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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Giveaway and Review of A MATTER OF CLASS by Mary Balogh

"Just in time for Valentine’s Day, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh creates a classic historical tale that sizzles with romance and unforgettable drama. Mary Balogh’s A MATTER OF CLASS (January 2009) boasts a sweeping, historical romance in a compact novella format. Once you start reading this gem, you won’t stop until you’re rewarded with the beautiful ending."
The original of this review is posted at CataRomance Single Titles


Title:  A MATTER OF CLASS
Author:  Mary Balogh
Publisher:  Vanguard hardcover
Release Date: January 2010
ISBN:  978-1-59315-554-4
Price:  $15.95 U.S. / $20 CAN.
Author Website 

Rating: 5.0
Heat Rating: Sensuous

BLURB:  Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by birth, a factor that pains him and his father, Bernard Mason, within the Regency society that upholds station over all else. That is, until an opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton. Daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, Annabelle finds herself disgraced by a scandal, one that has left her branded as damaged goods. Besmirched by shame, the earl is only too happy to marry Annabelle off to anyone willing to have her.

Though Bernard wishes to use Annabelle to propel his family up the social ladder, his son does not wish to marry her, preferring instead to live the wild, single life he is accustomed to. With this, Bernard serves his son an ultimatum; marry Annabelle, or make do without family funds. Having no choice, Reginald consents, and enters into a hostile engagement in which the prospective bride and groom are openly antagonistic, each one resenting the other for their current state of affairs while their respective fathers revel in their suffering.

So begins an intoxicating tale rife with dark secrets, deception, and the trials of love—a story in which very little is as it seems.

REVIEW:
This novella offers an ABSOLUTELY CHARMING surprise!
I do enjoy Mary Balogh books as she writes such lovely characters and plots in historical romance.  I started this book expecting a “marriage of convenience”, if not hostility, and wondering where it would go.  Ms. Balogh did not fail to provide two families of interesting characters and a wonderful story twist!

Lady Annabelle Ashton is an Earl’s daughter who has been ruined by attempting to elope with her Father’s coachman.  The Earl is particularly upset as he expected to marry Annabelle to a wealthy mature nobleman in exchange for funds that the Earl desperately needs to recoup due to bad investments.

Reginald Mason is the only son of a wealthy businessman.  His robust father has longed to mix with The Ton and moved to an estate next door to the country home of the Earl of Havercroft in hopes of moving upward.  Unfortunately the Earl has refused to acknowledge the Masons or let his family even look at them in church!

Reginald was sent to the best schools to rub elbows with the elite of society and be prepared to marry into that society.  Reginald has spent the past year living a bit notoriously and incurring unreasonable gambling debts.  His father decides that is it time for Reginald to marry and settle down.  When Mr. Mason learns that his neighbor’s daughter is ruined he sees a perfect solution to his son’s situation and determines to buy his family an entrĂ©e into The Ton.

Reginald does not want to marry and certainly not “damaged” goods!  Lady Annabelle doesn’t want to be sold into a loveless marriage.  But does either of them have a choice?

I loved how the alternating chapters went back in time to tell a story of their own.  It took a bit of the way into the story before I got a suspicion of what was happening. When I did realize, I was ready to read the book again! By the end of the book I had fallen in love with both the hero and heroine!  This is another Balogh WINNER that you will not want to miss!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
One ARC copy of A MATTER OF CLASS will be awarded! 

A Big Thank You to Catareviews for the opportunity to review this and to Kim at Nancy J. Berland Publicist for sending this book and providing the giveaway of this lovely book!

1. Comment here telling me of another Mary Balogh book you have read or would like to read! (Use the author website link above to check other books!) Please include your email address, so that I can contact you if you win.
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
3. For another entry, share this giveaway on your blog, my space, facebook or Twitter and tell me where you shared it.
4. It is not necessary to enter separate comments unless you want them spaced out for numbering in the random number generator.
(Three total entries possible.)

  • This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.


  • No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

This contest will close Midnight (Central) on December 23, 2009. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

CymLowell

Monday, December 7, 2009

Monday's Mailbox December 7, 2009



This Meme starts with Marcia at The Printed Page


I had a week when no books came in and then got in some more great books last week!


I recieved Lynn Viehl's Shadowlight from The Romance Studio.



I won Pendragon's Banner by Helen Hollick



I jumped into a Champagne Books chat
and won Heroes Die Young by T.M. Hunter


I won The Hollows by Ben Larken
at AuthorIsland Chat





Last BUT NOT LEAST!!
I won Primitive (bound Gallley)
by Mark Nykanen
for being a Top Commentator


What are you reading on Mondays? December 7, 2009



Join this meme at:
J. Kaye's Book Blog

I had some longer books last week so didn't finish all that I wanted.

Finished last week:


PB:  Evidence of Angels by Suza Scalora. A gorgeous book; an intriguing journey and look at angels!  Review and Giveaway to be posted soon.

Kindle2:  Play it Loud by Gina Lee Nelson.  A very nice, sweet contemporary romance!! Review sent into Between the Lines/WRDF.

The Dragon & The Rose by Gini Rifkin.  Wonderful Medieval Historical Romance with a bit of magic!  Review sent into Between the Lines/WRDF.

Keeper of Her Heart by Therese Travis.  A short, lovely sweet Inspirational. Review to be completed and sent toYGR.

Audible: ---------

Audio CD: --------

**************************
 Currently reading:


PB:  Don't Look Down by David Laing Dawson. A thriller about four murderers, 18 to 81, in a forensic psychiatric ward. Reading and reviewing for author through Bostwick. Only just started into this as was working on the Kindle books last week.

Kindle2:  Wayward Angels - Wounded Warriors Book 4 by Karen Wiesner.  50% into this good story! (Slower reading due to editing.)  Reviewing for the author and YGR. Giveaway coming in January.

            The Spell by Regan Taylor - This is a romantic suspense with paranormal overtones. Started with a stalker and some intensity! Reviewing for CR

Next up:  Right Under Her Nose by LeAnn Coston. Reviewing for CR.

Audible: (March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo, my own TBR - continuing very slowly!)

Audio CD: True Blue by David Baldacci.  I am almost done this very good action thriller.  J.Kaye and I have been doing a "listen along" on Twitter - look for #TrueBlue. Audio from Hachette. Review to be posted soon.  Giveaway in progress.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 6, 2009

myspace glittersThis morning we did our choir Christmas program I wish I could find videos for some of the songs which are quite wonderful!
This second Sunday in Advent signifies JOY!

So what better song for Joy than the good old favorite: Joy to the World!



Verse for Today:
Luke 2:10
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

I pray that everyone will experience JOY during this holiday!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Winners of Books from Cheryl Pierson!

There are two winners of books by Cheryl Peirson.
Stateside or Canada winners may pick a print or download book;
Overseas winner may pick a download!

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

www.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.ws

(EdgesAngel23)

and

www.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.wswww.bigoo.ws

Please reply to e-mails I have sent and select your book and format!


Thank you again to Cheryl for joining us and offering the books!
Thank you to Sumana at I Read and Deanna at Mom-Musings for joining in the interviews!


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