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Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies #1
To Walk in the Sun
Hiding from a dangerous man, Tess Crawford thought The Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies would be the perfect place to disappear. Or it would be if the local villagers weren’t on edge because of the vampire in their midst, at least they think he’s a vampire. The fascination with the reclusive viscount disrupts the girls’ studies and Tess fights an unending battle to convince her students that monsters do not exist. Vincent Latimer, Viscount Atwood, is not a vampire, no matter what the villagers believe. He wishes the book, Wake Not the Dead, had never been written. There is a very good reason he visits his wife’s grave at night, and it has nothing to do with trying to raise her from the dead. When a storm thrusts Tess into Vincent’s path and destroys the school, both of their pasts collide.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2011
555 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Jane Charles
174 books390 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 16, 2019
What do you get when three very nosey girls from the local private girls' school find out the neighboring viscount only comes out at night? It doesn't take much for the girls' imaginations to conjure up a vampire! Tess Crawford, one of the teachers at the Wiggons School for Elegant Young Ladies tries to keep her young charges out of mischief, but that just seems to be their speciality. When a terrible storm blows through, Tess is rescued by the viscount, and the rumors begin to fly.
Tess finds Vincent to be a little gruff. He just wants to be left alone, but he is also kind enough to help the school in a time of crisis. If only she didn't have a deep, dark secret that keeps her tied to her teaching job, she might dare to dream that she could bring a little light into Vincent's world.
I enjoy the intrigue and mystery of the stories in this series. Spies, murders, and rumors of the occult abound! The girls and their wild theories are hilarious, and the romance is sweet and satisfying.
Tess finds Vincent to be a little gruff. He just wants to be left alone, but he is also kind enough to help the school in a time of crisis. If only she didn't have a deep, dark secret that keeps her tied to her teaching job, she might dare to dream that she could bring a little light into Vincent's world.
I enjoy the intrigue and mystery of the stories in this series. Spies, murders, and rumors of the occult abound! The girls and their wild theories are hilarious, and the romance is sweet and satisfying.
January 16, 2019
This was a free ebook I received through BookBub. It was an enjoyable read, but I rate it 3 out of 5 stars for two reasons.
First, the characters needed to be developed a little more to explain why the love developed between Tess and Vincent. It would have been much better if that had been allowed to happen.
Second, and the most important reason to me as a proofreader, there were many editing errors including the worst crime of all, the author saying “alright” instead of “all right.” Every author should know better than to say “alright.” That is inexcusable.
Still a good book.
First, the characters needed to be developed a little more to explain why the love developed between Tess and Vincent. It would have been much better if that had been allowed to happen.
Second, and the most important reason to me as a proofreader, there were many editing errors including the worst crime of all, the author saying “alright” instead of “all right.” Every author should know better than to say “alright.” That is inexcusable.
Still a good book.
January 24, 2019
I really enjoyed To Walk in the Sun. It reminded me a bit of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. It pokes fun at the gothic novel while giving us a genuine villain and a touching love story. Tortured but heroic hero, feisty heroine, interesting side characters, loyal servants, silly school girls. The book was a lot of fun and just the light diverting read I needed right now. I would definitely read more books in the series.
I received this book for free from Kobo in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free from Kobo in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2024
It is a school for wealthy young ladies. What could be unusual?
Some of the young ladies love to read horror books. Three of them believe that one of their neighbors is a vampire. They are also positive that he has plans to bring his dead wife back to life. In other words, these teenage girls are rather typical teenage girls who have vivid imaginations.
Tess is a teacher at the school. Tess has secrets.
When a storm damages the school beyond repair, the only place large enough to house the girls and be a temporary school is a large estate. The estate is owned by Lord Atwood. Lord Atwood happens to be the man the girls believe to be a vampire.
The school is moved to the large estate. Tess, Lord Atwood, the 3 imaginative young girls and many others are all thrown together. Lord Atwood must sleep by day. There is no way the girls are going to be able to be quiet enough for him to get rest during the day. Lord Atwood is not familiar with loud young people. There are many times when there is shouting. And there are many times when girls are creating havoc.
Did I mention there is a treasure map?
Did I mention there is a villain that is not above threatening people or killing people?
Did I mention this is quite an adventure?
Ms Charles has created quite a very entertaining story.
The characters are well done. Tess, Lord Atwood and the other characters are each interesting. The reader has the chance to get to know everyone. We learn about dreams, fears, and personalities. We also get to view the interplay between the characters.
The story has humor as well as drama, danger and romance.
In short, this is a book that holds the reader’s interest.
This is a fun read. This book is the first in a series about the people from the Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies. Ms Charles has given us a fast moving read populated by interesting human beings.
Some of the young ladies love to read horror books. Three of them believe that one of their neighbors is a vampire. They are also positive that he has plans to bring his dead wife back to life. In other words, these teenage girls are rather typical teenage girls who have vivid imaginations.
Tess is a teacher at the school. Tess has secrets.
When a storm damages the school beyond repair, the only place large enough to house the girls and be a temporary school is a large estate. The estate is owned by Lord Atwood. Lord Atwood happens to be the man the girls believe to be a vampire.
The school is moved to the large estate. Tess, Lord Atwood, the 3 imaginative young girls and many others are all thrown together. Lord Atwood must sleep by day. There is no way the girls are going to be able to be quiet enough for him to get rest during the day. Lord Atwood is not familiar with loud young people. There are many times when there is shouting. And there are many times when girls are creating havoc.
Did I mention there is a treasure map?
Did I mention there is a villain that is not above threatening people or killing people?
Did I mention this is quite an adventure?
Ms Charles has created quite a very entertaining story.
The characters are well done. Tess, Lord Atwood and the other characters are each interesting. The reader has the chance to get to know everyone. We learn about dreams, fears, and personalities. We also get to view the interplay between the characters.
The story has humor as well as drama, danger and romance.
In short, this is a book that holds the reader’s interest.
This is a fun read. This book is the first in a series about the people from the Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies. Ms Charles has given us a fast moving read populated by interesting human beings.
January 13, 2019
An excellent adventure
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book has it all. Hidden secrets, danger, murder, humor, and romance. Tess, a teacher at Mrs. Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies, & the 36 students and teachers are displaced after a storm damages their school. Lord Atwood, the reclusive earl who walks into the village at midnight to visit his wife's grave, invites the school occupants to stay at his home. Conditions are given for the school's ladies and 3 find them especially strange. Those 3 young ladies believe that Lord Atwood is a vampire!
Enjoy this book. you will find it hard to put down! Highly recommended.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book has it all. Hidden secrets, danger, murder, humor, and romance. Tess, a teacher at Mrs. Wiggons' School for Elegant Young Ladies, & the 36 students and teachers are displaced after a storm damages their school. Lord Atwood, the reclusive earl who walks into the village at midnight to visit his wife's grave, invites the school occupants to stay at his home. Conditions are given for the school's ladies and 3 find them especially strange. Those 3 young ladies believe that Lord Atwood is a vampire!
Enjoy this book. you will find it hard to put down! Highly recommended.
February 7, 2019
This book started out really rough and I almost quit it after the first 10 or 15 pages, but it was late at night so I kept going and it got way better. The story was pretty original and I enjoyed the wide variety of female characters in this. I had issues with the Vincent being protective to the point that he was a bit controlling and possessive at times. Seems to be a theme with so many romances and it's a real shame. Overall the story was decent and, though there were a few spelling mistakes, this was an enjoyable read.
April 21, 2019
Silly and melodramatic
Are Regency romances supposed to be over the top and dramatic or is it simply enough to be set in the time period? I take the view of its enough to be set in the time period. The novel doesn't have to be spies, lost heirs, mustache twirling villains, and tragic accidents. I liked the first half of the book and it could have stopped at the natural disaster being the big event. The vampire plot was enough there didn't have to be any extra drama. Sometimes less is more.
Are Regency romances supposed to be over the top and dramatic or is it simply enough to be set in the time period? I take the view of its enough to be set in the time period. The novel doesn't have to be spies, lost heirs, mustache twirling villains, and tragic accidents. I liked the first half of the book and it could have stopped at the natural disaster being the big event. The vampire plot was enough there didn't have to be any extra drama. Sometimes less is more.
January 7, 2019
Fun story
I enjoyed To Walk in the Sun, it's a fun story. I had problems with some of the editing and possible Americanisms used, such as 'trodding', 'drug' for 'dragged' and others. Despite the book being 248 pages long, I felt like I didn't get to know Tess and Vincent as well as I'd liked - their respective mysterious pasts being more important than their presents, maybe?
It is, however, a fun and undemanding story and worth a read.
I enjoyed To Walk in the Sun, it's a fun story. I had problems with some of the editing and possible Americanisms used, such as 'trodding', 'drug' for 'dragged' and others. Despite the book being 248 pages long, I felt like I didn't get to know Tess and Vincent as well as I'd liked - their respective mysterious pasts being more important than their presents, maybe?
It is, however, a fun and undemanding story and worth a read.
January 20, 2019
3.5 stars
The beginning really grabbed me and hooked me but then toward the middle the characters attraction built too fast from seemingly thin air. It was a leisurely finish as opposed to a page turner then. Had a good plot but just too fast, all lust but "knowing it would be more".
I'm tempted to read the next book, authors writing is very solid and good form. I think I'll try something else first then come back for it.
The beginning really grabbed me and hooked me but then toward the middle the characters attraction built too fast from seemingly thin air. It was a leisurely finish as opposed to a page turner then. Had a good plot but just too fast, all lust but "knowing it would be more".
