Claudia Harbaugh

"5 out of 5 stars!! After seventeen years of believing her father was just a traveling sales merchant, Philippa (Pippa) finds out that her father was actually the Earl of Milbank upon his death. In addition, he learns that she is actually a bastard. Approximately a year later, Pippa learns that in her father’s will she and her half-sister, Charlotte (Charlie), are to have a Season in London together without the interference of either of their mothers. During Pippa and Charlie’s time together, they grow close as sisters while trying to navigate the confines of the ton. Yet, Pippa is still uncertain if the ruse to pass off her being there as Charlotte’s cousin is the right one, but is telling the men in her life the truth about her parentage any better?

This fast-paced novella reminded me a bit of Ms. Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice" because of how much Pippa & Lord Trent (James) mimic Elizabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy’s pride/stubbornness."

Read more of my review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/06/idolizing-in-will-and-way-by-c...… (lisätietoja)

See full review @ The Indigo Quill: http://theindigoquill.blogspot.com/2014/05/review-her-grace-in-disgrace-by-claud...

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you're a fan of Regency Romance, this book is for you! Claudia Harbaugh is the essence of eloquence and regal prose. I had so much fun reading this book. This is the first Indie author I've stumbled upon who has written a regency romance and I wish there were more out there!

We hit the ground running at the funeral of Reginald Aiken, Duke of Warwick. Oddly, his widow does not seem to be grieving. Honestly, it was very difficult to like the main character, but I found this kind of refreshing. The main character was selfish and a conniving, especially in the beginning of the book, but in a way it added to the tone of the story and allowed an interesting plot line. We get to watch the two main characters rediscover their true selves, thus also becoming much more likable.

Harbaugh writes very similar to a contemporary version of Jane Austen (which I love!). This story is quite akin to Jane Austen's Emma. I do wish that she included more wit in her writing, as that would have made reading even more enjoyable and a more humorous story. There were also times that it seemed a bit wordy, but the language was fairly consistent throughout the book and that can prove to be difficult for authors. However, I did enjoy it and I am looking forward to reading more in this series!… (lisätietoja)

Another Adult Choose Your Own Adventure Story. Another chance at success. Or something like that.

Ok, let me see. Georgiana's father's dead with heavy debts. Estate must be sold to pay for it. Story opens with a "Lady Patricia" and a "Lady Ansley" visiting Georgina. Apparently they have come to see how Georgina has decided . . . something. Reader is left in doubt at first.

Though it becomes clear it must somehow have to do with Lady Patricia, daughter to Lady Ansley, coming out for the second time. Supposedly with the help of Georgiana, since Patricia is just simply awful when in crowds of strangers. As in shy and um . . tongue tied.

Georgiana is, I assume, the star of this particular book, though this is one of the few "Choose-your-own-path" books told in the third person, so I can only assume. In a period of three years Georgiana has lost her mother, father, and younger brother, leaving her poor, and with no means to go to London for the season.

Lady Ansley has offered to house Georgiana and she would have use of Lady Patricia's old garments. But Georgiana is reluctant and has one last relative she might turn to.

Then, apparently, a new suiter appeared to ask for Georgiana's hand in marraige.

Hmms. I hadn't meant to write all of this. Just a brief little description then something more. But I keep waiting for where I can make some impact on the story and it hasn't occurred yet.

"I believed myself in love with Sir Elijah but soon realized that I was simply comfortable with him. I am rarely comfortable with a male person, as you know, and I mistook this for love."(Kindle Locations 177-178) - so says Patty. Hmms. If this was an out and out LGBT novel, I'd know that was code for not yet realized lesbian.

Ah. My first choice. To accept marriage to Sir Elijah, or go to London with Patty. Odd, thought their was a third choice, but it isn't there to be taken. No matter. *clicks choice*

I cannot continue with descriptions, as paths part here. So anything else I say will be on other things.

Hmms. Wrong choices by characters in stories are always a lot more acceptable when they are not inside a "choose-your-own-adventure" type story. Since, supposedly, the reader has more control. So when they make wrong choices, without my input, I grow annoyed. Lose my connection to the character. Grow cold, dim, fragile as a leaf. Hehe, I was seeing how far I could go down that path.

So, that's read. The book was actually quite interesting. And well written. Characters were thin, but it would be hard to overburden them with . . um . . characterization in a choose-your-own-path book.

Story was quite common, but still interesting enough. Would have been better as a straight forward story, not a choose-own-path book.… (lisätietoja)