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Glass Slipper Brides #1
The Captain's Christmas Family
Napoleon himself never gave Captain Gideon Radcliffe as much trouble as Miss Marian Murray. The fiercely protective governess won't rest until she gains permission for the daughters of his late cousin to stay on at Gideon's newly inherited estate. He agrees to let Cissy and Dolly remain at Knightley Park for Christmas. But by springtime they—and Marian—must go.
Marian is prepared to believe the captain a tyrant. The truth is far more complicated. Gideon is a kind yet solitary man who sees the navy as his only sanctuary. Can Marian's unwavering faith, and the children's Christmas cheer, convince him he's found safe harbor at last?
Marian is prepared to believe the captain a tyrant. The truth is far more complicated. Gideon is a kind yet solitary man who sees the navy as his only sanctuary. Can Marian's unwavering faith, and the children's Christmas cheer, convince him he's found safe harbor at last?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 26, 2016
Full review can be found here.
Really, before I even started, I should have realised that this book would contain a significant Christian message. I didn’t expect to be whacked over the head with it quite so much, though. As someone born in the more secular Europe and raised by atheist parents, I’m sceptical of religion and religious texts. Sometimes the message bordered on insulting for me – I think at one point Marian wonders how Gideon can deal with all his problems without leaning on God’s love. Those of us who do no turn to God manage perfectly well without him thank you very much. The fact that she pities him because his faith is not strong enough really didn’t sit well with me and led to several frustration-riddled moments.
It is also implied that prayer has an effect. All tests done on prayer have shown that it doesn’t change anything, but the author uses this as prolepsis and often announces future events in the characters’ prayers.
I understand why religion plays a role in the story, but at times the whole thing seemed to revolve around religion and nothing else, which was just too much for me and started to put me off the book.
The children are pretty stereotypical, though fitting different moulds. Dolly is outgoing and boisterous while Cissy is quiet and reserved. They were cute but at times too cliché for my tastes. Occasionally they were blatantly used to further certain parts of the relationship between Gideon and Marian and once or twice their actions or speech felt particularly unnatural.
Gideon and Marian have the communication problem of the year. One of them says something and the other hears the exact opposite of what they meant. I know authors use this technique a lot to further certain situations, but rarely have I seen it used this much.
The book is classed as being a love-inspired historical but for me it’s a clean historical romance. The history doesn’t have much to do with it beyond being a period setting – well, except for the traditions (which were very well researched). The budding romance, however, is everything. Both of the characters are prone to drifting off into endless monologues questioning their feelings, the other’s supposed feelings, the other’s supposed actions, and so on. They do go on! Sometimes I felt that there could have been more of an obstacle introduced as the two “obstacles” that are presented don’t really get much attention when compared with the other.
Also, the synopsis of the book is misleading. It mentions a “battle of wills” but there’s no such thing. The story is about the captain coming to love this new and very different life away from the sea.
I’m sure that Christian fans of a holiday romance read will enjoy this book, but circumstances just weren’t right for me to enjoy this. It wasn’t my cup of tea but I wouldn’t say that it has put me off giving the author a third chance at some point in the future.
Really, before I even started, I should have realised that this book would contain a significant Christian message. I didn’t expect to be whacked over the head with it quite so much, though. As someone born in the more secular Europe and raised by atheist parents, I’m sceptical of religion and religious texts. Sometimes the message bordered on insulting for me – I think at one point Marian wonders how Gideon can deal with all his problems without leaning on God’s love. Those of us who do no turn to God manage perfectly well without him thank you very much. The fact that she pities him because his faith is not strong enough really didn’t sit well with me and led to several frustration-riddled moments.
It is also implied that prayer has an effect. All tests done on prayer have shown that it doesn’t change anything, but the author uses this as prolepsis and often announces future events in the characters’ prayers.
I understand why religion plays a role in the story, but at times the whole thing seemed to revolve around religion and nothing else, which was just too much for me and started to put me off the book.
The children are pretty stereotypical, though fitting different moulds. Dolly is outgoing and boisterous while Cissy is quiet and reserved. They were cute but at times too cliché for my tastes. Occasionally they were blatantly used to further certain parts of the relationship between Gideon and Marian and once or twice their actions or speech felt particularly unnatural.
Gideon and Marian have the communication problem of the year. One of them says something and the other hears the exact opposite of what they meant. I know authors use this technique a lot to further certain situations, but rarely have I seen it used this much.
The book is classed as being a love-inspired historical but for me it’s a clean historical romance. The history doesn’t have much to do with it beyond being a period setting – well, except for the traditions (which were very well researched). The budding romance, however, is everything. Both of the characters are prone to drifting off into endless monologues questioning their feelings, the other’s supposed feelings, the other’s supposed actions, and so on. They do go on! Sometimes I felt that there could have been more of an obstacle introduced as the two “obstacles” that are presented don’t really get much attention when compared with the other.
Also, the synopsis of the book is misleading. It mentions a “battle of wills” but there’s no such thing. The story is about the captain coming to love this new and very different life away from the sea.
I’m sure that Christian fans of a holiday romance read will enjoy this book, but circumstances just weren’t right for me to enjoy this. It wasn’t my cup of tea but I wouldn’t say that it has put me off giving the author a third chance at some point in the future.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Napoleon himself never gave Captain Gideon Radcliffe as much trouble as Miss Marian Murray. The fiercely protective governess won't rest until she gains permission for the daughters of his late cousin to stay on at Gideon's newly inherited estate. He agrees to let Cissy and Dolly remain at Knightley Park for Christmas. But by springtime they—and Marian—must go.
Marian is prepared to believe the captain a tyrant. The truth is far more complicated. Gideon is a kind yet solitary man who sees the navy as his only sanctuary. Can Marian's unwavering faith, and the children's Christmas cheer, convince him he's found safe harbor at last?
REVIEW: This first book in Deborah Hale's Glass Slipper series is a perfect holiday read. Set during the early 1800's, it is reminiscent in many respects of the Jane Austen and Georgette Heye type novel. The hero, an orphaned boy, who had made his way up the ranks in the Royal Navy, and the heroine, an orphaned girl, who had gained enough education in an orphanage to become a governess, were haunted by their pasts. The author did an excellent job of letting the reader into the minds of both of them as they battle faith issues as well as their feelings for one another. I love the descriptions of preparation for the Christmas holidays as well as Twelfth Night in an English manor during this time period. Overall a great read to curl up with in preparation for the holidays and on a cold fall evening.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It is difficult to learn anything of value without making mistakes."
"I reckon it's easier to see our own faults in others."
"Can not a God who is infinitely large also be infinitely small and infinitely close?"...."Just as the salt water that makes up the great ocean is not so different from our sweat and tears."
"Gideon could not help thinking what a special gift a child was. A God who could bestow such a blessing must care deeply for the people He had created, ion spite of their weaknesses."
"..the Creator of the Universe was not a tailor to be bidden to make minute alternations to the garment of life."
Marian is prepared to believe the captain a tyrant. The truth is far more complicated. Gideon is a kind yet solitary man who sees the navy as his only sanctuary. Can Marian's unwavering faith, and the children's Christmas cheer, convince him he's found safe harbor at last?
REVIEW: This first book in Deborah Hale's Glass Slipper series is a perfect holiday read. Set during the early 1800's, it is reminiscent in many respects of the Jane Austen and Georgette Heye type novel. The hero, an orphaned boy, who had made his way up the ranks in the Royal Navy, and the heroine, an orphaned girl, who had gained enough education in an orphanage to become a governess, were haunted by their pasts. The author did an excellent job of letting the reader into the minds of both of them as they battle faith issues as well as their feelings for one another. I love the descriptions of preparation for the Christmas holidays as well as Twelfth Night in an English manor during this time period. Overall a great read to curl up with in preparation for the holidays and on a cold fall evening.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It is difficult to learn anything of value without making mistakes."
"I reckon it's easier to see our own faults in others."
"Can not a God who is infinitely large also be infinitely small and infinitely close?"...."Just as the salt water that makes up the great ocean is not so different from our sweat and tears."
"Gideon could not help thinking what a special gift a child was. A God who could bestow such a blessing must care deeply for the people He had created, ion spite of their weaknesses."
"..the Creator of the Universe was not a tailor to be bidden to make minute alternations to the garment of life."
November 23, 2013
This was #2 on my pile of Christmas fun reads. If was fine, but not an exciting page-turner by any means. It was predictable, not that I expected anything different, but I did want to be assured that it all turned out happily. Yup, it did.
Two things that got tedious for me was the increasing “religious” emphases; and the constant ping-ponging of “he doesn’t want me”… ”she doesn’t want’ me”… “I can’t tell her how I really feel”…”I can’t tell him how I really feel”… etc. etc.
Now I personally have a firm belief in God, and an abundance of faith, but this lady was always praying. I think the author wanted to emphasize the religious lesson more than the story. And for the ping-ponging – alright already! Both extremes passed my Threshold of No Return.
I think I’ll pass this one on. I don’t have a desire to keep it in my personal library to enjoy at a future Christmas. It was ok.
Two things that got tedious for me was the increasing “religious” emphases; and the constant ping-ponging of “he doesn’t want me”… ”she doesn’t want’ me”… “I can’t tell her how I really feel”…”I can’t tell him how I really feel”… etc. etc.
Now I personally have a firm belief in God, and an abundance of faith, but this lady was always praying. I think the author wanted to emphasize the religious lesson more than the story. And for the ping-ponging – alright already! Both extremes passed my Threshold of No Return.
I think I’ll pass this one on. I don’t have a desire to keep it in my personal library to enjoy at a future Christmas. It was ok.
August 27, 2015
The Captain's Christmas Family is really number 2 in this inspirational series, which I didn't discover until much later in the book. There were references to the heroine's friend, Rebecca, so I went to the author's website to find out that "Much Ado about Nuptials" in The Wedding Season is number one.
December 10, 2019
The author notes that this was originally neither a Christmas story nor a "love-inspired" (chaste and inspirational, i.e. Christian) story, but historical accuracy led to the Christmas setting, and the announcement of the love-inspired line led to some character tweaks. The end result is a solid story with more and better-integrated Christmas and Christian elements than other stories with that setting and in that sub-genre.
The characters are well-developed - the brooding lord of the manor has good reason to be brooding, and the children are not always cute. Period details about how Christmas was celebrated, and the master-servant relationship, are entertaining and add depth to the story. The story has a high degree of realism, and chemistry between the couple is just right.
The characters are well-developed - the brooding lord of the manor has good reason to be brooding, and the children are not always cute. Period details about how Christmas was celebrated, and the master-servant relationship, are entertaining and add depth to the story. The story has a high degree of realism, and chemistry between the couple is just right.
November 25, 2019
I read this book for Christmas, the story lines for the Captain & the two girls (his nieces,) was interesting. However, the developing story & romance between the Captain & the nanny became dull after the characters introduced themselves to each other. Most of the interactions thru the book seemed like filler, again & again will the Capt. be charged for the death of the Midshipman?
Will the girls' godmother be found & the girls sent off to live with her?
What will happen to the Nanny?
Dull....& too bad as this might have been an more captivating Christmas story with better editing, activities involving winter, Christmas, family, etc.
Will the girls' godmother be found & the girls sent off to live with her?
What will happen to the Nanny?
Dull....& too bad as this might have been an more captivating Christmas story with better editing, activities involving winter, Christmas, family, etc.
July 17, 2021
Just Ask God
Marian had taken the position of many rolls for orphan girls Cissy and Dolly. They had lost their Mother and baby brother and now their father. Their lives would greatly change if their Mother's sister came to take position as their guardian. their father's cousin, Gideon had inherited the estate because there were no sons to do so. Deborah Hale has told their story in a way you can walk with them each day, we how Marian loves these girls and wants what is best for them. Read and enjoy as love develops between Marian and Gideon, their Aunt returns, a new life begins.
Marian had taken the position of many rolls for orphan girls Cissy and Dolly. They had lost their Mother and baby brother and now their father. Their lives would greatly change if their Mother's sister came to take position as their guardian. their father's cousin, Gideon had inherited the estate because there were no sons to do so. Deborah Hale has told their story in a way you can walk with them each day, we how Marian loves these girls and wants what is best for them. Read and enjoy as love develops between Marian and Gideon, their Aunt returns, a new life begins.
December 28, 2018
Marion is a governess for 2 orphaned girls. You had me there! Cute kids! When their cousin comes home from the sea in disgrace she learns he is a kind man of integrity and begins to fall for him. But their guardian is their aunt who is not a good influence . Can Marion convince him to be the girls’ guardian?
September 1, 2017
This was a lovely little story. The girls were adorable and the chemistry was nicely paced so that it didn't feel like insta love. The misunderstanding for the romance was very well suited to the time period and I like how it all resolved itself.
December 29, 2017
I kept muttering to myself “just get on with it".
February 4, 2018
A lovely story :)
January 20, 2019
A sweet and enjoyable romance centered around the holiday.
October 31, 2019
It was really cute :) A little slower paced than I expected, but still good.
November 15, 2022
3.5 stars
February 18, 2016
Love Deborah Hale! Theses are fun, clean romances that encorporate faith into the story. This story is about a Navy Captain who has inherited his cousin's estate after his death. The Captain is under investigation because of the death of one of his crewmen. Marion is the governess of two little girls who are now left orphaned by their father's death. She is wary of the Captain because of the rumors surrounding him, but believes he may be a better guardian than their feckless aunt who is traveling in Europe and has never contacted the children after their father's death. As the Captain begins to let his guard down and spend more time with the children and their governess celebrating Christmas, he falls in love with Marion and she with him. But as his trial looms closer and the children's aunt suddenly appears, will the Captain have the family he's always wanted or will he lose everything.
October 10, 2013
3.5 Stars
Captain Gideon Radcliffe has inherited his cousin's estate, leaving his two daughters in the care of their governess, Miss Murray. She tries to convince him that the girls are better left in his care than with their guardian aunt. Miss Murray's faith plays are large part in her life.
I enjoyed reading The Wedding Season, so I purchased this book. Some may enjoy reading this book but I personally found it too slow. I kept on reading to see if something eventful would happen but never did.
However, I found the mention of Christmas traditions interesting. I also liked the subtle inspirational message in the book.
3.5 Stars
Captain Gideon Radcliffe has inherited his cousin's estate, leaving his two daughters in the care of their governess, Miss Murray. She tries to convince him that the girls are better left in his care than with their guardian aunt. Miss Murray's faith plays are large part in her life.
I enjoyed reading The Wedding Season, so I purchased this book. Some may enjoy reading this book but I personally found it too slow. I kept on reading to see if something eventful would happen but never did.
However, I found the mention of Christmas traditions interesting. I also liked the subtle inspirational message in the book.
3.5 Stars
December 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. It was definitely what I was looking for, a feel good happy romance with no raunchiness. I fell in love with the girls as well, and my heart broke when Cissy cried towards the end of the book for reasons I will not disclose....you have to read it! Very well developed characters, and I even truly cared about the Captain's back story and what was going on behind the scenes that play out in the book. Miss Marian's back story reminds me of one of my favorite authoress's, Victoria Holt. I would love to read the story of her friends from school and how they met their Prince Charmings. I hope more of these come out!
July 17, 2013
A promising novel which doesn't reach its potential. Good characters, standard plot, too predictable.
Male protagonist: Captain Gideon Radcliffe, returned from military life, looking for isolation.
Female protagonist: Miss Marian Murray, governess, raised in orphanage for children of clergymen
Others: Two adorable orphaned girls from the previous owner of Knightley Park, Lady Villiers, aunt and unsuitable guardian of the two children.
Christian references throughout, "Marian's unwavering faith" on back cover, Gideon attends church with Marian and the girls.
Male protagonist: Captain Gideon Radcliffe, returned from military life, looking for isolation.
Female protagonist: Miss Marian Murray, governess, raised in orphanage for children of clergymen
Others: Two adorable orphaned girls from the previous owner of Knightley Park, Lady Villiers, aunt and unsuitable guardian of the two children.
Christian references throughout, "Marian's unwavering faith" on back cover, Gideon attends church with Marian and the girls.
September 17, 2012
I'd meant to put it on my Kindle wishlist, and hit buy. Meant to be, I guess.
Governess falls for new owner of the house while trying to show him that he'd be a better guardian for the two girls left instead of their flighty aunt. Super sweet, although with a more proselytizing bent than others in this line. It felt like part of a mini series, with mentions of her school friends, which makes me wonder.
Governess falls for new owner of the house while trying to show him that he'd be a better guardian for the two girls left instead of their flighty aunt. Super sweet, although with a more proselytizing bent than others in this line. It felt like part of a mini series, with mentions of her school friends, which makes me wonder.
October 6, 2013
This was not in any way a bad story. I'd give a 2.5 overall I think. The writing was EXCELLENT and the romance was convincing...to a certain degree. I love stories with kids, but this one seemed to veer a teense bit too much onto the kids side and sacrifice some of the romantic development because of it. I would DEFINITELY read this author again and I *would* recommend it to others, I just expected more out of it.
June 11, 2016
My fault for not realizing it was going to be a Christian book. I've only read a couple of Christian romances before - both Lily George Brides of Waterloo series - and they weren't quite so blatant in their Christian message.
I've read other books by Hale and enjoyed them so I'll just avoid this particular series in the future.
I've read other books by Hale and enjoyed them so I'll just avoid this particular series in the future.
December 31, 2016
Inspirational, but not too much.
I'm not a great one for inspirational novels. Some of them are frankly wet. Some of them have no conflict, because how can there be when God will fix everything? This book treads the thin line well.
I'm not a great one for inspirational novels. Some of them are frankly wet. Some of them have no conflict, because how can there be when God will fix everything? This book treads the thin line well.
August 24, 2014
Boy inherits castle where girl is governess. Girl thwacks boy over with a Bible. Repeatedly. Boy, girl fall in love.
Sweet story, if you can stand the bible thumping. I know this is a "love inspired" novel, but ...
Sweet story, if you can stand the bible thumping. I know this is a "love inspired" novel, but ...
December 17, 2011
I enjoyed this book.
September 22, 2014
A lovely tale of two lonely people, a governess and a naval captain, who discover love and family at Christmas.
January 11, 2012
Romantic story of governess who falls in love with the master of the house. It might sound similar to Jane Eyre, but it is a much lighter, sweeter version. Loved it!
January 14, 2012
Wonderful book! I enjoyed every word. Perfect for Christmas time or anytime.
August 10, 2012
I have enjoyed these Love Inspired novels because they are very clean and fast reads. This just wasn't one of my favorites.
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Glass Slipper Brides
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