Megan Whitson Lee pursued writing this novel for a couple of decades finally bring forth a work of fiction based on Lord Byron. Her protagonist is Lord Gregory Bromby and he is undoubtedly the most villainous man I have ever "met" though surely there are others. His mind and spirit are dark, mean, uncaring, violent and yet he pursues the lovely Isabella for two main reasons.
He needs to redeem himself in the eyes of society and he needs to marry someone who has money so he can settle his debts.
This is a book with a strong Christian message warning against marriage to someone who doesn't share your faith or who doesn't believe in God. There is danger in that union. It is also a story of darkness, devious living, and desperation. One can conclude that Lord Bromby was mentally unstable and his behavior certainly attests to that. The author has painted a word picture of an ill conceived marriage, and violent relationship, and a turbulent clashing of personalities.
This is a well written book and I found myself researching Lord Byron to see how much might be fiction and how much was the reality of the man. Interesting. Frightening. Revealing. A good read.
About the book: (author's version of Lord Byron's story)
“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”
Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.
Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions, and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.
Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?
About the author: Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director's Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women's contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Megan writes women's contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions. Author's Website: www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Watch for Chat With Vera's review on July 15!
~ GIVEAWAY ~
Begins July 2
Ends July 20 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only.
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Publicist "I Read with Audra," the author, and publisher have graciously provided a copy for this giveaway. One of Chat With Vera's readers will be selected via the Rafflecopter Entry System.
Publicist "I Read with Audra," the author, and publisher have graciously provided a copy for this giveaway. One of Chat With Vera's readers will be selected via the Rafflecopter Entry System.
