"The Duke's Dilemma" by Elaine Manders Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY with Celebrate Lit--Review and Guest Post

 

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About the Book

Book title: The Duke’s Dilemma

Author: Elaine Manders

Release date: May 27, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance, subgenre: Regency

Should he wed the perfect match—or the one he loves?

Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte.

Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom?

As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God.

My Review:


"The Duke's Dilemma" by Elaine Manders is the second book in "The Wolf Deceivers" series.  It is a sweet romance that actually deals with a very dark topic–human trafficking and sex slavery.  While the juxtaposition of a romance and the struggle of these dark themes can be jarring at times, the book has an important message to tell.  I have not read the first book in the series, but “The Duke’s Dilemma” is a standalone novel. 

I think what makes this book special are the characters.  Cassandra, our heroine, has been through so much in her past and wants vengeance on the man who has caused her so much pain.  She has to struggle with the dilemma of whether she will do everything she can to punish this man or leave it in the Lord's hands.  Despite this inner struggle, Cassandra is still very sweet and strong and goes out of her way to rescue others from the terrors of the life she used to live--even risking her own life and reputation in society.  She is so brave to help prostitutes and goes into brothels to rescue them.  Edward is a very swoon-worthy hero.  This man has a lot of patience and unconditional love!  I love his faith and how he prays and thinks of Scripture.  Edward doesn't judge Cassandra, even when most other men in his station and society would.  He is so good to Cassandra and speaks love into her; not just his love, but Christ's love and Truth. 

Ms. Manders uses this story as a way to expose prostitution and human trafficking.  This message is just as relevant today as it was in the Regency era.  She does a superb job of showing what it is like for the women and girls who are trapped in this terrible fate (especially the fact that it is often not their choice and they are not dirty or immoral beings).  "The Duke's Dilemma" is a beautiful message of how the blood of Christ covers our sins and painful memories.  It is an enjoyable read with a sweet romance, although the topic is a sensitive one and can be hard to read about. 

Content:  This book deals with prostitution and sex slavery.  The main character is beaten as a child and has had a traumatic past.  She does help prostitutes and goes into brothels.  There is talk of prostitution and brothels as a result.  One man talks of some of the things that take place at the brothels, not in detail, but enough that I wouldn't recommend this to sensitive readers or early teenage readers.  There is an attempted rape and Cassandra goes into a bit of detail about what she was put through in the past.  Due to that part I would give this book a PG-13 rating.  One scene was very hard for me to read. 

Rating: I give this book three stars, which means I liked it. 

Genre:  Historical Romance, Christian fiction; subgenre: Regency

I want to thank Elaine Manders and Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters of faith. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

 

Guest post from Elaine Manders

Historical romance became my favorite genre back in the seventies and eighties, and one of my favorite settings was Regency England. A Regency can be a romance in the Jane Austin mode or historical romance set during the Regency period. There is a difference, and The Duke’s Dilemma falls into this latter category. Yes, there is some of usual drawing room intrigue in an Austen novel, but The Duke’s Dilemma contains a serious spiritual theme. The plot fitted perfectly into my new series, The Wolf Deceivers.

I wrote the original manuscript nearly twenty years ago as a light, secular romance, but when I revised it to Christian romance, I was delighted to find the inspirational thread deepened the characters. Instead of merely fighting for her reputation while trying to wrest the duke from another woman, Cassandra, the heroine, must fight for her survival. Instead of being another handsome, sardonic nobleman, Edward, the hero, uses his intelligence and grace to protect Cassandra and win her love.

Even the secondary characters captivated me. Little Sarah’s match-making antics suited the Regency theme and provided some levity during the darker moments of the plot. Lady Ashford, Cassandra’s foil, developed a tenacity I had to admire in spite of all her shortcomings. And Sir Harcrumb became a villain I loved to hate.

Though the characters changed a great deal in the retelling, the plot remained basically the same. The only thing I added was a surprise twist at the end—something that has inadvertently become a part of my brand.

Every story is a learning experience for me, and I’m always grateful for how much I learn from my research and from the Holy Spirit. I’ve become more aware of those who deceive, and how vulnerable people, especially young people, are to Satan’s tactics. Also, I’ve unexpectedly come away with a better understanding of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Although this is a new label, we all know it has affected people throughout history.

Yes, The Duke’s Dilemma has taught me much, and I hated to say good-bye to these characters. I love stories that move me during the writing and only ask two things of my books. That they bring enjoyment to my readers and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I hope this one does both.

Blog Stops

August 22: A Baker’s Perspective

August 22: Books, Books, and More Books

August 23: Blogging With Carol

August 24: Genesis 5020

August 25: Avid Reader Book Reviews

August 25: Have A Wonderful Day

August 26: Jami’s Words

August 26: Faery Tales Are Real

August 27: Karen Sue Hadley

August 27: Ashley’s Bookshelf

August 28: Remembrancy

August 29: The Fizzy Pop Collection

August 29: For the Love of Books

August 30: Locks, Hooks and Books

August 30: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

August 31: Blossoms and Blessings

September 1: Pause for Tales

September 1: Caffeinated Reads

September 2: Live. Love. Read.

September 3: Just the Write Escape

September 4: Henry Happens

September 4: History, Mystery & Faith

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away:

 

Grand prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st place: paperback copies of Books 1 and 2 of the Wolf Deceivers series, The Chieftain’s Choice and The Duke’s Dilemma!!

 

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bbab