The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

I read a LOT of books, and there are many that I really like, but it's been a while since I've  gotten excited about a series. That changed this month, with the arrival of The Guardian Duke in my mailbox. The first in a new series by award winning author Jamie Carie, this book has the perfect blend of romance, mystery and great characters.

I have some more to say, but first, a little about the book and its author from the publisher:

About the Book:

The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.



About the Author:

When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.

The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church.

When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.

Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in herhead for a long time, so the story went fast.

Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.

Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”


This is a good place to give you a sneak peek at the trailer:

What captured my attention from the start - besides the beautifully illustrated cover - was the setting. I confess that I have a weakness for the United Kingdom, in fact, the very region that this story takes place in, Northumberland! Umm, why, you ask?
Well, shortly after my husband and I were married, we had the opportunity to live in the Northeast of England for about a year. So it was a delight for me to read about so many familiar areas and landmarks in that part of the U.K, including Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle, places where we have had the privilege of visiting.

The author did a beautiful job in the development of the characters, both the major and minor players. They are real, flawed, but evoke a sympathetic response from the reader through their respective backgrounds. The book has such a wonderful mix of  romance, mystery, and inspiration.

The hero, Gabriel Ravenwood, was a character that I wasn't sure that I would like at the beginning of the story. He is a bit brash, a bit um, crotchety? But the events that immediately unfold serve to show his human side, and won me over.

Then there is Alexandria Featherstone. I love the names, don't you? She has been somewhat sheltered for most of her life, left largely in the care of the servants in Lindisfarne Castle, while her parents travel the world on their various pursuits.

When news arrives that her parents are presumed dead, the adventure begins for Alexandria. She sets out on a journey to find them, with the help of some unlikely companions, a famed retired admiral named Montague, who in my mind reminds me more of a zorro type character, you know with the mask and the cape and all, *giggle*, and a large burly Irishman called Baylor, both fatherly figures.

There is a lovely romantic tension throughout the story, as the affection between Alexandria and Gabriel
grows, though only through written letters. Up until the last page of the book the reader is waiting for the two to meet and see what comes of it all. Through it all, both are on a personal, spiritual journey as well, and I eagerly await their meeting with the One True God.  I was sorry to have it end, but so, so pleased to see that there is more in the works!
You really need to take the time and read this!

If this has piqued your interest, and I hope that it has, check out the links below for more information.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ForgottenCastles

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Duke-Forgotten-Castles-Novel/dp/1433673223/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328570148&sr=8-1

One Sheet: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433673221

USA Today Review: http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2012-02-04/review-the-guardian-duke-by-jamie-carie/620195/1


Now, how about a giveaway? The publisher has graciously provided a copy of The Guardian Duke and one blessed person will receive  a copy.
From now through Friday, March 9, 2012 you'll have a chance to enter.
To enter, follow me here and leave a comment telling me that you did, and leave an email addy please.
For an additional entry, visit their facebook page and 'like' it, then leave me a comment. I will randomly select a person.

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