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The Phantom Lover
Fiery young "Nell" Belden went to Thorndene Castle to escape a lover, not to find one. She was bound by the strict conventions of England's Regency to a man she could never love, then bound by the ties of passion to a man she could never marry! For at Thorndene, she discovered a new and startling love, a love that was as intense as it was doomed...
"You must leave Thorndene!" said the ghost. Then he added, more gently, "I come to warn you, not to harm you. I may never touch you, any more than a shadow may.."
"What does that signify?" Nell asked. "Since you are dead, you can have no need or inclination to touch me anyway."
"You can't know much about men-or ghosts-or how delightful you look in that nightdress, if you believe that," he said with disturbing sincerity.
Nell blushed and pulled the bedclothes over her. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the ghostly figure was gone...
"You must leave Thorndene!" said the ghost. Then he added, more gently, "I come to warn you, not to harm you. I may never touch you, any more than a shadow may.."
"What does that signify?" Nell asked. "Since you are dead, you can have no need or inclination to touch me anyway."
"You can't know much about men-or ghosts-or how delightful you look in that nightdress, if you believe that," he said with disturbing sincerity.
Nell blushed and pulled the bedclothes over her. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the ghostly figure was gone...
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1979
26 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Mansfield
59 books61 followersElizabeth Mansfield is the author of numerous regency romances. She is an intelligent and thoughtful writer, a hidden gem whose novels deserve to be more widely read and enjoyed.
Elizabeth Mansfield is the pen name of the talented Paula Reibel Schwartz. Ms Schwartz also wrote different genres under the pen names Paula Reibel, Paula Reid, and Paula Jonas.
Elizabeth Mansfield is the pen name of the talented Paula Reibel Schwartz. Ms Schwartz also wrote different genres under the pen names Paula Reibel, Paula Reid, and Paula Jonas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 23, 2022
Wow! This book blows you over with its simple, sweet innocence.
Although the sweet is admixed with the right amount of tartness as well.
*with Spoilers* The h is spirited and adorable, even as you wonder at her apparent frivolity and flightiness. She flits from fiancé to fiancé. (Four by the end of the book!) I wish she was more discerning to begin with, although I could understand, even cheer as she dumps these men for all the right reasons.
The H - a wounded and lame hero fresh from the peninsula - is in hiding on a small estate of his in Cornwall as he fears the pity and difficulties he’d have to face in London society.
So when the h, a ward of his uncle, is banished to the same castle as punishment for breaking another engagement, the H and his loyal staff try their best to evict this unwanted guest. When nothing else works, the H plays a ghost to freak her out. But the 'spirit' hadn’t reckoned on the the spirited girl who rather than being scared is completely riveted and thrilled by the 'visitations'.
Also, it doesn’t take her long to realize that her ghost is more mortal than he’s letting on. The mystery enthralls her as does the phantom/man and she falls for him.
The H has been engaged to a London beauty for some years, a woman whose memories had kept him alive during the terrible days of his near death, and now facing her is another reason he’d rather let people think him dead than see horror and pity on his fiancee's face.
The h’s heartbroken on learning about his still-on engagement. She leaves for London but implores the H to join the real world.
Back in London a subdued h accepts back her (last) dumped fiancé and the H returns to a hero’s welcome and an adoring fiancee himself.
So, how these two extricate themselves from their respective betrothals and find their happiness makes for the rest of the book.
Although the sweet is admixed with the right amount of tartness as well.
*with Spoilers* The h is spirited and adorable, even as you wonder at her apparent frivolity and flightiness. She flits from fiancé to fiancé. (Four by the end of the book!) I wish she was more discerning to begin with, although I could understand, even cheer as she dumps these men for all the right reasons.
The H - a wounded and lame hero fresh from the peninsula - is in hiding on a small estate of his in Cornwall as he fears the pity and difficulties he’d have to face in London society.
So when the h, a ward of his uncle, is banished to the same castle as punishment for breaking another engagement, the H and his loyal staff try their best to evict this unwanted guest. When nothing else works, the H plays a ghost to freak her out. But the 'spirit' hadn’t reckoned on the the spirited girl who rather than being scared is completely riveted and thrilled by the 'visitations'.
Also, it doesn’t take her long to realize that her ghost is more mortal than he’s letting on. The mystery enthralls her as does the phantom/man and she falls for him.
The H has been engaged to a London beauty for some years, a woman whose memories had kept him alive during the terrible days of his near death, and now facing her is another reason he’d rather let people think him dead than see horror and pity on his fiancee's face.
The h’s heartbroken on learning about his still-on engagement. She leaves for London but implores the H to join the real world.
Back in London a subdued h accepts back her (last) dumped fiancé and the H returns to a hero’s welcome and an adoring fiancee himself.
So, how these two extricate themselves from their respective betrothals and find their happiness makes for the rest of the book.
February 14, 2016
This was absolutely delightful.
A young man severely injured in the Napoleonic War comes home bitterly depressed hiding away in a small Cornish town hoping that the world thinks him dead. Unfortunately, the heroine and an elderly friend show up at his home (unannounced) and threaten to blow his cover. To get her to leave, he acts as a ghost to scare her away.
The antics between the heroine and ghost were quite funny and I loved their feisty attitude.
Great regency romance. I highly recommend.
A young man severely injured in the Napoleonic War comes home bitterly depressed hiding away in a small Cornish town hoping that the world thinks him dead. Unfortunately, the heroine and an elderly friend show up at his home (unannounced) and threaten to blow his cover. To get her to leave, he acts as a ghost to scare her away.
The antics between the heroine and ghost were quite funny and I loved their feisty attitude.
Great regency romance. I highly recommend.
January 13, 2016
It would have been 5 stars if I haven't felt that Nell behaved rather outrageously immature in the second half of the book and the resolution was a bit too "last minute" for my tastes. Still, the first half of the book was delightful and the banter between the leads as mister ghost and his-intended-scare-victim is quite fun.
January 2, 2011
Harry who was wounded in the Napoleonic wars pretends to be a ghost to try to scare Nell away from the house where she has been banished.
A very cute story and a long time favorite,
A very cute story and a long time favorite,
June 20, 2022
I was really enjoying it until around the middle. Until that point, it was funny, original, and interesting - so I ignored the weaker parts easily.
But then, we went back to London and the story started to drag on. Even Harry's sudden appearance didn't help because I wasn't convinced why he changed his mind. It wasn't badly written, there was "a Regency romance atmosphere", etc. Yet, the second part added mostly only the stupid behaviours of Nell and Harry and many repetitions.
[it started as 4 stars, ended as 2]
But then, we went back to London and the story started to drag on. Even Harry's sudden appearance didn't help because I wasn't convinced why he changed his mind. It wasn't badly written, there was "a Regency romance atmosphere", etc. Yet, the second part added mostly only the stupid behaviours of Nell and Harry and many repetitions.
[it started as 4 stars, ended as 2]
April 10, 2018
So much fun! I chuckled out loud many times especially in the first half. The banter and chemistry between Nell and Harry leapt off the pages, keeping me well-entertained. I enjoyed seeing them fall in love as well as establishing a solid friendship.
The author did a great job in showing how Nell fit Harry perfectly. Her sweet, yet fiery spirit (hehe) was exactly what he needed. Harry, too, possessed an easy-going, yet moody nature that kept Nell on her toes. He was not a doormat when it came to taking Nell's sharp tongue though, teasing her back in full:
Harry let out a snort. “What nonsense,” he said disparagingly. “You women are such gullible fools.”
“What do you know of the matter, sir? I have it on good authority that this lotion gives excellent protection against age-spots and wrinkles.”
“Age spots and wrinkles, eh?” Harry asked, his grin apparent in his voice. “Well, then, I sincerely apologize. Obviously, the lotion is a necessity for such a wrinkled old hag as yourself.”
As much fun as I had reading this, I can't ignore some of the story's weaknesses. I thought Harry's charade, although amusing, seemed to be pulled off a little too seamlessly considering the logistics required. The pacing, as well, slowed down in the second half because Nell and Harry's interactions were sparse and dry.
This is a gem even with its minor flaws. If one likes witty dialogue, charming characters, humor and a lovely romance, then this might be just your cup of tea.
The author did a great job in showing how Nell fit Harry perfectly. Her sweet, yet fiery spirit (hehe) was exactly what he needed. Harry, too, possessed an easy-going, yet moody nature that kept Nell on her toes. He was not a doormat when it came to taking Nell's sharp tongue though, teasing her back in full:
Harry let out a snort. “What nonsense,” he said disparagingly. “You women are such gullible fools.”
“What do you know of the matter, sir? I have it on good authority that this lotion gives excellent protection against age-spots and wrinkles.”
“Age spots and wrinkles, eh?” Harry asked, his grin apparent in his voice. “Well, then, I sincerely apologize. Obviously, the lotion is a necessity for such a wrinkled old hag as yourself.”
As much fun as I had reading this, I can't ignore some of the story's weaknesses. I thought Harry's charade, although amusing, seemed to be pulled off a little too seamlessly considering the logistics required. The pacing, as well, slowed down in the second half because Nell and Harry's interactions were sparse and dry.
This is a gem even with its minor flaws. If one likes witty dialogue, charming characters, humor and a lovely romance, then this might be just your cup of tea.
September 20, 2015
4.5 Stars
Original storyline, checked. Remaining authentic to the era, checked. Humor, checked. Character build up, checked. I deducted 1/2 point for the pace of the last 1/3rd of the book. It took exactly 5 pages for Harry to untangle the mess and be back in Cornwall.
Original storyline, checked. Remaining authentic to the era, checked. Humor, checked. Character build up, checked. I deducted 1/2 point for the pace of the last 1/3rd of the book. It took exactly 5 pages for Harry to untangle the mess and be back in Cornwall.
January 15, 2022
An unexpectedly great, clean romance!
The h Nell is a delight, and the H Harry Thorne is a disabled soldier who is hiding away in his manor. Circumstances cause Nell - who is considered a disgrace because she has broken off four engagements - and her chaperone to be banished to the manor, and Harry, the real Lord of the house who would rather not have visitors, pretends to be a ghost to get rid of them. His antics have the opposite effect!
The banter is delightful, the plot never lags even after the two develop feelings for each other, and the side characters are great fun to read. Will def be checking out more from this author!
The h Nell is a delight, and the H Harry Thorne is a disabled soldier who is hiding away in his manor. Circumstances cause Nell - who is considered a disgrace because she has broken off four engagements - and her chaperone to be banished to the manor, and Harry, the real Lord of the house who would rather not have visitors, pretends to be a ghost to get rid of them. His antics have the opposite effect!
The banter is delightful, the plot never lags even after the two develop feelings for each other, and the side characters are great fun to read. Will def be checking out more from this author!
November 21, 2020
Elizabeth Mansfield's "Phantom Lover"
Good one from Elizabeth Mansfield, almost didn't put it down to do the things I was supposed to do today. Also love the cool 1970's-style cover on the 1979 edition (which I am lucky enough to have).
Good one from Elizabeth Mansfield, almost didn't put it down to do the things I was supposed to do today. Also love the cool 1970's-style cover on the 1979 edition (which I am lucky enough to have).
February 14, 2021
I ADORE this novel!! Mansfield’s writing is so witty & comical & romantic & reminiscent of Heyer & Austen. I seriously want to make it my mission to go out & buy any copies of her stories that I can. (I enjoy her writing that much!) This story is so original & characters so endearing.
Nell has scandalously broken off 3 engagements & is sent to an old Cornwall estate as punishment by her guardians. Little does she know that the Earl who owns the estate, the war veteran Harry Thorne, now lives there in seclusion after losing a limb in the war. Harry devises a plan to make Nell leave the estate— come to her room at night & pretend to be a ghost to scare her away! & so ensues the spirited Nell falling for Harry, a very swoon worthy wounded veteran described as being tall with black hair with a white streak in it (😍). Of course the story thickens as Harry finally returns to society & reunites with his long-time betrothed who is seemingly perfect... the ending in which Harry realizes that perfection is boring is nothing short of romance at its finest. ❤️
I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. I don’t know what it is about Mansfield’s writing but it clicks so well with what I want as a reader. It is clever proper regency romance that really has stood well over the test of time. I can never put her books down until I see the main characters realize their happily ever after! I’m a fan! 😍
Nell has scandalously broken off 3 engagements & is sent to an old Cornwall estate as punishment by her guardians. Little does she know that the Earl who owns the estate, the war veteran Harry Thorne, now lives there in seclusion after losing a limb in the war. Harry devises a plan to make Nell leave the estate— come to her room at night & pretend to be a ghost to scare her away! & so ensues the spirited Nell falling for Harry, a very swoon worthy wounded veteran described as being tall with black hair with a white streak in it (😍). Of course the story thickens as Harry finally returns to society & reunites with his long-time betrothed who is seemingly perfect... the ending in which Harry realizes that perfection is boring is nothing short of romance at its finest. ❤️
I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. I don’t know what it is about Mansfield’s writing but it clicks so well with what I want as a reader. It is clever proper regency romance that really has stood well over the test of time. I can never put her books down until I see the main characters realize their happily ever after! I’m a fan! 😍
February 2, 2017
After seeing the 1979 publication date I was afraid this book would be full of literal bodice ripping and alpha-holes and old skool awfulness. But in fact it's a lovely Regency romance with a feminist heroine and a good share of laughs.
The good:
- Nell is a strong character that has her head on straight. She calls people out on their bullshit and is determined to only marry for love.
- The hero appearing as a "ghost" is fun device that is executed well. There's nothing domineering about Henry, a genuinely nice guy.
- While there's a ballroom scene most of the action takes place away from society, allowing for a comfortingly small cast of characters. Everyone is fleshed out, from the housekeeper's family to the suitor from hell.
- The whole book is just silly in a good way. Great aunt (or is it grandma?) Amelia is always good for a laugh and the action never gets too heavy or dour. Escapist romance for the win!
The not-so-good:
- The relationship between the hero and heroine's families is a little convoluted and I'm still not sure I can explain it.
- The ending is rushed and only half-earned.
All in all a welcome diversion that reads quickly and leaves you smiling.
The good:
- Nell is a strong character that has her head on straight. She calls people out on their bullshit and is determined to only marry for love.
- The hero appearing as a "ghost" is fun device that is executed well. There's nothing domineering about Henry, a genuinely nice guy.
- While there's a ballroom scene most of the action takes place away from society, allowing for a comfortingly small cast of characters. Everyone is fleshed out, from the housekeeper's family to the suitor from hell.
- The whole book is just silly in a good way. Great aunt (or is it grandma?) Amelia is always good for a laugh and the action never gets too heavy or dour. Escapist romance for the win!
The not-so-good:
- The relationship between the hero and heroine's families is a little convoluted and I'm still not sure I can explain it.
- The ending is rushed and only half-earned.
All in all a welcome diversion that reads quickly and leaves you smiling.
July 9, 2016
Too bad I can't come over my initial dislike of Nell, because Nell and Harry's first encounter was everything delightful and hilarious. But Nell is refreshingly dislike-able. I thought I would really like her, a girl who admits to dampening her gowns a few times and showing off her figures. Way better than moralizing hypocrites who are supposedly tastefully revealing. meh. But her attitude toward the betrothal and the family situation was too stupid and, as much as I am against coercing someone into unwanted marriage, selfish considering it's her who cries off from betrothal THREE times. And if the way she barged into a relation's house and being all disdainful and autocratic is supposed to show how assertive and strong the heroine is, well, it's just not the book for me.
May 18, 2015
I really loved this one. Of course the "ghost" who visits Nell's bedchamber at night is flesh-and-blood, but it's such an enjoyable event for her that she's loathe to figure out how the trick is done and spoil the fun.
The friendship that develops between Nell and her visitor is exactly what one would expect to come before one falls in love. So many of these novels focus solely on the physical attractions, or love at first sight, but the novels that develop a real, lasting relationship between the H and h is so very honest and refreshing and real, that I can't help being drawn in.
The friendship that develops between Nell and her visitor is exactly what one would expect to come before one falls in love. So many of these novels focus solely on the physical attractions, or love at first sight, but the novels that develop a real, lasting relationship between the H and h is so very honest and refreshing and real, that I can't help being drawn in.
April 1, 2015
Treat For Regency Romance Lovers
Wounded having lost a leg, the new Earl hides on his remote Cornish Estate. At the same time, young Nell is banished to the same Estate by her guardian, who is anticipating becoming the Earl because nobody has heard from Harry since leaving him wounded on a battlefield in Spain. He has been presumed dead. And dead he appears, when he assumes the appearance of a ghost to scare away Nell and his Aunt Amelia from the estate.
The dialogue is witty and delightful between Nell and the ghost. This is a wonderful and quite different story line than the usual PTSD returning soldier. Harry's coping abilities with society, and the ton particularly, cause him to hide his disability and imperfection. Nell is a force to be reckoned with and uncaring of the ton in particular. A very excellent romance with several unexpected and interesting twists.
Wounded having lost a leg, the new Earl hides on his remote Cornish Estate. At the same time, young Nell is banished to the same Estate by her guardian, who is anticipating becoming the Earl because nobody has heard from Harry since leaving him wounded on a battlefield in Spain. He has been presumed dead. And dead he appears, when he assumes the appearance of a ghost to scare away Nell and his Aunt Amelia from the estate.
The dialogue is witty and delightful between Nell and the ghost. This is a wonderful and quite different story line than the usual PTSD returning soldier. Harry's coping abilities with society, and the ton particularly, cause him to hide his disability and imperfection. Nell is a force to be reckoned with and uncaring of the ton in particular. A very excellent romance with several unexpected and interesting twists.
December 14, 2009
When Nell jilts her fourth betrothed and with it tosses aside her guardians hopes of getting out debt her family sends her away to teach her a lesson. Nell is banished far to the her families estate that is furthest from London. Her kind honorary Aunt agrees to accompany her on the long journey. When they arrive at the state they find the caretakers to be unwelcoming and are told the house is haunted. Nell doesn't believe in ghosts but when she receives a ghostly visitation she is intrigued. She decides to look into the mystery and soon finds she is falling in love with the man pretending to be a spirit.
This was such a delightful story. I liked the heroine and the hero as well. The romance was sweet. I enjoyed Nell challenging Harry and his plans to hide from the world. Fun, fast and clean!
This was such a delightful story. I liked the heroine and the hero as well. The romance was sweet. I enjoyed Nell challenging Harry and his plans to hide from the world. Fun, fast and clean!
February 10, 2017
Technically this is a (multiple times) re-read. I first read it in 1979; indeed, somewhere, is my original paperback copy, but I hadn't re-read it in who knows how long. Maybe I was afraid that the 'suck fairy' would have gotten to it. i am happy to report that it is just as charming as it ever was.
This is Regency Romance in the Georgette Heyer mold. Delightful characters, clever dialog, heart-felt emotions. I laughed. I cried, I rejoiced in the well-deserved happy ending. Our heroine, Nell, is high-spirited, impetuous, with a lively sense of humor. Our hero. Harry, is loyal, stubborn and wounded in body and spirit.
So, as Nell's wonderful Aunt Amelia would advise, pour yourself a cup of tea and prepare to be entertained for a few hours.
This is Regency Romance in the Georgette Heyer mold. Delightful characters, clever dialog, heart-felt emotions. I laughed. I cried, I rejoiced in the well-deserved happy ending. Our heroine, Nell, is high-spirited, impetuous, with a lively sense of humor. Our hero. Harry, is loyal, stubborn and wounded in body and spirit.
So, as Nell's wonderful Aunt Amelia would advise, pour yourself a cup of tea and prepare to be entertained for a few hours.
February 1, 2017
Frustrating lack of depth
Too much telling, and retelling, and reminders of what we've been told. Not enough showing. The author often summarizes situations and feelings that are central to the story. It leaves me with a haunting feeling that the storyline had a lot of potential but failed to deliver. The hero was especially disappointing. His dialogue was awkward and unconvincing and didn't match the character described. Yes, Elizabeth Mansfield delivered what I was looking for - a fluffy story with no sex scenes, but the flaws in the writing were so annoying that I won't give her another try.
Too much telling, and retelling, and reminders of what we've been told. Not enough showing. The author often summarizes situations and feelings that are central to the story. It leaves me with a haunting feeling that the storyline had a lot of potential but failed to deliver. The hero was especially disappointing. His dialogue was awkward and unconvincing and didn't match the character described. Yes, Elizabeth Mansfield delivered what I was looking for - a fluffy story with no sex scenes, but the flaws in the writing were so annoying that I won't give her another try.
January 7, 2015
This was the first traditional Regency romance I ever read, and I couldn't put it down. I love all of Elizabeth Mansfield's books, but this one is special.
May 17, 2018
4.50 stars - pg13?
Good story (even though had to suspend disbelief at times). Good Hero. Witty, delightful romance.
Good story (even though had to suspend disbelief at times). Good Hero. Witty, delightful romance.
January 18, 2018
Fun little Regency! Not steamy, so if you're looking for a "clean romance" this would fit the bill.
I was worried that Nell would be a disappointment, because at first she seemed so rebellious - which seemed odd, considering how her guardians indulged/didn't bother with her. Rather wanted to bash both her guardians over the head within a very few pages, but in a way, it sort of showed what kind of marriage two selfish, ego-centric pleasure-seekers would have developed over the years. The mystery was why anyone would feel bad about defying them, as they were only a few steps short of turning into pre-Dickensian villains!
But, Nell turned out to have a sense of humor, and be quite sensible at heart. The "ghost" idea was cute, if corny, but the humor of the inter-changes really diminished the corny aspect of the plot. She and Harry were a sweet couple, and I enjoyed watching them come around to realizing how to get around societal strictures to have their HEA. Lol'd when Harry put his plan into action!
Warning: this book made me hungry, as they were mentioning a bunch of Cornish dishes that sounded awesome. Also, love a Cornwall setting any day!
I was worried that Nell would be a disappointment, because at first she seemed so rebellious - which seemed odd, considering how her guardians indulged/didn't bother with her. Rather wanted to bash both her guardians over the head within a very few pages, but in a way, it sort of showed what kind of marriage two selfish, ego-centric pleasure-seekers would have developed over the years. The mystery was why anyone would feel bad about defying them, as they were only a few steps short of turning into pre-Dickensian villains!
But, Nell turned out to have a sense of humor, and be quite sensible at heart. The "ghost" idea was cute, if corny, but the humor of the inter-changes really diminished the corny aspect of the plot. She and Harry were a sweet couple, and I enjoyed watching them come around to realizing how to get around societal strictures to have their HEA. Lol'd when Harry put his plan into action!
Warning: this book made me hungry, as they were mentioning a bunch of Cornish dishes that sounded awesome. Also, love a Cornwall setting any day!
October 19, 2025
Good story and funny
I wish all Mansfield's novels were like this. Great characters, tight plot, and a satisfying amount of very funny parts, especially when things resolved.
This is my favorite of all her novels. Nell was assertive without being obnoxious, as Mansfield's heroines tend to be. Henry/Harry was open and good-hearted. I loved Aunt Amelia and her devotion to tea. Sybil, Charles and the Lewises were just villainous enough without causing misery. So the story was for me a compelling and pleasant read, and I'm sorry to see it end.
I also greatly appreciate a clean love story since I find Regency, Victorian and Georgian s*x scenes embarrassingly ludicrous.
I've read a few other Mansfield stories, and in them all she made the plots hinge on serious period violations. Not this time.
She does have one consistent problem with incorrectly punctuating the possessive for names ending in "s," so my advice is to stop using names like Charles. But just for the record, it's Charles's.
I wish all Mansfield's novels were like this. Great characters, tight plot, and a satisfying amount of very funny parts, especially when things resolved.
This is my favorite of all her novels. Nell was assertive without being obnoxious, as Mansfield's heroines tend to be. Henry/Harry was open and good-hearted. I loved Aunt Amelia and her devotion to tea. Sybil, Charles and the Lewises were just villainous enough without causing misery. So the story was for me a compelling and pleasant read, and I'm sorry to see it end.
I also greatly appreciate a clean love story since I find Regency, Victorian and Georgian s*x scenes embarrassingly ludicrous.
I've read a few other Mansfield stories, and in them all she made the plots hinge on serious period violations. Not this time.
She does have one consistent problem with incorrectly punctuating the possessive for names ending in "s," so my advice is to stop using names like Charles. But just for the record, it's Charles's.
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July 1, 2018Episode 46
So, my mom. She retired last year and has begun reading for pleasure again, something she has not really done in decades. She picked up an Eva Ibbotson romance from our library and fell in LOVE, and quickly devoured the rest of Ibbotson’s romances since then. After some discussion I’ve pinpointed her favorite thing about the books besides the characters: Ibbotson writes romances that are relatively clean (so no explicit sex, which is not something she wants to read about) but also not full of Jesus talk (my mom is a Christian but she’s tried and bounced off of a lot of Christian romance). Do you have any recommendations for historical books, either in the romance genre or with a large romance subplot, that are in the same vein? For what it’s worth, she’s also read all of Austen and Heyer and liked them as well.
So, my mom. She retired last year and has begun reading for pleasure again, something she has not really done in decades. She picked up an Eva Ibbotson romance from our library and fell in LOVE, and quickly devoured the rest of Ibbotson’s romances since then. After some discussion I’ve pinpointed her favorite thing about the books besides the characters: Ibbotson writes romances that are relatively clean (so no explicit sex, which is not something she wants to read about) but also not full of Jesus talk (my mom is a Christian but she’s tried and bounced off of a lot of Christian romance). Do you have any recommendations for historical books, either in the romance genre or with a large romance subplot, that are in the same vein? For what it’s worth, she’s also read all of Austen and Heyer and liked them as well.
October 28, 2017
Charming Regency with lots of amusing situations and witty conversation between characters. This is a delightful pair of lovers who suit one another perfectly and the reader knows they will have a happy and loving life together. There are some fun secondary characters like Aunt Amelia and Roddy and who can forget the inestimable Nigel (and his mother!)? Lots of fun and a well crafted story! More shades of Georgette Heyer!
September 13, 2017
Such a sweet Regency romance! Headstrong Nell meets and falls in love with ghostly smuggler Harry DÉspry while exiled from London to a remote Cornish estate. though we all know he's not a ghost, but wounded war hero and Earl of Thorndene. Cpt Henry Thorne. It's a quick read with likeable characters, unpleasant villains, and in the end, everyone gets their just deserts.
August 26, 2018
A light hearted romance where the angst is glossed over and the romance develops quite predictably but keeps us entertained. I find I can appreciate really good writing for its own sake, as was the case here, now that I read so many books where the story lines grabs me but the writing isn't necessarily the best.
April 2, 2019
I have loved this book for over 20 years! I found a box of 20 or so of this author's books and started with this one because remembered it was my favorite! I am so glad I did it was as good as I remembered! ❤❤❤❤
January 28, 2025
This book left such warmth in my heart! I loved it and am looking forward to reading more from this author! It’s lighthearted and romantic and probably the first book I’ve actually finished after a period of very disappointing reads.
March 7, 2017
It was funny and I enjoyed it!
July 30, 2017
Very YA, but sweet
February 3, 2018
Nice read. Almost 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews