Book Review and Giveaway -The Sugar Baron’s Governess Author: Elva Cobb Martin On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: The Sugar Baron’s Governess

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 23, 2022

She needs a new start…He knows a reckoning is coming.

Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he’s known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the Eagle, when the mood suits him. Currently, he needs a governess for his young daughter whose mother has passed.

Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever.

Joshua’s precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement…and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at https://www.elvamartin.com/ .

 

More from Elva

I had an amazing thing happen when first beginning The Sugar Baron’s Governess. My precious husband had booked a week for us in a comfortable condo at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to help me concentrate on my plotstorming—without the “do me” call of our vacuum, washing machine, or phone calls when at home. Of course, he likes to fish from a pier while I’m writing.

 

The first morning I sat at the kitchen table overlooking the Atlantic, with my laptop, researching Jamaica and especially the historic Maroon settlement of warriors and escaped slaves in the mountains that could play a part in my story. I was also praying for the Lord to help get a good start on this fourth novel in my series. Should I even be including the fierce Maroons in my plot?

 

A knock came at the door. I had requested no room service, so I was surprised to be interrupted. When I answered it, a black male employee asked if we needed any cleaning done or fresh linens. I almost gave him a short answer, wanting to get back to my laptop, but my ear discerned a British accent. –Here’s our amazing conversation:

 

“Where are you from?”

 

“Jamaica.”

 

I opened the door wide and invited him in. “That’s most interesting. I’m writing a novel set in Jamaica.”

 

His eyes widened. “You are?”

 

“Yes, in fact,” I gestured to my laptop, “I’m right now researching a group of warriors in historic Jamaica, called the Maroons. Know anything about them?”

 

His mouth fell open. “I’m a descendant of the Maroons.”

 

I got a tingling chill up my arm. How likely was this kind of thing to happen? He further told me he never worked the 15th floor but for whatever reason, had been assigned our floor that day. He told me was a Christian, and he shared several things with me about the Maroons and how they finally won their independence and rights the British government of Jamaica had long withheld. At times, because of their desperate existence, they did hurtle down from their mountain strongholds and burn sugar plantations, as history records.

 

I decided I had a definite confirmation to include the Maroon warriors in my Jamaican story. They are instrumental in convincing my hero Joshua Becket to turn back to God when his life and plantation are sorely threatened. Whoops, there I go giving away some of the story! Hope you enjoy Joshua and Abigail’s exciting, romantic adventure in Jamaica. Can they survive and make it back to Charleston and a happily ever after?

My Thoughts

The Sugar Baron’s Governess is book four in the Charleston Brides series that is written by  Elva Cobb Martin. They are stand alone books. I have not read the whole series. This book was set in late 1700's. We met Joshua Becket in one of the other books, but if you did not read Georgia Ann - English Rose there is enough back story that you will not feel lost. 

Abigail has come to Jamaica to fill a governess position for Joshua's daughter, Jade. She left behind Charleston and the memories of her deceased husband and infant son. She is looking forward to a fresh start. She has an eventful ride on the Marigold when the ship is attacked by pirates. She is fortunate to survive and is rescued by Captain Jay, who she finds out is her new employer leading a double life. 

Joshua has had to leave his previous life due to some poor decisions, he left his law practice and is now a sugar plantation owner. He walked away from his faith. When a little girl is dropped on his door step with a note saying she is his daughter, she needs a governess. After rescuing Abigail from the attacked ship, and worried she will see his double life, he is drawn to her. I enjoyed seeing his character grow throughout the book. 

This book does deal with the mistreatment of slaves, which was a part of this portion of history. The author handles it with grace and tact. The story is well written and realistic. I enjoyed it. We see the aftermath of the Revolution, people still taking sides along with Pirates! 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

For Him and My Family, August 25

deb’s Book Review, August 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 27

Inklings and notions, August 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Connie’s History Classroom, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, August 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 1

Betti Mace, September 2

Pause for Tales, September 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 4

Beauty in the Binding, September 5 (Author Interview)

Of Blades and Thorns, September 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elva is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/20e11/the-sugar-baron-s-governess-celebration-tour-giveaway