Lawana Blackwell

Plain, spinster schoolteacher Lydia Clark is suddenly the object of two men's interest -- too bad they're not men she would ever consider marrying. Meanwhile, the man in whom she is interested solicits her professional help to gain the attention of another woman.

This was once my favorite book in the series, as I could relate to Lydia's circumstances. It's probably the lightest and most humorous book in the series, what with Harold Sanders' ham-fisted courtship, and the antics of various show more other characters. There's a secondary plotline about a cast-aside mistress of a member of parliament who is sent to Gresham to get her out of the way, which adds a little more weight to the book (if not more believability, as I find her story line stretches credulity). All in all, still a fun outing, especially if you've enjoyed the rest of the series, but I wouldn't recommend it as a stand-alone. show less

You may be starting to notice I like Women's Fiction. I love any character who starts a restaurant; I'm totally into heritage houses and moving to the sticks; I like misfits--so let's just say it was my kinda story. If you do too, this probably won't disappoint--plus it has a nice little mystery and risk of death to spice things up. The only thing I thought was kinda of funny was that the main character kept referring to how her sense of humor kept her going, helped her survive, etc--and I show more just couldn't for the life of me see what on earth she was talking about. If anything, I found her a little uptight and overly concerned about appearances and what other people thought about her and/or the company she kept. She wasn't funny . . . which, if you think about it, is hilarious! :D

p.s. "I found her a little uptight and overly concerned about appearances and what other people thought about her and/or the company she kept."--not in a horrible way, in a kind of endearing, realistic way. show less

This is my first book by Lawana Blackwell and she's been added to my list of favorite authors. I was beaming with pleasure while reading A Haven on Orchard Lane. What a delightful historic tale it was, filled with characters of substance that I could envision so clearly; and beautiful, refreshing dialogue that made this book the epitome of comfort and warmth. To be honest, I had taken a break from historic novels because I was growing weary of the same plot lines and scenarios. This book has show more caused me to regain faith in the genre. The story was unique and unlike any other book I've read in this category, with writing that spoke to my heart and nourished my soul. I was always ready to pick up where I'd left off. Now a little of what it was about....
Mrs. Charlotte Fosberry was a highly respected actress in her former days. Now at 50, she's no longer on stage, but married to Lord Fosberry who did not marry her for love. Presuming she possessed more wealth than was the case, he confessed his true motives for marrying her and has grown critical and mentally abusive to Charlotte; making off-color comments about her weight and such. She desperately needs a way out and it comes by way of a theater part that she is called upon to play. Knowing that Lord Fosberry won't allow her to just walk away from their marriage, Charlotte must devise a scheme to make her exit. Things don't turn out the way she expects regarding her big break on stage, and she finds herself at the mercy of her estranged daughter, Rosalind, who Charlotte did not raise. Forgiveness is the order of the day, and Rosalind will learn almost immediately that her mother isn't the person she's made her out to be. In fact, Charlotte has much to contribute to many secondary characters by way of wisdom, and even theatrical experience. There's a little mystery and intrigue in the story, a love triangle and ultimately the most wonderfully fulfilling ending.
Ms. Blackwell does Christian Fiction right. There are a few brief scriptural references to bible passages and characters, and a mention here and there of the folks making their way to worship services. But happily it wasn't a lesson in Christianity or didactic in any way (I attend my own worship services for that). Oftentimes when reading a Christian Fiction novel I find that the author's views don't align with my personal beliefs and ultimately upset my delicate sensibilities related to religion. Because of this I find it difficult to review these preachy books objectively. This was not so with A Haven on Orchard Lane. What little I didn't agree with wasn't enough to affect my enjoyment of the book. It was mainly just solid story-telling without profanity, violence or graphic sexual scenes. What I personally expect from a Christian Fiction novel. I loved it!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Thank you Bethany House for a free copy of this book. I have not received any payment for my honest opinions about it. show less

This novel is the second book in Ms. Blackwell's "Tales of London" trilogy. I would not recommend reading it out of order, since although the main character is indeed Catherine, cousin to the heroine Sarah of book 1, there is quite a bit of Sarah's further story as well.

Catherine is a 19-year-old girl, who has led a fairly sheltered life, despite travelling to exotic lands with her parents while growing up. She begins the story en route to Girton college at Cambridge, one of the two fairly show more new women's colleges there. At this point in history, the women are allowed to study, and even take the college grading exams, but are not granted degrees. Catherine has hopes of becoming a teacher like her father. But she is also becoming aware of young gentlemen and romance, and it turns her head. She meets a handsome and charming older man, and fails to see how manipulative he is and gets drawn dangerously into his web.

I enjoyed the story, and Catherine was convincingly written. However, a convincing love-sick young girl can at times be a tedious thing. Luckily, she does mature after heartache, and becomes much more tolerable. It's a well-done story, and I look forward to reading the final book. show less