I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Carla Kelly's books to date and this one was no different.
Check out my review and enter the ebook giveaway below...
Summer Campaign
by Carla Kelly
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
March 10th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
March 10th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
(originally published March 7th 1989 by Signet)
Summary
Miss Onyx Hamilton is about to make what everyone agrees is a perfect marriage—until handsome Major Jack Beresford comes galloping into her life. But with his fortune and connections, Onyx knows he’d never ask for her hand, would he? New and longtime fans alike will relish this delightful romance from Carla Kelly. Charming, sweet, and full of fun, it’s simply impossible to stop reading.
My Review
I absolutely loved Summer Campaign! I think it is my favorite by this author that I've read so far. There was danger, heartbreak, humorous escapades, and sweet romance. It was so enjoyable that I pretty much read it all in one sitting as I didn't want to put it down.
I loved these characters! Even the vicar played his role fabulously, to my utmost distaste. I loved Adrian and his wife Emily, Lady Bagshott was a riot, and Onyx's adoptive family were all terrible. More importantly, Onyx and Jack were fabulous! I was appalled at Onyx's submission in the beginning, but enjoyed seeing her spirit break free and how she changed as the story progressed. She knew exactly what needed to be done most of the time and I loved how she focused on small, beautiful moments, getting the most joy that she could out of her, up to that point, dismal life. I loved, loved Jack. He was so tortured from the war and then as he tried to deal with life back at home. Onyx was his balm to heal his heart and enable him to endure. I loved their banter and the sweet moments they shared.
And the emotions... I felt so much for these characters! Anger at these people who would treat Onyx in such a terrible way, belittling her and acting like she wasn't even worth noticing. A disgrace. Anger at some highwaymen. Compassion towards Onyx, Jack, Adrian, and Emily. Gratefulness toward the farm wife who took a small, beaten group in, and to Lady Bagshott who saw and felt much more than she let on, but who cheered Onyx on, even if silently. Then I about cried when Adrian first speaks. Jack's past was so terrible and the situation was a little depressing, but these characters learned to gain strength from each other and to love while they could. There was also so much joy and sweet, romantic moments that I loved.
I would highly recommend Summer Campaign to those who enjoy traditional historical romance. It was charming, sweet, humorous, heartbreaking, full of family, friendship, and love.
Content: Some innuendo and references to violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Cedar Fort, which did not affect my review in any way.
I loved these characters! Even the vicar played his role fabulously, to my utmost distaste. I loved Adrian and his wife Emily, Lady Bagshott was a riot, and Onyx's adoptive family were all terrible. More importantly, Onyx and Jack were fabulous! I was appalled at Onyx's submission in the beginning, but enjoyed seeing her spirit break free and how she changed as the story progressed. She knew exactly what needed to be done most of the time and I loved how she focused on small, beautiful moments, getting the most joy that she could out of her, up to that point, dismal life. I loved, loved Jack. He was so tortured from the war and then as he tried to deal with life back at home. Onyx was his balm to heal his heart and enable him to endure. I loved their banter and the sweet moments they shared.
And the emotions... I felt so much for these characters! Anger at these people who would treat Onyx in such a terrible way, belittling her and acting like she wasn't even worth noticing. A disgrace. Anger at some highwaymen. Compassion towards Onyx, Jack, Adrian, and Emily. Gratefulness toward the farm wife who took a small, beaten group in, and to Lady Bagshott who saw and felt much more than she let on, but who cheered Onyx on, even if silently. Then I about cried when Adrian first speaks. Jack's past was so terrible and the situation was a little depressing, but these characters learned to gain strength from each other and to love while they could. There was also so much joy and sweet, romantic moments that I loved.
I would highly recommend Summer Campaign to those who enjoy traditional historical romance. It was charming, sweet, humorous, heartbreaking, full of family, friendship, and love.
Content: Some innuendo and references to violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Cedar Fort, which did not affect my review in any way.
About the Author
Award-winning author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for Borrowed Light and My Loving Vigil Keeping.
Giveaway
Ebook of Summer Campaign
Open internationally
Ends April 14th
these books look great! thanks for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't comprehend not being able to look at people's faces! I lip read so it would be like being in an enforced silent zone :(
ReplyDeleteNo. Being able to see a person's face lets you know so much about a person. Wouldn't want to just know their place and wealth in society.
ReplyDeleteWell if the description didn't make me want to read it, your review sure did!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this story! I was surprised by some of the gritty details, but they added more dimension to the book. Looking forward to reading more by her!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. I am excited to read this book now. Your review was fantastic! I must read this one. It is going onto my growing TBR list!
ReplyDeleteI really love her, so they should be good. I'm hoping to read them soon.
ReplyDeleteLol! I totally left the wrong question on the giveaway. It took me a minute to figure it out. But yes, I wouldn't like it either.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree. I think in historical England they practiced placing masks over their faces by muting their expressions. Something to think about, eh?
ReplyDeleteI really loved this one. A little quirky, definitely cute, humorous, and romantic. Just my type. :)
ReplyDeleteThere was some grit, but I agree that there was a depth here that fluffy and light romances don't have. Good thing I like both depending on my mood.
ReplyDeleteI hope you love it just as much as I did, Natalie!
ReplyDeleteRight now it is OUTLANDER.
ReplyDeletethank goodness for that lolol!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty cover reveal. It goes really nicely with the reset of the series as well. Thanks for sharing, Tressa! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Mary!
ReplyDeleteI love the Outlander series- I've been following it for several years now. I think it is wonderful that people are finding it again now that they are making a series out of it. A new favorite historical romance I've just recently read is Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke. Excellent book!
ReplyDeleteThat's one that I STILL need to read. It's on my list. I'll have to look up Saving Amelie. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really loved the Bridgerton series! Especially the first one, The Duke & I. But my favorite is probably Sarah Woodbury's After Cilmeri series :D
ReplyDeleteI think I've heard of one of those. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have actually read Saving Grace and loved it, and am currently reading Loving Helen for myself. The next one looks great as well, so can't wait for that one to be released as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Rissi!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to get to these soon. Maybe in May. I've had such a crazy, busy spring!
ReplyDelete