As many of you know, I love to read and from time to time post book reviews for various publishers.  The review you are about to read is my thoughts and opinions of the book.  I hope you enjoy it.   Marie

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is Book 2 of the Price of Privilege Trilogy.  Set in Victorian England, it gives the reader a glimpse of what it was like to live in that time period.  The reader becomes part of the wealthy world of the aristocrats (balls, soirees, opera, the Court, servants) while being constantly aware of the poverty, filth, and crime of the streets of London.

This delightful story is based on the age-old theme of right vs. wrong.  The battle of what one knows to be the right choice vs. what anyone/everyone else wants.

As the main character, Julia Eliston Pierson, recalls the 8 months of her life that frame this story.  The reader is drawn into a world of politics, intrigue, and the societal values of the age.  At the tender age of 18, upon the death (murder?) of her mother, after what seems to be a questionable marriage to a dashing rogue named Mr. Macy, she seeks refuge with Lord Pierson.  He recognizes her as his daughter and creates a plan that will allow her to quickly become the darling of London society, the Emerald Heiress.  The plan includes his desire for her to marry his adopted son, Lord Dalry, but is she really married to Mr. Macy?

Woven throughout the story is another character named Edward.  At the point of this story he is a ‘pastor’.  One must realize that Julia’s step-father was an atheist and she was raised as such.  As the story unfolds, she becomes the possessor of Edward’s Bible and the notes he has written in it.  Since she is searching for answers about her life she reads it and as a result becomes a believer in a touching, staircase scene, with Lord Dalry.  Of course, that sets her mind rolling with more questions.  Should she marry Lord Dalry?  Why is she kept in nearly constant seclusion?  Why is her father such a controlling monster?

Let me say at this point that it might be good to read Book 1 of the Trilogy first (Born of Persuasion).  Without the knowledge of the first book some of the story line became quite confusing.  However, even though I did not read the first book, Mark of Distinction, stands well on its own.

I highly recommend this book!  It is well written, accurate in its representation of what Victorian society must have been like, and does not assault the senses with unnecessary violence or intimate life details.

A copy of the book was provided for me by Tyndale House Publishers for the sole purpose of reviewing it.  The above review is my honest opinion of the book.  Should you desire to purchase the book just click on the bold title and it will take you to amazon.com (I receive no compensation from either company for your purchase!)