Born of Persuasion

September 15, 2013

In 1838 England, 17-year-old Julia Elliston has lost everything: her home, her mother, and her future. An anonymous guardian plans to send her to Scotland to serve as a widow's companion unless Julia can find a husband quickly and secretly. Her plan to marry her childhood sweetheart backfires when she discovers Edward has joined the same ministry that had vilified her family on account of her father's atheism. Heartbroken, Julia accepts an offer from Lady Foxmore to find a husband, not realizing she has been drawn into a game with dire consequences, going back many years. But to survive, Julia must participate, even while everyone around her harbors secrets worth killing for. VERDICT This Victorian historical evokes a gothic atmosphere with its dark plots, brooding hero, and innocent heroine (Jane Eyre, anyone?). With crossover appeal for mainstream historical romance fans of Victoria Holt, Dotta's debut novel will have readers demanding book two immediately.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2013
If Julia Elliston doesn't find Edward Auburn quickly, her mysterious new guardian will send her to Scotland to become a lady's companion. Julia hopes to convince Edward to honor the pledge to marry they made years earlier. Upon arriving for a visit at her friend Elizabeth Windham's home, Julia is thrilled to discover that Edward still lives in the neighborhood. But she is shocked to discover that he has become an ordained minister. Given her family's history with organized religion, Julia is sure that there's absolutely no way she could ever wed Edward. So when Lady Adelia Foxmore offers her services as a matchmaker, Julia has no choice but to accept, and both are stunned when reclusive nobleman Chance Marcy begins wooing Julia. An intrepid heroine falling for two different men; a plot brimming with secrets, scandal, and suspense; and a richly atmospheric setting are the key ingredients in the first novel in Dotta's Price of Privilege trilogy. Readers who miss Victoria Holt will swoon with delight upon discovering this retro-gothic winner.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)