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A Respectable Actress
When the illustrious India Hartley is accused of murder, she has to uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.
India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
17 people are currently reading
1493 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Love
25 books234 followersBefore returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 7, 2015
Is historical romance mystery a category? That is how I'd classify A Respectable Actress.
This novel is set in 1870 Georgia. Actress India Hartley finds herself accused of murder and trying to unravel that mystery as well as others. The other main character is Philip Sinclair. He's an attorney representing India. I didn't find their romance particularly strong. While I respected India's character, I wasn't as enamored with Philip.
The first few pages drew me in. Then I felt the story waned for about the next 100 pages. I was once again engrossed in the novel for about the next 150 pages which was mainly focused on solving the mysteries in the book. My interest fell off again in the final 100 pages of the novel.
This is my second Dorothy Love novel (I've also read Carolina Gold, which I enjoyed more). I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel.
This novel is set in 1870 Georgia. Actress India Hartley finds herself accused of murder and trying to unravel that mystery as well as others. The other main character is Philip Sinclair. He's an attorney representing India. I didn't find their romance particularly strong. While I respected India's character, I wasn't as enamored with Philip.
The first few pages drew me in. Then I felt the story waned for about the next 100 pages. I was once again engrossed in the novel for about the next 150 pages which was mainly focused on solving the mysteries in the book. My interest fell off again in the final 100 pages of the novel.
This is my second Dorothy Love novel (I've also read Carolina Gold, which I enjoyed more). I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel.
January 16, 2016
I've only read one other book by Dorothy Love, and I really enjoyed it, so was glad to get the opportunity to read A Respectable Actress. While I wasn't completely enamored, I still found the story to have some very compelling parts and worth the read.
The story has a great mysterious overtone throughout the story. I really enjoyed that quality in Dorothy's writing. I also found the details about India's life as an actress, in a time when it wasn't a dignified profession, especially for women, to be intriguing and feel authentic. The story starts off quite literally with a bang, as India is accused shooting one of the other cast members in a play during a scene. I was almost immediately drawn in and read eagerly.
However, once the story drifted more into the mystery of her lawyer Phillip Sinclair's home and past, strangely, I found myself losing interest. There was nothing wrong with the story, and it was certainly interesting, but it wasn't always compelling for me for some reason.
I think I had a hard time believing how all of the pieces of the mystery tied together. Some of India's discoveries just felt a little convenient in the way that she made them and one of the big surprises just seemed odd in the way it came about. I didn't completely buy the romance either; while India's feelings were described, I never really felt any passion between the two of them.
The faith aspect is actually a very light thread throughout, but heartfelt, and I felt it was true to India's character.
Despite my qualms, I did still enjoy the book, and I'm sure many other readers will too. I definitely wouldn't mind reading more of Dorothy Love's books at some point down the road.
The story has a great mysterious overtone throughout the story. I really enjoyed that quality in Dorothy's writing. I also found the details about India's life as an actress, in a time when it wasn't a dignified profession, especially for women, to be intriguing and feel authentic. The story starts off quite literally with a bang, as India is accused shooting one of the other cast members in a play during a scene. I was almost immediately drawn in and read eagerly.
However, once the story drifted more into the mystery of her lawyer Phillip Sinclair's home and past, strangely, I found myself losing interest. There was nothing wrong with the story, and it was certainly interesting, but it wasn't always compelling for me for some reason.
I think I had a hard time believing how all of the pieces of the mystery tied together. Some of India's discoveries just felt a little convenient in the way that she made them and one of the big surprises just seemed odd in the way it came about. I didn't completely buy the romance either; while India's feelings were described, I never really felt any passion between the two of them.
The faith aspect is actually a very light thread throughout, but heartfelt, and I felt it was true to India's character.
Despite my qualms, I did still enjoy the book, and I'm sure many other readers will too. I definitely wouldn't mind reading more of Dorothy Love's books at some point down the road.
November 20, 2015
About this book:
“When the illustrious India Hartley is accused of murder, she has to uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.”
Series: Technically no, but it is connect to “The Bracelet” by the same author.
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted; A few mentions of God; A mention of Providence and a godsend; The few ‘H’s when referring to God are capital; A couple mentions of prayer; Going to Church; Mentions of a chapel (that’s burned to the ground) and Church; Mentions of men of the cloth; Mentions of (fake) priests & nuns; It’s said at the end that India’s religious training had fallen to the wayside; An officer says India is “pretty and more famous than God Himself don’t mean she ain’t guilt as sin.”;
*Note: A room like shrine to a person; The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” is said; A couple mentions of “goin’ to the devil”; A couple mentions of a witch; Mentions of ghosts, evil spirits & superstitions.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, two ‘shut up’s, and two ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses said not written (Philip curses as well); Philip drinks at one point; A murder, blood & shooting (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Blood & a Knife (semi-detailed); A suicide (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of perishing in a fire & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Many, many mentions of drunks, drinking & spirits; Many mentions of the Civil War (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of switches & bleeding; Mentions of hanging (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of throwing up & soiled sheets (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of divorce; A mention of brawling; A mention of a drunk man coming after his wife with a knife (not detailed).
Sexual Content- two forehead/hair kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and two semi-detailed kisses; Remembering a kiss (semi-detailed): Touches, Nearness & Embraces (semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; a ‘harlot’ and a ‘hussies’; A mention of catching a man kissing another girl; A mention of belonging to someone body & soul; A mention of a man’s “painted escorts”; Mentions of bawdy theater houses & inappropriate plays (which India does not take part in); Mentions of men who wink & leer at women; Mentions of a possible affair; Love, falling in love & the emotions.
-India Hartley
P.O.V. of India
Set in 1870-71
367 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add ½ a star for girls interested in law.}
The history & info on the courtroom & the theater in this book was really neat. I’ve read one other Dorothy Love book (“Carolina Gold”, which I haven’t reviewed) and she has a unique writing—educational almost—style. With this book, it was pretty clean for a murder mystery, but there was many, many mentions of drinking (including Philip drinking at one point) that made me, personally, uncomfortable. I never was completely sold on Philip, so that’s the main reason why my rating is low. Also, on another note: I’m not a fan of the cover at all. Faraway it’s not so bad and you can make it out, but in your hands it looks a really messy painting. ;)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*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 (Thomas Nelson) for this review.
“When the illustrious India Hartley is accused of murder, she has to uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.”
Series: Technically no, but it is connect to “The Bracelet” by the same author.
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted; A few mentions of God; A mention of Providence and a godsend; The few ‘H’s when referring to God are capital; A couple mentions of prayer; Going to Church; Mentions of a chapel (that’s burned to the ground) and Church; Mentions of men of the cloth; Mentions of (fake) priests & nuns; It’s said at the end that India’s religious training had fallen to the wayside; An officer says India is “pretty and more famous than God Himself don’t mean she ain’t guilt as sin.”;
*Note: A room like shrine to a person; The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” is said; A couple mentions of “goin’ to the devil”; A couple mentions of a witch; Mentions of ghosts, evil spirits & superstitions.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, two ‘shut up’s, and two ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses said not written (Philip curses as well); Philip drinks at one point; A murder, blood & shooting (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Blood & a Knife (semi-detailed); A suicide (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of perishing in a fire & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Many, many mentions of drunks, drinking & spirits; Many mentions of the Civil War (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of switches & bleeding; Mentions of hanging (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of throwing up & soiled sheets (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of divorce; A mention of brawling; A mention of a drunk man coming after his wife with a knife (not detailed).
Sexual Content- two forehead/hair kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and two semi-detailed kisses; Remembering a kiss (semi-detailed): Touches, Nearness & Embraces (semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling; a ‘harlot’ and a ‘hussies’; A mention of catching a man kissing another girl; A mention of belonging to someone body & soul; A mention of a man’s “painted escorts”; Mentions of bawdy theater houses & inappropriate plays (which India does not take part in); Mentions of men who wink & leer at women; Mentions of a possible affair; Love, falling in love & the emotions.
-India Hartley
P.O.V. of India
Set in 1870-71
367 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add ½ a star for girls interested in law.}
The history & info on the courtroom & the theater in this book was really neat. I’ve read one other Dorothy Love book (“Carolina Gold”, which I haven’t reviewed) and she has a unique writing—educational almost—style. With this book, it was pretty clean for a murder mystery, but there was many, many mentions of drinking (including Philip drinking at one point) that made me, personally, uncomfortable. I never was completely sold on Philip, so that’s the main reason why my rating is low. Also, on another note: I’m not a fan of the cover at all. Faraway it’s not so bad and you can make it out, but in your hands it looks a really messy painting. ;)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*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 (Thomas Nelson) for this review.
August 28, 2021
Simply put, it was a good mystery but a less than believable romance. I honestly could've done without that part of the plot. The rest, however, kept me on my toes and always second-guessing myself! 🤔
November 4, 2015
I have been looking forward to reading this book because so many people told me it was amazing. Not only that, but it’s one of Amazon’s “best of the month”. AM So, I was ready!!
India Hartley is an actress who is accused of murder. Because of the reputation of actresses, the residents of Savannah, Georgia have prematurely made up their minds about her guilt. Proving her innocence is up to famed lawyer, Phillip Sinclair.
This book was pretty well done. It is a historic novel and she definitely knows her history. I did think that the relationship between India and Phillip was a bit forced. I didn’t really “feel” them falling in love and the kisses seemed to come out of nowhere!! I also felt like the supporting characters were not well written. Other than that, it was a good read. It kept my attention and I felt drawn to the main character. I would definitely recommend as a light and fun read.
Thank you, Litfuse, for giving me this book. As always, this is my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!!
India Hartley is an actress who is accused of murder. Because of the reputation of actresses, the residents of Savannah, Georgia have prematurely made up their minds about her guilt. Proving her innocence is up to famed lawyer, Phillip Sinclair.
This book was pretty well done. It is a historic novel and she definitely knows her history. I did think that the relationship between India and Phillip was a bit forced. I didn’t really “feel” them falling in love and the kisses seemed to come out of nowhere!! I also felt like the supporting characters were not well written. Other than that, it was a good read. It kept my attention and I felt drawn to the main character. I would definitely recommend as a light and fun read.
Thank you, Litfuse, for giving me this book. As always, this is my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!!
August 29, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this one- there are a lot of things I liked and enjoyed, but also a handful of things that didn't work for me. The Southern setting and history of the era was well-described and fascinating, I really liked India's character and personality, and the plot was intriguing. I had a difficult time with Phillip- he was so likeable and quite heroic, but at times he pulled back and there was a lack of emotion. The story is told from India's point of view, and I think more cues to how he was feeling in those moments would have helped the romance not be so awkward. The pacing didn't feel smooth to me, with scenes ending in the middle of observations and conversations that felt important but not resolved- in the moment or later. The climax of the outcome of the trial was satisfying, but then more clues kept cropping up, and it seemed like the story would never end as one secret after another came to light and had to be additionally resolved. And then in the end, there was one left hanging! So it was a bit frustrating to feel like the story was winding up, only to have in prolonged with more choppy pacing. I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book more, but had to keep reading to finish it all up. A more succinct wrapping up would have been appreciated.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
November 10, 2015
This was a pretty good historical fiction for the most part. I enjoyed it for the most part. However, there were times that questions were answered and then all of a sudden a new surprise arises and then the quest is on for that answer. Not that that is a bad thing. It was just kind of funny, it was like, "oh by the way".
I really enjoyed the book though. I hadn't really read anything from the time period right after the civil war where this takes place. You have all these beautiful mansions and some are in disrepair and some aren't but a lot of them are missing furniture or other buildings that used to be on the property. It just depends on which houses the soldiers went through. Then you also have the owners and the slaves not really knowing how to treat each other as well. All of that was wonderfully portrayed in this story. Along with the main theme of an actress shooting an actor while on stage in front of an audience.
It was definitely a different era and the author made me feel as though I was living it while I was reading this book. I was time traveling while sitting at my desk. The characters seemed very real to me and I could hear the swishing of their dresses as they came down the staircases.
This was a great story and I enthusiastically recommend the book. I sped through the pages as I had to know the outcome of the jury. I felt as if I were the one on trial.
Thanks Thomas Nelson for providing me a free copy of this book so that I can provide an honest review. What a great afternoon I had reading this book!
I really enjoyed the book though. I hadn't really read anything from the time period right after the civil war where this takes place. You have all these beautiful mansions and some are in disrepair and some aren't but a lot of them are missing furniture or other buildings that used to be on the property. It just depends on which houses the soldiers went through. Then you also have the owners and the slaves not really knowing how to treat each other as well. All of that was wonderfully portrayed in this story. Along with the main theme of an actress shooting an actor while on stage in front of an audience.
