Hannah Hadley is a permanent fixture in London Society and well on her way to becoming a spinster. Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah has accepted the harsh reality of her she will never marry. Continually affected by an illness from her youth, Hannah acknowledges her chances of entertaining potential suitors, at least respectable ones, is slim. To members of the ton, Jonathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable. Though he is in possession of a massive fortune and is handsome as well, there remains an insurmountable black mark against his is new money. Even so, he’s caught off guard when his enchanting neighbor, Miss Hadley, flatly rejects his offer to dance. Despite their rocky introduction, however, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But when circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association comes to an abrupt end. Now, Jonathan must find a way to rescue the woman he just might love or risk losing her forever.
Rachel Kelley Stones grew up on a farm in Kentucky, and an infamous summer of no television solidified her love for the written word. Traveling to eras past became a favorite pastime and inspired her to pursue a degree in English from Brigham Young University. Fast-forward a decade (or more), and she finally put pen to paper to write her own romantic, historical tales. She now lives with her family in Idaho.
I found this book very hard to put down as the story moved along. This is an unusual Regency, in my opinion, as it is heavier than most that I have read, although it does have some of the frivolity mixed in with the plot and characters of the ton. We see the story from the viewpoint of Hannah and Jonathan. She is a young blind woman of much beauty, who lost her sight after having measles as a teenager. She and Jonathan Carter meet in a crowded ballroom, a very awkward meeting as he didn't realize that she couldn't see. His family has purchased the estate next to her family's and they do become friendly over time. What was so disturbing about this story and made me so angry was how she was treated because of her blindness, not just by others in the ton but her family. I pulled for Hannah throughout the story as she was able to overcome so many obstacles and found it interesting how she used her other senses to gather an idea of the scenes. Jonathan is not really accepted by the ton because of his family's new money that they made in the West Indies. I enjoyed this debut book and look forward to more by the author. The title is very appropriate for the book. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review, and these are my thoughts.
One thing I become just giddy to see especially well done is a simple character-driven storyline romance that manages to completely keep one’s interest through everyday settings of ballrooms, house parties and garden games. Solid characterization, very organic progression of an unexpectedly complementary couple that truly sees each other (“See” what I did there?), and this certainly is that.
I love me a class difference with a self-made hero, and dear Jonathan is such a brooding natural protector. Leaving behind his business and life in the West Indies to establish his widowed mother and younger sister among England society and its views of his family’s “new money”. Enter our disabled heroine, just lovely, long-suffering, kind, brave Hannah, so perceptive and competent. We start off with a bad impression/misunderstanding wrong foot meeting (which I lurv). This book had me thinking I could read a romance where it’s just the hero stepping in it with his big mouth, calling himself an uninmitigated idiot and then genuinely apologizing over and over again. That’s not the proportion here, but enough to remind me how much I love it. And it perfectly placed Mr. Unmitigated Idiot hopelessly prostrate to be her champion when it most counted. Ugh, so good!
Hi, hi, hi, this is a Regency romance with First Person DUAL POV. Yes, I am Team 3rd Person POV Historicals, but, once you settle in, being in their heads and especially all the paintbrush strokes of the sensory elements worked so well here. Seeing how her disability is viewed as a societal curse and those who should most care for her become villains was hard, and yet worked to make Hannah’s resilience and Jonathan’s devotion the more sweet.
The short epilogue was perfection and just as it should be. Definitely will read more from this author. I would not mind Lord Markham’s and the vicar’s daughter journey to HEA, but above all gimme playful Lord Deveraux’s love-addled come-uppance, he needs to fall hard.
This was a debut author Netgalley gamble which majorly paid off! So thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Content notes: brief kissing only, toxic family members, brief mentions of parent loss grief.
Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah Hadley is well on her way to becoming a spinster and, she has accepted her harsh reality: she will never marry. She is continually affected by an illness from her youth.
Hannah is blind and tries as she might, is still not accepted readily by the ton when she first meets Jonathan Carter. He is careless with his words towards her, and he apologizes, but when he sees her for the second time, he again oversteps his bounds with her again but despite this negligence, he knows he needs to apologize. Hannah is brave, intelligent, and caring despite not physically seeing, she still strives to be a productive individual in society even though most don’t know how to handle her. She has a few friends who love and support her wholeheartedly.
I enjoyed Love Unseen very much, I liked the alternating POVs of Hannah and Jonathan. I love that Jonathan fought for Hannah even though she was capable of fighting for herself. He called on her brother(and those who considered Hannah their neighbor and friend) who wasn’t being the guardian that their father would’ve expected. Love Unseen shows what love can be when it is seen. Highly recommended!
My gratitude to Netgalley and Covenant Communications. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.
What an amazing debut from Rachel Kelley Stones! It’s rare to find a debut novel that’s so close to perfection, and Love Unseen is it. From the beginning, I was drawn into Hannah’s world where she carefully navigates her way after losing her sight. I loved her strength, depth, and full humanity on display. She’s not only loving and kind, but wields a sharp tongue when called for. Though she’s given up on finding a suitable match, this all changes when a handsome new neighbor purchases a nearby estate. Though their first meeting is disastrous by all accounts, their subsequent relationship is one to rival North and South’s Mr. Thornton and Margaret Hale.
Jonathan Carter has just arrived with his mother and sister from the West Indies. With his “new money” he’s able to purchase a sizable estate, but being accepted by the ton is another matter. With a huge chip on his shoulder, his first meeting with his new neighbor Miss Hannah Hadley is not his finest moment. As he stumbles his way through several apologies, he begins to recognize the amazing woman Hannah is. His respect and admiration grows as he sees all she’s capable of doing despite her disability. Just when Jon and Hannah might find happiness, Hannah’s life is upended by a cruel parent who should be the one championing her.
I loved this book. I loved the way the author helped us experience what Hannah observes through her other four senses. From the taste of foods to the smell of sea air, I loved the visceral descriptions of Hannah’s world.
I felt so many different emotions while reading. I was angry at the blindness of others, Hannah’s cruel and oblivious relatives, and the prejudices of an ignorant society. I was heartened by Hannah’s courage, and indomitable spirit. Though she’s been dealt several blows in life, I loved her resilience.
I loved Jonathan and the growth he undergoes. He goes from gruff, aloof, and disgruntled to caring, compassionate, and fiercely protective. I loved the thoughtful gestures and gifts he gives to Hannah. I also love the way he humbly apologizes when he’s wrong and makes sure Hannah knows his feelings.
Also loved many of the side characters including Hannah’s aunt, Jon’s sister and mother, Sarah, and Lord Deveraux. Lord Deveraux is an especially intriguing character. I’d love to see what happens next for him and many of these characters.
This is definitely a must read! It’s a poignant, romantic story with fabulous characters, a compelling, unique plot, and villains you love to hate. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Oh my gosh, I thought this was so good! If this was a debut novel then wow! I hope she writes another one soon. The writing made me care and I loved and hated characters which in my opinion makes a great story. Jonathan was probably my favorite character because I saw all of him, his turmoil and honesty. Hannah was everything I love in a heroine. These two never gave up despite their struggles. The author wrote a wonderful story and I highly recommend it. Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.
I love, love, love this story! Such a perfect title and lovely characters! I was completely drawn into the story from the very beginning. Hannah was such a gentle character but through her gentleness (gentility) I loved seeing her strength. She was wonderful to watch. Especially when her strength and courage and goodness was called on again and again. Seriously, I was drawn to her throughout the story. I was in tears for her in some moments, my heart aching and wishing for Hannah to find her happiness and joy.
Then there was Johnathan. He was striving to be a good son and carry on his father’s legacy, take care of his sister and navigate the mean biddies of society, all while trying to protect his heart. I was just as drawn to his character as I was to her. I loved watching the development of their relationship. Especially from that first interaction. Talk about some misperceptions. And from there, the interest is piqued and the desire to fix and mend and keep moving forward is in full swing!
There are a couple characters that you’re going to be mad at. One really mad at and the other might be only a little mad at. I’ll let you decide! I loved this one and I’m so glad I picked it up. Rachel Kelley Stones is a debut author with this book and I have to say that I’m really looking forward to seeing what she has to offer next.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. Some mild moments of peril.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I have you on my radar now Rachel! This book was beautiful! It had all of the elements that make up a really good book; love, laughter, witty banter, sadness, hope, a villain (If you have read it you know who I am referring to) and wonderful resolution to a HEA.
I absolutely LOVED Hannahs character. All that she went through in her life and she was as kind and humble as they come. Her tenderness and mercy, and forgiveness towards those who had wronged her were something that touched me. IF we could only all be that way.
Jonathan was an idiot, in the beginning. I wanted to slap him for the things he said, but he made up for it time and time again. Hi love for his family was a beautiful things and I loved his sister (and hope that she gets her own book in the future, wink wink).
Another of my favorite characters was Lord Deveraux! You will see why when you read the book, he is just the BEST! He is another character I hope who gets their own book with a HEA!
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.❤️❤️❤️
A very sweet debut.♡ The only thing I would add/change would be a few more romantic scenes between Hannah and Jonathan... Even if it was just one more chapter. I remember thinking how I wished there had been another scene while they were at the seaside or towards the very end after they got engaged. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and look forward to more from this author!
I am so impressed with new author Rachel Stone. Love Unseen was simply a captivating experience from the first chapter to the last. The characters are developed well and the story is driven by real issues and feelings.
The main characters Hannah and Jonathan have a rocky start when they first get to know one another. In fact, Jonathan comes across as very rude to Hannah. I absolutely adored the way that things developed between them eventually. Slow burn for the win here. Hannah is blind and dealing with a mean and vicious mother. The "mother" is so well written I disliked her from the start. You do eventually find out why she behaves this way though I had no empathy for her. Hannah has learned to live with her blindness but it's others in society that don't know how to treat Hannah with kindness and respect. Thank goodness for a few cherished friends that loved and supported her.
Jonathan's family has come from "new money" and is not looked at kindly by well-established old societal families. This does not stop him and his mother and sister from trying to make a name for themselves after living in the West Indies. Once Jonathan meets Hannah his life changes in ways he never expected. With family drama abounding, it makes for interesting situations and people with nefarious purposes that raise your ire. This clean romance written in first person is not your typical Regency Romance. There's so much more to it, as Hannah's disability is highlighted and how that changed so much of the regular view you see of upper English society in this time period.
I was happy with the way things turned out and the epilogue brought some tears to my eyes. It was all very sweet. If you are looking for something other than the norm, you must give Love Unseen a chance.
Better than I expected for a first book, but I do agree with other reviewers about the language being a bit too modern in some parts. I'm sure it could be edited to reflect a more appropriate language to the time period.
Hannah's disability has put her on the shelf despite her age and she's content with her life until she overhears a conversation in her own home. This is only the beginning of her troubles.
Jonathan comes from new money which is not accepted well in the ton. After an almost disastrous meet-cute between him and Hannah, he apologizes and they become friends.
The villain is truly villainous and keeps at it several times, and I'm glad Hannah and Jonathan show their happy ending.
It kept me reading until the end, hence the rating.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Rachel Kelley Stones' novel Love Unseen is a delightful Regency romance that exudes sweetness, charm, and captivation.
The book showcases a heartwarming and delicate love story between two distinct characters who complement each other perfectly. In the beginning, Hannah and Jonathan had a rocky start due to some misunderstandings and harsh words exchanged. However, this built up some suspense and added to the overall tension. Despite her challenging circumstances, Hannah remained optimistic and appreciative toward others, and her kindness and intellect captivated Jonathan. While the hero wasn't my cup of tea, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique story.
Despite the presence of Hannah's toxic family members including her abusive mother, spineless brother, and self-centered sister, the novel maintains a light-hearted tone throughout.
Although the book had some excellent points, it had some flaws. The romance between the main characters wasn't very well-developed and there was too much focus on the protagonist's horrible family instead of the love story. Perhaps more scenes depicting Hannah and Jonathan's interactions as a couple would have made for a more engaging read. I noticed that the transitions between scenes were abrupt, causing a lack of flow and making things a bit confusing. Additionally, there seemed to be a noticeable absence of descriptive surroundings. Overall was a good read, perfect for your Summer reading.
How does it feel to finish a book and stare at a wall completely at loss of words? Well... now I know. Love Unseen was the first book with the main character having this sort of disability. And, to be honest, I am amazed by how well the author expressed Hannah's point of view. It gave me a whole new perspective about the way we see the world. Books like this often make me see how blessed we are without even realising.
The book has Cinderella vibes, which I adore. Jonathan and Hannah have a cute first meet, and since then I knew I was going to love their relationship. As a romanian author once said, this book is a beautiful 'harmony of contrasts'.
I can't wait for another Rachel Kelley Stones masterpiece because this is what Love Unseen is.
* I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*
I'm always excited going into a debut author's book. This book left me completely amazed at how well this author captured a romance quite like this! It is one of a kind and a book that I'm so glad was written!
Based on the book synopsis I hesitate to give too much away because discovering it as a first time really really was quite stunning. I loved that this author gave representation to a character that wouldn't have been the diamond of society.
I loved the meet cute! Like, really loved it. Misunderstandings are so much fun in books.
I loved the heart of our hero in this book. Jonathan has a heart of gold. A little character growth went a long way with him-and it was written so well. He's one of the good guys, friends! I loved his family. I loved the bond that they had. It was a startling contrast to Hannah's family. Hannah is the perfect match for Jonathan and their relationship was one that I couldn't put down and had to know how it ended.
I loved the little bit of suspense this book added. I was definitely holding my breath as it all played out and did not see it coming!
Overall this was a stunning debut and I am excited to see what Rachel writes next!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content/Triggers: feels of being a burden, disability representation, strong female character, mild suspense, kidnapping, kisses and a beautiful love story!
I have never encountered a book with a main character that is blind, and I am sad I haven't before. This was such a great insight into understanding what someone with that kind of disability at that time would have to encounter. Not only in the world and its inaccessibility, but the society around them and their "standards".
The two main characters are not small and timid. Both have fire when poked and prodded. But they also are champions of those they care for. They both use their best efforts to make others happy and feel cared for and loved. The plot had so many twists and turns without feeling fabricated. It felt natural, but then unexpected.
Near the end of the book a sense urgency takes over and you will not want to close the pages of the book, turn your kindle off, or pause the recording, let alone close your eyes. You will be eager and yearning to devour every sentence until that HEA. Because that HEA is a given with a romance, if you didn't already know that. ;)
Enjoy a beautiful book by Rachel Kelley Stones. Can't wait to look for more of her titles in the future.
This cinderella-esque story features a heroine with a disability. (Can't tell you yet, it will ruin the first chapter!)
The author takes you into Hannah's world: the struggles she faces being among crowds and unfamiliar places, the disdain of her family, and the humility of a new friend who makes his own blunders along the way - both extending grace and forgiveness. The character of her father, though he's passed away, is a hero himself for how he fought for and cared for her.
Jonathon is a man trying to navigate home again in England after spending many years abroad in business. Not well-received back into his homeland, shunned by society as undeserving of his new title, he's preoccupied with finding his place, which leads to his blunders with Hannah.
This story raises all the feels as you gaze into the character's lives, their values and hardships. If you enjoy regency romances, this will not disappoint!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
*An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 stars.
Enjoyed this one. I'm glad we had dual POV; Jonathan's perspective was definitely needed to round out the story. There could have been a little more spark in the romance and I wouldn't have complained, but I liked our couple and their rocky start, Jonathan's penchant for putting his foot in his mouth, the slow burn romance; as well as the emphasis on family and familial love (and the highlight on the opposite of that). It told its story with more realism and drama than most of the genre and it did it pretty well.
Good choices were made there.
I especially liked Jonathan and Isabella's sibling relationship – it was wonderful and sweet and I loved Bella teasing and pushing Hannah and Jonathan together.
@rachelkelleystones_author no way this was your debut novel?!?! If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see where your writing journey takes you! This book was amazing!
The expertly written prose, terrific execution of the ever evolving plot, and a romance that was almost “not to be” had me glued to the pages and kept on the edge of my seat. The empathy, anticipation, and angst I felt was intense and constant. And I must say, I don’t know if I have ever despised a character as much as I did Mrs. Hadley, that woman infuriated me to the “n”th degree. You elicited such strong emotion from me on that account. Bravo!
I admired Hannah’s strength and ability to overcome her disability and disappointments. She was brave and determined, kind and compassionate.
I appreciated Jonathan with his courage to admit his wrongs and his efforts to atone for them. His olive branch offering was one of the most wonderful and thoughtful things ever.
Outstanding debut! This is a clean romance with a disability rep. Lots of twist and turns, horrid family relations, and sweet, comforting friends. A must read in my book! From one KY girl to another…congratulations, Rachel!
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book! I really liked the way the author navigated the first few chapters. It made the reveal that much more meaningful and helped us to see things from Jonathan’s point of view. This was a unique premise with Hannah having a disability you don’t see as the main subject of many novels, especially in the Regency era.
I thought the author did a good job in her portrayal of Hannah and her disability. My daughter suffers from the same disability and I thought she captured the experience pretty well. Hannah was a wonderful character and it was nice that Jonathan could see past her disability and into her heart.
The villain in the story, oh my! It’s hard to imagine someone so awful. I would have liked to have seen her get a little more comeuppance than she did, but Hannah handled things with so much grace at the end. It would have been nice to see a stronger motivating advantage for the villain’s plan though, like money, prestige or something more than just distance and being rid of her. The reasons given just seemed a little weak in my opinion. But it didn’t affect my ability to enjoy the story at all.
This was a wonderful story that kept my attention the whole way through. The author showed great insight and I liked her writing style. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Като знам колко исках да прочета тази книга, в края й съм наистина разочарована! Още в началото ме стресна първото лице, от което се води ��азказа. Особено при историческа книга. Хубав сюжет. Но ми липсваше задълбоченост на стила. Онова, което се заби в съзнанието ми, беше мисълта : Колко наистина ужасни хора има на тази земя! А кошмарът се засилва от факта, че сред цялата тази менажерия има родители, които делят децата си на по - любими и пренебрегват другите. Родители, които смятат, че едно дете е пречка за пълноценния им живот. И наказанието за това нежелано дете е омразата, злепоставянето и емоционалното и дори физическо малтретиране. Такива хора, рано или късно получават заслуженото. Предвид факта, че остаряват и сами стават зависими. Но дотогава е добре да бъдат следени внимателно и да бъдат възпирани болните им емоционални изблици. Ех, ако беше толкова лесно да се контролира злото!
2.5⭐️ Hannah has a condition that spells spinsterhood. Jonathan comes from new money where he is barely tolerated in her social circles. After a few brief meetings fraught with misunderstandings, the two build a tenuous relationship that day by day becomes stronger. However, could outside forces tear them apart?
When I saw the beautiful cover and the reviews I was salivating to get my hands on this book, but did I read the same one everyone was raving about? Alas, I seem to be on a different wavelength. Bless the author and the reviewers who loved Unseen Love. It wasn't for me.
Have you ever been to a party with people you never met, and after thirty minutes, you're sure you have no interest in knowing them better? That's how I felt about the major characters. Jonathan was prickly. His fallback position with acquaintances was haughtiness or attack mode. Hannah was a weeper. Big Time. I lose patience when heroines cry four to six times. How about thirty? Every time there was another errant tear, my eyes almost rolled out of my head. As for their romance, it moved in stages from Jonathan's blatant hostility, guilt, neutrality, friendship and wait, what? Love? How did that happen? I need the pretty. Where were the romantic words and sentiments?
Then, there were some wonky family members. I won't get into details so as not to spoil anything, but their behavior didn't stem from organic origins. They could run the gamut from nice to mean and back again, or cruise along the mean highway then plunge off a cliff of pure hatred. I was hoping for a reveal to explain it. Had even devised my own theory, but nope. I guess the author was reaching for high drama which didn't work for me.
My thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
I feel fairly certain it's safe to say that most humans just want to be truly seen for just who they are.
Hannah has a disability that she handles with grace. Although it's hard for her in many aspects, she has such a positive attitude and makes the best of her situation, despite having such vile relations. She tries to live as normally as possible, but some things prove too difficult and after the rockiest of first meets ever with her unsuitable neighbor, Jonathan, life takes some surprising twists and turns.
I really admired Hannah's character and wanted only the best for her. I really enjoyed watching Jonathan grow and overcome first impressions and misconceptions, especially as he navigates the ton. Stones does such a great job of creating such tender and sweet situations, while infusing some drama and slightly perilous circumstances. The gentle romance was very heartwarming and I was hoping for a happy ever after. This is a great debut that incorporates some valuable messages.
I'm looking forward to more books by Ms. Stones!
Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I am so glad I found this book! Wow. Rachel Kelley Stones has written a beautiful and sweet debut novel that read like a hot latte on a cold snowy day. Cozy and warming.
I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that Hannah's illness was so well written. I felt like I was inside her head and really able to understand her and the battle raging within.
The character development throughout the book, hero and heroine, their family and friends... It all built so beautifully.
I cannot wait to read another book by Rachel Kelley Stones and will be adding her to my list of authors to watch for! 🤩
I genuinely adore regency romance books, but this had something missing. The characters weren't well formed, and Hannah was very self-pitying; the mother and the sister were horrible people, and I don't understand how the brother, as the head of the family, would never help and support her.
The romance wasn't really there: Jonathan went from truly mean and cruel to a lovesick puppy in a span of a few pages, and in the end, we spent more time with her awful family than with the two main characters and their supposed love story. However, I finished it, so that's an accomplishment for the book.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars This was quite a sweet book to read. Hannah has a disability that makes her life quite different from others. Hannah and Jonathan’s first meeting doesn’t begin as pleasant, but slowly they become friends. It was nice to see her neighbors/ friends concerned and looking out for her ( did not like some of the family members though). I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes regency romances. This book was clean with some kisses.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
A love story impeded by more than a few difficulties. Hannah Hadley is the oldest daughter of a loving father and a not so supportive mother. She’s intelligent and used to listening to her father, engaging in discussion with him on a wide variety of topics. Hannah contacted measles when young, which left her blind. When Hannah’s father died, her closest supporter and advocate was gone. What’s left is a life squashed and reduced more frequently by her relentless harridan of a mother, whose actions of vitriol make no sense, and a sister who puts her down constantly. Think of someone like Cinderella’s mean stepmother and self-centered and careless sister. Her brother James loves Hannah but can’t stand up to his mother. James avoids family difficulties. When he’s overwhelmed he leaves Hannah to fend for herself. Hannah is confronted by the misunderstood actions on the part of Mr. Jonathan Carter who has bought the neighboring property, intending to make a home for his mother and sister. Jonathan’s father made the family fortune in trade in the West Indies. The family is wealthy and Jonathan had continued with the family business until their return to England. A tortuous relationship fleetingly shines between Hannah and Jonathan but their road to happiness is never sure, and is stymied not only by Hannah’s mother’s actions, but sometimes her own. I enjoyed the changing perspective from Hannah’s to Jonathan’s, as each gave their view on the situations they confronted. A pleasing romance an interesting plot.
A Covenant Communications ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks to the author and publisher. (Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
What an amazing debut novel! I loved Hannah and Jonathan. Both of them had strikes against them as far as Society goes. You'd think someone being a wealthy self-made man would be looked up to not down upon, but how old your money is seemed to worth more than how hard you worked to get it. Meanwhile, Hannah has her own struggles with those in Society who look upon her as less than because of her illness.
When these two meet there are a couple of misunderstandings but once that's cleared up I loved their friendship. In fact, I loved Jonathan's family. On the other hand, Hannah's family left much to be desired. Let's just say Hannah wasn't the only one in her family who suffered from blindness. Her family, who should have helped and supported her were blind to what she had to offer.
I had so many emotions while reading this book--sadness for the way Hannah was treated and Society not seeing what a wonderful woman she was, anger at her family for not protecting her and being a source of pain, and happiness when she finally found happiness and a family that loved and appreciated her.
I loved many of the side characters: Hannah’s aunt, Jonathan’s sister and mother, Sarah, and Lord Deveraux. I’d love to see what happens for many of these characters. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
The main characters in this debut novel are likable, and I found the premise interesting enough: a blind girl navigates Regency society and tries to figure out how her own expectations should measure up to the traditional marriage-and-family route plotted out for her contemporaries. There were, however, a couple of things that didn't work for me. The first was the narration. Occasionally first-person narration can be done really well, but if it reads like the person is always looking in a mirror to describe their own facial expressions, I find it unnatural. Tell me how you feel--but don't tell me what can be seen on your face, because you're not the third-party observer. It takes me out of the flow of the story. In this book, there was not just one first-person narrator, but two, and it wasn't my favorite thing. Also, the conflict in the story stemmed from a rather melodramatic, just-plain-mean "villain" with under-done motivation, and so a number of plot points felt quite contrived. Your mileage may vary! If you never mind first-person narration or outright villains who are just there to hold a spot in the conflict, you might enjoy this tale.
Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for this digital review copy!
I really enjoyed this story! The main character Hannah, is blind. This is the first story I’ve read with a blind main character. She is also beautiful, kind, and strong. Her mother treats her horribly but she is a strong character. Hannah is kind of a “Cinderella” type character. I loved how she told stories to the children and is willing to do anything for them. Jonathan is new to society. Jonathan and Hannah get off to a bumpy start through misunderstanding and some rude comments but forgiveness is given and then their friendship begins. Jonathan is very considerate with Hannah’s blindness. I really liked their relationship. Very sweet! I also liked Jonathan’s relationships with his sister and mother. Overall a great story and clean! Definitely recommend!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
What I enjoyed about this story was the ablitly for the author to envoke empathy and emotion within the pages. It was a moving romance and story. I liked the strength of character the h had. I haven't read a story with this particular disability. I thought that was handled well and authentically. The story offered a general feel of the era. I think there were some light anachronisms in speech. This isn't written in the style of Georgette Heyer, fyi. We still get the feel and sense of the time. I thought there was a nice flow and some exciting moments. I'd say an overall good read. A read for something lighter with heart and good writing. *thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. Opinions are 100% my own*