The king has been executed, and whispers of a similar revolution are stirring in England. When the dashing English spy Daniel Ridgeway takes a seat at her card table and threatens to expose her for cheating, she has no choice but to do as he demands: And the stakes of this game might just be too high, even for her. Which means you should buy a copy of Moonstone Conspiracy right now! At this time of year, time turns home and hearth, simple comforts that warm the heart and warm the soul. I was guilty perhaps still am guilty of trying to do things in a rush — waiting for the next big project, the next excitement, the next thrill.
I am learning to slow down. Appreciate each moment for its own sake, valuing the here and now, knowing that this day, this hour, this second, once gone is gone forever. One of the things I was guilty of taking a shortcut on was this ubiquitous dish. It was just something that came out of a pack — often as a flavouring for other dishes — Apricot Chicken, for instance.
French Onion Soup is simplicity itself, but taking the time makes you appreciate the little things. In this fast-paced world we need to unplug from technology and spend time thinking, reflecting or even gathering the family or friends around the kitchen for a chat. Wait for the butter to melt and start bubbling away. It may look like a lot of onions but over the next minutes they will break down, releasing beautiful aromatics that will have people wondering when dinner will be ready.
Add the brown sugar to aid the caramelising process. The savoury of the onion and sweet of the sugar is just delicious. After 10 minutes of stirring, add the flour to help add a little thickness to the soup. Stir for two minutes and add the beef stock. Serve with cheesy bread — but any bread will do. We had ours with olive sourdough. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe. You are spot on about taking the time to caramelise the onions. I have a real hankering for this soup now. Selina is a pretty woman with no title and even though that should be a deterrent for James, neither of them can fight their attraction to each other.
Unfortunately, James has been connected to a conniving witch names Ab An intriguing love story… I really enjoyed Moonstone Obsession and loved the main characters Selina and James. Unfortunately, James has been connected to a conniving witch names Abigail and she's not letting him go. There are many intrigues within the story that both characters become involved in. James has a friendship with the Prime Minister and he does some private work for him. Selina gets drawn into his intrigue because of her knowledge of shipping and French.
The mystery is a major part of the story and kept the pace moving well. Ms Carter has a wonderful way of describing a scene. She gives vivid descriptions of costumes and furniture which makes the story come to life. Her knowledge of the times is obvious. I loved her descriptions when the clothes changed from wide skirts to wet down dresses and the shock of the characters to have so much exposed. Some wonderful side characters are introduced with family and friends that you wonder are friend of foe. My only negative was I think it was a little too long.
With so much detail thrown at us, it sometimes felt drawn out and I also felt that there may have been too many unnecessary twists in the plot.
- Chapter 2 – Moonstone Obsession!
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Overall I enjoyed Moonstone Obsession and will definitely be reading more from this author. Thanks again Ms Carter for gifting me a copy of Moonstone Obsession. To buy Moonstone Obsession from Amazon - http: View all 18 comments. I have mixed feelings Selina was sometines delightful and sometimes too naive for my tastes. And so was James I just couldn't decide if they were adults or immature youngters What I liked is the spy aspect and the historical research parts of this book.
Where I was disappointed was the romance part. I didn't feel the connection between Selina and James I would have preferred if the book was more centered on historical happenings and spy machinations I have mixed feelings I would have preferred if the book was more centered on historical happenings and spy machinations. The "hot parts" didn't seem hot for me James and Selina are such a delightful couple. James has all the qualities of a wonderful hero… handsome, kind, intelligent, witty, honourable and protective of those he loves.
Selina is bookish with a love of painting and drawing and a taste for political tracts and business newsletters. The love story between these two is tender, passionate and romantic. I like how, from the initial attraction, their relationship develops gradually…friendship, talking and discovering how much they have in common. Their falling in love seemed natural and inevitable.
He was fulfilled in a way he never thought possible just six months ago, and all because of this remarkable young woman by his side. She was one half of a whole and James knew her. Of course, it is too much of a temptation for James to resist helping her… Her feet shifted and her hips swayed, chasing the sponge with small movements as it washed across her belly and then hips before its fluid warmth slid across her thatch of curls.
Revolutionary France provides a fascinating backdrop to this tale of intrigue, danger and suspense and the carefully researched historical details lend the story realism. When she moved, smaller bows in the same color fluttered and danced like butterflies across the expanse of pleated fabric on the skirt. Lines of liquid gold shimmered hypnotically on the waves falling toward the shore. There is also some delightful dialogue. This is also posted on my blog: Sumptuous - if I had to describe this book in one word, that's the one I'd choose.
The detail in this is stunning, particularly early. There's such lovely description of clothing and setting for the period. Little nuances set the mood and I think the author does this delightfully. Well, some o Sumptuous - if I had to describe this book in one word, that's the one I'd choose. Well, some of these descriptions almost made me want to head out to the vintage shops and, like, go shopping. There is a lot of political intrigue in Moonstone Obsession. I knew this, as I've seen many of the author's blog posts about this book.
I particularly remember a recent post in a Coastal Romance Facebook group discussing the ship, The Pandora, and its wreck and sinking which is set up in the prologue and referred to throughout the story. While the politics was an interesting part of the plot, and added much suspense to the story line, for me it was the relationship between James and Selina that most held my interest. I haven't read many historical romances and this might be from my view right or wrong that they'd be generally, too sweet for me. I do tend to prefer open-door scenes, and I like my romance on the kettle-boiling side of steamy.
So I was more than pleased to find a lot of 'phwoar' factor in Moonstone Obsession. EE Carter didn't just keep the bedroom door open, she had the bathroom door open too! This is the author's debut work, it offers brilliant value for money as it's a long, intricate book. Nothing feels rushed, and the ending left me feeling very satisfied that James and Selina have a very happy HEA ahead.
There were parts I loved and would have given 4 and stars to and others I really just wanted to skip. My rating is a sort of compromise. Then we are thrust into the world of London and the affairs of the ton. While helping her sea captain brother further his merchant business, Selina meets Sir James Mitchell. And Selina, an artist, begins putting her fantasies about James onto canvas, unaware that the rake is also a spy for Prime Minister Pitt.
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With the situation in France worsening, James warns Selina his life is complicated. And it is…and Selina becomes involved in the mystery. This story is obviously based on considerable research into the period and I did like that. It also has some good twists and turns, and the dialog was very good. Both James and Selina are worthy characters, though neither seemed to have a flaw and there was virtually no conflict between them.
They quickly fall in love. However, there were some distractions that affected my rating: Some readers might not notice these things or not care, but they bothered me. Oct 18, Susanne rated it really liked it Shelves: James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, meets his match in the beautiful, educated and artistic Selina Rosewall.
Chapter 2 – Moonstone Obsession
Close to being on the shelf, Selina attends her first London ball and dances the barely acceptable yet wonderfully intimate waltz with Lord Penventen. Suddenly, working as a companion no longer has the same appeal. James is almost engaged to a lady-in-waiting, Abigail, when Miss Rosewall dances into his arms and his heart is never the same. Together they must face blackmail, political intrigu James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, meets his match in the beautiful, educated and artistic Selina Rosewall.
Moonstone Obsession by Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Together they must face blackmail, political intrigue and an unknown adversary who wants to draw England into a war, just as France is ripping herself apart under the guise of the cult of Reason. Secrets, lies and the safety of the realm threaten to keep them apart and they must fight for England, and for the sake of each other. I enjoyed the blending of real and fictional characters and the well researched background of this story.
The first novel of author EE Carter incorporates historical characters and events in a romantic suspense story that takes readers from the rugged Cornish coast and smugglers luring ships onto the rocks, through the ball rooms and political intrigues of London and into the heart of revolutionary Paris. At nearly pages, this is a longer read; just right for Xmas holidays.
Treat yourself and lose yourself reading this great story. Elizabeth Carter's Moonstone Obsession is a delightful historical romance that combines all the elements of passion and intrigue that anyone could want in a story. The author uses historical fact well throughout the story in a manner that kept me spellbound for the entirety of the book. Lord James Penventen, our hero, is a honorable man in a society where deceit and scandal run rampant.
Selena, our heroine, is portrayed as an independent, well educated, intelligent lady. A character who we can al Elizabeth Carter's Moonstone Obsession is a delightful historical romance that combines all the elements of passion and intrigue that anyone could want in a story. A character who we can all relate to.
This book takes us from the ballrooms of London to the shores of Cornwall and to revolutionary Paris. The story is of intrigue and suspense, of romance and history all blended into one. James and Selina together face blackmail, political intrigue and unknown adversaries. England is being drawn into a war. France is being torn apart internally under the guise of Reason.
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Utterly an amazing read. Long enough to keep you immersed for hours. This book will appeal to many different audiences, if for no other reason than it is a compelling read. Original post at Doing Some Reading I have had this on my list forever! And I'm super happy to have gotten a chance to finally read it and can I say I absolutely loved it!
Right from the gecko I was hooked on this story. The prologue was just sad and heartbreaking. I'm not sure if it was due to the fact that I was listening to a certain song that evoked a certain feeling in me but I was struck speechless after I read the prologue. It left much to speculate about how the story was going to go ab Original post at Doing Some Reading I have had this on my list forever! It left much to speculate about how the story was going to go about the mystery and with the whole romance plot.
But as to my knowledge of romance stories and their way of storytelling, there will be a HEA nevertheless! But we start off with the heroine, Selina Rosewall, a spinster going to London for the first time as support for her shipping Captain of a brother William to gain support and partnerships in their shipping business.
She has given up on love and marriage of her own because she's just a seafarer's daughter with no dowry or anything to her name. So she has made her decision to go into work as a governess or a lady's companion. Of course she didn't know how much her world would be changed by attending a homecoming ball with her brother and meeting the hostess's son Lord Peventen, James Mitchell. James has returned after 6 years to take his father's place as head of the household and to his dismay, back to the marriage market and to that of a lady he dislikes, his supposed intended, Lady Abigail, Princess in waiting.
His mother has wanted the suit for a very long time and after ditching Lady Abigail after finding another man between her legs 6 years ago, he has vowed never to fall prey to her or any other again. But of course she won't back down for he has returned and no one ever refuses her, she's the Princess in waiting! And like it or not, she gets what she wants. Being her enemy will not be the best idea. So what does he do? Avoid and ignore by taking advantage of his new friend William Rosewall and partner up with his sister in a dance.
But as it turns out he finds the young Miss fascinating and intelligent, nothing like any other women he has meet before. But to his perturbation, he finds he has competition in Viscount Canalissy, a neighbor and a unfortunate friend of Lady Abigail's. As things would turn out, James and Selina's relationship turns to friendship and then to mutual attraction as they spend more time with each other throughout the last weeks of summer.
And as they become friendlier, Lady Abigail becomes more tenacious But James is a spy trying to find the missing answered to a sunken ship and murder of a well-known sea Captain carrying cargo pertinent in helping supply to start a revolution. And things doesn't get any better when threats are about and Selina and her family gets pulled into its peril.
This really is a fun read and it absolutely got me smiling and laughing at many witticisms! I absolutely enjoyed many of the secondary characters for they made the story more enjoyable and helped moved and add information to build and relieve stress, tension, misunderstandings, and Romance! Selina is a very smart and sweet girl. She's very aware of the political issues going on and is not afraid to speak her mind on such subjects if brought to her attention.
Although she can be outspoken and talk politics, she knows her place as a woman and knows when to hold her tongue. She also reflects on her actions and contemplates a lot about her future. She's also strong and can stand up for herself when need be, like against that of Lady Abigail's venomous remarks.
One thing I found as her flaw was jumping to conclusions. Her views of James and his relationship with Lady Abigail is just misled even if he tells her ahead of time that he had no attention to court Lady Abigail, she jumps to conclusions anyways and disregard his assertions. But I still like her because everything else is perfect in making her a likeable heroine.
