It’s hard to connect with the living when you’re able to communicate with the dead. Lady Mary Masterson had no objection to being betrothed to Gilbert Talbot until he ridiculed her. Now, years later, it appears her chance for an adventure on the Continent will be thwarted by the very man when he turns up, vowing to keep her safe. Insufferable!If only it weren’t so difficult to ignore her … weren’t so difficult to ignore her fluttering heart—and the voices constantly touting the advantages of marrying the man who long ago called her a witch.
Battlefield promises are easy to make and hard to keep.
They were at war when Gilbert Talbot, the Earl of Waterford, promised to care for the strange but fascinating sister of his dying best friend. But his is a perilous life, and to ensure her safety, Gilbert has avoided Lady Mary, a woman whose mere presence makes every cell in his body come alive.
Now fate has brought them together in more danger than Gilbert ever imagined. He could well lose the woman he loves to the enemy—or to the arms of another man.
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Visions of Lady Mary
Agents of the Home Office Series #3
Rachel Ann Smith
https://www.facebook.com/rachelannsmit11/
Release date 03/05/2020
Publisher Penford Publishing
Blurb :
It’s hard to connect with the living when you’re able to communicate with the dead.
Lady Mary Masterson had no objection to being betrothed to Gilbert Talbot until he ridiculed her. Now, years later, it appears her chance for an adventure on the Continent will be thwarted by the very man when he turns up, vowing to keep her safe. Insufferable!
If only it weren’t so difficult to ignore her fluttering heart—and the voices constantly touting the advantages of marrying the man who long ago called her a witch.
Battlefield promises are easy to make and hard to keep.
They were at war when Gilbert Talbot, the Earl of Waterford, promised to care for the strange but fascinating sister of his dying best friend. But his is a perilous life, and to ensure her safety, Gilbert has avoided Lady Mary, a woman whose mere presence makes every cell in his body come alive.
Now fate has brought them together in more danger than Gilbert ever imagined. He could well lose the woman he loves to the enemy—or to the arms of another man.
My review :
After spending years to avoid each other, what are they to do when they must work alongside…
As many, I am often drawn to a book by its cover, and when I first saw Mrs Rachel Ann Smith covers, they intrigued me but me being me, I forgot about it until I was offered this arc opportunity, and as I better read with a deadline, it was the perfect timing to discover this author’s work. Plus I do love a paranormal twist in my historical reads.
Even if I have read none of the previous books in this series and there are mention of the previous books heroes, this one can be read as a standalone.
Lady Mary was gifted with her family’s talent, the ability to see and discuss with the departed. Because of what she sees as a curse, she makes her appear as an oddity. And even her status as a Duke’s daughter does not protect her fully.
And when her late brother painted an amazing portrait of his best friend, she has great hopes until upon their first encounter Gilbert crushed everyone of them.
For years, they played hide and seek, him avoiding her at all cost even when a promise to a late friend asked him to pledge himself to her.
Sure Gilbert was not the best of the suitor when he is concerned with Mary. And when they rekindle, he thinks only at how to get rid of her.
He is full of doubts and questions but it is easily understandable. And at the time, witchcraft would have been labeled for Mary’s talent.
Their take is one of many events as they follow leads to bring a villain down. On their journey, they come to realize they care for one another but trust is not easily given.
They will have to work on both sides, he to relinquish control and she to prove she deserves the trust offered. Not an easy fit when they fought and another for years.
This is one entertaining read with a bit of steam and very unusual characters.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy and purchased my own prior to it. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/567462983842877/?d=n
Visions of Lady Mary is a sensational romance with so many emotions that swirl through you as you read about Gilbert and Mary. Gilbert and Mary find themselves in the middle of this intriguing adventure of deception, secrets and spies that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. Talking to the dead and having them talk to you is a “curse” so Mary believes. But what she does not realise is that they are there to help her. Gilbert thinks Mary is crazy or a witch when she tells him she talks with the dead. Both will come to realize just how special Mary really is in this rollercoaster ride has their passions building in this heart pounding story full of drama, sizzling passion, secrets, action, trials and tribulations and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that makes for one outstanding story!
Fast-paced and fun. Full review is at maidamalby.com
Visions of Lady Mary is the third book in author Rachel Ann Smith’s series, Agents of the Home Office. I’m really enjoying this series and was looking forward to this story. Both characters have appeared in the previous books and I couldn’t wait to finally meet them properly and find out why there seemed to be so much tension between them…
Lady Mary Masterson has a “family gift” or is it a family curse? Either way it’ not been easy being able to see and speak to the dead. Especially when the man she thought herself in love with at the age of thirteen crushed her dreams by calling her a witch. Gilbert Talbot, Lord Waterford is a highly decorated soldier, a respected lord known for his skill at handling any situation. Yet when he is around Lady Mary, all common sense leaves him.
What a fabulous couple and storyline! For those of us who have been reading this series from the beginning, we’ve already met Mary and Gilbert. Their relationship in the previous stories always seemed to show them as extremely irritated by each other. So I was anxious to see what might have been in their pasts to cause such tension and how these two would eventually be able to find their HEA. As their story plays out we get to really know both of these characters and I have to say I really liked them both! Mary is a kind, intelligent and beautiful young woman who just so happens to be able to speak and see the dead. I thought Ms. Smith did a wonderful job of incorporating Mary’s “gift” into the storyline without it overwhelming the reader and turning it into a full-blown Paranormal Romance. It was a nice twist in this story that made this story unique! As for Gilbert, he’s an intelligent, noble, handsome and courageous man who has spent years putting up barriers between him and Mary and avoiding the promises he made to her brother to marry her. He’s uncomfortable with the intense effect Mary always seems to have on him, but their connection is undeniable. As these two find themselves in France working on a mission together, they have to learn to trust and believe in one another.
Ms. Smith did a fabulous job with Mary and Gilbert’s story. The writing was excellent and we were gifted with a great balance of intrigue, suspense, and romance that kept me up late reading! Wonderful secondary characters added to the fabulous storyline that continues the Agents of the Home Office series. Although each book could stand on its own, I do recommend reading the entire series! I highly recommend and looking forward to reading book four, Confessions of Lady Grace!
Lady Mary Masterson had no objection to being betrothed to Gilbert Talbot until he ridiculed her. Now, years later, it appears her chance for an adventure on the Continent will be thwarted by the very man when he turns up, vowing to keep her safe. Insufferable! If only it weren’t so difficult to ignore her fluttering heart—and the voices constantly touting the advantages of marrying the man who long ago called her a witch. They were at war when Gilbert Talbot, the Earl of Waterford, promised to care for the strange but fascinating sister of his dying best friend Philip. Now fate has brought them together in more danger than Gilbert ever imagined.
This is the third book in the series & is easily read on its own. A well written page turning read that held my interest all the way through. It was a captivating read with a paranormal twist to it as Mary could hear voices & these voices often were more of an aid than a hindrance to her. I liked both Mary & Gilbert, Gil had made a promise to her dying brother Philip that he would marry Mary & what a merry dance she led him on. The road to their HEA was highly entertaining. I’m loving this series & look forward to more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This latest addition to the Agents Of The Home Office series has a fun bit of the paranormal thrown in. Actually, I suppose it is more than a ‘bit’, but it is fun and adds a nice twist to the story. You see, Lady Mary Masterson, daughter of a duke, has the family curse — or gift – depending on how one views it. Mary communicates with the dead – they are a constant cacophony in her head – and sometimes she wishes they would just be quiet.
“Despite what our dear family may whisper, our ability to see and talk to the dead is not a sign of madness. It is a gift that has flowed through our bloodlines for generations.”
The dead, along with members of her family who also have the family ‘gift’ have been telling her that Gilbert Talbot is the man for her. Mary doesn’t really mind that since she’s fallen a little in love with him just based on the letters her brother, Phillip, has written about him. Then, Gilbert came home from Cambridge with Phillip – just for a school holiday – and… Gilbert wasn’t at all as Phillip had said – he called her a witch!
“Masterson, you fooled me into coming. You touted your sister as a great beauty. You claimed she was of extreme intellect and held high morals.” Waterford snickered. “She is no diamond of the first water. She’s a witch!”
Phillip was killed during the wars and as he lay dying, he extracted a promise from Gilbert that he would take care of Mary and would marry her. Gilbert fully intended to keep that promise, but had put it off for years – for good reason, of course. In his work for the Home Office, he had to finish his assignments and he didn’t want to bring any danger to Mary because of his role as a PORF (you’ll learn what that is when you read the book). Luckily, Mary is all tucked away safely in Scotland with her aunt.
Shock doesn’t even begin to describe his reaction when he arrives at the port of Calais and sees Mary walking down the gangplank. WHAT! Then, she doesn’t seem particularly pleased to see him. Thus begins an exciting adventure through France. There is lots of excitement and fast-paced adventure as they try to tell friend from enemy.
Poor Gilbert has his hands full trying to keep Mary safe while keeping her other suitors away – not to mention fulfilling his mission. I loved watching Gilbert coming to respect Mary’s abilities and to learn to depend on her and let her lead at times.
I enjoyed this story and I hope you will as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.