The Girl with the Golden Eyes

By: Samantha Hastings, Samantha Larsen

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Hana’s life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana’s existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.

For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse’s innocence or she’ll lose everything.

She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald’s grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.

PRAISE FOR SAMANTHA HASTINGS

The Last Word

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“Witty, spirited, and utterly swoon-worthy. ... Filled with fierce feminism, impeccable period detail, and a charming romance that's sure to stay with readers long after the last word.” ―Addie Thorley, author of An Affair of Poisons

“Great voice. Unique premise. … And who can resist a plucky heroine who is determined to help write an unfinished romance novel by her favorite author!” ―B.R. Myers, author of Rogue Princess

“Hastings’ debut is a charming period piece with all the romance and scornful nods to high society any Austen fan will love. Lucinda moves beyond the cliché of being a young woman who chafes at the restrictions of a sexist world, as she’s elevated by her true passions―numbers and accounting. The Last Word is the perfect read for anyone who wants to spend a few hours in Victorian England in the company of a girl who understands that the entire country is being led by a Queen.” ―Booklist

“Refreshing ... Lucinda, a young Victorian woman with a modern sensibility well ahead of her time, has plenty of pluck and determination. Hastings' breezy prose and crafty plotting will leave readers racing to uncover her own last installment.” ―BookPage

The Invention of Sophie Carter

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute.” ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us

“A delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors are by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended.” ―Miss Print

“Hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud moments as the twins try to dupe everyone into thinking they’re the same person. ... It has the exact right amount of balance.” ―Allisa White Books

A Royal Christmas Quandary

“A delightful, romantic romp of a book—perfect for readers who like their holiday romance to come with a sprinkling of royal glamour.” —Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion

“A delightful foray into the Victorian era, A Royal Christmas Quandary will charm readers from page one. With endearing characters, a sweet romance, and fascinating details about Queen Victoria and the royal family, this story is sure to become a new Christmas favorite.” —Joanna Barker, author of Otherwise Engaged

“An exciting and romantic romp through Victorian England. ... A delicious blend of history, humor, and romance.” —Esther Hatch, author of A Proper Scandal

An engaging murder mystery

This is a historical murder mystery and not what I typically read. The plot is different and the writing engaging. The romance is a little underdeveloped, but there’s a lot more to the plot than the romance, so it makes sense.

There are a couple things I found ‘off’ about the book that made me to drop it to 4-stars. There are many many references to superstitions, especially concerning the eccentric Comtesse. It’s portrayed in a negative and even mocking light, but it’s still… weird. There are also many mentions of mistresses, dalliances with maids, and prostitution. Again, it’s not portrayed in a positive light, and certainly with no detail, but it’s included with a frequency and casualness that seemed a bit excessive to me. It’s a good book, though, and entertaining.

I listened to the audiobook, which happens to be narrated by a virtual voice. The intonations are often off, especially in the dialogue, but it’s not terrible.

Content:
There is no foul language. The romance is limited to heated but only mildly descriptive kisses. There are mentions of mistresses, dalliances with maids, and prostitution. There is some violence (it IS a murder mystery). There is no mention of faith or God.

Trigger warnings - murder, death of a family member, parents selling their children (from poverty into wealth, but still)

AI

I almost stopped listening due to the bland AI voice. Plz stop using AI. It is truly is awful.