
Oftentimes the second book in a series just doesn't quite live up to its predecessor. It's almost like the author pours everything into the first one and has little leftover. Mark Of Distinction was totally the opposite, Jessica Dotta has spaced out her storyline and character development perfectly. I liked book one for the quality of the writing but I enjoyed book two even more.
I have to admit that I didn't always exactly like Julia in Born Of Persuasion, she seemed to be self absorbed and very naïve. In Mark Of Distinction she starts to mature, gaining in understanding and compassion. I really liked watching her grow and how the author delved into how Julia's past affected her actions and thoughts.
This is much the story of young and innocent girl caught up in the machinations of powerful men bent on accomplishing their own ends. There are two truly good men that try to help her, and honestly, I found myself divided on who I hoped she might marry.
Once again Jessica Dotta has written a detailed story full of complex characters. A story that pulls the reader in and holds them captive until the very last page. This book will keep you coming back for more and in the meantime wondering where the plot might twist next.
Mark Of Distinction is not a quick read. It is over 400 pages, but it is very well written and every page is worth taking the time to enjoy. In many ways the writing style and the story reminds me much of Jane Eyre, and as a fan of the classics, I find that to be an excellent feature.
Don't miss any of the books in the Price Of Privilege series, both Born Of Persuasion and Mark Of Distinction are excellent reads!
(I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own)
I have to admit that I didn't always exactly like Julia in Born Of Persuasion, she seemed to be self absorbed and very naïve. In Mark Of Distinction she starts to mature, gaining in understanding and compassion. I really liked watching her grow and how the author delved into how Julia's past affected her actions and thoughts.
This is much the story of young and innocent girl caught up in the machinations of powerful men bent on accomplishing their own ends. There are two truly good men that try to help her, and honestly, I found myself divided on who I hoped she might marry.
Once again Jessica Dotta has written a detailed story full of complex characters. A story that pulls the reader in and holds them captive until the very last page. This book will keep you coming back for more and in the meantime wondering where the plot might twist next.
Mark Of Distinction is not a quick read. It is over 400 pages, but it is very well written and every page is worth taking the time to enjoy. In many ways the writing style and the story reminds me much of Jane Eyre, and as a fan of the classics, I find that to be an excellent feature.
Don't miss any of the books in the Price Of Privilege series, both Born Of Persuasion and Mark Of Distinction are excellent reads!
(I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own)

Julia Pierson has escaped Chance Macy, and is living with her father, Lord Pierson, while trying to figure out how to be part of society, as her father wishes. But Chance Macy won't give up and tries to get Julia back.
I liked this book more than the first, but I was still confused by the long list of characters and events. Faith in God is mentioned a bit, but it isn't really part of the overall story like I would expect in a Christian novel. There are enough loose ends in the storyline to make the reader want to read the final book in the trilogy.
I liked this book more than the first, but I was still confused by the long list of characters and events. Faith in God is mentioned a bit, but it isn't really part of the overall story like I would expect in a Christian novel. There are enough loose ends in the storyline to make the reader want to read the final book in the trilogy.
About this book:
London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itselfbut to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandalsubstantiated or notcan be the death of a young womans reputation.
When Julia discovers that Lord Roy Pierson, her guardian and one of most influential men in England, is the father she has never met, she begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macys power is far-reaching as well.
Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality shes trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fatebut outwitting ones foe rarely goes according to plan.
Series: Book #2 in the Price of Privilege Trilogy. (Book #1 Born of Persuasion here!)
Spiritual Content- In the middle of the book, Edward sends Julia his Bible and she looks at it and reads it; *Spoiler* Near the end, Julia (finally!) surrenders. *End of Spoiler*
Negative Content- Minor (Historical & British) cussing including: 3 dash its, a blast it, a blooming, and many what the devils, why the devil, of the devil, etc.; Drinking (wine, brandy & scotch to name a few); A few blood parts (One semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- Sexual Cussing including: a b*st*rd, a hussy, and a wench; Kisses (One semi-detailed, the rest are quick, not-really-detailed); Talks about Wedding nights (No details, just hinting); Seducing smiles
-Julia Elliston
P.O.V. of Julia
Set in 1839 (?)
432 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre, New & Early High School age Teens- One Star
Older (17+) High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
This book was so very much like Born of Persuasion, the first book in this series. Like the first book, it was written in a first-person way, way, way past tense (She mentions her grandchildren?!?)other have said that Julia seems more like a narrator than the protagonist, I have to agree. Also like Born of Persuasion my mind was very confused, wondering What in the world is going on in this story?!. Oddly, the reader has to be fully awake (which I never am, since I read late at night), with a sharp mind to figure out what going on and fill in the gaps.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher for this review.
London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itselfbut to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandalsubstantiated or notcan be the death of a young womans reputation.
When Julia discovers that Lord Roy Pierson, her guardian and one of most influential men in England, is the father she has never met, she begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macys power is far-reaching as well.
Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality shes trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fatebut outwitting ones foe rarely goes according to plan.
Series: Book #2 in the Price of Privilege Trilogy. (Book #1 Born of Persuasion here!)
Spiritual Content- In the middle of the book, Edward sends Julia his Bible and she looks at it and reads it; *Spoiler* Near the end, Julia (finally!) surrenders. *End of Spoiler*
Negative Content- Minor (Historical & British) cussing including: 3 dash its, a blast it, a blooming, and many what the devils, why the devil, of the devil, etc.; Drinking (wine, brandy & scotch to name a few); A few blood parts (One semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- Sexual Cussing including: a b*st*rd, a hussy, and a wench; Kisses (One semi-detailed, the rest are quick, not-really-detailed); Talks about Wedding nights (No details, just hinting); Seducing smiles
-Julia Elliston
P.O.V. of Julia
Set in 1839 (?)
432 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre, New & Early High School age Teens- One Star
Older (17+) High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
This book was so very much like Born of Persuasion, the first book in this series. Like the first book, it was written in a first-person way, way, way past tense (She mentions her grandchildren?!?)other have said that Julia seems more like a narrator than the protagonist, I have to agree. Also like Born of Persuasion my mind was very confused, wondering What in the world is going on in this story?!. Oddly, the reader has to be fully awake (which I never am, since I read late at night), with a sharp mind to figure out what going on and fill in the gaps.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher for this review.