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Windham #8
Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait
What Lady Jenny wants for Christmas...
For Christmas, soft-spoken Lady Jenny Windham craves the freedom to pursue her artistic ambitions, though that would scandalize her entire family. She confides her dreams to painter Elijah Harrison, because assisting Elijah will bring Jenny that much closer to her heart's desire--won't it?
...Will break both their hearts.
Elijah Harrison finds in Jenny an inspiring muse, and original talent, and also a lovely and passionate woman. Elijah can only support Jenny's career at his own peril, but not encouraging her would be even worse. Whether he does or doesn't help Jenny become an artist in her own right, he knows he's going to lose her--and the love of his lifetime--forever...
For Christmas, soft-spoken Lady Jenny Windham craves the freedom to pursue her artistic ambitions, though that would scandalize her entire family. She confides her dreams to painter Elijah Harrison, because assisting Elijah will bring Jenny that much closer to her heart's desire--won't it?
...Will break both their hearts.
Elijah Harrison finds in Jenny an inspiring muse, and original talent, and also a lovely and passionate woman. Elijah can only support Jenny's career at his own peril, but not encouraging her would be even worse. Whether he does or doesn't help Jenny become an artist in her own right, he knows he's going to lose her--and the love of his lifetime--forever...
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 24, 2013
242 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,914 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
December 11, 2013
4.5 stars
I’m a huge fan of Grace Burrowes’ books. I realise that her books often include Americanisms, the odd anachronism and some repetitive elements which occur in many, if not all of her stories, but you know what? I don’t care. There’s something about her writing which just speaks to me; the emotional content of her stories is so beautifully written that I invariably come away from one of her novels feeling a bit churned up.
Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is no exception. It’s a truly lovely story of the youngest daughter of a large and loving family who is trying desperately to find her own place within that large number of siblings, in-laws and children, and who, despite knowing she’s loved and valued, is nonetheless feeling suffocated by all of it and them.
Jenny – or Lady Genevieve – is a hugely talented artist at a time when it wasn’t the done thing for a female to excel at anything artistic. Young ladies of good birth were taught art and music of course, but were expected to keep their inclinations to the odd reasonably accurate performance of a Mozart sonata or to a decent watercolour daub. But Jenny is truly gifted, and while her family loves her, even they are apt to dismiss her talent as little more than “dabbling in art”.
Mr Elijah Harrison (who made a brief appearance in the previous book, Lady Eve's Indiscretion (The Duke's Daughters, #4)), is a young artist of prodigious talent who has made a name for himself as a fine portraitist and whose name is mentioned in artistic circles as a likely addition to the members of the Royal Academy of Art. He is also an earl, heir to a marquisate, a fact which he generally keeps quiet as much for the benefit of his clients as for his desire to succeed by virtue of his talent rather than his rank.
An argument with his father over his chosen career has meant that he has been somewhat estranged from his family for almost ten years. Even though he has had the occasional contact with his parents and younger brothers, he has not seen his sisters (and his siblings number even more than the Windhams!) for years and years. He is beginning to feel that it’s time for him to go home, even though he is reluctant to take the first step. He’s handsome, kind and quiet, without any hang-ups or dark secrets in his past – which is rather refreshing! – and I liked that he was so honest with Jenny about her work, and so supportive of her.
Elijah and Jenny are made for each other – but Jenny is determined to pursue her studies in Paris, where it is not frowned upon for a woman to paint and to make a career of her art. This is where the plot of the book falls down somewhat, as this is the entire basis of the conflict between the two protagonists. Not that it’s much of a conflict, because Elijah, even though every single nerve in him screams that going to Paris is not the right thing for Jenny; even as he knows that what she really needs isn’t something she will be able to find by removing herself from her family – he realises that she needs to make her own path and though it kills him to do so, he does not want to be the one to stand in her way. He knows she’ll face enough opposition from her parents and siblings and determines to be the one person she can turn to and trust in the face of the familial onslaught.
But in the hands of Ms Burrowes, even such a “non-conflict” makes for compelling reading. The romance between Elijah and Jenny is simply beautiful – sensual and imbued with a deep and palpable sense of longing on every page.
This author also writes what are quite possibly the best familial relationships I’ve ever read. The scene in which the Windham brothers decamp to Elijah’s studio to escape the whirlwind that is their wives and offspring in the holiday season is wonderfully observed, and the one towards the end where Jenny and her parents finally talk about the guilt she’s carried with her for so long was so lovely it brought tears to my eyes.
For a book in which not much happens, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait simply flew by – I reached the 70% mark without even realising I was more than half way through.
The characterisation of the two principals is fabulous, the romance is delicious and sexy (as is Elijah!) and I enjoyed Ms Burrowes’ insight into the artistic temperament as she discussed colour, light, shadow; and encouraged the reader see things through the eyes of her artist protagonists.
It’s always a little sad when a series of books you’ve enjoyed comes to an end, but there are eight terrific books about the Windhams to be enjoyed over again, plus many more from this prolific and talented author.
Thank you, Ms Burrowes, for allowing me to spend time with this wonderful family over the past few years; and may you never run out of ideas!
I’m a huge fan of Grace Burrowes’ books. I realise that her books often include Americanisms, the odd anachronism and some repetitive elements which occur in many, if not all of her stories, but you know what? I don’t care. There’s something about her writing which just speaks to me; the emotional content of her stories is so beautifully written that I invariably come away from one of her novels feeling a bit churned up.
Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is no exception. It’s a truly lovely story of the youngest daughter of a large and loving family who is trying desperately to find her own place within that large number of siblings, in-laws and children, and who, despite knowing she’s loved and valued, is nonetheless feeling suffocated by all of it and them.
Jenny – or Lady Genevieve – is a hugely talented artist at a time when it wasn’t the done thing for a female to excel at anything artistic. Young ladies of good birth were taught art and music of course, but were expected to keep their inclinations to the odd reasonably accurate performance of a Mozart sonata or to a decent watercolour daub. But Jenny is truly gifted, and while her family loves her, even they are apt to dismiss her talent as little more than “dabbling in art”.
Mr Elijah Harrison (who made a brief appearance in the previous book, Lady Eve's Indiscretion (The Duke's Daughters, #4)), is a young artist of prodigious talent who has made a name for himself as a fine portraitist and whose name is mentioned in artistic circles as a likely addition to the members of the Royal Academy of Art. He is also an earl, heir to a marquisate, a fact which he generally keeps quiet as much for the benefit of his clients as for his desire to succeed by virtue of his talent rather than his rank.
An argument with his father over his chosen career has meant that he has been somewhat estranged from his family for almost ten years. Even though he has had the occasional contact with his parents and younger brothers, he has not seen his sisters (and his siblings number even more than the Windhams!) for years and years. He is beginning to feel that it’s time for him to go home, even though he is reluctant to take the first step. He’s handsome, kind and quiet, without any hang-ups or dark secrets in his past – which is rather refreshing! – and I liked that he was so honest with Jenny about her work, and so supportive of her.
Elijah and Jenny are made for each other – but Jenny is determined to pursue her studies in Paris, where it is not frowned upon for a woman to paint and to make a career of her art. This is where the plot of the book falls down somewhat, as this is the entire basis of the conflict between the two protagonists. Not that it’s much of a conflict, because Elijah, even though every single nerve in him screams that going to Paris is not the right thing for Jenny; even as he knows that what she really needs isn’t something she will be able to find by removing herself from her family – he realises that she needs to make her own path and though it kills him to do so, he does not want to be the one to stand in her way. He knows she’ll face enough opposition from her parents and siblings and determines to be the one person she can turn to and trust in the face of the familial onslaught.
But in the hands of Ms Burrowes, even such a “non-conflict” makes for compelling reading. The romance between Elijah and Jenny is simply beautiful – sensual and imbued with a deep and palpable sense of longing on every page.
This author also writes what are quite possibly the best familial relationships I’ve ever read. The scene in which the Windham brothers decamp to Elijah’s studio to escape the whirlwind that is their wives and offspring in the holiday season is wonderfully observed, and the one towards the end where Jenny and her parents finally talk about the guilt she’s carried with her for so long was so lovely it brought tears to my eyes.
For a book in which not much happens, Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait simply flew by – I reached the 70% mark without even realising I was more than half way through.
The characterisation of the two principals is fabulous, the romance is delicious and sexy (as is Elijah!) and I enjoyed Ms Burrowes’ insight into the artistic temperament as she discussed colour, light, shadow; and encouraged the reader see things through the eyes of her artist protagonists.
It’s always a little sad when a series of books you’ve enjoyed comes to an end, but there are eight terrific books about the Windhams to be enjoyed over again, plus many more from this prolific and talented author.
Thank you, Ms Burrowes, for allowing me to spend time with this wonderful family over the past few years; and may you never run out of ideas!
November 2, 2013
Hmmm. I'm not sure what to say about this book. On one hand, I like the story and the characters, for the most part. One the other, there was one glaring issue that inhibited my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I liked Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait. It was a nice read, but, unfortunately, not amazing.
I'm going to start with what I liked about the book.
I liked that Jenny was unapologetic about herself and refused to change to fit anyone's mold. She was a strong character who was determined to follow her dreams. For the most part, I liked her.
Elijah was great as well. He was a sweetheart and I liked that he encouraged Jenny to follow her dreams over his own desires. Again, he was a likable character.
I liked the story as a whole. I thought it was a lovely wrap up to the Windham dynasty's story. Though there might be more books coming up, this is the final Windham sibling and I liked how it ended for them.
I liked that the romance was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
And I liked how Ms. Burrows brought in all the characters from the previous book as a family reunion for them and the reader. It was nice seeing them all again and their interactions with each other had me laughing.
Now to the bad.
While I liked that Jenny wanted to follow her dreams, I thought it was a little selfish that she put that before literally everything else in her life. The amount of times she kept saying that she wanted to go to Paris became almost repetitive. And, after she fell for Elijah, it just became annoying. Are you really intending to choose choose learning about art in Paris over the chance to be with the love of your life? It seemed to become more of an excuse to run away than anything else. So, that bothered me.
With Elijah, I didn't understand why he didn't fight for Jenny. He never honestly presented her with another option of staying with him. He kind of did, but it wasn't even a true attempt to convince her. Fight for her! It took until the last chapter, and he wasn't even the one to take the first step. I understand that he wanted her to have her dreams, but come on! At least try to win the love of your life. Again, frustrating.
And finally, the stubbornness of both characters, who seemed determined to follow every path but the one leading directly to each other, slowed down the book. For the first half, it was enjoyable, and I was into the romance. But, the whole issue of "we can't be together" began to be repetitive. For one thing, the supposed obstacles in their path was self made. They made it so that they couldn't be together. Nothing was actually stopping them. The second half of the book seemed to devolve into them pushing each other away, repeating the same mantra of "I'm going to Paris." While I was hooked on the first half, the second half had me skimming occasionally. And that really took away from the book.
Despite the issues I had with this book, I liked it. I just didn't love it. If you want to read this book as a conclusion to the Windham dynasty, I'm sure you'll at least like this book. You should definitely read it, in that case. It was a lovely book. But, otherwise, I would be cautious.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
I'm going to start with what I liked about the book.
I liked that Jenny was unapologetic about herself and refused to change to fit anyone's mold. She was a strong character who was determined to follow her dreams. For the most part, I liked her.
Elijah was great as well. He was a sweetheart and I liked that he encouraged Jenny to follow her dreams over his own desires. Again, he was a likable character.
I liked the story as a whole. I thought it was a lovely wrap up to the Windham dynasty's story. Though there might be more books coming up, this is the final Windham sibling and I liked how it ended for them.
I liked that the romance was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
And I liked how Ms. Burrows brought in all the characters from the previous book as a family reunion for them and the reader. It was nice seeing them all again and their interactions with each other had me laughing.
Now to the bad.
While I liked that Jenny wanted to follow her dreams, I thought it was a little selfish that she put that before literally everything else in her life. The amount of times she kept saying that she wanted to go to Paris became almost repetitive. And, after she fell for Elijah, it just became annoying. Are you really intending to choose choose learning about art in Paris over the chance to be with the love of your life? It seemed to become more of an excuse to run away than anything else. So, that bothered me.
With Elijah, I didn't understand why he didn't fight for Jenny. He never honestly presented her with another option of staying with him. He kind of did, but it wasn't even a true attempt to convince her. Fight for her! It took until the last chapter, and he wasn't even the one to take the first step. I understand that he wanted her to have her dreams, but come on! At least try to win the love of your life. Again, frustrating.
And finally, the stubbornness of both characters, who seemed determined to follow every path but the one leading directly to each other, slowed down the book. For the first half, it was enjoyable, and I was into the romance. But, the whole issue of "we can't be together" began to be repetitive. For one thing, the supposed obstacles in their path was self made. They made it so that they couldn't be together. Nothing was actually stopping them. The second half of the book seemed to devolve into them pushing each other away, repeating the same mantra of "I'm going to Paris." While I was hooked on the first half, the second half had me skimming occasionally. And that really took away from the book.
Despite the issues I had with this book, I liked it. I just didn't love it. If you want to read this book as a conclusion to the Windham dynasty, I'm sure you'll at least like this book. You should definitely read it, in that case. It was a lovely book. But, otherwise, I would be cautious.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy!
November 4, 2013
Sadly, this was my least favorite of the Windham books, and a rather disappointing end to the series. It took me nearly two weeks to read, which is saying something since I usually read a book or more a week.
My main problem was that the Jenny we knew from previous books wasn't anywhere to be found in this one. I'd always wondered what the scandalous (for the Regency-era) woman embroidering naughty underthings would be like, and who would be her HEA. While I'd guessed it'd be Elijah Harrison a book or two ago, their relationship is less than convincing in this book.
Why? Well, the first half of the book is heavier on art techniques than on character development. Both Jenny and Elijah were flat, and hard to connect with. Every once in awhile there'd be a promise of tension, but then it never materialized. I'd say they were art buddies more than anything else.
Worse, everything seemed to happen in the last fifty pages. To be honest, Elijah figuring out what bothered Jenny was a complete surprise, and not in a good way. From the interactions we saw in the book, there is no way he would've been able to figure that out.
And Jenny completely changing her mind in a matter of minutes at the end of the book also irritated me.
I feel bad for Jenny, because she didn't get the book she really deserved. Sadly, I don't think I'll re-read this book in the future.
My main problem was that the Jenny we knew from previous books wasn't anywhere to be found in this one. I'd always wondered what the scandalous (for the Regency-era) woman embroidering naughty underthings would be like, and who would be her HEA. While I'd guessed it'd be Elijah Harrison a book or two ago, their relationship is less than convincing in this book.
Why? Well, the first half of the book is heavier on art techniques than on character development. Both Jenny and Elijah were flat, and hard to connect with. Every once in awhile there'd be a promise of tension, but then it never materialized. I'd say they were art buddies more than anything else.
Worse, everything seemed to happen in the last fifty pages. To be honest, Elijah figuring out what bothered Jenny was a complete surprise, and not in a good way. From the interactions we saw in the book, there is no way he would've been able to figure that out.
And Jenny completely changing her mind in a matter of minutes at the end of the book also irritated me.
I feel bad for Jenny, because she didn't get the book she really deserved. Sadly, I don't think I'll re-read this book in the future.
May 31, 2017
2.5 to 3 stars. I enjoyed this story overall, although I had a couple of issues with it and it wasn't my fav out of the series.
I liked Elijah and Genevieve, and they were obviously well-suited to each other. Their romance was sweet. But I got a bit sick of all of the painting and sketching stuff. Yes, it was an important part of both of their lives, but it felt a bit overdone at times and started to get tedious. I started to feel, alright, already. Let's get on with something else.......
I also got a bit annoyed at the way both H and h had their own obsessions, then both kind of gave them up so easily in the end. TEN YEARS since Elijah had been home, just over a promise he'd made to his dad. And Jenny's desperate desire to go to Paris. These both felt a bit overdone for me.
But still, in spite of my gripes I did like it and read the whole thing. Now I have finished the Windham series and will have to have a look and see which other Grace Burrowes I might like to read :D
I liked Elijah and Genevieve, and they were obviously well-suited to each other. Their romance was sweet. But I got a bit sick of all of the painting and sketching stuff. Yes, it was an important part of both of their lives, but it felt a bit overdone at times and started to get tedious. I started to feel, alright, already. Let's get on with something else.......
I also got a bit annoyed at the way both H and h had their own obsessions, then both kind of gave them up so easily in the end. TEN YEARS since Elijah had been home, just over a promise he'd made to his dad. And Jenny's desperate desire to go to Paris. These both felt a bit overdone for me.
But still, in spite of my gripes I did like it and read the whole thing. Now I have finished the Windham series and will have to have a look and see which other Grace Burrowes I might like to read :D
August 10, 2013
Lovely, romantic story! The hero and heroine are original and well-drawn characters, and we get to see lots of the Duke, Duchess, and all of the Windham siblings and grandchildren. Lots of fun, especially if you have read the previous Windham books.
Thanks to netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of this book.
Thanks to netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an eARC of this book.
November 17, 2013
4.5 Stars
Lady Jenny is the daughter of a duke, the youngest of eight surviving children. She has already had several seasons, and remains the only unmarried one. Jenny burns with artistic talent and has made a decision that she must go to Paris to live, where she can pursue her art and live free of her family. She has always appeared to be the most circumspect and dependable of all her siblings, but inside she is truly angry with her family as much as she loves them. Her talent is immense, yet is not regarded by her family as anything other than a hobby.
It's near Christmas, and Jenny is visiting with her sister, Louisa, and her family. A stranger comes to the door, seeking shelter, as his horse has gone lame and the weather is bad. He's admitted to the house, and it turns out he is Elijah Harrison, heir to the Marquess of Flint, and a renowned artist, who was on his way to Jenny's other sister Sophie's home to paint a portrait of her children. Years earlier, Jenny had studied art while disguised as a boy, and Elijah had been a model for the class.
Now Elijah's goal is to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Artists. In order to accomplish this, he must submit work that showcases his talent for painting children. For some reason, he does not have the same talent with children that he has with adults. While his paintings are technically correct, they lack something. Jenny is anxious to pursue this opportunity to work with Elijah. She plans to go on to Sophie's house also, and to assist him with his portraits. It turns out that she is truly able to help him.
They work together, helping each other, sometimes bickering, but developing a fast and deep friendship and attraction. Jenny wants to take it further, but without strings. She is determined to go to Paris. Their attraction turns to love, and Elijah proposes, but Jenny refuses. They are both heartbroken, but Jenny doesn't feel she can give up her dream. Elijah, being the stuff heroes are made of, supports her.
Jenny and Elijah say their goodbyes. Aside from their own heartbreak, they have family issues to deal with. Elijah has been estranged from his father for ten years while he pursued his dream, and he fully understands Jenny. Meanwhile, Jenny is determined to leave her over protective family, who are unaware of how great a talent she has.
I love books that really tug at my emotions, and this one did. First, I was angry at Jenny for throwing away love, and not even considering that she could have it all. I was angry with her family for not giving her more recognition and support. There are a couple scenes where Jenny finally confronts her family that had tears streaming down my face. And my heart broke for Elijah, who was determined to let Jenny follow her dream. As I was reading , I was pleading with both of them to please come to their senses, and realize what they were throwing away.
This is book 8 of the Windham family series. It's not necessary to read the others to appreciate this one, but they are well worthy of being read and enjoyed. For those of us who have followed the whole series, we get glimpses of many old friends. I particularly enjoyed seeing all of our favorite men hiding in the studio in an attempt to avoid the Christmas mayhem. I highly recommend reading this book at any time of the year.
Lady Jenny is the daughter of a duke, the youngest of eight surviving children. She has already had several seasons, and remains the only unmarried one. Jenny burns with artistic talent and has made a decision that she must go to Paris to live, where she can pursue her art and live free of her family. She has always appeared to be the most circumspect and dependable of all her siblings, but inside she is truly angry with her family as much as she loves them. Her talent is immense, yet is not regarded by her family as anything other than a hobby.
It's near Christmas, and Jenny is visiting with her sister, Louisa, and her family. A stranger comes to the door, seeking shelter, as his horse has gone lame and the weather is bad. He's admitted to the house, and it turns out he is Elijah Harrison, heir to the Marquess of Flint, and a renowned artist, who was on his way to Jenny's other sister Sophie's home to paint a portrait of her children. Years earlier, Jenny had studied art while disguised as a boy, and Elijah had been a model for the class.
Now Elijah's goal is to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Artists. In order to accomplish this, he must submit work that showcases his talent for painting children. For some reason, he does not have the same talent with children that he has with adults. While his paintings are technically correct, they lack something. Jenny is anxious to pursue this opportunity to work with Elijah. She plans to go on to Sophie's house also, and to assist him with his portraits. It turns out that she is truly able to help him.
They work together, helping each other, sometimes bickering, but developing a fast and deep friendship and attraction. Jenny wants to take it further, but without strings. She is determined to go to Paris. Their attraction turns to love, and Elijah proposes, but Jenny refuses. They are both heartbroken, but Jenny doesn't feel she can give up her dream. Elijah, being the stuff heroes are made of, supports her.
Jenny and Elijah say their goodbyes. Aside from their own heartbreak, they have family issues to deal with. Elijah has been estranged from his father for ten years while he pursued his dream, and he fully understands Jenny. Meanwhile, Jenny is determined to leave her over protective family, who are unaware of how great a talent she has.
I love books that really tug at my emotions, and this one did. First, I was angry at Jenny for throwing away love, and not even considering that she could have it all. I was angry with her family for not giving her more recognition and support. There are a couple scenes where Jenny finally confronts her family that had tears streaming down my face. And my heart broke for Elijah, who was determined to let Jenny follow her dream. As I was reading , I was pleading with both of them to please come to their senses, and realize what they were throwing away.
This is book 8 of the Windham family series. It's not necessary to read the others to appreciate this one, but they are well worthy of being read and enjoyed. For those of us who have followed the whole series, we get glimpses of many old friends. I particularly enjoyed seeing all of our favorite men hiding in the studio in an attempt to avoid the Christmas mayhem. I highly recommend reading this book at any time of the year.
October 27, 2013
There's not much of a plot or conflict here, but this book did remind me how beautifully the author puts together words and how much that impresses me (and more so than it did in Once Upon a Tartan).
As for the story, it contained the usual Windham series elements: All the men are madly in love with their respective wives, hovering over and doting on them "until their dying day" (or "the livelong day," take your pick, both sentiments are present in the book). Check. Hero serves in one scene as hair dresser/lady's maid to the heroine. Check. Heroine is tormented by something in her past and thus cannot marry the hero, but they will still spend the book regretting that they cannot be together (while we are scratching our heads wondering why) and having bittersweet sex, knowing that they must then go their separate ways (while we are again scratching our heads wondering why). Check.
There is not much character development in LJCP. The book is more an exercise in style over substance. I'd like to see the author edit more (meaning that lots of pretty phrases will end up "on the cutting room floor"). Also, I'd like to see her come up with some meatier, more believable plots. I mean, if characters are going to be all angsty, don't let it all end up being much ado about nothing.
As for the story, it contained the usual Windham series elements: All the men are madly in love with their respective wives, hovering over and doting on them "until their dying day" (or "the livelong day," take your pick, both sentiments are present in the book). Check. Hero serves in one scene as hair dresser/lady's maid to the heroine. Check. Heroine is tormented by something in her past and thus cannot marry the hero, but they will still spend the book regretting that they cannot be together (while we are scratching our heads wondering why) and having bittersweet sex, knowing that they must then go their separate ways (while we are again scratching our heads wondering why). Check.
There is not much character development in LJCP. The book is more an exercise in style over substance. I'd like to see the author edit more (meaning that lots of pretty phrases will end up "on the cutting room floor"). Also, I'd like to see her come up with some meatier, more believable plots. I mean, if characters are going to be all angsty, don't let it all end up being much ado about nothing.
July 22, 2022
I would probably have rated this higher, had I not read so many of her more recent books first. The details I was anticipating in the resolution were mostly not the ones Burrowes chose, and I do love a fictional surprise.
I do enjoy the Windham family's interactions with one another, although they can be a bit much. Still, it's nice to see the old folks enjoying their marriages. Not enough loving parents and grands in literature at large.
Library copy
I do enjoy the Windham family's interactions with one another, although they can be a bit much. Still, it's nice to see the old folks enjoying their marriages. Not enough loving parents and grands in literature at large.
Library copy
September 22, 2013
So what does Lady Jenny really want for Christmas? Not buttons and bows and nothing material; what she really wants is the freedom to follow her passion and pursue her artistic ambitions. Her ducal parents feel strongly that her ‘little pictures’ are lovely, but for a ducal daughter to want to live a bohemian lifestyle in Paris and to follow her artistic dreams - not likely.
When successful artist Elijah Harrison is commissioned to paint a portrait of Jenny’s small nephews, Jenny confides her plans to him of pursuing her dream with or without parental approval. Once Elijah is able to view her sketches and paintings, he realizes that the lovely woman he’s come to admire is indeed an artist who should be taken seriously. Much to his chagrin Elijah realizes that in advancing Jenny’s hopes and aspirations for an artistic career, he would lose the one woman he wants to marry!
*** As usual, Grace Burrowes does it again with a light and lovely special romance for the holidays. It is set around Christmas giving basis to what brings a renowned artist into Lady Jenny’s orbit. Although it is not the first time Jenny has met the artist [so to speak]. Jenny had a more personal knowledge of Elijah when she used to dress as a male and go to the studio where Elijah once posed in the nude! And it wasn’t as if Elijah hadn’t figured out who the quiet student in the back was as he’d followed said student home one day after the lesson! So underneath all, these two do know one another.
As much as Jenny is attracted to Elijah one has to admire her perseverance in wanting to pursue her dream, no matter how Elijah does his best to deter her dreams of a Paris sojourn. He’d been there, done that and while as a man it was not so great, as a woman he knew it would be ten times worse, and especially for a lady of her consequence.
Burrowes took the romance slow in a wonderful way to offer both artists a chance to deal with one another, paint together, and discover their personalities and characters; to discover how much they had in common and to discover that each were quite stubborn in their own ways. The sensualness of their attraction to one another was also built slowly and because of this it was all the better for the wait.
Bottom line: Burrowes never disappoints and LADY JENNY’S CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT is actually a gift one gives themselves in order to experience true excellence in story telling, plotting and above all entertainment!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
When successful artist Elijah Harrison is commissioned to paint a portrait of Jenny’s small nephews, Jenny confides her plans to him of pursuing her dream with or without parental approval. Once Elijah is able to view her sketches and paintings, he realizes that the lovely woman he’s come to admire is indeed an artist who should be taken seriously. Much to his chagrin Elijah realizes that in advancing Jenny’s hopes and aspirations for an artistic career, he would lose the one woman he wants to marry!
*** As usual, Grace Burrowes does it again with a light and lovely special romance for the holidays. It is set around Christmas giving basis to what brings a renowned artist into Lady Jenny’s orbit. Although it is not the first time Jenny has met the artist [so to speak]. Jenny had a more personal knowledge of Elijah when she used to dress as a male and go to the studio where Elijah once posed in the nude! And it wasn’t as if Elijah hadn’t figured out who the quiet student in the back was as he’d followed said student home one day after the lesson! So underneath all, these two do know one another.
As much as Jenny is attracted to Elijah one has to admire her perseverance in wanting to pursue her dream, no matter how Elijah does his best to deter her dreams of a Paris sojourn. He’d been there, done that and while as a man it was not so great, as a woman he knew it would be ten times worse, and especially for a lady of her consequence.
Burrowes took the romance slow in a wonderful way to offer both artists a chance to deal with one another, paint together, and discover their personalities and characters; to discover how much they had in common and to discover that each were quite stubborn in their own ways. The sensualness of their attraction to one another was also built slowly and because of this it was all the better for the wait.
Bottom line: Burrowes never disappoints and LADY JENNY’S CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT is actually a gift one gives themselves in order to experience true excellence in story telling, plotting and above all entertainment!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
January 22, 2020
My name is Jenny, I like to paint, and I'm partial to green. This isn't a normal genre I would read, but I'll read outside my preferred genres sometimes and wanted a Christmas story. I really enjoyed this story as it was exactly what I was in the mood for. I thought the author did a good job curating a cast of characters that I enjoyed reading about. The niggling fact is the actual dilemma or plot of the book is a little contrived and weak. The main characters are in their own way and simply do not believe they deserve the happiness they have found in each other. It all ends well. It's a cute book, but maybe not too memorable once the holiday season has passed.
November 9, 2015
This is my first book by Grace Burrowes who is rather an unknown author to me. And I was positively surprise by the quality of the story.
The characters are certainly interesting and well-developed. Genevieve is a complicated heroine, her concerns with choosing between her love for her family and her passion for painting are really absorbing. And I liked that Elijah is so tender and caring and that he is the only person who truly sees her. The romance between them was honestly entertaining.
The whole plot is centred around their relationship and painting but it is perfectly enough. I enjoyed a lot that their relationship is more about being for each other and discovering themselves than only sex and passion, even though there are some very well-written sex scenes. There are so many stories about the lust at the first sight it was nice to read this one with other things more important to the relationship.
Also I liked how the situation between Elijah and his father ends. I only wish the ending was a bit longer. Usually, I don't care about epilogues but I would prefer one in this story to know that everything is okay.
This is definitely not my last book by Grace Burrowes.
The characters are certainly interesting and well-developed. Genevieve is a complicated heroine, her concerns with choosing between her love for her family and her passion for painting are really absorbing. And I liked that Elijah is so tender and caring and that he is the only person who truly sees her. The romance between them was honestly entertaining.
The whole plot is centred around their relationship and painting but it is perfectly enough. I enjoyed a lot that their relationship is more about being for each other and discovering themselves than only sex and passion, even though there are some very well-written sex scenes. There are so many stories about the lust at the first sight it was nice to read this one with other things more important to the relationship.
Also I liked how the situation between Elijah and his father ends. I only wish the ending was a bit longer. Usually, I don't care about epilogues but I would prefer one in this story to know that everything is okay.
This is definitely not my last book by Grace Burrowes.
December 7, 2014
Am I the only one that didn't like this one??? How it got published is beyond me.
The more I read this story the more I felt like this:
Yeah, it was THAT bad. I wish Jenny's story would have been so much better than this. I thought the character had so much spark and potential in the other books and when I finally got my hands on this one it was such a let down.
Pity.
The more I read this story the more I felt like this:
Yeah, it was THAT bad. I wish Jenny's story would have been so much better than this. I thought the character had so much spark and potential in the other books and when I finally got my hands on this one it was such a let down.
Pity.
January 24, 2015
I enjoyed Jenny's story. This is been a relatively strong series as a whole. I loved seeing the other family member's in this one. Their love and support of each other is what makes this a great series.
I enjoyed Jenny's talent and loved how Elijah supported her wholeheartedly. I felt the "big" reason why Jenny wanted to go to Paris was a bit out of left field (I am pretty sure I didn't miss anything).
I enjoyed Jenny's talent and loved how Elijah supported her wholeheartedly. I felt the "big" reason why Jenny wanted to go to Paris was a bit out of left field (I am pretty sure I didn't miss anything).
October 20, 2013
And here we are at the end of a tender yet spicy historical regency romance series. It was a bittersweet moment to take up this book about the last unmarried Windham, Lady Jenny, to see who and what her story would be. This book started out a bit rough for me and hard to get into, but then I had a realization about something in the fundamental make-up of this couple which allowed me to settle in and enjoy how two headstrong people would find their way and have good Christmas.
Lady Jenny is the youngest of the Wyndham sisters and she's the last one at home. She's a child to her parents, a relied upon sister to her older siblings, she the fun aunt, she's the go-to and go-for to so many who see her as anything, but an artist. She's drowning in her family's good intentions and well meaning smothering so she plots her escape to Paris where she can just be an artist with no interfering.
Then along comes Elijah Harrington, renowned portrait artist, to beg shelter from a brutal winter storm when his horse goes lame. Elijah recognizes the Lady Genevieve right away as the woman who sneaked into Antonio's studio to sketch him when he modeled nude for the class. Does she recognize him is the question and will that make her toss him back out into the icy rain. Instead, she gives him shelter and while making sure his basic comforts are met, shyly propositions him to speak of art and to allow her a chance to sketch him.
They meet again when Jenny moves on to help at Sophie's house with the baking and Elijah is there to paint the boys. He needs to add juvenile portraits to his portfolio to even be considered by the Royal Academy committee. A lot is riding on this appointment too because he made a stubborn youthful promise that he wouldn't return home to his family and his place as the marquis' heir until he had achieved it.
Unfortunately, Elijah struggles with drawing children properly. His technical work is correct, but there's something missing. That is where Lady Jenny is able to help him. She makes him a deal. She'll help him get the children to cooperate and offer her assistance for his children's portrait if he will give her time to draw him and give her critique on her work. They work together day after day and its more than each other's art that they learn to appreciate. Jenny blossoms and the real Jenny shows herself around Elijah, but looming over this new thing between them is Jenny's determination to run off to Paris to be an artist. In the end, Jenny is pushing Elijah to swallow his pride and go home to make amends with his father and his Christmas wish is that she'll choose him over art.
The story jumped right in abruptly for me. He was acting like they had a history together while she was acting polite like they were strangers. Then I eventually discovered that there was a history- a livid one. Jenny's no shy shrinking violet when it comes to something she wants.
After that niggle was worked out, I kept getting brought up short each time Jenny pulled the switch on things. She comes on strong; she backs away. She wants something from Elijah, but then she doesn't. She gets mad about stuff that only a mindreader could have prevented. And through it all, she pulls the 'woe is me my family doesn't get me or my art' card out constantly. She hid behind a facade of gentle, sweet dutiful daughter/sister/aunt and expected everyone to figure her out and accept her and because they couldn't she was stomping off to Paris.
Let's just say I couldn't get behind Jenny or her issues which smacked of selfishness and self-centeredness which is ironic because she's fairly compliant about helping her siblings and playing the dutiful daughter through the whole thing. She even thinks nobody else mourns her two dead brothers like she does which past stories have shown that they all do in their own ways. But then a light bulb came on for me. Jenny. is. the. baby. (I mean no offense to all you last born people in large families who are not like the generalizations drawn about last children.) She sees everyone else moving on, doing their thing-even her parents- not noticing what's going on with her and she's not the type to put herself forward and make them stop in their busy lives and truly see her except with Elijah. There was also the real reason behind her behavior that came later in the book that made a lot of sense. Guilt whether the person is at fault or not will do funny things to their thinking. So to a certain extent, I grudgingly accepted her.
I say grudging because there was another thing she did that bugged me even after my epiphany about understanding her. I didn't like the way she pushed Elijah into those sexual situations when she clearly was planning to go about her business. He's a man full grown and makes up his own mind and all that I get it, but she was pretty much using him and treating him and his feelings with the obliviousness that she accused her family of harboring toward her. She pretty much said 'I want you so gimme'. I understood that he was falling in love with her and wanted it too, but I wish he would have spoke his mind about being used. He was angered by it and kept silent. Respect yourself, bud, and make her respect you too.
While I wasn't on board with a lot of what was going on with Jenny, Elijah's thing was almost as annoying. I get stubborn pride. We've all pulled a 'last man standing' bit over something stupid when our pride was up. But to not go home to your family even during the holidays for a visit for nearly ten years because you and your dad got into it because he challenged you about needing to accomplish something? Not cool! Elijah punished himself, his mother, his siblings and even his equally stubborn father.
These two fit well together with their issues and seeing them reach out to each other sharing both a passion for their art and then for each other made the whole thing worthwhile. Speaking of passion, the two of them had no trouble dropping their clothes and heating up the sheets- gotta love those focused artistic temperaments.
Okay, there was another wonderful thing. I loved seeing all the Windham family appearances. All those delicious men and sassy women from the rest of the series are all doting daddies and mamas who are still deeply in love. The interfering Duke and Duchess even in their autumn years show that they haven't lost their spark either. And, the fact that they all come together for the holidays is just adorable and not even Jenny's frustrated perspective or Elijah's envious one could kill the warm fuzzies for me.
In the end, I'll admit that I wasn't entirely satisfied with the final story of the series. I both enjoyed and got frustrated with this story in turn, but found it worth reading. Lovers of spicy historical romance and fans of the series would probably enjoy it.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.
Lady Jenny is the youngest of the Wyndham sisters and she's the last one at home. She's a child to her parents, a relied upon sister to her older siblings, she the fun aunt, she's the go-to and go-for to so many who see her as anything, but an artist. She's drowning in her family's good intentions and well meaning smothering so she plots her escape to Paris where she can just be an artist with no interfering.
Then along comes Elijah Harrington, renowned portrait artist, to beg shelter from a brutal winter storm when his horse goes lame. Elijah recognizes the Lady Genevieve right away as the woman who sneaked into Antonio's studio to sketch him when he modeled nude for the class. Does she recognize him is the question and will that make her toss him back out into the icy rain. Instead, she gives him shelter and while making sure his basic comforts are met, shyly propositions him to speak of art and to allow her a chance to sketch him.
They meet again when Jenny moves on to help at Sophie's house with the baking and Elijah is there to paint the boys. He needs to add juvenile portraits to his portfolio to even be considered by the Royal Academy committee. A lot is riding on this appointment too because he made a stubborn youthful promise that he wouldn't return home to his family and his place as the marquis' heir until he had achieved it.
Unfortunately, Elijah struggles with drawing children properly. His technical work is correct, but there's something missing. That is where Lady Jenny is able to help him. She makes him a deal. She'll help him get the children to cooperate and offer her assistance for his children's portrait if he will give her time to draw him and give her critique on her work. They work together day after day and its more than each other's art that they learn to appreciate. Jenny blossoms and the real Jenny shows herself around Elijah, but looming over this new thing between them is Jenny's determination to run off to Paris to be an artist. In the end, Jenny is pushing Elijah to swallow his pride and go home to make amends with his father and his Christmas wish is that she'll choose him over art.
The story jumped right in abruptly for me. He was acting like they had a history together while she was acting polite like they were strangers. Then I eventually discovered that there was a history- a livid one. Jenny's no shy shrinking violet when it comes to something she wants.
After that niggle was worked out, I kept getting brought up short each time Jenny pulled the switch on things. She comes on strong; she backs away. She wants something from Elijah, but then she doesn't. She gets mad about stuff that only a mindreader could have prevented. And through it all, she pulls the 'woe is me my family doesn't get me or my art' card out constantly. She hid behind a facade of gentle, sweet dutiful daughter/sister/aunt and expected everyone to figure her out and accept her and because they couldn't she was stomping off to Paris.
Let's just say I couldn't get behind Jenny or her issues which smacked of selfishness and self-centeredness which is ironic because she's fairly compliant about helping her siblings and playing the dutiful daughter through the whole thing. She even thinks nobody else mourns her two dead brothers like she does which past stories have shown that they all do in their own ways. But then a light bulb came on for me. Jenny. is. the. baby. (I mean no offense to all you last born people in large families who are not like the generalizations drawn about last children.) She sees everyone else moving on, doing their thing-even her parents- not noticing what's going on with her and she's not the type to put herself forward and make them stop in their busy lives and truly see her except with Elijah. There was also the real reason behind her behavior that came later in the book that made a lot of sense. Guilt whether the person is at fault or not will do funny things to their thinking. So to a certain extent, I grudgingly accepted her.
I say grudging because there was another thing she did that bugged me even after my epiphany about understanding her. I didn't like the way she pushed Elijah into those sexual situations when she clearly was planning to go about her business. He's a man full grown and makes up his own mind and all that I get it, but she was pretty much using him and treating him and his feelings with the obliviousness that she accused her family of harboring toward her. She pretty much said 'I want you so gimme'. I understood that he was falling in love with her and wanted it too, but I wish he would have spoke his mind about being used. He was angered by it and kept silent. Respect yourself, bud, and make her respect you too.
While I wasn't on board with a lot of what was going on with Jenny, Elijah's thing was almost as annoying. I get stubborn pride. We've all pulled a 'last man standing' bit over something stupid when our pride was up. But to not go home to your family even during the holidays for a visit for nearly ten years because you and your dad got into it because he challenged you about needing to accomplish something? Not cool! Elijah punished himself, his mother, his siblings and even his equally stubborn father.
These two fit well together with their issues and seeing them reach out to each other sharing both a passion for their art and then for each other made the whole thing worthwhile. Speaking of passion, the two of them had no trouble dropping their clothes and heating up the sheets- gotta love those focused artistic temperaments.
Okay, there was another wonderful thing. I loved seeing all the Windham family appearances. All those delicious men and sassy women from the rest of the series are all doting daddies and mamas who are still deeply in love. The interfering Duke and Duchess even in their autumn years show that they haven't lost their spark either. And, the fact that they all come together for the holidays is just adorable and not even Jenny's frustrated perspective or Elijah's envious one could kill the warm fuzzies for me.
In the end, I'll admit that I wasn't entirely satisfied with the final story of the series. I both enjoyed and got frustrated with this story in turn, but found it worth reading. Lovers of spicy historical romance and fans of the series would probably enjoy it.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.
March 15, 2023
Really refreshing
After so many books about women with dark secrets, Jenny just wants to be wild and free and paint all day. She’s genuinely talented, like many of her siblings, and even while falling in love, she really just needs her own space. Luckily, she finds someone who wants her to have it.
After so many books about women with dark secrets, Jenny just wants to be wild and free and paint all day. She’s genuinely talented, like many of her siblings, and even while falling in love, she really just needs her own space. Luckily, she finds someone who wants her to have it.
January 13, 2019
Loved it, and this whole series was so enjoyable. Just sad to see it come to an end. But will be reading more of this author’s other series soon. Awesome writing and great characters, always.
December 6, 2024
Meh this was okay, but nothing really happened. It was very repetitive and lost my interest at one point. Also, Jenny was obsessed with going to Paris, but then was like ehh nvm lets have babies never mind on the whole art thing. In like a few pages?! What? I just felt like this was a good idea, but not a great execution.
November 15, 2013
A deliciously light, holiday historical romance that is sure to capture your heart! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
Between wanting to further her art and her guilt over the death of her two brothers, Lady Genevieve ‘Jenny’ Windham, a duke’s daughter, decides she needs a respite from her family and what better place than Paris. Moving back and forth between her parents’ home and that of her siblings, she feels as if she is living their lives, instead of her own. But ever since the night she opened her door to a disreputable, soaking wet earl, things have not been the same. She recognized him immediately. In fact, the last time she saw him, the man had been completely unclothed. She had snuck into an art class where he had been modeling for the students. Now she has the rare opportunity of asking the man some questions about his art.
Elijah Harrison left home ten years ago and has not been back. His father’s disdain for his art forced Elijah to threaten not to return until he received a membership into the Royal Academicians. However, Elijah’s father has enemies in the Academy and the chance of Elijah being voted in is nearly nil. Still, he is determined to try and when he hears that the one area in which the academy considers him lacking is that of painting children’s portraits, he sets out to do so. In fact, he had been on his way to Lord Sindal’s home to paint a portrait of his children when the storm waylaid him. Having already traveled to Paris, he is able to answer some of Jenny’s questions about life there. However, his experiences there were not the best and he tries to dissuade her from going.
When Jenny travels to her sister’s home, the last person she expects to see there is Elijah. Soon she is helping him with the children’s portraits as the two learn from each other and things heat up between them. Will the portraits be enough to get Elijah accepted by the Academy? As much as Elijah wants that appointment, there is something else he wants more…Jenny. Will Jenny leave to fulfill her much anticipated dreams, or can he convince her that what she needs is right under her nose?
A deliciously light holiday tale, the eighth and final book in bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ WINDHAM series, is a witty, enticing historical romance. Elijah and Jenny share a love of art as well as their desire for each other, but they seem to be at different points in their lives. Elijah is on his way home and is an established artist, while Jenny is leaving her home and family, ready to start her career. When push comes to shove, will Jenny leave England, her family and Elijah behind, or could she possibly find what she has been looking for by starting a new life with Elijah?
Infusing her story with clever repartee, charismatic characters, understanding, compassion, humor, passion, plot twists, romance, true love and a bit of behind-the-scenes manipulation, Ms. Burrowes has created another winning tale that is sure to capture your heart. To the delight of fans of this series, the other Windhams make appearances throughout this book. As an avid fan, I will miss reading more about this delightful family and hate to see the series end. Still, I look forward to seeing what this phenomenal author comes up with next. In the meantime, be sure to pick up your own copy of LADY JENNY’S CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT, a delectable tale for the holiday and all year long.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Between wanting to further her art and her guilt over the death of her two brothers, Lady Genevieve ‘Jenny’ Windham, a duke’s daughter, decides she needs a respite from her family and what better place than Paris. Moving back and forth between her parents’ home and that of her siblings, she feels as if she is living their lives, instead of her own. But ever since the night she opened her door to a disreputable, soaking wet earl, things have not been the same. She recognized him immediately. In fact, the last time she saw him, the man had been completely unclothed. She had snuck into an art class where he had been modeling for the students. Now she has the rare opportunity of asking the man some questions about his art.
Elijah Harrison left home ten years ago and has not been back. His father’s disdain for his art forced Elijah to threaten not to return until he received a membership into the Royal Academicians. However, Elijah’s father has enemies in the Academy and the chance of Elijah being voted in is nearly nil. Still, he is determined to try and when he hears that the one area in which the academy considers him lacking is that of painting children’s portraits, he sets out to do so. In fact, he had been on his way to Lord Sindal’s home to paint a portrait of his children when the storm waylaid him. Having already traveled to Paris, he is able to answer some of Jenny’s questions about life there. However, his experiences there were not the best and he tries to dissuade her from going.
When Jenny travels to her sister’s home, the last person she expects to see there is Elijah. Soon she is helping him with the children’s portraits as the two learn from each other and things heat up between them. Will the portraits be enough to get Elijah accepted by the Academy? As much as Elijah wants that appointment, there is something else he wants more…Jenny. Will Jenny leave to fulfill her much anticipated dreams, or can he convince her that what she needs is right under her nose?
A deliciously light holiday tale, the eighth and final book in bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ WINDHAM series, is a witty, enticing historical romance. Elijah and Jenny share a love of art as well as their desire for each other, but they seem to be at different points in their lives. Elijah is on his way home and is an established artist, while Jenny is leaving her home and family, ready to start her career. When push comes to shove, will Jenny leave England, her family and Elijah behind, or could she possibly find what she has been looking for by starting a new life with Elijah?
Infusing her story with clever repartee, charismatic characters, understanding, compassion, humor, passion, plot twists, romance, true love and a bit of behind-the-scenes manipulation, Ms. Burrowes has created another winning tale that is sure to capture your heart. To the delight of fans of this series, the other Windhams make appearances throughout this book. As an avid fan, I will miss reading more about this delightful family and hate to see the series end. Still, I look forward to seeing what this phenomenal author comes up with next. In the meantime, be sure to pick up your own copy of LADY JENNY’S CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT, a delectable tale for the holiday and all year long.
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
February 16, 2017
Overall Rating → 4 STARS
Price is Right? →
Love Triangle? →
Cheating? →
Angst Level: High, Medium, Low →
Heat/Language Level: Rated G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17 →
HEA →
Page Turner? → not really. It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t great. I kinda had to push myself to finish this one unfortunately.
Would I recommend? → Maybe. It’s Grace Burrowe’s, which means it was well written and relatively good; this one just wasn’t GREAT IMO. The H and h kinda drove me crazy :/ I wanted to bash their heads together in order to knock some sense into them.
Would I re-read? → Maybe
Would I read more from this author? → YES!
October 11, 2014
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I love Grace Burrowes. I’d shout it from the rooftops if it wouldn’t totally freak her out and I think she’s still a practicing lawyer, so we’ll just leave it at that, shall we?
Her books never cease to amaze me. Recently, I’ve noticed that she’s put a lot of work into creating the world before we truly get to know the characters.
This book truly was like a Christmas present. Anticipation was everything. As you read, Miss Burrowes, unwraps more and more of the story until finally you get to whats inside and go, “HUZZAH!”
Jenny’s character took a while for me to warm up to. It wasn’t because she wasn’t fantastic, she just seemed a little one dimensional, but it had nothing to do with the storyline, only that she wanted to be the type of character that we discovered via her artwork not her dialogue. I appreciated that Jenny and Elijah’s story was communicated through art more than their exchanges, of course in the end we get some lovely exchanges between the two, but I feel that Miss Burrowes brought a very realistic approach to the life of an artist.
Elijah wouldn’t want to give up everything, I don’t care how amazing the woman, his whole life was art and painting. Jenny felt the same way, he understood her in a way that no man had, therefore when she tells him she wants to travel to Paris and paint, he doesn’t simper and cry like a little boy, he encourages her and supports her dream.
As a team, they kind of rocked my world. I love that in the end they both realized that they could live their dreams together, not separate. To say anything more about their story would surely give it away. Just know that this is a typical Burrowes book. Lots of dry humor, lots of laughter, engaging secondary characters, and a very happy ending.
Cheers!
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I love Grace Burrowes. I’d shout it from the rooftops if it wouldn’t totally freak her out and I think she’s still a practicing lawyer, so we’ll just leave it at that, shall we?
Her books never cease to amaze me. Recently, I’ve noticed that she’s put a lot of work into creating the world before we truly get to know the characters.
This book truly was like a Christmas present. Anticipation was everything. As you read, Miss Burrowes, unwraps more and more of the story until finally you get to whats inside and go, “HUZZAH!”
Jenny’s character took a while for me to warm up to. It wasn’t because she wasn’t fantastic, she just seemed a little one dimensional, but it had nothing to do with the storyline, only that she wanted to be the type of character that we discovered via her artwork not her dialogue. I appreciated that Jenny and Elijah’s story was communicated through art more than their exchanges, of course in the end we get some lovely exchanges between the two, but I feel that Miss Burrowes brought a very realistic approach to the life of an artist.
Elijah wouldn’t want to give up everything, I don’t care how amazing the woman, his whole life was art and painting. Jenny felt the same way, he understood her in a way that no man had, therefore when she tells him she wants to travel to Paris and paint, he doesn’t simper and cry like a little boy, he encourages her and supports her dream.
As a team, they kind of rocked my world. I love that in the end they both realized that they could live their dreams together, not separate. To say anything more about their story would surely give it away. Just know that this is a typical Burrowes book. Lots of dry humor, lots of laughter, engaging secondary characters, and a very happy ending.
Cheers!
December 16, 2013
2.5 stars
There's something about Grace Burrowes' writing that always draws me in. Every time I read a book by her, it's like getting a textual hug. The pacing of the prose, even her dialogue, I find instantly soothing. I know lots of people dislike the anachronisms in her writing, but she's the historical romance version of Kristen Ashley to me.
While this lovely quality was found in this book, as expected, I still felt vaguely let down, and I can't quite put my finger on why. I liked everyone well enough; I even teared up on more than one occasion (I love the Windhams, like seeing them happy, and my heart hurts for them when they hurt.) All the characters were eminently reasonable, sweetness abounded, there were no ridiculous plot twists to create conflict where there was none--things that should make me deliriously happy as a reader. After all, sometimes there's nothing more I want than to find a safe, sweet, angst-free read, and this is definitely that. Perhaps too much that? Is that a thing? Because if it is, Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait fits the bill.
Maybe the pacing was too slow. Or maybe it was that the romance was such a slow burn I found it slightly miraculous it took at all, and even then I wasn't entirely sold. Elijah mused on Jenny's passions, but I never found them in evidence. Maybe that's it: In a family of characters, Jenny, in her book, is kinda, well, boring. Elijah's not much more interesting. They're likable enough, sweet even, but ultimately, boring.
All-in-all, I finished the book and felt vaguely dissatisfied. One of my favorite authors, with writing quality on par with expectations, but definitely not my favorite of her books.
There's something about Grace Burrowes' writing that always draws me in. Every time I read a book by her, it's like getting a textual hug. The pacing of the prose, even her dialogue, I find instantly soothing. I know lots of people dislike the anachronisms in her writing, but she's the historical romance version of Kristen Ashley to me.
While this lovely quality was found in this book, as expected, I still felt vaguely let down, and I can't quite put my finger on why. I liked everyone well enough; I even teared up on more than one occasion (I love the Windhams, like seeing them happy, and my heart hurts for them when they hurt.) All the characters were eminently reasonable, sweetness abounded, there were no ridiculous plot twists to create conflict where there was none--things that should make me deliriously happy as a reader. After all, sometimes there's nothing more I want than to find a safe, sweet, angst-free read, and this is definitely that. Perhaps too much that? Is that a thing? Because if it is, Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait fits the bill.
Maybe the pacing was too slow. Or maybe it was that the romance was such a slow burn I found it slightly miraculous it took at all, and even then I wasn't entirely sold. Elijah mused on Jenny's passions, but I never found them in evidence. Maybe that's it: In a family of characters, Jenny, in her book, is kinda, well, boring. Elijah's not much more interesting. They're likable enough, sweet even, but ultimately, boring.
All-in-all, I finished the book and felt vaguely dissatisfied. One of my favorite authors, with writing quality on par with expectations, but definitely not my favorite of her books.
November 16, 2013
2.5 I so love Grace Burrowes' writing, and the warmth of her Windham family is so very inviting. Yet the constant "men are this way" "women are this way" statements, which were simply annoying in the early books featuring the male Windhams, actually impinge on the plot of this book in a way that made me really annoyed. I had high hopes for Jenny's story, given the previous books' depiction of her serious interest in art, and the novel does a good job showing how frustrating it must have been (and still is) to have your talent ignored or belittled just because you were a woman. But Jenny's desire to study abroad, where restrictions on women artists were less heavy than they are in England, gets recast not as a desire to be a better artist, but a desire to exile herself from her family because she feels guilty about her role in the deaths of her two older brothers. And then, the travel abroad issue becomes transformed into a joke, her matchmaking family using reverse psychology by creating more and more elaborate travel plans for her, in order to convince her that she really doesn't want to go abroad at all, but instead wants to stay home and marry the man who loves her but whom she's refused. Of course, he won't demand that she give up her art; she gets to give up her ambitions herself, happy to content herself with displaying her work in the family home rather than working to gain the critical acclaim her painter husband was allowed to do. Realistic for the period, perhaps, but frustrating to read in the 21st century all the same...
October 5, 2013
Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is book #5 in the Duke’s Daughters and book # 8 in the Windham series. There are 8 living Windham children so this is the last book about the family. Don’t despair through there are friends and in laws enough for more stories. In fact the main male in the story, Elijah Harrison, has a whole group of younger brothers and sisters that are ripe for stories.
The romance in Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is about as expected. It has two likeable people who should be made for each other. There are problems of course but they just did not seem to be that serious. In fact I just had a hard time believing what was keeping Jenny from accepting Elijah. Elijah's problems with his family did not seem that earth shaking either. The tension in the story was never that high.
Jenny’s family was working hard to get the two together. Some of their efforts brought a smile to my face. Of course there was an HEA and it was good to see the last Windham married and settled. Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait was a nice addition to the series. It was not the strongest story of the eight, but it was a nice read and a good fit in all the Christmas stories that are coming out right now.
If you are a fan of the series this is a must read. It will stand alone but because it is not the strongest story in the series I recommend you do not start here.
The romance in Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait is about as expected. It has two likeable people who should be made for each other. There are problems of course but they just did not seem to be that serious. In fact I just had a hard time believing what was keeping Jenny from accepting Elijah. Elijah's problems with his family did not seem that earth shaking either. The tension in the story was never that high.
Jenny’s family was working hard to get the two together. Some of their efforts brought a smile to my face. Of course there was an HEA and it was good to see the last Windham married and settled. Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait was a nice addition to the series. It was not the strongest story of the eight, but it was a nice read and a good fit in all the Christmas stories that are coming out right now.
If you are a fan of the series this is a must read. It will stand alone but because it is not the strongest story in the series I recommend you do not start here.
July 11, 2015
I really dig the Windham family and all their scheming ways. I'm a sucker for well-portrayed families, and while Grace Burrowes may not write with the same lighthearted fun-ness that Julia Quinn does, the Windham family is lovable in its own way.
Another aspect I adore of this series is how well the hero and heroine fit together. Each offers something the other needs, whether they realize it or not. Jenny needs someone to recognize her talents and encourage her, and Elijah needs to be pushed back into the bosom of his family.
Elijah is gentle and loving, and a refreshing break from a lot of the typical rakish historical romance heroes. Jenny is much like the rest of her family, strong and stubborn, and like the previous Windham daughters, quite convinced that marriage and children are not for her. A bit repetitive, that, but I only realized it as I was writing this review, so not so much as to be annoying or overly noticeable.
I enjoyed the sexy shenanigans between Jenny and Elijah and nothing's better than starting off the book knowing the heroine has seen the heroine naked already, though not in any sexual context.
Another aspect I adore of this series is how well the hero and heroine fit together. Each offers something the other needs, whether they realize it or not. Jenny needs someone to recognize her talents and encourage her, and Elijah needs to be pushed back into the bosom of his family.
Elijah is gentle and loving, and a refreshing break from a lot of the typical rakish historical romance heroes. Jenny is much like the rest of her family, strong and stubborn, and like the previous Windham daughters, quite convinced that marriage and children are not for her. A bit repetitive, that, but I only realized it as I was writing this review, so not so much as to be annoying or overly noticeable.
I enjoyed the sexy shenanigans between Jenny and Elijah and nothing's better than starting off the book knowing the heroine has seen the heroine naked already, though not in any sexual context.
September 26, 2013
I love Grace Burrowes writing and normally find myself giving her a higher rating than this. However with that being said I was disappointed in this book. One of the reasons may have been that this it the fifth in the series and with so many characters introduced in earlier books it was easy for the reader to get lost since I haven't read the first four books. The second and main reason is that I felt as if she was trying too hard to train the reader on art, shading, lighting and less time in character development. I just didn't get drawn into this story like her previous works nor did I feel the sexual tension she normally displays in her writings. For me the characters lacked the depth she usually displays. Still it was an easy read and a charming story. I plan to go back and read the first four in order and at that time I may come back to revise this review provided the characters of Jenny and Elijah are developed further in previous work to the point that this book made more sense.
November 3, 2016
I'm so sad this series is over that I want to cry! Well, at least the main novels are over....I rejoice that there are novellas for His and Her Graces. I absolutely loved this final book. Which is amazing, because I really didn't care for Jenny throughout much of the story. It was Elijah who won my heart. (Though I did end up liking Jenny once her actually motivations for wanting to go to Paris were revealed.) I cried quite a bit for Elijah. He had such strong feelings for Jenny, and his heart was broken every time she talked about leaving for Paris. Once again, we had all the wonderful characters from previous books making an appearance.
If you're not familiar with Grace Burrowes and her historical romances, give her a try. You will be enchanted and add her to the top of your auto-buy list.
If you're not familiar with Grace Burrowes and her historical romances, give her a try. You will be enchanted and add her to the top of your auto-buy list.
December 15, 2015
I think the best part of this book was the art. I loved seeing the main character believing in herself and in her art! Also, I enjoyed seeing the main character and her love interest show their passion for art. I think the relationship of them both of them being artist and being honest about each other's work was so intimate. However, I picked up this book not knowing it was the last book in the series. I had a very hard time caring for all the other characters in the book. I found it a little lengthy because I didn't have a connection for the other characters and found them bothersome. They just made the it drag out for me and I found myself skimming over them. Yet, I wonder how I felt if I read the first book in the series and got to the final book???
September 19, 2015
This book suffered from more "everyone knows what's best for the person in question" than most of the other books did. It's not that that element was lacking in the others, but this time it was a lot less subtle. And it had my least favorite thing of a person giving up what are their dreams for a man (even if I was supposed to believe that they weren't really the dreams, but a belief that they deserved to be exiled, which--no). But on the whole, I really did like the pairing and the series itself was excellent.
July 28, 2013
Lady Jenny's Christmas portrait is part of a Christmas-themed family based series. I liked the plot and found the burgeoning romance highly enjoyable. I have moved on to others in the series and anticipate night of great reading ahead.
August 2, 2013
I couldn't put this book down! What great characters. Both with a love for art, but just shy of greatness due to their circumstances- family, society, sex- each element makes them stronger and helps their talent blossom. Burrowes novels just keep getting better and better!
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