Mr. Peter Storm loved only one woman, Lady Johanna Knight, but she would never be his. Her grandfather would only allow Johanna to marry a title. Peter was the fourth son of an Earl.
Johanna didn’t care that Peter was only a mister and that his funds were limited. She loved him. He was her dearest friend. But he refused to even kiss her, let alone admit his love.
When Johanna faces danger, Peter realizes that more than his heart is at stake. It is up to him to save her, even if she will be denied him in the end.
An abbreviated version of Message from a Lady first appeared in The Sunflower Season (no longer available). This is an extended, enhanced edition.
USA 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.
Lady Johanna Knight is in love with Mr. Peter Storm. He's in love with her, but as a fourth son he has no way to support her if they marry. Of course her family wants her to marry a title. Peter's luck may change with an unusual delivery of a message. A short read that moves at a slow pace with kisses only. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Lady Johanna Knight has loved Peter Storm for some time, but despite her encouragement, he refuses to court her, knowing as the fourth son of an earl, her father and grandfather would never consider him worthy of her hand. When her grandfather threatens to ship her off the country and arrange a marriage for her if she doesn’t stop associating with Peter, she is determined to get him to elope with her. But to her dismay, Peter’s friend and the man her grandfather wants her to marry, the Duke of Eldridge begins to take notice of her. He assures her that he had no desire to marry, and is just trying to help Peter spend time with her.
Peter loves Johanna but he knows even if her family would approve, he doesn’t feel that he could give her the type of life she deserves. When his great-uncle intervenes and offers to help him, Peter refuses his help, feeling that if he can’t marry her on his own merit, he doesn’t deserve her. When he sees how well Eldridge and Johanna are getting along, he is jealous and decides it might be time for him to leave London. He is still pondering that idea when he learns that Johanna is missing. He is frantic to find her and realizes that he was a fool – but did he wait too long?
This was a very well-written, nicely-paced novella with characters that have enough backstory to make their romance believable. The book has a lot going on for such a short story, there will be longing, friends running interference, carrier pigeons, unreasonable relatives, abduction, The Duke of Danby, and one toe-curling kiss, all before these two find their way to HEA. The book is a sweet, low-steam read that features a bit of a beta hero, in a sort of forbidden love mixed with a friends-to-lovers trope that ends with HEA and even offers an epilogue. This is the sixth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone title. This novella was originally part of the Sunflower Season charity anthology which is no longer available, and it should be noted that this edition has been revamped and expanded from the previously published novella. Overall, I found this story a delightful quick read and would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Lady Johanna Knight. fiesty, spirited lady who knows what she wants. Odd hobby, raising carrier pigeons. Her father, Viscount Ormonde by order of her grandfather, the Earl of Chedworth, is wanting her to marry a title. Her oldest brother ran away to avoid the demands of the grandfather.
Mr Peter Storm loves Johanna but does not have the means to support her and will not tie her to himself if he can not find a way. His great-uncle, the Duke of Danby, wants all his relations married and offers advice and means as bribery. Peter declines.
As men are thrown at Lady Johanna, she keeps her friendship with Peter light, waiting and hoping. As she finally gets help from Duke of Eldridge, Henry, who plays at paying attention to her to appease her grandfather. Soon he catches on and all he'll breaks loose.
What happens is an exciting dramatic explosion of events. What threats does Lady Johanna face? Can she overcome them? How does Peter help? What does her family do? What does her grandfather do? How does Uncle Danby help in the end? Join in the fun while this craft story unfolds and brings a smile to you face and heart.
Peter Storm, fourth son of an Earl refuses to confess his love for Lady Johanna knowing that her family want her to marry a title and that he has insufficient funds anyway to support a wife and family. His great uncle Danby tries to browbeat him, his ducal friend sets up a scheme where he and Johanna can be in each other’s company and Johanna herself tries to pry a proposal from him, but all to no avail. However when Johanna is kidnapped and may be lost forever, Peter will do anything to get her back and into his arms. This is an extended, enhanced edition of the story which first appeared in The Sunflower Season (no longer available). I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is such a delightful little story that appeared awhile back in the Sunflower Season Anthology. It is very unique and clever in that it incorporates the heroines love of homing pigeons into the storyline. They are then, in the end, able to save the day, and the heroine for that matter. Johanna is the daughter of a Viscount, and granddaughter of an Earl, and as such, title is everything to them, so she must marry a man of significant title. Problem with that is that the only man Johanna can want is Peter Storm, the 4th son of an Earl, and therefore only a Mister. He won’t ever offer for her as he knows that he can’t have her. Some twists and turns make for a difficult road getting these two toward their HEA. It will take a pigeon to come to the rescue.
This book is so so good.. How can you not love a book that has a villain that thinks he has won because he has captured you but thinks you have no way of communicating or getting out except he and the rest of the villains didn't know about the pigeons. No one did except for her and him
Just the idea of being rescued by the love of my life and him getting the note via carrier pigeons is swoon worthy!!!
I definitely enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
I look forward to what Jane Charles has in store next!
I received this as a gift in exchange for an honest opinion and this is my honest opinion and no one else's.
Mr. Peter Storm has only ever loved Lady Johanna Knight & she loves him. However her grandfather will only allow Johanna to marry a title & Peter was the fourth son of an Earl. When Johanna faces danger, Peter realizes that more than his heart is at stake. It is up to him to save her, even if she will be denied him in the end. A well written short story. I really liked both Peter & Joanna even though I found him to be a bit stubborn at times. Homing pigeons & an appearance from the Duke of Danby, who is mellowing help to make this a lovely short story. I first read this delightful story in an anthology
There has been one love for Peter Storm and his lady is also in love with him, but Lady Johanna Knight's grandfather does not approve of Mr. Storm. He insists Lady Johanna marry a gentleman with a title - Peter is the 4th son of an earl. When Lady Johanna is put in a dangerous situation, Peter knows he must be the one to save her, even though she will not be his in end. This was a lovely, romantic short story and will he save her, will her grandfather accept him - read it to find out (a HEA is guaranteed)?
4 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this story. Johanna fell in love with someone her family would not agree to as a suitable match. She was determined to have her way. I loved her willingness to give up everything for love. Peter tried to keep her at arms length, because he did not want his heart broken. With help from some of the secondary characters, their love was allowed to flourish. I love how her father and mother finally stood up for her happiness. I highly recommend this story.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
I loved this cute novella which mixed the love story with a bit of adventure. The heroine is delightful, very resourceful and smart, and the hero is almost too good and noble for my liking. I would have gladly bashed him on the head for his excessive pride that almost cost him the love of the heroine! Well written as always. I quite like this author! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 Love this story. In this story we return the wonder world of Lord Danby. Johanna and Peter are strong characters and easy to fall in love with. It was fun watching Peter and Johanna struggle with what their hearts want versus what other people want for them and ultimately deciding what they should do. This story has intrigue and romance.
What can happen when you love someone and you have neither money or a title and she does? What can happen when you love someone, you are titled and have a wealthy family, but he has neither. Mr. Peter Storm and Lady Johanna Knightare the two main characters and their story is an interesting one. This story has family issues, a kidnapping, pride, love and a HEA!
Message from a Lady by Jane Charles A sweet story of an untitled man who loves a Lady and she him, but are denied marrying by her grandfather. But fate steps in and when he finds her in danger and through some really wonderful surprises including pigeons and the amazing Duke of Danby, love may just find a way!!
This was part of an anthology "The Sunflower Season" that I had previously read.
Loved reading this book. Peter and Johanna have loved each other since they first met, but Johanna's grandfather has far grander marriage plans for her than a mere Mister. Nothing bar a Duke, Earl or a Viscount will do. Can Peter and Johanna achieve their happy ending or will someone else get in their way.
I have a feeling that I have read this before. Anyway, this is a short story of 93 pages. The main characters are Lady Johanna Knight and Mr. Peter Storm. Her grandfather wants Johanna to marry a title, but Jo is in love with Peter. Essentially, Jo gets kidnapped and Peter finds her and they escape. A very HEA for everyone (except her horrid grandfather). Loved it! 5☆
The Duke of Danbury is at it again with his marital sites set on Peter Storm to unite with his true love. Nice Novella with enough conflict and danger to keep you going.
An intriguing romance, well written with interesting and strong characters. I enjoyed Peter and Johanna's journey which is not an easy one. True love is selfless, and this shone through in this story.
Peter - 4 th son he feels he doesn't offer much to a wife Johanna - has a grandfather that holds the purse strings to her family and wants A cute romantic tale with some adventure and a loving hea. Ama