Customer Reviews

The Lady's Maid (Prairie Dreams)

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

 

 

If you're thinking, "Oh, no, not another wagon train story, " don't worry. Once you dip into the pages of The Lady's Maid by Susan Page Davis, you'll be glad you came along for the ride. Can two refined ladies in hooped, crinoline skirts travel from England, don calico dresses and survive culture shock along the Oregon Trail? Lady Anne Stone and her faithful maid, Elise experience a slow crawl across the American plains, but the reader is treated to a full-clipped story full of pioneer and wagon train details.

The tough male trailblazers doubt if these beautiful, finicky ladies can handle the trip. They break their rule of "no unaccompanied women on the trail" and agree to take them on. Soon Anne and Elise are making open fires, butchering chickens and surviving egg-sized hail.

Anne grows from a tender-skinned aristocrat to a woman determined to find her missing uncle. A glance at the book's title reveals that Elise may turn out to be the more interesting person. Her character is faithful, reliable and sympathetic. You will cheer her resourcefulness. A quotation from the book sums up her character well. "Her dainty fingers grasped his rough hand with a surprisingly strong grip."

Susan Page Davis, a resident of Maine, has researched and published books set from 1689 to the present. A versatile author, she writes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense and Historical Fiction.

The author's style is to spin the story out largely through dialogue, but with the number of people interacting as they travel west, this technique works. A well-executed romantic tension between Elise and Eb Bentley weaves through the book. Tying up loose ends between Anne and her missing uncle, The Earl of Stoneford might have made the ending stronger.

Barbour Books through Net Galley graciously supplied the advance review copy for my unbiased opinion.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

When Lady Anne finds herself without parents and no one to take over the family earldom she is suddenly faced with two options; one is to move out of her home and in with her lady maid Elise or the other is to find her father's brother David in America so he can rightfully claim the earldom and help her out! Anne decides she wants to adventure to America along with her lady maid Elise in search of her uncle! No sooner than arriving in America does she learn that Uncle David went west to Oregon. Against everyone's wishes they decide to join the Wagon Train and head to Oregon.

There are many obstacles Lady Anne and Elise face on their journey west including somebody out to beat them to her uncle and learning to cook over an open fire. One of the bet obstacles of the trip is learning to get along with stubborn Eb, one of the train guides. I loved Eb and found his character just charming! He is stubborn, and manly yet very attentive and sweet to Miss Elise.

This was a really sweet historical book that captured my heart from the beginning. I loved the friendship between Lady Anne and Elise. Now that they are in America, no one can know Elise is Lady Anne's servant so they have to pretend to just be close friends. Soon their friendship is strong and close and they value each other more like sisters. The romance was very mellow throughout the story but it was very sweet!

We are left at the end of the book with lots of questions about the fate of Lady Anne and finding her Uncle David. Plus with the added questions of what will now happen to Elise. There is definitely a second book and I can't wait to continue the story!

Sometimes I get a bit frustrated as I feel that I would like to rate a book MORE than a 4 star (I liked it) and less than a 5 star (I LOVED it) ... sometimes when that happens I go up to a 5 star if I feel it leans more than way and others I have to go down even though I feel it is a disservice to both the book and the author but then I feel that a 5 star would over rate it for the readers that are considering purchase it ... difficult decision ... I really, really enjoyed this book ... but I didn't LOVE it!

It was a fun book ... both in the way it was written, the storyline and honestly, I felt I also got an interesting history lesson which I truly enjoyed. It started out in my opinion a bit slow ... where Lady Anne and her personal maid, Elise made the decision to go and try to find Lady Anne's uncle who was to inherit the title from Lady's Anne's now deceased father, the former Earl. No one knew where he was but last they heard he was in America ... they started out their trip in St. Louis where 5 years ago he was last ... and then tried to follow his trail East. These two very refined lady's that had not done manual labor were all of a sudden put into a position of having to fend for themselves. The wagon trail leader, Rob was much more willing to take on these two young women if they could find a man to help them handle their wagon and other tasks he felt they couldn't handle, whereas his scout, Eb was totally 100% opposed to the idea.

It was interesting knowing these lady's of quality felt that they or at least Lady Anne had to wear a corset on the trail ... I can't imagine how uncomfortable that would have been as well as some of the fabulous gowns. Their everyday gowns were fancier than most of the other women would have ever worn in their whole lives. This of course, cause some discord with some of the other women, not to mention that they couldn't cook over an open fire and didn't know a thing about living on the open trail.

Add into all of this the fact, that someone else was trying to get to Uncle David first as well as romance ... made it an interesting read. I try not to get into too much detail in my reviews even though I know others do ... I appreciate them doing that ... however, I want you, the reader to be able to at least decide if you might like to read the book and like it or not, but not give away the whole book at the same time. Sometimes that is more difficult than others.

I will mention that I am looking very much forward to the next book in the series as Susan Page Davis is so famous for ...she did once again ... the book actually continues in the 2nd book in the series, which I believe is due out in either April or June (I just can't remember ... you can check Amazon.com and preorder as I have done). Then the 3rd book is due out in fall I believe unless I have this mixed up with another series ...hmmm maybe I read too many Christian books! Hope you enjoy this one!

Elise Finster is The Lady's Maid to Anne, a well-bred young lady who is in search of her long-lost-uncle, the new heir to a family fortune. Elise stays faithfully by her lady's side, as they go across the sea to America, and on a wagon train to Oregon. A sinister cousin tries to thwart their plans. Meanwhile sparks might just be flying between Elise and the gruff scout Eb Bentley.

While Lady's Maid was a well-written book, with some chuckle worthy incidents, I found myself constantly having to drag my focus back onto the pages of the book. I just didn't feel drawn into the story or the place. The characters were good, but I wish I had felt more for them. But that's my personal opinion.

Overall, I did enjoy this book, though I wished that things would have moved faster than they did, and that I had felt more for the characters. Also I wished that Elise and Eb had spent more time together, and that they'd had more meaningful interactions. But I did like reading about how Elise and Anne became more independant as they learned how to cook over open fires and many other household chores while on the Oregon Trail. I only wish that my attention had been more captivated.

Final Rating: 3.8 out of 5

I received a copy of this book from teh publisher, through NetGalley in return for an honest review. The copy I received may not be the final edition, so keep in mind that my review is based soley on what I read. Thanks :)

Lady Anne has lost most of her family and most recently her father. According to British law, she cannot inherit her father's estate and instead it will be turned over to her uncle, David Stone. Unfortunately, her uncle left for America years ago and hasn't been heard from in years. If he cannot be found, the estate will turn over to another relative.

Determined to find him, Lady Anne sets out with her personal maid, Elise Finster on a journey across the American frontier, beginning in St. Louis. They discover that David headed West years ago and the only way to see if he is still alive is to travel with a wagon train headed to Oregon. What the ladies do not know is they are being followed and someone is trying to find David Stone before they do.

Neither lady has much experience to offer, but they do find help in one of the scouts leading the train, Eb Bentley. As much as he thinks they should not be on the wagon train, he does all he can to make things easier for both of them, but especially one of the ladies in particular. Will they both survive the trip to Oregon and will one of them find a reason to stay in America instead of returning to England?

My Thoughts

I do love the premise of the book series and the adventure that the two ladies take to find Anne's uncle. I cannot even begin to imagine the challenges that so many faced as they headed West to settle ~ surviving the trip alone would have been a feat. The two traveling in this story came from a proper upbringing and were accustomed to all the modern conveniences of the time. Their attitudes in the process were absolutely wonderful, not wishing for others to think differently of them or know who they really were. They ended up giving up and selling much in the process to try to better fit in with those around them.

I have to admit, however, that this wasn't my favorite book read lately. While I loved the overall plot of the book, I was a little frustrated at the end of the book because things weren't all `neatly' tied up and finished. It is a part of a series {it says `Book 1' on the front cover ~ I missed that} and while one part of the plot was wrapped up, it was done rather quickly and almost a bit too hastily in my opinion. Not to give anything away, but if you are hoping for resolution on the finding of David Stone...you'll have to wait until more of the books are released.

That said, I already have my hands on the next book in the series {Lady Anne's Quest} where the adventure to find the missing uncle continues {and I attempt to appease my curious mind}. I have no complaints at all about Davis' writing style or the book otherwise, but I suppose I'm being stubborn. :)

3.5 Stars

Elise is a lady's maid to Lady Anne. Elise is 39 years old and knows her chance of marrying is slipping away but she loves her employer like family and gladly serves her. Lady Anne's father has died and there is only one known male family member to take the title. But he lives in America. Soon Lady Anne and Elise head to America to see if they can find Anne's uncle. When they get a lead that he took the Oregon trail out west they plan to join up even though they have no idea what they are getting into.

Eb has been a scout for the Oregon trail for a while and he does not want these lady's to come but soon finds himself interested in Elise and worried about the well being of both ladies. Will love be at the end of the trail?

This book was okay. What I liked about the book was the history. I have never read any romance novels dealing with the Oregon trail so it was very informative. 4-6 months on a wagon train I can't imagine! I thought the author did a good job with that part of the story. The characters where okay. After reading the whole book I did not have a real like or dislike for any of them. The romance between Eb and Elisa was so so. I also felt the story dragged on at times. The mystery part of the story was okay but lacked the suspense to really give it life.

I have read one other book by this author and I liked this one a little better. This is the first book of the series and I might read the 2nd one if time allows. The story of traveling the Oregon trail is what gives this book the extra half star in my rating I really enjoyed the history lesson. The author does such a good job of detailing the travels if she would have developed the characters just a little more this would have been a great book.

The Lady's Maid is a story that pulls you along, begging you to keep reading, despite what I would consider some major flaws. Elise Finster and her British mistress, Lady Anne Stone, travel to America in hopes of finding the missing earl of Stoneford, David Stone. After her father and uncle's death, Lady Anne is informed that the title (and estate) cannot be passed on until there is proof of David's death, or he returns home.

The two prim and proper women embark on a perilous journey to Oregon. Despite their lack of knowledge, the two manage to secure livestock and supplies to join a wagon train. However, Scout Eb Bentley is sure the pair will slow the wagon train down, or worse, get someone hurt or killed. But he cannot help admire Elise's ingenuity, courage, and determination. And when danger threatens the pair, he vows to protect her all the way to Oregon...or longer if she will allow him.

The characters pull you through the story, despite the fact that there is very little physical description of them. I can't even tell you what color Elise's eyes are, or Eb's hair color, but somehow, you do not care. The girls are so funny, drinking out of china cups on the range, and fretting over whether to get rid of their hoops and crinoline. Overall, though, the characters are not very compelling, and you don't get absorbed in them.

I did not feel swept away by the romance story between Eb and Elise either. It felt like it just kind of happened and developed. Not that this is a bad thing; however, if you are looking for a romance that makes you squirt tears from your eyes, this is not your book. The story really revolves around the mystery of Anne's Uncle David. And while it drives you through the story, (despite all the speed bumps) I don't particularly care for how it ended. While I can see a second book in the series developing from this ending (which there is, Lady Anne's Quest), I prefer my series to be stand alone, so each one feels like there is a concrete conclusion (even if it is later revealed that the conclusion was not as it appeared).

I am only going to give it three stars, because while I enjoyed the story, I wasn't thrilled with it. It is a good addition to your bookshelf, but not for the more finicky reader.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

THE LADY'S MAID (PRAIRIE DREAMS) by Susan Page Davis is an exciting beginning to a new series "Prairie Dreams" set in 1855 London and Oregon.This is the story of Lady Anne Stone(British mistress),her Lady's maid,Elise Finster,Scout Eb Bentley's,a wagon train,a search for Lady Anne's missing uncle the new Earl of Stoneford and their many adventures. It has love,faith,adventures,danger,romance,family, misunderstandings,friendships,hardships,secrets,and the desire to find a loved one. This is a fast paced story that will leave you wanting more and turning pages. A must read,while this is an inspirational romance story,it is not "preachy" but full of live's irony,faith and hardships. A great start to a new beginning not only in the lives of the characters but also in a new series. Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Barbour Books and My Book Addiction and More.

**Coming in April 2012 Book 2 of Lady Anne's Quest (Prairie Dreams Historical Romance**

Excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lady's Maid. Good story plot and character development with just enough twists and turns to make it interesting without making it stressful. It was relaxing AND interesting if that makes sense. I hate stories in which the characters are presented with too many difficulties. Though the ladies did encounter some "bumps in the road" so to speak, the problems weren't insurmountable and were easily reconciled in a timely manner. I can't wait for the next in the series.

The Lady's Maid by Susan Page Davis Prairie Dreams Book 1

Lady Anne Stone has just lost her father, the Earl of Stoneford. Her cousin Randolph was ready to take the title and the fortune with it but they can do nothing until they know if her Uncle David is dead or alive. He was in America last they heard but that was ten years ago. Elise Finster is Anne's maid. She has worked for the family since she was sixteen. She now fears she will be looking for new employment. Lady Anne has a different plan though, to go to America and find Uncle David, who unbeknownst to Anne, has always held a special place in Elise's heart.

The story is focused on Elise. Her struggles to treat Anne as a friend and not use her proper titles so they do not look wealthy and become targets and to keep her mistress safe in this rough and strange country. When they run into dead ends in St. Louis they head to Independence. The only bit of information they can find sends them on the Oregon Trail with a wagon train. They hire a man to help them, unknown to them that Thomas had been hired to follow them and find out about David. Ed Bentley, called Eb, is dead set against these high bred English women going with but his partner, Rob, disagrees. As they head down the trail both Anne and Elise learn the basics of cooking, cleaning and taking care of mules, even driving them.

Susan writes in such ways that you are traveling along the Oregon trail with them, feeling the fears and frustrations as well as the joys. Seeing the beauty along the way as well.
**Received through NetGalley for Review