Mark of Distinction

April 15, 2014
Julia Elliston is caught between two powerful men: her husband and an aristocrat whose protection she is forced to accept. Thrust into Victorian London society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia realizes that she cannot escape the power of her estranged spouse, Chance Macy, nor can she forever live under the protection of Lord Roy Pierson. Not knowing whom she can trust, Julia finds every step she takes is a leap of faith. She falls in love with Edward Auburn, a childhood friend and now a vicar, and discovers that the path to true love is rife with danger, intrigue, and blackmail. But her faith, faltering at points, brings her through the many challenges she must overcome to have the life she was meant to live. VERDICT This dark, dramatic second series entry (after "Born of Persuasion") is a brooding and atmospheric tale that may appeal to readers who enjoy Charlotte Bronte.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2014
Jessica has survived her mother's death, narrowly avoided being exiled to Scotland by her guardian, dealt with the fact that her childhood sweetheart has taken vows in the same church that vilified her atheist father, and successfully juggled the affections of the very dark and dangerous Chance Macy. Now, just when it seems she might be able to catch her breath, Jessica is forced to accept an offer of protection from Lord Roy Pierson. Assuming the role of Lord Pierson's daughter, Julia arrives in London, where she quickly becomes the talk of the town as the Emerald Heiress. On the surface, it would seem that Julia's new life is nothing less than perfect, but she knows that she is nothing more than a powerless pawn caught up in a dangerous game of intrigue being play by her father and his political opponents. Dotta picks up the action right where the story left off in Born in Persuasion (2013), delivering another seductive serving of richly gothic atmosphere, suspense, and tangled relationships.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)