Book Description:
Phoebe Jamison possesses a personality as fiery as her red hair, a fact
all too often criticized. When the newest resident of Somerset, Mr.
Franklin Everly, is drawn to Phoebe's spirited nature, their friendship
quickly deepens into a thrilling connection. But soon an unforeseen
danger arrives, and Phoebe must rely on her own strength to avoid
becoming the next victim.
Excerpt:
Somerset, England, May 1814
Phoebe
Jamison huffed and folded her arms. Would William Mason ever see her as
more than the younger sister of her brother Peter? She’d been out for
nearly eleven months, and while she’d danced with William at several
dinners and the annual ball in the Assembly Rooms, he’d spent the
entirety of this particular dance chastising her for allowing Mr.
Baldwin to hold her too closely during the previous set. She’d thought
Mr. Mason’s concern meant something. If he was worried for her
reputation, surely, it meant he cared.
Her
dance with Mr. Mason ended, and he escorted Phoebe from the floor.
“Proper young ladies do not pout, Miss Jamison.” He looked across the
room, and his dark-brown eyes lit as he spied Miss Judith Benson. “You
would do well to follow Miss Benson’s example. See how her smile affects
those she’s conversing with? It is rather pleasing.” He led Phoebe to
Peter’s side. Phoebe wanted to grab the lapels of Mr. Mason’s jacket and
shake him. Why couldn’t he find her pleasing? For years she’d tried to
be the perfect lady, conforming to everything she thought he wanted yet
continually falling short.
Hannah
Vane, Phoebe’s dear friend and confidante, walked to where Phoebe
stood. “I’ve just heard the most delightful bit of gossip.” Hannah
swayed her shoulders. “The new resident at Ravencrest has agreed to make
an appearance this evening.” Mr. Mason scoffed. Hannah leaned close and
whispered, “The supposedly handsome single gentleman from Ravencrest.”
She covered her giggle with her hand.
Butterflies
fluttered through Phoebe’s stomach. No matter her admiration for Mr.
Mason, a new arrival was always cause for excitement. “You ladies should
discuss topics of greater import,” Mr. Mason said. “Seeking out a
handsome husband is of great import,” Hannah said, dismissing Mr.
Mason’s comment. “The benefits far outweigh the effort exerted in making
elaborately embroidered pillows.”
“Miss
Vane speaks the truth,” Peter said. “Besides, I’ve never cared for
embroidered pillows.” Phoebe shook her head at her brother’s teasing.
Mr. Mason shifted, and a section of black hair fell across his forehead.
He brushed his hair aside as his gaze once again wandered to Miss
Benson, and Phoebe watched a myriad of expressions wash over his face.
He looked back at her, quickly scooped up her hand, and bowed over her
fingers. “It is always a pleasure dancing with you, Miss Jamison.” His
eyes met hers. “I do hope you’ll remember my admonition.”
Phoebe
yanked her hand free from his grasp. Conversations between her and Mr.
Mason always seemed to end in the same manner. She had hoped that
perhaps his perception of her as a silly girl had shifted to respect or
even admiration, but Mr. Mason was nothing if not consistent. He
chastised her behavior, corrected or quietly rebuked her opinions, and
never offered a glimmer of hope. Phoebe oft wondered why she thought
their relationship could ever change. Perhaps pining for William Mason
had been part of her life for so long she knew no other option.
Rorie's Review:
This story has an unusual but fun family dynamic, with Phoebe's parents traveling and it being just her and her three brothers. I enjoyed getting to know them and to see how they interacted with each other. I was a little surprised that Mr Mason didn't play more of a part near the end of the book. I honestly thought there would be more to that part of the story and kind of feel like that part just...ended... The mystery of the Bride Snatcher plays a pretty minimal part throughout most of the story, until there were only a few chapters remaining. While I enjoyed the basic idea of it, I wish it had been fleshed out more throughout the entire story. It felt rushed to me, having it all crammed in at the end. Phoebe and Franklin's relationship was fun - especially since she's such a spitfire. I can only imagine what life will be like for the both of them continuing on. While there were a few things that could use some work in this story, I enjoyed it overall, and I hope that Phoebe's brothers get their own stories in the future.
Andrea's Review:
Phoebe is a fiery character and her uncommon (for the time) actions made for an entertaining read. I also liked Franklin and the relationship Phoebe had with her brothers.
I didn’t feel like the mystery added to the story. It came across as an afterthought with little mentions of a kidnapper here and there, and then a chapter or so to bring it to the forefront.
I like this author. Although this wasn’t my favorite of her books, I would read more from her. Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Title: Forever Phoebe
Author: Chalon Linton
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: February 2021
ISBN: 1524416886
Source: We received copies from the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are our own.
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