Blooming with Books: The Stable Master's Daughter ~ Review with Interview and Giveaway

The Stable Master's Daughter
Regency House Party: Somerstone #4
By Sara Cardon

Sixteen-year-old Marjorie Fairchild has secretly loved Reginald Beauchamp for years, but as the daughter of the estate's stable master, she has no hopes of a future with him. With her Aunt Harriet taking her away to be taught the ways of society she has hopes of at least a respectable marriage.

Three years have passed when Marjorie and Aunt Harriet are invited to the Somerstone Estate of Lady Du'Brevan for a summer house party. To Marjorie's surprise, Reginald has been invited as well much to her aunt's displeasure. And every time Marjorie has a moment with Reginald his older brother, Lord Miles Beauchamp manages to interrupt them.

Miles has hopes that this house party will allow Reginald to make a suitable match, a match that will secure him financially and with a woman who could curtail his wastrel ways. But Reginald seems intent on pursuing Marjorie for less than gentlemanly pursuits. And Reginald's friends have even more nefarious designs especially once Marjorie's situation becomes generally known. Determined to protect the daughter of a servant of his estate Miles soon finds himself drawn to Marjorie himself. But a marriage between them is unthinkable, or is it?

Anyone who has read the previous offerings from the Regency House Party: Somerstone will enjoy seeing these three characters, with whom fleeting reference was made, come to life. And with the Countess Du'Breven in the background pulling little strings you know something is about to happen that will alter lives forever.

This is a delightful story that is well read with the other books in the series - the particular order is not important as each can be read first without detracting from the other books. Each could, in fact, be read alone but with all the hints at the other characters why would you want to just read one?

About the Book:

Marjorie’s days as the barefoot daughter of the stable master are long past—she’s an educated and accomplished artist. But at the house party of the summer, she is out of her social depth, especially when reunited with Reginald, a man she has secretly loved for years. Just when he begins to show real interest in her, his older brother Miles tries to separate them and sparks fly. Miles is maddening and intriguing, and stirs a longing for a radiant future, but are his intentions sincere? An alliance is forbidden and a chance for love may cost Marjorie’s dignity and her father’s employment.

Lord Miles Beauchamp is the heir to an earldom and unyielding in his principles. He doesn’t have time for trivial social gatherings, except when reforming his brother. Miles anticipates Reginald’s wandering eye, but is caught off-guard when he pursues a wholesome woman, one Miles is honor-bound to protect. It will take all Miles’ effort to keep his brother in line, Marjorie from harm, and himself from falling in love. In a society keeping them a world apart, can Miles and Marjorie find a future together?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author:

Sara Cardon craves happily ever afters—which is why she writes heartfelt stories to uplift and inspire. She grew up in West Texas and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree that has nothing to do with writing. Sara has four kids, a dog, and a true-blue husband. He laughs at her hero crush on George Washington. She and her family are putting down roots near Dallas where there’s plenty of wide-open sky, cattle, and sunshine.

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Author Interview:

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

I can’t choose just one. Elizabeth Camden, Sarah Eden, Becky Wade, Karen Witemeyer, and Kasie West. I love characters and emotion, but I also need logic. I love smart women and good men.

2) What do you most like about the Regency era?

It’s a beautiful time period, full of contrasts I think we relate to well. There was a lot of scarcity, real and perceived, especially with the difference in social classes. But even within the upper class, someone always had more money or titles or sway—not to mention happiness. Also, the Prince Regent set a terrible moral example as a leader, which permeated society. They were at war with France, but wanted to keep it far away and ignore it. The social expectations were difficult to live up to, especially those mothers placed on daughters. It’s both a beautiful time period and terribly flawed, which I think we relate to, and I find it fascinating.

3) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

I’m so grateful to have wonderful mentors. Kathleen Baldwin, author of The School for Unusual Girls series, is a supportive mentor and good friend. I love the way she thinks. Authors Diane Darcy and Kristin Holt have also been so supportive and consistently point me to the best resources. I trust and admire these women.

4) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

I love images, so I use Pinterest. I also try to pay attention to sights, sounds, smells, textures, and anything else that brings the setting to life.

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone who would it be?

I’d choose a diet Dr Pepper and sit down with George Washington. (And if it was evening, he’d probably take his favorite, Madeira wine.) My husband would want to come along, since he knows I have a huge hero crush on George Washington. J It might be a challenge to get George talking about himself though.

6) Do you have a favorite Regency period author that you would recommend?

I love Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. It makes me laugh and cry. I adore Sarah Eden’s Regency era novels—they’re the perfect blend of fun and emotional punch. Jennifer Moore does a wonderful job showing different areas of the world during the Regency era and delivering a good romance.

7) Who is your favorite character in your book?

Probably Lord Miles Beauchamp because he’s so decisive, set in his ways, and usually only manages to tolerate people. Each character responds differently to him (and he to them), and it’s fun to see how personalities mesh or clash. I love how Marjorie discovers a new side to him. He makes her more confident, and she helps him lighten up.

8) What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?

Hurry up, what’s next?

Sharing my work is hard, (I’m a recovering perfectionist), but when my next perfectly imperfect story is ready, I’d love to share it with you! Currently, I’m working on a 12 Days of Christmas story. I’m also working on story about a captain in the British Royal Navy wooing a jilted woman. I’ve discovered details about the Napoleonic Wars that will help bring it into sharp focus.