I love reading books and reviewing them, I have done one other author review on Sarah M. Eden. But I recently got the amazing chance to read books by a new to me Author. Her name is Karen Tuft and I couldn't wait to write a review based on her books and herself.
About a month or so ago I had the unique privilege to apply to read and review a new book coming out by Karen Tuft. I had never read any of her books but had heard of her. When I read the blurb (summary generally found on the back cover of a book) I just knew that I wanted to read this new book 'Kit and Elizabeth'. So I applied and got approved to read and review the book. But as I set up to do this (Yes I am that weird that I have to organize myself to read and review a book) I found, not so surprising, that Karen had other books with some of the characters from Kit and Elizabeth in previous books. Armed with this knowledge I knew that I couldn't just start with Kit and Elizabeth so I did what anyone (at least I hope anyone) would do and went to my local library and checked out four previous books of Karen's. One was a contemporary 'Unexpected' and the other three are regency novels containing these other characters from Kit and Elizabeth. They are 'The Earl's Betrothal', 'Wager For A Wife' and 'A Gentleman's Deception'. I read them by the dates they were published but found they are not the same Chronologically. If you wanted to read them Chronologically they would be Wager for a Wife, The Earl's Betrothal, then A Gentleman's Deception. I read them as first mentioned above and later realized I was very glad I did so. Not because I usually do this or that they had to be read this way but because I found that if I had read Wager before Earl I probably would have cried upon hearing of a character's death in the Earl's novel. However, I encourage you to read them in Chronological order. Maybe knowing the character before death would have been more interesting.
But, let me take a moment away from the books and tell you instead about a very personal experience I had on November 1st. Shawn and I were able to obtain tickets to a Regency Christmas Party held by Covenant Communications and I was so excited (not totally sure about Shawn's excitement, lol). I love Shawn for putting up with my wild, yet very fun, date's (this event, book signings, etc). This event was a dress up event and I enjoyed finding the right dress. I had every plan to either find or sew Shawn and I regency costumes but my sewing machine was in need of repair so Shawn wore his nice black suit and I wore a Regency-esque dress of light filmy pink (see picture below).
While attending I happened to spot the Author who started it all for me so many years ago. Michelle Ashman Bell published her first book 'An Unexpected Love' in 1998 and it is one of the first books I recall reading. It also happened to be the book that sparked the fire in me at age 11 to start writing. In meeting some of the Covenant Authors attending that evening I was introduced to another inspiring author, Karen Tuft. Shawn happened to mention within Karen's hearing that I really should meet Michelle which led us to find that Karen was attending with and had known Michelle for years. I told them both I was so nervous because Michelle is my Author Idol! Karen became determined for me to meet Michelle then. I finally met her and it was marvelous. But I also found a deep fondness for Karen and was so excited to meet her that night. I am sure the connections I made that night will be lasting and vital connections as I continue forward in my journey.
I enjoyed getting to know Karen that night and as I began reading her books I found myself falling in love with them along with Karen. I enjoyed reading little tidbits that I would not otherwise notice, like The Brick and Knee and Iverson in Kit and Elizabeth's book. I also enjoyed learning about 'Bob' in Unexpected. Seeing little things included like this which stemmed from people Karen knows was inspiring. Also while reading The Earl's Betrothal I found an answer to a question I had been puzzling over for my own book I am currently working on which helped alleviate so much stress.
The books that I have read of Karen's touched my heart in so many ways. I am anticipating who she will write about next and cannot wait to read those books as well. I have fallen in love with, cried with, laughed with, and every emotion in between with her characters. I have found myself so mad at the 'villains' in the books as well as hurting with the characters affected by those actions of others.
I will always be a major fan of Karen's work and encourage everyone to read her books (even just one of them). The emotions and feelings inspired in her work are amazing and worth every moment I spent awake late into the night.
Thank you Karen Tuft for not only being an amazing person when we met but also an amazing author who has inspired me to keep at my own work. I anticipate helping out whenever you might need my help with current and future works!
Read A Book & Enjoy An Adventure!
Sincerely,
Jamie Ann Bartlett
Thank you for all your support!
Reviews:
Wager For A Wife:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1Y0LHIHMM6HLI?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
The Earl's Betrothal:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3MWOMHWRF28WW?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
The Gentleman's Deception:
*Pending*
Kit and Elizabeth:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3046498518
Unexpected:
*Pending*
~*~ Adventure Like There Is No Tomorrow! Family Is The Key To Happiness So Tell Them You Love Them, Hug and Kiss Them, and Hold Your Kids A Little Closer!~*~ As Always, The Bartlett Family
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