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Cotillion Ball Saga #3
Banking on Temperance
When beautiful Temperance Jones and her mother enter Basil Fitzpatrick’s St. Louis bank, the handsome ladies’ man believes he’ll only be conducting a monetary transaction for the down-on-their-luck Jones family. But Fate intervenes, and that first meeting becomes so much more to both Temperance and Basil.
Dying of consumption, Preacher Jones extracts a promise from his daughter Temperance that she will do whatever it takes to get the rest of the large family to Oregon. With the threat of civil war looming, he wants to see his sons safely away from conflict.
With Basil’s help, the Jones family begins to put down roots, and the faraway dream of traveling on to Oregon loses its luster for everyone but Temperance. She knows she must go on, no matter what—if not for her promise to her father, then to protect her own heart from Basil—for she has loved him since the moment they met.
Is Basil ready for a permanent commitment? To love Temperance would mean taking on the burden of providing for her mother and siblings, as well—a tall order for a man who, up to now, has only looked out for himself. Drawn to the tiny spitfire like a magnet, Basil must decide if he’ll let Temperance travel the Oregon Trail with another man, or will he gladly spend the rest of his life BANKING ON TEMPERANCE?
Dying of consumption, Preacher Jones extracts a promise from his daughter Temperance that she will do whatever it takes to get the rest of the large family to Oregon. With the threat of civil war looming, he wants to see his sons safely away from conflict.
With Basil’s help, the Jones family begins to put down roots, and the faraway dream of traveling on to Oregon loses its luster for everyone but Temperance. She knows she must go on, no matter what—if not for her promise to her father, then to protect her own heart from Basil—for she has loved him since the moment they met.
Is Basil ready for a permanent commitment? To love Temperance would mean taking on the burden of providing for her mother and siblings, as well—a tall order for a man who, up to now, has only looked out for himself. Drawn to the tiny spitfire like a magnet, Basil must decide if he’ll let Temperance travel the Oregon Trail with another man, or will he gladly spend the rest of his life BANKING ON TEMPERANCE?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2013
11 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Becky Lower
43 books195 followersAmazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the United States in search of great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it in America on a covered wagon headed west or in Regency England. Her Cotillion Ball Series features the nine children from an upscale New York family prior to and during the Civil War. Her first Regency, A Regency Yuletide, received the Crowned Heart and has been nominated for the prestigious RONE award from InD’Tale Magazine.
A regular contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After section, her books have been featured in the column on ten separate occasions. Becky loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com and sign up for advance notice of her new releases on: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky...
A regular contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After section, her books have been featured in the column on ten separate occasions. Becky loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com and sign up for advance notice of her new releases on: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 6, 2013
Not surprisingly, Becky Lower has done it again! Banking on Temperance, her third book in the Cotillion Ball Series, is everything her fans have come to expect from this talented author. Basil Fitzpatrick and Temperance Jones have instant chemistry when they meet in St. Louis, but he’s a ladies man not ready to settle down and she’s a good girl determined to carry out her father’s final wishes to see her large family out to Oregon. Ms. Lower is a master at creating fully-rounded characters surrounded by conflict, and in this case has created two stubborn individuals whom you cannot help but root for because they are so perfect together. Banking on Temperance also treats its readers to the reappearance of some of our favorite characters from her first novel, The Reluctant Debutante (Joseph fans, rejoice!). And I would be remiss if I did not mention this author’s talent for capturing the essence of 1850s America. The picture Ms. Lower paints shows a real passion and knowledge of her setting that will carry her readers away to a distant time and place. It’s been a while since I was this excited to read a new novel. If you are a fan of American historicals, Banking on Temperance should be next on your list!
April 22, 2013
Banking on Temperance
Becky Lower’s third book in her cotillion series does not disappoint. As a matter a fact, it is my favorite one so far! This installment actually takes place at the ‘gateway to the west’ where Basil Fitzpatrick runs his family’s St. Louis branch bank. Even though Basil is a respected businessman and leader in the growing city, the last thing he has in mind is marriage and further responsibility. But fate had something else in store for him.
Basil is standing outside his bank when a bedraggled wagon pulls to a stop. The wagon contains the Jones family whose plans to head west on a wagon train are derailed when the family’s patriarch becomes deathly ill. When the father collapses in Basil’s bank, he takes it upon himself to find the family a place to stay since they have missed the last wagon train for the season.
The oldest daughter, Temperance, carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. It is up to her to support their large family by working.
Basil is taken with Temperance immediately, even though he refuses to acknowledge it. Instead, he offers her a job cleaning the bank several nights a week and helps her obtain another job at a tavern. Basil and Temperance become friends which is new to him, since he has only had ‘relationships’ with actresses and dance hall girls. But he falls in love with Temperance.
How can you not fall in love with a stubborn, fiery character ironically named Temperance? When her proud chin jutted up for the first time, she won me over. But her stubbornness causes problems between her and Basil. She promises her father that her family will make it to Oregon. When he dies, she cannot let go of the deathbed declaration even when the rest of her family tell her they do not want to leave St. Louis.
Just when Basil is realizing that he wants to take care of her, a wagon master by the name of Jake Shelton enters the picture. Temperance sees Jake as her only chance to fulfill her promise to her father and Basil steps aside convincing himself that he does not want Temperance and the added responsibility of her family in his life.
It takes a raging river and the realization that Temperance will leave Basil forever that finally brings these two stubborn people together – and it is a great ride getting there!
Becky Lower’s third book in her cotillion series does not disappoint. As a matter a fact, it is my favorite one so far! This installment actually takes place at the ‘gateway to the west’ where Basil Fitzpatrick runs his family’s St. Louis branch bank. Even though Basil is a respected businessman and leader in the growing city, the last thing he has in mind is marriage and further responsibility. But fate had something else in store for him.
Basil is standing outside his bank when a bedraggled wagon pulls to a stop. The wagon contains the Jones family whose plans to head west on a wagon train are derailed when the family’s patriarch becomes deathly ill. When the father collapses in Basil’s bank, he takes it upon himself to find the family a place to stay since they have missed the last wagon train for the season.
The oldest daughter, Temperance, carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. It is up to her to support their large family by working.
Basil is taken with Temperance immediately, even though he refuses to acknowledge it. Instead, he offers her a job cleaning the bank several nights a week and helps her obtain another job at a tavern. Basil and Temperance become friends which is new to him, since he has only had ‘relationships’ with actresses and dance hall girls. But he falls in love with Temperance.
How can you not fall in love with a stubborn, fiery character ironically named Temperance? When her proud chin jutted up for the first time, she won me over. But her stubbornness causes problems between her and Basil. She promises her father that her family will make it to Oregon. When he dies, she cannot let go of the deathbed declaration even when the rest of her family tell her they do not want to leave St. Louis.
Just when Basil is realizing that he wants to take care of her, a wagon master by the name of Jake Shelton enters the picture. Temperance sees Jake as her only chance to fulfill her promise to her father and Basil steps aside convincing himself that he does not want Temperance and the added responsibility of her family in his life.
It takes a raging river and the realization that Temperance will leave Basil forever that finally brings these two stubborn people together – and it is a great ride getting there!
April 1, 2013
Author Becky Lower hits her stride in the pages of “Banking on Temperance,” the third installment of her wonderful Cotillion Ball series. Ms. Lower whets our appetite on page one when she gives us Basil Fitzpatrick, the brother and playboy of the Fitzpatrick household whom we met in Ms. Lower’s first and second books, “The Reluctant Debutante” and “The Abolitionist’s Secret.” At last, we will get to know this scoundrel better.
The year is 1856 and yet, the minute we meet Temperance Jones, we realize she could easily step into the 21st century as a role model for women who work hard to achieve their goals. After her father dies, she shoulders the burden of her family’s survival, determined to fulfill a deathbed promise to move them West, despite any and all obstacles standing in her way. Much to his dismay, Basil finds himself involved in her struggle, a role that threatens his bachelorhood and his own determination to avoid commitment. The reader mentally rubs her hands together as the pages turn. Basil has surely met his match.
Ms. Lower sweetens the experience by bringing back Ginger and Joseph Lafontaine, that long-haired Indian who makes our stomachs flutter. Ginger is a champion of women’s rights and when she and Temperance become friends, they make a formidable pair.
We’re invested in Temperance and her challenges, the weariness of her toil seeping into our own bones, and irritated at Basil for denying his true emotions. Men can be pretty stupid in the face of true love and Basil, who worries about heartburn, is no exception. Our emotions ride the same roller coaster as Temperance and Basil, anxious to read the outcome.
If you are a fan of historical romances, or a Becky Lower fan, you want to be sure to add “Banking on Temperance” to your bookshelf. I could not put this book down.
March 26, 2013
I find I am at a loss when it comes to words to describe how much I adore Becky Lower’s historical novels. The Reluctant Debutante is one of my favorite books of all time, The Abolitionist’s Secret was fantastic, and Banking on Temperance is breathtakingly beautiful. How Ms. Lower arrives at her fabulously clever book titles and character names, I’ll never know, but her cleverness at creating a family named entirely after spices was topped in this book with a family named after the virtues. Since book one, I’ve been waiting for Basil—the devil-may-care playboy—to meet his match, and in my wildest dreams, I could not have envisioned the perfection that was Temperance—an astonishingly stubborn woman whose name is one of the greatest misnomers of all time. With a cast of secondary characters that is near-epic in its scope, Banking on Temperance delivered a captivating story on a grand scale that I could not have put down to save my life. The Cotillion Ball series is headed directly toward the Civil War, and I know I will be picking up all of Lower’s books to find out just what role these amazing characters will play in one of the most important historical eras of American history.
May 4, 2013
Another book in Becky Lower's Cotillion Ball Series that keeps you coming back for more.
I enjoyed the return to St. Louise to check in with Basil's sister Ginger that sets us on the adventure for Basil and his Temptress. This is a great read that leaves you having a hard time putting it down and neglecting your work that needs to get done. The play between Basil and Temperance sets the ereader on fire with the sparks.
Now it seems I have to wait for the next installment. It won't come soon enough.
I enjoyed the return to St. Louise to check in with Basil's sister Ginger that sets us on the adventure for Basil and his Temptress. This is a great read that leaves you having a hard time putting it down and neglecting your work that needs to get done. The play between Basil and Temperance sets the ereader on fire with the sparks.
Now it seems I have to wait for the next installment. It won't come soon enough.
May 26, 2013
History wasn't my favorite subject in school, but it might have been if Becky Lower had been teaching it. This author has a gift for picking a time and place in American history and bringing it to life. The time is 1856 and the place is St. Louis - Gateway to the West.
Samuel Jones, a circuit preacher from rural Pennsylvania, has uprooted his large family and brought them to St. Louis with the dream of joining a wagon train to Oregon. He fears that Civil War will soon break out and wishes to get his young sons out of harm's way. But Samuel's spirit is stronger than his flesh. He has been ill for most of the journey and collapses when they reach St. Louis.
The family is in dire straits. The last wagon train of the season departed months earlier and they are stranded with a dying father and no financial resources. Enter Basil Fitzpatrick - the first person they meet in St. Louis. Basil helps them find a doctor for Samuel, shelter for the family and employment for the oldest child - 18 year old Temperance Jones. But the position he would really like to offer the lovely Temperance is that of his mistress. Temperance is a proud and determined young woman. Although she is strongly attracted to the handsome banker, this preacher's daughter has no intention of becoming any man's mistress. Temperance is committed to fulfilling her father's dream and will do whatever it takes to get the family to Oregon.
This book is more than a historical romance. It's an adventure story with danger and disaster looming around every corner. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I read it twice. For a good time, pick up Banking on Temperance.
Samuel Jones, a circuit preacher from rural Pennsylvania, has uprooted his large family and brought them to St. Louis with the dream of joining a wagon train to Oregon. He fears that Civil War will soon break out and wishes to get his young sons out of harm's way. But Samuel's spirit is stronger than his flesh. He has been ill for most of the journey and collapses when they reach St. Louis.
The family is in dire straits. The last wagon train of the season departed months earlier and they are stranded with a dying father and no financial resources. Enter Basil Fitzpatrick - the first person they meet in St. Louis. Basil helps them find a doctor for Samuel, shelter for the family and employment for the oldest child - 18 year old Temperance Jones. But the position he would really like to offer the lovely Temperance is that of his mistress. Temperance is a proud and determined young woman. Although she is strongly attracted to the handsome banker, this preacher's daughter has no intention of becoming any man's mistress. Temperance is committed to fulfilling her father's dream and will do whatever it takes to get the family to Oregon.
This book is more than a historical romance. It's an adventure story with danger and disaster looming around every corner. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I read it twice. For a good time, pick up Banking on Temperance.
September 14, 2018
I've come to expect great things from Ms. Lower, but I found that and more in her third installment of the Cotillion Ball series. BANKING ON TEMPERANCE is captivating, a fast-paced read that took me away to 1850s St. Louis. Once again, Ms. Lower's research is impeccable and her characterizations strong and true. Temperance is a wonder, a young woman brimming with mettle and spice, the perfect compliment to the handsome rake, Basil - and clearly the only girl meant to win his heart. I highly recommend this entire series, and now I have a special place in my heart for BANKING ON TEMPERANCE!
May 24, 2013
Combined review of the first three books of this series featured at THE READING CAFE
http://thereadingcafe.com/the-cotillion-ball-series-by-becky-lower-combined-reviews/#comment-17704
4.5 stars! :)
REVIEW:
This book reunites us with Ginger and Joseph but the main focus is on Basil Fitzpatrick and Temperance Jones in St Louis.
Basil is the bank owner in St Louis and lives his life as a bachelor. He is young, privileged, wealthy and quite a rake. He enjoys his freedom and the “love em or leave em” way of life. Well things are about to change and shake his only way of living when Temperance walks into his bank with her ailing father to withdraw funds. Temperance’s father is quite ill and collapses in the bank leaving Basil feeling responsible for her very large family. Basil finds himself taking care of them by offering shelter, employment and general support. He also begins to realize that helping them is a tad more selfish on his part than he would like to admit. He fights his immediate attraction for Temperance.
Temperance is the complete opposite to Basil. She is poor, virtuous, one heck of a shot, non pampered and hard working young woman who promises her father on his death bed that she will ensure her family continues their journey on to Oregon. She is also a no nonsense, spit fire, and get er’ done kind of girl. She accepts employment cleaning the bank in order to support her family.
Basil and Temperance do the attraction dance for most of this book. Both are incapable of giving in to the other and they let their pride get the better of them. Basil also isn’t so sure about accepting all of the baggage that comes with getting involved with Temperance, and Temperance cannot imagine why such a distinguished gentleman would ever be interested in the likes of her. Instead, both engage in a tension filled friendship without revealing their real desires.
As Temperance is so set on travelling to Oregon, Basil helps her in trying to achieve this goal while deep inside hating that she is leaving. He goes as far as to introduce her to a man who has the means to make this journey happen. Basil is shocked to realize just how jealous he becomes at seeing her in another mans arms. All their friends and family seem to see the inevitable joining, but only if these two can get out of their own damn way.
I really liked Temperance right from the beginning and can understand what Basil was drawn to. She is a tough lady who can shoot the ass off a wolf, cook a mean corn chowder, fiercely protect her family in the process and work hard. Basil also really grew up in this book if you compare him to the Basil we met in the first book! It took a while for these two to get there &^*& together but their journey was worth the wait.
I really hope Becky Lower continues with this series as there are so many characters that are introduced that I want to know more about. Once again, I LOVE that this centres around the civil war and is set in another USA city. I loved that the setting for each books takes place in a different city and you can see how the approaching war is causing havoc in so many ways.
I highly recommend you read all three books in order as the characters are repeated and you see the continuation of a couple’s story. I suppose you could read them as stand alones but if you do that, you miss out on so much!
HAPPY READING
Copy provided by TRC via Becky Lower
http://thereadingcafe.com/the-cotillion-ball-series-by-becky-lower-combined-reviews/#comment-17704
4.5 stars! :)
REVIEW:
This book reunites us with Ginger and Joseph but the main focus is on Basil Fitzpatrick and Temperance Jones in St Louis.
Basil is the bank owner in St Louis and lives his life as a bachelor. He is young, privileged, wealthy and quite a rake. He enjoys his freedom and the “love em or leave em” way of life. Well things are about to change and shake his only way of living when Temperance walks into his bank with her ailing father to withdraw funds. Temperance’s father is quite ill and collapses in the bank leaving Basil feeling responsible for her very large family. Basil finds himself taking care of them by offering shelter, employment and general support. He also begins to realize that helping them is a tad more selfish on his part than he would like to admit. He fights his immediate attraction for Temperance.
Temperance is the complete opposite to Basil. She is poor, virtuous, one heck of a shot, non pampered and hard working young woman who promises her father on his death bed that she will ensure her family continues their journey on to Oregon. She is also a no nonsense, spit fire, and get er’ done kind of girl. She accepts employment cleaning the bank in order to support her family.
Basil and Temperance do the attraction dance for most of this book. Both are incapable of giving in to the other and they let their pride get the better of them. Basil also isn’t so sure about accepting all of the baggage that comes with getting involved with Temperance, and Temperance cannot imagine why such a distinguished gentleman would ever be interested in the likes of her. Instead, both engage in a tension filled friendship without revealing their real desires.
As Temperance is so set on travelling to Oregon, Basil helps her in trying to achieve this goal while deep inside hating that she is leaving. He goes as far as to introduce her to a man who has the means to make this journey happen. Basil is shocked to realize just how jealous he becomes at seeing her in another mans arms. All their friends and family seem to see the inevitable joining, but only if these two can get out of their own damn way.
I really liked Temperance right from the beginning and can understand what Basil was drawn to. She is a tough lady who can shoot the ass off a wolf, cook a mean corn chowder, fiercely protect her family in the process and work hard. Basil also really grew up in this book if you compare him to the Basil we met in the first book! It took a while for these two to get there &^*& together but their journey was worth the wait.
I really hope Becky Lower continues with this series as there are so many characters that are introduced that I want to know more about. Once again, I LOVE that this centres around the civil war and is set in another USA city. I loved that the setting for each books takes place in a different city and you can see how the approaching war is causing havoc in so many ways.
I highly recommend you read all three books in order as the characters are repeated and you see the continuation of a couple’s story. I suppose you could read them as stand alones but if you do that, you miss out on so much!
HAPPY READING
Copy provided by TRC via Becky Lower
September 9, 2013
I LOVED Banking on Temperance. Ms. Lower's historical set in the wilds of St. Louis introduces the third sibling in her Cotillion Ball Series. Basil is a banker in St. Louis who enjoys the loose living on the frontier until Temperance Jones' father collapses in his bank. Will he be able to persuade her to not fulfill her father's dying wish?
I loved the historical detail which did not romanticize the past (yes, funny for a romance book). There was a lot of passion between the couple and my nook sizzled. I can't wait to read more of this family.
I loved the historical detail which did not romanticize the past (yes, funny for a romance book). There was a lot of passion between the couple and my nook sizzled. I can't wait to read more of this family.
August 10, 2013
Review Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review by: Chanta Rand
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Review by: Chanta Rand
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
April 26, 2020
Basil and Temperance have one of the most stubborn-filled claim-your-person-already stories I've read in a long time! So much so, there for a minute I was almost ready to start rootin' for the other man in Temperance's life. hahaha!
While stubbornness and determination can serve you well, such blind devotion can definitely cause heartache - which, of course since this is a romance story, we know the heartache will be overcome... eventually.
I adored Temperance's devotion to her family and how she remained true to herself. Watching her fall in love with Basil and work through those emotions was a sight to see.... even if I wanted to shake her sometimes. I appreciated how even though most of these feelings were new to her, she owned up pretty quickly that Basil was hers, even if she didn't know what to do with that knowledge. As the eldest child, Temperance was a strong leader in her family, however she had some growing up to do and lessons to learn.
Same for Basil - that man had some heart-wounds in his past to process, but then despite being a successful business owner and a leader in the community, he also had alot of growing up to do and needed his own wake up call (or two... or three.... or....). He needed someone like Temperance in his life who would make him work for and earn the good stuff, not just keep coasting on surface level deepness and having things handed to him without much effort. Some of the road-blocks for him, while I could understand it, it also hurt me to feel that pain for Temperance.
I loved the small side story we got with Temperance's mom (actually, I'd really like to read a book from her pov from when they first set out from PA and then what happened in St. Louis during this story) and getting to know Ginger (Basil's sister) and Joseph (from an earlier book in this series). Ginger was a hoot and I had to agree with her opinion of her brother on several occasions! lol
If you enjoy a slow burn with lots of heated attraction kinda story, this is a good one to pick up.
While stubbornness and determination can serve you well, such blind devotion can definitely cause heartache - which, of course since this is a romance story, we know the heartache will be overcome... eventually.
I adored Temperance's devotion to her family and how she remained true to herself. Watching her fall in love with Basil and work through those emotions was a sight to see.... even if I wanted to shake her sometimes. I appreciated how even though most of these feelings were new to her, she owned up pretty quickly that Basil was hers, even if she didn't know what to do with that knowledge. As the eldest child, Temperance was a strong leader in her family, however she had some growing up to do and lessons to learn.
Same for Basil - that man had some heart-wounds in his past to process, but then despite being a successful business owner and a leader in the community, he also had alot of growing up to do and needed his own wake up call (or two... or three.... or....). He needed someone like Temperance in his life who would make him work for and earn the good stuff, not just keep coasting on surface level deepness and having things handed to him without much effort. Some of the road-blocks for him, while I could understand it, it also hurt me to feel that pain for Temperance.
I loved the small side story we got with Temperance's mom (actually, I'd really like to read a book from her pov from when they first set out from PA and then what happened in St. Louis during this story) and getting to know Ginger (Basil's sister) and Joseph (from an earlier book in this series). Ginger was a hoot and I had to agree with her opinion of her brother on several occasions! lol
If you enjoy a slow burn with lots of heated attraction kinda story, this is a good one to pick up.
March 22, 2017
Book #4 book in the Cotillion Ball Saga.....meet Basil
June 29, 2013
Bank on this book--it's a great read!
The saga of the Fitzpatrick siblings continues in Becky Lower’s third book in her series about a family in westward-expanding 1850’s America.
Once again, Lower manages to interweave rich historical details with the story of siblings of a large, loving family.
Here we meet their second oldest son, Basil, who is running the St. Louis branch of the family’s bank.
We’ve met Basil before…he’s been the rakish devil-may-care brother who prefers dancing girls and going without his shoes to settling down.
Temperance literally falls into Basil’s life—well, at least her father does. Traveling West to Oregon as conscientious objectors, her family’s wagon stops with her ill father and he collapses in Basil’s bank. Basil reaches out to help, feeling an instant bond with her family (it reminds him of his own large, loving family) and of course he notices the oldest daughter, his perfect foil, with the name of Temperance.
That is just one subtle tongue-in-cheek nuance Lower works into her heartfelt story.
Of course, Basil has a heart of gold underneath his rakishness and manages to find the family shelter for the winter in a soddy, and gives the proud, hard working, gun- shooting Temperance a job cleaning the bank and his apartment. But marrying her and taking responsibility for all those siblings…and her pregnant mother? Um, no thanks.
Temperance fights her attraction to Basil, understanding he’s not the kind of man to settle down. She is awaiting her beau to come West to help her family finish their voyage. And Basil is fighting his growing attraction and admiration of this very brave, responsible woman even while he can’t help himself falling in love with her.
The hard life (the cold! the snow! the hardships!), tragedies, and difficulties of life in the expanding West as well as the big heart of this book made it a great read. You’ll enjoy reuniting with Basil’s sister Ginger from Lower’s first book as well as catching up with the Fitzpatrick family.
If you haven’t read the stories of Basil’s two sisters, Ginger and Heather, you’ll be itching to read those when you finish this one. And there are fortunately more Fitzpatrick siblings’ stories ahead from the talented Ms. Lower.
If you’ve enjoyed this story, you’ll also love Lower’s first contemporary book, Blame it on the Brontes, about three sisters forced by the terms of their mother’s will to live together for a year after her death in a charming seaside town in New England.
I’m so glad Lower’s imagination is boundless and her pen fast because I can’t wait for her next story!
The saga of the Fitzpatrick siblings continues in Becky Lower’s third book in her series about a family in westward-expanding 1850’s America.
Once again, Lower manages to interweave rich historical details with the story of siblings of a large, loving family.
Here we meet their second oldest son, Basil, who is running the St. Louis branch of the family’s bank.
We’ve met Basil before…he’s been the rakish devil-may-care brother who prefers dancing girls and going without his shoes to settling down.
Temperance literally falls into Basil’s life—well, at least her father does. Traveling West to Oregon as conscientious objectors, her family’s wagon stops with her ill father and he collapses in Basil’s bank. Basil reaches out to help, feeling an instant bond with her family (it reminds him of his own large, loving family) and of course he notices the oldest daughter, his perfect foil, with the name of Temperance.
That is just one subtle tongue-in-cheek nuance Lower works into her heartfelt story.
Of course, Basil has a heart of gold underneath his rakishness and manages to find the family shelter for the winter in a soddy, and gives the proud, hard working, gun- shooting Temperance a job cleaning the bank and his apartment. But marrying her and taking responsibility for all those siblings…and her pregnant mother? Um, no thanks.
Temperance fights her attraction to Basil, understanding he’s not the kind of man to settle down. She is awaiting her beau to come West to help her family finish their voyage. And Basil is fighting his growing attraction and admiration of this very brave, responsible woman even while he can’t help himself falling in love with her.
The hard life (the cold! the snow! the hardships!), tragedies, and difficulties of life in the expanding West as well as the big heart of this book made it a great read. You’ll enjoy reuniting with Basil’s sister Ginger from Lower’s first book as well as catching up with the Fitzpatrick family.
If you haven’t read the stories of Basil’s two sisters, Ginger and Heather, you’ll be itching to read those when you finish this one. And there are fortunately more Fitzpatrick siblings’ stories ahead from the talented Ms. Lower.
If you’ve enjoyed this story, you’ll also love Lower’s first contemporary book, Blame it on the Brontes, about three sisters forced by the terms of their mother’s will to live together for a year after her death in a charming seaside town in New England.
I’m so glad Lower’s imagination is boundless and her pen fast because I can’t wait for her next story!
November 6, 2013
3.5 STARS
I would rate this as a sweet historical romance. The author teases us with a lot of stroking, groping, and breath-taking kisses, but when it’s time to “do the do” she closes the bedroom door and lets us use our own imaginations.
In the year 1856, eighteen-year-old Temperance Jones is the oldest child of six traveling with her parents from Pennsylvania to the promised land of Oregon. Her father is a preacher and a conscientious objector who is moving the family so his sons won’t be dragged into the impending Civil War.
Temperance’s father is already ill, and when the family stops at a bank in St. Louis, he collapses. The wealthy owner of the bank, Basil Fitzpatrick takes pity on the impoverished family, providing them with food, shelter, and a job for Temperance. When Temperance’s father dies shortly after, the family is forced to rearrange their plans and spend the winter in St. Louis.
Temperance is determined to fulfill her father’s dying wish of journeying to Oregon, and she does whatever it takes to try to get there, including using her feminine wiles and putting herself in danger to prove her mettle to Jake Stanton, a wagon master who ends up vying with Basil for her affections.
This book was somewhat predictable for me. I usually look for interesting twists and plot turns. The heroine was feisty and very proud. The hero was somewhat of a dandy who came to appreciate women’s rights. It was a given that Basil and Temperance would fight their attraction to each other and end up falling in love, but for me, the premise really wasn’t enough of a conflict to keep them apart. On the one hand, Temperance resisted Basil because she felt he was only looking for a mistress. But when she really wanted to manipulate Jake, she turned on the charm and let him do some things “nice girls” of that era wouldn’t do–simply to entice him to take her family on his wagon train to Oregon.
Other than that, I enjoyed the storyline. The historical details were accurate, and I liked the author’s use of Native American traditions sprinkled throughout the book. I also liked the her clever play on words in the book’s title. In the end, the family triumphed over their tragedy and they were able to rebuild their lives and there was a great happy ending.
I would rate this as a sweet historical romance. The author teases us with a lot of stroking, groping, and breath-taking kisses, but when it’s time to “do the do” she closes the bedroom door and lets us use our own imaginations.
In the year 1856, eighteen-year-old Temperance Jones is the oldest child of six traveling with her parents from Pennsylvania to the promised land of Oregon. Her father is a preacher and a conscientious objector who is moving the family so his sons won’t be dragged into the impending Civil War.
Temperance’s father is already ill, and when the family stops at a bank in St. Louis, he collapses. The wealthy owner of the bank, Basil Fitzpatrick takes pity on the impoverished family, providing them with food, shelter, and a job for Temperance. When Temperance’s father dies shortly after, the family is forced to rearrange their plans and spend the winter in St. Louis.
Temperance is determined to fulfill her father’s dying wish of journeying to Oregon, and she does whatever it takes to try to get there, including using her feminine wiles and putting herself in danger to prove her mettle to Jake Stanton, a wagon master who ends up vying with Basil for her affections.
This book was somewhat predictable for me. I usually look for interesting twists and plot turns. The heroine was feisty and very proud. The hero was somewhat of a dandy who came to appreciate women’s rights. It was a given that Basil and Temperance would fight their attraction to each other and end up falling in love, but for me, the premise really wasn’t enough of a conflict to keep them apart. On the one hand, Temperance resisted Basil because she felt he was only looking for a mistress. But when she really wanted to manipulate Jake, she turned on the charm and let him do some things “nice girls” of that era wouldn’t do–simply to entice him to take her family on his wagon train to Oregon.
Other than that, I enjoyed the storyline. The historical details were accurate, and I liked the author’s use of Native American traditions sprinkled throughout the book. I also liked the her clever play on words in the book’s title. In the end, the family triumphed over their tragedy and they were able to rebuild their lives and there was a great happy ending.
June 12, 2013
Third in Becky Lower's Cotillion Ball Series, Banking on Temperance is the story of Basil Fitzpatrick and Temperance Jones. Basil is running his family's bank in St. Louis when Temperance's family straggles into town. They are headed to Oregon, to save her brothers from the possibility they will have to fight in the Civil War everyone sees coming soon. The head of the Jones family, a preacher named Samuel has been sick and the Jones family have missed the last wagon train leaving St. Louis for the season. Stuck in St. Louis until the following year, they come to rely on Basil and his sister (who was the heroine of Book #1) and her husband for help. Basil isn't looking for a wife. Temperance is looking to leave St. Louis and has to figure out how to do it by herself.
What I like the most about Lower's books (I've read all three) is her subtle use of American history to give authenticity to her stories. She puts the reader firmly in the setting without hitting us over the head with her research. She captures the essence of an important time in our history through the lens of two people trying to find their way to a happy ending even as the country moves inevitably to war. Good story, well-written.
What I like the most about Lower's books (I've read all three) is her subtle use of American history to give authenticity to her stories. She puts the reader firmly in the setting without hitting us over the head with her research. She captures the essence of an important time in our history through the lens of two people trying to find their way to a happy ending even as the country moves inevitably to war. Good story, well-written.
June 11, 2014
This book is book three of the Cotillion Ball Series. While this book can be read alone the story line is that much richer if you have read The Reluctant Debutante first. You gain background on the characters that appear in this book.
This is the story of Basil Fitzpatrick in 1856, St. Louis. He is known as the sophisticated man about town whom no female has been able to capture. None until the arrival of Temperance Jones have interested him enough to give much thought to women. Temperance and her family are traveling to Oregon but have run on hard times. In Basil’s attempt to help the family he ends up being drawn into their problems and a closer relationship with Temperance than he has with other women.
An enjoyable read as you follow the troubles of a family with little forced to live on the outskirts of St. Louis and the conflict between Temperance’s pride and the caring spirit of Basil at conflict. Resolution of these problems and conflict keep the reader turning the pages.
This is the story of Basil Fitzpatrick in 1856, St. Louis. He is known as the sophisticated man about town whom no female has been able to capture. None until the arrival of Temperance Jones have interested him enough to give much thought to women. Temperance and her family are traveling to Oregon but have run on hard times. In Basil’s attempt to help the family he ends up being drawn into their problems and a closer relationship with Temperance than he has with other women.
An enjoyable read as you follow the troubles of a family with little forced to live on the outskirts of St. Louis and the conflict between Temperance’s pride and the caring spirit of Basil at conflict. Resolution of these problems and conflict keep the reader turning the pages.
May 7, 2013
Oh, I just love Basil and Temperance! He’s plain yummy, and she’s a spitfire. They each had me smiling right from the start. Ms. Lower has a decided knack for placing the reader solidly in the era of pre-Civil War America, as well as a knack for creating compelling, funny and original characters. Her first two books in this series, The Abolitionist’s Secret and The Reluctant Debutante begin the tale of the Fitzpatrick siblings, and while I loved the second, I realize to my chagrin that I have not read the first. That will be next on my list, and I can hardly wait! I don’t always read every book in a series, but these are fun, compelling and uplifting. Who could/would resist an author who always puts a smile on your face while weaving a truly good story? Very well done.
This reviewer received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review, which is given as a professional courtesy and without monetary compensation.
This reviewer received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review, which is given as a professional courtesy and without monetary compensation.
October 18, 2013
Its Basil's turn to have his story.
He's a bit full of himself, a young man (boy really but in the times, a man), secure in his life and a bit entitled in the way of men in that time.
Temperance is everything a romance heroine should be - detirmined, spirited, self sacrificing, a bit stubborn, hardworking, have men falling for her.
This was much more of a romancy read for me than the previous two reads. Probably because the historic element wasnt as much in the forefront of this story. It was the issue of wagon trains but I did enjoy the train crash and underground railway elements of the other books better.
There was a love triangle between Basil, Temperance and Jake but it would never have been Jake! Ginger and Joseph make a few appearances but the rest of the family were absent.
Another good installment, and I shall keep reading the series, just not my favourite.
He's a bit full of himself, a young man (boy really but in the times, a man), secure in his life and a bit entitled in the way of men in that time.
Temperance is everything a romance heroine should be - detirmined, spirited, self sacrificing, a bit stubborn, hardworking, have men falling for her.
This was much more of a romancy read for me than the previous two reads. Probably because the historic element wasnt as much in the forefront of this story. It was the issue of wagon trains but I did enjoy the train crash and underground railway elements of the other books better.
There was a love triangle between Basil, Temperance and Jake but it would never have been Jake! Ginger and Joseph make a few appearances but the rest of the family were absent.
Another good installment, and I shall keep reading the series, just not my favourite.
April 21, 2014
I was very fortunate to receive a signed copy of Banking On Temperance from Goodreads.This is the first of Becky Lower's books that I have read.I enjoyed reading about 1850's America.The story of Basil and Temperance was a captivating historical romance.This book held my attention throughout and i actually felt that I was back in the day....
February 24, 2016
Here's my review: I intended on reading only the first book in the series and then reading something else before coming back for book two. Instead, I read through all three that I had in three days. Then I found myself searching Amazon for the rest of the series before I even wrote my review. Apparently, I liked them a lot. Now back to Amazon.
September 9, 2013
Keep 'em coming!
June 28, 2015
Love the two main characters in this story, might be my favorite.
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