From the Publisher:
Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth Elliot has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the dashing Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr Rushworth's fortune. Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never occurred to her that darling Mr Gill guards a secret of his own--and that he might be responsible for her father's disappearance. So Lively a Chase is book 2 of Laura Hile's delightful series Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's story based on Jane Austen's Persuasion.
As Sir Walter Elliot gets even deeper in financial trouble, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, feels it is up to her to save him. After all, it was she who encouraged him to purchase items beyond their means. Yet, when Captain Wentworth refuses to settle her father’s debts, Elizabeth is left with few options. How can a gentlewoman raise that kind of money? Sell one’s jewelry? Possibly, but that will not cover the vast sums her father owes. Marriage, it seems, is the only answer, but to whom? With Sir Walter willing to sell his daughter in the marriage market, ensuring a settlement that will alleviate his financial burden, will Elizabeth have much say in the matter?
Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth Elliot has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the dashing Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr Rushworth's fortune. Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never occurred to her that darling Mr Gill guards a secret of his own--and that he might be responsible for her father's disappearance. So Lively a Chase is book 2 of Laura Hile's delightful series Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's story based on Jane Austen's Persuasion.
As Sir Walter Elliot gets even deeper in financial trouble, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, feels it is up to her to save him. After all, it was she who encouraged him to purchase items beyond their means. Yet, when Captain Wentworth refuses to settle her father’s debts, Elizabeth is left with few options. How can a gentlewoman raise that kind of money? Sell one’s jewelry? Possibly, but that will not cover the vast sums her father owes. Marriage, it seems, is the only answer, but to whom? With Sir Walter willing to sell his daughter in the marriage market, ensuring a settlement that will alleviate his financial burden, will Elizabeth have much say in the matter?
At every turn, Elizabeth Elliot finds herself surrounded by
possible suitors. Her cousin, William Elliot, is in need of a woman who will be
a credit to him, one who is both beautiful and accomplished. With twelve
thousand a year, Mr. Rushworth looks even more enticing. But can either of
these men touch her heart as deeply as Mr. Gill, a man with no title,
connection, or money? Can Elizabeth afford to follow her heart while still
managing to save her father?
I enjoy watching characters like Elizabeth change and
develop as a story progresses. I am always amazed when an author can take one
of Austen’s secondary characters, and an unpleasant one at that, and make me
like and empathize with them. As Jennifer Becton did with Caroline Bingley,
Laura Hile does with Elizabeth Elliot, who moves from being a vain, snobby,
self-important lady into one who is kind. We see this as she befriends the
lowly clerk Mr. Gill as well as Miss Winnie Owen, the neighbor’s cousin and
housekeeper.
Whether it is Austen’s characters or her own, Hile’s
characterizations are wonderful. They are so well developed, leaving me feeling
empathy, dislike, disgust, annoyance, or disbelief with each of them. While
some are dynamic, others remain static creating a great comparison, especially
between the Elliot siblings.
At the end of So
Lively A Chase, I was left with an array of emotions. It was a good thing I had the final book in the trilogy, The Lady Must Decide, in my possession,
as I picked it up immediately! And that would be my advice to you: have book
three on hand when you finish So Lively A
Chase.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read it Now!
***GIVEAWAY***
Laura Hile is graciously donating ONE PAPERBACK copy of Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course to Leatherbound Reviews to GIVEAWAY (US Only)!
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below for each entry! GOOD LUCK!!
I've been craving more Persuasion-inspired books, since that's my favorite Austen. I must get my hands on this trilogy. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! Thanks for dropping by to enter. Maybe you'll win a copy!
DeleteI, too, love Persuasion. I guess I should mention that while Captain Wentworth and Anne are included in Mercy's Embrace, the story centers around awful Elizabeth. Well, no, that's not quite right. It's more of an ensemble piece, with several intertwining story threads. Charles and Mary Musgrove, Sir Walter, Lady Russell ... all the favorite secondary characters step into the spotlight.
Thanks for your interest!
Hi, Anna! Thanks! Yes, I also love Persuasion! I just loved Laura's series, and can't wait for another book! I hope you can find some time to squeeze some Persuasion variations into your reading! :)
DeleteA great review, Jakki! It sounds as if there´s quite the variety for Elizabeth, but not the one with the most money, is the one she is sure of wanting to marry.
ReplyDeleteLike with Caroline Bingley, I still need to find a way to having compassion for Elizabeht Elliot, but the reviews make me more and more eager to give her a try!
Persuasion ended with Elizabeth Elliot isolated and facing that dreaded thirtieth birthday. With only a modest fortune from her mother --- her share of ten thousand pounds --- the handwriting is on the wall. It's marry well, or else!
DeleteDesperation makes for an interesting story, and so does loneliness. For make no mistake, the proud and beautiful Miss Elliot is lonely. Does she even know what it is to have a friend? I took these ideas and ran.
Thanks for the kind words, Kaewink. Here's hoping you win one of these books!
I agree, Katrin. It does take a special author and portrayal to male me feel compassion or empathy for Elizabeth Elliot (or Caroline Bingley), But Ms Hile does a great job of changing my opinion! ;) hope you get to read this soon!
DeleteWonderful review and good advice! I love a good Persuasion story. I have book one and would love a chance to win book 2. Thank you for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteHi Becky! So glad you stopped by! :) I'm with you, I love a good Persuasion story! There is also a chance to win this week! You can enter to win book 1, 2, OR 3!! Just fill out the new rafflecopter form for The Lady Must Decide! :) Best of luck! :)
DeleteHere I am again! I love your books and would adore having my own autographed copies.
ReplyDeleteHi, Robin! Autographed copies are the best, aren't they?!
DeleteLaura:
ReplyDeleteI got to see a LOVELY version of Persuasion at Theatre Emory this year and have had a fascination with Persuasion since then. I would love to be able to read your book! I hear good things about it. Really enjoyed this post!
Barbara Tiller Cole
OK, Laura, I'm entering again. Yes, your books are worth all the stalking I do to find these give-aways.
ReplyDelete