James is also very intelligent and more willing to act on what he wants, Selina. But he's also very thoughtful and attentive to others around him. Which made him perfect for a spy. He knows he wants a love match marriage but he also knows it's difficult to find one in his situation being a Lord and all.
And when he found Selina, he was willing to forgo anything to be with her no matter what happens and does everything in his power to remind and show her whenever he gets the chance to let her know he loves her. I found his actions very romantic and sweet! Plus he thinks of Selina's future vastly to even ensuring if anything happens to him that she will live safely. Some problems I had with this were the blunt and plainly use of first names for their time period. Between James and Selina, I was okay with but I found it shocking at first that they were so casual in calling each other by first names from the beginning without giving permission or having a second thought or reference to it.
She should be Lady Peventen right for his father is the late Lord Peventen. So, over all Moonstone Obsession is a very enjoyable and a very great read. It was longer than I thought but that didn't deter me from reading it and having a great time. If you enjoy mystery, adventure, well-paced romance, great characters, and historical romances this will be great for you.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. My absolute favorite genre of romance is the historical romance. There were parts of the book that I absolutely loved but other times I was confused and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of history included in the book. As far as a romance goes, Moonstone Obsession was wonderfully delightful. I loved the hero and heroine from the beginning. Selina Rosewall is a smart, independent, strong-willed woman who is determined to plan her life so that she is not a burden to her brother.
But after meeting James Mitchell, Lord Penventen, those plans go out the window. James is everything I would want in my historical romance hero. When James waltzed Selina around the room he won both of our hearts. The relationship between the two was passionate and I was rooting for them from the beginning. Together, James and Selina were a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry was instantaneous and their love was enviable. Selina is not your typical historical romance heroine and I applaud that. I even loved all of the secondary characters, good and evil. Carter created multi-dimensional characters that came to life on the pages of Moonstone Obsession.
Her imagery of the dresses, balls and more allowed me to completely lose myself in the book. Set amidst a compelling time in French and English history, Moonstone Obsession, we are treated to adventure and intrigue as Selina and James seek out a traitor.
Carter has obviously done her research. Her attention to detail is unbelievable and she created a picture of that time was so real that I felt transported in time.
However, her amazing ability to write stunning details sometimes left me feeling that I was reading a college history textbook rather than a romance novel. While I appreciated Ms. The rest of the book dealt with the intrigue and spy plotline. Moonstone Obsession is the first book I have read by Ms.
Carter and my impression was favorable. In fact, the only thing keeping me from giving Moonstone Obsession all five stars are the lapses into history textbook. Overall though, I would recommend this book when you need your historical romance fix but still need a high quality book. Moonstone Obsession was an amazing book. It reminded me of the 18th century novels I used to study in my graduation and that IMO is high praise. This book had a romantic story, the political and societal aspects of the time and it was pretty well written.
Selena Rosewell has given up on love. She hasn't had her debut in her society at 21, as she was busy taking care of her sick father and running the household. There's not much time to socialize. After her father's death she is living with her br Moonstone Obsession was an amazing book. After her father's death she is living with her brother and his family and helping her very pregnant sister-in-law run the household and take care of the children.
Moonstone Obsession
When Selena ends up at a ball with her brother to help further his merchant fleet business, she meets Sir James Mitchell, Lord of Penventen. There is a mutual attraction between them that has Selena wishing for a kind of relationship she never thought she could have. Dreams she never dreamt because she thought they couldn't come true.
James Mitchell is taken by Selena from the first moment he sees her. She is beautiful, intelligent, smart and a strong independent woman. He is intrigued by her, but his life is not an easy one. James doesn't know what is more dangerous; being a spy or being considered a husband material by the women of the ton. He knows he is attracted to Selena and would like to make a move. She is willing to go to any extent to get James, even blackmail. In this world of scandal, blackmail, deceit and friendships of convenience, Selena has to stand strong and fight for what she wants.
She has a champion in Lady Margaret, James' grandmother. Moonstone Obsession is an intricately woven tale of history and romance. The real and fiction are fused so perfectly.