After the death of his wife, the Earl of Waverly, believing his heart irreparably damaged, enters into a marriage of convenience.
Amidst conspiracy, can Caroline, his young wife, prove his salvation and bring joy into his life or will nefarious deeds destroy their chance of happiness?
After being injured in war, Lord Edward is determined to spare Lady Jennifer the pain of being married to a less than whole man. Although he is secretly in love with her, he doesn’t want her to pity him.
Jennifer is upset that Edward has never given her a chance to get to know him, but she more than agrees when he proposes that they call off their engagement and just remain friends.
After I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Jennifer and Edward. Although I could tell that the two were already in love with each other, I enjoyed their friendship and all the shenanigans the two managed to get themselves in.
I loved that their relationship was not rushed. After they got to know each other, the romance blossomed. I think that’s what made me like story more because I had a forced romance. It kills the whole story.
The Portrait is historical romance at its best. The book was short but the story is unforgettable. Hazel Statham did an excellent job with the plot and the characters.
The plot was a little slow going, but within were plenty of events that kept me interested. It’s a short book but because there was quite a bit going on it felt as if the book was longer. I thought for the length of the book, there were just a few too many characters and I had a bit of trouble trying to keep track of who was who. It wasn’t overwhelming and it becomes more clearer as the novel progresses and you get the hang of who is who (and who is related to who).
The two main characters: Edward and Jennifer were excellently written. Edward is your typical gentleman and despite his war wounds he’s still strong and able. I liked how he got everyone around him to treat him as if he didn’t have the wounds at all. I thought that showed he was determined to keep going on with his life and showed his strength and determination. Something I thought was very admirable. Jennifer the most fun to read in the book. I loved her personality. She was a complete contrast to Edward, but it was that type of personality that made her all the more likable. I was glad she wasn’t made out to be a typical damsel in distress or a total girly girl. She had a sense of adventure and acted out of her own accord and the best part was, Edward was respectful of that.
So, when you put these two together as a couple, it wasn’t super intense (although there were times when there was tension) but it felt like a very comfortable warm feeling. They made a great couple who complimented and suited each other. I enjoyed the moments where Edward got a chance to poke fun at Jennifer, and vice versa. They had their playful moments, and the moments of uncertainty were just that. You could most certainly feel their emotions and at times it was almost heart wrenching. I really felt for Jennifer at times especially when she thought there was another person involved in the whole scheme of things. I also liked it when both Jennifer and Edward would bicker. It was funny to read and the more they argued the more I enjoyed reading when they’re both together.
How would I describe reading this book? I would say, it’s like watching an old classic film (the romantic black and white ones from the 30’s-40’s) and feeling as if your heart would burst (which it did, in a good way). It has all the characteristics of a classic romance and provided me with a very nice enjoyable read. Do pick this romance up if you feel like something light. The romantic chemistry is definitely there and the featured couple are excellently well written and fun to read.
This is an endearing love story following Edward Thurston and Lady Jennifer’s journey after the break-up of their betrothal, and it is told from both character’s perspectives. You cannot help but feel for handsome Edward, who has returned home from war severely affected – both physically and mentally – by the atrocities that he was part of whilst away. He cannot bring himself to ask Jennifer to deal with this aftermath and so he breaks off their engagement:
“Ironic is it not? To the outside world ‘twould appear that I have time aplenty, but you see, I have not. I am to be married, John. Or, more rightly, I was to be married. Yet how can I expect a wife to commit herself to the wreck I have become?”
Edward is a very caring man, close to his family and very honourable, so when Jennifer later needs his help, he does not turn her away. What follows is an unexpected adventure that allows them to finally get to know each other properly.
Despite the seriousness of the topic of post-traumatic stress, this book has a lot of fun elements. I love the quirkiness of Lady Jennifer – she certainly isn’t your usual historical romance novel heroine. She is feisty, she is smart, she isn’t afraid of other people’s opinions of her and she certainly does not swoon. But she is confused about her feelings for Edward and at times somewhat naïve of the complications of love:
“Ned, I must know. Did you offer for me out of a sense of honor? Did you feel obligated to offer marriage?”
She saw his shoulders stiffen, and his tone was cold when, without turning, he answered, “If that is what you truly believe, you silly girl, then yes. If that explanation satisfies you, and it is how you perceive it, yes.”
There is also a sense of mystery to this book. Edward is obsessed with a miniature portrait which he took with him to war and depended on during his long convalescence. Why can he not let it go? Who is the image of? What does it mean?
This book is a mix of adventure, romance and mystery. It’s not highly descriptive, but focuses on a well-crafted plot. I liked the myriad settings, with the characters going from the London ton scene to country estates to travelling on public coaches and staying in cheap inns with commoners. The pace and intrigue make this a real page turner – I wanted to know what would happen and who was in that portrait, and I wanted to keep reading to make sure that Edward and Jennifer would be happy. I was not disappointed, but I was kept guessing until the end.
Hazel is one of my favourite authors as I love the feel of her work each and every time ... for me she's strongly reminiscent of Georgette Heyer's.
As this read formed part of Dilly Dally's Blog Hop, I left it quite late to review it because we had a trip to the Beating Retreat planned for 13th June at Horse Guards Parade Ground in London (bonus for us we had front row seats really near the Royal Box, and have a fabulous view of Her Majesty).
They featured a short enactment of the Battle of Vitoria (21st June 1813), which was part of Wellington's campaign in the Peninsular.
As our Hero, Edward, was injured at Salamanca, and it seemed like a perfect way to get some idea of just what it might have been like for him to fight, let alone be so badly injured.
Believe me when I say that it really must have been terrifying. Just being in the audience at Horse Guards listening to the jangle of harness, the sound of the gun carriages and the shot of just one cannon with lots of smoke and fireworks was awe inspiring. Let alone being under heavy fire, the many cannon being fired, the smell of gunpowder hanging in the air, as well as that of blood and guts and death. Coupled with cries of his Comrades in Arms and horses.
It's no wonder the poor man suffered so badly from night terrors, brought on no doubt by what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress. It was also completely understandable that he would also feel less of a man because of it and the loss of his arm to boot. No small wonder then that he cried off his engagement to Lady Jennifer.
The writing was just delightful as always, and it was completely enchanting to find that Edward had carried the portrait of the girl he'd fallen in love with through the Campaign, and looked to it for comfort whilst he went on with the rest of his life.
For me it had to be no less than a 5 star rating for the quality of the writing and plot. It's never difficult to engage with her characters'.
Kudos to Hazel for a well delivered and quality product.
From my book review blog Rundpinne. "The Portrait by Hazel Statham is an absolutely endearing historical romance novel set in the early 19th century. Earl Edward Sinclair has recently returned home to Fly Hall after losing an arm in the battle of Salamanca and is trying valiantly to adjust to his new status, title, and limitations as well as his decision to set Lady Jennifer Lynton free of their engagement. Jenny and Sinclair agree to be friends, much to the dismay of their respective family members and their growing friendship provides fodder for the social season. Statham cleverly creates a cast of strong, relatable and delightfully fun characters. Both major and minor characters are certain to delight the reader in Statham’s charming story as forces work to try and bring Edward and Jennifer together through their younger siblings, Perry and Freddie, and their continuous and at times hilarious misdeeds as well as scandals. Statham has a special manner about her writing which gently draws the reader into the story. I look forward to reading some of her other works. The Portrait is a sweet and enjoyable novel, which is certain to delight readers who enjoy a tender and family-centered historical romance."JH/Rundpinne/2010
I hate being the history nerd reviewer, but as, apparently, that’s what I am, so be it.
It most certainly would be a huge big deal to break a betrothal! Both of them would’ve faced huge repercussions, but her especially, regardless of who called it off officially.
Women in that time didn’t go into closed rooms with men for God’s sake. Even their betrothed.
Her dowry would’ve gone to him upon their betrothal in most cases so her brother could’ve easily sold her off to the highest bidder. She’s got an awful lot of current-day-attitude for the setting of the book.
Why’d they bring an ale and a lemonade? Everyone and their granny, including five year olds drank ale then. Ale was safer than water. Sugar was very expensive also.
So, yeah, if you care about historical accuracy at all in these books then this is not the one for you.
Aside from all that the woman is just plain silly, I could never find a way to like her at all.
This book has left me utterly speechless to how truly breathtaking and brilliant it is. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am a fan of the authors having read a few of her books before this was a real treat!
A romance story like no other, this really is the perfect book for ALL romance lovers as it's one of those books with amazing descriptive characters and scenes that leave you craving more.
I absolutely adored The Portrait and I am definitely going to read more by the author. :)
(I'd also love to mention that this cover truly captures how amazing this story is, it is beautiful and one of the nicest covers I've ever seen.)
This book is shorter than many in the genre but felt like it took forever to read. A ton of dialogue and a very contrived plot. Difficult to connect with the characters.
England 1812 Severely injured at the battle of Salamanca, Edward Thurston, the new Earl of Sinclair, returns home to his beloved Fly Hall. Determined not to present his prospective bride with the wreck he believes himself to have become, he decides to end his betrothal, unaware that Lady Jennifer, for vastly differing reasons, has reached the selfsame decision. Throughout the campaigns, Edward was often seen relying greatly on a miniature he carried, and it is to this token he clings upon his return. Will he eventually find happiness with the girl in the portrait, or will he remain firm in his resolve not to wed? Reason dictates one course, his heart another.
Second time reading this one. Read way back when. Still holds up. Some issues with historical stuff and occasionally she bugged me but all in all, enjoyed it again just as much. At times it seemed that his disability was not discussed as to how he did things now, getting on and riding a horse for example but was focused on the appearance of it.
Loved the storyline and characters. Edward had to deal with the results of his horrific injury from war and Jenny needed to mature. Once that happened, they found love and happiness with each other.
I have come across few characters as stubborn as Edward and Jennifer. They are both so set on having their own way that they often speak and act without thinking. As a result, they fail to see the hurt they often inflict on each other. Even after the engagement is ended, Edward and Jennifer’s paths cross often because their brothers are best friends who can’t manage to stay out of trouble and are rescued by Edward on more than one occasion. The more time that Edward and Jennifer spend together, the more obvious their affection for each other becomes. Unfortunately, Edward and Jennifer are the only ones incapable of recognizing how much in love they truly are.
Jennifer and Edward have great chemistry. When they relax and enjoy each other’s company, they are very fun to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed their teasing banter as well as their more tender moments. As the story progressed, I must admit that I became increasingly frustrated with Edward and Jennifer’s inability to be honest about their emotions. For the most part, nothing stood in the way of their happiness except themselves. They seemed bent on making excuses and misinterpretations of all sorts. Despite my frustration, Ms. Statham always left a glimmer of hope that Edward and Jennifer would find their way back to each other, which made it a bit easier for me to tolerate their behavior.
There are a few interesting side stories sprinkled throughout the book. Some had more bearing on the main plot than others, but they were all amusing. I must admit that I expected them to impact Edward and Jennifer’s future much more than they did, and I was a bit disappointed when they didn’t. However, the stories do serve to illustrate what a kind, loyal, and strong man Edward is.
The Portrait is a thoroughly entertaining read. Edward and Jennifer are very likable and their happy ending is sweet if a bit surprising. I definitely recommend it to fans of historical romance.
I absolutely adore classic romances, such as, novels of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. For me, a historical romance that is patterned after these famous authoresses is the perfect book. Indeed Hazel Statham has joined these auspicious ranks! I couldn't help but be reminded of these amazing classics as I devoured this delectable book. However, in many ways, I appreciated this book more. Why? For one thing, the story was shorter, and it was easier to read and understand. I never found the story veering off in any unrelated or vapid directions as the greats sometimes did. The author was able to capture my attention from the beginning through the end with some delightful humor and a heart-warming story to boot.
I honestly have only one minor criticism for this book. There was some superfluous profanity (my opinion), but there was nothing hardcore about it. And I was so relieved that there were no bedroom scenes, and impropriety was frowned upon. That was refreshing, and it made the minor profanity seem inconsequential (but you know I always let my readers know about any potentially objectionable material).
If you are looking for a relatively quick read that will take you back to a simpler time when men were gentlemen and women were truly feminine, this is the book for you. I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
A good Regency romance that I enjoyed a great deal. I often find these kind of romances too modern, especially when written by authors who are not English, but this one made me smile. Yes, Jenny is in the company of the earl at times when she should be chaperoned, but her unconventionality was always explained and justified and not taken for granted. Edward, the earl, is a very likable hero. Not only is he a casualty from the Battle of Salamanca in 1812, he is terribly maimed after losing his arm from the shoulder. The development of Jenny and Ned's love was great to read. Of course, the portrait the earl carries around with him is intriguing. Unfortunately this held no surprises at the end and I found this slightly disappointing, but it didn't spoil the story for me.
Could have been a great book, but something was missing.
I loved the hero, but the heroine was a silly girl. While both Edward and Jennifer were not honest in expressing their feelings, Edward's motive was noble. He didn't want to burden Jennifer with his injuries.
Jennifer's dishonesty was born out of pride. She frequently pouted and behaved like an adolescent. There was no nobility in her.
With a better heroine, this story would have been much better.
You know the ending, the plot and the twists and turns after reading the first chapter. It is soooooo poorly written, it could have been penned by a 1st grader with more suspense. Obviously I must not be a fan of romance novels with cheesy plots but this was really bad. Would have given it a -* if possible.
A traditional Regency romance read. Really enjoyed reading this romp/escapade novel, and a lovely HEA too. Very nicely written. I will be reading more of Hazel Statham.