Cover Image: The Nature of a Lady

The Nature of a Lady

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Member Reviews

Due to some health issues, I was unable to get this book read and reviewed in a timely manner. I apologize.

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Due to the evolution themes in The Nature of a Lady I will not be finishing or reviewing this as it is not focusing on good Christian learnings and a lack of truth.

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Beautifully written book and the cover itself is also just gorgeous. Always enjoy this author’s works and she didn’t disappoint this time either!

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Unlike her previous historical war centered novels, in The Nature of a Lady Roseanna M. White takes readers to the year of 1906 and the Isles of Scilly off the Cornwall Coast of England. This stunning and picturesque setting takes the reader’s breath away as they imagine the beauty of the flora and fauna in this magical place. With delightful main characters and an abundance of wonderful side characters as well, White spins a thrilling story of mystery, danger, intrigue, and romance. An alluring novel from the gorgeous purple cover to the delightful story within, readers will be absolutely charmed by White’s historically rich story.

Genre: historical, romance, mystery
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: May 4, 2021
Number of pages: 378

Other books in the series:
2-To Treasure an Heiress (coming January 2022)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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I started reading this book and found that it was not for me. I didn't think it was fair to review a book I didn't finish.

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Not my favorite of Roseanna's book but it was still truly wonderful ⭐️! It was original and engaging and as a med student, I will devour any story were the MC loves Science things. Very good.

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White does it again -- an interesting storyline, lots of historical details without overwhelming the reader, strong character development, and descriptive narrative, and faith elements that aren't preachy.

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The mystery and the interaction between the characters will draw you in…

Pirates, treasure and someone disappearing! Oh boy! I was hooked! I even had to put some Pirates of the Caribbean music on to completely immerse myself.

I also really enjoyed the quirkiness of some of the characters. I love Mamm-wynn!!!

I am continuing on with the 2nd book and thrilled that the story continues!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

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This book has so much to offer: a love for God’s Creation, Humor, Suspense, Mystery, and Romance. It was all done so well, I had to hold myself back from just devouring it. Eventually though I could no longer control myself.

The suspense was well done and I couldn’t wait to finish the book and find out if I was right. The balance of science and faith is a struggle that people still have today. I laughed out loud at several moments in this book.

The Isles of Scilly (pronounced silly) are located off the coast of Cornwall and I enjoyed learning about a new place. I’ve heard of Cornwall, but the Isles were new to me. The descriptions of the Isles are amazing and detailed. I now want to visit in real life!!

I loved getting to know Libby, Oliver, and Mamm-wynn!! And I am so excited for a new series and new characters to love!!!

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. (less)

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Things I loved:

💜 The mystery and intrigue that kept me wanting to turn every page.
💜 The subtle and slow burn between two of the main characters into love.
💜 The noticeable growth of each character, shaping them into the versions of themselves they’ve always wanted to be.
💜 The local folklore, legends and myths of the town and how those stories may or may not be true.
💜 Watching friendships and relationships blossom in a very realistic and natural way between almost every character in the novel.
💜 The details and descriptions of the time period.

Things I didn’t love:
💜 While it was full of action, I did feel some of the story was rushed by all that had happened. Some of it felt like we skipped from one “problem” to another, without really exploring the intricate details and consequences of those situations.
💜 I loved meeting all the different characters and their stories, but sometimes I felt there were too many things going on at once and some characters felt overshadowed.

With the things I didn’t love aside, I am super excited to read the next installment of this series when it is finally done. And I still look forward to being back into the lives of all of the characters and seeing how their journeys continue to shape and grow them.

While I might have thought it felt rushed and too congested at times, it was merely because I wanted to immerse myself into every nuance of these people’s lives and I loved it so much I just wanted MORE. Which is never a bad thing, in my opinion.

I did also want to mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions that I have expressed are simply my own and not those of the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, it was simply coincidence that I loved it too much to post anything but.

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I loved this book so much! Great story, believable characters. I loved it so much that I ended up buying one for a friend! I highly recommend this book!

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The Nature of A Lady was one that admittedly took its sweet time snagging my attention, but once it did I was hooked. I enjoyed our hero and heroine, Oliver and Libby overall, and appreciated specifically Oliver's dedication to his brother, Morgan and his Maam-wynn (what a kind man!), but it was Mabena "Moon" and Casek that stole the show for me. I loved the slow unfurling of who Mabena was and her history there with Casek. Well, them and Maam-wynn - such an endearing soul! Oh and Libby's love for Darling was just adorable - cats rule!

Overall, a well crafted tale in a setting I can't wait to return to.

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Although I wasn’t sure, at first, that I would enjoy this story, Roseanna White drew me in as she has with all her other books, and I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to, it was with great reluctance. This is an excellent mystery, an intriguing setting (I had no clue where the Isles of Scilly were before reading this story—although I’m pretty sure I had heard of them before), and, as always, delightful characters. What’s not to love about a heroine that will toe the line with most social expectations, but decides to put her foot down and go do the thing she loves most for a few months? Especially when the “thing she loves” is the study of nature—this book only grew my appreciation of all the varieties and nuances God has built into creation! And then there’s a mystery with pirate treasure…and mistaken identity…. Well, suffice to say, I thoroughly loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel, whenever that is coming.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

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Mystery, a treasure hunt, love and family all feature in the first book of Roseanna M. White new series, set on the Isles of Scilly. A small archipelago of islands some 20 miles off the coast of Cornwall.

Libby Sinclar is an unconventional Earl's daughter who is more interested in science and the natural world than marriage and the London Season. She is, what we would probably call a nerd today. Oliver Tremayne is a vicar and nobleman's son who is mourning the loss of his older brother to a rare mitochondrial disease when he finds out his sister, Beth, is missing after a visit to a small cottage on one of the islands.

The Nature of a Lady is about thier story, but also provides a cast of fascinating and memorable characters set in a part of Britain that rarely features in novels. The Sciilly Isles are in the Atlantic and home to many rare varieties of plant and animal life which would be a treasure trove for any naturalist, a branch of science which was still in its early days in 1906.

As the plot thickens and comes to involve pirate treature, as well as some unscrupulous individuals who are willing to kill to obtain thier goals and Oliver's grandmother, a lady of faith who seems to have rare insights into people and nature. Both characters develop and take thier own journeys, with Libby learning to love the rare landscape and culture of the islands.

Recommended to all lovers of historical fiction and Edwardian Fiction.

Thanks to the publisher for my ARC. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

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What I Loved:
Now this was an intriguing mystery! It took a couple chapters to get into but once it caught my attention, it didn’t let go.
The islands were easy to visualize, making for a cozy place to visit in the pages of a book. And I really look forward to visiting the islands and the characters again as the series continues.
My favorite aspect was the romance. There was a sweet, tender romance unfolding between the main characters, Libby and Oliver. Oliver was a real keeper. But there was another romance woven in, and I couldn’t get enough of this one. While Libby and Oliver were sweet and perfect for each other, these other two had more of an enemies to lovers thing going on and the tension between them was much stronger and more enjoyable to watch. My only real regret was that they weren’t more of a focal point.
I do want to point out that there was an odd mystical element to this one where one of the elderly characters seemed to know things that they shouldn’t have.
At the end of the day, White promises an island treasure hunt, and she delivers one!

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving The Nature of Lady 4.5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian historical romance, especially those wanting an island setting or a treasure hunt.

~ I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

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I loved the unique plot this story had. Two young lady's with the same name getting mixed up makes for quite an adventure. With twists and dangers waiting around every corner it easily kept my interest. And with the help of their friends and family, the cast of characters is one to remember. And the setting was so amazing, I loved hearing about the isles of Scilly! With the way the plot and settings where laid out, it felt different and refreshing from other books I have read. It was a great story, and I highly recommend it.



I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

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The Nature of a Lady
The Secret of the Isles #1
By Roseanna M White

Lady Elizabeth Sinclair, known as Libby to her family and friends, well if she had any friends, is planning an escape. Her brother is determined to see her married to a man she absolutely can't stand, well maybe he's not that bad, but she doesn't want to marry him. And with time she hopes her brother can be persuaded that Libby doesn't need to be married off to his closest friend. So with her microscope in tow, she plans to spend the summer examining the flora and fauna that can be found on the Isles of Scilly.

But Libby's plans are soon upended when strangers start delivering parcels to her cottage for "Elizabeth". There is just one problem she is the wrong Elizabeth and she is quickly caught up in something which she is unprepared to face.

Oliver Tremayne calls the Isles of Scilly home as has his family for generations. He is content with the life he's living - a gentleman of no importance to most of England and a clergyman to his own. But when his sister disappears he finds that she has somehow created a mess that has caught Lady Elizabeth in its web. To get to the truth and to protect Libby from whatever Beth has done he will have to work together with Libby and her "maid" Mabena to unravel this mystery.

But more than mistaken identity is at play as they soon discover. Legends of pirate treasure have brought danger to the Isles and where danger lurks anything can happen.

The Nature of a Lady is the first book in Roseanna M White's newest series - The Secret of the Isles. And believe me when I say this is a not-to-be-missed book. If you have ever read her in the past you will not be disappointed as a new cast of characters takes the stage. I loved getting to know Oliver, Libby, Mabena, Casek, Mamm-wynn, and Tas-gwyn. And Libby's brother Bram - well you'll have to decide for yourself your feelings about him - I will say he is a tad grumpy - especially when Libby sets out to foil his plans for her future.

If you love Historical Fiction and Romance you will want to move this book to the top of your TBR list. And who can resist a treasure hunt that might discover the greatest treasure of all - love?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Over the years I have become a follower of Roseanna and have loved her books. Anytime I see one that comes out, I snatch up the opportunity to read it.

The cover art to this book was awesome, and major kudos to the designer to created this cover.

As for the book, I enjoyed the overalll premise and plot, but it didn’t feel like the type of book I’ve read of Roseanna in the past. Perhaps it was because of the change in scenery and location. But the book never really pulled me in and made me a part of the story. One where I get lost and forget the time.

Based on this book, it’s unlikely that I will read any more of this series. Perhaps a future series. But for now, I’ll go back to reading her old stories that she has published that I loved.

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Whenever I see a new historical novel from Roseanna M. White, it pretty much automatically goes on my "want to read" list, and this was no exception. I expected to love it and was not disappointed.

I felt like the story started a bit slow; but, as I continued reading, it picked up and towards the end I didn't want to put it down. I loved the characters and the treasure aspect. It was such an intriguing story and one that sticks with you.

All in all, I loved this story and definitely recommend it. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series when it releases. Side note: the cover is absolutely gorgeous - especially in person. <3

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Roseanna M White has done it again- provided a fabulous historical romance with a good little mystery! This book takes place on the Isles of Scilly (pronounced silly) and now I want to go live there! Or at the very least visit.

Lady Elizabeth Sinclair aka Libby has gone to the islands to avoid her Earl of a brother's marriage schemes but also to document plants and animals to her botany and biology loving heart's content. Accompanied by only her lady's maid, Mabena, who grew up on one of the islands, Libby enjoys many freedoms and misses none of the formality of balls or sitting rooms. In fact, she avoids telling people her title altogether. It seems the perfect, relaxing holiday for this slightly nerdy debutante.

However, when packages start arriving at the cottage for one Elizabeth from mysterious men, Libby and Mabena soon find themselves unraveling clues not the least of which is what happened to the former renter of their cottage, Elizabeth (Beth) Tremayne? Soon Oliver Tremayne, vicor from the island of Tresco, shows up looking for his sister. As the mystery grows, can people stay safe and discover the secrets that led Beth Tremayne to disappear?

One of my favorite things in this book is the community bond found on Tresco, the island that Mabena and Oliver come from. There's an amazing garden for Libby, a grandpa storyteller, a future telling and dear grandma, and Wednesday rowing races that bring the whole community together to cheer on the crews. When one community member dies, they all mourn his loss. They accept Libby despite knowing her station, calling her "their lady." On top of all the mystery and community goodness there is not one but two swoon worthy romances!

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances or mysteries. I cannot wait for the next books! The descriptions of the Isles made me feel like I was there and the people felt like family. Won't you come join me?

Thank you to Bethany House, Roseanna M White and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to provide a positive review. My opinions are my own.

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