Mark of Distinction (Price of Privilege)

Julia Elliston has been denied the life she wants. Now, trapped in London, she is being trained by her estranged father to become the Emerald Heiress.

The man arranged to marry her waits patiently for her affection. Once she thinks she might possibly be able to care, not love, him, her true love makes an appearance and shakes her world. She must decide whether to keep him, a wanted fugitive, safe, and her own dark secrets hidden, or –follow the careful plans her father has laid out for her.

Oh my word, I loved this book. I loved it so much that I have been watching every similar movie and British show that I can find. I would LOVE to watch this as a movie.

Mark of Distinction is the second book in the series and a tantalizing taste of the third is included after the group discussion question. I most definitely recommend it. Jessica does an amazing job of bringing the reader into romantic London of the late 1800s. There is love, hate, fear, excitement, politics and suspense. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Note: I checked this book out from the Library and promise this is an honest review. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBooks, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .

I admit to squealing with schoolgirl glee when this finally came out. I'll admit to openly giggling at various passages and neglecting household duties to crawl into a nook to breathlessly await the next chapter. The mystery is exquisitely written. The characters are positively masterfully crafted!

Julia has been raised for 18 years to believe she is the daughter of famed atheist, William Elliston. She has grown up poor but free and unspoiled by the constraints and pressures of elite society. However, her known world is snatched from her by, not only the mysterious death of her mother, but also the knowledge that her biological father is one of the most powerful and wealthiest in all of England. After being deceived by the illusive Chance Macy, and forced into a questionable union with him - she retreats into the shelter of her austere father. Seeking his help to be free from Macy. But is she merely stepping into another scheme? Will she forever be the pawn of powerful men? What do they truly want from her?

As I have stated, the characters are masterfully crafted. Each having depth and texture not often found in Christian fiction. They are reminiscent of characters by Victoria Holt and Daphne Du Maurier. I admit, however, I dislike Julia. She is well-written and it is quite brave of an author to investigate the depth and breadth of a character so self-centered, so constantly weak and miserable and ungrateful. Her father, Lord Pierson, is powerful and decisive (albeit often rude and heartless) and you are just waiting in breathless anticipation for the moment her genes kick in and she shows herself to be strong. In this book, there is very little to like about her - except that she is the vehicle with which this delightful mystery is woven.

Do not let her deter you! The story is AMAZING! I wished I was young enough to stay up all night and read it in one sitting. If I could have, I would have!

In order to fully appreciate this story, you MUST read the first book "Born of Persuasion." This is not one of those trilogies where you can read a book independent from the others. Personally, now that I have finished book 2, I'm going back to reread book one and book two.

I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough. It was such a pleasure to read each page. I can't remember the last book I read with such pleasure.

Oh - and if you are one of those people who cannot abide to be left hanging while you wait for the last book to be written so you wait for all three to come out in order to start the first - YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Have I mentioned these books are amazing? :-)

Stop reading the reviews. Buy it now. Thank me later. :-)

Before you read this book, you MUST read the first one. This trilogy relies heavily on the information and history given in the other books and does not stand well on its own. Since I did not read the first book, I had a ton of unanswered questions and could not fully understand some of Julia's actions, especially when it came to Chance Macy.
That said, the author did keep me reading, trying to figure out what the main character was going to do next, especially as she is being presented as the Emerald Heiress to London society and her desire to marry a vicar, someone in a MUCH lower class. But trying to figure out why her father acted like he did - one minute wanting her presented to everyone as his legitimate daughter, the next shunning her for even the minutest of infractions - and how everyone involved, especially the newspaper editor Forrester, had a say in what Julia did except Julia drove me batty at times.
Some of the reviews listed in the front of this book compare the author with Victoria Holt, a famous author of novels set in the Victorian era. Having read all of Mrs. Holt's books and being one of my favorite authors, I can see some resemblance this story has to hers but it doesn't go very far. This novel was interesting but definitely not one to be read by itself.

This book was provided by Tyndale House for review without compensation.

The delightful and much awaited sequel to the intriguing story of Miss Julia Elliston, or Mrs. Macy, or Miss Pierson, “Mark of Distinction” creates a little more of a developed character out of Julia. She doesn’t understand politics at all, and her father is trying to pass her off as the daughter of his deceased wife, since she has started to create a public spectacle after escaping Mr. Chance Macy, although she feels awkward living the lie. In this novel, she steps into a distinction as the Emerald Heiress since she inherited an emerald mine from her father, which also distinguishes her as Lord Pierson’s daughter. Edward is still aggrieved at her and also heartbroken, as she married Chance Macy believing he was going to protect her from her mother’s murderer – when in fact, Chance Macy WAS her mother’s murderer. And she greatly misses her mother, of course, and their simple life. I definitely enjoyed this one better than the first one, and can't wait for the third one. This is a wonderful story, full of intrigue and mystery set in the grand British past among the nobility of society, about a girl struggling to find security in a very unsecure world.

The second book in the "Price of Privilege" series by a favorite new author, our continuation of Julia's story was easily worth the wait.

We again enter the Victorian era and begin immediately where book 1, "Born of Persuasion" left off. (By the way, if you haven't yet read the first book in this series - please don't attempt this one. You'll be very confused. You'll also be quite happy you were able to read them both in succession, rather than having to wait ages for number 2, like the rest of us.) :)

Julia has "escaped" Mr. Macy and is now living under the protection of her father, Lord Pierson. She is immediately swept up into more intrigue and confusion, as she continues to learn the rules of London society and is forced to be presented as the Emerald Heiress. She finds an ally in Lord Dalry, her father's protégé who is coming into power himself, all as she is trying to discover what she really believes and again, who she can trust.

This beautifully written, suspenseful, interesting, and well-developed story is very worthy of your investment of time and money to have in your collection.

WOW! AMAZING STORY. I am completely in love with Isaac. I hate Forester and her father. Edward is still a pansy and Julia drives me nuts. There is something about Macy I actually secretly like. He is the dark protector that one should not mess with. Julia doesn't deserve Isaac.

Julia finds herself living in her father's home in London and has only a few weeks to learn to be a lady. While learning to deal with her privilege and wealth she fights her love for Edward while accepting her future with Isaac. Macy threads himself into her life (but you never know exactly why her dad and Macy hate each other). I am not satisfied with the ending but can't wait to read the next one.

I am really loving this book. The mystery and gothic kind of feel appeals to me. I am finding I do like books that are a bit out of the box and this one is, in a good way.

I read the first book awhile ago. I think I like this one even more than the first because I understand Julia better now. She is pulled along by other people’s choices yet she has a mind of her own. I never see her as being weak, but is a woman who just doesn’t know her true identity because it’s being kept from her.

Isn’t that what the enemy does to us in life? He steals our identity, whispers lies about who we are, makes us question what we know to be true and then we wonder who we really are, who did God create us to be? Yes, this book is a good picture of that.

I will say I don’t know if I would have understood this book very well if I hadn’t read the first. I really think to fully appreciate this book you need to read the first. But don’t let that keep you from reading it. Grab a copy of the first and then pick this one up and then be on the look out for book number three :)

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book was more of the same confusion the first book has. It drags on forever as Julia once again has no backbone and is constantly lost and in tears. Her father screams at her one minute, and seems to care for her at others. She follows everything he says when clearly he has never loved her since he let her and her mother suffer and now screams at her all the time. I get that she needs his protection, but the whole story is a bit much to swallow. Oh, and as far as it being a Christian book, there is very little I would call Christian about anything this author writes in any of the 3 books. The other one star and two star reviewers stated their feelings better than I have. I don't care for this authors style of dragging things out and making them so confusing so I will not be reading anymore of her books.

Jessica Dotta’s second book in the Price of Privilege series is one of those books you want to curl up with, closing the world out. I was fortunate enough to have a virus that kept me home from my day job a few days. Oh, the tale of Julia and the men in her life kept me company and my mind of my symptoms.

I cannot wait patiently for the final installment. Oh, the unresolved questions, the unscratched itches, the unsatisfied curiosity. How does Julia’s tale resolve? Dotta is an artist. Her word art is lush and rich. Scents, sounds, sights come to life as Julia discovers exactly what is required of her in a society that is almost as foreign to her as it is to the reader.

Mark of Distinction is full of frills and flourish as Julia is introduced into society and attempts to take her place in an environment that is wary and watchful, waiting to find a juicy morsel to grasp hold of and send her and her father to societal ruination. Scandal is a breath away, lurking, hiding, waiting. And Julia is fully aware of just how scandalous her story is.

Must have final book soon….

Mark of Distinction continues the story from the Pride and Privilege Series book 1, Born to Persuasion. Mark of Distinction picks right up where Born to Persuasion abruptly ends. I did find the first few chapters a bit confusing. But by page 50, I caught on what was going on.
The book is full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. I was kept wondering what will happen to Julia next. And was wondering who she could trust and whom she could not.
There were times where the novel flows rather slow, but it does lead to page turning. Chapter Eighteen is where it gets good. The action really picks up from there all the way to end. My goodness, that ending is unexpected. I enjoyed how Julia becomes such a strong woman and how much she grows.
I thought the novel was pretty good but I did enjoy the Born to Persuasion more. I look forward what else happens in the series and can't wait for book 3 to release.
Recommended. 4 1/2 stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review which was given.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is the second book in her Victorian trilogy. It takes up where Born Of Persuasion ended, with Julia Elliston moving in with the man who claims to be her father, Roy Pierson. Julia Pierson, as she is now known, is the Emerald Heiress, a woman who stands to inherit a massive fortune. Her father must come up with an explanation for where she has been for her formative years, and also prepare her for Victorian Society including a presentation at Court.
Mark Of Distinction is filled with plot twists and is reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte's writings. I am anxiously waiting for The Price Of Privilege so that I can finally find out who Julia Elliston Pierson is and who she will finally marry.

Julia is now living with her father, Lord Pierson after a dramatic rescue from Mr. Macy by her love, Edward. She is trying to get out from under Mr. Macy's grasp but as she puts it herself, "she's gone from one cage to another." Her father's protection comes with a price. What will happen between her and Edward? Will she ever be free of Mr. Macy?

This was another interesting and complicated book. A difference in this book as the first in the series is that faith in God has more of a place. It was mentioned in the first installment but is explored further in this book. Julia is an interesting character. She is very complex and at times off putting, in my opinion. I found myself enthralled. I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. I eagerly await the third book that is coming out next year. I recommend this book and the first in the series,

Mark of Distinction is the second book in the Price of Privilege trilogy. I cannot say enough about how much I love this series! I wish I could put my finger on what makes a book excellent, but this one has whatever that “it” is. The characters are well-developed, believable and intriguing. There is a great amount of tension, and it is absolutely unpredictable. I still don’t know how this series will eventually end! I liked how this one was written retrospectively by the main character, Julia, reminiscing in her old age about these events.

Many of my critiques in reading books labelled Christian fiction is the lack of Christianity. Other reviewers, I note, complain that the “religion” aspect of some books is too overbearing and blatant, which can frequently be true. I think Ms. Dotta has achieved a good balance, as she has very gently brought Julia to a knowledge of God.

The only thing I hate about this series is the fact that I started it before it was complete. The last installment is not due until Spring of 2015. It shall be a long wait, but an opportunity to work on developing some patience.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is the second book in her Victorian trilogy. It takes up where Born Of Persuasion ended, with Julia Elliston moving in with the man who claims to be her father, Roy Pierson. Julia Pierson, as she is now known, is the Emerald Heiress, a woman who stands to inherit a massive fortune. Her father must come up with an explanation for where she has been for her formative years, and also prepare her for Victorian Society including a presentation at Court.
Mark Of Distinction is filled with plot twists and is reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte's writings. I am anxiously waiting for The Price Of Privilege so that I can finally find out who Julia Elliston Pierson is and who she will finally marry.

Julia is now living with her father, Lord Pierson after a dramatic rescue from Mr. Macy by her love, Edward. She is trying to get out from under Mr. Macy's grasp but as she puts it herself, "she's gone from one cage to another." Her father's protection comes with a price. What will happen between her and Edward? Will she ever be free of Mr. Macy?

This was another interesting and complicated book. A difference in this book as the first in the series is that faith in God has more of a place. It was mentioned in the first installment but is explored further in this book. Julia is an interesting character. She is very complex and at times off putting, in my opinion. I found myself enthralled. I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. I eagerly await the third book that is coming out next year. I recommend this book and the first in the series,

Mark of Distinction is the second book in the Price of Privilege trilogy. I cannot say enough about how much I love this series! I wish I could put my finger on what makes a book excellent, but this one has whatever that “it” is. The characters are well-developed, believable and intriguing. There is a great amount of tension, and it is absolutely unpredictable. I still don’t know how this series will eventually end! I liked how this one was written retrospectively by the main character, Julia, reminiscing in her old age about these events.

Many of my critiques in reading books labelled Christian fiction is the lack of Christianity. Other reviewers, I note, complain that the “religion” aspect of some books is too overbearing and blatant, which can frequently be true. I think Ms. Dotta has achieved a good balance, as she has very gently brought Julia to a knowledge of God.

The only thing I hate about this series is the fact that I started it before it was complete. The last installment is not due until Spring of 2015. It shall be a long wait, but an opportunity to work on developing some patience.

After barely making it through Born of Persuasion I was intrigued enough to keep reading on in the series. More so because of the cliff hanger at the end. Mark of Distinction picks up right where book 1 left off and while I still find the writing style hard to read and follow at times the plot line is very intriguing and makes me push through it to find out what happens next. I did find this book to move a little faster and have a lot more plot and details to it. I know for sure that at some point when it comes out I will want to read the final book in the series just to find out what happens.

Overall good book and one that many will enjoy but not my favorite but that is okay. Jessica Dotta is a talented writer with the great detail she puts in and something so many will love and appreciate.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale. This is the second book in the Price of Privilege Trilogy. Julia is now under the protection of her father, Lord Pierson. Things are not working out like she had hoped. She has lost complete control of her life. Everything that she does is scripted for her. How much longer can she withstand the charade?

I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing is wonderful and I am completely drawn into the story as I read it. I feel that some aspects of Julia's personality are conflicting. I don't feel like the character is acting in the way that she should, based on how she was developed. But this is far outweighed by the well told story line, and the interesting characters that are included.

When I was given the opportunity to review "Mark of Distinction" I was quite excited! I had read and reviewed the first book in the Price of Privilege series, "Born of Persuasion" last fall and absolutely loved it! You can read my review here. I couldn't wait to find out more about Julia and what would happen next after the major predicament she was in!

As the first book, this is set in Victorian, England. Julia had gotten herself into quite a situation when she didn't know whom to trust and where to turn after the death of her mother in the first book. She now has the protection of her wealthy father and although he is willing to protect her, he doesn't show much affection toward his daughter.

Julia has to learn to act as the upper class, member of society since she is the daughter of such a powerful man and also battles with her own emotions as a man attempts to win her heart while she truly longs to be with her soul mate.This book kept me guessing as I was waiting for Mr. Macy to whisk her away or for someone to expose her secret.
This is the 2nd book in a series of 3 by Dotta and I can't wait to read the end of the story. After the wonderful ending this one had I'm curious as to what can possibly happen to the young Julia!

My Thoughts:
Unfortunately, I wasn't into this book like I thought I would be. I love historical fiction and when I hear of new ones, I'm always quick to jump on reading them. So, when I saw this one become available, and read the blurb, I grabbed it.

Then, sitting down to read it, I was very, very disappointed. It was definitely not what I was expecting and often times, left me wondering what the author was doing with the story. Perhaps, if I had read book 1, it would be a lot easier to follow along. But, I didn't and now I'm left hanging. I want to embrace the characters but the author dragged their stories out. I lost interest two-thirds into the story.

That said, I still recommend you try this book. It's a 1 star rating from my personal opinion but to others who have read book 1 will enjoy it. Even if you hadn't read book 1, grab a copy and try it. You may find that you love it. This will not persuade me to never try this author's work again. I am actually looking forward to trying her work again, as this may have been an off book.

*** Reviews By Molly received this book for free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other RBM reviewer or this blog’s owner, editor or administrator.***

Mark of Distinction
By: Jessica Dotta

This book is book 2 Price of Privilege Trilogy. I think these books need to be read in order to get the background of what's going on. I have not read Born of Persuasion. The book was well written for the time period, I could picture what it was like by the description given. After Julia's mother has pass she is now with her rich father who has plans for her. He wants her to marry Lord Dalry, but her heart belongs to Edward. Now being in high society she has a lot to learn. I think she needs to gain control of her own fate. I thought this book keeps you turning pages to see what is happening. The author writes wonderfully. I need to make sure to read book one then I think book 2 will flow right with it.

Overall I thought this was a good Christian regency book. It was confusing in the beginning until I remembered what happened in the first book and put it together with what was happening in the current book. It is the second book in a series and cannot be read alone. The characters and plot are well developed. I could not turn the pages fast enough. I am so ready for the next book to come out. It has dark Victorian undertones like a Bronte book. I could feel the atmosphere created. There was not a strong Christian message and Julia seems weak at times. The book is somewhat told from Julia's point of view looking back on her life. Otherwise a good regency book if read in order.

Jessica Dotta has done it again!!!
I absolutely love the second installment in her Price of Privilege trilogy.
Poor Julia, always trying to earn her fathers love and favor, yet wanting her independence too...then when she is placed in a very difficult situation, she's asked to do the unthinkable! WOW, I could not stop reading...so intriguing.
I cannot not talk about Pierson and Isaac and how different these two are...wonderful job on the authors part with these characters!
I think this book wonderfully displays what it means to surrender to God and trusting in His sovereignty. I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy coming soon!!!

My Review:

I really, really, really thought I would enjoy this book, it sounds like it would be right up my ally if you know what I mean. But, sadly, I was wrong. I tried and tried but I couldn't get past the first chapter. The author talked through a character in a very sophisticated language that was hard to read and understand. I know this is book two in the series, but I don't think they carry on the same storyline, but I may be wrong, but either way, this book had way too much back story that the author was trying to push down your throat in the first chapter. I was going to keep reading to see if it explained itself, but the more into the book I got, the more confused I became.

Also, in the first chapter, the character that is telling the story mentions an affair between her mother and another man, a scandal living with another man, and her step-father is a drunk...there is also a murder. All this is only the first chapter. I just couldn't read this book because of the content as well as the confusion, and I probably will not be reading the rest of this series and will definitely be hesitant in reading another book by this author.

"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

"Mark of Distinction" is the second book in the Price of Privilege Trilogy written by Jessica Dotta. This series needs to be read in order to fully follow the storyline. I did not read the first book and spent the first half of this one not fully knowing what was going on or why. This book takes place in the Victorian Era Society, with Julia Pierson being the main character. Julia had been raised to believe that her father was her mother's husband but found out after her mother's death that her father was a wealthy Lord. Chance Macy, the cause of Julia's mother's death has married Julia, and has caused quite the scandal. She is staying with her father, but not all together willingly. There is a lot of pulling and tugging, hiding, secrets, lying, sneaking, propriety, etc, etc going on and no real sense of it all. There is a lot of Julia doing absolutely nothing for long periods of time. I didn't really like this book too much. I feel it would have been much more appreciated if I had read the first book in the series, but than again, maybe not. I think a little more action and explaining would have helped more. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Tyndale Publishers.

Although I did like the regency historical aspects of this book, I read it without reading the first book in the series. Big mistake because it did not seem like it is written as a stand-alone book. It was very confusing and took me numerous chapters to figure out what was going on and even then I still felt lost at times. Basically Julia has just discovered that her father is a wealthy Lord, and he wants her married to his adoptive son. She would rather be married to a penniless vicar, but she must learn the difficult rules of society or cause a great scandal. Read the previous book before this one to enjoy this one to the fullest!

I like books that not only entertain me, but also give me some insight into the the ways things were in the past. This book by Jessica Dotta gives you a look into the life of Julia who has lived her entire life one way and then gets thrust into a new life with the death of her mother.
I liked seeing how she went through the adjustments and was a page turner to see just how things would work themselves out.
I had not a chance to read the first book in the series and it didn't keep me from enjoying this book, but I do plan to get it and hope it is as enjoyable.

I received this book free for review.

Julia Elliston is thrust into the dazzling upper-class of London. Under the protection of Lord Pierson, Julia must surrender to plans she has no desire to submit to; however, she must consider her safety from the circumstances she has been dealt. She must decide whom she trusts--the people around her and God.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta is a novel in the style of Jane Austen. Throughout the novel you get a distinct impression that Dotta is addressing the sovereignty of God. Regardless of the circumstances we face, He is in control. I really enjoyed this novel and finished it in a day. I'm in love with novels that are written in this time period, so I devoured it. I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers.

Mark of Distinction was as good as the first book in this series. In this story, Julia is in London and she is involved in a dangerous scandal which may destroy not only her life, but also her reputation. She is under the protection of Lord Roy Pierson who is also pretty powerful in London but Chance Macy is doing all he can to regain control over her again. While Julia feels trapped in the power struggle between the two men, London views her as a celebrity. With the help of a man she is leery to trust, she takes steps to become free from the two men but will she succeed?

Mark of Distinction is an historical romance told by an old woman who looks back over her life and desires to prove her innocence by telling what actually did happen. She had always thought her stepfather was her real father, but she found out later it was someone else. I found this book confusing trying to keep track of the story line in the previous book and all the men coming and going in the story. Does her father love her and is he trying to protect her or use her as a pawn? And would Julia ever realize who truly loved her and not her heritage or money?

One of my favorite historical fiction series in a long while! It had me hooked from the first page and I could hardly put it down. However, do read the first book in the series first! Otherwise, you will be completely confused. Like the first book, this one is filled with mystery--the perfect blend of Jane Austen's style with Charlotte Bronte's--and the storyline kept me guessing. I love a book that is unpredictable and this is certainly that! My only regret is that I have to wait months to read the final book in the trilogy. Why do you do this to me, Tyndale?!

Julia Pierson has escaped Chance Macy, and is living with her father, Lord Pierson, while trying to figure out how to be part of society, as her father wishes. But Chance Macy won't give up and tries to get Julia back.

I liked this book more than the first, but I was still confused by the long list of characters and events. Faith in God is mentioned a bit, but it isn't really part of the overall story like I would expect in a Christian novel. There are enough loose ends in the storyline to make the reader want to read the final book in the trilogy.

I was pleasantly surprised by historical romance that carried such a mysterious and suspenseful plot line. You can not predict where this story is going! I greatly enjoyed Born of Persuasion and found Mark of Distinction an equally page turning read. So many questions and unsolved problems have left me eager to read the 3rd book in the trilogy. My only quip was that it was sometimes difficult to tell when the main character - Julia- was switching between story-telling and present day thoughts.

About this book:

“London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.
When Julia discovers that Lord Roy Pierson, her guardian and one of most influential men in England, is the father she has never met, she begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well.
Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.”

Series: Book #2 in the “Price of Privilege” Trilogy. (Book #2 “Born of Persuasion” here!)

Spiritual Content- In the middle of the book, Edward sends Julia his Bible and she looks at it and reads it; *Spoiler* Near the end, Julia (finally!) “surrenders”. *End of Spoiler*

Negative Content- Minor (Historical & British) cussing including: 3 ‘dash it’s, a ‘blast it’, a ‘blooming’, and many ‘what the devil’s, ‘why the devil’, ‘of the devil’, etc.; Drinking (wine, brandy & scotch to name a few); A few blood parts (One semi-detailed).

Sexual Content- Sexual Cussing including: a b*st*rd, a ‘hussy’, and a ‘wench’; Kisses (One semi-detailed, the rest are quick, not-really-detailed); Talks about Wedding nights (No details, just hinting); Seducing smiles

-Julia Elliston

P.O.V. of Julia
Set in 1839 (?)
432 pages

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Pre, New & Early High School age Teens- One Star
Older (17+) High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- One Star

This book was so very much like “Born of Persuasion”, the first book in this series. Like the first book, it was written in a first-person way, way, way past tense (She mentions her grandchildren?!?)…other have said that Julia seems more like a narrator than the protagonist, I agree. Also like “Born of Persuasion” my mind was very confused, wondering “What in the world is going on in this story?!”. Oddly, the reader has to be fully awake (which I never am, since I read late at night), with a sharp mind to figure out what going on and fill in the gaps.
I’m undecided if I’ll read the next book in the series “Price Privilege”, coming Spring 2015.

*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher for this review.

Excellent trilogy! must read all three books, (in their proper order). So well written. Sucks you right in. You'll need days to recover by the end of the series. I very rarely leave a review, but I Absolutely recommend this trilogy for any and all regency romance fans!

Found the beginning of this book to remind me very much of the first book in the series. too many characters to keep track of - especially men - and to much secularness for my tastes. If I am going to read christian books then I want them to have more Christianity in them!

The second book in the Price of Privilege series was just as exciting and suspenseful as the first book. Julia Elliston's life completely unraveled at the conclusion of the first book and she is trying to put the pieces back together and figure out the new male figures thrust into her life. I can't wait for the third book to see what happens to Julia!

Mark of Distinction picks up the story of Julia. I really enjoyed this book. I thought there was a lot going on so it didn't get boring. You find out more about Macy. It was very hard for me to stop reading and I really can't wait to see how the story ends next spring!

"Mark of Distinction" Price of Privilege Trilogy #2, by Jessica Dotta

Julia Elliston has arrived in London and is now under the protection of Lord Pierson, but is she really safe? The plot continues to swirl around her, who is she, really, and who can she trust? She is thrust into the London glamour and glitz in hopes of preserving her life and inheriting the Emerald Fortune. But many want to see her fail or worse.

This is the second book in the trilogy, and it took me quite a while to get up to speed on the characters, even though I read the first book not long ago. This is one of those books that I had to make myself continue reading, rather than looking forward to reading. The writing style make the story line difficult to follow, I was never sure who was the good guys or bad guys. I kept thinking that I must have missed some important detail, and went back several pages or a chapter and reread, but did not learn anything of value. While some may enjoy this type of novel, I just did not.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book continues where the first book ended and answers several questions but not all. I love all of the different characters and go from cheering on one to cheering on a different one. I am looking forward to the final book in the series to see how it all ends.

Second book in a trilogy. Definitely need to have read the first book to understand what is going on but I love how unpredictable these books are. Going into the second book I had guesses in what was going to happen, but I was certainly wrong. I fully enjoyed this book & can't wait to read the final book & see how this all ends!

Nicely developed characters, continued intrigue, well paced, perfectly detailed description, and lovely wording that draws the sentiments needed. It leaves you wanting to read the next one immediately.