The Lady Who Drew Me In: The Sole Survivor Series

Happy Wednesday!  Only a few days left until Christmas (I could really use another week).  My featured author today is Thomasine Rappold. She has written The Sole Survivor Series.  The book in the series include The Lady Who Lived Again, The Lady Who Saw Too Much, and The Lady Who Drew Me In (the latest novel).  Ms. Rappold writes historical, romance novels with a touch of paranormal in them. Thomas Rappold is on Twitter (@ThomRappold) and you can follow her on Amazon (to get updates when she releases a new book).   

The Lady Who Drew Me In by Thomasine Rappold is the third book in The Sole Survivor Series.  Daisy Lansing is a widow living in Misty Lake, New York in 1885.  Daisy has the unique ability to transfer images from people’s thoughts onto paper.  Daisy used to use her skill to entertain her guardian’s friends at parties until one night a married woman’s thought got her in deep trouble with her husband.  It caused a big scandal.  Daisy’s guardians, The Palmers married Daisy off to Lawry Lansing (a man thirty years older) in exchange for a house in Newport and the promise of their daughter, Grace being well received in society.  Lawry was strict and insisted that Daisy not draw or paint (she rarely left the house).  Lawry has now passed away and left Daisy with a small monthly allowance (much to her dismay).  Jackson “Jax” Gallway is an attorney from Troy.  He is the brother-in-law to Daisy’s best friend, Tessa Gallway.  Jax needs Daisy’s assistance on his latest case (his future depends upon this task.  He needs Daisy to use her ability to get information from a young witness.  Jax’s client, Randal Morgan has been wrongly accused of murder.  The only witness is a young boy, Andy Wendell who has not talked since he saw his father murdered.  Daisy assists Jax, but she ends up with her reputation in shatters.  With help from Jax’s brother, Dannion the two are quickly wed.  But, can Jax, a notorious rogue, be content as a married man or living in the country town of Misty Lake?  Jax is also alienating the towns people with his pursuit of justice for Randal Morgan.  Will there be a happily ever after for Jax and Daisy?  Will Jax be able to prove Randal Morgan’s innocence?

The Lady Who Drew Me In is a sweet yet steamy novel.  I liked the characters and the setting.  The book is well-written and, for the most part, kept my attention.  The mystery was interesting and the author provided good clues.  Ms. Rappold also did a very good job at capturing the time period of the late 1800s in New York as well as the personalities of society people.  I give The Lady Who Drew Me In 3.5 out of 5 stars.  I just wish there had been more of the paranormal element in the novel.  The romance or attraction between Daisy and Jax dominated the story with the Jax’ case taking second place.  The paranormal element was very much in the background (like an extra in a movie).  There are highly stimulating scenes (I have to find creative uses for the word "sex" because many review sites do not allow this word) between Jax and Daisy after they are married (cold water would rise like steam if it was doused on them).  In addition, the story has the usual miscommunication between the couple that leads to a distance between the couple.  The ending is expected (there has to be a happy ending).  While The Lady Who Drew Me In is the third book in series, it can be read alone.  Each book is independent of the others.  What ties them together is the paranormal aspect.  If you like to read historical romance novels, then you will enjoy reading The Lady Who Drew In.

I appreciate you taking the time to visit and read my latest book evaluation.  I am off to enjoy dinner.  I will return tomorrow to review another novel. May all of you have a lovely, relaxing night. Take care, stay warm and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader