What do you think?
Rate this book
Falling for Frederick
Her second day doing doctoral research in the basement archives of Siddley Hall, England's grandest Tudor home, American Antonia Townley stumbles upon the hall's curator with a knife plunged into his chest. Police suspect Antonia of being the killer because of two insignificant—to her—reasons: The first is the pesky matter of her fingerprints on the murder weapon. The second is the unfortunate email she had sent to her sister saying she would kill for the curator's job.
Her second day doing doctoral research in the basement archives of Siddley Hall, England's grandest Tudor home, American Antonia Townley stumbles upon the hall's curator with a knife plunged into his chest. Police suspect Antonia of being the killer because of two insignificant—to her—reasons: The first is the pesky matter of her fingerprints on the murder weapon. The second is the unfortunate email she had sent to her sister saying she would kill for the curator's job.
Handsome bachelor Frederick Percy, Lord Rockford of Siddley Hall, learns that the curator was on the trail of the Percy family monstrance, the most valuable monstrance in England before Henry VIII's dissolution. Frederick becomes convinced that the curator's death is tied to the priceless artifact, and he must find it before the killer does to free Antonia from suspicion of murder. More importantly, Frederick vows to protect the beautiful scholar against the menacing forces after her.
But as Frederick and Antonia crisscross England seeking information on the Percy Monstrance, it becomes clear that someone is stalking her every move. Could Frederick, the man Antonia has fallen in love with, be the very person who is out to destroy her?
Her second day doing doctoral research in the basement archives of Siddley Hall, England's grandest Tudor home, American Antonia Townley stumbles upon the hall's curator with a knife plunged into his chest. Police suspect Antonia of being the killer because of two insignificant—to her—reasons: The first is the pesky matter of her fingerprints on the murder weapon. The second is the unfortunate email she had sent to her sister saying she would kill for the curator's job.
Handsome bachelor Frederick Percy, Lord Rockford of Siddley Hall, learns that the curator was on the trail of the Percy family monstrance, the most valuable monstrance in England before Henry VIII's dissolution. Frederick becomes convinced that the curator's death is tied to the priceless artifact, and he must find it before the killer does to free Antonia from suspicion of murder. More importantly, Frederick vows to protect the beautiful scholar against the menacing forces after her.
But as Frederick and Antonia crisscross England seeking information on the Percy Monstrance, it becomes clear that someone is stalking her every move. Could Frederick, the man Antonia has fallen in love with, be the very person who is out to destroy her?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2013
61 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
78 books1,665 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 5, 2013
First off, I have to say that I would rather have read this story all the way through without stopping in between episodes. But having said that much, I can tell you that I really liked this story. There was a very proper British romance, a murder, mayhem and mystery. And me being a history buff, I really liked the scavenger hunt aspect for an historical artifact. I was able to peek into a different side of English history (old manor homes) that I hadn't read about before. Very interesting. I would recommend this story highly to readers.
December 1, 2014
Episode 1 - I don't normally read contemporary romance or fiction but I really have enjoyed the books I've read by Cherly Bolen. I also love Kindle Serials. Episode 1 didn't disappoint either. It was a promising start! (1-10-13)
October 2, 2022
The timeline of this book went too fast for me to be realistic. Not enough buildup. Who meets an English Lord for the first time midday and has them drive them to London to find their ransacked apartment that evening and then basically moves into the mansion that same night? The main character has a somewhat strange, creepy obsession with the Lord’s family relationships and status. The relationship with the doctoral advisor was weird. I thought the ending tracked, however, and was weaved into the plot quite well instead of hastily tacked on to the end of the book. Setting aside any grasp on reality as far as the timeline and relationship development, it was a pretty good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2018
Antonia Townley, Oxford doctoral student discovers the body of Siddley Hall's librarian, Ellerton. When she pulls out the killing weapon she obviously becomes the main suspect. But had Ellerton discovered the location of the missing monstrance.
Didn't really care much for the main characters in the story which is a problem for me, and would have preferred more of a mystery than a romance mystery story
Didn't really care much for the main characters in the story which is a problem for me, and would have preferred more of a mystery than a romance mystery story
July 3, 2018
Well, it started OK....
But it really didn't go anywhere. Ms Bolen hinted at chemistry but Frederick was borderline cheating and when an opportunity arose to break it off with the other woman he didn't. That's when I put the book down. The mystery was slow moving with much unnecessary musings. She is a know it all and he is bland, uncommitted and weak. Glad that some have liked it but I really couldn't finish it.
But it really didn't go anywhere. Ms Bolen hinted at chemistry but Frederick was borderline cheating and when an opportunity arose to break it off with the other woman he didn't. That's when I put the book down. The mystery was slow moving with much unnecessary musings. She is a know it all and he is bland, uncommitted and weak. Glad that some have liked it but I really couldn't finish it.
May 5, 2018
Falling for Frederick
I really enjoyed this modern mystery. Antonia was a wonderful heroine who prooved that beauty and brains could go together. Lord Rockford was a great hero. This book was great fun to read
I really enjoyed this modern mystery. Antonia was a wonderful heroine who prooved that beauty and brains could go together. Lord Rockford was a great hero. This book was great fun to read
August 10, 2018
Reviewed
I really enjoyed reading this book, it kept me guessing throughout the book who it could be. However I was not at all happy with the ending of the book. I felt like it just left you hanging.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it kept me guessing throughout the book who it could be. However I was not at all happy with the ending of the book. I felt like it just left you hanging.
June 17, 2019
Fun mystery with snark and romance thrown in.
Interesting characters getting into complex historical plots and research. Part of the fun was watching the American and her reactions to the Brits and their behaviors!
Interesting characters getting into complex historical plots and research. Part of the fun was watching the American and her reactions to the Brits and their behaviors!
June 18, 2018
Compelling
The tor!e does not give you a clue as to what is inside of the book. Very well written. I also enjoyed the glimpses of English history.
The tor!e does not give you a clue as to what is inside of the book. Very well written. I also enjoyed the glimpses of English history.
February 15, 2019
Hokey dialogue and I never really bonded with any characters. Could have been a good story otherwise
March 2, 2020
Easy read. Some grammatical and spelling errors. Overall a really good book.
January 20, 2014
Normally I am more into the bad boy romances, but thought I would try something different. To my surprise I really like this book. It is extremely well written. The right amount of detail, for being written in the English dialect it is easy to understand and I was constantly guessing throughout the story. One minute I said it was one person while a few pages later I thought someone else. So then why the 3 stars. I had planned to give it 4 stars, all until the last chapter. It left many unanswered questions, to things that were key stories in the plot as well as emphasized in detail throughout the story.
There were 3 key stories. The first is who murdered the curator at Siddley and why. The second is the search for the Percey monstrance and the third is the budding relationship between Antonia and Frederick. Only one of these had a real conclusion to it. The other two left you hanging with what happened. One can't even assume as nothing is even mentioned to what the possibility could even be.
Now for the breakdown ****spoiler****
As you approach the ending you find out who the killer is and why. AS they always say go with your first guess. I assumed Allistar was part of it because his office was never ransacked. Dumb or not, he could have had something on his computer providing information to the montrance's location. He could have transcribed notes, emailed something for the curator - anything. But I believed Antonia when she said he was not all there and he became less of a suspect.
With that being said that leaves what 2 stories went unfinished. Let's start with the monstrance. Simon, Antonia and Frederick find it in the tomb, and Frederick mentions he will see if he can split the royalties of it. Do they? Does he get money? Does he get his dream cottage back? Is it in a museum or does the owner of the estate lay full claim to it since it is on his property. We spend so much time looking for this important piece to history what happens to it? I get you can't go into how it affects history but for all we know the house owner could keep it and hide it never letting the world know. Also, with this being found does it affect Antonia? You can't tell me she gets her school paper done, good riddens and she is back to California on the next plane. You get no answers.
Next is the relationship between Frederick and Antonia. The ending is just as it is throughout the entire book. The two not admitting their feelings, just guessing what the others comments and actions mean. Does something become of them? Do they date? Have any future? After all Frederick makes a comment to Brat that when the time comes to get married she is on the top of his list just like he is on the top of hers. Alright I get neither Fredrick nor Antonia are ready for marriage but do they pursue their feelings? At the beginning of the book Frederick said he would love to offer the curator job to Antonia but it was not the right time because it would draw suspicion to her. Does he? Even that would be a step in some direction as it would give Antonia a reason to stay, so you know that at some point they must do something about it. But nothing. So they kiss again. They kissed before and didn't know what to make of it. I just wanted something especially when the author put so much time and effort into these two characters feelings for one another.
Just my opinion, but if you spend so much time writing details, and important details at that, it doesn't just add fluff it add and supports a story. We all enjoy a book for a different reason. Some are drawn to the romance, others the mystery, or the history.. whatever it may be. To conclude only one leaves others disappointed. I always take reviews with a grain of salt as we each have our own opinions and preferences, but when I see stories are not concluded with no more of the series to follow that is a key discouragement in reading this book. After looking at some of the reviews by others who have read this author, she tends to do this. The good news is a found another style of book I like, but if this is how the author traditionally ends her books I'll look to an author who does, so I am not disappointed.
There were 3 key stories. The first is who murdered the curator at Siddley and why. The second is the search for the Percey monstrance and the third is the budding relationship between Antonia and Frederick. Only one of these had a real conclusion to it. The other two left you hanging with what happened. One can't even assume as nothing is even mentioned to what the possibility could even be.
Now for the breakdown ****spoiler****
As you approach the ending you find out who the killer is and why. AS they always say go with your first guess. I assumed Allistar was part of it because his office was never ransacked. Dumb or not, he could have had something on his computer providing information to the montrance's location. He could have transcribed notes, emailed something for the curator - anything. But I believed Antonia when she said he was not all there and he became less of a suspect.
With that being said that leaves what 2 stories went unfinished. Let's start with the monstrance. Simon, Antonia and Frederick find it in the tomb, and Frederick mentions he will see if he can split the royalties of it. Do they? Does he get money? Does he get his dream cottage back? Is it in a museum or does the owner of the estate lay full claim to it since it is on his property. We spend so much time looking for this important piece to history what happens to it? I get you can't go into how it affects history but for all we know the house owner could keep it and hide it never letting the world know. Also, with this being found does it affect Antonia? You can't tell me she gets her school paper done, good riddens and she is back to California on the next plane. You get no answers.
Next is the relationship between Frederick and Antonia. The ending is just as it is throughout the entire book. The two not admitting their feelings, just guessing what the others comments and actions mean. Does something become of them? Do they date? Have any future? After all Frederick makes a comment to Brat that when the time comes to get married she is on the top of his list just like he is on the top of hers. Alright I get neither Fredrick nor Antonia are ready for marriage but do they pursue their feelings? At the beginning of the book Frederick said he would love to offer the curator job to Antonia but it was not the right time because it would draw suspicion to her. Does he? Even that would be a step in some direction as it would give Antonia a reason to stay, so you know that at some point they must do something about it. But nothing. So they kiss again. They kissed before and didn't know what to make of it. I just wanted something especially when the author put so much time and effort into these two characters feelings for one another.
Just my opinion, but if you spend so much time writing details, and important details at that, it doesn't just add fluff it add and supports a story. We all enjoy a book for a different reason. Some are drawn to the romance, others the mystery, or the history.. whatever it may be. To conclude only one leaves others disappointed. I always take reviews with a grain of salt as we each have our own opinions and preferences, but when I see stories are not concluded with no more of the series to follow that is a key discouragement in reading this book. After looking at some of the reviews by others who have read this author, she tends to do this. The good news is a found another style of book I like, but if this is how the author traditionally ends her books I'll look to an author who does, so I am not disappointed.
March 10, 2014
This is a book I picked up, not intending to review it. But when I began reading the first few pages, just to get a feel for Cheryl Bolen’s writing because I’ve not read her before, I couldn’t stop. Mystery, historical and present day; murder; and a romance that seems unlikely but grows nonetheless. The only reason this book does not get a higher grade is the way a few too many things go unanswered by the end. But if you’re into history and mysteries, it may work for you.
Antoinia is a doctoral student researching secret Catholic families in England after the abolishment of Catholicism. Finding Siddley’s curator murdered in his office, Antonia is the primary suspect. It’s Frederick Percy, earl of Siddley Hall, who believes in her innocence and agrees to work with her to prove it. And also help her find the Percy monstrance, an historical artifact that has been lost for centuries. There’s immediate attraction between them, but they keep their distance, Frederick not wanting to yet marry – despite his fiance all but picked out for him – and Antonia an American who’s out of his league. If they find the monstrance, it should exonerate Antonia and they’ll go their separate ways.
Thus begins the journey to a number of castles over the English countryside as they try to rebuild Antonia’s notes that were lost when her computer was stolen. Keeping her from the murderer is also foremost in Frederick’s mind, once kidnapping attempts and other equally frightening events begin to happen to Antonia. Amid all the hypothesizing and hunting, the attraction between them grows more and more, leading to a few kisses along the way.
Now comes the point where questions begin to rise for the reader. Who’s the murderer? You think you know, then you don’t. Once that is revealed, there’s too many things left unsaid. Frederick and Antonia stay a step ahead of the killer until the end, discover the whereabouts of the monstrance, but once the culprit is taken into custody, there’s nothing more about the artifact, what happens to it, whether Frederick keeps it or not, and a whole host of other things. Then there’s the relationship between these two. I expected them to finally express their feelings for one another and move on in love. Nothing even close happens. There’s not even enough information given for the reader to create their own epilogue after the last word is read. Very frustrating. In fact, all of this had me furiously typing in the author’s web site address to find out if there’s another book featuring Frederick and Antonia. There’s not. :(
So with all of that, it’s just too much for a higher grade. Ms. Bolen does keep the suspense high, along with the historical aspects of the story, which I enjoyed quite a bit, even though the romance takes a backseat to it. It’s interesting and the author does a terrific job of interweaving that history without becoming boring. I also like the modern-day earl getting involved where most nobility wouldn’t. If you’re in the mood for an all-consuming romance, don’t read this book at that time. Wait until you’re in an historical mood and you’ll have one grand time.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Antoinia is a doctoral student researching secret Catholic families in England after the abolishment of Catholicism. Finding Siddley’s curator murdered in his office, Antonia is the primary suspect. It’s Frederick Percy, earl of Siddley Hall, who believes in her innocence and agrees to work with her to prove it. And also help her find the Percy monstrance, an historical artifact that has been lost for centuries. There’s immediate attraction between them, but they keep their distance, Frederick not wanting to yet marry – despite his fiance all but picked out for him – and Antonia an American who’s out of his league. If they find the monstrance, it should exonerate Antonia and they’ll go their separate ways.
Thus begins the journey to a number of castles over the English countryside as they try to rebuild Antonia’s notes that were lost when her computer was stolen. Keeping her from the murderer is also foremost in Frederick’s mind, once kidnapping attempts and other equally frightening events begin to happen to Antonia. Amid all the hypothesizing and hunting, the attraction between them grows more and more, leading to a few kisses along the way.
Now comes the point where questions begin to rise for the reader. Who’s the murderer? You think you know, then you don’t. Once that is revealed, there’s too many things left unsaid. Frederick and Antonia stay a step ahead of the killer until the end, discover the whereabouts of the monstrance, but once the culprit is taken into custody, there’s nothing more about the artifact, what happens to it, whether Frederick keeps it or not, and a whole host of other things. Then there’s the relationship between these two. I expected them to finally express their feelings for one another and move on in love. Nothing even close happens. There’s not even enough information given for the reader to create their own epilogue after the last word is read. Very frustrating. In fact, all of this had me furiously typing in the author’s web site address to find out if there’s another book featuring Frederick and Antonia. There’s not. :(
So with all of that, it’s just too much for a higher grade. Ms. Bolen does keep the suspense high, along with the historical aspects of the story, which I enjoyed quite a bit, even though the romance takes a backseat to it. It’s interesting and the author does a terrific job of interweaving that history without becoming boring. I also like the modern-day earl getting involved where most nobility wouldn’t. If you’re in the mood for an all-consuming romance, don’t read this book at that time. Wait until you’re in an historical mood and you’ll have one grand time.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
May 2, 2013
WHAT A GREAT CONCEPT! REGENCY HISTORICAL MEETS MODERN DAY DAY ROMANCE...May 1, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Falling for Frederick (Kindle Edition)
I couldn't think of anything better than mixing historical romance with modern day romance, complete with old castles and Dukes, Marquess, Earls. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this gem, what with the super hot Earl of Rockford, Frederick Percy, so handsome that turns women's head around including the bright, witty and beautiful Antonia Towley of Southern California. This two are one dynamic duo who traipsed around parts of England, castle to castle to ancient massive turreted Tudor homes built during the reign of Henry VIII trying to locate and recover the missing ancient Montranse ( valued at eight million dollars and a great motive to kill for ) that once belonged to the Percy's family.
This is a thrilling story complete with murder, suspense, mystery, wit and a little romance. It is so cleverly written everybody is suspect( whodunit ) including the handsome Earl himself, you really wouldn't be able to guess who is the murderer until almost the end. I just wish the author focused a little bit more on Antonia and Frederick and their budding romance and attraction to each other. I admire Ms. Cheryl Bolen and I have read quite a lot of her books, though at times I think she tends to leave the story not quite finished in some of the books she's written. What I mean by that is, you're left thinking and wondering whatever happened to the hero and heroine, in essence and perhaps if she writes an epilogue it'll be a little more satisfying. But all in all, this is a good read and I truly enjoyed it.
November 10, 2013
I received Falling for Frederick as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
In the midst of making a major breakthrough in her dissertation research, history graduate student Antonia Townsley finds the curator/librarian/historian of the Siddley estate (where she is working) stabbed, ultimately fatally. With the help of the lord of the manor, Frederick Percy, and her adviser Simon, Antonia suspects the murder is connected to the Percy Monstrance, the that held the Eucharistic host for the secretly Catholic Percy family during the reign of Henry VIII and an object of priceless value. Along the way, she (as the title suggests) finds herself attracted to the handsome bachelor Frederick despite fleeting suspicions that he and/or Simon are connected to the crime.
Unlike some other readers, I got to read the book straight through (I was initially confused by the "Episode" titles, which remain in the full-length novel, but which now make more sense). I'm a lot like Antonia--history buff, especially of the medieval/Renaissance period, with a soft spot for British history and literature. The story was entertaining and I particularly liked how, unlike other romance-oriented novels, Antonia didn't try to deny her attraction to Frederick. It's a romance novel, I know it's a romance novel, just get on with it.
If there was one cliche that annoyed me, it was the "beautiful smart amazing American who literally has every poor British sop under her spell." Such was Antonia. Young, gorgeous, knower of all facts large and small...I didn't mind reading from her POV, but reading others' fawning over her got to be a bit much.
A solid 3.5 star book and a fun read for those who love their mystery-romance tinged with British history. Recommended.
In the midst of making a major breakthrough in her dissertation research, history graduate student Antonia Townsley finds the curator/librarian/historian of the Siddley estate (where she is working) stabbed, ultimately fatally. With the help of the lord of the manor, Frederick Percy, and her adviser Simon, Antonia suspects the murder is connected to the Percy Monstrance, the that held the Eucharistic host for the secretly Catholic Percy family during the reign of Henry VIII and an object of priceless value. Along the way, she (as the title suggests) finds herself attracted to the handsome bachelor Frederick despite fleeting suspicions that he and/or Simon are connected to the crime.
Unlike some other readers, I got to read the book straight through (I was initially confused by the "Episode" titles, which remain in the full-length novel, but which now make more sense). I'm a lot like Antonia--history buff, especially of the medieval/Renaissance period, with a soft spot for British history and literature. The story was entertaining and I particularly liked how, unlike other romance-oriented novels, Antonia didn't try to deny her attraction to Frederick. It's a romance novel, I know it's a romance novel, just get on with it.
If there was one cliche that annoyed me, it was the "beautiful smart amazing American who literally has every poor British sop under her spell." Such was Antonia. Young, gorgeous, knower of all facts large and small...I didn't mind reading from her POV, but reading others' fawning over her got to be a bit much.
A solid 3.5 star book and a fun read for those who love their mystery-romance tinged with British history. Recommended.
May 8, 2013
I read this book as it came out serially on kindle. As a fan of Charles Dickens and an English major, I have been fascinated with serialization. Every time I explain it to someone, I say it is like television shows today with a new episode coming out each week. I loved reading this novel serially because it gets you excited about the next episode and the waiting makes the hype great!
However, what really drew me to read this novel, were the archives and research of the stately homes. I am a little biased, as I am studying to be an archivist, but the moments of research, handling of the documents, etc... are accurate (to my knowledge).
The suspense of the killer was greatly hidden. Each episode I kept changing my idea on who it was. For awhile, I did think it was Frederick. I loved Antonia's passion and determination to retrace her steps and use the research. Simon was sort of annoying. He did go to a few of his lectures, but my experience with professors, there is no way they have all that time to be spending with one of their students. Although, he did throw a loop for me thinking he was the killer.
I have to say, despite my overall liking of the novel, I was disappointed on the ending. I felt the episodes had built and built the relationship between Frederick and Antonia to only find a massive drop off a cliff in the end. I thought with all the time spent together, something more might have happened. It seemed as though the ending was rushed and not as developed at the other parts.
However, what really drew me to read this novel, were the archives and research of the stately homes. I am a little biased, as I am studying to be an archivist, but the moments of research, handling of the documents, etc... are accurate (to my knowledge).
The suspense of the killer was greatly hidden. Each episode I kept changing my idea on who it was. For awhile, I did think it was Frederick. I loved Antonia's passion and determination to retrace her steps and use the research. Simon was sort of annoying. He did go to a few of his lectures, but my experience with professors, there is no way they have all that time to be spending with one of their students. Although, he did throw a loop for me thinking he was the killer.
I have to say, despite my overall liking of the novel, I was disappointed on the ending. I felt the episodes had built and built the relationship between Frederick and Antonia to only find a massive drop off a cliff in the end. I thought with all the time spent together, something more might have happened. It seemed as though the ending was rushed and not as developed at the other parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2015
FALLING FOR FREDERICK, FEET FIRST
This is a sweet book, lovely to the end. It has two heroes, plus a heroine, and (in addition to the real villains), several less than lovely relatives and friends. In the end, one hero gets the girl, although she will still have to defeat one of the less than lovely...The girl his Lordship the Earl of Rockford has been expected to wed forever!
I really enjoyed the heroine. She is intelligent, not snobby, genteel, and - well, impulsive. That makes her so realistic. As smart as she is, though, she should have figured out the tracking device...which should also have been found when she was arrested - they should have searched her purse.
But the high point of the book? No, not when they catch the bad guy. Not when they find the treasure. Not even when she knees the jerk in the nuts....
The best part of the book is when she tells the guys why the jerk may have been a bit hobbled....by asking the guys what they would tell THEIR daughter to do to defend herself. (Which is exactly what my father said to do.)
And their response was the same as men everywhere. I could just see them kind of bending forward, arms somewhat inward, but attempting not to show how the information hits them. Because guys always do the same thing when faced with that thought.
This is a sweet book, lovely to the end. It has two heroes, plus a heroine, and (in addition to the real villains), several less than lovely relatives and friends. In the end, one hero gets the girl, although she will still have to defeat one of the less than lovely...The girl his Lordship the Earl of Rockford has been expected to wed forever!
I really enjoyed the heroine. She is intelligent, not snobby, genteel, and - well, impulsive. That makes her so realistic. As smart as she is, though, she should have figured out the tracking device...which should also have been found when she was arrested - they should have searched her purse.
But the high point of the book? No, not when they catch the bad guy. Not when they find the treasure. Not even when she knees the jerk in the nuts....
The best part of the book is when she tells the guys why the jerk may have been a bit hobbled....by asking the guys what they would tell THEIR daughter to do to defend herself. (Which is exactly what my father said to do.)
And their response was the same as men everywhere. I could just see them kind of bending forward, arms somewhat inward, but attempting not to show how the information hits them. Because guys always do the same thing when faced with that thought.
January 4, 2014
I listened to this book as an Audible audiobook. It is a murder mystery/romance set in the present day, but it features the grand historic homes of England and a long-lost artifact from the days of the Tudors. Antonia Townley is an American doctoral student researching the secret Catholic families in England after Henry VIII abolished Catholicism. After the archivist at the stately home where Antonia is doing research is murdered and dies in her arms, she becomes the main suspect. Luckily, Frederick, the handsome lord of the manor, doesn't believe she did it and helps her continue her research to find clues in the past. Soon, the murderer comes after Antonia, and Frederick must protect her as well.
Parts of the book do tend to drag as there is a lot of description of the stately homes that the characters visit and explanation of the historical context for the Catholic families and the missing artifact. But if you like historical detail, this is the book for you.
Parts of the book do tend to drag as there is a lot of description of the stately homes that the characters visit and explanation of the historical context for the Catholic families and the missing artifact. But if you like historical detail, this is the book for you.
January 19, 2014
My initial reaction after finishing the book:
I read this book all the way through (did not read it in installments via Kindle Singles program). There were a lot of problems with the main characters, especially Antonia. Her strength was her (academic) intelligence but overall, she was very weak. For example, the male characters were misogynistic and treated Antonia like a child. She rarely protested at their poor treatment of her. Also, the "romance" between Antonia and Frederick seemed weak and immature considering it was supposed to be one of the two main story arcs (the other being the murder).
The strength of this novel was the historical aspect. If you're interested in historical fiction that focuses on the Tudor period, this may be a book for you! However, I did not find it compelling.
I read this book all the way through (did not read it in installments via Kindle Singles program). There were a lot of problems with the main characters, especially Antonia. Her strength was her (academic) intelligence but overall, she was very weak. For example, the male characters were misogynistic and treated Antonia like a child. She rarely protested at their poor treatment of her. Also, the "romance" between Antonia and Frederick seemed weak and immature considering it was supposed to be one of the two main story arcs (the other being the murder).
The strength of this novel was the historical aspect. If you're interested in historical fiction that focuses on the Tudor period, this may be a book for you! However, I did not find it compelling.
October 14, 2013
This wasn't bad and it made more sense when I realized it was released in serial format. It did a fairly good job of not being *too* predictable. Instead of a romance I read this more as a radio drama and I think it would have done better as a more gothic novel rather than an imitation of a regency romance set in modern time. Several of the "episodes" ended in dramatic tropes (I think 3 of them ended with the main character screaming). It was an interesting enough Sunday afternoon read. I'm probably harder on this than I would have been had I not just reread the Outlander series which I deeply love. (Note:romances are rated on a 1-3 scale unless they totally bowl me over, which has yet to happen)
August 13, 2013
I liked this book. Beautiful American doctoral candidate gets accused of murder, good-looking English lord falls in love and helps her prove her innocence and find a missing treasure that belongs to his family.
The characters were interesting, the dialog moved along and the feelings seemed to be real. I get a little exasperated sometimes in these romances but I guess it's just that I am much older than most of these little dears and know that most of what they are worrying about are foolish and they need to get down to the basics.
I would recommend this books for romance fans, history fans and mystery fans.
The characters were interesting, the dialog moved along and the feelings seemed to be real. I get a little exasperated sometimes in these romances but I guess it's just that I am much older than most of these little dears and know that most of what they are worrying about are foolish and they need to get down to the basics.
I would recommend this books for romance fans, history fans and mystery fans.
April 24, 2014
I loved Falling For Frederick. I recommend reading this, it's a lovely story that takes you through a bit of history of some of the Manor houses and Aristocratic families, history with the struggles of England's change from Catholicism to Protestantism and the impact it caused some families.
I enjoyed the research background and as well as the process to find an artifact called a Monstrance and it's historical significance and impact in the lives of the people learning of it as well as searching for it.
I enjoyed the research background and as well as the process to find an artifact called a Monstrance and it's historical significance and impact in the lives of the people learning of it as well as searching for it.
September 7, 2016
I couldn't finish this story. I made it about 25% and stopped and came back many times before finally giving up after 3 weeks of struggling to get into the story. It sounded like it would be quite the intriguing murder mystery but, sorry, I just really did not like the characters, their interactions, and the dialogue. I couldn't get past them.
But because I didn't finish, I gave this 3 stars because it's not fair to rate a book poorly and not have finished it. For all I know, it could have really picked up further on, but I wasn't willing to stick it out.
But because I didn't finish, I gave this 3 stars because it's not fair to rate a book poorly and not have finished it. For all I know, it could have really picked up further on, but I wasn't willing to stick it out.
September 6, 2016
Egads! She's done it again,...
Well, now I stand firmly in awe - Romance, Mystery & Contemporary. The last book of Cheryl's I reviewed was "An Egyptian Affair" from her series of "Regent" Mysteries.
And now I'll confess to assuming something (some of you may know what I mean by that) about her abilities. If she decides to write & publish it, the book is worth reading, period, the end. Add this among the triumphs!
Well, now I stand firmly in awe - Romance, Mystery & Contemporary. The last book of Cheryl's I reviewed was "An Egyptian Affair" from her series of "Regent" Mysteries.
And now I'll confess to assuming something (some of you may know what I mean by that) about her abilities. If she decides to write & publish it, the book is worth reading, period, the end. Add this among the triumphs!
May 16, 2013
The plot and the style were pretty good, however, the two week spacing between chapters was too long and it broke the rhythm of the story. By the time the next chapter arrived, I had to go back and reread the last chapter because I could no longer remember where it stood. That was somewhat annoying.
September 2, 2016
I downloaded this book as it was offered on Amazon for 99 cents and I thought the history behind the houses/historical families would be interesting. However, I found the story to be very slow, the ending fairly easy to predict, and the characters unlikable. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book.
August 18, 2013
This is a kindle serial. I would prefer to read the book in it's entirety, instead of having to wait for the next installment. The story line interested me, English history; it was wound around the American researcher and her love interests.
January 23, 2014
Underneath the unskilled narrative, bumbling dialogue, and bizarre characters is a decent story. Unfortunately I couldn't get past all of the technical issues to appreciate it. This was most certainly not a winner for me.
Read
January 22, 2014Enjoyed
loved the mystery and romance. love to read books by Cheryl Bolen. She always keeps you interested and provides actual facts. I've learned a lot of history through reading historical romance books.
loved the mystery and romance. love to read books by Cheryl Bolen. She always keeps you interested and provides actual facts. I've learned a lot of history through reading historical romance books.
May 30, 2015
Some of the word choices/themes were annoyingly repetitious but it otherwise came together well. I figured it out a smidgen before the big reveal. I liked how many people were suspected... I would have liked to see Simon end up with someone. You kinda feel for the guy...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews