About the Book Book: A Winter at the White Queen Author: Denise Weimer Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release date: January 3, 2023
In the world of the wealthy, things are never quite as they appear. Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball? Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. When Florence Hastings’s diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love. Click here to get your copy! About the Autho
North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Having served three years as managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, as well as a freelance editor, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
More from Denise
Enter the Age of Wonder …
I like to think of the time period between the Gilded Age and WWI as the Age of Wonder. New ideas and inventions swept society in waves while those who wanted to preserve the old ways tried in vain to hold back the tide. Opportunity and advancement flowed as railroads and communications linked America’s coasts, motorcars allowed individual freedom of travel, and companies flourished following Reconstruction.
My goal was to capture this excitement and promise in A Winter at the White Queen. You follow my heroine, Ellie, and her uncle and his family for their fashionable winter 1910 season at the Hotel Belleview in Clearwater, Florida. Ellie is more than “the poor relation companion” to her younger cousin Ava. She’s also a trusted friend, and like the heroines in her female detective novels, a budding sleuth—sniffing out promising matrimonial candidates for Ava at the bequest of Aunt Florence. Little does she expect to stumble into her own romance—and a mystery surrounding a certain intriguing entrepreneur.
Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?
Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. But when Florence Hastings’ diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.
Lewis’s work allowed me to sprinkle White Queen with clever inventions that spark Ellie’s curious nature. Among them are:
Temperature-compensated balance wheels, which Lewis invented as a teen. The backstory of how he sold his invention to the railroad, allowing them to synchronize all their watches, provides an unexpected link to uncover between Lewis and Ellie.
The cinématographe, patterned after Thomas Edison’s kinetoscope but intended by the Lumière brothers to show films to a wider audience. Used in the show at Washington’s Birthday Ball to end the season, the cinématographe aids in the culmination of the mystery of Florence’s missing diamond necklace.
The magical orange tree, which not only blossomed but appeared to grow actual oranges, was a real mechanical invention featured at Ava’s birthday party by The Great Gaspachi.
The Hydro-Vacu. I couldn’t resist including this titter-worthy, real-life machine, used, of course, by the appearance-conscious Aunt Florence. After applying a bleaching cold cream or “tissue food” to ensure plump cheeks, the massaging “Depurator” was rotated slowly over the face. How long until that idea makes a comeback?
As fun and whimsical as A Winter at the White Queen may be, our characters have some real growth to do … if they can get past the social expectations and masks, the suspicions and past hurts. I hope you’ll brighten your winter days by joining them at the White Queen.
Blog Stops
Book Looks by Lisa, January 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20
An Author’s Take, January 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21
deb’s Book Review, January 22
Christina’s Corner, January 22
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23
Connie’s History Classroom, January 24
Betti Mace, January 25
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25
Texas Book-aholic, January 26
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 26
Bigreadersite, January 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 28 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, January 28
Cover Lover Book Review, January 29
Holly’s Book Corner, January 29
Rebecca Tews, January 30
Blogging With Carol, January 30
Back Porch Reads, January 31
Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, February 1
Blossoms and Blessings, February 1
Pause for Tales, February 2
To Everything There Is A Season, February 2
Giveaway To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/23bc4/a-winter-at-the-white-queen-celebration-tour-giveaway
My Review:
I truly enjoyed this book, even though I got a bit lost right toward the end.
The heroine was the right mix of wallflower and intelligent. The hero was brilliant, good-looking, but had a secret that made that perfection okay.
I especially enjoyed the historical aspects of the book--everything from the train ride to the mammoth Florida resort to the magic of the day--were well-researched and interesting.
The only thing that I didn't like was the heroine's behaviors toward the end--she could have died because of less-than-wise choices she made and her risk-taking wasn't even mentioned. Maybe it's just me, but I like my heroines to be intelligent and bad stuff will happen anyway, but at least she made smart decisions.
I only wish the resort was still there--I want to go, as in this weekend!
I received a complimentary copy as part of Celebrate Lit tours, but the opinions are my own.