Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Review: Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide by Laura Hile +GIVEAWAY!!!


What is Elizabeth Elliot to do when she realizes Mr. Gill, the man who has stolen her heart, is none other than the revolting Admiral Patrick McGillvary? Elizabeth’s head is spinning with many questions: how does Admiral McGillvary really feel about her? What if he loses interest in her like other men have? Or worse, given his past, what if he cheats on Elizabeth? This cannot be happening. With his good looks, money, and heir to Kellynch and the Baronetcy, William Elliot seems the more reasonable match. Elizabeth would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to become the next Lady Elliot. After all, this has been her dream. Will Elizabeth choose the seemingly safe and secure path with her cousin or take a chance on getting her heart thoroughly shattered?

After breaking off one apparent engagement, and given her father’s precarious state, Elizabeth’s reputation is hanging on by a thread. Now, the gossips’ tongues are wagging with rumors of Elizabeth being Admiral McGillvary’s latest flirt. Elizabeth’s mind is left whirling with much confusion. Was this all a game? She is unsure whom to trust, and her only friend she can trust, just maybe the biggest player of them all. Elizabeth must finally discover her true self and what she really wants in life before she can make the biggest decision of her life.

It was enjoyable watching Elizabeth change throughout this series. While some of her characteristics stayed the same, like her ability to deliver a proper set-down, those that changed- how she views herself as well as others, was refreshing. Even though McGillvary knows the changed Elizabeth rather well, I wish Wentworth, Charles Musgrove, or her sisters could see this gentler side. Yet, they are too busy with their own lives and dealing with Sir Walter’s disappearance to take a step back and see events through Elizabeth’s eyes. Plus, they do not realize the disparity of Elizabeth’s situation. She is living on the charity of her relations, all of whom seem to be drawing straws for the “privilege” of having Elizabeth live with them.

I have said it before, I enjoy it when secondary characters are further developed. In Mercy’s Embrace, Elizabeth’s sister, Mary Musgrove is in high dudgeon. Between her self-pity, self-importance, and “ailments,” there is plenty of entertainment to be had at Mary’s expense.

Mercy’s Embrace is a delightful romp, and has left many readers begging for more from Miss Elliot and Admiral McGillvary. Personally, I hope Ms. Hile publishes Book 4 sooner than later, as I am dying to see what happens next!

***Don't forget to stop by on Thursday to watch my vlog for The Lady Must Decide! You will also have extra opportunities to enter the giveaway!***


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***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace BOOK 1, 2, OR 3 (Winner's choice) to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY (US Only)! 
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!

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17 comments:

  1. I'm always trying to win Laura's wonderful books! ;)

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    1. You know, Robin, you could do as Susan Kaye suggests and try ... skullduggery!

      Writer blackmail, ha! Wonder what that would involve? :D

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    2. "Skullduggery" - what a cool word! I have no idea how to go about it. Are you open to bribery?

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  2. Go, Robin! Thanks for hanging in there.

    "Never give up, never surrender!" :)

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  3. Oh, Laura, you have my mind full of McGillvary now! (As if that's a bad thing) ;)
    Robin, there are still two chances to win! Best of luck! :)

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  4. I don't try to will Laura's books, she gave me copies. It was to keep me quiet I think because there are so many stories of writers' travail and instances of skulduggery that may or may not be true woven throughout.

    Yeah, that Patrick is a hoot.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Susan! Yes, Patrick is a hoot! :)

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    2. Okay, okay. I get the "skullduggery" thing now. SOME people already have all of Laura's books. I guess I just have to work at being more special. lol BTW, just so that everyone else knows, I have all of Laura's books on my kindle, and I have read them. They are wonderful!

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  5. Ahhh I wanna win these so bad! :O lol

    Ugh, Mary Musgrove. I sometimes like to envision her and Lydia and Mrs Bennet and Caroline Bingley trapped on an island somewhere together.

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    1. Oh, Monica. Like squawking parrots, that quartet. Parading their feathers, jostling to be Top Bird, making sure Lesser Birds do not encroach...

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    2. You two are too funny! I can just picture these four lovely ladies together, claws drawn and all. I would love to hear all the catty remarks made, though! Fun times to be a fly on the wall there! Even if it was just for a dinner party or a ball! La! What amusement! :)

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  6. Another great review, Jakki! Laura, your books sound so entertaining. So much in them.
    I´m looking forward to reading about all the changes in Elizabeth Elliot, jokes at Mary´s expense (dear, poor Mary, but there is nothing else that can be done ;)) and to meet all the new characters.
    At the moment I´m reading Jennifer Bectons Caroline about Caroline Bingley and it´s really fascinating to read how much more there is to these minor characters. It fits so well!

    And that would really be and interesting book to write - Caroline, Mary Musgrove, Lydia and Mrs. Bennet stranded on an island :D :D.

    As always, looking forward to your vlog, Jakki! :)

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    1. Hi Katrin! Yes, Mary Musgrove is in rare form, and I feel Laura Hile dd a great job of capturing her personality!

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    2. Seeing how easily I write whiny Mary is kind of scary ...

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  7. This is a new author to me. Books sound wonderful! I've been on a bit of an Austen spree lately and this one sounds like just the ticket!

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    1. Hi Susied! Thanks for stopping by & entering the giveaway! I have been on an Austen spree for about three years now! ;) I'm not sure when it will end! (Not anytime soon if these authors keep publishing wonderful books)! Hope you get a chance to read (or win) Mercy's Embrace! :)

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    2. Thanks so much for entering, susied. The best of luck to you!

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