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Grasp a Nettle
Love and then hate
It was a seesaw
Jenny sighed. If only Toby hadn't been so complacent, believing that marrying him was the best thing that could happen to any girl.
He was a nice enough man, but dull. When she'd argued with him, he hadn't contradicted her once!
If only it had been the professor...but she couldn't imagine that man behaving so tamely. Besides, he didn't love her. "My dear girl," he had said, "you flatter yourself and me, too - I have no interest in you at all!"
It was a seesaw
Jenny sighed. If only Toby hadn't been so complacent, believing that marrying him was the best thing that could happen to any girl.
He was a nice enough man, but dull. When she'd argued with him, he hadn't contradicted her once!
If only it had been the professor...but she couldn't imagine that man behaving so tamely. Besides, he didn't love her. "My dear girl," he had said, "you flatter yourself and me, too - I have no interest in you at all!"
Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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About the author
Betty Neels
564 books418 followersEvelyn Jessy "Betty" Neels was born on September 15, 1910 in Devon to a family with firm roots in the civil service. She said she had a blissfully happy childhood and teenage years.(This stood her in good stead later for the tribulations to come with the Second World War). She was sent away to boarding school, and then went on to train as a nurse, gaining her SRN and SCM, that is, State Registered Nurse and State Certificate of Midwifery.
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 13, 2021
This one was just okay for me. Its always so hard to give a Betty less than three stars, but I struggled with all the snapping and growling. It didn't make for much of a romance. The hero was arrogant, but most surgeons are. Cutting into people, isn't for the faint of heart. The heroine was annoying, jumping from one conclusion to the next and being impossibly rude to the hero at every turn. I'm not sure what he saw in her.
February 19, 2021
Which came first, the title or the heroine? I’m tempted to think that Betty started off with the Aaron Hill poem, which our RDD hero quotes in reference to our very prickly heroine:
Tender handed stroke a nettle
And it stings you for your pains
Grasp it like a man of mettle
And it soft as silk remains
This is a love-hate tale from Betty, with a hero and a heroine who are more evenly matched in social background and tempers than is usual in a BN book.
Although it was nice to have a pretty BN heroine from a background similar to the RDD'S (instead of one of her more uneven matches), Jenny was a little too snappish much of the time and Eduard was a little too overbearing. Not one of my fave BN reads, but with the usual elements that make her an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so.
Car porn:
Hero mostly drives a “magnificent Panther J72”
He let’s the heroine borrow his Mini Cooper:
And also offers to let her drive his Bristol 412 (yes please!)
Aunt Bess has a vintage Vauxhall—we’ll go with a 15 year old version (so from 1962 or so):
Tender handed stroke a nettle
And it stings you for your pains
Grasp it like a man of mettle
And it soft as silk remains
This is a love-hate tale from Betty, with a hero and a heroine who are more evenly matched in social background and tempers than is usual in a BN book.
Although it was nice to have a pretty BN heroine from a background similar to the RDD'S (instead of one of her more uneven matches), Jenny was a little too snappish much of the time and Eduard was a little too overbearing. Not one of my fave BN reads, but with the usual elements that make her an enjoyable way to spend an hour or so.
Car porn:
Hero mostly drives a “magnificent Panther J72”
He let’s the heroine borrow his Mini Cooper:
And also offers to let her drive his Bristol 412 (yes please!)
Aunt Bess has a vintage Vauxhall—we’ll go with a 15 year old version (so from 1962 or so):
July 15, 2019
4 1/2 Stars ~ When Jenny received the call at the hospital where she works, that her Aunt Bess is desperately ill and is calling for her, she sets off home. Her Aunt suffers from a brain condition that requires immediate surgery. The attending surgeon is Eduard, a Dutch Professor in the area consulting and lecturing. Jenny and Eduard spark off each other from the moment they meet, but not in a nice way. She thinks he's pompous and arrogant, and he thinks she's a tart young woman with red hair. Almost every time they are together they find something to bicker about and some of the scenes are worthy of a chuckle out loud ...
Jenny accused him of not liking her, and when he gives a nasty laugh and tells her he has not interest in her at all, she temper catchers her ...
By this time it's quite obvious the Professor is smitten with Jenny, but unfortunately she thinks he's in love with her cousin's widow, Margaret. When Jenny accompanies her Aunt Bess to Holland along with Margaret's 6 yr old son, Oliver, she realizes just how much she's come to love him. But then Margaret suddenly arrives and those few kisses Jenny had shared with Eduard seem but a memory.
Of the 40 odd Betty Neels books I've read to date, I think the hero and heroine in this one have the best chemistry. Right from their first meeting they have spirited exchanges and I laughed out loud with Jenny's teasing because he couldn't remember her very plain name, Jenny Wren and yet she quite easily could recite his, Professor Eduard van Draak te Solendijk. He'd refer to her as "Miss --Er" and when he got tired of this and looked directly at her and addressed her "Miss....?" waiting for her to fill it in, she murmured helpfully, "Er." Great fun!
Poor Jenny has it in her head that he fancies Margaret, and Eduard is quite perturbed that she keeps pushing him to Margaret. Of course, they finally sort themselves out in glorious Betty Neels fashion and a few wonderful kisses too. This is definitely a favourite for me and I'm sure I'll be reading it again and again.
"And good riddance," declared Jenny as the door shut quietly behind him, and then jumped visibly as it opened again. "I heard that," declared the Professor in his turn.
Jenny accused him of not liking her, and when he gives a nasty laugh and tells her he has not interest in her at all, she temper catchers her ...
"I expect you pride yourself on being plainspoken," said Jenny sweetly. "I call it rude. Just by way of interest, what kind of girl do you like?"
He allowed the car to slow and shot a sidelong glance at her. "Tall, calm, sweet-tempered - with good looks, of course; fair hair, blue eyes, a pleasant voice..."
"A cardboard creature," cried Jenny, 'and even if you did find her, she'd be a dead bore as a wife. " A thought struck her. "Have you found her? Perhaps you're married."
"What an impertinent girl you are." He spoke quite pleasantly. "No, I am not married. When do you intend to visit your aunt again?" A neat snub, if ever there was one.
"I'll drive over after breakfast. When do you return to Holland?"
"Wishful thinking?" he enquired. "When your aunt is recovered."
Jenny shifted in her seat, uncomfortably aware that she hadn't expressed nearly enough gratitude.
"Oh no.. well, I'd like to thank you for what you've done for Aunt Bess. I know you saved her life and I'm deeply grateful - I hope it hasn't spoilt your holiday here." It was a nice little speech which he completely ruined.
"I get paid for it, you know," he reminded her smoothly, 'and I haven't been on holiday. "
Jenny exploded with temper. "You're impossible! We're right back where we started, aren't we? I've never met... You have no need to..." She drew a deep breath and swallowed the temper. "What a lovely day it is," she observed brightly.
The Professor's eyes gleamed momentarily and a muscle twitched at the corner of his firm mouth...
By this time it's quite obvious the Professor is smitten with Jenny, but unfortunately she thinks he's in love with her cousin's widow, Margaret. When Jenny accompanies her Aunt Bess to Holland along with Margaret's 6 yr old son, Oliver, she realizes just how much she's come to love him. But then Margaret suddenly arrives and those few kisses Jenny had shared with Eduard seem but a memory.
"Carved from an ice block," he mused, 'with your "Yes, Professor, no, Professor" as meek as you like, and your eyes killing me. Tell me, Jenny, do you really dislike me so much? Oh, I tease you deliberately just to see you get angry, but is that sufficient reason for you to treat me as though I had the plague? "
He crossed to her chair and pulled her to her feet, holding her hands fast in his, and turned her round on that the lamplight shone on to her face. "Well -- Do you dislike me?"
She must have been made to have supposed that she loathed him -- hated him, even disliked him - how could that be possible when she loved him so much? He was the only man she would ever want to marry, she knew that for certain, and if he married Margaret her heart would break, but he mustn't be allowed to even guess at that.
She said stonily: "No, I don't like you. Professor van Draak," because there was nothing else she could have said. And it couldn't matter to him in the least what she thought of him if he were in love with Margaret. Supposing she said "I love you very much', what would he do? she wondered miserably. Despite his mocking smile and his nasty remarks he was a kind man, she was sure of that, and he would feel badly if she let him see that she had a tendresse for him.
He let her hands go and smiled a little. "One of the nastiest stings the nettle has given me so far," he declared lightly, 'but it's best to clear the air, isn't it?"
Of the 40 odd Betty Neels books I've read to date, I think the hero and heroine in this one have the best chemistry. Right from their first meeting they have spirited exchanges and I laughed out loud with Jenny's teasing because he couldn't remember her very plain name, Jenny Wren and yet she quite easily could recite his, Professor Eduard van Draak te Solendijk. He'd refer to her as "Miss --Er" and when he got tired of this and looked directly at her and addressed her "Miss....?" waiting for her to fill it in, she murmured helpfully, "Er." Great fun!
Poor Jenny has it in her head that he fancies Margaret, and Eduard is quite perturbed that she keeps pushing him to Margaret. Of course, they finally sort themselves out in glorious Betty Neels fashion and a few wonderful kisses too. This is definitely a favourite for me and I'm sure I'll be reading it again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
The pretty heroine cannot get out of her own way in this one. She seemed pathologically crabby whenever she had to deal with the RDD. Hence the name of the book, I suppose.
December 2, 2014
Maybe 3 1/2 stars. This book has a couple of interesting features. Our heroine is from the same social strata as the RDD, although a “poor relation” as Jane Austen might say. The title is from a poem by the English dramatist, Aaron Hill (a contemporary of Pope). Eduard quotes the lines to Jenny, quite aptly, because she is indeed quite nettley. Nettleish? Nettle-like?
Our H/h meet due to Jenny's Aunt Bess and her subdural hematoma. Eduard, a Dutch professor of surgery, just happens to be in the neighborhood and rides his white horse, er, his magnificent Panther J72 in to save Aunt Bess from blood on the brain. Sparks fly immediately between Eduard and Jenny-with-the-red-hair.
I have some sympathy for Jenny and don't dislike her for being snippy. She is in love with Eduard and fears he is in love with the languid Margaret who definitely has eyes for Eduard and makes no bones about wanting to marry him and his delicious money. Margaret's son, Oliver, is a delightful little boy and would, as Jenny observes, benefit from having Eduard as a step-father.
Oh, I have forgotten to mention that Jenny has a persistent suitor back home - the son of a neighboring estate - but since he is quite forgettable, no harm has been done.
We travel from Jenny's home, Dimworth, on a cruise to Madeira, back to Dimworth and on to Holland. Eduard is trying to move their romance along and asks Jenny is she really dislikes him. She answers, "No, I don't like you." Later, after a really bad day (she loses Oliver in Amsterdam, falls and gives herself a concussion, and meets Eduard's parents), she loses her temper entirely and screams "I hate you!" to Eduard. Poor guy!
To make matters worse, Aunt Bess decides to interfere and calls Margaret, who is only too eager to come to Holland. Jenny and Oliver take a day trip to Alkmaar; Eduard surprises Jenny and joins them. Finally, the ice begins to melt: Jenny admits she doesn't dislike the Professor and he kisses her.
After a final Big Misunderstanding and Jenny's return to Dimworth with Oliver and Aunt Bess, Eduard finally makes The Declaration, including this lovely line: ". . . nothing I have is of any worth unless I have you." Not top 25, but I don’t dislike it.
Our H/h meet due to Jenny's Aunt Bess and her subdural hematoma. Eduard, a Dutch professor of surgery, just happens to be in the neighborhood and rides his white horse, er, his magnificent Panther J72 in to save Aunt Bess from blood on the brain. Sparks fly immediately between Eduard and Jenny-with-the-red-hair.
I have some sympathy for Jenny and don't dislike her for being snippy. She is in love with Eduard and fears he is in love with the languid Margaret who definitely has eyes for Eduard and makes no bones about wanting to marry him and his delicious money. Margaret's son, Oliver, is a delightful little boy and would, as Jenny observes, benefit from having Eduard as a step-father.
Oh, I have forgotten to mention that Jenny has a persistent suitor back home - the son of a neighboring estate - but since he is quite forgettable, no harm has been done.
We travel from Jenny's home, Dimworth, on a cruise to Madeira, back to Dimworth and on to Holland. Eduard is trying to move their romance along and asks Jenny is she really dislikes him. She answers, "No, I don't like you." Later, after a really bad day (she loses Oliver in Amsterdam, falls and gives herself a concussion, and meets Eduard's parents), she loses her temper entirely and screams "I hate you!" to Eduard. Poor guy!
To make matters worse, Aunt Bess decides to interfere and calls Margaret, who is only too eager to come to Holland. Jenny and Oliver take a day trip to Alkmaar; Eduard surprises Jenny and joins them. Finally, the ice begins to melt: Jenny admits she doesn't dislike the Professor and he kisses her.
After a final Big Misunderstanding and Jenny's return to Dimworth with Oliver and Aunt Bess, Eduard finally makes The Declaration, including this lovely line: ". . . nothing I have is of any worth unless I have you." Not top 25, but I don’t dislike it.
May 27, 2016
This is an interesting Neels book about a young English nurse with the improbable name of Jenny Wren. Jenny is a surgical nurse who loves her freedom, but gives up her job to help the aging and bossy Aunt who raised her. She also takes care of her young nephew, whose widowed mother is a beautiful ninny. The RDD of the story, mostly called The Professor, is about twenty years older than Jenny and quickly realizes that her fiery temperament suits his autocratic personality. It was interesting to watch the cat-and-mouse game he played with her throughout the book. Though stories based on misunderstandings aren't my favorite type of plot, I really liked the professor and Oliver, the young nephew.
The title comes from the 1750's - "Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you, for your pains: Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains." The Professor takes the advice to heart in wooing the prickly Jenny.
The title comes from the 1750's - "Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you, for your pains: Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains." The Professor takes the advice to heart in wooing the prickly Jenny.
September 20, 2010
The first 100 pages or so of this book are great. Lots of snappy repartee between Nurse Jenny Wren (unfortunate name) and Dr/Professor van Draak. Good fun all around.
The second half of the book rather tails off. And Jenny becomes a bit tiresome. I wanted to shake her towards the end--she was being denser than she needed to be re: our good doctor.
But hey--it's a Neels, and not a bad way to spend an hour or two.
The second half of the book rather tails off. And Jenny becomes a bit tiresome. I wanted to shake her towards the end--she was being denser than she needed to be re: our good doctor.
But hey--it's a Neels, and not a bad way to spend an hour or two.
January 27, 2014
The hero quotes a poem about “Tender-handed stroke a nettle, / And it stings you for your pains; / Grasp it like a man of mettle, / And it soft as silk remains.” by English writer Aaron Hill and it is his manifesto in dealing with the prickly Jenny.
Eduard van Draak te Solendik is a little snappier than the usual hero but this could be because his plan of campaign needs more conflict. Certainly while hating Eduard she wasn't contemplating the expected marriage with kind neighbour Toby.
Jenny has a glamorous cousin who rather fancies herself picking up Eduard as a second husband and her blonde beauty fits the description Eduard gives Jenny of his type of woman. There are times when I think these heroes would deserve it if the discouraged heroine just up and married someone else in despair but of course that would prevent my happy ending.
Eduard van Draak te Solendik is a little snappier than the usual hero but this could be because his plan of campaign needs more conflict. Certainly while hating Eduard she wasn't contemplating the expected marriage with kind neighbour Toby.
Jenny has a glamorous cousin who rather fancies herself picking up Eduard as a second husband and her blonde beauty fits the description Eduard gives Jenny of his type of woman. There are times when I think these heroes would deserve it if the discouraged heroine just up and married someone else in despair but of course that would prevent my happy ending.
June 5, 2021
Look, it's a Betty and, by definition, I kind of love it, but it's not a fave, except for one brilliant, hilarious scene. See my review at my blog:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
June 30, 2011
Of all the Betty Neels characters, I believe the heroine in this book is the most quarrelsome – which is saying much because most of her Hs are known for being professional, placid and even-keeled while her hs are competent, serene and meek. Jenny was the favorite niece of a rich, cranky aunt diagnosed with an operable brain injury; the attending surgeon was the hero. Whenever they would meet, they’d manage to rub each other wrong. They both had fine tempers and they purposely annoy each other. The hero didn’t mince his words to inform her that he had no interest in “tart young women with red hair” and displayed a marked preference for the beautiful widowed mother of Jenny’s nephew. She on the other hand would scowl at him and cut him down to size. Though they didn’t hesitate to snipe at each other, he contrived to go on the same cruise as the heroine and her convalescing aunt after the successful operation.
**spoilers**
What I like about him: upon the suggestion of the girl, he bought a donkey and pony for his future offspring. Asked by the girl (to fish for more information about his unknown bride) when his nuptials would be, he suavely said “at the earliest possible moment” because he couldn’t have a donkey and a pony in his keeping eat their heads off for nothing.
What I like about her: when the hero was about to propose to her, she thought that he was about to confess his impending betrothal to the OW and refused to hear about it while he thought she was just stalling from outright rejecting him. They were at crossed-purposes. But in her typical high-handedness, she said that he would,however, be allowed to tell her should he visit her back in England. She just delayed her happiness by a few days.
**spoilers**
What I like about him: upon the suggestion of the girl, he bought a donkey and pony for his future offspring. Asked by the girl (to fish for more information about his unknown bride) when his nuptials would be, he suavely said “at the earliest possible moment” because he couldn’t have a donkey and a pony in his keeping eat their heads off for nothing.
What I like about her: when the hero was about to propose to her, she thought that he was about to confess his impending betrothal to the OW and refused to hear about it while he thought she was just stalling from outright rejecting him. They were at crossed-purposes. But in her typical high-handedness, she said that he would,however, be allowed to tell her should he visit her back in England. She just delayed her happiness by a few days.
December 19, 2007
read 02.01.84
August 17, 2010
About the same as all Betty Neels books but I still love them.
September 21, 2013
Not one of my faves as the heroine is annoying and argumentative.
September 30, 2014
This is a 3.5, too.
July 31, 2011
Really good.
April 27, 2018
Great book! Janet/Jenny was prickly like a nettle, but she gave as good as she got. RDD Eduard was just like her, needing someone with a temper to challenge and keep life interesting haha! These two, their exchanges, were so funny wicked right from the start!
The silly nonsense with Margaret was enough to make me roll my eyes but based on evidence -what she heard and saw- it did seem as if Eduard would do well to marry Margaret and be a stepfather to Oliver.
Aunt Bess...she could be terrible and wonderful. The way she never offered money or allowance to Jenny, yet expecting her to quit her promising position in the hospital, just to nurse her. But her naughty matchmaking and summoning Margaret to Holland to stir things up between Eduard and Jenny was just too wicked! Haha! Oh I loved little details like how she'd call Jenny "Janet" when she's displeased...
Eduard showing up in Madeira and joining their cruise for a couple of days told me just HOW keen he was on Jenny! He even flew his own plane out...wow! His dawning realisation when Jenny really laughed was so sweet to witness. Despite spending so much time with Margaret at Dimworth, he was entirely aware of what kept Jenny so busy all the time! When Oliver repeated that Jenny went to do up her hair severely because he was coming, his hidden smile was too cute! So many such moments in the first half of the book. Jenny became a bit "wet" once she'd had her dawning realisation so the book wasn't as fun. She's kinda clumsy too, slipping on banana peel and tripping on the stairs. These little things really bring the characters to live!
I just love the barbed exchanges between Jenny and Eduard. Eduard's love declaration was one of the best I feel. Plot wise nothing to shout about.
The silly nonsense with Margaret was enough to make me roll my eyes but based on evidence -what she heard and saw- it did seem as if Eduard would do well to marry Margaret and be a stepfather to Oliver.
Aunt Bess...she could be terrible and wonderful. The way she never offered money or allowance to Jenny, yet expecting her to quit her promising position in the hospital, just to nurse her. But her naughty matchmaking and summoning Margaret to Holland to stir things up between Eduard and Jenny was just too wicked! Haha! Oh I loved little details like how she'd call Jenny "Janet" when she's displeased...
Eduard showing up in Madeira and joining their cruise for a couple of days told me just HOW keen he was on Jenny! He even flew his own plane out...wow! His dawning realisation when Jenny really laughed was so sweet to witness. Despite spending so much time with Margaret at Dimworth, he was entirely aware of what kept Jenny so busy all the time! When Oliver repeated that Jenny went to do up her hair severely because he was coming, his hidden smile was too cute! So many such moments in the first half of the book. Jenny became a bit "wet" once she'd had her dawning realisation so the book wasn't as fun. She's kinda clumsy too, slipping on banana peel and tripping on the stairs. These little things really bring the characters to live!
I just love the barbed exchanges between Jenny and Eduard. Eduard's love declaration was one of the best I feel. Plot wise nothing to shout about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
Having read lots of late-canon Neels lately, it's interesting to read this earlier story (originally published in 1977). Compared to some later installments, she takes a more autocratic line with the doctor, but I seem to recall such hero types were de rigueur for 1970s Harlequins. On the other hand, about two-thirds of the way through the story, he starts to palpably soften, with most of the resistance coming from Jenny, who persists in assuming the worst about most of their exchanges. And he does seem to be one of the only people in the book who takes seriously Jenny's interest in a career, even if she herself abandons these ambitions once romance appears.
A few other random observations, in no particular order:
I am always amazed/amused by how determinedly Neels heroines write off kisses or dismiss the doctor as having merly bussed the nearest available female in the absence of She Whom He Really Wanted to Kiss. For most of my life, I've made far more of far less; it's hard to imagine that many women would be so blase -- especially as the kisses multiplied! Oh, to be so unmoved.
This is the first Neels book in which I can remember any reference to race. I'm unsure what to make of it. On the one hand, Jenny's assumptions show a typically prejudiced perspective, but the two unnamed characters ultimately prove among the more actively helpful residents of Amsterdam.
A few other random observations, in no particular order:
I am always amazed/amused by how determinedly Neels heroines write off kisses or dismiss the doctor as having merly bussed the nearest available female in the absence of She Whom He Really Wanted to Kiss. For most of my life, I've made far more of far less; it's hard to imagine that many women would be so blase -- especially as the kisses multiplied! Oh, to be so unmoved.
This is the first Neels book in which I can remember any reference to race. I'm unsure what to make of it. On the one hand, Jenny's assumptions show a typically prejudiced perspective, but the two unnamed characters ultimately prove among the more actively helpful residents of Amsterdam.
September 11, 2023
Good until the very end!
Jenny is beautiful and has a really bad temper! 😂 Eduard is as arrogant as they come! This makes for a very interesting dynamic since both of them like to get their own way. A very bright spot in this book is Jenny's nephew Oliver. He's such a loveable little boy.... and his mother, Margaret, does not deserve such a wonderful child. Anyway, Jenny takes an instant dislike to Eduard because, of course, he's arrogant. Eventually she realizes she loves him. He's the man she's been waiting for but it takes time for her to realize that. She's certain he's in love with Margaret. Margaret is very pretty, but Jenny is prettier according to their aunt.
The only offensive thing in this book was when she referred to a couple of black boys as "coloured". That is an awful term. However, I'm thinking this book must have been written back in the time when that was the term for us. That was a small blip in an otherwise excellent story.
I think, overall, you'll like the story. Jenny isn't the typical down on her luck heroine. She works because she wants to, not because she needs to. She has an aunt who loves her. She's very pretty and very stubborn. She's pretty great.
Eduard is very patient! 😂 He's going to need that patience! As I said, Jenny has a temper. She doesn't have a long fuse either. Eduard is good though. He is perfect!
As I said, you'll love this book!
Jenny is beautiful and has a really bad temper! 😂 Eduard is as arrogant as they come! This makes for a very interesting dynamic since both of them like to get their own way. A very bright spot in this book is Jenny's nephew Oliver. He's such a loveable little boy.... and his mother, Margaret, does not deserve such a wonderful child. Anyway, Jenny takes an instant dislike to Eduard because, of course, he's arrogant. Eventually she realizes she loves him. He's the man she's been waiting for but it takes time for her to realize that. She's certain he's in love with Margaret. Margaret is very pretty, but Jenny is prettier according to their aunt.
The only offensive thing in this book was when she referred to a couple of black boys as "coloured". That is an awful term. However, I'm thinking this book must have been written back in the time when that was the term for us. That was a small blip in an otherwise excellent story.
I think, overall, you'll like the story. Jenny isn't the typical down on her luck heroine. She works because she wants to, not because she needs to. She has an aunt who loves her. She's very pretty and very stubborn. She's pretty great.
Eduard is very patient! 😂 He's going to need that patience! As I said, Jenny has a temper. She doesn't have a long fuse either. Eduard is good though. He is perfect!
As I said, you'll love this book!
November 8, 2023
Зразковий вінтажний любовний роман для proper and stiff upper lip, де всі ходять по лінійці і відчувають правильне (ну майже, бо все-таки любов). Нічого в цьому поганого немає, але обмеження накладає. Головна героїня в нас медсестра, але з дуже гарної родини, он і тітонька є, яка керує і маєтком, і слугами, і племінницею однаково владною рукою. Героїня думає про карєру, nf коли тітонька починає хворіти, то без зайвого звуку кидає роботу, присвячуючи себе догляду, а там і зустрічається з поважним голландським лікарем, який страшенно професійний, але по-людськи вони сваряться. Героїня досварилася до закоханості, але шляхетно поступається місцем кузині, якій заміж треба, лікар маринує героїню, підживлюючи її фантазії чи то про жертовність, чи то просто щоб ревнувала, а врешті нас чекає найстриманіше освідчення, задовго до якого мрії про кар'єру десь губляться безслідно. Ну й вони трошки поцілувались.
Претензій до роману в мене немає жодних; на той час хотілося тільки, щоб перед очима були якісь літери, а сюжет не вимагав нічого взагалі. А я навіть щось пам'ятаю, тому залік.
Претензій до роману в мене немає жодних; на той час хотілося тільки, щоб перед очима були якісь літери, а сюжет не вимагав нічого взагалі. А я навіть щось пам'ятаю, тому залік.
January 2, 2024
Another good Betty Neels story set in London and Holland.
Jenny lives with her Aunt Bess who is a very demanding person but who has given a home to Jenny since she lost her parents at a young age.
Aunt Bess becomes very ill with a brain bleed and Eduard from Holland is a specialist in this type of thing....he happens to be lecturing in England and is friends with Dr Toms who brings Eduard to check out Aunt Bess.
Aunt Bess demands that Jenny come home immediately to look after her which she does...it means losing her job at the hospital because it will be several weeks before Aunt Bess can manage on her own.
Eduard and Jenny get off to a bad start with Jenny being very annoyed and mean to Eduard but everything works out in the end.
Jenny lives with her Aunt Bess who is a very demanding person but who has given a home to Jenny since she lost her parents at a young age.
Aunt Bess becomes very ill with a brain bleed and Eduard from Holland is a specialist in this type of thing....he happens to be lecturing in England and is friends with Dr Toms who brings Eduard to check out Aunt Bess.
Aunt Bess demands that Jenny come home immediately to look after her which she does...it means losing her job at the hospital because it will be several weeks before Aunt Bess can manage on her own.
Eduard and Jenny get off to a bad start with Jenny being very annoyed and mean to Eduard but everything works out in the end.
October 31, 2020
It's a solid Betty Neels romance to spend a lazy Saturday morning in bed.
A nurse with a trust fund, who helps to operate the family's English manor to the public, falls in love with the surgeon who takes care of her Aunt Bess. They bicker, eat a lot of tasty sounding meals, wear beautiful clothes, miscommunicate, and get the happily-ever-after.
It is, however, remarkable for a Neels romance that the couple antagonizes each other first, the sass level, and it's heartwarming how much the heroine prizes her independence in the first half of the book.
A nurse with a trust fund, who helps to operate the family's English manor to the public, falls in love with the surgeon who takes care of her Aunt Bess. They bicker, eat a lot of tasty sounding meals, wear beautiful clothes, miscommunicate, and get the happily-ever-after.
It is, however, remarkable for a Neels romance that the couple antagonizes each other first, the sass level, and it's heartwarming how much the heroine prizes her independence in the first half of the book.
September 25, 2024
I read the last chapter and it was enough for me to want to slap the hero up his head. In an alternate universe the heroine should’ve refused the idiot hero just on principle. He knew she was writhing in worry and agony thinking he and Margaret were getting married, especially with all the innuendos she dropped, and he still felt keeping a social secret was more important than putting the heroine out of her misery, the hero is coy AND stupid and she’d have been better off in the long run to have married he squire’s son.
March 27, 2020
Every BettyNeels is going to have an alpha male but sometimes it goes a bit overboard. He’d prefer she not go out with the kid alone so of course when she does she loses the kid she’s been touted as being a ‘better than his own mom’ mother to??? And it’s a huge deal and proof she should always listen to the man and at the same time ridiculous his mom cares AND they she take the kid out the next day but it’s fine that time for some reason??? Not my favorite.
August 1, 2018
Lovely
If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
If you enjoy your romances clean, light, fluffy and vintage then you will enjoy the wonderful work of Betty Neels
February 25, 2019
Grasp a Nettle
Too much conflict in love. Jenny is a weak character. The aunt played a more prominent role than Jenny the heroine.
Too much conflict in love. Jenny is a weak character. The aunt played a more prominent role than Jenny the heroine.
April 28, 2020
Not a lot of fun hospital drama, but made up for by the fact that the heroine didn't tiresomely fall in love with the hero until almost the very end.
January 20, 2021
Another romantic winner.
Need a little romance today?
Betty Neels weaves her stories gently and leaves the reader content. She is one of my favorites. You will love her too.
Need a little romance today?
Betty Neels weaves her stories gently and leaves the reader content. She is one of my favorites. You will love her too.
February 13, 2021
Nice, but
I didn't really care for the spoiled and selfish cousin. I guess it helps to make a story. The little boy not listening was not my favorite part either.
I didn't really care for the spoiled and selfish cousin. I guess it helps to make a story. The little boy not listening was not my favorite part either.
February 21, 2021
Very pleasant - one of her better characters.
May 13, 2021
Ridiculously angry, hostile, and verbally unkind hero.
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