The Whispered Dance of Bees by Carol Warburton

Had fate and nature not conspired, Alyce Redgrave would have been a child of wealth and privilege. But the night of her birth was shadowed by an eerie Devils Moon and her christening day marred by a fierce hailstorm—ill omens that led the superstitious peasants to seek Alyce's life. Desperate to save her infant daughter, Alyce's mother flees with her baby, finding shelter and goodwill at the isolated farm of strangers . . .

There, Alyce's life is filled with secrets, unanswered questions, and a sense of foreboding. Her worst fears are realized when she narrowly escapes the clutches of a murderer by fleeing into the forest. Fate steps in once more to change the course of her life when Alyce is found and taken in by Elspeth, a wise woman with the uncanny ability to commune with nature. Trained by Elspeth in the art of healing, Alyce remains haunted by the puzzle of her past until she discovers her mother's lost pendant. With the help of this object and the aid of the enchanting William Pascoe, Alyce finally holds the key to who she once was and who she will become.

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Carol Warburton has an amazing way with words.  They weave together to create a story that comes alive.  This book really does come alive, vividly.

The story is told from two perspectives- first from Arabelle and then from her daughter, Alyce.  It really just follows their lives and honestly, most of it carries sadness with it.  The story is slow moving but not uninteresting.  It really isn't a love story as a love interest doesn't even come into play until about two thirds of the way through and even then, it's very gentle.  This story is a journey.  The journey of Alyce and the many kind people who help her along the way.

I enjoyed much of this book.  Overall though, it was a little bit too sad and a little bit too slow for me.  There just wasn't enough tangible happiness to balance out the sad and hard bits.  I will say that it didn't feel like anything else I have been reading lately.  I'm always looking for books that feel new or different and this story was definitely that.

Content:  peril, death

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Petticoat Spy by Carol Warburton + $25 and Book Giveaway

Colonial Massachusetts, 1775

Abigail Stowell is a rarity for her time. The comely young woman is educated, outspoken, and attuned to the charged political climate around her. She is a staunch Patriot. In short, she is a rebel. So when Gideon Whitlock, an avowed Tory, rides into her village, Abby is not only put off by his politics and arrogance but is also annoyed by her undeniable attraction to him.

When she observes a clandestine meeting between her Patriot father and Gideon, Abby soon realizes that in a world divided by loyalties, not everything is as it seems. Soon she is drawn deeper into political intrigue than she ever dreamed possible. And just as feelings begin to heat up between Abby and Gideon, the shot heard round the world ignites the beginning of war between the colonists and the British redcoats. There is no time for hesitation, and Abby finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue, treachery, and terror. Lives hang in the balance, and Abby will stop at nothing to support the Patriot movement—but will her allegiance to the cause mean losing the man she loves?

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I've been reading a lot of regency novels lately and this book was a refreshing change in scenery.  I love books set during important times in history and this one takes place just before the Revolutionary War in America.  The Patriot movement is increasing and strengthening and Abigail Stowell finds herself right in the middle of it.

Abby is a strong and determined girl.  She has a keen mind and desperately wants to be a part of the cause she so strongly believes in.  This leads her to a few impossibly difficult situations but with the help of good friends she manages to get through.  

The story flowed so well.  It gave me a chance to know all the characters, their strengths and weaknesses but kept events happening and momentum building so that I never grew bored or disinterested.  With every turn of the page I felt my anxiety increasing because I just knew something bad was going to happen but I didn't know when and I didn't know how Abigail and Gideon could possibly get out of the mess they were in.  I desperately wanted to know and to get to the end for my own resolution.  It is always so good to be compelled to read on and not want to put a book down.  :)

If you love historical fiction, you don't want to miss out on this book!

Content:  Some mild violence, drugging, abuse.  A few instances of kissing.  Clean.

-I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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