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Fairchild #1
Fairchild
First love is like the measles—a hot rash one is stronger for surviving.
Good English families all have a house in the country with a deer park, a trout stream, and an army of gardeners. They should have a son and if it can be managed, he should be handsome. Cleverness isn’t important. Daughters in limited quantities are fine so long as they are pretty. Bastards are inconvenient and best ignored. It's not a big problem, unless you are one.
Unfortunately, Sophy is.
Sick of her outcast role, she escapes her father’s house, only to fall from her horse during a spring storm. Injured, soaked, and shivering, she stumbles to a stranger’s door—Tom, a blunt edged merchant from a family of vulgar upstarts. Mistaking Sophy for the genuine article, he takes her in.
Sophy can’t resist twisting the truth. Soon she’s caught in her own snare—and it might just be a noose.
Good English families all have a house in the country with a deer park, a trout stream, and an army of gardeners. They should have a son and if it can be managed, he should be handsome. Cleverness isn’t important. Daughters in limited quantities are fine so long as they are pretty. Bastards are inconvenient and best ignored. It's not a big problem, unless you are one.
Unfortunately, Sophy is.
Sick of her outcast role, she escapes her father’s house, only to fall from her horse during a spring storm. Injured, soaked, and shivering, she stumbles to a stranger’s door—Tom, a blunt edged merchant from a family of vulgar upstarts. Mistaking Sophy for the genuine article, he takes her in.
Sophy can’t resist twisting the truth. Soon she’s caught in her own snare—and it might just be a noose.
229 pages, ebook
First published January 31, 2013
841 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Jaima Fixsen
15 books188 followersJaima Fixsen is a USA Today and international bestselling author living and writing in Alberta, Canada. Her novel The Girl in His Shadow (co-authored under the pen name Audrey Blake) was selected as Libby's 2022 Big Library Read and has been translated into eight languages.
Jaima studied occupational therapy at the University of Alberta, and her experiences learning anatomy and dissecting cadavers began her fascination with the history of science and medical ethics. She loves reading, snow, mountains, snow, history and snow. And Diet Coke.
Jaima studied occupational therapy at the University of Alberta, and her experiences learning anatomy and dissecting cadavers began her fascination with the history of science and medical ethics. She loves reading, snow, mountains, snow, history and snow. And Diet Coke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
October 10, 2019
I picked this up as a Kindle freebie ages ago and finally got around to reading it. Jaima Fixsen does some unusual things here with the normal Regency romance tropes: the heroine, Sophy, is an illegitimate child and the hero, Tom, is the gruff son of a wealthy merchant and his socially clueless wife, who are viewed by the gentry as social upstarts. (Their last name of Bagshot doesn't help matters.)
The story starts with Sophy's childhood, as the daughter of a governess who had an affair with the master of the house, Lord Fairchild (who, to be fair, really did love her). When Sophy's mother dies, Lord and Lady Fairchild take her in. Lady Fairchild feels about this the way you'd expect a betrayed wife to feel, but over the years she and Sophy gradually grow closer. Tom and Sophy meet when she gets caught in a storm and injured, and takes refuge in Tom’s and his mother’s home.
The story is a little slow at first and takes a while to get going, and even then I'd call it "deliberately paced" rather than a fast-paced, exciting read. The romance is fairly understated. At the same time, it's well-written and thoughtful, with interesting characters who often act in surprising ways. I recommend it if you enjoy the more traditional types of Regencies (as opposed to the spicy ones).
The story starts with Sophy's childhood, as the daughter of a governess who had an affair with the master of the house, Lord Fairchild (who, to be fair, really did love her). When Sophy's mother dies, Lord and Lady Fairchild take her in. Lady Fairchild feels about this the way you'd expect a betrayed wife to feel, but over the years she and Sophy gradually grow closer. Tom and Sophy meet when she gets caught in a storm and injured, and takes refuge in Tom’s and his mother’s home.
The story is a little slow at first and takes a while to get going, and even then I'd call it "deliberately paced" rather than a fast-paced, exciting read. The romance is fairly understated. At the same time, it's well-written and thoughtful, with interesting characters who often act in surprising ways. I recommend it if you enjoy the more traditional types of Regencies (as opposed to the spicy ones).
September 25, 2013
Sophy is the bastard daughter of Lord Fairchild. Although her father and his wife want the best for her, they caution her that she must be even more circumspect and modest than other young women because of her irregular birth. They arrange a good match with a member of the Ton, but Sophy has fallen in love with a businessman. She is torn between her sense of responsibility and refined taste, and her affectionate heart.
Surprisingly excellent. The writing itself is good but nothing particularly special. But I was blown away by how well the author captured the period. And this is literally the very first Regency romance I have ever read in which A)the supposed bastard hero(ine) really is a bastard and B)none of the love interests have a title. By sidestepping the usual flashy trappings of the genre, Fixsen left herself room to explore the characters and classes that are generally ignored or deplored. And she did so while crafting a very convincing romance (I was outright tense about whether Sophy and her love would meet again, and their slow courtship was very charming and realistic) and complex but loving families.
Also, it's currently free on amazon!
Surprisingly excellent. The writing itself is good but nothing particularly special. But I was blown away by how well the author captured the period. And this is literally the very first Regency romance I have ever read in which A)the supposed bastard hero(ine) really is a bastard and B)none of the love interests have a title. By sidestepping the usual flashy trappings of the genre, Fixsen left herself room to explore the characters and classes that are generally ignored or deplored. And she did so while crafting a very convincing romance (I was outright tense about whether Sophy and her love would meet again, and their slow courtship was very charming and realistic) and complex but loving families.
Also, it's currently free on amazon!
September 4, 2017
Good English families all have a house in the country with a deer park, a trout stream, and an army of gardeners. They should have a son and if it can be managed, he should be handsome. Cleverness isn’t important. Daughters in limited quantities are fine so long as they are pretty. Bastards are inconvenient and best ignored. It's not a big problem, unless you are one. Unfortunately, Sophy is.
Fairchild was yet another really good, clean historical romance that I got for free from Amazon. The characters where very well drawn and I couldn't help but love Sophy. I did feel like Sophy and Tom's feelings for each other happened kind of sudden, but the secret meetings and glances at each other were quite fun. I just wish we had gotten a little more of those in detail. The book was mostly focused on Sophy, but I felt the author did a great job of introducing us to Tom and fleshing his character out despite the limited amount of time we spend with him in the book.
This was such a sweet romance novel. There is a companion novel, Incognita, about Alistair, one of the other character's from this book that I immediately wanted to read and I ended up enjoying it almost just as much.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Fairchild was yet another really good, clean historical romance that I got for free from Amazon. The characters where very well drawn and I couldn't help but love Sophy. I did feel like Sophy and Tom's feelings for each other happened kind of sudden, but the secret meetings and glances at each other were quite fun. I just wish we had gotten a little more of those in detail. The book was mostly focused on Sophy, but I felt the author did a great job of introducing us to Tom and fleshing his character out despite the limited amount of time we spend with him in the book.
This was such a sweet romance novel. There is a companion novel, Incognita, about Alistair, one of the other character's from this book that I immediately wanted to read and I ended up enjoying it almost just as much.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
December 4, 2017
This was a very nice surprise. Fixsen has written a cracking, unexpected, gem of a book.
But, I feel I must set out the major issue with the book right up front: it's not very romantic. Our H/h, Sophy and Tom, don't meet until 28% into the novel and even after that, they don't spend too much time together. The heroine spends more time with another male character, Alistair (who intrigues me enormously, and is the hero of the next book, I believe). Even though there's a lack of space dedicated to the romance, I did buy it. I knew this in the scene when Sophy sees Tom for the first time since their first meeting, on the arms of another woman and is horrified. It's a scene which conveys so much, and it didn't matter that Sophy hadn't appeared to give much thought to Tom in the 30% or so of the book that had passed, it was abundantly clear she had carried him with her the entire time. The conflict at the heart of their romance was a little hard for me to buy. Tom's anger about Sophy's lie didn't quite hang together, but I still loved the way it worked out and it was good that it didn't just fall into a neat little resolution with Sophy's family.
Still, the paucity of the romance should probably have been a deal breaker for me. I should have been tapping my foot waiting impatiently to get to the Main Event of the H/h. But I wasn't, because Fixsen has written a great book with some wonderful characters and, simply put, I wanted to know what was going to happen to everyone.
Sophy is the star of the show. This is Sophy's book before. Tom has his moments, but Sophy, the illegitimate, plucky, decent girl trying to make her way amongst the Ton in London is inherently endearing. She deserves a happy ending and I was rooting for her. Alongside Sophy, Tom is almost her polar opposite, the son of a merchant; his father's last hope for respectability and he wants nothing to do with any of it.
Then there's a whole cast of secondary characters who were all interesting in their own rights. Alistair, I have spoken about. Jasper, Sophy's bitter brother. Sophy's father, desperate for a relationship with a daughter born from a loving relationship and the only reminder of her mother he has left. Sophy's step-mother, who could so easily have been a caricature of eeeevil, but came to love this new addition to her household. Tom's gaudy, new-money laden mother, who cannot shake her roots. After a while, I realised that all the characters sort of lacked any bite, with the exception of Alistair. Perhaps everyone was a bit too good.
Fixsen sketches relationships and characters with an economy of words and a concision of vision which is admirable and readable:
"Watching her husband silhouetted against the window, she stitched with martial calm, letting her displeasure fill the room like smoke. Breaking the silence, he returned to her, bowing and bringing her hand to his lips, "You are very good to me, Madam. I know this is an imposition. Thank you." Lady Fairchild packed up her embroidery frame once he left. She might have to take in the brat, but she had driven William from his library, letting him know he would pay for her compliance."
You even get to know the very, very secondary characters:
"Euphemia Lynchem set the letter aside and dashed off notes to her particular friends, miss Myra Bowles and Miss Honoria Sykes, telling them the expected missive had arrived. She could count on them to spread the word. Her staff-she economised unnecessarily limiting herself to a cook and a maid - knew better than to touch the luncheon she would carry up to her brother. Euphemia had convinced him he had a delicate stomach, and that only she understood properly which morsels of food he could partake of and live."
And then there's the writing, some of which is just magnificent:
"A thousand words choked him. Eight made it out."
"The came Charing Cross and Piccadilly and Mayfair - and their destination, a townhouse on Park Lane, pinched in a tight row with the others. The tall windows looked down on her disapprovingly." [This is a great description of West London - there's a lot of space pinching and disapproving, even now].
"She stopped him with a light touch on his arm. Had she thought the sun warm? It was nothing to the warmth inside her. Her mouth seemed made only for smiles, her feet for nothing but dancing."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If more of Fixsen's gaze and her writing had focused on the H/h and she had injected the romance with some more of what was apparent in the other aspects of the novel this would absolutely be five stars. Definitely picking up the next in the series.
But, I feel I must set out the major issue with the book right up front: it's not very romantic. Our H/h, Sophy and Tom, don't meet until 28% into the novel and even after that, they don't spend too much time together. The heroine spends more time with another male character, Alistair (who intrigues me enormously, and is the hero of the next book, I believe). Even though there's a lack of space dedicated to the romance, I did buy it. I knew this in the scene when Sophy sees Tom for the first time since their first meeting, on the arms of another woman and is horrified. It's a scene which conveys so much, and it didn't matter that Sophy hadn't appeared to give much thought to Tom in the 30% or so of the book that had passed, it was abundantly clear she had carried him with her the entire time. The conflict at the heart of their romance was a little hard for me to buy. Tom's anger about Sophy's lie didn't quite hang together, but I still loved the way it worked out and it was good that it didn't just fall into a neat little resolution with Sophy's family.
Still, the paucity of the romance should probably have been a deal breaker for me. I should have been tapping my foot waiting impatiently to get to the Main Event of the H/h. But I wasn't, because Fixsen has written a great book with some wonderful characters and, simply put, I wanted to know what was going to happen to everyone.
Sophy is the star of the show. This is Sophy's book before. Tom has his moments, but Sophy, the illegitimate, plucky, decent girl trying to make her way amongst the Ton in London is inherently endearing. She deserves a happy ending and I was rooting for her. Alongside Sophy, Tom is almost her polar opposite, the son of a merchant; his father's last hope for respectability and he wants nothing to do with any of it.
Then there's a whole cast of secondary characters who were all interesting in their own rights. Alistair, I have spoken about. Jasper, Sophy's bitter brother. Sophy's father, desperate for a relationship with a daughter born from a loving relationship and the only reminder of her mother he has left. Sophy's step-mother, who could so easily have been a caricature of eeeevil, but came to love this new addition to her household. Tom's gaudy, new-money laden mother, who cannot shake her roots. After a while, I realised that all the characters sort of lacked any bite, with the exception of Alistair. Perhaps everyone was a bit too good.
Fixsen sketches relationships and characters with an economy of words and a concision of vision which is admirable and readable:
"Watching her husband silhouetted against the window, she stitched with martial calm, letting her displeasure fill the room like smoke. Breaking the silence, he returned to her, bowing and bringing her hand to his lips, "You are very good to me, Madam. I know this is an imposition. Thank you." Lady Fairchild packed up her embroidery frame once he left. She might have to take in the brat, but she had driven William from his library, letting him know he would pay for her compliance."
You even get to know the very, very secondary characters:
"Euphemia Lynchem set the letter aside and dashed off notes to her particular friends, miss Myra Bowles and Miss Honoria Sykes, telling them the expected missive had arrived. She could count on them to spread the word. Her staff-she economised unnecessarily limiting herself to a cook and a maid - knew better than to touch the luncheon she would carry up to her brother. Euphemia had convinced him he had a delicate stomach, and that only she understood properly which morsels of food he could partake of and live."
And then there's the writing, some of which is just magnificent:
"A thousand words choked him. Eight made it out."
"The came Charing Cross and Piccadilly and Mayfair - and their destination, a townhouse on Park Lane, pinched in a tight row with the others. The tall windows looked down on her disapprovingly." [This is a great description of West London - there's a lot of space pinching and disapproving, even now].
"She stopped him with a light touch on his arm. Had she thought the sun warm? It was nothing to the warmth inside her. Her mouth seemed made only for smiles, her feet for nothing but dancing."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If more of Fixsen's gaze and her writing had focused on the H/h and she had injected the romance with some more of what was apparent in the other aspects of the novel this would absolutely be five stars. Definitely picking up the next in the series.
August 24, 2019
6/15/19:
The book begins with the story of Sophy, a ten-year-old girl whose schoolteacher mother has died. It continues with the unrelated story of Tom, a young boy who is the unexpected (but welcomed) first and only son of his parents. Tom is the son of a merchantman unaccepted by society. Last I looked, I was on chapter 5, so I'm starting to question whether this is actually a romance. But I'm still assuming that it is, for the time being.
Violence warning: Tom has been bullied in school, and there are descriptions of fighting which makes me slightly uncomfortable. I can bear it, but someone more sensitive than me might find it difficult. There is nothing gory, but it was a bit disturbing.
6/17/2019:
I'm really loving this book! Sophie and Tom have met at this point. Perhaps at about chapter 8 or 9.
Sophy mentions being a Christian in a couple of places. Then, she thinks at one point that her future must be in hell because of a lie that she told, which I found unfortunate. The Bible is pretty clear that rejecting Jesus is the only thing that will land us in hell...
Just as in The Art of Kissing in the Park, Ms. Fixsen's short story in A Holiday in Bath, this is an atypical romance. I find those fun because it means that they're less predictable. :-) My husband is currently listening to A Holiday in Bath , and he's enjoying it.
The word metropolis is mentioned a couple of times, and I was absolutely certain that it was out-of-period. I was WRONG!!! Turns out this is a pretty old word!!
6/18/2019:
More atypical story elements. Awesome. There's more than one element in this story that I've never seen done before. Pretty impressive. I'm so glad my husband bought the audio version.
If I were to compare this to any Jane Austen book, I think it would be Mansfield Park , though it's not very similar. I occasionally mentally make comparisons. For the record, Mansfield Park is my least favorite Jane Austen story, but I'm still loving this book.
6/19/19:
I'm sorry. I've just got to say it again. This book is unique!
I'm struck by the lack of time together the hero and heroine have. Not unlike Jane Austen's novels in that respect. And yet, the book is holding my attention so completely. When I'm reading a book, sometimes I'm impatient for interaction between the hero and heroine, but in reading Fairchild, I'm totally and completely just enjoying the entire ride.
I like the titles of the chapters. A lot of authors don't title their chapters. Chapters one through five are entitled: Fatherless, Speculation, Cordell Hall, Mind Your Manners, and A Boy's Life.
Fun quote: ... "it took seven minutes for him to dress because his valet would not fasten his cravat while he brushed his teeth. 'Impossible, sir!' he gasped. 'You'll crease it, or dribble!..."
6/20/19:
Oof! I am so close! Probably in the last few paragraphs of the last chapter. But I was DETERMINED to QUIT on time tonight for the first time in a while :-) I'm still adoring this story. I think the conclusion is going to be a little bit different than I expected. One thing I think this author does really well is passionate speeches. They're SO realistic!
Sophy's internal musings at one point made me think of a Bible verse.
Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT): "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Sophy: "This is what she'd been seeking. This was the pearl worth trading all she possessed."
I finished it! I headed downstairs for a snack and another cup of tea, and that was just enough time to finish the story. The book is done, but the story isn't over. However, it's definitely a standalone. I'm definitely reading the next book. Lucky me! My husband bought the audio for book two also! :-D
6/22/19:
I forgot to rate it. 5 stars!
The book begins with the story of Sophy, a ten-year-old girl whose schoolteacher mother has died. It continues with the unrelated story of Tom, a young boy who is the unexpected (but welcomed) first and only son of his parents. Tom is the son of a merchantman unaccepted by society. Last I looked, I was on chapter 5, so I'm starting to question whether this is actually a romance. But I'm still assuming that it is, for the time being.
Violence warning: Tom has been bullied in school, and there are descriptions of fighting which makes me slightly uncomfortable. I can bear it, but someone more sensitive than me might find it difficult. There is nothing gory, but it was a bit disturbing.
6/17/2019:
I'm really loving this book! Sophie and Tom have met at this point. Perhaps at about chapter 8 or 9.
Sophy mentions being a Christian in a couple of places. Then, she thinks at one point that her future must be in hell because of a lie that she told, which I found unfortunate. The Bible is pretty clear that rejecting Jesus is the only thing that will land us in hell...
Just as in The Art of Kissing in the Park, Ms. Fixsen's short story in A Holiday in Bath, this is an atypical romance. I find those fun because it means that they're less predictable. :-) My husband is currently listening to A Holiday in Bath , and he's enjoying it.
The word metropolis is mentioned a couple of times, and I was absolutely certain that it was out-of-period. I was WRONG!!! Turns out this is a pretty old word!!
6/18/2019:
More atypical story elements. Awesome. There's more than one element in this story that I've never seen done before. Pretty impressive. I'm so glad my husband bought the audio version.
If I were to compare this to any Jane Austen book, I think it would be Mansfield Park , though it's not very similar. I occasionally mentally make comparisons. For the record, Mansfield Park is my least favorite Jane Austen story, but I'm still loving this book.
6/19/19:
I'm sorry. I've just got to say it again. This book is unique!
I'm struck by the lack of time together the hero and heroine have. Not unlike Jane Austen's novels in that respect. And yet, the book is holding my attention so completely. When I'm reading a book, sometimes I'm impatient for interaction between the hero and heroine, but in reading Fairchild, I'm totally and completely just enjoying the entire ride.
I like the titles of the chapters. A lot of authors don't title their chapters. Chapters one through five are entitled: Fatherless, Speculation, Cordell Hall, Mind Your Manners, and A Boy's Life.
Fun quote: ... "it took seven minutes for him to dress because his valet would not fasten his cravat while he brushed his teeth. 'Impossible, sir!' he gasped. 'You'll crease it, or dribble!..."
6/20/19:
Oof! I am so close! Probably in the last few paragraphs of the last chapter. But I was DETERMINED to QUIT on time tonight for the first time in a while :-) I'm still adoring this story. I think the conclusion is going to be a little bit different than I expected. One thing I think this author does really well is passionate speeches. They're SO realistic!
Sophy's internal musings at one point made me think of a Bible verse.
Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT): "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Sophy: "This is what she'd been seeking. This was the pearl worth trading all she possessed."
I finished it! I headed downstairs for a snack and another cup of tea, and that was just enough time to finish the story. The book is done, but the story isn't over. However, it's definitely a standalone. I'm definitely reading the next book. Lucky me! My husband bought the audio for book two also! :-D
6/22/19:
I forgot to rate it. 5 stars!
December 12, 2017
This is a pleasant read, with pleasant, well-drawn characters. No one is 100% good or 100% bad and the story lacks the exaggerated villains or villainesses that one can often find in historical romances.
It's a quiet story about the illegitimate daughter of an English peer, the result of an affair when her mother was governess in the lord's household. When her mother dies unexpectedly, 10-year-old Sophy is taken to live in her father's house with his two legitimate children and his wife. There are no histrionics from anybody about a "by-blow" being brought into the house. Sophy is integrated into the family fairly painlessly, although the truth of her birth keeps her on an unequal footing in society.
So this is the story of Sophy growing up, learning to live as best she can in the ton, reaching marriageable age and being pulled in two directions by her father and stepmother's wishes and the wishes of her own heart. All the characters here are as complexly good and bad as individuals are in real life, so Sophy's marriage choice between her upper-class cousin Alisdair and her "Cit" neighbor Tom isn't as clear-cut as it would be in a less subtle story with one or the other of the suitors being a bit of a jerk.
When I wrote this review on Amazon in 2013 there were only a few reviews and most were 5-star ratings for this book and comparisons to Jane Austen's work. I don't believe it deserves such effusive raves and noticed that several of the early reviews were from friends of the author. However, having said that, I do still feel it's a very good debut book and deserves a read. If you are the type of historical romance reader who enjoys the quieter, cleaner stories, this is right up your alley.
I will also add that since reading this book I have become a fan of the author's writing style and have read the other books in this series and enjoyed them.
It's a quiet story about the illegitimate daughter of an English peer, the result of an affair when her mother was governess in the lord's household. When her mother dies unexpectedly, 10-year-old Sophy is taken to live in her father's house with his two legitimate children and his wife. There are no histrionics from anybody about a "by-blow" being brought into the house. Sophy is integrated into the family fairly painlessly, although the truth of her birth keeps her on an unequal footing in society.
So this is the story of Sophy growing up, learning to live as best she can in the ton, reaching marriageable age and being pulled in two directions by her father and stepmother's wishes and the wishes of her own heart. All the characters here are as complexly good and bad as individuals are in real life, so Sophy's marriage choice between her upper-class cousin Alisdair and her "Cit" neighbor Tom isn't as clear-cut as it would be in a less subtle story with one or the other of the suitors being a bit of a jerk.
When I wrote this review on Amazon in 2013 there were only a few reviews and most were 5-star ratings for this book and comparisons to Jane Austen's work. I don't believe it deserves such effusive raves and noticed that several of the early reviews were from friends of the author. However, having said that, I do still feel it's a very good debut book and deserves a read. If you are the type of historical romance reader who enjoys the quieter, cleaner stories, this is right up your alley.
I will also add that since reading this book I have become a fan of the author's writing style and have read the other books in this series and enjoyed them.
November 4, 2022
Another pleasant surprise. There is really hard to find a Regency romance that:
- doesn't try too much imitate GH (with bad results)
- doesn't make ridiculous/outraging historical mistakes
- is charming (preferable with a bit of humour)
- is (at least mostly) believable
- has well created secondary characters.
"Fairchild" is one such. Jaima Fixsen even invented a misunderstanding (something that breaks apart the main characters for a time, the 'climax') that was plausible. Moreover, the two main topics, that were background, an illegitimate child of an aristocrat and wealthy trade people, I have found interesting. I liked also that Alistair wasn't made as a villain.
And, although there weren't many passionate meetings (that sometimes we search for in such novels), the love story was lovely.
I will like to try more of Jaima Fixsen, that is sure.
- doesn't try too much imitate GH (with bad results)
- doesn't make ridiculous/outraging historical mistakes
- is charming (preferable with a bit of humour)
- is (at least mostly) believable
- has well created secondary characters.
"Fairchild" is one such. Jaima Fixsen even invented a misunderstanding (something that breaks apart the main characters for a time, the 'climax') that was plausible. Moreover, the two main topics, that were background, an illegitimate child of an aristocrat and wealthy trade people, I have found interesting. I liked also that Alistair wasn't made as a villain.
You’ll find that hearts can break and mend an astonishing number of times, little one. Sometimes even with the same person. If you give me the pieces, I will do what I can to make you whole.
And, although there weren't many passionate meetings (that sometimes we search for in such novels), the love story was lovely.
You’re lodged so tight, I’d have to blow out my brains to get rid of you.
I will like to try more of Jaima Fixsen, that is sure.
December 11, 2017
I couldn't decide if it was a 3 or 4 star but I really like the writing and style of this book and did enjoy it even tho there were things that I wanted different. This had some great characters. I read the third book in this series first and so knew some of them already and reading more about them was great. I so enjoy that this is a family story and you have so much going on with each character. It seems like everyone has a story to tell and they are all engaging and well done. WHat I didn't like was how little the two main characters in the story interacted and had dialogue together, this normally brings a story crashing down for me and I end up not liking the book so that says something for the talent of this writer. The end scene was so great it was like the North and South scene at the train station;] This is a clean regency with a mention of a grabbed bum and a nice bosom made by some of the rougher element in the story.
June 16, 2013
I recently finished reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found Fixsen's writing to be engaging, witty, and authentic. Her characters were delightful (with a pleasing edge), and the scenes in the book captured my imagination as I followed Sophy and Tom through the story. I look forward to Fixsen's future offerings!
September 14, 2015
So impressed with this book. Beautiful writing, lively and engaging tale, and well-developed characters. It's been a long time that a book has kept me up past my bedtime like this book did. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
June 13, 2013
Sweet and mostly simple story. Austen fans will surely enjoy this - though it's a tad less complicated and shorter than her stories.
Sophy is endearing, a perfect mix of feisty and docile. I think the other characters are also very interesting and period-correct. LOVE Jasper! Exactly how I'd want my imaginary older brother to be :).
The book deals a lot with the social correctness we Americans are completely unfamiliar with. What IS the difference between a viscount and an earl? Anyhow, I enjoyed all the bits about clothing, food, hair, embroidering, etc.
Ending of the book pretty much ties everything up (though, again, I'd love more Jasper). A few questions are answered, and altogether the book ended realistically.
Sophy is endearing, a perfect mix of feisty and docile. I think the other characters are also very interesting and period-correct. LOVE Jasper! Exactly how I'd want my imaginary older brother to be :).
The book deals a lot with the social correctness we Americans are completely unfamiliar with. What IS the difference between a viscount and an earl? Anyhow, I enjoyed all the bits about clothing, food, hair, embroidering, etc.
Ending of the book pretty much ties everything up (though, again, I'd love more Jasper). A few questions are answered, and altogether the book ended realistically.
Read
June 23, 2019I dislike books that start from King Tut and take half of the book’s page count to arrive at what the story is really about. That’s why family sagas are not my thing.
This was one of those books. It is supposed to be a romance, but it started when the heroine was ten years old. It went through her childhood and that of the hero for a quarter of the book, and most of that narration was ‘telling’, not ‘showing’. By the time I stopped reading it, bored out of my wits, the supposed lovers haven’t met yet, nothing of import has happened, and my Kindle percentage reached 26%.
This was one of those books. It is supposed to be a romance, but it started when the heroine was ten years old. It went through her childhood and that of the hero for a quarter of the book, and most of that narration was ‘telling’, not ‘showing’. By the time I stopped reading it, bored out of my wits, the supposed lovers haven’t met yet, nothing of import has happened, and my Kindle percentage reached 26%.
March 27, 2013
I really liked the history of this story. I felt like I was transported back in time. Both characters Sophy and Tom had tough childhoods, and you can't help but feel for them. I would love to read more about these characters. I hope there is going to be another book.
May 16, 2016
Well..
That was...interesting...
Two stars, not really because of anything objectionable content wise (she was an illegitimate child tho...so references to that...) but because this story failed.
Yes.
Failed.
The basic goal of (most of) these regency/historical-fic romances is to give a convincing romance set during the 19th century (usually). Key word here is convincing. Without the writing or the actual plot being engaging, the book has failed.
This was a case of the writing being good, but the plot and characters (their actual actions) being not-so-good. The first half is well written and entertaining, setting up for a (what you think to be) a great story. But, the chinks in the way spoil everything.
Firstly (in my long list of chinks), the H/h only reside in each others company for 2 days. Pretty much less than. A day and a half. For some reason, that makes them believe they have this unparalleled knowledge of each other and fuels their desire to wed each other (I'll come back to that desire thing briefly...).
The fact is, many, many romances period use this ploy. If they even get past basic attraction (dark, brooding eyes with a cynical smirk, or golden spun hair flowing around her graceful, shapely body) characters only get the company of their supposed mate for a day or two (or maybe a generous week) before they have to fight hand and nail to keep 'em from [insert here] conflicts.
Really, I'm most reasonable when it comes to this tho in books. In really life, a month would be delusional to say you love someone, but in bookland (regency bookland-I don't take this with my reg books), where you can spend pretty much all day for a month with the person, this is O.K. I realize, back then, they didn't have much time. They were all just droppin' dead from something or another (consumption, germs), so they needed to marry and beget heirs as reasonably fast as possible. And if you liked your spouse- well, great, you'll get along just fine. I understand that. But two days, and your confessing your undying love for the person just makes you seem silly.
This isn't exactly that book (but sooo close), because they spend some time at the library (secretly) and writing notes to each other (secretly...which just makes them more silly).
SECONDLY, Sophy seems at one point to be older for her age (during this time epriod). I was ok with that, as other characters have shined being just out of the schoolroom because of their knowledge of the world. So, lets just say I don't hate debutantes, although I mostly read about "spinsters" and can't stand feather-headed ninnies. But, half way through the book, after getting to London, she turns silly. When I already thought her character assembled and solidified, Ms. Fixsen decides that that isn't the character she wants after all. Gone from the presence of Tom (*whispers* that's the "love interest") she becomes affected by Alistair. Here, I'm back to that desire to wed thing with the H/h. The H obviously cares (I won't degrade the word by using "love") about the chit, but she pushes the whole I-lied-to-him-about-my-birth thing as reason to consider marrying Alistair and not Tom. She admits that she could fall for him, but then later tries to negate her self by saying she could never love him. She falls into the plan to encourage him in offering for her hand (even accepts his proposal later!) but then goes back to wanting Tom (poor Tom who believes she'll give up her "position" to marry him). I realize she doesn't truly like Alistair (so I perceive), but we are given no more mention of Tom by her until she meets him again at the masquerade; it's Alistair she wakes up thinking about. Um, guess whose showing her regency age? Is out of sight, out of mind supposed to apply in a romance novel??
That's all I'm going to say about that.
THEN, all sorts of weird stuff start happening. Not even weird-weird, but weird because everything felt out of sync. Sophy's wishy-washy attitude did not lend well to the development of the book, making the "forced" (not really tho) engagement come at an awkward time, along with the rest of events. And, the other characters started showing changes of heart. I thought the "step-mom" was only concerned about keeping Sophy close to her? We don't hear any more about that line of reasoning, even though she marries a guy who lives exactly in their neighborhood. Weird much?
So, this book just failed. It failed to make me care whether the H/h ended up together or not (I thought Alistair could have been a really nice guy for her, since she was affected by him when ever Tom wasn't around), and by the end, I was wondering when this ridiculous farce would end. The ending made me laugh because of how forced everything seemed; the "confrontation" part was horribly written (too short, too...something. Genuineness was missing; it was direly needed to make me care), and just overall, something was plainly missing.
I would recommend another (any other) than this for someone desiring to attempt this.
(OH, did I mentioned how I hated how infidelity was portrayed in this? Ridiculousness.)
That was...interesting...
Two stars, not really because of anything objectionable content wise (she was an illegitimate child tho...so references to that...) but because this story failed.
Yes.
Failed.
The basic goal of (most of) these regency/historical-fic romances is to give a convincing romance set during the 19th century (usually). Key word here is convincing. Without the writing or the actual plot being engaging, the book has failed.
This was a case of the writing being good, but the plot and characters (their actual actions) being not-so-good. The first half is well written and entertaining, setting up for a (what you think to be) a great story. But, the chinks in the way spoil everything.
Firstly (in my long list of chinks), the H/h only reside in each others company for 2 days. Pretty much less than. A day and a half. For some reason, that makes them believe they have this unparalleled knowledge of each other and fuels their desire to wed each other (I'll come back to that desire thing briefly...).
The fact is, many, many romances period use this ploy. If they even get past basic attraction (dark, brooding eyes with a cynical smirk, or golden spun hair flowing around her graceful, shapely body) characters only get the company of their supposed mate for a day or two (or maybe a generous week) before they have to fight hand and nail to keep 'em from [insert here] conflicts.
Really, I'm most reasonable when it comes to this tho in books. In really life, a month would be delusional to say you love someone, but in bookland (regency bookland-I don't take this with my reg books), where you can spend pretty much all day for a month with the person, this is O.K. I realize, back then, they didn't have much time. They were all just droppin' dead from something or another (consumption, germs), so they needed to marry and beget heirs as reasonably fast as possible. And if you liked your spouse- well, great, you'll get along just fine. I understand that. But two days, and your confessing your undying love for the person just makes you seem silly.
This isn't exactly that book (but sooo close), because they spend some time at the library (secretly) and writing notes to each other (secretly...which just makes them more silly).
SECONDLY, Sophy seems at one point to be older for her age (during this time epriod). I was ok with that, as other characters have shined being just out of the schoolroom because of their knowledge of the world. So, lets just say I don't hate debutantes, although I mostly read about "spinsters" and can't stand feather-headed ninnies. But, half way through the book, after getting to London, she turns silly. When I already thought her character assembled and solidified, Ms. Fixsen decides that that isn't the character she wants after all. Gone from the presence of Tom (*whispers* that's the "love interest") she becomes affected by Alistair. Here, I'm back to that desire to wed thing with the H/h. The H obviously cares (I won't degrade the word by using "love") about the chit, but she pushes the whole I-lied-to-him-about-my-birth thing as reason to consider marrying Alistair and not Tom. She admits that she could fall for him, but then later tries to negate her self by saying she could never love him. She falls into the plan to encourage him in offering for her hand (even accepts his proposal later!) but then goes back to wanting Tom (poor Tom who believes she'll give up her "position" to marry him). I realize she doesn't truly like Alistair (so I perceive), but we are given no more mention of Tom by her until she meets him again at the masquerade; it's Alistair she wakes up thinking about. Um, guess whose showing her regency age? Is out of sight, out of mind supposed to apply in a romance novel??
That's all I'm going to say about that.
THEN, all sorts of weird stuff start happening. Not even weird-weird, but weird because everything felt out of sync. Sophy's wishy-washy attitude did not lend well to the development of the book, making the "forced" (not really tho) engagement come at an awkward time, along with the rest of events. And, the other characters started showing changes of heart. I thought the "step-mom" was only concerned about keeping Sophy close to her? We don't hear any more about that line of reasoning, even though she marries a guy who lives exactly in their neighborhood. Weird much?
So, this book just failed. It failed to make me care whether the H/h ended up together or not (I thought Alistair could have been a really nice guy for her, since she was affected by him when ever Tom wasn't around), and by the end, I was wondering when this ridiculous farce would end. The ending made me laugh because of how forced everything seemed; the "confrontation" part was horribly written (too short, too...something. Genuineness was missing; it was direly needed to make me care), and just overall, something was plainly missing.
I would recommend another (any other) than this for someone desiring to attempt this.
(OH, did I mentioned how I hated how infidelity was portrayed in this? Ridiculousness.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
Good portrayal of what it might have meant to be illegitimate; decent period writing. Ultimately it didn't grab me because (a) at 17, the heroine was too young for my preferences and (b) everyone was fundamentally nice. I wanted just a shade more grit to this. But there are hints of a most intriguing secondary romance in the sequels, which I'll look out.
April 22, 2013
Here’s a lovely historical romance that will capture the attention of any Austen fan. I enjoyed reading about Miss Sophy Prescott whose life would change drastically in one single tragic moment. Born ‘tainted’, as she described herself, Sophy was literally taken out of one secret and frowned-upon life, to then be part of high society with a Viscount for a father.
Introduced into London society through a meticulously conceived plan, designed by her father’s aristocratic wife; it was of utmost importance that Sophy be sought out as well-to-do marriage material-despite the fact that she was considered a ‘bastard’…
Reminiscent of all that is Regency with a flair of Heyer, FAIRCHILD is a charming read of the past. At a time when class distinction meant everything and a girl’s life almost literally depended on her reputation, one can only imagine the heart flickering angst that one fleeting, inexcusable kiss could bring!
Torn between her love for Tom, an uncomplicated, strong and earnest man who cares for her deeply- and the will to please her father to earn his love and everyone’s acceptance, Sophy must comply to marry another…But first, she must come out and tell the truth about herself.
For me, Jaima Fixsen's regency novel was a quick read with interesting dialog and flowing development- and some hillarious moments as well! If you love Jane Austen, the Brontes, or even Downton Abbey, you will be in good company with FAIRCHILD. Lovely!
Introduced into London society through a meticulously conceived plan, designed by her father’s aristocratic wife; it was of utmost importance that Sophy be sought out as well-to-do marriage material-despite the fact that she was considered a ‘bastard’…
Reminiscent of all that is Regency with a flair of Heyer, FAIRCHILD is a charming read of the past. At a time when class distinction meant everything and a girl’s life almost literally depended on her reputation, one can only imagine the heart flickering angst that one fleeting, inexcusable kiss could bring!
Torn between her love for Tom, an uncomplicated, strong and earnest man who cares for her deeply- and the will to please her father to earn his love and everyone’s acceptance, Sophy must comply to marry another…But first, she must come out and tell the truth about herself.
For me, Jaima Fixsen's regency novel was a quick read with interesting dialog and flowing development- and some hillarious moments as well! If you love Jane Austen, the Brontes, or even Downton Abbey, you will be in good company with FAIRCHILD. Lovely!
June 1, 2013
I finished reading Fairchild this morning. I loved this novel!!! I was captivated from the very first page. I loved the main character Sophy. She reminded me sooo very much of Cinderella. She has many wonderful adventure and does keep secrets locked deep within her heart. Will these secrets destroy her??
She is also an outcast by blood, ( a bastard) but wins the hearts of all~~even her step-mother. Does she meet the real prince of her dreams. Do dreams come true?? Does this fairy tale have a happy ending?? This book is well-written. I felt like I was right there in Cordell and London with Sophy cheering her on. A must read for all.
She is also an outcast by blood, ( a bastard) but wins the hearts of all~~even her step-mother. Does she meet the real prince of her dreams. Do dreams come true?? Does this fairy tale have a happy ending?? This book is well-written. I felt like I was right there in Cordell and London with Sophy cheering her on. A must read for all.
November 5, 2014
This book has been on my to-read list for awhile. I'm so glad I finally took the time to read it. FAIRCHILD is a fresh, clean regency romance, with plenty of humor and fun.
April 7, 2021
I randomly picked this up on an Audible sale or something very long ago and left it untouched for years. Boy, am I glad I picked it up now. What a hidden gem amongst Regency romances!
The story is sort of Mansfield Park meets North and South. Sophy Prescott is the illegitimate daughter of an earl, Lord Fairchild, and his children's governess. After an accident causes her mother's death, she is taken in by her father and his family and grows up in his magnificent country estate. When an accident throws her in the way of Tom Bagshot, a wealthy merchant who lives in the district but who is shunned by Sophy's family because of his lowly social status, she can't resist pretending to be more than she is.
This book isn't without its flaws: a lot of overly convenient plot devices, machinations that don't quite make sense, and some minor loose ends that never really get tied up. However, I appreciate that it steered clear of so many romance novel tropes while also creating a thoroughly enjoyable love story that I'm pretty willing to overlook those flaws.
For one, Sophy's family never mistreats her. Her half-siblings take her into their fold, and although Lady Fairchild is prejudiced against her at first (somewhat understandably so, since she is a daily reminder of her husband's infidelity), she eventually warms up to her and seems to treat her as a child of her own. This may not be the most realistic, but I'm also pretty tired of Cinderella stories where our poor protagonist is trampled all over by everyone, only to be noticed and saved by the hero at some point.
For another, our hero Tom is not a dashing duke, an entrancing earl, or a lascivious rake. His parents are from the merchant class themselves; his father, having made his fortune, attempts to bring Tom up as a gentleman, a mold that he constantly chafes against and which he eventually gives up all together at a crisis point, when his father finally relents and allows him to seek his own fortune aboard merchant ships. He returns as a wealthy shipowner himself, and has no desire to ingratiate himself with the snobby aristocratic Fairchilds who live in the same neighbourhood.
It's also fairly rare that we get a "third party", Capt Alistair Beaumaris, who is the cousin of the Fairchilds and a suitor for Sophy. Instead of just being a random prop piece that only exists to somehow benefit of Sophy and Tom's budding relationship, Alistair is an actual character of his own, wanting to marry Sophy for somewhat self-centered reasons but at the same time also actually feeling attracted to her. It's no surprise that he turns out to be the hero of the second book in this series.
The ending was also refreshing and satisfactory.
Having read some fairly heavy books in the past few days, this light-hearted romance hit the spot because it doesn't take itself too seriously, steers clear of tired tropes, and was just generally such a breath of fresh air. Strongly recommended for fans of the Regency romance genre, especially if you're looking for something that tries to do things a little differently.
The story is sort of Mansfield Park meets North and South. Sophy Prescott is the illegitimate daughter of an earl, Lord Fairchild, and his children's governess. After an accident causes her mother's death, she is taken in by her father and his family and grows up in his magnificent country estate. When an accident throws her in the way of Tom Bagshot, a wealthy merchant who lives in the district but who is shunned by Sophy's family because of his lowly social status, she can't resist pretending to be more than she is.
This book isn't without its flaws: a lot of overly convenient plot devices, machinations that don't quite make sense, and some minor loose ends that never really get tied up. However, I appreciate that it steered clear of so many romance novel tropes while also creating a thoroughly enjoyable love story that I'm pretty willing to overlook those flaws.
For one, Sophy's family never mistreats her. Her half-siblings take her into their fold, and although Lady Fairchild is prejudiced against her at first (somewhat understandably so, since she is a daily reminder of her husband's infidelity), she eventually warms up to her and seems to treat her as a child of her own. This may not be the most realistic, but I'm also pretty tired of Cinderella stories where our poor protagonist is trampled all over by everyone, only to be noticed and saved by the hero at some point.
For another, our hero Tom is not a dashing duke, an entrancing earl, or a lascivious rake. His parents are from the merchant class themselves; his father, having made his fortune, attempts to bring Tom up as a gentleman, a mold that he constantly chafes against and which he eventually gives up all together at a crisis point, when his father finally relents and allows him to seek his own fortune aboard merchant ships. He returns as a wealthy shipowner himself, and has no desire to ingratiate himself with the snobby aristocratic Fairchilds who live in the same neighbourhood.
It's also fairly rare that we get a "third party", Capt Alistair Beaumaris, who is the cousin of the Fairchilds and a suitor for Sophy. Instead of just being a random prop piece that only exists to somehow benefit of Sophy and Tom's budding relationship, Alistair is an actual character of his own, wanting to marry Sophy for somewhat self-centered reasons but at the same time also actually feeling attracted to her. It's no surprise that he turns out to be the hero of the second book in this series.
The ending was also refreshing and satisfactory.
Having read some fairly heavy books in the past few days, this light-hearted romance hit the spot because it doesn't take itself too seriously, steers clear of tired tropes, and was just generally such a breath of fresh air. Strongly recommended for fans of the Regency romance genre, especially if you're looking for something that tries to do things a little differently.
December 28, 2021
3.75 stars, with an added bonus for the complete lack of bodice-ripping
The prose was well-crafted and competent, enlivened by interesting plot twists and characterization unusual to the genre. I thought it was a little heavy on angst and light on humour (lacking Georgette Heyer's trademark sly wit, but that's an unfair comparison), and that the ending was both abrupt and strangely anticlimactic. However, I enjoyed this book and I'm open to trying more of the author's work. I think that fans of Heyer's style of historical fiction would enjoy Fairchild. Readers who prefer more blatant romantic shenanigans might be disappointed by the family drama.
The prose was well-crafted and competent, enlivened by interesting plot twists and characterization unusual to the genre. I thought it was a little heavy on angst and light on humour (lacking Georgette Heyer's trademark sly wit, but that's an unfair comparison), and that the ending was both abrupt and strangely anticlimactic. However, I enjoyed this book and I'm open to trying more of the author's work. I think that fans of Heyer's style of historical fiction would enjoy Fairchild. Readers who prefer more blatant romantic shenanigans might be disappointed by the family drama.
February 8, 2016
Another really great Regency novel, but with a twist! Sophy is a bastard! No, really- a real bastard. I'll admit: I haven't seen that before! I was worried that it would put me off somewhat, but it never did, and I really loved the unlikely relationships she develops with her family through her lovely disposition. The circumstances behind why she came to live with her family were a bit unrealistic and melodramatic, I thought, but if the author wanted to stand out from the crowd for most unusual death-scene, she got her wish.
Not totally sure I liked the leading man; his past seemed a lot more tawdry than Sophy's, but without any of the redemption. He's bitter and cynical and harsh, with latent violent tendencies which he seems to take pains to control, but which often control him. The reader is left hoping that loving, and being loved by, Sophy will bring out his softer side.
I liked Alistair much better, so I'm glad this is a series and that he's up next.
Not totally sure I liked the leading man; his past seemed a lot more tawdry than Sophy's, but without any of the redemption. He's bitter and cynical and harsh, with latent violent tendencies which he seems to take pains to control, but which often control him. The reader is left hoping that loving, and being loved by, Sophy will bring out his softer side.
I liked Alistair much better, so I'm glad this is a series and that he's up next.
October 18, 2016
I wasn't sure about this book, but turned out to be genuinely delighted with it! I have a hard time resisting Regency romance, so gave it a whirl and was glad I did. The cover blurb reads a wee bit more dramatic than the story actually is, but it's so charming and the characters are so delightful, I don't mind. Sophy manages to be admirable without being too winsome and although stuck in a web of her own spinning, never is so full of woe as to be annoying. Tom is an iconoclast without making a point of it. And I think I liked stepmother Georgianna the best although I'm probably not supposed to. She is what she is and manages to perceive her world as she prefers. Her letter at the end is . . . well . . . kind of odd, but it made me smile.
February 9, 2016
I got lucky on this free kindle book--it's well written with an interesting story. The heroine Sophy is the illegitimate child of an earl, with whom she goes to live at the age of 10 after her mother's death. With a refreshing twist on the wicked stepmother trope, the family accepts her lovingly, and she grows up as a daughter of the house. Sophy, however, always feels like an outsider and in her heart cannot acknowledge their love. The neighbor hero is an another outsider, a merchant who is snubbed by the local gentry, including Sophy's family. The backbone of the story is the force of 19th century mores towards one's background, whether it is bastardy or social class.
August 8, 2018
What happened?!?!
I was all set to love this book. It had a wonderfully endearing ( or so I thought) female lead that came across as spirited, amiable and perfectly flawed. She had plenty of faults, and faulty behaviour, but they were all understandable. Until you get to the end. For me, it was as if her personality morphed into someone unrecognizable from the girl I'd come to love only pages before. It wasn't so much what happened that killed the story for me as it was how it happened. I firmly believe that the character would have made the choice that she did but I do not believe that she would have chosen to do so in that manner.
I was all set to love this book. It had a wonderfully endearing ( or so I thought) female lead that came across as spirited, amiable and perfectly flawed. She had plenty of faults, and faulty behaviour, but they were all understandable. Until you get to the end. For me, it was as if her personality morphed into someone unrecognizable from the girl I'd come to love only pages before. It wasn't so much what happened that killed the story for me as it was how it happened. I firmly believe that the character would have made the choice that she did but I do not believe that she would have chosen to do so in that manner.
June 6, 2013
This book was so delightful and entertaining to read! The characters had unique and relatable personalities and also provided a good laugh! So many great relationship were formed through various characters that I wasn't expecting. I also loved the history of the English culture at this time and an insight into what their world was like! Fixsen's writing style was thoroughly enjoyable and smart! Overall great read that made me smile! And red heads rock!
May 13, 2013
Sophy reminds me a bit of Anne in Anne of Green Gables or of Flavia in Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I love these strong willed female characters who are a bit impulsive. To me the time and setting are reminiscent of Downton Abbey, a favorite TV series. My favorite scene was probably the death of Sophy's mother.
June 16, 2013
This is a well crafted Regency with a perspective not often found; what was life like for the 'natural child' of the lord of the manor and the governess. The main characters are down to earth and quite likable. The motivations behind the characters' actions are wholly believable. This would have a PG to PG-13 rating. I'll eagerly look for more by this author.
July 27, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. And I'm not just saying that because the author is my husband's cousin. (awesome Jaima!) The world that the characters inhabited seemed really authentic and believable, the characters themselves were likeable, and the story had some fun twists. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and Jane Austen-ish fiction.
June 15, 2013
I had a hard time liking this book at the beginning... It was a quick read, but at times I felt like it jumped around too much. I loved it by the end... although what girl doesn't love an old English romance?
March 13, 2014
Very good regency romance with beautiful descriptions, even when the author was writing about something ugly - like shame, revenge, or bullying. I would give the first half 5 stars and the second half 3 stars. The writing seemed a bit rushed towards the end, but overall a definite recommend.
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