Like Laurie Alice Eakes Midwives Trilogy which I read recently, my opinions of her latest novel were rather mixed. On the one hand it did have a sound Christian and important message about not putting one’s trust in earthy treasures, and some wonderful descriptive passages, it was weak in places but improved towards the end.
On the other hand it was blighted by the two things I dislike most in historical fiction. Judging the past by modern standards or imposing them upon it, and anachronistic or otherwise out-of place language. The British characters used a number of Americanisms in their speech on a fairly frequent basis like ‘someplace’ instead of 'somewhere’.

In the case of the former the novel seemed to be imbued with a prejudice against the aristocracy, their culture, attitudes, values and way of life. It may be that as a Brit I have a different outlook on these things, and I know the central theme of the story was looking for heavenly treasures instead of earthly- but I don’t believe there is anything intrinsically wrong with being born to wealth and privilege, owning land or having servants in and of itself.

Then there was Elizabeth. I never really warmed to her, and she came across a selfish, spoiled madam. I think this was how the author intended for her to be portrayed, and she acknowledged this fault in the end- but not for the reasons I found it most annoying. Basically, she hated the lifestyle her class and upbringing expected her to live, and shunned social expectations because she couldn’t do what she wanted, like go horse-riding on her own, or go swimming and was expected to do things she found boring or tedious instead such as sewing or attending parties.
Elizabeth the self-centred brat who had everything, was still not happy- and really just because she found her lifestyle ‘stifling’ it does not mean it wholly bad.

Most women in Elizabeth’s position would have been happy with the provision her grandparents were willing to make for her, giving them financial security for life. Yet even this was not good enough for Elizabeth- I could understand why she did not want to marry a potential murderer, but of course she was determined not to enter into an arranged marriage for the sake of money, land and power… and it was assumed that all such arranged matches not based on modern notions of romantic love were unhappy. Yet history shows they were not always.

Then there was Rowan godly heroic, and handsome, yet perhaps something of a cliché- and apparently possessed of the notion that anything which did not line up with his proletarian ideology was unchristian and bad. He was probably the source of most of the prejudices about the upper classes- lazy because they did no manual work, uncaring because they were only about appearances and reputation ... and apparently regarding people in domestic service as little better than slaves. No- especially considering that Britain abolished slavery before America did.

What got to me was how he thought Elizabeth’s grandparents worthy of his wrath for sending her brother away because of his involvement in smuggling because this was ’unmerciful’. Seriously…what were they supposed to do knowing their grandson was mixed up with ruthless killers? As for his apparent admiration for Thomas Paine- well no mention that he was a deist who regarded Christianity as an ‘invention’ that held back the progress of humanity, and helped Napoleon to formulate plans to invade the land of his own birth- just that he influenced the American Revolution. Gosh- so that automatically made him a good guy?

Altogether, a fairly good story with a hint of mystery and decent as a one-time read, and maybe pass onto unbelieving friends or relatives. Just too much kissing, or thinking about kissing for me, and I personally prefer my historical fiction more accurate and less judgemental for no other reason than that it does not fit in with modern ideals.

I received a free copy of this book free from Booksneeze for review, I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed herein are my own. ( )

a beautiful story of generations and passing on the best honor
Monday, April 20, 2015
A Lady's Honor by Laurie Alice Eakes, © 2014
A Cliffs of Cornwall Novel

On the cliffs of 19th-century Cornwall, a spirited, impetuous young woman is torn between the honor of her family and the longing of her heart.

My Review:
~* wayfarers ~ just passing through *~
The speed of the horses in the dark of night did not shelter them from the torrent of the blowing rain soaking in and splattering against them. There would be safety ahead, with a far distance from the hoofbeats and rumble of carriage wheels of the repulsive Romsford and his men. Elizabeth Trelawny, or "Elys," as her "brother Drake's voice" calmed her, rode alongside unhampered.

If only her family allowed her to do anything for herself, she might know how to make wiser choices.
--A Lady's Honor, 16

I really like Elizabeth already... I like adventure and fun! Quickly scrambling behind a stack of barrels, sending vermin scurrying, clinging spiderwebs, and odors of spirits; I am hoping she doesn't sneeze. In the darkness of the inn, with flour dust flying, an escape is made out the back door and she is moving swiftly on horseback through the night; not alone, but accompanied by a man who first set eyes upon her ~ are you ready for this! ~ at the LIBRARY. Now then, wouldn't you say he has undeterminable value!

Everything is not as it seems; friend or foe? Heart's deceit or longing?

If you are ready for adventure and wondering who is the culprit, you will love this story along the Cornish coast path and caves at tide time.

What a delightful story ~ here is a snippet of beautiful writings

"Treasures in life that are worth more than dowries and property and the amount of money deposited in The Funds." He squeezed her hand. "Perhaps you should read those journals. In reading about their lives, perhaps you can work out what was missing. I think you already knew at one time in your life. But no time for reading now. Your grandmama wishes for you to join her in the garden parlor."
--Ibid., 144

May she realize The~Absolute~Treasure

She slipped through a side door and into the garden. The fog lay so thickly over the ground she doubted anyone could see her from the house. Water dripped from tree branches and trellises in a rhythmic plop, plop, plop. Her kid slippers made no sound on the gravel path. When she opened the garden door to the cliff, even the sea sounded distant, its roar muted beneath the blanket of water. But she tasted salt spray on her lips and the tang of the water in her nostrils. The cold dampness awakened something deep inside her, a stirring need to run and shout and dive into the flattened waves.
--Ibid., 155-156

I am eager to read the following book, A Stranger's Secret, as A Cliffs of Cornwall Novel continues...

***Thank you to author Laurie Alice Eakes for sending me a copy of her Cliffs of Cornwall novel, A Lady's Honor, to read and review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )