EVER SINCE THE BALL
Kate Ellington
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GENRE: Historical Romance
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About the Book:
Miranda Harlake's only chance to escape the detestable match her parents are arranging is a sham betrothal to her best friend, Peter, who proposes solely to save her from a loveless marriage. She gratefully accepts, though both know they'll never wed.
Piqued by her parents' scheming, Miranda secretly attends a masked ball and dances with a fascinating stranger all night. Upon discovering her partner was the insufferable George Rockford, she tries to forget the romantic evening they shared.
George, lonely despite his popularity and roguish ways, is intrigued by Miranda but she's apparently immune to his charms.
Miranda must listen to her heart and find courage to be honest with everyone—especially herself—if for once she's going to fulfill her own dreams.
My Review:
Ever Since the Ball is a wonderful historical romance. Miranda has a bumpy start to her story, having discovered her parents' attempt to marry her off to someone twice her age. Her best friend Peter swoops in with the idea for them to become engaged to save Miranda from the clutches of an arranged marriage.
To top things off, she runs into George Rockford, the nephew of the man to whom she was to be betrothed around every corner. He and his rowdy friends interrupt her while she's painting. They injure her and ruin her dress while trying to each lunch with Peter. She can't shake his presence and is in disbelief when she discovers he's the masked man of her dreams. What ever is a girl to do?!
Ever Since the Ball is a fun story with likeable characters and wonderful plot. I love Miranda and Peter's relationship. There isn't a spark to be had of romance but he loves her so much that he proposes to save her from a horrible, loveless marriage. I loved George from the minute he graced the page. There was depth to Miranda, Peter, and George's characters. As the story develops so do the characters, evolving, getting to know one another, protecting each other.
I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not
affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own.
My Rating:
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Read an Excerpt:
As Miranda approached the drawing room she heard men’s voices, and neither of them was her father’s. She guessed Mr. Tolwood had stopped by and brought someone with him, but when she strode into the room she nearly gasped aloud.
George and Ebenezer Rockford stood chatting with her parents, glasses of sherry in their hands. So this was why her mother had insisted she change. Nobody looked Miranda’s way when she entered the room and she wanted to tiptoe out and send Cassandra down with a message that she was ill. Very ill. She sighed. It would never work. Mentally preparing herself for an atrocious evening, she walked to her father’s side.
“Ah, here she is at last!” Mr. Harlake said, taking her arm.
Miranda fixed a smile on her face as he steered her over to stand beside Ebenezer.
“You remember Mr. Rockford, don’t you, Miranda?” Mr. Harlake asked, eyes twinkling.
“Yes, of course. Good evening.” Miranda hadn’t seen him up close in a long time. He had dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a short beard. She’d never been fond of beards.
Mr. Rockford took her hand and kissed it. “Good evening to you, Miss Harlake.”
She went to pull her hand away, but he showed no sign of relinquishing it.
“Call her Miranda. So much friendlier,” Mrs. Harlake said with a wide smile.
“Then she must call me Ebenezer.” He motioned to George. “You know my nephew, George? Why, you two must have gone to school together.”
Miranda was glad to remove her hand from Ebenezer’s grip as she turned to face George.
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Meet the Author:
Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.
After graduating from college with an art degree she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.
Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.
Pre-Order Ever Since the Ball:
Giveaway Information and Entry Form:
Kate Ellington will be awarding a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
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Thank you so much for featuring and reviewing EVER SINCE THE BALL.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteThank you for reviewing my book and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteSounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteI loved it!
DeleteThe book sounds very interesting. Pretty cover!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover, too! Such a beautiful gown.
DeleteThis looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting
ReplyDeleteI enjoy historical romance. This one sounds good.
ReplyDeletenice
ReplyDeleteI love the cover! And it sounds so good! Thank you for the excerpt & your review! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for visiting :)
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