely. The romance was the focus of the story, but grew gradually and remained sweet. I felt like the author did a good job in weaving through the nefarious plot with pieces of the puzzle dropped here and there. The intensity definitely began to grow toward the end. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly the two solicitors. Now I need to read the previous book in the series as I wait for the book three.
In the end, was it what I wished for? An overall enjoyable and entertaining historical romance with a few twists. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
Content: A lot of British swearing, mild swearing and references to abuse.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Prism Book Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
A Dark Beauty
(Victorian Retellings #1)
By Clarissa Kae
Historical Fiction, Fairy Tale
Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 212 Pages
February 9, 2021 by Carpe Vitam Press
Summary
A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast
Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.
Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.
When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.
Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?
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About the Author
Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She's the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
Tour Schedule
Tour-Wide Giveaway
Five winners will receive one of the author’s backlisted titles: Once And Future Wife, Pieces To Mend, Taming Christmas, Of Ink And Sea, or A Dark Beauty
(ebooks to international winners, print to US winners)
Ends October 6, 2021
Ends October 6, 2021
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