Customer Reviews

A Lady of High Regard (Ladies of Liberty, Book 1)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Mia Stanley, from one of the wealthy and influential families of Philadelphia, was a vivacious young woman convinced she was a born matchmaker after so many of her introductions bore fruit in the culmination of marriage. To her families dismay she also wrote articles for GODEY'S LADIES BOOK magazine. After uncovering a nefarious plot exploiting seaman's wives on Philadelphia's docks, she became a woman with a cause. In her journalistic zeal to discover the perpetrator of these crimes, she not only put herself in harms way but was about to lose the high regard of the one man she came to realize was the true love of her life.

*** A long time fan of Tracie Peterson's emotional, adventuresome and inspirational series, I looked forward to starting Book 1 of LADIES OF LIBERTY. While this started off a bit on the slow side, with dialogs I felt were a bit stilted, I was soon caught up in Miss Mia's machinations and the story then steam-rolled into another lovely adventure.

The author did a splendid job creating and showing the reader how Mia was convinced her matchmaking talents were a gift - designed to bring her friends and acquaintances together in a perfect union; as well as her determination to champion the causes of the oppressed using her investigative journalism talents. Garrett, Mia's best friend, who happens to be the boy-next-door grown into a man, was fashioned perfectly, first as Mia's next matchmaking target, and then as her knight in shining armor. It would be while attempting to play matchmaker that Mia would discover, almost too late, that she already knew who the perfect mate for Garrett would be.

With Garrett, the author showed him as the concerned `big brother' who thought at first only to save Mia from treading on dangerous ground - taking chances with both society ruin as well as physical bodily harm. Built up slowly, the real reason for Garrett's concern dawned upon him and evolved into a lovely romance when Garrett realized he was no longer looking at Mia as another `little sister' but a vibrant and beautiful young woman who would make him the perfect wife.

Ms. Peterson fills the story with a memorable and likeable supporting cast, as well as a most despicable villain. She effortlessly brings forth lessons of faith in giving the reader better insights in life's lessons with a dash of humor and without being overly `preachy'. This best-selling author continues to entertain with her inspiring historical romantic adventures and it looks as though this new "Ladies of Liberty" series will be another one more feather to add to her cap!

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

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.

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 burst 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. :)

LADY OF HIGH REGARD follows Mia Stanley, the daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia family. Set in a time when social classes did not cross lines, Mia finds herself on a mission to help woman that are less fortunate than her, many who are seaman's wives being abused in their husband's absence . When she finds out these women are being forced to pay higher rents and bogus debits, she does some investigating. When Garrett, the boy next door and her lifelong friend sees her sneaking out of the house one night, he follows her, only to be horrified that she's gone to the docks to get more information about the seaman's wives. What starts out as brotherly protection, Garrett soon realizes his feelings for Mia have turned to love. He decides to do some of his own investigating into the corrupt behavior of one man, hoping Mia will obey her parents and leave the matter to someone more suitable. Mia, the consummate matchmaker, tries to get Garrett paired off so he will have less time to concern himself with her dangerous late night rendezvous. When it appears Garrett has found someone else, the idea of him no longer being around stings Mia's feelings. She too, realizes she is in love with him, but feels it is too late to tell him the truth.
Even though I'm not a fan of period pieces, I enjoyed LADY OF HIGH REGARD. The setting took a backseat to the story. I liked that TRACIE PETERSON set the tone of the book with the restrictions put on ladies at that time, but allowed tenacious Mia to be the moderate rebel, only wanting to right the wrongs of those less fortunate than herself. Of course, we had to wait until the end of the book to see if Garrett and Mia would reveal their true feelings for each other, but it was worth the wait.

I enjoyed this story very much as it provided much needed entertainment on a long road trip. The only flaw I saw (rhyme intended) was Mia never truly addressed her fears of Garrett proposing to Eulalee. Also, the ending could've been a bit longer in the respect that you wished there'd been a little more interaction between Garrett and Mia. But that is minor enough.

The story was very interesting as it told of a young determined lady, Mia Stanley, who finds out about a horrible secret of the seamen's wives plight. She's considered a highly regarded lady (as you can see) and has a knack for matchmaking. Her skill is proven through the happy marriages Mia's set up for her younger sisters. With this good experience in hand, Mia thinks she can be everyone's matchmaker, including her longtime friend, Garrett.

As she tries to find matches for Garrett, she is deeply troubled by the plight of the seamen's wives. Mia struggles through the process of learning that she can't do everything. It takes awhile for her to realize that, but when she does she also realizes that she's fallen in love with Garrett. Garrett feels the same, but doesn't know if she still thinks of him as her "big brother".

In a suspenseful event at the end of the book, Mia is captured by the culprit she's been trying to apprehend the day she found out he was responsible for the oppression of the seamen's wives. This part I felt immensely angry toward the villain, although it was necessary because you would never feel as happy as Mia did when Garrett finally came to her rescue.

That's when the resolve comes between Garrett and Mia as they know for certain their feelings toward each other. Garrett finally asks for Mia's hand in marriage and the "happily ever after" ends this interesting read.

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!

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!

A fan of Tracie Peterson, and although I gave this 5 stars this book definitely in my opinion starts out slow. So slow in fact that I started it THREE times before I got into it ... but ONCE I did ... I LOVED IT! It is a book about a young woman from a wealth family who in the days that this is written about is given much freedom. She starts investigating the harm that has come to seaman's wives and of course, finds herself right in the mix of things. Add to this that she is sure she is the greatest matchmaker, she truly believes this is God's gift to her... and she believes that her next victim should be Garrett, her best friend. Of course in the midst of this whole mess she finds herself falling in love much to her shock and even her dismay with Garrett ... the book is heartwrenching when one realizes this type of bullying did and most likely even happens today in places, but of course in the book it all comes out wonderfully! I enjoyed this book about this strong young lady with her strong beliefs and this young man who really wanted to protect her even though she felt she DID NOT NEED TO BE PROTECTED! Just the first one of Three that needs to be read in my opinion!

A fun little historical read mixed with some romance and suspense. Mia Stanley is a wealthy young socialite in 19th century Philadelphia. She works for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the chagrin of her proper parents. Mia's talent for matchmaking has brought her friends husbands, but none for herself.

Unsatisfied with simply writing about fashion, Mia's interests draw her into the world of the poor, downtrodden seamen's wives on the Philadelphia docks. Women who are terrorized and abused by their landlords, while their husbands are away or dead.

Mia feels called by God to help these women, but her desires to serve them put her in harm's way. Her closest friend, Garrett, finds himself falling in love with her even as he is frustrated with her lack of judgment and her compulsion to put herself in danger.

Christian without being overly preachy, the characters are likeable and the story is interesting.

A compelling, yet easy read.

This is the first book in the ladies of liberty series. I have looked forward to reading these books because Tracey Peterson's books are usually very interesting. I was slightly disappointed in this book though. It took me a while to "get into" it. I had to force myself to keep reading because I assumed it would get good. Which it did. I just wish I was captivated from the beginning.
The story line was good, however Mia Stanley (the main character) was annoying as she wouldn't listen to any advice and rushed headlong into danger all the time. I understand feeling on fire for a cause but come on - you need to use caution too! It was also a little frustrating and almost unrealistic that everytime Garrett Wilson tried to declare his love he got interrupted - let's just say that after the first five times it got old!
Other than that the book was a good and enjoyable read.