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The Bloodstone #2.5
Choosing Heart or Home
London Christmas, 1889 The widowed Queen Victoria reigns over an empire on which the “sun never sets,” and London is bright with holiday decorations. Detective Rudyard Bloodstone’s career is moving along well as Holborn Station’s lead investigator. And, his year had gotten even better when he met London’s celebrated music hall star, Honeysuckle Flowers. As he and his lady embark on celebrating the holidays, Rudyard grows homesick for Wales and his family there. He makes plans to see his parents and thinks it is the perfect time to introduce Honeysuckle to them. To his unhappy surprise, his mother paints her with a trollop’s brush. His mother is he is loved and missed and most welcome in the family home but not his lady. He must choose between them and to choose means the risk of losing the other.
- GenresHistorical Romance
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2018
4 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Chris Karlsen
37 books447 followersChris was born and raised in Chicago. Her father was a history professor and her mother was, and is, a voracious reader. She grew up with a love of history and books. Her parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto her. She wanted to see the places she read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated her. She’s had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. She is also a retired police detective who spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. Her desire to write came in her early teens. After she retired, she decided to pursue that dream. She writes two different series. Her paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. Her romantic thriller series is, Dangerous Waters. She currently live in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 25, 2018
TO A HAPPY JOURNEY
What a moving story that takes place in Victorian England, December 1889. Highly decorated military veteran, Rudyard Bloodstone is now a lead Detective at Holborn Station. He hasn’t been home to Wales in five years and has been asking his lady love, actress Honeysuckle Flowers to accompany him. Honeysuckle’s life has always been around theaters with various troupes. She has the voice and looks of an angel and draws crowds with her talents.
The plot will have Ruddy to finally convince Honeysuckle to travel with him from London to Wales for Christmas. She is very hesitant and makes a couple of concessions before agreeing to go. He assures her that his family will welcome her with open arms and not be judgmental of her career. But life is full of surprises, and his mother disappoints him, and once again, Honeysuckle is treated poorly with name calling by Ruddy’s mother, causing them to leave upset.
The story will have Ruddy and Honeysuckle spending a day looking around town, lighting a candle in the church, and once again encountering Mrs. Bloodstone and her friend, Mrs. Lyons. Learning of the plight of Mrs. Lyons son killed in battle, wanting a stone plaque to honor the memory of the deceased, and the cost not being something they can afford will have Honeysuckle pondering a way to make it happen.
The story will show great character and fortitude by a group of people, who sometimes other look down upon, taking up a cause and making a difference. Not asking for anything for themselves, they show the true meaning of Christmas, giving, and sweet spirit. What is more important, having a relationship with your family, even if you don’t necessarily approve of everything, or missing out of happiness?
This is a clean historical story that gives the reader a picture of life in London, the attitude towards actors and actresses, as well as memories of war and those who are killed in battles. It is a great reminder of what is most important, family, friends, and sweet memories. The greatest gift this Christmas will be understanding and acceptance.
What a moving story that takes place in Victorian England, December 1889. Highly decorated military veteran, Rudyard Bloodstone is now a lead Detective at Holborn Station. He hasn’t been home to Wales in five years and has been asking his lady love, actress Honeysuckle Flowers to accompany him. Honeysuckle’s life has always been around theaters with various troupes. She has the voice and looks of an angel and draws crowds with her talents.
The plot will have Ruddy to finally convince Honeysuckle to travel with him from London to Wales for Christmas. She is very hesitant and makes a couple of concessions before agreeing to go. He assures her that his family will welcome her with open arms and not be judgmental of her career. But life is full of surprises, and his mother disappoints him, and once again, Honeysuckle is treated poorly with name calling by Ruddy’s mother, causing them to leave upset.
The story will have Ruddy and Honeysuckle spending a day looking around town, lighting a candle in the church, and once again encountering Mrs. Bloodstone and her friend, Mrs. Lyons. Learning of the plight of Mrs. Lyons son killed in battle, wanting a stone plaque to honor the memory of the deceased, and the cost not being something they can afford will have Honeysuckle pondering a way to make it happen.
The story will show great character and fortitude by a group of people, who sometimes other look down upon, taking up a cause and making a difference. Not asking for anything for themselves, they show the true meaning of Christmas, giving, and sweet spirit. What is more important, having a relationship with your family, even if you don’t necessarily approve of everything, or missing out of happiness?
This is a clean historical story that gives the reader a picture of life in London, the attitude towards actors and actresses, as well as memories of war and those who are killed in battles. It is a great reminder of what is most important, family, friends, and sweet memories. The greatest gift this Christmas will be understanding and acceptance.
October 30, 2018
Two very strong protagonists, very sure of themselves and their roles in the world. I liked them very much. This takes place shortly before Christmas, 1889 .
Detective Rudyard Bloodstone is from a large family. His career has kept him from home for several years. This year is special. He has a woman he wants his family to meet.
Honeysuckle Flowers, as you may guess, is a stage name. Honeysuckle is not only a performer but a star. In London, she is used to people admiring her status. She is also aware that away from a big city, her profession is viewed as less reputable. She loves Rudyard but isn't sure if she should move their relationship forward, as she doesn't want to hurt his career. She is quite happy as things are.
Rudyard knows how to influence and manipulate the men under his command. Swaying a woman's opinion may not be as simple.
Rudyard assures her that his mother is not close minded and won't disapprove. Well, as most mothers are, she at first thinks no one is good enough for her son, especially someone from the stage. So after getting Honeysuckle to his family home, it seems they are turning around and leaving as soon as they arrive.
A chance encounter before the disappointed couple leaves Wales is the turning point of this story and of the attitudes of the local residents. This is indeed the heart of the story.
Sweet, clean, with sentimentality, this wonderful romance is a beautiful picture of the times. It also shows the strength of character, both in those giving of their time and talent, and those whose hearts allow them to change their minds.
This was an enjoyable holiday escape read.
Detective Rudyard Bloodstone is from a large family. His career has kept him from home for several years. This year is special. He has a woman he wants his family to meet.
Honeysuckle Flowers, as you may guess, is a stage name. Honeysuckle is not only a performer but a star. In London, she is used to people admiring her status. She is also aware that away from a big city, her profession is viewed as less reputable. She loves Rudyard but isn't sure if she should move their relationship forward, as she doesn't want to hurt his career. She is quite happy as things are.
Rudyard knows how to influence and manipulate the men under his command. Swaying a woman's opinion may not be as simple.
Rudyard assures her that his mother is not close minded and won't disapprove. Well, as most mothers are, she at first thinks no one is good enough for her son, especially someone from the stage. So after getting Honeysuckle to his family home, it seems they are turning around and leaving as soon as they arrive.
A chance encounter before the disappointed couple leaves Wales is the turning point of this story and of the attitudes of the local residents. This is indeed the heart of the story.
Sweet, clean, with sentimentality, this wonderful romance is a beautiful picture of the times. It also shows the strength of character, both in those giving of their time and talent, and those whose hearts allow them to change their minds.
This was an enjoyable holiday escape read.
December 5, 2018
Detective Rudyard "Ruddy" Bloodstone is ready for the holiday season and he wants to spend it with his new lady love, actress Honeysuckle Flowers. But at this time actresses are generally not well received and considered a lower class than many but Ruddy swears his parents are different.
Will Ruddy's family accept Honeysuckle with open arms or will he have to choose between his heart and his home?
This was a good story and I really enjoyed it.
I always laugh when a character says that their parents or whomever will be different as you know it isn't going to turn out that way. It was super interesting to see the turn in his family and how they viewed Ruddy's own career.
I really liked Honeysuckle although I must admit that I preferred her real name and could understand why people would wonder with a stage name like that. That being said she was such an awesome character with a big heart who was ready to forgive things she shouldn't have had to.
I loved her gesture towards the end to Mrs.Lyons to honor the dead!
I was glad that Lily recognized her mistake at the end!
Will Ruddy's family accept Honeysuckle with open arms or will he have to choose between his heart and his home?
This was a good story and I really enjoyed it.
I always laugh when a character says that their parents or whomever will be different as you know it isn't going to turn out that way. It was super interesting to see the turn in his family and how they viewed Ruddy's own career.
I really liked Honeysuckle although I must admit that I preferred her real name and could understand why people would wonder with a stage name like that. That being said she was such an awesome character with a big heart who was ready to forgive things she shouldn't have had to.
I loved her gesture towards the end to Mrs.Lyons to honor the dead!
I was glad that Lily recognized her mistake at the end!
November 29, 2018
I was asked by the authors friend Sharon Kleve to review this book.
takes place in December 1898 towards the end of Victoria's reign.
London music hall star, Honeysuckle Flowers is to be taken to Wales to meet his parents. At that time music hall stars were not seen as good and proper to the Victorian high society so there is concern for Honeysuckle that his parents will shun her.
Honeysuckle comes to the rescue when she discovers his mother needs money for a plaque in memory of soldiers who have died in battle from their village, what better than to put on a musical show to raise the money.
Will this gain the memorial plaque, will his parents see her in a different light and accept- readers you will have to read this and find out.
Beautiful, well written and gives the true meaning of Christmas.
A recommended Christmas gift this Christmas.
takes place in December 1898 towards the end of Victoria's reign.
London music hall star, Honeysuckle Flowers is to be taken to Wales to meet his parents. At that time music hall stars were not seen as good and proper to the Victorian high society so there is concern for Honeysuckle that his parents will shun her.
Honeysuckle comes to the rescue when she discovers his mother needs money for a plaque in memory of soldiers who have died in battle from their village, what better than to put on a musical show to raise the money.
Will this gain the memorial plaque, will his parents see her in a different light and accept- readers you will have to read this and find out.
Beautiful, well written and gives the true meaning of Christmas.
A recommended Christmas gift this Christmas.
November 17, 2018
Honeysuckle is a singer and dancer at the music hall in London and Ruddy is her beau who is a detective. Ruddy wants to take Honeysuckle to Wales for Christmas to meet his parents but she is not sure if she should go because she is afraid his parents will not like her because of her profession and she was correct his mother didn’t like her. When Honeysuckle finds out his mother needs money for a plaque in memory of the fallen military men from their village she decides to help but putting on a musical show. Will Ruddys mother change her mind about Honeysuckle after she tries to help out her cause?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2018
Ruddy and honeysuckle.are getting ready for a trip to see his parents but she's nervous because she is a movie star and back in the day they were consider harlots and she was right because they leave. Then honeysuckle decides to do a benefit show for a plaque for the fallen soldiers like Ruddy and that brings his parents and when she raises all the money, Ruddys parents invite her and her family for Christmas dinner and they become friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2018
Ruddy is taking Honeysuckle home for the holidays. Will the family accept her? This is Christmas story showing what the true meaning of Christmas is. There are some moments you want to hit a character over the head and others when what they do will bring a tear to your eye. This is a beautiful book a must read for this holiday season I can tell you if you miss this story you are missing a breathtaking and moving story. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 18, 2018
The setting is Christmastime during the Victorian era.This is a story centered on prejudice, and how the young woman Honeysuckle overcame it. Her supportive beau a detective Rudyard is missing family and begs Honeysuckle to join him on a visit to see his family, it is here she encounters prejudice from his mother. It is a sweet story of love and forgiveness and a nice read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2018
London’s celebrated music hall star, Honeysuckle Flowers and Detective Rudyard Bloodstone’s Holiday plans do not go off smoothly, his mother does not like what Honeysuckle does for a living. Honeysuckle does show his mother how to be able to accept all people by what she puts into place. I enjoyed reading this story, this Author has a way of drawing you into the story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2018
His life is going so well and he meets her and he is happy. He wants to take her to meet his family for Christmas but his mother wants nothing to do with her. She tells him he must choose between his family and her as they will not accept her. What will he do? Who will be choose? His family or his love? See what he will do
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2018
Delightfully different!! An actress and detective in love. She's afraid of what his family will think of her and her profession when he takes her home for the holidays. Will her and her family's generosity win them over?
November 7, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I really enjoyed Choosing Heart or Home. This was a wonderful story and great characters. This a quick read.
I really enjoyed Choosing Heart or Home. This was a wonderful story and great characters. This a quick read.
November 18, 2018
A well crafted and beautifully plotted am sure I enjoyed reading every beautiful moment and second as it unfolds with issues to sort through the this story.
November 24, 2018
Love overcomes everything including prejudices.
November 27, 2018
An intriguing sweet historical holiday romance story, it is heartwarming. Delightful characters. A well-written book. It was a pleasure to read this book.
April 5, 2019
From the moment her beloved told her he'd like to take her home for the holidays, Honeysuckle Flowers has dreaded the thought of doing so. Despite the fact that she'd rather remain where she is, she concedes and follows Rudyard to his family's home. Rudyard's loyalty is soon tested when his family learns of her profession. Unashamed of being London's most celebrated star, she's determined in showing everyone that she's more than what they think she is.
Narrated by the lovely Stacky Vos, you're drawn into the story from the get-go. Stacky has the type of voice that puts you at ease. It's a voice that commands attention, though it's pleasant to listen to. So much so, that you find yourself immersed in the story as the minutes go by.
The author has written such a delightful story. Keeping to the times, you can imagine the situations and the locations the characters find themselves in. Back then, a singer's profession was often thought of as taboo. High society looked down on it at every turn.
In Choosing Heart Or Home, Chris shows us that despite certain setbacks, anything is possible. Most especially when true love exists between two willing souls.
Merged review:
From the moment her beloved told her he'd like to take her home for the holidays, Honeysuckle Flowers has dreaded the thought of doing so. Despite the fact that she'd rather remain where she is, she concedes and follows Rudyard to his family's home. Rudyard's loyalty is soon tested when his family learns of her profession. Unashamed of being London's most celebrated star, she's determined in showing everyone that she's more than what they think she is.
The author has written such a delightful story. Keeping to the times, you can imagine the situations and the locations the characters find themselves in. Back then, a singer's profession was often thought of as taboo. High society looked down on it at every turn.
In Choosing Heart Or Home, Chris shows us that despite certain setbacks, anything is possible. Most especially when true love exists between two willing souls.
Narrated by the lovely Stacky Vos, you're drawn into the story from the get-go. Stacky has the type of voice that puts you at ease. It's a voice that commands attention, though it's pleasant to listen to. So much so, that you find yourself immersed in the story as the minutes go by.
The author has written such a delightful story. Keeping to the times, you can imagine the situations and the locations the characters find themselves in. Back then, a singer's profession was often thought of as taboo. High society looked down on it at every turn.
In Choosing Heart Or Home, Chris shows us that despite certain setbacks, anything is possible. Most especially when true love exists between two willing souls.
Merged review:
From the moment her beloved told her he'd like to take her home for the holidays, Honeysuckle Flowers has dreaded the thought of doing so. Despite the fact that she'd rather remain where she is, she concedes and follows Rudyard to his family's home. Rudyard's loyalty is soon tested when his family learns of her profession. Unashamed of being London's most celebrated star, she's determined in showing everyone that she's more than what they think she is.
The author has written such a delightful story. Keeping to the times, you can imagine the situations and the locations the characters find themselves in. Back then, a singer's profession was often thought of as taboo. High society looked down on it at every turn.
In Choosing Heart Or Home, Chris shows us that despite certain setbacks, anything is possible. Most especially when true love exists between two willing souls.
December 31, 2019
Chris did a marvelous job of showing love, the excitement of being home for Christmas after a long time with the person you are hoping to spend the rest of your life with. Except your family doesn't like that person. What do you do? Chris portrayed that beautifully. You stay with the love of your life and hope your family will come around. Loved the read and didn't want it to end. Thank you Chris
May 23, 2019
story cute and lite audio echoey
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 2 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
I did enjoy the story, but the audio threw off my enjoyment of it more. The male and females all sounded similar. There was not enough of a differeintiation in the characters. On the ither hand romance at the holidays was romantic and sweet. Short. Simple.
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 2 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
I did enjoy the story, but the audio threw off my enjoyment of it more. The male and females all sounded similar. There was not enough of a differeintiation in the characters. On the ither hand romance at the holidays was romantic and sweet. Short. Simple.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews