A Lady of High Regard

Another great book

I'm so glad that Tracie has started a new series. She has a great knack for bringing up social issues of the day (1800's). The women of Tracie's stories go against the social norm. They don't just want to see change, they do something about it. Mia is one of those women. She sees how the seamen's families are being treated and sets out to find an answer. In the mean time, she makes an enemy. On the flip side of the coin, Mia loves playing matchmaker with her family and friends. At 24, most would be considered old maids, but because of her position and her beauty no one seems to give it a second thought. Her next match up is going to be for her best friend, Garrett. They've been friends since she was born. What they don't realize at the beginning of the story is that they are falling in love with each other. This story watches their journey towards each other...maybe. Just as you think one of them is about to share their feelings, something happens! You just want to shake your book, though you know the wait is going to be worth it. Tracie can blend romance, history, and excitement into any novel. She has numerous books written on her own and with other authors and each one is worth the read!

A Lady of High Regard is the first book in the new Ladies of Liberty series by Tracie Peterson. It is also one of the most entertaining and hilarious series that I have read by Tracie. Born into wealth and high society, Mia Stanley works for Godey's Ladies Magazine. Although her parents and best friend Garrett Wilson do not approve. Mia uncovers a dangerous situation at the docks where woman are being charged the debts of their dead husbands at unfair prices and are sometimes having their children taken away. Mia rushes forth to help these women while putting her own life at risk. Meanwhile, Mia has a natch for matchmaking and has been trying to find the perfect woman, a lady of high regard for Garrett Wilson to take as a wife. Little does Mia know that Garrett has other plans and wishes for her to be that woman. I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue between Mia and Garret was hilarious when they were arguing sometimes. In one scene where Mia was talking to her parents I bursted out laughing at a comment her mother made. The historical detail in this novel is evident as well. It's as though you yourself are thrown in Philadelphia in the 19th century. Throw in a bad guy (Jasper Barrill) and you have an entertaining read. I'm really looking forward to the second book whenever it is out. Whether it continues the story of Mia and Garrett or introduces other characters, I know it will be an enjoyable read. :)

I am an avid reader and have never before written a review. This book was so good, I had to voice my opinion. Historically accurate and provocative, complex characters, and a chilling plot make for a story that is well worth your time to read. Bravo!

Mia Stanley comes from an upper class society who would greatly look down upon her greatest ambition. Mia writes for Godey's Lady Book, focusing on issues that many women would avoid. She's now turned her attentions on the plight of the sea men's wives down by the docks. What she finds there horrifies her and makes her more determined to tell the world. However, Mia also finds that with her social standing comes responsibility to marry. She worries that the man she loves, her best friend Garrett might love someone else. Will her passion for saving lives overpower her yearning for love? I had always thought that Godey's Lady Book was just a fashion magazine, a precursor to Vogue. At least that's how it was always portrayed in Little House on the Prairie, with talks about hoop skirts and corsets. This book, however, portrayed it as a precursor to women's lib, giving women the opportunity to showcase their talents and try to make a mark in the world. I thought the storyline was well written. You don't read a lot about issues and circumstances that the sea men's wives faced in Christian fiction. They were horrifying to read and worse to know that people would actually do nothing because they didn't want to mix with the different classes. Lower class women were powerless in that time period and severly taken advantage of. Mia was very strong in her beliefs about getting the word out but at the same time respected her parents wishes and obeyed them. I found this much more satisfying to read than her completely rebelling or giving up everything. The relationship between Mia and Garrett reminded me about Jane Austen's Emma, with the best friends being in love but not realizing it and the matchmaking. I did like their relationship, although at some points I was like "AHHHHHHH, just tell her!!" Even though the story is set in Philadelphia, I kept picturing the setting as being in England. Maybe it's because I'm in a regency mood and the cover through me off. Either way I really enjoyed this story with an excellent heroine. Looking forward to more books in the series! Tracie Peterson has written another winner!

Mia Stanley has been Garrett Wilson's neighbor since she was a babe. They had practically grown up together. He's been her best friend and confidante, shared her adventures and dreams, and now that they are older, she has realized that it is high time she repaid his kindnesses. Mia decides that what Garrett really needs is a wife. And, with her talent at matchmaking, she's sure to find a lady of high regard with whom he can spend his life. Finding the perfect lady is more difficult than it seems, though. Problems abound with each and every introduction that Mia makes. Soon, it becomes apparent that the match that she's looking for might have been right under her nose the whole time. Mia's matchmaking must take a backseat when she discovers, through her writing job at GODEY'S LADIES BOOK, the terrible plight of the wives of Philadelphia's seamen. Mia must delve deep into the seedy side of life to get the story for GODEY'S, hoping that if the tale is told, others will also offer aid to the unfortunate women. In her quest to find a solution, she unwittingly puts herself in danger, and draws Garrett into the danger as well. A LADY OF HIGH REGARD is a wonderful read, full of realistic heart-warming characters and a strong, but not overdone, message of faith. Author Tracie Peterson has created a richly romantic tale set against one of America's most interesting periods in history. First in the Ladies of Liberty series, A LADY OF HIGH REGARD is simply refreshing, leaving readers with a feel-good outlook and a positive message of hope and love.