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The Tales of the Jewelled Men #4
A Shadow's Bliss
The fourth volume in The Tales of the Jewelled Men, set in Georgian England, tells of young Jack, generally considered a craven idiot, who shows his true colors when his love is threatened by the League of the Jewelled Men.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
12 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Veryan
75 books99 followersPatricia Valeria Bannister was born in London. After World War II, she married Allan Louis Berg and moved to the United States; she lived on the West Coast and was the author of many historical novels from 1978 until 2002, using the pen names Patricia Veryan and Gwyneth Moore.
At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.
At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 21, 2017
Oh my goodness, this book has everything to keep a reader reading well into the wee hours. Cornwall and its superstitious folk, mysterious evil doings at an old mine, and the broader evil doings of the mysterious league of Jewelled Men and their treasonous plotting. The heroine is perfect, very sweet, but with a lot of spunk when it's needed and the hero - what an awesome twist starting him out with a memory loss and ending up as the village 'idiot' who can never aspire to anything with his beloved Jennifer.
Oh, and bonus points for the parakeet. And the return of Morris and Falcon and their barbs to keep me laughing. A perfect ending, too, loved, loved, loved the twist to a relationship with a character in a previous book.
Note, this is a series and each book builds on the other and it is recommended they be read in order. Two more to go and I may have to wait a couple of days for books five and six to land at the library hold shelf. These were published years ago, but if your library doesn't have the original editions hanging around, they have been digitalized and are in the Overdrive catalog. Put in your purchase suggestions.
Oh, and bonus points for the parakeet. And the return of Morris and Falcon and their barbs to keep me laughing. A perfect ending, too, loved, loved, loved the twist to a relationship with a character in a previous book.
Note, this is a series and each book builds on the other and it is recommended they be read in order. Two more to go and I may have to wait a couple of days for books five and six to land at the library hold shelf. These were published years ago, but if your library doesn't have the original editions hanging around, they have been digitalized and are in the Overdrive catalog. Put in your purchase suggestions.
December 12, 2015
~~~
For years, if I could locate a historical romance by Patricia Veryan at a reasonable price, I would grab it. Little did I know they would be so hard to find. Early on, I had made the mistake of reading one of her books, loving it, but realized I was missing out because it was part of a series. As of now, most of her stories are available on Kindle but at $7.99 per story. Ridiculous, I say! I recommend if you have a public library to start there; many of these institutions can order from other places if you are willing to wait. I decided to read one of my paperbacks that I owned: A SHADOW’S BLISS, the 4th book in The Tales of The Jewelled Men: despicable men doing dastardly deeds in 17th century England and farther abroad.
~~~
I absolutely can’t decide if this Georgian historical romance was plot or character-driven so I am going to say both. Ms. Veryan had the ability to craft incredibly touching and romantic scenes with funny, utterly ridiculous moments. A case in point was the village idiot and ‘shadow man’, Crazy Jack, in love from afar with Miss Jennifer Britewell: a sweet and gentle lady and his bliss. After losing his memory but aware of something very wrong, he made an oath to a village priest, to always live near the sea: “the sounds you so dread will be a reminder of your guilt” and he would “live here among the poor, abandoning all pride and showing always a gentle humility.”
In other words, he can’t strike back when he is bullied and has to always be willing to help those in need. E’nuf said.
Well….you can guess that there is more to Crazy Jack or ‘Johnny’ as Jennifer calls him when they are alone. She just knows something happened to this confused but gentle soul and intends to uncover the mystery. The first half of this story is about the build-up and contained a lovely innocent charm whenever these two people met. There is also a disabled(!) parakeet that adds a goofy element to their romance.
Not everything goes as planned when a loathsome nobleman seeks Jennifer’s hand in marriage. Her father and brothers, though they loved her, were prejudiced and put their own concerns first. Let me just say that these men slipped down the ladder of family love the longer the story went along. Who needs enemies when you have relations like these?
So….about a third of the way in, two characters from the earlier stories resurfaced, that took this action/adventure/mystery/romance to another level. The funny and clever banter between August Falcon and Lieutenant Morris and theirbromance relationship had me in stitches. And Jennifer with Jack/Johnny? I just wish I had a detailed road map from the era so I could follow everyone’s paths.
The only reasons I gave this story four stars was because it would have helped immensely if I had read the previous three books. *My bad.* And once Jack started to recover his memories, some of the charm I mentioned earlier was lost. Lastly, Ms. Veryan’s ending gave me a tighter-than-necessary closure with a HEA but I was still left with enough questions to continue the series.
And, yes, I own the next last two books.
For years, if I could locate a historical romance by Patricia Veryan at a reasonable price, I would grab it. Little did I know they would be so hard to find. Early on, I had made the mistake of reading one of her books, loving it, but realized I was missing out because it was part of a series. As of now, most of her stories are available on Kindle but at $7.99 per story. Ridiculous, I say! I recommend if you have a public library to start there; many of these institutions can order from other places if you are willing to wait. I decided to read one of my paperbacks that I owned: A SHADOW’S BLISS, the 4th book in The Tales of The Jewelled Men: despicable men doing dastardly deeds in 17th century England and farther abroad.
~~~
I absolutely can’t decide if this Georgian historical romance was plot or character-driven so I am going to say both. Ms. Veryan had the ability to craft incredibly touching and romantic scenes with funny, utterly ridiculous moments. A case in point was the village idiot and ‘shadow man’, Crazy Jack, in love from afar with Miss Jennifer Britewell: a sweet and gentle lady and his bliss. After losing his memory but aware of something very wrong, he made an oath to a village priest, to always live near the sea: “the sounds you so dread will be a reminder of your guilt” and he would “live here among the poor, abandoning all pride and showing always a gentle humility.”
In other words, he can’t strike back when he is bullied and has to always be willing to help those in need. E’nuf said.
Well….you can guess that there is more to Crazy Jack or ‘Johnny’ as Jennifer calls him when they are alone. She just knows something happened to this confused but gentle soul and intends to uncover the mystery. The first half of this story is about the build-up and contained a lovely innocent charm whenever these two people met. There is also a disabled(!) parakeet that adds a goofy element to their romance.
Not everything goes as planned when a loathsome nobleman seeks Jennifer’s hand in marriage. Her father and brothers, though they loved her, were prejudiced and put their own concerns first. Let me just say that these men slipped down the ladder of family love the longer the story went along. Who needs enemies when you have relations like these?
So….about a third of the way in, two characters from the earlier stories resurfaced, that took this action/adventure/mystery/romance to another level. The funny and clever banter between August Falcon and Lieutenant Morris and their
The only reasons I gave this story four stars was because it would have helped immensely if I had read the previous three books. *My bad.* And once Jack started to recover his memories, some of the charm I mentioned earlier was lost. Lastly, Ms. Veryan’s ending gave me a tighter-than-necessary closure with a HEA but I was still left with enough questions to continue the series.
And, yes, I own the next last two books.
February 2, 2017
My favorite of the series yet! The adventure is always a solid four starts or more in these books, and the romance is usually not far behind, but this book everything was just how it like it! The only complaint I could make would be about their adventure down the cliff side which you must suspended disbelief for. Set in Cornwall there are many superstitions mentioned, thought to be true and beloved to happen in the book by characters, however every thing has a logical conclusion.
I was really looking forward to this book since it sounded like my kind of thing. Wreakers, Smugglers, Shipwrecks, Mines and cloud dude adventures along with a hero who can't remember his name or where he comes form, all he remembers if what he most wants to forget. The heroine in this book is my favorite in the series yet, sweet, determined and brave. An added plus is that Falcon and Morris again appear in the tale and we learn more of the League of Jeweled men. I must say that I hope we find put who 'the squire' is by book six.
My dust jacket says these books are standalone. I wouldn't read them alone myself, as the book before this gives us a hint of Crazy Jack's back story.
I was really looking forward to this book since it sounded like my kind of thing. Wreakers, Smugglers, Shipwrecks, Mines and cloud dude adventures along with a hero who can't remember his name or where he comes form, all he remembers if what he most wants to forget. The heroine in this book is my favorite in the series yet, sweet, determined and brave. An added plus is that Falcon and Morris again appear in the tale and we learn more of the League of Jeweled men. I must say that I hope we find put who 'the squire' is by book six.
My dust jacket says these books are standalone. I wouldn't read them alone myself, as the book before this gives us a hint of Crazy Jack's back story.
April 25, 2018
I throughly enjoyed this one. Both heroine and hero are close to my heart. It was wonderful watching Jack grow from a shadow into a man again. And Jennifer is a perfect mix of gentleness and strength. The way she believes in him and supports him through it all is inspiring. She „knows“ him before he knows himself.
The adventure part of the story was great, too. I liked the widow and Noah. Also: Duster! I am not that fond of birds, but he stole my heart. Veryan does write animals so well, even the ones that are kind of in the background, like the many horses for example. It is an art and I deeply appreciate it.
Falcon and Morris - they are not the only reason to read this series. But a major one. Their bromance is the best. And it is amazing how Veryan writes Falcon like the arrogant lord haughty-snort he is - and still makes you feel for him. He has maneuvered himself into a very lonely place, and his pride does not give him an easy way out. And Morris is fun and likable and courageous as always - but beware him when his rare temper flares ;-)
Landscapes and architecture are always important in Veryan‘s novels, and in this one Cornwall is clearly part of the main cast.
The adventure part of the story was great, too. I liked the widow and Noah. Also: Duster! I am not that fond of birds, but he stole my heart. Veryan does write animals so well, even the ones that are kind of in the background, like the many horses for example. It is an art and I deeply appreciate it.
Falcon and Morris - they are not the only reason to read this series. But a major one. Their bromance is the best. And it is amazing how Veryan writes Falcon like the arrogant lord haughty-snort he is - and still makes you feel for him. He has maneuvered himself into a very lonely place, and his pride does not give him an easy way out. And Morris is fun and likable and courageous as always - but beware him when his rare temper flares ;-)
Landscapes and architecture are always important in Veryan‘s novels, and in this one Cornwall is clearly part of the main cast.
November 9, 2022
Another awesome part of series.
The love story reminded me of Marietta: A Maid of Venice by Francis Marion Crawford. Sweet, heartwarming love of two pure hearts.
The mystery, adventure was again 'gluing' me to the book ;-) Like Morris said:
What new was in this part of the series was, of course, Cornwall. I could feel the wind of the county, see its rocks and waters. And the world of beliefs (superstitions) was fascinating.
And of course, it was funny.
When Jack met Mr. September my heartbeat accelerated a bit. Yes, I am hopelessly in love with Falcon ;-)
Morris, Falcon, Enoch Tummet - unorthodox valet are so important parts of the series that I can't imagine these stories without them. Moreover, I am afraid that if someone read these books not chronologically or randomly, one would lose a quite big part of the essence of this series. And I don't mean the whole mystery. I mean this chemistry between Morris and Falcon, all relationships between characters. Mrs. Veryan explained every time the most important facts but it isn't the same as reading the previous books by oneself. Otherwise, how one can truly appreciate Morris' rubbishing homilies like:
Really I love these two guys: Lord Haughty-Snort and Lieutenant Mealymouth.
The love story reminded me of Marietta: A Maid of Venice by Francis Marion Crawford. Sweet, heartwarming love of two pure hearts.
The lady from the castle threw her arms about the neck of the village idiot, and there was no doubt as to her answer.
The mystery, adventure was again 'gluing' me to the book ;-) Like Morris said:
Faith, but 'tis a busy life we lead!- and it is fantastic to take part in their adventures.
What new was in this part of the series was, of course, Cornwall. I could feel the wind of the county, see its rocks and waters. And the world of beliefs (superstitions) was fascinating.
We've the old Powers. And once they're set loose, there's no stopping 'em
And of course, it was funny.
When Jack met Mr. September my heartbeat accelerated a bit. Yes, I am hopelessly in love with Falcon ;-)
Morris, Falcon, Enoch Tummet - unorthodox valet are so important parts of the series that I can't imagine these stories without them. Moreover, I am afraid that if someone read these books not chronologically or randomly, one would lose a quite big part of the essence of this series. And I don't mean the whole mystery. I mean this chemistry between Morris and Falcon, all relationships between characters. Mrs. Veryan explained every time the most important facts but it isn't the same as reading the previous books by oneself. Otherwise, how one can truly appreciate Morris' rubbishing homilies like:
He 'flutters in many directions and flies in none. Or how one can understand the deep meaning of Morris' words:
"The scowl you see on his handsome phiz"—Morris grinned and ducked the bag Falcon hurled at him—"is because he saved my life last night. Major tactical error."
Really I love these two guys: Lord Haughty-Snort and Lieutenant Mealymouth.
June 12, 2017
I'm enjoying this series so much that when I have to wait for the next one to become available, it bugs me to death! This one was very exciting. And such great characters, some new and some recurring.
September 28, 2018
Shadow’s Bliss was the first Patricia Veryan that I read and the one that got me hooked. In re-reading it, I can see why I was so enthralled, even though I came in in the middle of a series. To be honest, looking back, I was kind of mystified as to why I was so enthralled when I did not understand the half of what was going on. But I get it now. I was not used to such heart pounding adventure and suspense. Such evil villains and such noble good heroes who suffered so terribly and were so redeemed. It was a revelation. It took me back to the days of my youth with the Scarlet Pimpernel and The Count of Monte Cristo. Of course now, I appreciate the book on a different level. Veryan always puts her heroes through the mill to atone for past sins or, it must be said, sometimes just for the drama. In the reread, which I am finally doing in chronological order, I now appreciate the slow building development of character and relationshio of Gwen, August and Jamie and the rest of the crew. When I first read this, I was intrigued by their characters and couldn’t wait to read more, but from the beginning. Parts of the plot entailing the conspiracy which must have mystified me back then, now are adding up to a much anticipated solution and climax.
I also was enthralled with the sheer romance. Oh My Goodness. The tortured, unworthy, and misunderstood hero utterly worshiping the angelic lady of the manor. Her passionate response to his devotion. Such Love and romance. Yes, sometimes it was a bit over the top, But I enjoyed the ride. And the Villains! Could anyone be more evil and contemptible than Hibbard Green(first encountered in Love Alters Not)? Unless it is the good Jennifer's craven and selfish father? He and her brother are partially redeemed at a the end, but are you kidding me? Could any hero be more strong, noble and heroic than the village idiot, our Jack? As I read more Veryans the answer turned out to be yes. As noble but not more.
Now that I read this with the whole story in perspective I can only wonder at Patricia Veryans command of all of the threads in her extended story from the Golden Chronicles to the Jeweled Man and even on to the Sanguinet series. She was a genius. That’s all there is to it.
I wish I could end it at that, but to be frank, one aspect that really did jar me was how
I also was enthralled with the sheer romance. Oh My Goodness. The tortured, unworthy, and misunderstood hero utterly worshiping the angelic lady of the manor. Her passionate response to his devotion. Such Love and romance. Yes, sometimes it was a bit over the top, But I enjoyed the ride. And the Villains! Could anyone be more evil and contemptible than Hibbard Green(first encountered in Love Alters Not)? Unless it is the good Jennifer's craven and selfish father? He and her brother are partially redeemed at a the end, but are you kidding me? Could any hero be more strong, noble and heroic than the village idiot, our Jack? As I read more Veryans the answer turned out to be yes. As noble but not more.
Now that I read this with the whole story in perspective I can only wonder at Patricia Veryans command of all of the threads in her extended story from the Golden Chronicles to the Jeweled Man and even on to the Sanguinet series. She was a genius. That’s all there is to it.
I wish I could end it at that, but to be frank, one aspect that really did jar me was how
November 3, 2015
I will admit, this is not one of my favorites when it comes to Veryan, but she is so much better than any other writer, so it still gets five stars.
Okay, on with the review. Jack is the village idiot. (Or so everyone says.) Jennifer is the sweet, kind, caring daughter of a lord (who is incidentaly the head of said village). These are the main characters. And they make some pretty good ones. Not Veryan's best...but like I said before, way better than pretty much anything else.
This is the fourth book in the series "The Tales of the Jewellled Men." I must say how happy I am that Jamie and August appear in this one, just like all the others. (I'm sorry but they crack me up!!!! If Gwen would have been there it would have been amazing. Alas...she was not. Oh well.)
Another thing I want to point out is that this story is set in Cornwall, a place famous for its superstitions. They have a big part in the story and I found them very interesting.
Anyway, the book is highly recommended to Veryan lovers, but I would highly suggest you read it in order with the series.
Okay, on with the review. Jack is the village idiot. (Or so everyone says.) Jennifer is the sweet, kind, caring daughter of a lord (who is incidentaly the head of said village). These are the main characters. And they make some pretty good ones. Not Veryan's best...but like I said before, way better than pretty much anything else.
This is the fourth book in the series "The Tales of the Jewellled Men." I must say how happy I am that Jamie and August appear in this one, just like all the others. (I'm sorry but they crack me up!!!! If Gwen would have been there it would have been amazing. Alas...she was not. Oh well.)
Another thing I want to point out is that this story is set in Cornwall, a place famous for its superstitions. They have a big part in the story and I found them very interesting.
Anyway, the book is highly recommended to Veryan lovers, but I would highly suggest you read it in order with the series.
July 5, 2018
A very slow starting adventure romance, Our Hero the memory-less crackpot doing odd jobs around the village and Our Heroine the daughter of the manor, with some very nasty bad guys, a mine, superstition...and then suddenly, around page 180, we jump from our ominous overtoned rural idyll to a spy-ish thriller. Much happens offstage as well as on, characters who would have had endless introductions earlier on arrive full-blown, references are made to events that must be from earlier in the series, our H & H become New People. All this is rather confusing in what began a sort of academic reading romance. I might like this if I started with the first book but I’m not sure I can manage the S L O W ness again.
April 7, 2017
This is my favourite book of the series up to now.
July 21, 2018
3.5! It took me a while to get into this one, which I was expecting after reading the description. Around 45% is when it started to pick up for me and the appearance of familiar faces definitely added to the story. I also enjoyed some of the revelations in this book and hope we'll be getting even more great revelations in the two final installments. I'm a little annoyed it took me longer than it usually would to guess who "Jack" was... my detective skills were a little off I guess.
I've noted that we don't see the main characters from the previous books once their stories have been told (apart from Rossiter who's mentioned quite a bit). But we haven't heard of Horatio since book 2 or any of the female leads which is a little disappointing. I don't feel any of their stories are completed as all their stories are connected to the main plot, each with their own twists, so I thought we'd be seeing them throughout the series.
On the upside, I'm a book closer to finally reading Falcon and Gwen's story. I'm also hoping that with the conclusion of the series we'll also get closure for the characters from the previous books.
I've noted that we don't see the main characters from the previous books once their stories have been told (apart from Rossiter who's mentioned quite a bit). But we haven't heard of Horatio since book 2 or any of the female leads which is a little disappointing. I don't feel any of their stories are completed as all their stories are connected to the main plot, each with their own twists, so I thought we'd be seeing them throughout the series.
On the upside, I'm a book closer to finally reading Falcon and Gwen's story. I'm also hoping that with the conclusion of the series we'll also get closure for the characters from the previous books.
November 10, 2019
Jonathan is the village idiot. You see, he has no memories of his past and sometimes has episodes of forgetfulness. His apparent meekness and cowardice give the small Cornish village much ammunition to ridicule him, all except the lady of the castle. Though Crazy Jack is enamored with the beautiful Jennifer, he knows she’s far too above his station to deserve his romantic intentions, but still he pines. He must stay away, except when he realizes Jennifer may be caught in the crossfire of a secret society government plot to conduct shady dealings in her family’s mines… well, in that case, Crazy Jack might just have to be a hero.
I liked the characters fairly well. This is a bit thick on the romance which I don’t mind but I don’t see overly often, especially with the flowery language from heroes. The plot stays consistent though there are unexplained events that we can only assume are due to Cornish magic. Overall I’d recommend this, but I could do without it on my shelf.
I liked the characters fairly well. This is a bit thick on the romance which I don’t mind but I don’t see overly often, especially with the flowery language from heroes. The plot stays consistent though there are unexplained events that we can only assume are due to Cornish magic. Overall I’d recommend this, but I could do without it on my shelf.
August 5, 2018
Yup. I liked this one too.
May 21, 2020
It is a romance, yes - but combined with wit, intrigue & colorful characters make it a page-turner! Look forward to reading the others in the series.
March 11, 2017
Main characters are Miss Jennifer Britewell and 'Crazy Jack', who turns out to be
February 12, 2025
A word to those who have stumbled across one of these books. Do not read them out of order! I read this book 11 years ago on its own and gave it two stars. I read it in order this time around, and I am giving it five stars. Absolutely made no sense on its own. Having said that, this is the first one in this series I have given five stars. Compared to the series that precedes it, it has not lived up to my expectations. To understand this series you need to read the Golden series first. I am putting all of her books in a box and numbering them in order. Five years from now I will pick them up and read them again, writing down all the characters, who they are, and their relationship to everyone else.
I just read this book again and I didn’t think that the plot held together very well and it did not have near as much humor and interesting dialogue as the other books in this series so I dumped it from five stars down to three.
I just read this book again and I didn’t think that the plot held together very well and it did not have near as much humor and interesting dialogue as the other books in this series so I dumped it from five stars down to three.
July 13, 2014
I recently re-read "A Shadow's Bliss," and appreciated yet again how very talented a storyteller Veryan is.
Yes...it is dated and corny. Yes...Jack's suffering for his Code of Honour is a little over-the-top, but it is such an incredibly sweet and romantic story that you just don't care!
Veryan's ability to populate her settings with fully realized characters just takes your breath away. You get a real sense of place and time, and both Jennifer and 'Crazy Jack' are vividly drawn and completely believable.
It's not my absolute favorite Veryan story, but it's an absolute treat to read.
Yes...it is dated and corny. Yes...Jack's suffering for his Code of Honour is a little over-the-top, but it is such an incredibly sweet and romantic story that you just don't care!
Veryan's ability to populate her settings with fully realized characters just takes your breath away. You get a real sense of place and time, and both Jennifer and 'Crazy Jack' are vividly drawn and completely believable.
It's not my absolute favorite Veryan story, but it's an absolute treat to read.
December 10, 2015
Brilliantly written 4th book in the series with a nail biting last few chapters. The characters from the previous books are played down and the focus is on Crazy Jack and the lady of the manor - Jennifer. With its unusual setting in Cornwall, off-beat characters, and multiple layers of plot, this makes for an exciting and interesting read.
End felt a bit rushed...
Great book and - no need to have read the previous books in this series to follow this one.
End felt a bit rushed...
Great book and - no need to have read the previous books in this series to follow this one.
May 16, 2008
Very good.
February 12, 2011
Excellent, very different, but I didn't realize it was part of a series, so was surprised at some threads left hanging. Will have to read the next in the series... :)
July 13, 2011
A easy to read romantic novel that's not complete crap. Hooray for Veryan.
April 19, 2012
Brilliant story twists to a brilliant tale written by a brilliant author.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews