Review of "A Heart's Rebellion"

Rating: 3 Stars

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Review: English gardens, ballrooms, waltzes, ladies, gentlemen, and cads can all be found within the pages of Ruth Axtell's newest Regency Romance "A Heart's Rebellion."  Axtell creates a dimensional Regency England environment abounding with historical detail.  Jessamine Barry is nursing a broken heart and navigating her way through society in search of healing and love.  Lancelot Marfleet is an unlikely hero - a scientific vicar with a love of botany.  As Jessamine's path continues to cross Lancelot's and their mutual attraction builds, Jessamine fights it resolutely.  There is enough romance among the characters, and the unrealized romance between the two leads will keep readers engaged until the end. 

Though the plot is rich in detail, there are slow points in the plot at times.  Some of the descriptions become repetitive and dull, specifically the discussions about plants and their scientific names.  I found myself skimming some sections to get to passages of more interest.  The plot lags between balls and social outings, which are the primary events in the novel.  It is probably representative of life for members of the ton and young ladies in the era seeking a place in society.  The change of scenery to Jessamine's hometown of Alston Green is a refreshing departure from London at the novel's conclusion.  

Anyone who read "Moonlight Masquerade" will enjoy revisiting Celine and Rees, who play active roles in "A Heart's Rebellion."  In comparison to the former novel, "A Heart's Rebellion" is a much more subdued novel, but Ruth Axtell captures the essence of Regency England. 

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. 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.

Summary from Revell: In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . . 

Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she's ready to take fashionable society by storm--and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it. 

Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?

Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell's sumptuous story of discovering one's true self and finding true love.