I'm tempted to read the next book, authors writing is very solid and good form. I think I'll try something else first then come back for it.
March 9, 2019
Great story!
Terrifically entertaining farce. There is comic relief in the form of three students who are certain that their host is really a vampire, a lovely heroine with secrets to hide and a battered hero with a war wound. The plot is clever and the pace of action is good. Well written and worth reading.
Terrifically entertaining farce. There is comic relief in the form of three students who are certain that their host is really a vampire, a lovely heroine with secrets to hide and a battered hero with a war wound. The plot is clever and the pace of action is good. Well written and worth reading.
January 9, 2019
Witty
It isn't often a romance makes you laugh but this one had some giggles as the hero is mistaken for a vampire. Good setting, excellent characters. It made me want to read more by this author.
It isn't often a romance makes you laugh but this one had some giggles as the hero is mistaken for a vampire. Good setting, excellent characters. It made me want to read more by this author.
January 10, 2019
Spellbinding.
The story held my attention from the very first page. The characters were interesting, believable and enjoyable. the story was not what I had expected from the brief description in the introduction, I found the book hard to put down.
The story held my attention from the very first page. The characters were interesting, believable and enjoyable. the story was not what I had expected from the brief description in the introduction, I found the book hard to put down.
February 5, 2019
This was a good book. A little slow at points but still good. I kinda want to read the rest of the series to see if the other teachers ever find men.
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Romanceopoly - Mayfair
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Romanceopoly - Mayfair
August 10, 2019
Invigorating
What a delightful story, I couldn't put it down it was that captivating. Such a weave of myths, human fright, and young ladies with wild imaginations. Can't wait to read more!
What a delightful story, I couldn't put it down it was that captivating. Such a weave of myths, human fright, and young ladies with wild imaginations. Can't wait to read more!
February 25, 2023
The night the storm brought down part of the school, became the night the Lord found love again.
This is a lovely book. Full of adventure, fun and Love . With a very satisfying ending.
Happy Reading :-)
This is a lovely book. Full of adventure, fun and Love . With a very satisfying ending.
Happy Reading :-)
November 8, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable story. A bit dark sometimes.
4☆
4☆
January 3, 2019
Adventure
This is a great first book of the series. Murder and kidnapping. Maps and treasure. Vampires? Really? And of course love. Fun characters and look forward to more.
This is a great first book of the series. Murder and kidnapping. Maps and treasure. Vampires? Really? And of course love. Fun characters and look forward to more.
January 8, 2019
Delightful!
Thoroughly enjoyed this mysterious love story. The author blends the good, bad, and ugly into a story that at times makes you laugh or even cry.
Thoroughly enjoyed this mysterious love story. The author blends the good, bad, and ugly into a story that at times makes you laugh or even cry.
January 11, 2019
Very enjoyable story, well written with great characters.
January 11, 2019
Meh. . .
Too slow moving, stilted and contrived for my taste. Nice idea, but could have been accomplished in half the time.
Too slow moving, stilted and contrived for my taste. Nice idea, but could have been accomplished in half the time.
January 11, 2019
To Walk in the Sun
As a teacher, I enjoy books that include students. And fanciful girls always up the antics. And, school friends can be friends for life.
As a teacher, I enjoy books that include students. And fanciful girls always up the antics. And, school friends can be friends for life.
January 12, 2019
I enjoyed reading.
January 13, 2019
Book 1
A fun read with many twists and turns. Just when you think you've known the conclusion it changes. Suggested read.
A fun read with many twists and turns. Just when you think you've known the conclusion it changes. Suggested read.
January 15, 2019
See status update!
January 19, 2019
Enjoyed plot twists and good mysteries
January 22, 2019
Excellent
This story is excellent from the beginning to the end
It has mystery ,intrigue, adventure and even a bit of romance
This story is excellent from the beginning to the end
It has mystery ,intrigue, adventure and even a bit of romance
January 23, 2019
Wonderful
This book was wonderful. I loved the story line with the mysteries. The mysteries keep you reading long after you should have put the book down. Like 5 in the morning!
This book was wonderful. I loved the story line with the mysteries. The mysteries keep you reading long after you should have put the book down. Like 5 in the morning!
January 24, 2019
Is he or is he not a vampire?
Interesting twist on a physical problem of a veteran and the love and fear his problem causes. But a good woman & a good man eventually prevale.
Interesting twist on a physical problem of a veteran and the love and fear his problem causes. But a good woman & a good man eventually prevale.
January 28, 2019
Cute story
Good characters, sweet story. Intrigue and love all in one place. Liked the happily ever after. A few spelling mistakes, but not enough to turn you off from the story.
Good characters, sweet story. Intrigue and love all in one place. Liked the happily ever after. A few spelling mistakes, but not enough to turn you off from the story.
February 13, 2019
Very enjoyable romance - and the subplot, with the three girls "vampire hunting", almost stole the whole book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews