🖼️🪩 “The Socialite” (The Ladies of Roderick Glen #4) (2023) 🪩🖼️ – Book Review

 

MY REVIEW 

 

 

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #4)
Paperback: 397 pages 
Publisher: Independently Published (July 1, 2023)  
Language: English 
ISBN-13: 979-8397058742
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information   

 

“She promised to help him catch a thief.

He promised to help her track down a killer.

Falling in love wasn’t part of the bargain.

 

Lady Fanny Morgan has spent much of her life as a member of the highest social circles, a position she relished until the sudden death of her husband. Convinced that foul play was involved, she is desperate to uncover the truth and discover the identity of his murderer.

 

Detective Julian Gray is one of the hardest working members of the Metropolitan Police Force. He has developed a reputation for unrelenting determination when it comes to solving cases; however, that tenacity has been put to the test by his latest case, a series of mysterious thefts targeting the highest members of society.

 

When Fanny offers an unexpected assist in preventing the next robbery, Julian hits upon a foolproof method to solve the case. Fanny will use her connections in society to uncover clues that will hopefully lead to the mastermind behind the thefts. In exchange for her assistance, Julian will reopen the investigation into her husband’s death

 

It’s an excellent plan, one that is mutually beneficial to both parties—however, neither of them anticipates the complications that arise when their unexpected attraction turns into something deeper. As the danger increases, so, too, does the risk to their hearts. Will they be able to solve the mysteries that surround them before it’s too late, or will their romance be cut short before it even begins?

 

The fourth book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series gives us another glimpse into the lives of the villagers as they reconcile faith with love, heartache, and the search for true happiness.” 

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Kristie Self, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own. 

I want to start off by offering my deepest apologies to the author for not reviewing this sooner. I am TRULY sorry that this sat on the TBR shelf for SO long. (Please forgive me). 

 

To be honest, this is NOT how I do book reviews. I’m usually prompt with them. 

 

The biggest problem – this arrived 11 days before I ended up in the hospital for a 10-day stint (August 2021). I had taken a few books with me not realizing that I would actually end up there for about ¹⁄₃ of the month in the hospital. Nor did I understand how truly serious my health was – cellulitis, MRSA, and sepsis. Let’s just say – I’m glad I live in this time and not the time the story is set in that is for sure. 

 

By the time I got home – I was not only INCREDIBLY exhausted, but I was devastatingly behind. It didn’t help that I also inadvertently added to that. I had EVERY intention of getting caught up. Sadly, life got in the way. And, in protest – I decided I was going to read this book … NOW! 

 

It did take a few days to get through – which is no reflection on the write. That “life” stuff. Needless to say, when I was able to devote time to this book – I did not want to walk away from it. 

 

This is a continuation series which means some story arcs from a previous novel end with another, and that novel segues into the next one. As a result, I HIGHLY and VERY STRONGLY suggest reading the previous books: 

 

🎹 The Piano Teacher 🎹 (Melody & Henry)

👗 The Dressmaker 👗 (Marigold & Hadley)

📚 The Governess 📚 (Fiona & George)

 

This is the fourth (4^th) installment and we’re treated to Fanny’s story. 

 

I know – wasn’t she married? If you’ve read The Governess, then it isn’t a surprise. And, the blurb of this book is going to be a HUGE spoiler. 

 

Those who’ve been keeping up, know dear Fanny and her marriage to Will hasn’t always been rosy. And, just when she was about to tell him some good news – she finds him dead. 

 

But, recently, she begins to believe William was murdered. Though the why and who remains to be found. And, it’s clear no one else shares her concern. 

 

Like the previous three novels, the author maintains her same writing style – short chapters, short scenes, and MULTIPLE POVs. However, she does provide the readers with a “who’s who” in the beginning of the book. 

 

As of note – this, like the others – is a rather long story. It comes in at 345 pages. However, it is shorter than The Governess.

 

And, the cover? The same kind of scheme – the subject in their “area”, backs turned to the reader. But … while I thought The Piano Teacher had a stunning cover – this one? It totally blew me away. It’s no secret purple is my favorite color, but that dress is STUNNING! 

 

After the incident in The Governess, I HAD to get more of Fanny’s story. The way that book ended had me waiting this as soon as I put that one down. 

