Anonymous authoress, blackmail, love triangle, sordid pasts, and Newport high society social circles are all combined in Cara Lynn James' debut novel Love on a Dime set in the late 1800's. Lilly Westbrook is none other than the famed dime novelist under the pen name of Fannie Cole. She hides her writing from her high society family so as not to disgrace them, but to be independent and support her favored charity. Just as Lilly is about to be engaged to a man of good social standing, her former first love, Jackson Grail arrives in town as the new owner for the company that publishes Lilly's novels. Lilly secretly still loves Jackson, but will not reveal her writing to him, yet she knows her family would disapprove of her career and expect her to marry a well to do man. Lilly is caught between her two men and her love for writing. How does Lilly survive as she is being threatened by blackmail and trying to make important decisions of the heart?
I really liked the plot of this book, but I felt that many parts of the book got sluggish and conversations between Lilly and Jackson were much the same. Lilly was definitely a woman trying to live in a rich society where she felt that she did not fit. I identified with her love for writing, reading and being independent. I wished that she had taken Jackson's offer of help so many times but of course, then there wouldn't be good conflict if she had. I was very surprised at the ending and was glad all the mysterious pieces finally came together.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”Win it: I am having a giveaway for this book. Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, July 30.
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