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Regency #2
Winter Is Past
A rising star in Parliament, widower Simon Aguilar needs a reliable woman to care for his gravely ill daughter, Rebecca. He finds an exemplary nurse--and much more--in the indomitable Althea Breton.
Raised amid privilege, Althea renounced wealth and social position to serve God, and is reluctant to work for a man who became a Christian only to further his political career. But realizing that all things are possible with God's love, she accepts the position.
Despite Simon's skepticism, Althea comforts Rebecca by teaching her about God and salvation. Meanwhile, an attraction grows between the darkly handsome MP and the understated beauty whose integrity and competence win over his entire household. Althea admires Simon's devotion as a father, his sense of justice as a politician and his tenderness as a man, but his antipathy toward her faith divides them. When Simon's world suddenly falls apart, can Althea convince him to open his heart to God's love--and her own?
Raised amid privilege, Althea renounced wealth and social position to serve God, and is reluctant to work for a man who became a Christian only to further his political career. But realizing that all things are possible with God's love, she accepts the position.
Despite Simon's skepticism, Althea comforts Rebecca by teaching her about God and salvation. Meanwhile, an attraction grows between the darkly handsome MP and the understated beauty whose integrity and competence win over his entire household. Althea admires Simon's devotion as a father, his sense of justice as a politician and his tenderness as a man, but his antipathy toward her faith divides them. When Simon's world suddenly falls apart, can Althea convince him to open his heart to God's love--and her own?
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
11 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Axtell Morren
21 books76 followersRuth Axtell Morren wrote her first story when she was 12--a spy thriller--and knew she wanted to be a writer.
There were many detours along the way as she pursued more realistic goals. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, where she received a Bachelor's degree; spent her junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there she met her husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took her to the Netherlands to live for six years.
In Holland Ruth began crafting her first serious story in between having children Justin, Adaja and Andre. It was there, too, she gained her first recognition as a writer when she made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.
After the initial euphoria wore off, it was still several years before she made any progress. Ruth and her family moved back to the U.S. to the east coast of Maine. It was the ideal location--surrounded by spruce and fir, a short walk from the rocky seashore--to hunker down in front of her computer and write the stories simmering at the back of her mind.
Ruth's inner journey of faith parallels her outward journey--seemingly circuitous, sometimes wandering in the desert--yet ever-guided by the Good Shepherd.
Ruth currently teaches Spanish to her children and a small group of elementary school children in an after-school program. She also enjoys gardening and has recently learned to knit. Living in rural Maine has given her an opportunity to learn to start a fire in a woodstove on a cold winter morning, shovel snow and realize how many stars are in the sky at night.
also writes under the name Ruth Axtell
There were many detours along the way as she pursued more realistic goals. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, where she received a Bachelor's degree; spent her junior year in Paris; taught English and lived as an au pair in the Canary Islands; worked in international development in Miami, Florida. It was there she met her husband, a Dutchman from Suriname, who took her to the Netherlands to live for six years.
In Holland Ruth began crafting her first serious story in between having children Justin, Adaja and Andre. It was there, too, she gained her first recognition as a writer when she made the finals in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest in 1994.
After the initial euphoria wore off, it was still several years before she made any progress. Ruth and her family moved back to the U.S. to the east coast of Maine. It was the ideal location--surrounded by spruce and fir, a short walk from the rocky seashore--to hunker down in front of her computer and write the stories simmering at the back of her mind.
Ruth's inner journey of faith parallels her outward journey--seemingly circuitous, sometimes wandering in the desert--yet ever-guided by the Good Shepherd.
Ruth currently teaches Spanish to her children and a small group of elementary school children in an after-school program. She also enjoys gardening and has recently learned to knit. Living in rural Maine has given her an opportunity to learn to start a fire in a woodstove on a cold winter morning, shovel snow and realize how many stars are in the sky at night.
also writes under the name Ruth Axtell
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 28, 2025
I knew what I was getting myself into when I downloaded this book; however, my curiosity got the better of me. I knew I'd take exception to the male protagonist —a Jewish apostate—being "led to the Messiah," and I wasn't mistaken. The problem—for me—is that the author repeats over and over again that Judaism, and the Church of England, are "dead religions." They are "full of meaningless ritual." To say that is offensive doesn't really cover my feelings. I can respect the author's religious beliefs and how she chooses to observe her faith, but is it necessary to alienate everyone else?
The author quotes biblical doctrine throughout the novel as she attempts to rationalize Simon Aguilar's full and complete conversion. I say "full" because Simon converted out of necessity. It wasn't a forced conversion as in the days of the Inquisition, where you accepted Jesus or you were exiled or burned at the stake. It was still a conversion under duress. It is well documented that Anglo Jews during the Regency sometimes converted to the Church of England in order to obtain entry into university, to purchase land or estates, or to solidify their careers—you know, so that their families wouldn't starve. While they may have escaped the pogroms and persecution of Eastern Europe, Anglo Jews still felt the bite of prejudice. These "conversions" were not faith-based, and to my way of thinking, were quite tragic for the Jewish people.
The author sets the stage for Althea Breton and Simon Aguilar to meet, to rely on one another, and to eventually fall in love. Simon, a widower, needs help in caring for his daughter, Rebecca, who is very ill. Althea is a Methodist—a dissenter. She has had previous experience in nursing and, under her care, Rebecca begins to recuperate. With Simon's permission, Althea also shares her faith with the young girl, hoping to save her soul, as well as her physical body. Simon is successful and respected in Parliament, even though he is not truly practicing his new religion—and Althea knows it. When he begins to feel that something is missing in his life, she suggests that he'd be happier if he fully accepts Jesus into his heart.
As a Jew, this trope is offensive on so many levels. Yes! I know! I chose to read the book. That doesn't mean that I have to like it when the author insinuates that the only happy resolution for this man and his daughter is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. During the Regency era, the main goal of the London Society Promoting Christianity Amongst The Jews was “the benevolent purpose of rescuing the unhappy Jews from the state of moral degradation in which they find themselves.” In her novel, "The Meyersons of Meryton", author Mirta Ines Trupp addressed this very topic. Her character, Rabbi Meyerson responded with the words I will now use to end this review: “...we are neither unhappy, nor do we desire rescuing.”
The author quotes biblical doctrine throughout the novel as she attempts to rationalize Simon Aguilar's full and complete conversion. I say "full" because Simon converted out of necessity. It wasn't a forced conversion as in the days of the Inquisition, where you accepted Jesus or you were exiled or burned at the stake. It was still a conversion under duress. It is well documented that Anglo Jews during the Regency sometimes converted to the Church of England in order to obtain entry into university, to purchase land or estates, or to solidify their careers—you know, so that their families wouldn't starve. While they may have escaped the pogroms and persecution of Eastern Europe, Anglo Jews still felt the bite of prejudice. These "conversions" were not faith-based, and to my way of thinking, were quite tragic for the Jewish people.
The author sets the stage for Althea Breton and Simon Aguilar to meet, to rely on one another, and to eventually fall in love. Simon, a widower, needs help in caring for his daughter, Rebecca, who is very ill. Althea is a Methodist—a dissenter. She has had previous experience in nursing and, under her care, Rebecca begins to recuperate. With Simon's permission, Althea also shares her faith with the young girl, hoping to save her soul, as well as her physical body. Simon is successful and respected in Parliament, even though he is not truly practicing his new religion—and Althea knows it. When he begins to feel that something is missing in his life, she suggests that he'd be happier if he fully accepts Jesus into his heart.
As a Jew, this trope is offensive on so many levels. Yes! I know! I chose to read the book. That doesn't mean that I have to like it when the author insinuates that the only happy resolution for this man and his daughter is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. During the Regency era, the main goal of the London Society Promoting Christianity Amongst The Jews was “the benevolent purpose of rescuing the unhappy Jews from the state of moral degradation in which they find themselves.” In her novel, "The Meyersons of Meryton", author Mirta Ines Trupp addressed this very topic. Her character, Rabbi Meyerson responded with the words I will now use to end this review: “...we are neither unhappy, nor do we desire rescuing.”
November 2, 2018
Well written, but lengthy sermonizing. Characters are very likable.
July 14, 2016
I feel like saying it's not you. It's me. I just couldn't get into this book. I normally enjoy this author, but I kept stopping while reading this book to play solitaire on my phone.
This was the author's debut novel, and I think she's honed her craft in latter books. She did a good job fleshing out her characters; I could easily picture them. However, I felt the book plodded along in places. It was a tad preachy. I prefer more subtlety.
This was the author's debut novel, and I think she's honed her craft in latter books. She did a good job fleshing out her characters; I could easily picture them. However, I felt the book plodded along in places. It was a tad preachy. I prefer more subtlety.
February 12, 2021
Loved the detail of history that I knew very little about--I came away intrigued and saddened by our human frailties and cruelties. I truly appreciate the characters' faith, but do think the heroine came off so heavy-handed she'd turn people off. Definitely want to read more by this author.
March 29, 2021
Wow! -AND, a 'prequel' to 'The Healing Season'! :0
June 13, 2021
Wonderful!
August 2, 2012
I purchased this book at a used book store. I had never heard of Ruth Axtell Morren before but it looked like a good Christian Romance. I was not disappointed! I was very impressed by the quality of writing in this book. The story flowed nicely and came across as being very realistic. I enjoyed reading about the comparisons between the Jewish and Christian faiths. The hero's struggle with his faith was realistic and his conversion was not instantaneous like in so many Christian Romance novels.
At first I was a bit surprised to read that the heroine was Methodist and I was afraid the book was going to push Methodism on me. I'm a Roman Catholic. Most of the Christian Romance books I read only depict characters as "Christian." But I kept reading and didn't get that feeling at all. Ultimately I realized (IMO) that her faith was specified in order to show the history of the time and the persecution of the Jews and Methodists. Besides, we are all ONE children under God. It is man that makes the separations, not God. The important thing is to be Christian, Christ like in all things and the heroine personifies that. Through her unwavering faith she directly influences those around her.
I have already ordered the second book in this series and hope to enjoy it was much as this one.
At first I was a bit surprised to read that the heroine was Methodist and I was afraid the book was going to push Methodism on me. I'm a Roman Catholic. Most of the Christian Romance books I read only depict characters as "Christian." But I kept reading and didn't get that feeling at all. Ultimately I realized (IMO) that her faith was specified in order to show the history of the time and the persecution of the Jews and Methodists. Besides, we are all ONE children under God. It is man that makes the separations, not God. The important thing is to be Christian, Christ like in all things and the heroine personifies that. Through her unwavering faith she directly influences those around her.
I have already ordered the second book in this series and hope to enjoy it was much as this one.
October 6, 2014
Althea, Simon, and Rebecca are very enjoyable characters, and the author really throws you in the midst of life in Regency England. Most of it takes place in London and its surrounding areas, to be specific. This book would be an excellent on to give someone from a Jewish background who is open to investigating Jesus as the Messiah. Methodists were nearly as despised as Jews during that time period, and the comparison between the two religions and how similarly they stem from the Old Testament is wonderful. Each character deals with moral choices in a different way, but they also grow and change. There is both sadness and delight during this epic story. Anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction will love it. It seemed much shorter than its almost 400 pages while reading it. I intend to look up the rest of Ms. Axtell Morren's regency series.
June 22, 2013
I wasn't able to read this book continuously but the next time, I probably would. This book has a good story and it has wonderful ideas that doesn't push the concepts on you but suggests it, or just shows the reader what the writer or the charaters believe in. There are just some questions left unanswered for me, or questions I would've liked to be posed and answered and some situations that should have been writen that maybe could've added more to the book. But all in all, it was a worthy read.
December 16, 2013
3.5 actual stars. The cover threw me off a bit (creepy male model pretending to be an intellectual, lurking behind a girl) but since it was only a couple bucks I took a chance. Decent writing, interesting storyline, definitely was engaging right away. Took a little too long to build up to the climax and then when it did it was almost anticlimactic. Really enjoyed 3/4 of the book but got tired of waiting for romance to blossom and for the guy to get saved. When he did it, it was like "I know, I know. Kiss her already!" Not a satisfying as I'd hoped.
August 24, 2015
I hesitate to call this a love story because you never really saw the characters be drawn toward each other in a romantic way. I would have really liked to see their personal friendship develop more. I felt it lacked a bit of drama and personality.
January 31, 2009
Very touching story about a romance between a "converted" English Jew and his dying daughter's Methodist "nurse/governess". Very interesting and gut tingling romance.
April 25, 2010
So good!!
April 13, 2012
Fantastic!!!!
April 19, 2015
Very good Christian book and romance. I felt it was a little drawn out. I knew the main characters would get together someday, it was a matter of when.
February 13, 2012
a beautiful story
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August 2, 2012I really enjoyed this book!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews