About the Book
Book: Redeeming the Rake
Author: Lorri Dudley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: August 20, 2024
He’s bent on destroying everything she values, stealing her heart in the process.
As a vicar’s daughter, Emily Thompson has always put her family’s reputation first, even when it meant setting aside her aspirations of joining the Royal Art Academy. But when a notorious London rake is accosted in her sleepy Costwold village and her quick thinking saves the libertine’s blackened soul, that reputation she’s so carefully guarded is left vulnerable to vicious gossip.
Agent Lord Jacob Edward Warren’s silver tongue can’t save him when he’s staring down the barrel of a vengeful husband’s gun. but an enchanting damsel’s skill with a bow and arrow offers him the hope of tomorrow. Intrigued by Miss Thompson’s quiet charm, he commissions the budding artist to paint his portrait, but his intensions change when he discovers this beguiling beauty holds not only his chance at redemption but also the intelligence he’s been assigned to gather.
The time spent in Lord Warren’s company has Emily wondering if he’s hiding more than charm and wit behind his reputation as a rake. But when she’s drawn into Jacob’s noble cause, the web of danger proves more perilous than either of them are prepared to face.
Click here to get your copy!
Guest Review from Donna
What I think you should know:
Redeeming the Rake, a Christian Historical Fiction by Lorri Dudley is the Third book in the Agents of Espionage Series. Set in 1818 this book follows Lord Jacob Warren, an agent for the home office. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the previous books in the series.
What you might need to know:
This books cover several sensitive topics including:
Abuse, both physical and mental
Pregnancy out of wedlock
Adoption
What you might need to know
Emily Thompson, a vicar’s daughter has been raised to be a woman of virtue; she is also spunky and a talented artist. I really enjoyed getting to know her and her passion throughout the book. Jacob was a mystery that was nice to see unfold. It was really nice how there was more than one mystery threaded throughout the book, it kept me engaged in the story and the characters. I really enjoyed how the author handled sensitive subjects in a way that still kept the book a clean Christian based read. “Then why are you still trying to climb on the cross and pay for your sins..” WOW what a powerful reminder to all believers! I also love how the author says “Sin Separates us from God, but Jesus offers us a clean slate.” This was a wonderful read, I look forward to more from this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.
More from Lorri
Before I started writing books, I used to teach art at a local Christian school for first through fifth grade. Having a main character as an artist was a delight. I wrote Emily’s view of vibrant colors, light and shadows, shapes, and perspective from my personal experience and enjoyed putting an artist’s visual viewpoint into words.
A clash of characters—the Neoclassic vs. Romantic method
The early 1800s ushered in a change from the Neoclassical to the Romantic movement. (They had me at romantic.) Neoclassical art focused on traditional subject matter, often contemporary Lord and Ladies, political figures, or Roman mythological characters. The style used prominent horizontal and vertical renderings in a shallow space with sober colors, and brush strokes weren’t to be seen. Romanticism, on the other hand, focused on imagination, an awe of nature, emotion, and individualism. Romanticists painted with a broader brush—literally and figuratively.
Emily and Jacob’s relationship becomes the merging of the two art movements. Although Emily is artistic, she’s traditional and holds herself in check, afraid to make mistakes or act freely due to a fear of people’s perceptions and being a vicar’s daughter. She sees the world in bright colors and displays a touch of Romanticism in her artwork. When not painting, Emily sees herself and her future in plain and sobering colors. She keeps her world small and shallow to protect her family’s reputation, especially her beloved and impressionable younger brother.
Lord Jacob Warren is the born-to-be-wild, laugh in the face of danger, third-born son, who doesn’t care a wit what others think as long as he accomplishes his mission as a spy. However, his individualistic, romantic side is intrigued by the vicar’s daughter who saves his life, and he’s curious about the woman who’d pound on his chest and scream, “You will live, in Jesus’s name!” His emotions stir when Emily notices details about him that others never bothered to learn and becomes charmed by her natural beauty.
Jacob and Emily may paint with different brushstrokes, but their love, when blended, demonstrates a powerful masterpiece, the kind of love that only God could orchestrate.
Enjoy!
Blog Stops
She Lives To Read, September 10
Melissa’s Bookshelf, September 11
Holly’s Book Corner, September 11
lakesidelivingsite, September 12
Betti Mace, September 13
Stories By Gina, September 14 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17
Texas Book-aholic, September 17
Cover Lover Book Review, September 18
DevotedToHope, September 19
Book Looks by Lisa, September 20
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 21
Pause for Tales, September 21
Simple Harvest Reads, September 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, September 23
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.