Megan Whitson Lee

In all honesty I wouldn’t mind in the period this story, a period in which women would rarely be treated with any disrespect, a period when the dress had been rather stylish and occasionally sometime a little flamboyant. Being a titled woman, I believe I would like most woman, and like the protagonist [Isabella Bankmill] in this story, I too want have certain demands regarding the kind of noble individual I’d consider in becoming my husband, wouldn’t you. I would also believe that you’d agree we would have to be practicing the same religion. And as for the cherry going on the top of our scrumptious image for a possible husband candidate, he must possess a certain quality which only our hearts will be able to recognize when we see it.

The problem with one such candidate [Lord Gregory Bromby] is that not only does he possess a misshapen foot, his opinions regarding governmental policies and the like, as well including the all-important criteria for Isabella of religion can be best describe as being downright disturbing. Yet while, for some reason, he’s unbelievably wanted by practically every woman in London; and why not, since he’s now become the hottest commodity on the literary scene. This causes him to be labeled by some jealous women as being quite dangerous and needing by all means to be avoided.

Both of our protagonists are now facing situations where decisions must be made relatively quickly. He’s now being pursued by a fanatical noble woman seeking an immediate marriage; and while Isabella suits his needs precisely, she’s gotten a marriage proposal from a benevolent philanthropist.

Bromby, given his past history, is being besieged by the world around him and needs a wife in order to mitigate the possibility of another indignity thrust upon and it’s Isabella’s own persuasions which convinces him to propose to her. And while her eyes are only set on him, she’s has to make an ultimate decision regarding her life, as to who’s going to be the one who going to be the lord over her existence for the rest of her life, Lord Bromby or the Lord himself, above.

I can, having traveled with Isabella through the pages of this, feel the torment racing through her mind, and abide by the agonizing decision she’s must allow her heart rather than her mind to make in the end.

For taking me and her readers on a page-turning journey which in the end gives everyone a rather surprising and a fairly disconcerting conclusion, a conclusion which communicates to its readers an important lesson about life/love. Yet, all-in-all it’s a reading experience which is quite enjoyable, and why I’ve given the author, Megan Whitson Lee, 4 STARS for her endeavor here.… (más)

This is a cautionary tale. For the most part, it’s dark and melancholy. Decisions made in the moment bring discontent, discord and sorrow. It’s a reminder of why the Bible cautions against becoming unequally yoked.

Megan Whitson Lee’s fictionalized version of Lord Byron’s tumultuous life transports readers to Regency England. While entering society’s balls, visits, and parties, Lee also delves into the darker side of life. Lord Bromby is not a likable character. At no point did I feel sorry for him.

In fact, I wanted someone to come alongside and know him upside the head or force him to look at the treasure he had in Isabella. Instead, his selfish and destructive ways never seemed to have a limit.

Well-written, pulling readers to the place and time, Dangerous to Know is does not have the fairy-tale ending I hoped for, but there is a hint of hope for Isabella’s future even if it’s not the one she once dreamed of.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.… (más)

Song From The Ashes is a compelling story about one man's struggle with the dilemma to do the right thing, when he is faced with choices in his life. Author Megan Whitson Lee weaves a wonderful modern adaptation of the classic Edith Wharton novel, The Age of Innocence.

Set in Kingston, Tennessee, the reader follows the riveting story of thirty-seven year old attorney Landon Kingsley, who marries twenty-five year old April May. It is a marriage that is seen as ideal by their families and local townspeople. Landon had a checkered past filled with chasing many women, but after he finds his faith, he turns a new leaf and meets April, a wonderful Christian girl who has all the qualities that he is looking for in a wife. Just when Landon has chosen April to be his bride, April's thirty-five year old cousin Ella Casey returns home after her country music career in Nashville has failed, and Landon finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Ella. Landon struggles with the dilemma to stay in his marriage to April or leave for a chance to be with Ella. Temptation, responsibility, and faith play a huge role in what happens between Landon, April, and Ella ... but a heartbreaking twist and life's hardest challenge is the deciding factor that will change everything in their lives.

Song From The Ashes is a powerful story that delves into the depth of faith and the struggle to make the right choices and decisions in life. Author Megan Whitson Lee weaves a tale that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride as Landon, April, and Ella's story unfolds. You can't help but feel compassion and understanding for the dilemmas that the characters find themselves in. Life has a way of making a person face the challenges in their life, and find the strength and faith to make the right decisions. In Song From The Ashes, the author weaves a seamless tale that flows smoothly and intertwines the perspectives of all three characters into a captivating story that is both heart wrenching and redemptive.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/09/song-from-ashes-by-megan-whits...… (más)