It was definitely a different era and the author made me feel as though I was living it while I was reading this book. I was time traveling while sitting at my desk. The characters seemed very real to me and I could hear the swishing of their dresses as they came down the staircases.
This was a great story and I enthusiastically recommend the book. I sped through the pages as I had to know the outcome of the jury. I felt as if I were the one on trial.
Thanks Thomas Nelson for providing me a free copy of this book so that I can provide an honest review. What a great afternoon I had reading this book!
December 28, 2015
I really enjoyed the pacing of A Respectable Actress. It flowed very smoothly as I read it. I also enjoyed the mysterious, deep-south feeling of this book. The author did a very good job at describing the scenery and making me feel that I was really back in early 1870’s Georgia. This time period and the setting of post war St. Simons Island, with its wide variety of residents, added a mysterious quality to the story that enhanced the feeling of restlessness that flowed throughout the book.
The main characters, India and Philip, were very likable. It was hard to watch as India was accused of murder. And I was amazed at the speed with which the trial progressed. This story, with its secretive twists and turns, kept my attention from start to finish. I thought that the author did a very good job of dropping surprises here and there for the reader and creating a plot that was not easily solved because of the many players involved.
Add in a bit of a sweet romance that began to brew in the midst of uncertainty and desperation, and I found A Respectable Actress to be a very enjoyable and mysterious read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on the Suspense Sisters blog:
http://suspensesistersreviews.blogspo...
The main characters, India and Philip, were very likable. It was hard to watch as India was accused of murder. And I was amazed at the speed with which the trial progressed. This story, with its secretive twists and turns, kept my attention from start to finish. I thought that the author did a very good job of dropping surprises here and there for the reader and creating a plot that was not easily solved because of the many players involved.
Add in a bit of a sweet romance that began to brew in the midst of uncertainty and desperation, and I found A Respectable Actress to be a very enjoyable and mysterious read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on the Suspense Sisters blog:
http://suspensesistersreviews.blogspo...
June 14, 2016
This was my first book from Dorothy Love and I was not deceived!
I really wasn't expecting such an intrigue and the suspense really drew me into the book from the very beginning. The author really made sure the plot unfolds in such a way that every time you feel you got it figured out, you find out one more piece of information that keeps you wondering.
I have to say that I haven't read many book that were able to keep the suspense throughout the whole book, but it was the case with A Respectable Actress.
I also love the fact that the author really researched the period. She even partly inspired some of her characters from real historical figures as she says in the Author's Note at the end of the book.
I will surely check out Dorothy's other books! I highly recommend this one!
Thanks to the author who provided me with a complimentary copy of the book.
I really wasn't expecting such an intrigue and the suspense really drew me into the book from the very beginning. The author really made sure the plot unfolds in such a way that every time you feel you got it figured out, you find out one more piece of information that keeps you wondering.
I have to say that I haven't read many book that were able to keep the suspense throughout the whole book, but it was the case with A Respectable Actress.
I also love the fact that the author really researched the period. She even partly inspired some of her characters from real historical figures as she says in the Author's Note at the end of the book.
I will surely check out Dorothy's other books! I highly recommend this one!
Thanks to the author who provided me with a complimentary copy of the book.
January 17, 2016
Actress India Hartley is in heaps of trouble when it appears that she has shot and killed her co-star on stage during a performance. She cries innocence, but will anyone believe her?
I found this book to be mysterious and intriguing. India’s plight to prove her innocence is no easy feat. With such a public case, how can her lawyer possibly prove that the blame does not lie with his client? Philip’s story is more of a secondary role in the novel, but I found myself more interested in what made him tick, and enjoyed discovering his backstory. This wasn’t a favorite for me, but is a good book for fans of mysteries.
*I received this book from Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.*
I found this book to be mysterious and intriguing. India’s plight to prove her innocence is no easy feat. With such a public case, how can her lawyer possibly prove that the blame does not lie with his client? Philip’s story is more of a secondary role in the novel, but I found myself more interested in what made him tick, and enjoyed discovering his backstory. This wasn’t a favorite for me, but is a good book for fans of mysteries.
*I received this book from Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.*
January 20, 2020
While I have enjoyed Love's previous reads this one was my least favorite. I didn't care for India or the story line. I'm still a fan of Dorothy Love though. Romance in a book is not always my favorite and it's all actually in the delivery of it. I prefer a subtle, modest and light approach which doesn't actually consume the plot. India from the very beginning noticed Philip's warm honey eyes, his touch, his nearness, his lush eyelashes without knowing this man; and it came across a little more than I wanted to hear about because for me it was delivered a little cheesy and fake. Just not a fan of this one.
March 16, 2016
Full review up soon.
November 5, 2015
This wonderful Southern/Gothic mystery will intrigue and captivate readers from the very first sentence - "Gunfire exploded to the right of the stage, a burst of sound that temporarily deafened her." And just like that, we're in the middle of the action and stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Almost before we know it, India has been whisked away for her protection to St. Simon's Island by a mysterious and handsome lawyer who says he's been paid to represent her. We aren't with her long at Indigo Point before we realize that this "safe haven" may not be all that safe after all.
With more questions around every corner - questions that pile up on top of the increasing tension surrounding India's upcoming trial - readers will find themselves completely engrossed by this Eyre-esque tale. Just about the time I thought I had it figured out, Dorothy Love threw me another curve by way of a masterful plot twist (or five) and I was back at square one. Not that I'm complaining, mind you :)
The romantic element to the book didn't necessarily "wow" me - it was sweetly done if a little contrived but I was too caught up in the mystery to pay it too much mind. It simply stayed in the background most of the time - neither detracting from nor adding to the plot - and that was fine.
Because the main character is a popular stage actress, readers of Dorothy Love's latest book get a bit of a peek into historic theater practices. I particularly found fascinating the insights into the ingredients of greasepaint pigments and the origin of a term we use so often nowadays - stealing the limelight. Do you know why that phrase began to be used? Or what "limelight" even is? I didn't - but I do now :)
Thomas Nelson Publishers have traditionally published Christian fiction, but I would classify A Respectable Actress more as "clean" than "Christian". That needn't be a mark against Thomas Nelson or A Respectable Actress. Not everything has to have a blatant spiritual element to it - sometimes, it's enough to know you are reading a well-written & riveting story without having to dodge frequent outbursts of profanity or hide your eyes from scantily clad shenanigans.
Bottom Line: A Respectable Actress is a respectable gothic mystery set in antebellum Savannah and the outlying islands. Dorothy Love has captured with exquisite tension the plight of one young woman whose world is upended with a single script change. From the stage - where nothing is as it seems - to a remote island - where no one is as they seem - readers will be caught up in the suspense and intrigue. Recommended for fans of Jane Eyre, Tamera Alexander, and Jane Nickerson.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
With more questions around every corner - questions that pile up on top of the increasing tension surrounding India's upcoming trial - readers will find themselves completely engrossed by this Eyre-esque tale. Just about the time I thought I had it figured out, Dorothy Love threw me another curve by way of a masterful plot twist (or five) and I was back at square one. Not that I'm complaining, mind you :)
The romantic element to the book didn't necessarily "wow" me - it was sweetly done if a little contrived but I was too caught up in the mystery to pay it too much mind. It simply stayed in the background most of the time - neither detracting from nor adding to the plot - and that was fine.
Because the main character is a popular stage actress, readers of Dorothy Love's latest book get a bit of a peek into historic theater practices. I particularly found fascinating the insights into the ingredients of greasepaint pigments and the origin of a term we use so often nowadays - stealing the limelight. Do you know why that phrase began to be used? Or what "limelight" even is? I didn't - but I do now :)
Thomas Nelson Publishers have traditionally published Christian fiction, but I would classify A Respectable Actress more as "clean" than "Christian". That needn't be a mark against Thomas Nelson or A Respectable Actress. Not everything has to have a blatant spiritual element to it - sometimes, it's enough to know you are reading a well-written & riveting story without having to dodge frequent outbursts of profanity or hide your eyes from scantily clad shenanigans.
Bottom Line: A Respectable Actress is a respectable gothic mystery set in antebellum Savannah and the outlying islands. Dorothy Love has captured with exquisite tension the plight of one young woman whose world is upended with a single script change. From the stage - where nothing is as it seems - to a remote island - where no one is as they seem - readers will be caught up in the suspense and intrigue. Recommended for fans of Jane Eyre, Tamera Alexander, and Jane Nickerson.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
November 24, 2015
I'm not going to lie to you - I'm not a fan of historical reading. When I first received this book, I wasn't really sure how much I was expecting to enjoy it. First, I had never read anything by Dorothy Love before and the title really made me unsure what the book might be about; and second, it looked like one of those "period pieces". I'm very happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised.
This novel is set in 1870 Georgia. Accused of the shooting death of her leading man on the stage of Savannah’s Southern Palace theater, famed actress India Hartley is sequestered at Indigo Point, the St Simons Island home of her defense attorney Philip Sinclair. For me this book was a "quick read" as I sped through the pages getting to the outcome of the jury.
A Respectable Actress is a well written book and does take care of wrapping up all the loose ends. For mystery and suspense fans, this book is highly recommended. There were some plot twists to the murder and mystery as well, and it was enough to keep me guessing. I will admit that like others, I was a bit surprised to find that this book was published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing company, but I didn't find a "faith message". Further, the main character of the story really doesn't have faith in God, and the only time church is brought up is when it is used as an opportunity for India to discuss possible business. I believe some Christian themes such as hope and faith should have been added, especially given the fact that themes like murder and suicide are contained within the story.
This book was definitely a worthwhile read, and from what I understand, several characters from Ms. Love’s other book, The Bracelet, are included in this novel so that fans of The Bracelet will find this continued story of Celia Browning Mackay interesting.
I received this book without cost as part of the Fiction Guild Team Challenge in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This novel is set in 1870 Georgia. Accused of the shooting death of her leading man on the stage of Savannah’s Southern Palace theater, famed actress India Hartley is sequestered at Indigo Point, the St Simons Island home of her defense attorney Philip Sinclair. For me this book was a "quick read" as I sped through the pages getting to the outcome of the jury.
A Respectable Actress is a well written book and does take care of wrapping up all the loose ends. For mystery and suspense fans, this book is highly recommended. There were some plot twists to the murder and mystery as well, and it was enough to keep me guessing. I will admit that like others, I was a bit surprised to find that this book was published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing company, but I didn't find a "faith message". Further, the main character of the story really doesn't have faith in God, and the only time church is brought up is when it is used as an opportunity for India to discuss possible business. I believe some Christian themes such as hope and faith should have been added, especially given the fact that themes like murder and suicide are contained within the story.
This book was definitely a worthwhile read, and from what I understand, several characters from Ms. Love’s other book, The Bracelet, are included in this novel so that fans of The Bracelet will find this continued story of Celia Browning Mackay interesting.
I received this book without cost as part of the Fiction Guild Team Challenge in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2015
India Hartley has spent most of her life on stage, being raised by her father, he taught her all aspects of thespian living.
Now she is all alone after her father’s death, and continues to do what she knows, by being an actress. What she doesn’t know that her life is about to change forever, this job in Savannah, Georgia may well be her last. Her life is changed by an alternation in the script, that she doesn’t approve of, but has no choice but to preform.
The results are the death of one of the performers, and now she is charged with murder, and with no extra funds, what is going to happen to her? The gallows? Enter a lover of the arts, and her hometown of Savannah in the form of Mrs. Mackay who brings a very successful lawyer to help her in the form of Philip Sinclair.
Philip ends up being more than her lawyer, but also her protector, and brings her to his planation on Indigo Point. Her she meets his sister and housekeeper, and many of the Island inhabitants, but not all are as they appear, and there are a lot of secrets that are waiting to be found out.
While we travel around this are of Georgia, we find that it is still trying to heal from the after affects of the War, and we get glimpses of what life was like during this period. You will be drawn here and feel you are walking in India’s shoes, and where they lead you may not want to go, but are forced to open each of the doors.
Will India end up dying for a crime she was innocently forced to do, or will Philip be able to work his magic and free her. Open the pages of this book and the Author will draw you right in, when it is ended, I wanted more. Enjoy!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Now she is all alone after her father’s death, and continues to do what she knows, by being an actress. What she doesn’t know that her life is about to change forever, this job in Savannah, Georgia may well be her last. Her life is changed by an alternation in the script, that she doesn’t approve of, but has no choice but to preform.
The results are the death of one of the performers, and now she is charged with murder, and with no extra funds, what is going to happen to her? The gallows? Enter a lover of the arts, and her hometown of Savannah in the form of Mrs. Mackay who brings a very successful lawyer to help her in the form of Philip Sinclair.
Philip ends up being more than her lawyer, but also her protector, and brings her to his planation on Indigo Point. Her she meets his sister and housekeeper, and many of the Island inhabitants, but not all are as they appear, and there are a lot of secrets that are waiting to be found out.
While we travel around this are of Georgia, we find that it is still trying to heal from the after affects of the War, and we get glimpses of what life was like during this period. You will be drawn here and feel you are walking in India’s shoes, and where they lead you may not want to go, but are forced to open each of the doors.
Will India end up dying for a crime she was innocently forced to do, or will Philip be able to work his magic and free her. Open the pages of this book and the Author will draw you right in, when it is ended, I wanted more. Enjoy!
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 27, 2015
"Respectable" hardly describes the lovely India Hartley as she faces her accusers; the nationally acclaimed young actress has just experienced the horrible misfortune of a delivering a fatal wound upon a beloved local thespian, Arthur Sterling, during a crowded stage performance at Savannah's Southern Palace. Whisked away by law enforcement, she finds her very life in the hands of a talented young lawyer, Philip Sinclair, who has been hired by a kind and gracious theater patron, who staunchly believes in India's innocence.
Fortunately, Philip convinces the judge to release India into his custody while she awaits trial, and they travel to Philip's fledging post-war estate on St. Simon's Island. While residing there, India realizes that her circumstances are strangely and inextricably entangled with painful Sinclair secrets, the truth of which may save her life, but will most certainly prove devastating to Philip, a man who has shown her kindness, friendship, and possibly love, beyond measure.
Dorothy Love has written a fascinating fictional story to the tune of well researched historical personalities and the result is an intriguing book with numerous and surprising changes of pace and plot; making "A Respectable Actress" quite enjoyable to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fortunately, Philip convinces the judge to release India into his custody while she awaits trial, and they travel to Philip's fledging post-war estate on St. Simon's Island. While residing there, India realizes that her circumstances are strangely and inextricably entangled with painful Sinclair secrets, the truth of which may save her life, but will most certainly prove devastating to Philip, a man who has shown her kindness, friendship, and possibly love, beyond measure.
Dorothy Love has written a fascinating fictional story to the tune of well researched historical personalities and the result is an intriguing book with numerous and surprising changes of pace and plot; making "A Respectable Actress" quite enjoyable to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 29, 2015
Sheer brilliance! I love the mix of historical romance and suspense and Dorothy Love has done a superb job of blending the two. The plot twists have plot twists and the surprises don't stop until the very end. A breathtaking tale of intrigue -- both past and present -- kept me riveted the whole read through. There are even some Gothic elements to this story. Definitely an abundance of delight for suspense lovers.
Fascinating historical details make the read all the richer -- many of them inspired by real life incidents. The author has definitely done her homework and brings history to life in a captivating way. I especially enjoyed the insights into the early days of theatre life. And for fans of courtroom dramas, A Respectable Actress has some compelling courtroom scenes.
I have to admit to being surprised to find the absence of any kind of faith thread since this book was published by Thomas Nelson. One of the reasons I read Christian Fiction is for the uplifting inspirational threads expertly woven into the stories. I find I am continuously being disappointed by this publisher in this regard. That being said, I do feel that A Respectable Actress is a captivating read though I wouldn't classify it Christian Fiction.
My thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and the publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book.
Fascinating historical details make the read all the richer -- many of them inspired by real life incidents. The author has definitely done her homework and brings history to life in a captivating way. I especially enjoyed the insights into the early days of theatre life. And for fans of courtroom dramas, A Respectable Actress has some compelling courtroom scenes.
I have to admit to being surprised to find the absence of any kind of faith thread since this book was published by Thomas Nelson. One of the reasons I read Christian Fiction is for the uplifting inspirational threads expertly woven into the stories. I find I am continuously being disappointed by this publisher in this regard. That being said, I do feel that A Respectable Actress is a captivating read though I wouldn't classify it Christian Fiction.
My thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and the publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book.
March 29, 2016
This was my first time reading a book by Dorothy Love. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the synopsis intrigued me. I mean, a protagonist who's a popular actress in the 1870s? Not your usual type of heroine! Especially in Christian Fiction. So I opened to page one and started in, only to get sucked into a murder mystery unlike any I'd read before.
Miss India Hartley is quite the lady. Accused of a crime she didn't commit, she struggles with the desire to defend herself, yet is limited by the laws of the time. Someone generously pays for a lawyer for her defense and voila, Philip and India meet and proceed to have quite the adventure trying to suss out the true criminal! I liked Philip and enjoyed watching he and India open up to one another. Their slow-building romance was very sweet.
The mystery was well written and as each clue was uncovered, I kept wondering where the next one would take us. Kudos to Ms. Love for keeping me turning pages! Overall, this is an intriguing story. While I didn't absolutely love it, I still enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and watching all the clues come together. I closed the book happy to have read it! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Miss India Hartley is quite the lady. Accused of a crime she didn't commit, she struggles with the desire to defend herself, yet is limited by the laws of the time. Someone generously pays for a lawyer for her defense and voila, Philip and India meet and proceed to have quite the adventure trying to suss out the true criminal! I liked Philip and enjoyed watching he and India open up to one another. Their slow-building romance was very sweet.
The mystery was well written and as each clue was uncovered, I kept wondering where the next one would take us. Kudos to Ms. Love for keeping me turning pages! Overall, this is an intriguing story. While I didn't absolutely love it, I still enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and watching all the clues come together. I closed the book happy to have read it! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 21, 2015
This book was interesting but got boring pretty quickly. When I was close to finishing it I just wanted it to be over. While I was reading it, it seemed like India would be thinking about something and then suddenly jump to somewhere else and thinking about something else without anything separating the two. Once India found some things out, I figured most of it out pretty quickly so there wasn't much that surprised me. The things that I didn't see coming weren't shocking. The romance didn't feel real to me. Overall it was a ok historical fiction book.
I received a free book from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Fiction Guild in return for a honest review.
I received a free book from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Fiction Guild in return for a honest review.
July 3, 2015
A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love begins with a bang (almost literally), and the story holds a reader's interest right through to the final curtain call. Grab your favorite beverage, sit in your favorite chair, and be prepared to fall in love.
— Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author of Whenever You Come Around and Keeper of the Stars
— Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author of Whenever You Come Around and Keeper of the Stars
October 23, 2015
About the Book:
When the illustrious India Hartley is accused of murder, she has to uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.
My Review:
India Hartley is a beautiful and famous actress. Her life seemed to be a continuous road full of show after show. But when a performance goes terribly wrong, she finds herself thrown in a whirlwind of a trial. Automatically she is accused of being guilty of murdering her co-star, but luckily handsome lawyer Philip Sinclair stands up for India and agrees she needs a fair trail. With the judges approval, Philip brings India along with him to his plantation on St. Simons Island, where he plans to keep her from the public and find out the truth behind it all.
As Philip and India work closely together to find out the truth of it all, India finds herself falling for Philip. But when she uncovers something no ones about in his home, knives will be out. As India believes she has uncovered a secret that will save them all, will she be able to get Philip to believe her? Or she doomed to be hung?
A Respectable Actress is a wonderful novel about mystery, love and deception. With an epic beginning, you will be glued to the pages all the way to the equally epic conclusion. This author is one of my favorite authors and compared to her other books this book was an equally wonderful read. This book was a real page-turner. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse.
When the illustrious India Hartley is accused of murder, she has to uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, the famous and beautiful actress, is now alone in the world after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia low country and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.
My Review:
India Hartley is a beautiful and famous actress. Her life seemed to be a continuous road full of show after show. But when a performance goes terribly wrong, she finds herself thrown in a whirlwind of a trial. Automatically she is accused of being guilty of murdering her co-star, but luckily handsome lawyer Philip Sinclair stands up for India and agrees she needs a fair trail. With the judges approval, Philip brings India along with him to his plantation on St. Simons Island, where he plans to keep her from the public and find out the truth behind it all.
As Philip and India work closely together to find out the truth of it all, India finds herself falling for Philip. But when she uncovers something no ones about in his home, knives will be out. As India believes she has uncovered a secret that will save them all, will she be able to get Philip to believe her? Or she doomed to be hung?
A Respectable Actress is a wonderful novel about mystery, love and deception. With an epic beginning, you will be glued to the pages all the way to the equally epic conclusion. This author is one of my favorite authors and compared to her other books this book was an equally wonderful read. This book was a real page-turner. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse.
November 1, 2015
India Hartley is a well-known actress who is visiting Savannah, Georgia, and working at the Southern Palace Theater. When a change is made in the script that leads to India being arrested for murder, she has no one to turn to. That is until Celia Mackay hires Phillip Sinclair to defend India. Phillip does his best to prove India's innocence but does anyone really believe the actress is innocent or do they believe her guilty because she's an outsider?
This book was superbly written. The characters were authentic and well-rounded. The pace of the book is steady and kept me interested from page one until the end. And as always, Dorothy Love has done her research, bringing Savannah, Georgia to live with rich detail. I could almost feel the soggy ground under my feet as I read this book.
I immediately liked India Hartley. She was a strong woman although she had her moments of weakness. Phillip was wonderful as the leading man/hero of the story. He is the hero one swoons over. Even though there is an attraction between the two, the romance aspect of the book develops gently and is well written into the story.
There are a lot of plot twists and turns in this story. Just when I thought I had everything figured out something else would happen that would completely throw me off guard. I love this as it made the book so entertaining and quick to read. I just couldn't stop myself from reading one more chapter as I had to know what was going to happen to these characters.
I love the author's descriptions in the book. She knows how to write descriptive paragraphs without them being long and drawn out. The words she chooses packs a punch and transports the reader to the time and place they are reading about. While reading the book I could feel the foggy mist just as well as I had a sense of foreboding when something was about to happen. Dorothy Love knows how to hook a reader and keep them interested with her word choices.
This book has something for everyone. It has history, romance, betrayal, courtroom drama, and secrets. This is a well-written book that I highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and the Fiction Guild in exchange for an honest review.
This book was superbly written. The characters were authentic and well-rounded. The pace of the book is steady and kept me interested from page one until the end. And as always, Dorothy Love has done her research, bringing Savannah, Georgia to live with rich detail. I could almost feel the soggy ground under my feet as I read this book.
I immediately liked India Hartley. She was a strong woman although she had her moments of weakness. Phillip was wonderful as the leading man/hero of the story. He is the hero one swoons over. Even though there is an attraction between the two, the romance aspect of the book develops gently and is well written into the story.
There are a lot of plot twists and turns in this story. Just when I thought I had everything figured out something else would happen that would completely throw me off guard. I love this as it made the book so entertaining and quick to read. I just couldn't stop myself from reading one more chapter as I had to know what was going to happen to these characters.
I love the author's descriptions in the book. She knows how to write descriptive paragraphs without them being long and drawn out. The words she chooses packs a punch and transports the reader to the time and place they are reading about. While reading the book I could feel the foggy mist just as well as I had a sense of foreboding when something was about to happen. Dorothy Love knows how to hook a reader and keep them interested with her word choices.
This book has something for everyone. It has history, romance, betrayal, courtroom drama, and secrets. This is a well-written book that I highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and the Fiction Guild in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2016
I was going to use my notes to write on how I felt about this book but I don't think that I will need them.
I gave this book 5 stars because the author Dorothy Love has kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next!
I love a good book that has action packed and this book definitely has all that.
I admired India from the start. She has a lot of confidence (something I lack) and curiousity (something I have a lot of) lol! Curiousity kills a cat they say. In India's case it almost came true.
When attorney Philip Sinclair brings India to Indigo Point to stay while her name is being cleared.
When they arrived at the house his house keeper Mrs. Catchpool gives India the once over deciding right away that she didn't like her because she is a theater person.
I can relate to having stage experience but in a totally different way. (I was in the orchestra pit providing the background music while the actors were on the stage) But oh my, how I love it!!!
In my opinion,it isn't fair to judge others before you get to know them and that is exactly what Mrs. Catchpool did. Mrs. Catchpool is an eccentric woman. I often wondered throughout the story why she is the way she was.
I didn't care for her at all. I thought she was evil especially in the way. she treated India.
Later as the book progresses we find out why.
Phillip is the one I feel sorry for. The harder he tried to do something the harder everything seemed to hit him head on. Especially when India discovers the real killer.
After India discovers the real killer I felt that Phillip ran away and tried to hide as if he were embarrassed because it happened to him and not someone else.
Especially after his sister Amelia wants to leave Indigo Point. The man she likes I'm sure that Phillip didn't approve of.
I'm happy for Phillip and India,especially India who finally gets to follow her dream come true.
Phillip finally gets the girl he wants and his sister Amelia gets the man she wants, so what a wonderful happy ending!
Dorothy, I hope you'll keep writing more book to come!
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Dorothy Love
I gave this book 5 stars because the author Dorothy Love has kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next!
I love a good book that has action packed and this book definitely has all that.
I admired India from the start. She has a lot of confidence (something I lack) and curiousity (something I have a lot of) lol! Curiousity kills a cat they say. In India's case it almost came true.
When attorney Philip Sinclair brings India to Indigo Point to stay while her name is being cleared.
When they arrived at the house his house keeper Mrs. Catchpool gives India the once over deciding right away that she didn't like her because she is a theater person.
I can relate to having stage experience but in a totally different way. (I was in the orchestra pit providing the background music while the actors were on the stage) But oh my, how I love it!!!
In my opinion,it isn't fair to judge others before you get to know them and that is exactly what Mrs. Catchpool did. Mrs. Catchpool is an eccentric woman. I often wondered throughout the story why she is the way she was.
I didn't care for her at all. I thought she was evil especially in the way. she treated India.
Later as the book progresses we find out why.
Phillip is the one I feel sorry for. The harder he tried to do something the harder everything seemed to hit him head on. Especially when India discovers the real killer.
After India discovers the real killer I felt that Phillip ran away and tried to hide as if he were embarrassed because it happened to him and not someone else.
Especially after his sister Amelia wants to leave Indigo Point. The man she likes I'm sure that Phillip didn't approve of.
I'm happy for Phillip and India,especially India who finally gets to follow her dream come true.
Phillip finally gets the girl he wants and his sister Amelia gets the man she wants, so what a wonderful happy ending!
Dorothy, I hope you'll keep writing more book to come!
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Dorothy Love
November 4, 2015
A RESPECTABLE ACTRESS was so much more than I was expecting. The feel of the characters, setting, and writing immersed me in post Civil War Georgia. The dialogue was accurate and even humorous at spots. The descriptions of the run-down and destroyed buildings as well as the unfortunate circumstances of the people brought the story to life. In the middle of this all was the story of India, an actress framed for murder, and Philip, an attorney who defends her. Add some suspense and a little romance and you have a fabulous story!
India was such a great character. She was humble, but confident, lonely, beautiful, posed, and so sweet. I love how she was so grateful for everything and willing to help where she could. Philip was also a great character and love interest for India. He had some things to work through and some twists that deeply affected him, but through it all he was steady and India's support. There were also other interesting characters that added so much to the plot, such as Philip's sister, the housekeeper, some of the other servants, India's benefactor who pays for Philip to represent her, and some others. Each character felt unique and drawn well.
The plot felt mysterious from the beginning. There is quite a bit that happens at first and then the story settles down for a piece while India's case is prepared. It then picks up in a big way about two-thirds of the way through and keeps some intensity, be it suspense-wise or romance-wise, to the end. I enjoyed the pace and felt so invested in this story. I also liked that the romance was slow to build and felt right for the circumstances. The story was great from beginning to end!
I'd recommend A RESPECTABLE ACTRESS to those who enjoy historical romance, historical suspense, or a combination of the two. This was my first book that I've read from this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
Content: Some violence, but otherwise clean.
Source: I would like to thank Thomas Nelson, through Litfuse, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
India was such a great character. She was humble, but confident, lonely, beautiful, posed, and so sweet. I love how she was so grateful for everything and willing to help where she could. Philip was also a great character and love interest for India. He had some things to work through and some twists that deeply affected him, but through it all he was steady and India's support. There were also other interesting characters that added so much to the plot, such as Philip's sister, the housekeeper, some of the other servants, India's benefactor who pays for Philip to represent her, and some others. Each character felt unique and drawn well.
The plot felt mysterious from the beginning. There is quite a bit that happens at first and then the story settles down for a piece while India's case is prepared. It then picks up in a big way about two-thirds of the way through and keeps some intensity, be it suspense-wise or romance-wise, to the end. I enjoyed the pace and felt so invested in this story. I also liked that the romance was slow to build and felt right for the circumstances. The story was great from beginning to end!
I'd recommend A RESPECTABLE ACTRESS to those who enjoy historical romance, historical suspense, or a combination of the two. This was my first book that I've read from this author, but it definitely won't be my last.
Content: Some violence, but otherwise clean.
Source: I would like to thank Thomas Nelson, through Litfuse, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
October 23, 2015
A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love has something for everyone. It is a historical thriller with a gentle love story building in the background.
India Hartley is an actress in America in the middle of the nineteenth century. At this time, acting is not seen as a respectable career. A tragic event on stage sees India, at the start of the novel, suspected of murder. Now she has a reason to be twice shunned by society. Philip Sinclair offers his services to India, as her lawyer. It is up to him to prove her innocence before the hangman's noose beckons.
A Respectable Actress is an amazing thriller full of plot twists and turns. I certainly could not guess the outcome, which made the action all the more thrilling. It was very intricate and held my attention from the start.
A Respectable Actress is also interesting as a social comment on the times. Following the American Civil War, slaves had been set free. Here in the novel, the reader sees what jobs the ex-slaves now have, and attitudes towards them.
India is very much a modern woman in ancient times. Her father having recently died, means that India must fend for herself, in a world where independent women were frowned upon.
India believes in personal achievement and dreams. She has her own, and she encourages the young girls to dream too, believing that nothing is beyond your grasp. One just needs to go for it.
Dorothy Love in the novel shows the importance of having encouragers in one's life. When doubts creep in, everyone needs someone to be standing by them, believing in them.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Respectable Actress, it had me hooked until the very last page. This is the first novel I have read by Dorothy Love but I shall be seeking out more.
India Hartley is an actress in America in the middle of the nineteenth century. At this time, acting is not seen as a respectable career. A tragic event on stage sees India, at the start of the novel, suspected of murder. Now she has a reason to be twice shunned by society. Philip Sinclair offers his services to India, as her lawyer. It is up to him to prove her innocence before the hangman's noose beckons.
A Respectable Actress is an amazing thriller full of plot twists and turns. I certainly could not guess the outcome, which made the action all the more thrilling. It was very intricate and held my attention from the start.
A Respectable Actress is also interesting as a social comment on the times. Following the American Civil War, slaves had been set free. Here in the novel, the reader sees what jobs the ex-slaves now have, and attitudes towards them.
India is very much a modern woman in ancient times. Her father having recently died, means that India must fend for herself, in a world where independent women were frowned upon.
India believes in personal achievement and dreams. She has her own, and she encourages the young girls to dream too, believing that nothing is beyond your grasp. One just needs to go for it.
Dorothy Love in the novel shows the importance of having encouragers in one's life. When doubts creep in, everyone needs someone to be standing by them, believing in them.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Respectable Actress, it had me hooked until the very last page. This is the first novel I have read by Dorothy Love but I shall be seeking out more.
November 3, 2015
In 1870 acting was not considered a proper form of employment for women, but India Hartley was raised in the theatre by her father. Famous but now alone after her father's death, India's tour of the southern states is cut short when the leading man in her play dies on stage - and India is arrested for his murder!
A kind patron pays for handsome attorney Philip Sinclair to take on India's case, and Philip is kind enough to take India out of the spotlight in Savannah and to his family's home on St. Simons Island. India is thankful for every breath of free air, but is met with suspicion and condescension everywhere she goes. She soon discovers that Philip's home is not without secrets and mysteries of its own - and somehow they may connect back to her own impending trial!
This book caught my attention because a 19th century murder investigation sounded like interesting reading material. Sure enough, everything is much different than what you would see today. I felt like the book was very historically accurate and highlighted issues that Georgia faced in the Reconstruction Era. Even though the story was centered around a mystery and had moments of suspenseful tension, the plot seemed more character-driven or even pastoral. I'm not a huge fan of suspense so it was a nice balance for me, making this quite an enjoyable read.
I received my copy of the book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
A kind patron pays for handsome attorney Philip Sinclair to take on India's case, and Philip is kind enough to take India out of the spotlight in Savannah and to his family's home on St. Simons Island. India is thankful for every breath of free air, but is met with suspicion and condescension everywhere she goes. She soon discovers that Philip's home is not without secrets and mysteries of its own - and somehow they may connect back to her own impending trial!
This book caught my attention because a 19th century murder investigation sounded like interesting reading material. Sure enough, everything is much different than what you would see today. I felt like the book was very historically accurate and highlighted issues that Georgia faced in the Reconstruction Era. Even though the story was centered around a mystery and had moments of suspenseful tension, the plot seemed more character-driven or even pastoral. I'm not a huge fan of suspense so it was a nice balance for me, making this quite an enjoyable read.
I received my copy of the book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
January 2, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Dorothy Love and I have to say that I am now a fan. This story was full of twists and turns that kept the story running at a fairly good pace for me. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the characters and I was impressed at the details that were provided, they were well laid out and exact.
As a fan of historical fiction I am always on the lookout for precise information about the era and the location that is being spoken of. I believe that this story held as much fact as it did fiction, and I approve! The location, Indigo Point, sounds absolutely lovely as well as full of shadowy mystery; a wonderful backdrop for a historical tale.
I enjoyed India Hartley so very much. She was a tough cookie from the get-go and I think that she was superbly written. Her stength throughout the story was a nice change from the wimpy girls from other tales. She had her moments of weakness (and injury) but nonetheless, her strength of character was refreshing for me. When her weaknesses were shown, they were also placed along side the fact that God is the one we should lean on, not our own strengths. Well done!
A story that make you curious as to the outcome, therefore making it very difficult to put down. An exciting read, one that is more than just adventure, it is intelligent and intriguing as well.
Dorothy Love has a new fan and I cannot wait to read more from her!
* I received this book for free from TNZ Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was given. *
As a fan of historical fiction I am always on the lookout for precise information about the era and the location that is being spoken of. I believe that this story held as much fact as it did fiction, and I approve! The location, Indigo Point, sounds absolutely lovely as well as full of shadowy mystery; a wonderful backdrop for a historical tale.
I enjoyed India Hartley so very much. She was a tough cookie from the get-go and I think that she was superbly written. Her stength throughout the story was a nice change from the wimpy girls from other tales. She had her moments of weakness (and injury) but nonetheless, her strength of character was refreshing for me. When her weaknesses were shown, they were also placed along side the fact that God is the one we should lean on, not our own strengths. Well done!
A story that make you curious as to the outcome, therefore making it very difficult to put down. An exciting read, one that is more than just adventure, it is intelligent and intriguing as well.
Dorothy Love has a new fan and I cannot wait to read more from her!
* I received this book for free from TNZ Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was given. *
November 6, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Once again, Dorothy Love crafts a vivid and intriguing historical novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A Respectable Actress follows India Hartley, adrift in the wake of her father’s death and falsely accused of murder. With consistent suspense and a delightful touch of romance, India’s story unfolds against the historic backdrop of cultured Savannah and the struggling, secret-laden Indigo Point, and with the help of Philip Sinclair, she slowly determines how to overcome the obstacles set before her and find her place in society. An entirely fascinating novel with a steady pace and a variety of characters, A Respectable Actress offers fans of historical fiction a great read. I would certainly recommend it to interested readers.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of A Respectable Actress and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Once again, Dorothy Love crafts a vivid and intriguing historical novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A Respectable Actress follows India Hartley, adrift in the wake of her father’s death and falsely accused of murder. With consistent suspense and a delightful touch of romance, India’s story unfolds against the historic backdrop of cultured Savannah and the struggling, secret-laden Indigo Point, and with the help of Philip Sinclair, she slowly determines how to overcome the obstacles set before her and find her place in society. An entirely fascinating novel with a steady pace and a variety of characters, A Respectable Actress offers fans of historical fiction a great read. I would certainly recommend it to interested readers.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of A Respectable Actress and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 7, 2015
An explosion takes place while India is on stage, the leading man dies and all eyes are on her. Thankfully her lawyer removes her from the spotlight while his investigation and defense plan takes place. I found this to be an intriguing mystery and thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn in the book. Enjoyed reading how a murder investigation was done back in th the 19th century, found it very interesting. This was just a great book!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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