A Different Kind of Love

by Jean Saunders

"There's no way to soften this, so I'll say it outright. I already have a wife." Conventional family life in 1920s rural Somerset had left Kate Sullivan totally unprepared for the shame of being jilted when Walter Radcliffe tells her he already has a wife. Desperate to escape, she accepts Walter's money and his sham wedding ring and flees to Bournemouth to try and forget. Then handsome Luke Halliday introduces himself and persuades her to come back with him to London. The promise of a new life seems the answer to all Kate's troubles - until Walter suddenly reappears, angry and violent...

Genres: Historical Fiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

Jean Innes was born on 8 February 1932 in London, England, but she have lived in the West Country almost all her life. She married with Geoff Saunders, her childhood sweetheart, and they have three grown up children. She lived in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, where she wrote full time. She passed away on 3 August 2011, after contracting an illness, after being rushed to Weston General Hospital.

Jean began her career as a magazine writer and had published around 600 short stories. She start to published gothic romance novels under her married name Jean Saunders and her maiden name Jean Innes in the 1970s. In 1980s, she created, to wrote historical romances, two pseudonyms, her most popular, Rowena Summers and Sally Blake. In 1991 her novel, "The Bannister Girls," was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of Year award. In 2004, she began to used the penname Rachel Moore.

She was an active member and enthusiast of Swanwick, the Writers' Summer School, which takes place in Derbyshire, England, every August, she was a committee member several times, and also Vice-Chairman. She was elected the seventeenth Chairman (1993-1995) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. As a member of the Romance Writers of America she had given talks at conferences in various venues of the USA. She was a member of the Crime Writers' Association. She also was a member and past committee member of the West Country Writers' Association.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was simply a sweet romantic story with very little horrors. Jilted at the alter, Kate meets Luke when she insists on taking the honeymoon she should have had with her husband. Events take a turn for a change when Kate finds herself in London, increasingly independent, but still haunted by the ghosts from her past.

What I liked most about this story was the sweetness and innocence of how the plot unfolds. I’ve read books by Jean Saunders before, but writing as Rowena Summers, and didn’t enjoy them as much as this novel. The story had pace and did not stagnate as I found in Summers’ writing. Kate’s predicament was the continued theme throughout the story and I found myself curious about how she would get out of her web of lies.

Kate is a likeable character but, oh my word, I found her naivety and lack of confidence rather excruciating! She has been significantly affected by what happened at home and had hoped to leave her demons behind when she arrived in London. I was desperate to see her overcome her troubles and grow to love Luke, especially as he makes his innocent intentions so clear. However, Luke was sometimes too nice for my liking and I wanted to see a bit of a darker side to him. He is terribly patient with Kate – more than I would have been! Yet, all of these elements add to the sweetness of the story and without these personalities, the plot would have taken on a very different direction.

I enjoyed the contrast that was established between Kate’s home, Somerset, and the busy city. She grows away from her family and often feels shamed by her past. This was definitely a negative element to her character and links to her pride: pride about her past circumstances and the fear of the true extent of her relationship with her ex-fiance coming to light.

The final chapters were a surprise as I could not have predicted Kate’s past catching up with her. However, love prevails and the happy ending was definitely satisfying. It would have been nice to have an Epilogue at the end to get a snapshot of Kate in the future, but I guess Saunders was happy to leave that to the reader’s imagination.

If you are after a sweet love story set just after the First World War, then this is definitely for you. It’s an easy read, one to quickly immerse yourself in and Kate’s character is likeable. Despite her flaws, it’s easy to sympathise with her circumstances with a wish for her to succeed.

With thanks to Agora books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely book to read, so sweet and gentle. I enjoyed this on many levels as it took me away from the troubles around the world and to forget about lockdowns and social distancing for just awhile. This story was set after ww1 and centred mainly around a young girl who is let down in love. When in fact she was let off the hook and didn’t marry an evil man and who wouldn’t leave her alone.
I haven’t read Jean Saunders books before but, I see she has written others which I intend to find in time.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Kimberly (kimmerthebooknerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my first Jean Saunders novel and definitely will not be my last. I loved the story line and loved the characters of Kate and Luke. Kate was very relatable and I enjoyed how she evolved within the story.
Thank you NetGally for the opportunity to read for my honest opinion.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is simply a romantic story set in the 1920's in Britain. I loved Kate Sullivan, the main character. She was very relatable and Saunders grew her throughout the book.

Kate is expecting to get married but is jilted by the guy. He has lied to her throughout their dating. She goes on her honeymoon alone. I don't want to tell you more bc I don't want to spoil this wonderful book for you.

It's the first book, I have read by Saunders and it want be my last. She wrote in a way, that made me feel all of Kate's feelings. It was very relatable as it is a timeless story. I hope if you read it, you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thanks to Netgalley, Timeless Fiction, and Saunders for the Kindle version. This review is my own thoughts.

[Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I hated a book this much.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not realize that historical fiction was a very sexually graphic book. I don't read these types of books. I stopped within the first few pages with the main character flashing back to her recent sexual encounters and describing it all.,
Maybe this book will appeal to the 50 shades of Grey readers.

[Lis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, sweet, and charming story. I enjoyed reading this book, I love a good historical fiction story and it gave me so much love, this book takes place after WWI and focuses on a girl, Kate, who is such an independent woman haunted by her past, but Thanks to her self-confidence, she manages to overcome any obstacle. It is a very gentle historian to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely book!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delighted to have an early copy from netgalley in return for an honest
What a fantastic book 5*++
Can highly recommend this book it deserves more than I can give
A story of love and trust that went wrong but through sheer determination Kate pulled herself up met the very charismatic Luke the photographer and life took a very different turn.
A very cosy read

[Amna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She gazed upwards as she spoke to where a drift of fluffy white clouds was the only thing to mar the blueness of the heavens. She was far more beautiful than Luke had remembered-"
.
A cozy read. The pages flip themselves without hindrance. I recommend it on a listless sunday morning to nurture the mindless wanderings.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is stood up before she even gets to the alter. While spending a week at what would have been her honeymoon hotel, she meets a tall handsome stranger. Her life changes after that. I enjoyed the story, it was a nice change from my previous book. Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I enjoyed this book..having been treated badly by Walter, Kate meets Luke and transforms her life. Faces up to her family and get her HEA. I enjoyed this author I might look for some of her other books.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgallery for my honest review.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle love story which very nice reflects attitudes to women in the 1920s.
Kate is a well written character and I enjoyed following g her story from sorrow to love

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love story set in the 1920s. Very gentle characters, with a certain naivety about them. I enjoyed it.

[Sandra Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

would have marked a star higher, but for a couple of inaccuracies , the Hotel didn't have her real name, ! and even in those days, would they have given away guests address ? No

[Terrie Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Sullivan is jilted on her wedding day by her cad of a fiancé. Learning that he was already married sent Kate to the fine honeymoon hotel at his expense. While attempting to accept her circumstance, she meets a handsome stranger. Set in the 1920s, Kate struggles with the consequences of her intimate relationship with her former fiancé. She goes off to London to the stranger from her honeymoon. Her affection for the people she rooms with quickly dissolves any reservations she has about the city in a few short days. She discovers her beauty, confidence, and love. Kate learns to allow herself to love again and finds more happiness than she ever thought possible.


The premises of jilted lover meets new man and falls in love again is found in this novel. The protagonist runs to London to escape the humiliation of being left at the alter and the sins committed before discovering her almost husband’s deceit. The idea that Kate could never find a man to love her because she was no longer pure was a theme throughout. It was prevalent in almost all of the scenes. While it was a good theme, it was almost overwhelming in that it was the focus too often. The reader should be given credit for remembering that it is an issue. I would have liked to experience more of the action with Kate instead of so much being focused on dialogue.

The building of the relationship between Kate and Luke was written well. I would have liked a bit more description though. Maybe a bit more in the nature of showing rather than telling. For instance, instead of Kate and Luke always thinking that they are falling in love with each other, I would have rather read about their actions which show this. For example, after Kate tells Luke that she should have been on her honeymoon, her fear over him finding out that she was jilted seem stilted. Showing why she was so concerned would have been helpful. It was apparent and understandable that she did not want him to discover that she was no longer a virgin, though.

Overall, this is a good historical fiction romance novel. It can be easily read in a short time. The conflict that needs to be solved is written in a unique fashion and was enjoyable.



I received an eBook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Trish Quirke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book
Written in the 1920's and is about a lady who is jilted by her fiancee. She lives in the countryside and ends up going on her honeymoon alone to Bournemouth.There she meets a man from London who gives her his address at the end of the week.
She does eventually go to London as she no longer wants to stay at home.She does well, has a job with Luke and lodgings to stay in.
She does fall in love with Luke, but this takes a long time as she feels she is damaged goods. Her fiancee was already married and jilted her so that he didn't commit bigamy.
Interesting read and I would like to read more of this author's books.

[Helen Manoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and well written,could not put the book down read it over two days.Good use. Of descrption for setting the scene of the book.
The only downside though was the ending got the impression that it ended suddenly,otherwise a good read.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not realize that historical fiction was a very sexually graphic book. I don't read these types of books. I stopped within the first few pages with the main character flashing back to her recent sexual encounters and describing it all.,
Maybe this book will appeal to the 50 shades of Grey readers.

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley. This book has been revamped and given a beautiful new look to go along with a beautiful love story. I enjoyed this quick read very much. Unfortunately, the original author passed away in 2011, but she wrote many other books which I plan to read.
All opinions are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect summer read! Loved this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.

[Kathi Rosner-Gross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this surprising story of a young girl making her way in the world! Forging her way, setting into the unknown, leaving the past and her family behind. Highly recommend!

[Amanda Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A girl who has been treated badly meets someone new and her life takes a different turn. It was inspiring! I enjoyed it and will look for other books from this author. Thank you NetGalley!