 

Returning from previous books are the following. Note that the [P] indicates the character has their POV in this story: 

 

🌻 Francesca (Fanny) [P]

📚 Victoria [P]

🩺 Mercy (CeCe) [P]

🔭 Sienna [P]

📜 Barney/Barnaby [P]

🧵 Marigold [P]

🍻 Trimble

✉️ Janie [P]

🔭 Professor Nichols [P]

🥼 Dr. Hinkley [P]

🏰 George [P]

⚖️ Wesley [P]

📖 Meredith (Merry) [P]

🛍️ Robert [P] 

 

And, as she does in other books, Self brings some new characters in:

 

🚨 Julian [P]

🔭 Sarah [P]

🪞 Wendy [P]

🚨 Harvey (Julian’s partner)

👒 Penny (Barney’s “love interest” and daughter of his professor)

 

 

Story lines that are going on: 

 

Fanny/Julian – Trying to find out who killed William while trying to solve the   thefts

 

Barney (Barnaby) – At Oxford college, studying law, falls in love with someone

 

Wesley – for some reason, I don’t trust him; he’s definitely up to nothing good; he is also involving his sister Wendy who happens to be Fiona’s maid

 

Merry – Trying to sell her stories while her mother wants her to marry and forget about them; also having her debut

 

CeCe – Studying under Dr. Hinckley, takes a side job to afford schooling to become a doctor

 

Sienna – trying to focus on her job at the observatory until her mother has plans, then a tragedy occurs

 

Sarah – formerly Sienna’s maid, taking her position at the observatory but then something extraordinary happens

 

Victoria – worried about her “debut” and changes in her future

 

There will be some themes of violence – a pistol being held on characters, a hint at revenge killing, and there is a kidnapping. There is also grief and loss of a loved one (outside of William’s death). 

 

The author begins with a look back at Fanny’s early life with her brothers. She is eight (8) and upset she can’t play cricket with the boys. 

 

With a multi-story arc, and multi-POV arc, it is sometimes hard to focus when a story is changing. However, I’ve becoming accustomed to the writer’s style. 

 

Given the storylines, I decided to post this review by that …

 

Fanny/Julian – Chapter one starts with Fanny thinking about Will’s death – she heads to London to convince detectives at Scotland Yard to reopen the case of her husband’s death. However, she isn’t successful. The Constable in Barnstaple refuses (and there’s a reason for it).

 

An evening with Lady Delaney puts the two together again. Julian asks her to help, she wants his help. Since he isn’t able to, they can’t come to an agreement. However, once he learns the thief in custody isn’t the one they’re after – Julian is determined to get Fanny’s help. 

 

So far, there is nothing to help convince Julian that William’s death was an accident. That is until a “find” at Dunraven points them into a different direction. Weatherby still doesn’t see something amiss, so the two have to find a different way about it. 

 

The focus shifts to the thefts, and a new member of the aristocracy. 

 

The more time Julian and Fanny spend together, the fonder they become of each other. However, Fanny cannot move on until she gets justice for William. 

 

The case takes unpredictable and dangerous turns. 

 

It is when Fanny and Julian are talking about marriage where women’s rights for the era comes into mention. Any property they have, even their own, becomes their husband’s when they get married. They don’t even have rights to their children. While not a suffragette, Fanny sees the inequality and inequity in that situation. Even Julian seems to understand. 

 

Barney (Barnaby) – Barney is studying at Oxford to become a solicitor and becomes quite close to a professor. However, it is the professor’s daughter Penelope that catches Barney’s eye. 

 

Given the “relationship” between Barney and his professor, he is hesitant to approach Penelope for anything. Barney is even more on edge when he returns to Roderick Glen over the holiday season. He is trying to write her a letter when Victoria catches him. 

 

When the professor asks Barney to accompany (along with the young lady’s chaperone) Penelope to London, it is there that he starts entertaining a courtship with her. 

 

Of course, there is his “feud” with Victoria. And, he is trying to see her as he has – a spoiled arrogant rich girl. 

 

Wesley – It is quite clear this guy is up to no good, and dragging his sister Wendy (Fanny’s maid) along with him. Fanny believes him responsible for William’s death. However, he might also be connected to the thefts as well. Fanny and Julian are trying to figure out how the man is connected. He is somewhat working with his sister, Wendy. She doesn’t know what he is into – but knows it isn’t good. Still, she doesn’t seem willing to talk about it. 

 

CeCe – Still studying under Dr. Hinkley, she wants to become a doctor which he is against. Despite his best judgment, he does give her some old medical journals to read. 

 

The working relationship between the two shifts when CeCe wants to be paid so she can afford a women’s medical school. His refusal leads her to working for the Kinseys at their market. The only one friendly to her is Robert. 

 

Robert wants to see CeCe as more than a friend, but given her goals, she isn’t interested. She also doesn’t care for him in that way. He wonders if she fancies the doctor. However, Janie senses something is wrong when Robert comes into the post office. He mentions the rejection to her mother.

 

Janie confronts her daughter, and it’s clear she isn’t supportive of her daughter’s goals. This definitely had me changing my opinion of her. From liking her to completely disliking her. However, during the argument between Janie and Doctor Hinkley, where CeCe falls ill. It is Dr. Hinkley who takes care of her. Readers learn his true motives for not encouraging her. Through CeCe, readers also learn of the doctor’s past and why he is surly and gruff. 

 

This is probably one of the most heart-wrenching storylines, and one of the best of the book outside the main story.

 

Sienna – Sienna had previously been engaged to George (who is now married to Fiona); but is enjoying her work at the Royal Observatory. However, her mother gives her an ultimatum – give it up or be thrown out. She doesn’t think what Sienna is doing is ladylike – especially given the late hours Sienna is keeping with the doctor. Sienna gives up her position, but refuses to go back to her mother. 

 

Instead, she stays with her cousin – Fiona who is expecting a child. Fiona has no issues about her staying there. Fiona approaches her father about Sienna staying at one of their residences, but Lord Rockingham refuses and sides with Sienna’s mother. 

 

Sienna remains with Fiona until she receives some terrible news. And, it is this news that will end up having an impact on her future. It is dramatic and emotional. But, I did LOVE the conclusion that part of her story came to. Without spoiling it – this is what leads into the next book, The Headmistress.

 

But, due to Sienna having left the observatory, she has her maid – Sarah – take her place. Sarah, like Sienna realizes the professor is hopeless when it comes to organization. 

 

However, it is Sarah that catches the eye of Professor Benjamin Nichols. There is a LOVELY reference to the moon and sun, how the moon needs the sun. 

 

Victoria – it seems like just the previous book Victoria was pulling pranks on Barney. Now, she is debuting and to be presented for court (interestingly the court of Queen Victoria). 

 

Seeing what Fanny went through – being forced to marry someone she didn’t love, and what transpired – Victoria is hoping to avoid the same fate. Her mother assures her she won’t HAVE to marry someone she doesn’t love, but Victoria isn’t sure she wants marriage. She wants to change the world. 

 

And, for some reason, she is starting to have a change of feelings towards Barney. Though, she acts relieved some other girl has his attention. Victoria does mention her plan of “spinsterhood” to Barney who wonders if her father knows. 

 

[Can y’all see why I want a book for Barney and Victoria??]

 

The author kept a lot of the plots and their “reveals” until the very end, though like the others, this is an “open-end” book. This means the readers will HAVE to read the next book in the series. Don’t worry, that should be out in April.

 

This was, for me, the best book of the series so far. 

 

I LOVED the mystery surrounding not only William’s death, but the thefts as well. There were TWO plot twists I didn’t see coming 👀 and, the killer was NOT who I would’ve expected – or the why. But, it worked. I knew that the person was “hinky”, I just didn’t expect THAT!! 

 

The romance between Julian and Fanny was a slow romance, which was aided by their close proximity. It didn’t get any acknowledgement by the main characters until somewhere towards the end. Though, those around them saw the attraction and the “spark”. Even Fanny’s mother-in-law – William’s mother – thought it was past time for Fanny to “move on”. 

 

Can I just state that for SOME reason – Barney reminded me of Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) from the Harry Potter series? It wasn’t until I saw the movie saga in 2022 that it got my attention. I have NO idea why, but he just grabs me like that. I have been wanting a Barney/Victoria pairing since the first book. 

 

As of note, if you’ve seen the 1999 movie, Anna and the King – another version of The King and I – Jodie foster plays the teacher. Her son, Louis, is portrayed by a YOUNG Tom Felton (11/12). He did me in with the line “son of teacher couldn’t care less”. If that wasn’t a young Barney Wesley, I don’t know who would be. 

 

Though, right now – the Barney/Victoria pairing is not looking too possible as of this book. However, the writer indicated the two will have a story down the road. (That’d be a potential story).  

 

I did like that we got two romances for the book. Two side characters get married off-page though, and for who it was – it was definitely expected and appropriate. This too will be mentioned in the next book. 

 

I absolutely LOVED Julian’s partner, Harvey. And, I’m SO hoping we can get a story for him as well. I’m also wondering what the author has planned for CeCe and Dr. Hinkley. Despite the age difference, I’m kind of hopeful there. (There’s two more potential stories I’d like).

 

With regard to the news Sienna gets; at first, I was thinking “don’t fall for it, it’s a ploy”. And, it was interesting that few pages down the road, Sienna expressed EXACTLY what I thought. 

 

I absolutely adored the slight nod to Jane Austen. I wasn’t into her stories much, and there’s only one (so far) that I really love. I blame a movie for that. I saw the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility. And, I fell MADLY in love with Christopher Brandon (Alan Rickman). Goodness, I’m spoiled now on what a gentleman should be. 

 

It is interesting that Austen was published in 1811 with that same book, albeit anonymously. It wasn’t until after her death that her name was put on the books. I found a picture of an 1833 edition of Sense and Sensibility with Austen’s name on it. I found it interesting that Merry faced criticism from her mother about her writing over 40 years, given how popular Austen must’ve been at that time. Merry is told that men wouldn’t want a woman who had ambitions. 

 

There was a SLIGHT issue where a character was mentioned, interacted with, and the conclusion is written abruptly. I would’ve liked more “interaction” with the conclusion. Saying what it is, would be spoiling it though. 

 

I’m still saying this has the makings of a TV series! And, I would LOVE to see it. There is SUCH potential here. 

 

The author is Christian, so there will be some themes of faith in this. It is mild and not overwhelming as if one is being reached to. However, this is a very clean read, so even teens might enjoy this if they’re into regency romance and/or DOWNTON ABBEY. 

 

I’m on the launch team for the next book in the series, The Headmistress, which will be Sienna’s story. And, if y’all haven’t read The Dressmaker, I would – Jasper is back in Roderick Glen. 

 

 

 

 

RATING:  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub  

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html) 

 

 

 

Previous Books in Series:

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #1)

Paperback: 390 pages 

Publisher: Kristie Self (January 19, 2021)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8481942841

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“She longs to escape a dreadful secret from her past, but can she ever run far enough to truly forget? 

 

Melody Creston is left penniless following the death of her father. Desperate to escape the threat of an unwanted and dangerous marriage, she flees to the small village of Roderick Glen in the English countryside to begin life anew as a pianoforte teacher. She is hired to teach the daughter of the Earl of Rockingham and soon falls in love with the quaint village and its quirky residents. Despite her newfound freedom, she is haunted by the secrets of her past, as well as the constant fear that she will be discovered and forced to return to London.

 

Lord Henry Roderick is the younger son of the Earl of Rockingham and has no desire to obey his father’s wishes and help his brother attend to their family’s estate, Cheswick Park. Carefree and fun-loving, his reputation as a scoundrel often hides the true nature of his heart. Upon meeting Melody, he is instantly captivated by the beautiful piano teacher, and is determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and become the man she needs.

 

Melody is intrigued by Henry and encourages him to follow his own path as he searches for his purpose in life. Shy and reserved, she is reluctant to admit her feelings for him, but as they grow closer, he begins to break through the barriers of fear and mistrust that surround her heart. As their love deepens, she becomes increasingly afraid of what will happen when he learns the truth of her turbulent past. Can love forgive a secret hidden in the shadows when it is exposed to the light of day?”

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #2)

Paperback: 375 Pages

Publisher: Kristie Self (November 2, 2021)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8548458902

Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️

 

“She wants to forget the tragic memories that tie them together.

He wants to tear down the walls that keep them apart.

 

Marigold Pendleton has always prided herself on her independence. Possessing neither wealth nor great beauty, she has resigned herself to life as a spinster and is determined to look after her own needs. As dressmaker for the village of Roderick Glen, she is known for her loyalty and compassionate nature. Few of the residents would ever guess the truth—that beneath her sweet spirit, Marigold carries the weight of a dreadful secret and a guilty conscience.

 

Hadley Stevenson is proud of his position as steward of Cheswick Park, though it often means dealing with the constant drama that haunts the Earl of Rockingham and his family wherever they go. He longs for a wife and family of his own, but his childhood friend, Marigold, has no idea he has been in love with her for years. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to break through the barriers that surround her heart.

 

When a crisis forces Marigold to rely on Hadley more than she ever has before, she struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for him with the knowledge that he is the only one who knows the truth about the tragic event that has defined her life. As the walls between them finally begin to crumble, can she release the pain of the past to embrace the joy of the future that awaits her?”

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #3)

Paperback: 386 pages

Publisher: Independently Published (July 5, 2022)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8834574057

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“She’s spent years running from the pain of her past. Is facing it the only way to save her future?

 

Fiona Campbell has done everything possible to mold herself into the perfect English governess. Determined to forget the tragedy she endured as a young girl in Ireland, she devoted all her energy into building a new life for herself. And she succeeded brilliantly--until the day she fell in love with Lord George Roderick, Baron of Cheswick, thereby risking not only her heart and reputation, but her livelihood, as well.

 

Fiona’s world is shattered when she learns that George has abandoned her to enter an engagement with the Honorable Sienna Clarke, a woman that receives his family’s full seal of approval. Despite George’s insistence that his love for her has not wavered and he will eventually make a way for them to be together, Fiona harbors doubts that his words will ever come to pass. Desperate to escape the situation, she applies for a new position elsewhere, only to be ignored at every turn.

 

George has always been the son his father could count on. He’s done everything his family has expected of him, but the idea of marrying anyone other than Fiona is unthinkable. Determined to set things right, he takes matters into his own hands, little dreaming that his actions will have the opposite effect of what he intended.

 

When a chance encounter with a childhood acquaintance provides Fiona with an opportunity to return to Ireland, she struggles with the decision. Should she remain in Roderick Glen and hope for love to prevail, or return to her native country and face the painful memories that have haunted her for years?

 

This third book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series gives us another glimpse into the lives of the villagers as they reconcile faith with love, heartache, and the wistful longing for home.”

 

  

Next Book in Series:

 

Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #5)

Publisher: Independently Published April 16, 2024)  

Language: English 

⬆️ Click Photo for Purchase Information   

“Can two solitary hearts discover that their best chance for happiness lies in working together?

The Honorable Sienna Clarke has spent most of her life defying the expectations placed upon women in society. A scientific scholar at heart, she uses the inheritance she receives from her late father to open a special school for young ladies—one where they will be allowed to study any subject they wish, even those traditionally reserved for men.

Jasper Walker left Roderick Glen in disgrace more than two years ago and hasn’t set foot in the village since. Despite his attempts to change his life for the better, he finds himself once more searching for a way to repair a costly mistake. When his latest error results in deadly circumstances, Jasper reluctantly returns to Roderick Glen, hoping to escape from those who wish him harm. Seeking a way to support himself, he takes a job as caretaker for the school for young ladies that has recently opened in the village.

Sienna isn’t certain what to think of the new caretaker. He is handsome and charming, but also quite mysterious. She can’t shake the feeling he has secrets he’d rather keep buried, but despite her misgivings, she can’t deny her growing attraction to him.

Jasper has no desire to fall in love with anyone, certainly not a headstrong, opinionated headmistress far above his station, but when dangerous threats are made against Sienna and her school, he vows to do whatever he must to protect her and find the person responsible. Can love break through the barrier that surrounds his heart and show him what it means to truly put another person’s needs above his own?

Return to Roderick Glen for another glimpse of life in the small, quaint village, and follow its citizens as they struggle to balance life, love, and faith in this fifth installment of The Ladies of Roderick Glen.”

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Kristie Self combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she plays several instruments and teaches piano, as well. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas with her cat, Arlo. 

 

 

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Kristie-Self-104312101557463/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristieself_author/

 

 

 

 

* This post contains Amazon affiliate links