Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes

Cinematic. Atmospheric. Sweeping. These descriptors are usually reserved for theatrical presentations, but I found Laurie Alice Eake’s novel Lady in the Mist brimming with these very qualities.
With writing that was insightful, intuitive, almost clairvoyant, Lady in the Mist enraptured me with a beautiful story of discovery, shame, loss, betrayal, hope, faith, and love’s redemption. Laurie Alice Eakes stands shoulder to shoulder with the greats with her deeply moving romance featuring Tabitha Eckles, a midwife caught in the middle of local and international crosscurrents, and Dominick Cherrett, an exiled Lord seeking restoration from disgrace.
Ms. Eakes’ romantic savoir-faire evoked the bittersweet beauty of falling in love in the most unaccommodating circumstance and choosing that love, defying reason, and risking all. She enlists deepest passion while maintaining the utmost purity in her writing, and then raises the stakes with conspiracy, suspense, and a plot that unfolds with increasing intensity.
Few novels have inspired my imagination as this one has. Set in coastal Virginia in 1809, the tale is told with beautiful imagery, historic detail that shimmers like gemstone, and with a soul that transcends time and place to deliver a powerful, emotional experience and a poignant message of grace.
This novel is the first in The Midwives series, setting the stage for more turbulence leading up to the War of 1812, and no doubt, more epic romance.

purchase your own here
http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Mist-Laurie-Alice-Eakes/dp/0800734521/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

The Glassblower combines the enchanting story-telling of a historical aficionado and wordsmith, with layered characters and a suspenseful plot full of lovely imagery and romantic interludes which take the reader to another time and place. The second half of the book leaps from a brisk trot to a gallop in pace, and I stayed up all night to finish it once the momentum took hold of me.

Meg Jordan is the only daughter of Isaac Jordan, a widower and owner of a large farm and glassworks in early 19th century New Jersey. Her sweet, assertive nature wins her father’s favor in everything from adopting stray kittens to preparing a school for the children of Salem County—everything, that is, except the husband of her choosing. Her father has informed her that she must marry Joseph Pyle, the wealthy, young land-owner whose smile doesn’t reach his eyes when he looks at Meg.

A new man—Colin Grassick—arrives in town, a master glassblower from Scotland whom her father has brought over to turn the finances of the glassworks around. His emerald eyes and warm, courtly ways captivate Meg as he helps her rescue a kitten in peril. But a girl of her station must not associate with a working man. Colin could lose his job, or worse, if caught consorting to the master’s daughter, especially when a series of events points to sabotage of Meg’s school and an accident at the glassworks.

Particular highlights for me were the wedding scene of Meg’s friend Sarah, with its rich descriptions of period apparel and the contrast between Joseph’s and Colin’s characters. The Christmas party made a nice touch to bring the romance to a satisfying conclusion. The theme of trusting God to work in seemingly impossible circumstances imparted inspiration without feeling extraneous or false. The hero and heroine exemplified the character and choices that made the happily-ever-after not only believable, but well-deserved.