Hmmm . . . This was, unfortunately, a bit "meh."

Both of the MCs felt rather lacking to me, and while I wanted to like them, there was just something about them that rubbed me the wrong way. Nate was a perfect gentleman and so protective, which I loved, but at the same time, he was a bit mother-hen-ish. Rosalyn was sweet and innocent, but rather blind at times. I wanted to slap her upside the back of the head a few times. You'd think she'd be more on her guard after her past . . .

The story was very interesting and I loved the London setting. So beautiful! Delamere's writing style is very enjoyable and easily engrossed me in the story. The dialogue and descriptions felt very historically accurate, especially the dialogue. The dialogue, especially, can oftentimes sound very modern in some historical fiction, but not so with this one. The theatre theme was fascinating. The romance was very laidback, which I absolutely loved. The ending felt very sudden, and I wasn't exactly thrilled with how everything played out. Really? The guy gives up everything to be with the girl? Selfless in theory, but considering the girl's plans were a bit risque, I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Overall, this one was a bit of a disappointment, but I am still looking forward to reading book two. Hopefully, that one will be an improvement upon this one.

CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16 for mature themes. Mentions of an employer attempting to take advantage of the main character and the MC ends up at a brothel quite by accident. There are some suggestive remarks made, and a character who is secretly married attempts a romantic relationship with the MC. ( )

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere is a delightful, heartwarming romance that is a relaxing, enjoyable read. This book captured my attention (and my heart) after the first page and I couldn't put it down till I finished it. Overall it was just the kind of afternoon I was needing and I so love a book that warms my heart and brings a quiet smile to my face. I definitely recommend this to you all!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Delamere, Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )

When given a choice between several fictional books, it was initially the title that caught my attention. My assumption was that this might be a seafaring novel of sorts. One glimpse at the cover told me something completely different: a romance novel. Meh. I may not be big on romance novels, but I have read them from time to time, at least those set as historical fiction. The Captain's Daughter is just that, historical fiction. During Victorian England, at the time of Gilbert and Sullivan, the story of Rosalyn unfolds. Having lost her father at a young age, Rosalyn, and her sisters, had grown up in an orphanage. The interesting thing is that the George Müller orphanage mentioned in this story had actually been a real place.

Due to some misunderstanding and subsequent trouble, Rosalyn was forced to flee her current employment and landed in London. Being unfamiliar with the city, she found herself in dire straits. Unsavory characters aimed to take advantage of her and it was difficult to discern the good from the bad. Touching on the dangers of sexual exploitation, there's a close call for her until she finds her way to a theater and the group performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

Jennifer Delamere's story is a fast read. Seriously. I finished this book in three days and that's unheard of for me. I tend to be a slow reader (I blame my kids, lol). But this was a light, enjoyable read. That isn't to say there's not a good story within. Some might be put off by the mention of God or of Rosalyn's faith, but that's the character. She trusts in God to provide for her and, as the story goes, we find how despite the bad, good can come out of it. Book one of London Beginnings, thankfully the author doesn't leave us with a major cliffhanger, so rest assured that you won't be angry at unresolved story line come the end of the novel. Still, I believe it will leave you wanting to learn more of Rosalyn, Nate and the rest of the characters.

For readers who enjoy historical fiction, for those that like a little romance, but not as far as 50 Shades, I highly recommend this book. It's a great read for the summer, while relaxing on vacation. Grab a copy, a chair and sit yourself down at the beach (or lake). While basking in the warmth of the sun, with an iced beverage and a cool breeze, enjoy reading the journey of Rosalyn Bernay.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

Life has a way of taking a different direction than originally planned. This book set in Victorian England illustrates that sometimes the change in direction can be a blessing.

Rosalyn Bernay is a young woman who grew up in an orphanage. She has courage and strength and a deep love of God. She has faith that things will work out, even when she is on the run from an unscrupulous employer. I love that once she sets her path in a direction, she doesn't deviate from her standards and true character.

Her life takes her to the theater. A strange place for a Christian woman during the time period. She finds charity, love, and acceptance in unusual places. She is provided the help and direction that she needs to make a happy life for herself.

Nate is a soldier who has a past that haunts him. He feels that he needs to seek redemption for a mistake that could have been deadly. He is drawn to Rosalyn, but she doesn't fit in with the life that he has planned for himself.

This book has really great characters. They show the opposition in life. Some are worldly, some are godly, some are thieves, and other are full of charity and love. I loved the dynamics of the people who come into Rosalyn's life. The book is well written and has an easy flow for the reader.

Hopefully Jennifer Delamere will have books featuring some of the characters that I would love to know more about. There is a potential for some great books coming from this one.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. ( )

I love reading books about the theater in London. This book was so good. I loved the characters of Rosalyn and Nate. This book had a few twists and turns throughout this wonderful historical fiction romance. Each character learns to trust in God again. They each have to grow in faith. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )