What do you think?
Rate this book
The Nonsuch Lure
Andrew Moffatt, a young and successful architect from New York, is convinced that nothing more than professional curiosity, provoked by the discovery in Williamsburg of a seventeenth century journal belonging to a young man called Julian Cushing, prompts him to spend his holiday in London. Like Julian 250 years earlier, Andrew feels a strange compulsion to visit the ruins of the Palace of Nonsuch in Surrey, built by Henry VIII so that 'there would be non such in the land'. He is deeply intrigued when a chance takes him to Cuddington House in the Strand, where Julian Cushing stayed in 1699. There a descendant of the Cuddington family shows him the portrait of Chloe Cuddington, a Tudor beauty whose father's land was taken by Henry VIII for his palace; and Andrew finds himself captivated by a woman dead for more than 400 years. Not until he visits Nonsuch and stands on the site of the inner courtyard does he discover the existence of the Lure and of its guardian - a force as elusive as it is malign. Through hypnosis Andrew learns that he has fought with the same sinister force twice before; yet no evil can keep him from seeking the legendary Nonsuch Lure, and finding not only tragedy but a love which has spanned four centuries
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
6 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Mary M. Luke
7 books18 followersMary Luke was a biographer who wrote about Tudor and Elizabethan figures. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Mrs. Luke, whose original name was Mary Munger, graduated from Berkshire Business School and worked in advertising in New York, and later for a documentary film company and RKO Studios in Hollywood.
Mrs. Luke wrote "Catherine, the Queen" (1967), a portrait of Henry VIII's hapless first wife, Catherine of Aragon. "A Crown for Elizabeth" (1970) limned the turbulent years between 1527, when Henry maneuvered for a divorce from Catherine for lack of a male heir, and 1558, when Elizabeth I ascended to the throne.
In a review of "A Crown for Elizabeth" for The New York Times, Lady Antonia Fraser wrote, "To the sympathetic retelling of history, Mrs. Luke has made a notable contribution and one that will give much pleasure to its readers."
"The Nine Days Queen: A Portrait of Lady Jane Grey" (1986) told the story of Jane Grey's brief hold on the scepter in July 1553 and her subsequent martyrdom. Mrs. Luke also wrote a novel, "The Nonsuch Lure" (1976), and "The Ivy Crown: A Biographical Novel of Queen Katherine Paar" (1984).
She died in 1993 at 74 and lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Mrs. Luke wrote "Catherine, the Queen" (1967), a portrait of Henry VIII's hapless first wife, Catherine of Aragon. "A Crown for Elizabeth" (1970) limned the turbulent years between 1527, when Henry maneuvered for a divorce from Catherine for lack of a male heir, and 1558, when Elizabeth I ascended to the throne.
In a review of "A Crown for Elizabeth" for The New York Times, Lady Antonia Fraser wrote, "To the sympathetic retelling of history, Mrs. Luke has made a notable contribution and one that will give much pleasure to its readers."
"The Nine Days Queen: A Portrait of Lady Jane Grey" (1986) told the story of Jane Grey's brief hold on the scepter in July 1553 and her subsequent martyrdom. Mrs. Luke also wrote a novel, "The Nonsuch Lure" (1976), and "The Ivy Crown: A Biographical Novel of Queen Katherine Paar" (1984).
She died in 1993 at 74 and lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 1, 2021
REread 2021 Just as good as I remembered. Lovely history woven through the story. You could really visualize the places mentioned. I stopped to look stuff up several times which is always a bonus for me. I like historical stuff where the history is right but the characters are made up. Not kings and queens for example. I don't mind if they are peripheral characters. I don't want made up stories about people I could read a biography about.
This is not really time travel but it comes close. It deals with souls meeting and loving through time. One of those books I read when it first came out and have read several times since. It sticks in your mind. Very well done from the historical aspect also. A very touching and poignant love story.
This is not really time travel but it comes close. It deals with souls meeting and loving through time. One of those books I read when it first came out and have read several times since. It sticks in your mind. Very well done from the historical aspect also. A very touching and poignant love story.
December 25, 2015
This was a great story set in three different time periods. I would have easily given it 5 stars if it hadn't been for all the "telling." I really prefer to get to know the characters by being shown how they feel and how they interact. I wanted more dialogue in parts. When Julian was first introduced I felt like I was reading a synopsis. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters as well as I would have liked. Other than that, all three "stories" were very interesting. I had never heard of Nonsuch Palace and it's amazing how it came to be. I won't recap the plot because the book blurb does a good job of that.
September 23, 2009
While visiting Williamsburg, Virginia wealthy architect/archeologist Andrew Moffatt stumbles across the early 18C journal of Julian Cushing. At the request of a family friend, Julian undertook to return a portrait of Chloe Cuddington to her family in London - and found himself in love with the woman in the portrait. Intrigued Andrew decides to vacation in London and *stumbles* across a very old hotel run by members of the Cuddington family - descendents of the Cuddingtons who had for centuries owned the lands where Henry VIII built his extravagant palace called Nonsuch.
The portrait of Chloe that Julian brought to London is found in the Cuddington's attic and Andrew also finds himself under her spell – have they met each other in a past life? Are they destined to meet every 200 years or so only to be parted time and again? What is the malevolent presence that haunts the ruins of Merton Abbey and why does it harbor such ill will against Andrew/Julian? What is the secret of the Lure discovered by young monk Thomas and where was it buried? Will Andrew be able to discover the secret of the Lure or will it remain buried waiting for another Andrew in another century? Will Andrew be able to find Chloe again or are they destined to part again and again?
I know it might sound a bit silly, but I found this really well done, outside of the parts in the present being a tad bit dated (it was written in the 70's). I really liked the way the author took a real piece of history about the building of Nonsuch Palace and intertwined it with a mystery and a love story and wrapped it up into a nice little time slip of a novel (no time travel - just hypnosis). My favorite parts though were the glimpses of the palace and its occupants, and the way the author used her characters to let me *see* it like I was there – well done. Out of print and a tad bit spendy used, but don't forget to try the interlibrary loan program - that's how I got mine.
The portrait of Chloe that Julian brought to London is found in the Cuddington's attic and Andrew also finds himself under her spell – have they met each other in a past life? Are they destined to meet every 200 years or so only to be parted time and again? What is the malevolent presence that haunts the ruins of Merton Abbey and why does it harbor such ill will against Andrew/Julian? What is the secret of the Lure discovered by young monk Thomas and where was it buried? Will Andrew be able to discover the secret of the Lure or will it remain buried waiting for another Andrew in another century? Will Andrew be able to find Chloe again or are they destined to part again and again?
I know it might sound a bit silly, but I found this really well done, outside of the parts in the present being a tad bit dated (it was written in the 70's). I really liked the way the author took a real piece of history about the building of Nonsuch Palace and intertwined it with a mystery and a love story and wrapped it up into a nice little time slip of a novel (no time travel - just hypnosis). My favorite parts though were the glimpses of the palace and its occupants, and the way the author used her characters to let me *see* it like I was there – well done. Out of print and a tad bit spendy used, but don't forget to try the interlibrary loan program - that's how I got mine.
December 26, 2015
The Nonsuch Lure explores the reincarnated life of 2 men as they attempt to unravel the mystery of a beautiful girl in a Tudor painting and the location of a mysterious "lure" buried somewhere on the grounds of the demolished Cuddington family estate in Surrey England (and later Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace). The book starts in the present day and follows the life of Andrew Moffitt, a wealthy American architect who has been unaccountably drawn to England all his life. Later, with the help of hyponosis, and we find out that he lived twice before, and the book then follows the life of Julian Cushing, a 18th century colonial from Williamsburg, VA who travels to England to return the old portrait, and finally Brother Thomas, a 16th century Benedictine monk.
I enjoyed the Nonsuch Lure very much, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those readers who enjoy historical literature with a mix of romance as well as paranormal themes like reincarnation. I would say in the negative that this failed to get 4-5 stars simply because I didn't feel as though Luke really brought the characters and their love interests to life. We were "told" that each pair was madly, wildly, in love with each other, but I never got that feeling by reading the book of the depth of their love - a love that would transcend the centuries.
Regardless, Luke crafted a very enjoyable novel with likable main characters, intriguing plot and good period detail.
I enjoyed the Nonsuch Lure very much, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those readers who enjoy historical literature with a mix of romance as well as paranormal themes like reincarnation. I would say in the negative that this failed to get 4-5 stars simply because I didn't feel as though Luke really brought the characters and their love interests to life. We were "told" that each pair was madly, wildly, in love with each other, but I never got that feeling by reading the book of the depth of their love - a love that would transcend the centuries.
Regardless, Luke crafted a very enjoyable novel with likable main characters, intriguing plot and good period detail.
January 15, 2017
The Nonesuch Lure by Mary Luke is set in the present and the past. It switches neatly between both through hypnosis. It starts in the States with a successful architect who had a love of old things.
Andrew is the first section of this book. This is the guy from the aforementioned States. One day he finds an old journal in an antique shop, brings it home, reads it and so the adventure begins.
I found the first part very hard to get into. But this could be partly me as contemporary fiction just doesn't do anything for me and I found parts of it dull.
Julian is the second part and for me it really picked up here. His story is so interesting and so is he. His story also starts in the States but very quickly moves to England. We get a great picture of life in England at this time the 1700's.
Back to Andrew in the present again who is researching what he learned previously (don't want to say too much here as I don't want to add spoilers) and it becomes intriguing. We're fed a little bit more of the back story but there's still lots to learn.
Then we meet Thomas and for me this was the best part of the book. This whole section made me feel so sad. We have a good look into the rule of Henry v111 here. The land grabbing and total disregard for his subjects beggars belief! The descriptions of London of that time were fantastic as were the descriptions of the clothes people wore and the lives they lived.
Then once more we're back in the present and the story winds up. Throughout the whole book runs the story of one Chloe Cuddington, a raving beauty who captured the hearts of the men she encountered. It's her portrait that is the central part of the story and also contains, in it's way, all the answers that tie up the loose ends in the story.
As I said I found it hard to get into but I was so glad I stuck with it. All the way through it I kept thinking of the books, Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine and The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier. If you're a fan of these ladies work then you'll love this.
Andrew is the first section of this book. This is the guy from the aforementioned States. One day he finds an old journal in an antique shop, brings it home, reads it and so the adventure begins.
I found the first part very hard to get into. But this could be partly me as contemporary fiction just doesn't do anything for me and I found parts of it dull.
Julian is the second part and for me it really picked up here. His story is so interesting and so is he. His story also starts in the States but very quickly moves to England. We get a great picture of life in England at this time the 1700's.
Back to Andrew in the present again who is researching what he learned previously (don't want to say too much here as I don't want to add spoilers) and it becomes intriguing. We're fed a little bit more of the back story but there's still lots to learn.
Then we meet Thomas and for me this was the best part of the book. This whole section made me feel so sad. We have a good look into the rule of Henry v111 here. The land grabbing and total disregard for his subjects beggars belief! The descriptions of London of that time were fantastic as were the descriptions of the clothes people wore and the lives they lived.
Then once more we're back in the present and the story winds up. Throughout the whole book runs the story of one Chloe Cuddington, a raving beauty who captured the hearts of the men she encountered. It's her portrait that is the central part of the story and also contains, in it's way, all the answers that tie up the loose ends in the story.
As I said I found it hard to get into but I was so glad I stuck with it. All the way through it I kept thinking of the books, Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine and The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier. If you're a fan of these ladies work then you'll love this.
July 28, 2008
Yes, yes, in some ways it's kind of cheezy, and on the Nth reading I found a hole you could walk through. It doesn't matter. I loved this book!
This early entry into the time-travel romance genre has a couple of differences:
1. It's told entirely from the man's point of view.
2. It covers several different time periods.
3. No one actually travels through time.
Our hero finds himself sucked into solving a mystery dating back to King Henry's time - one which has killed several people. Will he and his friend survive unraveling a centuries-old scandal - and will our hero ever find romance?
It's a quick read. I used to have two copies - one to keep in the library, and one to loan out - and it's a darn good thing, as the one I loaned out went missing in 2001. If you find it, give it a look. Now that I know she's written other books, I'll seek them out!
This early entry into the time-travel romance genre has a couple of differences:
1. It's told entirely from the man's point of view.
2. It covers several different time periods.
3. No one actually travels through time.
Our hero finds himself sucked into solving a mystery dating back to King Henry's time - one which has killed several people. Will he and his friend survive unraveling a centuries-old scandal - and will our hero ever find romance?
It's a quick read. I used to have two copies - one to keep in the library, and one to loan out - and it's a darn good thing, as the one I loaned out went missing in 2001. If you find it, give it a look. Now that I know she's written other books, I'll seek them out!
February 25, 2017
I'm pretty sure the last time I read this was when I was in college. It just goes to show how good I thought it was then because I held on to it.
It holds up pretty well. I'm not a fan of the whole past life regression thing in general, but the historical bits in the novel are quite good so I don't mind it here.
It holds up pretty well. I'm not a fan of the whole past life regression thing in general, but the historical bits in the novel are quite good so I don't mind it here.
September 25, 2009
Mary Luke has created a very interesting and creative story. She has a remarkable knack for folding vast amounts of historical information into the narrative in a seemingly casual way, this alone was impressive.
I liked much of this unique and creative story and enjoyed the history woven throughout, but overall it was just a little bit too romantic for my tastes.
I almost hate to leave a three star rating because there was so much that was interesting and clever but I have to be honest and say this just wasn't one of my favorites.
If you are thinking of reading this I would say go ahead and give it a try, you might just love it. I can certainly see how people would really love it. Especially if this were your first introduction to historical fiction.
This could be a 'gateway book' that would lead a reader to more historical fiction.
I recommend it for fans of Historical Romance.
I liked much of this unique and creative story and enjoyed the history woven throughout, but overall it was just a little bit too romantic for my tastes.
I almost hate to leave a three star rating because there was so much that was interesting and clever but I have to be honest and say this just wasn't one of my favorites.
If you are thinking of reading this I would say go ahead and give it a try, you might just love it. I can certainly see how people would really love it. Especially if this were your first introduction to historical fiction.
This could be a 'gateway book' that would lead a reader to more historical fiction.
I recommend it for fans of Historical Romance.
April 1, 2012
My grandmother read this back in the day and wanted me to find a copy for her. Unfortunately this book out of print but I did find a used copy and I’m glad I did. Reincarnation, historical mystery, and a love that spans over four hundred years! Following a lead from a journal found in a Williamsburg bookshop, Andrew Moffatt jets off to England to uncover a secret buried beneath the ruins of King Henry VIII’s opulent Nonsuch Palace. Through past life regression Andrew learns that he has lived twice before and that he is bound to the beautiful Chloe Cuddington whose ancestral lands were taken by King Henry VIII.
Luke’s descriptions of 16th and 17th century England are lovely. However the romance side of the story could have been fleshed out more, especially for two souls so madly and deeply in love. I also wish we could have gotten a little more from all three incarnations of Chloe. We never really get to “know” her except that she is extraordinarily beautiful. Overall The Nonsuch Lure is a fun, enjoyable book and should appeal to fans of historical and time-travel romances (although no actual time-travel occurs).
Luke’s descriptions of 16th and 17th century England are lovely. However the romance side of the story could have been fleshed out more, especially for two souls so madly and deeply in love. I also wish we could have gotten a little more from all three incarnations of Chloe. We never really get to “know” her except that she is extraordinarily beautiful. Overall The Nonsuch Lure is a fun, enjoyable book and should appeal to fans of historical and time-travel romances (although no actual time-travel occurs).
April 1, 2015
This is one of my favorite books and I have read it several times over the years!
May 3, 2025
This is my second time reading this amazing book...the first time was in late, very late!, 1984, when my daughter was born. The book was about 7 years old then. At that time, there was no such thing as the Internet, let alone Good Reads! So I had only my memory of reading it, but it always stuck with me as an excellent read. All these years later, I found myself wanting more and more to return to it and find out more about the Palace of Nonsuch, which, upon reading this the first time, I thought was made up! Since then, I have learned more about it and know that it was a very real place and the book follows its spectacular rise and meteor-like fall, faithfully.
I was all set to rate it 5 full stars, until I got weary of all the jam-packed and repeating emotions and events, as well as redundant names! Taken altogether, they made my head spin while trying to keep everything straight! The narratives (several of them) are compelling and interesting, but they cover SO much ground and explore SO many intricacies, that I couldn't read more than about 30-40 pages at a time. Thus, it took me much longer than usual to finish.
I won't say I was disappointed, or that it doesn't hold up well since the time it was written, but, I did chaff a bit at the stately pace and over-explaining that seemed superfluous to me now.
Some of the parts I enjoyed most were right at the beginning: the idea of a "spiritual home," the awkward partitioning of the modern-day hotel, the scenes in Colonial Williamsburg, and even the need for a stronger light bulb to read by! These are all things I have experienced for myself in one way or another, and felt very validated to find them here! I also realized how much more I enjoy older books which weren't forced to include certain social agendas of our day that didn't exist a few years ago.
It is still a great story and the supernatural aspect seems natural here and is used effectively. It is real history (for the most part) done right!
I was all set to rate it 5 full stars, until I got weary of all the jam-packed and repeating emotions and events, as well as redundant names! Taken altogether, they made my head spin while trying to keep everything straight! The narratives (several of them) are compelling and interesting, but they cover SO much ground and explore SO many intricacies, that I couldn't read more than about 30-40 pages at a time. Thus, it took me much longer than usual to finish.
I won't say I was disappointed, or that it doesn't hold up well since the time it was written, but, I did chaff a bit at the stately pace and over-explaining that seemed superfluous to me now.
Some of the parts I enjoyed most were right at the beginning: the idea of a "spiritual home," the awkward partitioning of the modern-day hotel, the scenes in Colonial Williamsburg, and even the need for a stronger light bulb to read by! These are all things I have experienced for myself in one way or another, and felt very validated to find them here! I also realized how much more I enjoy older books which weren't forced to include certain social agendas of our day that didn't exist a few years ago.
It is still a great story and the supernatural aspect seems natural here and is used effectively. It is real history (for the most part) done right!
November 5, 2017
Leí este libro en la adolescencia y me fascinó. La autora es una historiadora especialista en la época isabelina inglesa. Es una novela de ciencia ficción cruzada con novela histórica. Tiene elementos de reencarnación y regresión hipnótica y acaso un misterio casi policial. Volví a leerla ahora de grande y me gustó mucho, aunque tengo otras lecturas y una perspectiva diferente. No me produjo lo mismo, pero me encantó releerla.
October 10, 2025
3 1/2 stars. Old fashioned, but well-written tale of reincarnation, focused on Nonsuch Palace (now a ruin) in England. Published in 1976. Some of the events will not sit comfortably with modern ideas of male and female relationships. I would have loved this book as a young woman, but its tropes, decades later, seem pretty tired. Entertaining if you are tucked up in bed with a cold and a cup of hot tea.
December 13, 2017
En realidad 2 1/2 estrellas, se puso mejor en las últimas 80 páginas. Al principio me resultó un poco pesado por las descripciones.
February 18, 2024
Excellent excellent book
July 13, 2021
Just as satisfying as when I first read it 45 years ago.
June 15, 2014
My sister told me about it being one of her favorites book that she need a better copy so she bought a hard copy and lent me her old paper back. I loved the story. It had love romance, mystery past life's, and keep you on your toe's wanting to read and not put it down. No messy love making described so it one that my Mother may also enjoy. Mary M. Luke it a great writer.
May 14, 2012
One of my favorite love stories. Not the clean-inst book, but I read it way back in high school bought a copy and fixed it up! Love these two characters and there love that spans decades!One sex scene has no relation or relevance to the story.
March 3, 2013
I found ths when Mum and I were sorting her books, and remembered enjoying it a very long time ago, but nothing else. So I picked it up again, a combination historical fiction, mystery, reincarnation, etc, but hard to put down. Enjoyed it a second time.
September 12, 2014
I very much liked this book, but it was maybe a bit of a slow burner. While smooth, and extreemly readable, the text was a bit heavy and perhaps a bit over explainitory.
I loved the past lives and lovers finding each other again and again. I just hope that history will stop repeating itself!
I loved the past lives and lovers finding each other again and again. I just hope that history will stop repeating itself!
July 23, 2016
This is a book I come back to when I feel like reading something I know will intrigue and captivate me. When I first read The Nonesuch Lure the idea of reincarnation fascinated me. Years later, it's just the wonderful story that makes this book special.
May 28, 2007
One of my all-time favorite books. History, romance, mystery.
September 12, 2007
This book is intended for young adults, but I really enjoyed it. It makes you wish Nonsuch Palace were still around.
June 19, 2008
a great fast read that turned me on to historical fiction :D
Read
August 4, 2008With (above)
September 20, 2010
This was just a beautiful book; the writing is magical!
Read
August 6, 2011fun book
March 4, 2012
This was a fun read, and a lovely haunting love story. It deserves to be re-released because all three published covers are dreadful. Track it down at your local library.
October 1, 2012
This was very enjoyable. I liked the way the past lives were handled. The villain spirit was very creepy.
August 31, 2013
Loved this book, my family has served as caretakers at Nonsuch Park for years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews