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Seeking Fortune
Losing his wife and daughter to influenza shook James Colchester’s faith in God. As another epidemic threatens, he’s torn between what’s best for his fragile son: fleeing to his Welsh homeland, or staying put. In a moment of weakness, the black-haired, green-eyed Gypsy’s delicate touch on his palm quells his fear…and her beauty ignites a warmth he hasn’t felt in years.
Desperate to return to her people, Valentina Rupa goes against every lesson her mother taught her to soothe the Englishman into a false sense of security. But as James’s quiet faith sparks a hunger to know it for herself, she realizes she’s made an unforgivable mistake. One that could rob James of his most precious gift—and destroy their chance for lifelong love.
Desperate to return to her people, Valentina Rupa goes against every lesson her mother taught her to soothe the Englishman into a false sense of security. But as James’s quiet faith sparks a hunger to know it for herself, she realizes she’s made an unforgivable mistake. One that could rob James of his most precious gift—and destroy their chance for lifelong love.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2018
About the author
Josie Riviera
94 books401 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Josie Riviera writes contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 16, 2019
This is an excellent written work of historical
fiction. At that time the Romany people were
not considered to be respectable. They were
gypsies who stole, lied and would live hidden
on wealthy estates.
Valentina Rupa is a beautiful, hard working
gypsy woman who is very influential in the
gypsy tribe. After the death of her mother,
Valentina becomes concerned about the
health of her sister. The sisters travel to the
estate of a wealthy Welshman in search of
a physician.
James Colchester is the owner of this wealthy
estate. He is a widower and also has lost his
daughter. He is a brave soldier who is providing
for and raising a deaf young son. He takes the
sisters into his home to provide the necessary
care for the sick sister who also has a broken arm.
He feeds both sisters, makes sure they have the
proper clothes for living there and provides
beautiful, comfortable rooms fo them.
At that time, there was an influenza epidemic
in the region. Mr Colchester can not decide whether
to stay or flee to his Welsh estate.
Although against his religious beliefs, he consults
Valentina for a palm reading. She deceives him which
will be the source of conflict between them at a
later time.
James leaves the Bible in Valentina’s room. He hopes
she will read it and give up her gypsy beliefs.
There is an attraction between James and Valentina
but will circumstances keep them apart??
The setting was beautifully described. The reader
will feel a part of the workings at the estate, the gypsy
camp plus the nearby village.
The period details were well researched.
The characters were multifaceted, interesting,
colorful and intriguing.
The story contained hidden secrets, deceit, prejudice,
conversion to God, forgiveness, friendship that leads to love.
A wonderful entertaining book must read book.
A Very Highly Recommenced Read!!!
Read on Kindle Unlimited.
fiction. At that time the Romany people were
not considered to be respectable. They were
gypsies who stole, lied and would live hidden
on wealthy estates.
Valentina Rupa is a beautiful, hard working
gypsy woman who is very influential in the
gypsy tribe. After the death of her mother,
Valentina becomes concerned about the
health of her sister. The sisters travel to the
estate of a wealthy Welshman in search of
a physician.
James Colchester is the owner of this wealthy
estate. He is a widower and also has lost his
daughter. He is a brave soldier who is providing
for and raising a deaf young son. He takes the
sisters into his home to provide the necessary
care for the sick sister who also has a broken arm.
He feeds both sisters, makes sure they have the
proper clothes for living there and provides
beautiful, comfortable rooms fo them.
At that time, there was an influenza epidemic
in the region. Mr Colchester can not decide whether
to stay or flee to his Welsh estate.
Although against his religious beliefs, he consults
Valentina for a palm reading. She deceives him which
will be the source of conflict between them at a
later time.
James leaves the Bible in Valentina’s room. He hopes
she will read it and give up her gypsy beliefs.
There is an attraction between James and Valentina
but will circumstances keep them apart??
The setting was beautifully described. The reader
will feel a part of the workings at the estate, the gypsy
camp plus the nearby village.
The period details were well researched.
The characters were multifaceted, interesting,
colorful and intriguing.
The story contained hidden secrets, deceit, prejudice,
conversion to God, forgiveness, friendship that leads to love.
A wonderful entertaining book must read book.
A Very Highly Recommenced Read!!!
Read on Kindle Unlimited.
May 13, 2018
Seeking Fortune Is a story of redemption, love and Faith. How can you go wrong with that? GOD had certain ideas for both characters - will they follow it? Like one is searching for the LORD - will she accept him? The author shows you the life of a gypsy - Palm reader - and what GOD feels for it - Amen? This is also a story of fear and overcoming it - will she be able to? This book is also about healing and it is not only physical. The author is able to tug at your heartstrings and that is a wonderful thing. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
March 7, 2019
Seeking Fortune by Josie Riviera
Starts with praise and awards. This story also follows a gypsy and I'm learning a lot about that-things I didn't appreciate before.
England 1811 and we find Valentina near her dying mother...she is a fortune teller and she was not able to save her mother.
Love learning of the customs of the gypsies so informative. Love how they travel to Ipswich to help get special medicine for her sister. Luca is leading them. Each chapter also starts with a Romany saying translated into English.
They are caught on James Colchester lands.
James has an ailing son and nothing is helping-he learns of the fortune teller and wonders if it's the same one that told of his wifes future...
She doesn't trust the English but she needs to sway them over to her culture-they like the medicinal things they are taught for daily ailments...
Story also follows James who seeks her out for help. Super love how others use their hands to survive: woman with sheeps' wool, blacksmith, etc.
She explains all the customs of her tribe and they can't marry outside the Romany line or the blood line would be polluted. Love hearing all the Bible quotes
Just as they are getting to know one another he's called away to fight a war and leaves her with his son and there is death around...
Upon his return he wants to move them all to house in Wales to outrun the influenza outbreak-he learns the women are gone the next day and he sends others ahead...
So many tragic moments but there are great ones also. Other works by the author are highlighted.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Starts with praise and awards. This story also follows a gypsy and I'm learning a lot about that-things I didn't appreciate before.
England 1811 and we find Valentina near her dying mother...she is a fortune teller and she was not able to save her mother.
Love learning of the customs of the gypsies so informative. Love how they travel to Ipswich to help get special medicine for her sister. Luca is leading them. Each chapter also starts with a Romany saying translated into English.
They are caught on James Colchester lands.
James has an ailing son and nothing is helping-he learns of the fortune teller and wonders if it's the same one that told of his wifes future...
She doesn't trust the English but she needs to sway them over to her culture-they like the medicinal things they are taught for daily ailments...
Story also follows James who seeks her out for help. Super love how others use their hands to survive: woman with sheeps' wool, blacksmith, etc.
She explains all the customs of her tribe and they can't marry outside the Romany line or the blood line would be polluted. Love hearing all the Bible quotes
Just as they are getting to know one another he's called away to fight a war and leaves her with his son and there is death around...
Upon his return he wants to move them all to house in Wales to outrun the influenza outbreak-he learns the women are gone the next day and he sends others ahead...
So many tragic moments but there are great ones also. Other works by the author are highlighted.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
September 15, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my favorite book I Have read of Josies so far. Definitely recommend. Can't wait to read more of her books.
September 3, 2020
Great storyline with wonderful, well written characters. A lot of information about the Romany culture and history in the Regency period. Love, heartbreak and forgiveness abound in this story. Very inspirational. I highly recommend this one.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
December 27, 2017
This book is different to this authors other book but I liked it. It did have some slow moments but I thought the plot was interesting and I liked the characters. My only negative is that I did not really believe in their love because I thought it happened to quickly. But other then that I thought it was great and I would recommend it.
August 19, 2020
This book is expertly crafted with raw and real characters. This was a very tumultuous period of time in history and the historical characters experience this first hand. You can feel the pains and the heartaches of these characters as they face hardship after hardship.
Allyson Voller, once again, does a phenomenal job narrating and bringing the characters to life in this audiobook.
Allyson Voller, once again, does a phenomenal job narrating and bringing the characters to life in this audiobook.
May 26, 2019
So beautiful, but made me cry!
Josie Riviera’s knowledge of the Romani culture gives depth to this beautiful love story. Valentina Rupa, a Romany drabardi, has just lost her mother and her sister Yolanda may be next. On their way to seek care from a physician, they are attacked by men from the Colchester estate who assume the Gypsy women are there to steal from the owner. Trying to flee, Yolanda falls and breaks her arm and seeing this, the men take the women to the manor for care.
James Colchester, a commissioned officer in the King’s military, has just returned from battle exhausted in body and spirit. A widower, he is welcomed by his young son, Jeremy, who is deaf from birth. His steward, Geoffrey, informs him of their unexpected guests and that the older sister, Valentina, is a fortune-teller. James remembers the fortune-teller who warned of a danger to Jeremy’s twin, Beatrix, a few years ago. He ignored the warning and Beatrix died in a fall from the cliffs. He is a Christian but he is afraid for his son’s safety with influenza sweeping England and decides to ask the fortune-teller whether he should take his son to Wales. Confronting the Gypsy in his parlor, he realizes she is the one who warned him about Beatrix, and Valentina sees the rich, powerful man appearing in her dreams. At his request, she reads his palm and is afraid to tell the truth fearing that he will insist the sisters travel with his household to Wales so she tells him it is safe to stay in England.
While Yolanda is recuperating, James spends time with Valentina and she realizes that although gadje, he is a good man but she cannot confess her lie for fear he will throw them out before Yolanda is healed. The more time Valentina and James are together, the closer they become but after being introduced to God, Yolanda knows that a relationship cannot bloom from a lie, and James is afraid to love again after the betrayal of his first wife.
The plot is poignant; beautiful, but often so sad it made me cry. It is also a story of faith and hope that draws you in and makes it impossible to stop reading.
Josie Riviera’s knowledge of the Romani culture gives depth to this beautiful love story. Valentina Rupa, a Romany drabardi, has just lost her mother and her sister Yolanda may be next. On their way to seek care from a physician, they are attacked by men from the Colchester estate who assume the Gypsy women are there to steal from the owner. Trying to flee, Yolanda falls and breaks her arm and seeing this, the men take the women to the manor for care.
James Colchester, a commissioned officer in the King’s military, has just returned from battle exhausted in body and spirit. A widower, he is welcomed by his young son, Jeremy, who is deaf from birth. His steward, Geoffrey, informs him of their unexpected guests and that the older sister, Valentina, is a fortune-teller. James remembers the fortune-teller who warned of a danger to Jeremy’s twin, Beatrix, a few years ago. He ignored the warning and Beatrix died in a fall from the cliffs. He is a Christian but he is afraid for his son’s safety with influenza sweeping England and decides to ask the fortune-teller whether he should take his son to Wales. Confronting the Gypsy in his parlor, he realizes she is the one who warned him about Beatrix, and Valentina sees the rich, powerful man appearing in her dreams. At his request, she reads his palm and is afraid to tell the truth fearing that he will insist the sisters travel with his household to Wales so she tells him it is safe to stay in England.
While Yolanda is recuperating, James spends time with Valentina and she realizes that although gadje, he is a good man but she cannot confess her lie for fear he will throw them out before Yolanda is healed. The more time Valentina and James are together, the closer they become but after being introduced to God, Yolanda knows that a relationship cannot bloom from a lie, and James is afraid to love again after the betrayal of his first wife.
The plot is poignant; beautiful, but often so sad it made me cry. It is also a story of faith and hope that draws you in and makes it impossible to stop reading.
March 14, 2019
Another wonderful story in the Seeking series. This is book 1 in this series and I loved this one as a lot of history about the gypsies is included and it is another story of the heroine’s strength and her gumption and her way of bantering with the hero a Welsh gentleman and his taking in two sister gypsies and getting them medical attention. They have to stay at his English manor for our heroine’s sister to rest and let her broken arm heal and to feed them both and have them rest inside instead of outside in a tent.
Our hero is delighted by our heroine and her fun way to banter and her beauty is has just grabbed ahold of his heart. They spend a lot of time together and start falling for each other but our heroine just can’t come to tell him her palm reading he wanted wasn’t what she really saw.
Her sister also falls in love with the blacksmith so they both love staying there and have been invited to stay as long as they want.
This is a good story with good Christian principles and scripture and our heroine starts reading the bible and starts to understand about a God that is in control. She starts praying and reading more and more.
Our hero has to leave for another battle. While he is gone our heroine starts to rethink what to do as he has asked her to marry him and she can’t do that unless she confesses her betrayal of the palm reading. She and her sister end up leaving the estate and our hero is very confused to why she left.
I highly encourage you to read this wonderful story of faith and redemption and of love between two completely different cultures. I loved this story as I did the second book. Now I can’t wait to read Seeking Patience the third book in the series and boxed set.
Our hero is delighted by our heroine and her fun way to banter and her beauty is has just grabbed ahold of his heart. They spend a lot of time together and start falling for each other but our heroine just can’t come to tell him her palm reading he wanted wasn’t what she really saw.
Her sister also falls in love with the blacksmith so they both love staying there and have been invited to stay as long as they want.
This is a good story with good Christian principles and scripture and our heroine starts reading the bible and starts to understand about a God that is in control. She starts praying and reading more and more.
Our hero has to leave for another battle. While he is gone our heroine starts to rethink what to do as he has asked her to marry him and she can’t do that unless she confesses her betrayal of the palm reading. She and her sister end up leaving the estate and our hero is very confused to why she left.
I highly encourage you to read this wonderful story of faith and redemption and of love between two completely different cultures. I loved this story as I did the second book. Now I can’t wait to read Seeking Patience the third book in the series and boxed set.
January 24, 2018
Valentina is a beautiful gypsy who is known for her ability to read palms. But, presently, she must consider the health and wellbeing of her sister, Yolanda. Fearing that Yolanda is getting sicker, the sisters head to an estate where they believe a physician is nearby.
James Colchester is a wealthy, landed gentry and a brave soldier. He's also a grieving father and widower. In an act of Christian charity, he welcomes the gypsy sisters into his home. But, his faith is weak at the moment and he asks Valentina to read his palm. Even though he's allowed them to stay in his home, her Rom heritage prevents her from trusting him or his English ways. Therefore, in an act of spite and fear, she withholds possibly critical information from him. But, can the Rom spirits be trusted anyway, or are God's ways higher?
As a romance, what begins with infatuation and intrigue develops over time into love. Yet, that love will be tested by class distinction and pride among other things.
What follows is a story of extreme emotions. You will want your tissues nearby because the emotions will get intense. But, when you finish, there will be a sense of peace that all has been made right.
Themes covered include - prejudice, deceit, forgiveness, love, true Christian character, and prayer. I loved how Valentina gradually learned and accepted the ways of God through reading the Bible.
If I were to add anything, I'd love for there to be an epilogue that connects this book with Seeking Patience. But, maybe the author can write a short novella that fills in the middle?
Romance - PG - kissing
Language - nothing offensive
My rating - 5 stars.
James Colchester is a wealthy, landed gentry and a brave soldier. He's also a grieving father and widower. In an act of Christian charity, he welcomes the gypsy sisters into his home. But, his faith is weak at the moment and he asks Valentina to read his palm. Even though he's allowed them to stay in his home, her Rom heritage prevents her from trusting him or his English ways. Therefore, in an act of spite and fear, she withholds possibly critical information from him. But, can the Rom spirits be trusted anyway, or are God's ways higher?
As a romance, what begins with infatuation and intrigue develops over time into love. Yet, that love will be tested by class distinction and pride among other things.
What follows is a story of extreme emotions. You will want your tissues nearby because the emotions will get intense. But, when you finish, there will be a sense of peace that all has been made right.
Themes covered include - prejudice, deceit, forgiveness, love, true Christian character, and prayer. I loved how Valentina gradually learned and accepted the ways of God through reading the Bible.
If I were to add anything, I'd love for there to be an epilogue that connects this book with Seeking Patience. But, maybe the author can write a short novella that fills in the middle?
Romance - PG - kissing
Language - nothing offensive
My rating - 5 stars.
December 11, 2018
This is a good story about love, redemption and faith. It also shows how the people were prejudiced against the Gypsy people and how the influenza epidemic affected everyone. Valentina just lost her mother, her sister is sick and they have to get help. When they are confronted by some locals, Valentina's sister is hurt and the local gentry takes them in and helps them. Valentina is untrusting of Englishmen and so she doesn't disclose everything that James needs to know. As Valentina gets to know James, she realizes that she must tell him the truth, but how can she do that after waiting so long. James has been nothing but kind and is teaching Valentina about faith and love. Will he ever forgive her when he finds out the truth?
July 30, 2018
This is both a beautiful and a heart breaking romance. It is heart breaking the way the Romany were treated. All the characters are richly portrayed. Lots of history is covered but in a fascinating way. Valentina is a feisty gypsy, a fortune teller and healer, who learns to believe in God. James, a landed gentleman and Christian thinks he might have averted the tragedy in his life if he had heeded the future told to his wife. This is a wonderful story of God's unconditional love. I was captivated!
May 10, 2020
This is a wonderful story! It is the story of James Colchester, wealthy land owner, Christian, and widower with a deaf, young son who takes two Romany sisters into his home. Valentina, who has traveled to seek a physician for her sister, Yolanda. This is a story of the Romany beliefs and the prejudices the Romany people faced. But it is also a wonderful testimony to faith in God. This is an incredible story of faith, forgiveness and friendship. I received this book as a gift from Mrs. Riviera, and I recommend it to eveeryone!
November 17, 2018
Valentina and James
Valentina is a Romany (Gypsy) whose tribe has been suffering from lack of food. In fact, Valentina’s mother starved herself so that her two daughters could survive.
After Yolanda breaks her arm, she and her sister, Valentina, are taken to the estate of a wealthy Englishman, James.
Due to mistrust, misunderstandings, and lies, the sweet relationship between Valentina and James goes on a roller coaster of a ride.
Valentina is a Romany (Gypsy) whose tribe has been suffering from lack of food. In fact, Valentina’s mother starved herself so that her two daughters could survive.
After Yolanda breaks her arm, she and her sister, Valentina, are taken to the estate of a wealthy Englishman, James.
Due to mistrust, misunderstandings, and lies, the sweet relationship between Valentina and James goes on a roller coaster of a ride.
June 2, 2019
Gypsies have always held a place of fascination and fear in the hearts and minds of non-gypsies. Valentina and James had many reasons to stay away from each other and yet they were drawn together. Josie Riviera has done a great job of showing us the conflict they each have with themselves and each other. These same conflicts exist today in mixing different cultures and backgrounds. I was drawn into their story. I think I will pass on the recipe for roasted hedgehog or nettle pudding.
January 19, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Learning of the Romany culture was fascinating. The research that went into this book had to be incredible. The love story between Valentina and James was heart wrenching and uplifting. Both had tortuous pasts and had faced horrible situations but came together through perseverance and God's grace. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 26, 2019
A fascinating story!
Not your run-of-the-mill regency romances, but a look into a culture that both intrigues and repulses many, especially Christians; the gypsies. I found the story to be well written and couldn't put down the book until the end. Then I just wished it hadn't had to end. You will not be disappointed with this book.
Not your run-of-the-mill regency romances, but a look into a culture that both intrigues and repulses many, especially Christians; the gypsies. I found the story to be well written and couldn't put down the book until the end. Then I just wished it hadn't had to end. You will not be disappointed with this book.
May 2, 2019
This is a wonderful book! If you like historical christian fiction, you will love this book. I loved how the author used christian values through out the story. This is a book that once you start reading it you don't want to stop. Thank you Josie Riviera via NetGalley for the free copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 22, 2018
Gypsy
The Romany people were not well respected at this time in history but this Welshman with his faith falls in love with her. A sweet wonderful historical romance with great characters.
The Romany people were not well respected at this time in history but this Welshman with his faith falls in love with her. A sweet wonderful historical romance with great characters.
October 29, 2018
Captivating
Captivating. The only word to describe this book. I was totally captivated feom start to finish. I was that gypsy girl, longing for a better life. Finding and losing it. This is definitely a story I could read again and again.
Captivating. The only word to describe this book. I was totally captivated feom start to finish. I was that gypsy girl, longing for a better life. Finding and losing it. This is definitely a story I could read again and again.
January 29, 2020
This was quite a gritty and intriguing adventure. At times it was difficult to read. Yet it was an interesting exploration into the Romany history. I enjoyed the h's transformation to Christianity as the H shared the Psalms with her. I recommend this book.
November 5, 2022
Seeking Fortune is a wonderful story that brings together a beautiful Gypsy woman and a proud English Officer who don't know how to handle the love that simmers between them. James Colchester has just returned from another senseless battle in the name of King George and fought in Spain. He has some time to spend with his son and he'll take every second of it. Jeremy had a twin sister who recently died and he is deaf, but that doesn't stop Jeremy from enjoying his life. Two of his men come riding in with two gypsy women who are hurt, and it turns out that they are Valentina and Yolanda Rupa, two Roma women who just lost their mother and are now planning the Roma ritual for her burial. Before they do anything more, Yolanda falls and both her head and arm hurt, and fortunately two of James' men find them and bring them to his home. James is immediately attracted to Valentina with her wild essence and beautiful eyes, but he knows it would be quite difficult to be involved with a Gypsy. Prejudice was still rampant and hostilities were always around. The characters are amazing, the premise is unique and fulfilling, but it was hard for me to be all in with James; in fact, he really disappointed me. Valentina had the gift of reading palms and telling the future and, after she did a reading for James, she kept some important information from him. She held onto the secret for too long and he felt betrayed when the lie of omission was unearthed. Being angry and hurt is one thing, but total revulsion and a desire for revenge is another and he reacted like a child. I take that back; Jeremy was undoubtedly more mature than his father. Yes, it bothered me and the ending was so rushed that their HEA felt more like a HFN. The narration was nicely done by Allyson Voller. Her voice, intonation and pace were excellent but there were some mispronunciations that were rather off-putting. Romany is Roman-y, not Romney. It is used at the beginning of each chapter and multiple times when describing the Roma gypsies. Mispronouncing a word doesn't normally concern me, but if it's a continuing issue it takes me out of the story. That being said, I really loved the book and am glad that it's part of a series so I can continue on in this world.
February 17, 2018
I am grateful to Josie Riviera for giving me a copy of this book. The fact I received this book for free does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It was very interesting learning a bit more about the Romany (Rom) people and their customs. Valentina was trained by her mother to read palms. I have to confess that when I first read about that, I was cautious, but the author did a great job in showing that fortune telling is something that God doesn't approve of.
The story was a sweet love story, and also one of overcoming fears and of a gypsy learning about the love of Jesus.
Oh, just a funny and somewhat unrelated note. As I was reading this story, I was reminded of something my grandmother told me once. She grew up in Ohio, I think in the 20s and 30s. She was telling me that when she was a little girl, there was one time that gypsies were nearby and she was terribly frightened of them. Then in the next breath she said "I think I'm part gypsy".
Be aware that there is mention of rape, and while there isn't much description of the act, there is a tiny bit. Also, the kisses were quite steamy, though the hands all stayed where they should. Let's just say that the description of the kisses didn't just include lips. 'Nuff said. :-)
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
It was very interesting learning a bit more about the Romany (Rom) people and their customs. Valentina was trained by her mother to read palms. I have to confess that when I first read about that, I was cautious, but the author did a great job in showing that fortune telling is something that God doesn't approve of.
The story was a sweet love story, and also one of overcoming fears and of a gypsy learning about the love of Jesus.
Oh, just a funny and somewhat unrelated note. As I was reading this story, I was reminded of something my grandmother told me once. She grew up in Ohio, I think in the 20s and 30s. She was telling me that when she was a little girl, there was one time that gypsies were nearby and she was terribly frightened of them. Then in the next breath she said "I think I'm part gypsy".
Be aware that there is mention of rape, and while there isn't much description of the act, there is a tiny bit. Also, the kisses were quite steamy, though the hands all stayed where they should. Let's just say that the description of the kisses didn't just include lips. 'Nuff said. :-)
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
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January 5, 2023"There are lies more believable than the truth." This is the one-sentence description for this book, and I hope you agree when you're finished reading.
Seeking Fortune is the first book in my Inspirational Historical romance "Seeking" series.
The Romany (Gypsy) culture is complex and fascinating. After a two-year study of their traditions and beliefs, I wanted to write stories focusing on bigotry during the Regency era.
Valentina Rupa is a feisty Gypsy heroine. James Colchester, an English landed gentry, made the perfect hero--dedicated to his son, yet conflicted in his search for the truth.
Amidst a time when bigotry was the norm, the vibrant folklore of the Gypsy people sets the stage during the panic of the influenza epidemic. One brash lie spoken in haste is the catalyst.
My hope is to fully touch and engage you with the story of James and Valentina. It is a story of betrayal, forgiveness and God's unconditional love.
Seeking Fortune is a Regency Inspirational romance and FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Grab your copy here:
mybook.to/SeekingFortune
The entire inspirational "Seeking" series is here:
mybook.to/TheSeekingSeries
Please note that the cover has been updated.
Seeking Fortune is also available in my Leading Hearts, First books in series, boxed set:
mybook.to/leadinghearts
Seeking Fortune is the first book in my Inspirational Historical romance "Seeking" series.
The Romany (Gypsy) culture is complex and fascinating. After a two-year study of their traditions and beliefs, I wanted to write stories focusing on bigotry during the Regency era.
Valentina Rupa is a feisty Gypsy heroine. James Colchester, an English landed gentry, made the perfect hero--dedicated to his son, yet conflicted in his search for the truth.
Amidst a time when bigotry was the norm, the vibrant folklore of the Gypsy people sets the stage during the panic of the influenza epidemic. One brash lie spoken in haste is the catalyst.
My hope is to fully touch and engage you with the story of James and Valentina. It is a story of betrayal, forgiveness and God's unconditional love.
Seeking Fortune is a Regency Inspirational romance and FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Grab your copy here:
mybook.to/SeekingFortune
The entire inspirational "Seeking" series is here:
mybook.to/TheSeekingSeries
Please note that the cover has been updated.
Seeking Fortune is also available in my Leading Hearts, First books in series, boxed set:
mybook.to/leadinghearts
August 19, 2018
When James demands that Valentina tell his fortune, Valentina deceives him. As Valentina begins to care for James, she is afraid to tell him because she fears that he won't forgive her. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though at times, the book seems to tell rather than show what's happening, I liked this book. This was a story of misunderstandings and prejudice between the English and the gypsy culture. The romance was sweet and it was nice to see Valentina and her sister changing some attitudes on James's estate. I plan to go back and read the rest of this series.
June 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance about a gypsy girl and a Welsh nobleman who fall in love after he extends her and her sister the hospitality of his home after her sister is injured. Well researched, the story explore cultural differences and curiosities of two very different ways of life and expresses the belief that God and love forgive all sins.
An enjoyable story well narrated by Allyson Voller.
An enjoyable story well narrated by Allyson Voller.
May 26, 2021
Seeking Fortune (Seeking #1) was a great read by Josie Riviera. James Colchester lost his wife and daughter to influenza and it shook his faith in God. Another epidemic is coming and he is wrestling with staying or leaving with his fragile son. During a moment of weakness a gypsy quells his fears and ignites some dormant feelings. Valentina Rupa is desperate to return to her people when she crosses paths with James. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
October 6, 2023
James and Valentina were worlds apart and both worlds would keep them apart. When they fell for one another their love had to be strong enough to overcome culture and opposition. This is a sweet romance and the overcoming of the cultureral issues is skillfully addressed by the author. An interesting and entertaining read.
The narration was good and helped the characters to reality.
I requested this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The narration was good and helped the characters to reality.
I requested this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 20, 2024
Can a gypsy work her magic for a man who has lost faith after losing his wife and daughter to influenza? On a whim he has his palm read by her as he becomes enchanted with her. Will she be able to give him hope when he faces the possibility of losing his fragile son when another epidemic hit as he is torn to leave and flee to his homeland. There will be magic in the air as these two find a place in each other’s hearts. It is a sweeping romance.
September 17, 2020
A thorough Romany - Gentry romance. An interesting juxtaposition of superstition/fortune telling and Christianity. Forgiveness and loss, family and culture. A lot of stuff packed within these pages. I have mixed feelings about some of it, I was unsure of where things were being taken. However, I have no doubts about a 5 star rating.
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