Review: The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall

Ms. Crandall's Everstone Chronicles series has been highly recommended to me ever since book one came out, but for some reason I'd never tried reading one of them until now. Craziness! Because I really enjoyed this one! (And even though it's part of a series, I didn't feel that discombobulated reading book four first.) I've been a big fan of stories that take place in Victorian England for years, so that aspect of the novel was absolutely a plus in its favor. But not only the setting is wonderful, so are the characters! Ms. Crandall's writing swept me into Violet's story and kept me on my toes wondering where things would go next.

I enjoyed getting to know Violet. Her sweet and innocent personality make her very likable. She's a great mix of boldness and uncertainty. She knows when to stand firm in her beliefs, yet she's susceptible to her own insecurities. Although I will admit to feeling some frustration with her. There were times where some of the choices she'd make didn't seem to fit what I knew about her. And I wanted to reach in the pages and give her a good shake a time or two. Luckily she has Mr. Vance Everstone around! He keeps an eye out for her safety and boy oh boy does the tension fairly crackle between them. Get those two in close quarters and they are aware of no one but each other! ;)

I was intrigued with Vance from the beginning, just as Violet is, and I loved watching his layers peel back little by little. I had some speculation over what he may be thinking at different points, and sometimes I'd be right and sometimes not. Which is just the right amount of mystery surrounding the hero of the story! But what I loved best about him is how determined he is to overcome his terrible reputation and prove to Violet that he's a new man, committed to doing the right and honorable thing. This takes some tremendous self-control on his part because Violet is so completely unaware of the effect she has on him!

There were unexpected twists, a few predictable plot points, sufficient mystery and tension, and such swoony moments to make my shipper heart happy! The feels that Vance and Violet caused....I have no words, my friends. All I can say is you need to go read their story and find out for yourself! :D

**I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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Upon returning, Vance took a seat again and held most of the pins out for me to take.
I did so, but answered, "I don't understand. My hair is too short--"
"I think we can figure something out. I wouldn't want you to miss out on having dinner with us on account of feeling unpresentable." He studied my hair once again.
I forced myself to breathe and averted my eyes as he focused on me so completely. how was it that he could make me feel so reassured, and yet on edge at the same time?
And then, without warning Vance took a lock of my hair, deftly twisted it about his fingers and pinned it above my ear, causing me to sit up straight, wide-eyed. "What are you doing?"
"Making you look presentable..."