Born of Persuasian

by Jessica Dotta
Tyndale House Publishers

Julia Elliston is in a position that doesn't afford her any security whatsoever. An orphan and unmarried, she has very few options in a world where women are seen as property and intellectually inferior to men. She has one possibility, however, and it rests solely on a guardian that wants to pack her off to Scotland as a servant. Unhappy with that prospect, Julia attempts to make her own future. But when she fails at making her life her own, she is at the end of her rope with no options, no family, and worst of all - no future. 

But then a titled dowager presents the opportunity to introduce Julia into society. Julia happily accepts, but a cloud hovers over her joy rather quickly. Her mothers' past becomes a matter of great interest, and shadows lie in the mystery that was her life. When Julia finds herself a pawn between two powerful men, will she be able to unravel the secrets that lie within her reach? Or is the truth ambiguous and intangible? 

Dotta's obvious knowledge of history makes the story more credible, and there was a little bit of a Gothic feel to this novel with some of the settings in the book. Julia is completely believable as a character, as she bases her actions on her feelings rather than what is logical. Many of us in real life act exactly like this, and I really enjoyed that she wasn't portrayed as a perfect role model. She is infallibly human, and I found myself enjoying the drama of her life despite the constant mood swings and indecision she demonstrates. As a woman in this time period where they were treated as legal property, it is accurate to depict a young woman in this era exactly as she is. This wonderful addition to the world of Victorian Novels is not to be missed. 

This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.