Search
Jane Austen's Country Life
Book
Jane Austen lived for nearly all her life in two Hampshire villages: for 25 years in her birthplace...
Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know: The Extraordinary Exploits of the British and European Aristocracy
Book
The alarming history of the British, and European, aristocracy - from Argyll to Wellington and from...
Capturing the Baron’s Heart (A Wildewardian Tale)
10.0
Rate It
Book
She was the goddess of witches and rules, but rules are made to be broken. When a reckless...
Historical Paranormal Romance
One Winter's Kiss
Book
One Winter's Kiss is a standalone Beautiful Nightmare Story. She Warmed His Heart. He Cooled Her...
paranormal romance fantasy fantasy romance bookbuzz
Jamie (131 KP) rated An Eccentric Engagement in Books
May 24, 2017
Sweet romance (1 more)
Good commentary about social justice
Does more telling than showing (1 more)
Felt more like a lecture than a love story
A sweet regency romance
So this was a bit of a non-traditional romance as it takes place after the courtship. Sorrow and Bertram are engaged to be married and the two return to Sorrow’s country home for the wedding. The two are very clearly in the early stages of excitement over a new relationship, stealing kissing and admiring each other — the “puppy love” stage. Neither of the two truly love each other but are already prepared for marriage. The actual romance was more told than shown and it unfortunately just didn’t work for me. The romantic aspect seemed to take a back seat to the other two major plot lines: Sorrow’s altruistic family and Bert’s difficult relationship with his overbearing father.
Both of these plot lines are actually really good, but I felt that they both needed more time to be developed and would have been better in a full length novel. All of the conflict was resolved in a few pages with barely any resistance and the discussion felt more like a lecture that was repeated multiple times. Not that the message was bad, I appreciated the way they approach discussing the mentally ill and the elderly, and I actually liked the Marchand’s way of life, but I think it could have been delivered better.
It also didn’t help that Sorrow kind of annoyed me. When she talks to other people to try and explain her views it again turns into a mildly pretentious lecture. Her insistence on absolute harmony and willingness to throw everything out of the window if she didn’t get her way was also extremely grating. Creating needless drama for the sake of drama is not a good way of filling up pages.
Overall its not bad, it’s a cute and clean love story that will appeal to folks with a strong sense of social justice. It was a fluffy and pleasant way to pass the time, but I didn’t feel much of anything while reading it.
Both of these plot lines are actually really good, but I felt that they both needed more time to be developed and would have been better in a full length novel. All of the conflict was resolved in a few pages with barely any resistance and the discussion felt more like a lecture that was repeated multiple times. Not that the message was bad, I appreciated the way they approach discussing the mentally ill and the elderly, and I actually liked the Marchand’s way of life, but I think it could have been delivered better.
It also didn’t help that Sorrow kind of annoyed me. When she talks to other people to try and explain her views it again turns into a mildly pretentious lecture. Her insistence on absolute harmony and willingness to throw everything out of the window if she didn’t get her way was also extremely grating. Creating needless drama for the sake of drama is not a good way of filling up pages.
Overall its not bad, it’s a cute and clean love story that will appeal to folks with a strong sense of social justice. It was a fluffy and pleasant way to pass the time, but I didn’t feel much of anything while reading it.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Midnight on the River Grey in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Abigail Wilson returns to Regency England with another tale of murder, mystery, and romance.
After her elder brothers mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else. Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebeccas restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mothers prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path. Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca cant ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?
My Thoughts: This was an amazing read; full of plot twists, murder and even a little love involved. Abigail Wilson has spun a tale of intrigue that keeps the readers on the edge of their seat. In this book, you never know who to really trust and just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot twists again!
The characters in this story are intriguing, some are very lovable and some are just mysterious. There is a warm feeling with the Aunt/niece relationship with Rebecca and her aunt. The readers get a true feel for the loving relationship that Rebecca has with her aunt. Since Rebecca has not had a stable family relationship, she is a free-spirited young woman who has a very independent nature for this time period. This is a helpful trait for her, to help her search for her bother's killer. Even though it's a second in a series, this is a stand-alone book. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
After her elder brothers mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else. Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebeccas restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mothers prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path. Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca cant ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?
My Thoughts: This was an amazing read; full of plot twists, murder and even a little love involved. Abigail Wilson has spun a tale of intrigue that keeps the readers on the edge of their seat. In this book, you never know who to really trust and just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot twists again!
The characters in this story are intriguing, some are very lovable and some are just mysterious. There is a warm feeling with the Aunt/niece relationship with Rebecca and her aunt. The readers get a true feel for the loving relationship that Rebecca has with her aunt. Since Rebecca has not had a stable family relationship, she is a free-spirited young woman who has a very independent nature for this time period. This is a helpful trait for her, to help her search for her bother's killer. Even though it's a second in a series, this is a stand-alone book. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales
8.0
Rate It
Book
The acknowledged Queen of Crime, P. D. James, was a past master of the short story, weaving together...
crime
A Circle of Firelight
Book
The execution is for the most part charming and clever, with lively dialogue, easy pacing, and...
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Half a Soul (Regency Faerie Tales #1) by Olivia Atwater in Books
May 26, 2022 (Updated Jun 13, 2023)
HALF A SOUL is the first book in the Regency Faerie Tales and I honestly can't wait to read more. This was a gentle story with some harsh life lessons for our main character when she learns what war and workhouses are really like in a world where magic exists.
She -- Dora -- sees life through a slightly skewed lens as it is, being a Faerie Lord stole half her soul when she was only a child. Since then, she struggles to feel emotions, apart from "long-tailed ones". Her cousin, Vanessa, is the only warmth in her life and she will do all she can to please her. This includes going to London, although Dora isn't sure if she is going to help Vanessa's chances of finding a husband, or if she is going because of Vanessa's scheme to cure Dora. Either way, they end up in London, with the ton, and Dora has her own adventures whilst Vanessa is at the mercy of the matchmaking mothers.
I found Dora to be a heart-warming character who is aware of her own 'strangeness' but tries her best to fit in to please her cousin. I loved how she was truthful and direct, at a time when it was not fashionable to be so. Elias was the perfect foil for her. She didn't accept his rudeness or be put off by his temper, simply because she wasn't affected by it. Albert, and his mother, Lady Caraway, were jewels in this book and I loved every scene they were in. I was so happy for him!
Rightly or wrongly, I enjoy historical fiction as it is written. I have no idea if the dip of the neckline or the length of the hem is one hundred per cent accurate, and I don't really care. And if it is historically incorrect, so what? So long as the story fits together, and the inconsistencies remain the same throughout (now there's an oxymoron for you), that's all that concerns me.
I loved this story as it guided me along, all coming together nicely at the end. The epilogue was perfect. I sincerely hope to see more of this couple in future books. A fantastic start to a new series by a new-to-me author and absolutely recommended!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 26, 2022
She -- Dora -- sees life through a slightly skewed lens as it is, being a Faerie Lord stole half her soul when she was only a child. Since then, she struggles to feel emotions, apart from "long-tailed ones". Her cousin, Vanessa, is the only warmth in her life and she will do all she can to please her. This includes going to London, although Dora isn't sure if she is going to help Vanessa's chances of finding a husband, or if she is going because of Vanessa's scheme to cure Dora. Either way, they end up in London, with the ton, and Dora has her own adventures whilst Vanessa is at the mercy of the matchmaking mothers.
I found Dora to be a heart-warming character who is aware of her own 'strangeness' but tries her best to fit in to please her cousin. I loved how she was truthful and direct, at a time when it was not fashionable to be so. Elias was the perfect foil for her. She didn't accept his rudeness or be put off by his temper, simply because she wasn't affected by it. Albert, and his mother, Lady Caraway, were jewels in this book and I loved every scene they were in. I was so happy for him!
Rightly or wrongly, I enjoy historical fiction as it is written. I have no idea if the dip of the neckline or the length of the hem is one hundred per cent accurate, and I don't really care. And if it is historically incorrect, so what? So long as the story fits together, and the inconsistencies remain the same throughout (now there's an oxymoron for you), that's all that concerns me.
I loved this story as it guided me along, all coming together nicely at the end. The epilogue was perfect. I sincerely hope to see more of this couple in future books. A fantastic start to a new series by a new-to-me author and absolutely recommended!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 26, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1441 KP) rated To Defend a Damaged Duke (Regency Rossingley #2) in Books
Jun 22, 2025
Loved this second instalment!!
Independent Reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Regency Rossingley series. While I do think it came be read as a stand alone read, I think it would benefit to read book 1, To Tempt a Troubled Earl. Since Lando and Kit play a huge part here, it will give you a better picture of their relationship, and that of Kit and Tommy. Not strictly necessary, just my persosnal opinion.
Ten years ago, Benedict did something he never forgave himself for. Now, Tommy has appeared in his life and Benedict wants nothing more than to beg Tommy's forgiveness. But first, they must uncover a blackmailer, and deal with someone messing with Benedict's horses.
I refer to my review for the first book. I said "I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether!" But what I think NOW is that it is just the author's writing. She likes to keep things a bit vague, and secret, and keeps you on your toes. And I really LOVED that I can come to that revelation. Benedict has a plan to deal with the horse issue, and he doesn't tell anyone. I had a thought about that, then dismissed it, but he does what I thought he would do!!
I loved Tommy and Benedict. I loved that they still loved each other, even after what happened at the molly house. After what Tommy went through, his Lordling still pushed all his buttons and then some. Even if his feelings were borderline hate for a long time.
And what I loved the most?? That I kinda thought Tommy and Benedict had 'gone all the way' for want of a better expression in their dealings as teenagers. And it turns out, that they had not. And I loved when Benedict reveals to Tommy what he does. Made me all emotional, but I'm not saying what he reveals for spoilers!
Loved how it all went down with the blackmailing/ horse things. Those ladies of the Ton are not to be messed with and they pulled a blinder of a plan off! Beatrice and Mrs de Villiers?? Loved them!
I look forward to reading book 3, especially after that snippet at the back!
Actually, what I loved the most?? That I wrote 4 stars at the top pf the page for this and it's reviewed itself into a . . .
5 full and shiny star read!
*same worded review will elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Regency Rossingley series. While I do think it came be read as a stand alone read, I think it would benefit to read book 1, To Tempt a Troubled Earl. Since Lando and Kit play a huge part here, it will give you a better picture of their relationship, and that of Kit and Tommy. Not strictly necessary, just my persosnal opinion.
Ten years ago, Benedict did something he never forgave himself for. Now, Tommy has appeared in his life and Benedict wants nothing more than to beg Tommy's forgiveness. But first, they must uncover a blackmailer, and deal with someone messing with Benedict's horses.
I refer to my review for the first book. I said "I loved the way the duke was brought down. I wasn't fully in on the plan, as to how it was going to work, but that was just my brain not really putting it altogether!" But what I think NOW is that it is just the author's writing. She likes to keep things a bit vague, and secret, and keeps you on your toes. And I really LOVED that I can come to that revelation. Benedict has a plan to deal with the horse issue, and he doesn't tell anyone. I had a thought about that, then dismissed it, but he does what I thought he would do!!
I loved Tommy and Benedict. I loved that they still loved each other, even after what happened at the molly house. After what Tommy went through, his Lordling still pushed all his buttons and then some. Even if his feelings were borderline hate for a long time.
And what I loved the most?? That I kinda thought Tommy and Benedict had 'gone all the way' for want of a better expression in their dealings as teenagers. And it turns out, that they had not. And I loved when Benedict reveals to Tommy what he does. Made me all emotional, but I'm not saying what he reveals for spoilers!
Loved how it all went down with the blackmailing/ horse things. Those ladies of the Ton are not to be messed with and they pulled a blinder of a plan off! Beatrice and Mrs de Villiers?? Loved them!
I look forward to reading book 3, especially after that snippet at the back!
Actually, what I loved the most?? That I wrote 4 stars at the top pf the page for this and it's reviewed itself into a . . .
5 full and shiny star read!
*same worded review will elsewhere