What do you think?
Rate this book
Tabitha in the Moonlight
Her Prince Charming?
Sister Tabitha was an efficient nurse, but when it came to matters of the heart she was less sure of herself. So when she fell in love, she had no idea how to deal with her feelings.
Was that why the Dutch surgeon Marius van Beek called her Cinderella? If only Marius would ride up on a white horse and ask for her hand in marriage. But people lived happily ever after only in fairy tales, didn't they?
Sister Tabitha was an efficient nurse, but when it came to matters of the heart she was less sure of herself. So when she fell in love, she had no idea how to deal with her feelings.
Was that why the Dutch surgeon Marius van Beek called her Cinderella? If only Marius would ride up on a white horse and ask for her hand in marriage. But people lived happily ever after only in fairy tales, didn't they?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1972
55 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 14, 2015
Betty Neels, the Great Dame of the "Rich Dutch Doctor Meets Magnificent English Mouse" trope. Alas, this beloved and predictable British author is spinning yarns on another cloud.
The ladies over at the "Betty Neels or Bust" website — aka "The Uncrushable Jersey Dress" — have awarded this book nearly the very highest mark... (drum roll please)...The Queen of Puddings!!! Penultimate, of 9 possible ratings, just one step below Lashings of Whipped Cream, which is the Very Betty Best.
Their pictographic reviews of all books Betty are sometimes laugh-out-loud clever. See Tabitha In Moonlight here: http://everyneelsthing.blogspot.com/2...
I read it every five years or so. Planning to read it again when I want to stroll into a dismal hospital, spy on Tabitha's abusive stepmother, and dream about the joys of sterilizing the sharps, baking and cleaning, and rising at dawn for a brisk country walk. At Chidlake.
I mark this a fairy tale, because there's Cinderella, a wicked stepmother, and a handsome prince.
The ladies over at the "Betty Neels or Bust" website — aka "The Uncrushable Jersey Dress" — have awarded this book nearly the very highest mark... (drum roll please)...The Queen of Puddings!!! Penultimate, of 9 possible ratings, just one step below Lashings of Whipped Cream, which is the Very Betty Best.
Their pictographic reviews of all books Betty are sometimes laugh-out-loud clever. See Tabitha In Moonlight here: http://everyneelsthing.blogspot.com/2...
I read it every five years or so. Planning to read it again when I want to stroll into a dismal hospital, spy on Tabitha's abusive stepmother, and dream about the joys of sterilizing the sharps, baking and cleaning, and rising at dawn for a brisk country walk. At Chidlake.
I mark this a fairy tale, because there's Cinderella, a wicked stepmother, and a handsome prince.
October 16, 2021
Tabitha in Moonlight is a Harlequin Romance about an efficient, capable nurse (aren’t they always in these books?) in an elderly men’s ward. She falls for the new temporary surgeon, the Dutch-born, Dr. Marius van Beek. Betty Neels wields the typical doctor-nurse romance into a Cinderella story, with Tabitha starring as the poor, down-trodden stepdaughter who gets no love from her wicked step-mother and step-sister.
Dr. van Beek plays the prince’s role, but fortunately, this Prince is far more astute than his fairy tale predecessor, not requiring a glass slipper to identify his true lady love.
When first we meet Tabitha, she is presiding over her ward, checking on patients in a pleasant, personal manner, going as far as taking care of one old gentleman’s cat. She’s no beauty, as Neels describes her, but with her lovely figure, wide smile, and fabulous hair that she keeps primly knotted up, the reader knows Tabitha is actually a swan in hiding.
Tabitha lives in a little flat near work. She’s 25, practically on the shelf, and independent, but quite delf-deprecating. She doesn’t think much of her looks. It’s a shame a plain Jane like herself is the type the handsome new doctor would never be interested in. (sigh)
Years ago, Tabitha had lived with her father in their ancestral home, Chidlake. But upon his remarriage and her entrance into nursing school, she left home. Her father died, and by all rights, the family home should be hers. However, her father left it to his second wife, believing she would pass it on to his daughter. At a weekend visit to Chidlake, Tabitha is shocked to see Dr. van Beek in attendance, with her stepsister draped all over him.
Tabitha’s stepmother is a cruel woman, insulting Tabitha’s looks at every turn. Is it a wonder she feels so insecure when compared to her elegant step-sister?
But make no mistake, Marius is not a cad who chases woman after woman. If they’re drawn to him, it’s because he’s one of those confident, handsome men who excels at his profession. Women highly prize that type of man.
There are a few surprises in store for Tabby. Tabitha finds herself accompanying Marius and a patient on a trip on Marius’ boat and then to Holland. There are quite a few charming side characters in this vintage romance that add to the overall enjoyment.
This is a sweet romance about a fairy tale coming to fruition in real life. Dr. van Beek was a great hero. Reserved, cool, but you knew what was going on in his mind, that he adored Tabitha. He’s actually a very nice hero, always praising Tabitha, and trying his best to instore confidence in her.
I could have done without Tabitha’s silly insecurities about her looks. She carried on as if she were a troll. I don’t know if it’s limited solely to books, but it seems so many young women are either woefully insecure about themselves or have too much-misplaced arrogance. Can’t there be a middle ground for self-adjusted women who value their true worth?
That’s a minor quibble, as seeing Tabitha grow into her own and flourish under Marius’ kindness made this romance a delightful treasure.
4 stars
Dr. van Beek plays the prince’s role, but fortunately, this Prince is far more astute than his fairy tale predecessor, not requiring a glass slipper to identify his true lady love.
When first we meet Tabitha, she is presiding over her ward, checking on patients in a pleasant, personal manner, going as far as taking care of one old gentleman’s cat. She’s no beauty, as Neels describes her, but with her lovely figure, wide smile, and fabulous hair that she keeps primly knotted up, the reader knows Tabitha is actually a swan in hiding.
Tabitha lives in a little flat near work. She’s 25, practically on the shelf, and independent, but quite delf-deprecating. She doesn’t think much of her looks. It’s a shame a plain Jane like herself is the type the handsome new doctor would never be interested in. (sigh)
Years ago, Tabitha had lived with her father in their ancestral home, Chidlake. But upon his remarriage and her entrance into nursing school, she left home. Her father died, and by all rights, the family home should be hers. However, her father left it to his second wife, believing she would pass it on to his daughter. At a weekend visit to Chidlake, Tabitha is shocked to see Dr. van Beek in attendance, with her stepsister draped all over him.
Tabitha’s stepmother is a cruel woman, insulting Tabitha’s looks at every turn. Is it a wonder she feels so insecure when compared to her elegant step-sister?
But make no mistake, Marius is not a cad who chases woman after woman. If they’re drawn to him, it’s because he’s one of those confident, handsome men who excels at his profession. Women highly prize that type of man.
There are a few surprises in store for Tabby. Tabitha finds herself accompanying Marius and a patient on a trip on Marius’ boat and then to Holland. There are quite a few charming side characters in this vintage romance that add to the overall enjoyment.
This is a sweet romance about a fairy tale coming to fruition in real life. Dr. van Beek was a great hero. Reserved, cool, but you knew what was going on in his mind, that he adored Tabitha. He’s actually a very nice hero, always praising Tabitha, and trying his best to instore confidence in her.
I could have done without Tabitha’s silly insecurities about her looks. She carried on as if she were a troll. I don’t know if it’s limited solely to books, but it seems so many young women are either woefully insecure about themselves or have too much-misplaced arrogance. Can’t there be a middle ground for self-adjusted women who value their true worth?
That’s a minor quibble, as seeing Tabitha grow into her own and flourish under Marius’ kindness made this romance a delightful treasure.
4 stars
July 3, 2024
4 1/2 Stars ~ Tabitha is 25 and a Ward Sister for the men's orthopedic ward at a busy London hospital. When the chief surgeon has an accident and becomes a patient too, Marius, a renowned Dutch surgeon steps in to fill the gap. Tabitha is greatly impressed with his skill and his patient gentle manner, and she quickly finds herself falling in love. When Tabitha reluctantly visits her family home for her stepsister's birthday, she's surprised to see Marius with Lilith firmly attached to his arm. Tabitha's mother had died when she was young, and her father had remarried ten years later while Tabitha was training to be a nurse. Her stepmother and Lilith had never hidden their dislike for Tabitha, both undermining her confidence by constantly calling her plain and dull. When her father died, she found it extremely difficult to visit the home she loved as Chidlakes had been in her family for over 150 years, and now because her father had failed to update his will, the property belonged to her stepmother.
Marius is greatly observant and he gently encourages Tabby to do more with her appearance. Slowly with his praise and the positive comments from her friends, she begins to come out of her shell. Much to her dismay, Marius likes to call her Cinderella and teases her that one day her prince shall come.
Marius is a brilliant planner, and he arranges for the men's ward to be shut down for renovations, and while it's closed he'll take away the chief surgeon whose leg is still in cast and another older patient, also a dear friend of Marius, on an extended holiday to Holland. They invite Tabitha along, for company for the chief's wife and to assist the two patients. The holiday gives Tabitha the happiest days of her life, until her stepmother and Lilith turn up uninvited but staying in a nearby hotel. Marius seems pleased to see them including them in their plans for sailing, and even manages to have private time with Lilith. When Marius hints that one day he'll marry, Tabitha knows he's getting ready to propose to Lilith.
This Cinderella story; complete with evil stepmother and stepsister; is a Betty Neels favourite. Tabitha is a remarkable young woman, dedicated and efficient, generous of heart and affection, and totally oblivious to her own charm. Marius is enchanted with her right from the start, and patiently brings her out of her shell. This is a difficult task as her stepmother has really done a number on her self-confidence and everytime Tabitha is alone with her, she manages to undo so much of Marius' hard work. I was very proud of Tabitha when she quietly lets her stepmother know she can no longer affect her. The journey to HEA has been a turbulent one for Tabitha, though for Marius it had only a few bumpy moments. And in Betty Neels' style, "Tabitha looked all of a sudden quite beautiful; it was surprising what love could do to even the plainest of features."
There are 134 unique stories published by Ms. Neels, and I've been enjoying reading them from the beginning of her career on. This book was published as her 23rd in North America, but it's actually her 10th, written in the 70's. Of the 31 books I've read of hers to-date, I find that this one is unique in that we are made aware that Tabitha has a physical response to Marius. While swimming (she in a bikini!), Marius touches her bare shoulder and Tabby feels tingles down her spine. Later, one morning she catches him after working on the sailboat wearing only a pair of shorts and grease smears on his chest and she feels quite flustered. While this is tame for a book written in the 70's, it's rather progressive for Ms. Neels who, having been born in 1910, would have been in her early 60's when she wrote this.
Marius is greatly observant and he gently encourages Tabby to do more with her appearance. Slowly with his praise and the positive comments from her friends, she begins to come out of her shell. Much to her dismay, Marius likes to call her Cinderella and teases her that one day her prince shall come.
Marius is a brilliant planner, and he arranges for the men's ward to be shut down for renovations, and while it's closed he'll take away the chief surgeon whose leg is still in cast and another older patient, also a dear friend of Marius, on an extended holiday to Holland. They invite Tabitha along, for company for the chief's wife and to assist the two patients. The holiday gives Tabitha the happiest days of her life, until her stepmother and Lilith turn up uninvited but staying in a nearby hotel. Marius seems pleased to see them including them in their plans for sailing, and even manages to have private time with Lilith. When Marius hints that one day he'll marry, Tabitha knows he's getting ready to propose to Lilith.
This Cinderella story; complete with evil stepmother and stepsister; is a Betty Neels favourite. Tabitha is a remarkable young woman, dedicated and efficient, generous of heart and affection, and totally oblivious to her own charm. Marius is enchanted with her right from the start, and patiently brings her out of her shell. This is a difficult task as her stepmother has really done a number on her self-confidence and everytime Tabitha is alone with her, she manages to undo so much of Marius' hard work. I was very proud of Tabitha when she quietly lets her stepmother know she can no longer affect her. The journey to HEA has been a turbulent one for Tabitha, though for Marius it had only a few bumpy moments. And in Betty Neels' style, "Tabitha looked all of a sudden quite beautiful; it was surprising what love could do to even the plainest of features."
There are 134 unique stories published by Ms. Neels, and I've been enjoying reading them from the beginning of her career on. This book was published as her 23rd in North America, but it's actually her 10th, written in the 70's. Of the 31 books I've read of hers to-date, I find that this one is unique in that we are made aware that Tabitha has a physical response to Marius. While swimming (she in a bikini!), Marius touches her bare shoulder and Tabby feels tingles down her spine. Later, one morning she catches him after working on the sailboat wearing only a pair of shorts and grease smears on his chest and she feels quite flustered. While this is tame for a book written in the 70's, it's rather progressive for Ms. Neels who, having been born in 1910, would have been in her early 60's when she wrote this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
This is a rather daring Betty Neels because the heroine wears a bikini..not as daring the the evil step-sister's bikini but still. The hero also presumably wears a swimsuit and at one point wanders in wearing nothing apart from some oil stained shorts. Given that most Neel's hero's are like 6'4" with a broad manly chest this would be pretty impressive. I could actually spend time pondering that.
Tabby, Tabitha our heroine, believes she is plain because her step-mother has been brainwashing her since she was nine to believe it. Marius has to slap her around (figuratively) to get her to start making something of herself. Meanwhile he is sucking up to the step-mother Mrs Crawley and her daughter Lilith (biblical name of evil woman).
Tabby assumes that Lilith, who is very pretty but has an evil grasping nature like her mother, has captivated Marius but of course our hero has a deep dark reason for this that will end up bringing happiness to Tabby.
I'm sure there are other plot lines. There are the usual animals to be rescued and an old friend of Marius gives him an excuse to lure Tabby to Holland where the hero will take them sailing and swimming on the lake thus giving them the opportunity to wear bikinis and swimshorts and suchlike brief attire. Have I mentioned that before?
Altogether a lovely little story very loosely based on Cinderella.
Tabby, Tabitha our heroine, believes she is plain because her step-mother has been brainwashing her since she was nine to believe it. Marius has to slap her around (figuratively) to get her to start making something of herself. Meanwhile he is sucking up to the step-mother Mrs Crawley and her daughter Lilith (biblical name of evil woman).
Tabby assumes that Lilith, who is very pretty but has an evil grasping nature like her mother, has captivated Marius but of course our hero has a deep dark reason for this that will end up bringing happiness to Tabby.
I'm sure there are other plot lines. There are the usual animals to be rescued and an old friend of Marius gives him an excuse to lure Tabby to Holland where the hero will take them sailing and swimming on the lake thus giving them the opportunity to wear bikinis and swimshorts and suchlike brief attire. Have I mentioned that before?
Altogether a lovely little story very loosely based on Cinderella.
July 31, 2013
Coming out of nowhere......."A Cinderella Story" ; 0 )
Who can resist?
I highly recommend this one to all Betty Neels' fans. Marius and Tabitha were such great fun. I enjoyed following Marius' antics. He was such a smoothie and he kept poor Tabitha on her toes. (Poor girl didn't know what hit her) If I had to describe my perfectman - oops, I mean hero, it would be Marius.
The secondary characters were rich, wonderful and added extra dimension and flavor to the story. OW was deliciously evil and fit the role of evil stepsister perfectly. I was waiting for stepmother to take off on her broom at any moment.
Definitely, one of Betty's better efforts. Personally, I think it is one of her best!
Footnote: I don't think they ate any beans on toast in this one --- it was creme brûlée and clotted cream all the way!
Who can resist?
I highly recommend this one to all Betty Neels' fans. Marius and Tabitha were such great fun. I enjoyed following Marius' antics. He was such a smoothie and he kept poor Tabitha on her toes. (Poor girl didn't know what hit her) If I had to describe my perfect
The secondary characters were rich, wonderful and added extra dimension and flavor to the story. OW was deliciously evil and fit the role of evil stepsister perfectly. I was waiting for stepmother to take off on her broom at any moment.
Definitely, one of Betty's better efforts. Personally, I think it is one of her best!
Footnote: I don't think they ate any beans on toast in this one --- it was creme brûlée and clotted cream all the way!
February 10, 2018
I recently acquired this from a UBS on amazon and don't recall ever having read it before. Any new BN is a rare delight and this one in particular - this will definitely be in my top 5 of all BNs!
The heroine is a Cinderella and the RDD has the bloody nerve to call her on it! Wicked stepsister is the OW; stepmother is a real bitch indeed; she has disparaged Tabitha so long that the poor girl has no self esteem at all. In spite of that, she still has some sass in her: In chapter 4, our heroine actually uses a swear word! :0
How much do I love Marius! Without doubt, he is one of my very favorite RDDs. He does his best to bring Tabby out of her shell; he teases and prods her into quitting her Cinderella attitude - Tabitha's self-makeover is one of the most charming things ever!
I can't neglect to mention the very rare showing of skin by our H/h; Tabitha rocks a bikini and Marius appears in the kitchen "in nothing but oil-stained shorts." Racy stuff, indeed.
Another of the charms of BN is her portraits of secondary characters and there are none more charming than Messrs. Raynard and Bow, along with Meg and Hans.
Completely satisfying declaration, proposal and wrap-up! Everything explained to the heroine's satisfaction (and mine as well). I loved this book!
The heroine is a Cinderella and the RDD has the bloody nerve to call her on it! Wicked stepsister is the OW; stepmother is a real bitch indeed; she has disparaged Tabitha so long that the poor girl has no self esteem at all. In spite of that, she still has some sass in her: In chapter 4, our heroine actually uses a swear word! :0
How much do I love Marius! Without doubt, he is one of my very favorite RDDs. He does his best to bring Tabby out of her shell; he teases and prods her into quitting her Cinderella attitude - Tabitha's self-makeover is one of the most charming things ever!
I can't neglect to mention the very rare showing of skin by our H/h; Tabitha rocks a bikini and Marius appears in the kitchen "in nothing but oil-stained shorts." Racy stuff, indeed.
Another of the charms of BN is her portraits of secondary characters and there are none more charming than Messrs. Raynard and Bow, along with Meg and Hans.
Completely satisfying declaration, proposal and wrap-up! Everything explained to the heroine's satisfaction (and mine as well). I loved this book!
October 5, 2020
This is the one with the competent and confident Ward Sister who lets her stepmonsters gaslight her for YEARS. Er, that may describe too many BN novels. Umm, this is the one where the heroine goes on a sailing vacation with the RDD to nurse her irascible surgeon boss and the hero's old tutor who are recovering from surgery. There we go.
I really liked Tabitha in Moonlight, mainly because the hero is just terrific. Marius may seem leisurely and calm, but he knows what he wants and goes after it in the smartest of ways, and he's just such a kind person at heart that no wonder Tabitha falls for him. I liked Tabby too, but I wanted to smack her upside the head a few times--what's with BN heroines who KNOW that certain people have nothing but ill will towards them and still take their word as gospel? In Tabby's case, she's endured years of her horrible stepmother and stepsister telling her that she's plain but so many other people make it clear that she's utterly charming that you'd think she would have figured it out by age 25. And even if she's not going to set the world on fire with her looks--well, you're in good company, Tabby; most other people aren't either, and with your great legs, pretty figure, and a Vogue subscription, you've got a lot going for you.
Marius does a good job of breaking the heroine out of her "Cinderella" role, partly by reminding her that she's the only one putting herself in that role. And, sure, Tabby's had a raw deal (what's with BN parents not making wills when they have substantial assets and awful second wives?), but the pity party gets old.
The sailing trip was great fun, and the secondary characters in this one--in particular, Tabby's matchmaking "peppery" boss--are pretty memorable. The stepmonsters are wonderfully pernicious and keep popping up like evil jack in the boxes--fun! And the Big Misunderstanding in this one is actually understandable, since the RDD has a good reason for keeping his motives and actions under wraps.
Good angst, great characters, and some memorable details make this one a Betty standout for me, with a point deducted for too-long-sustained heroine lack of confidence. A nicely satisfying outing from TGB.
I really liked Tabitha in Moonlight, mainly because the hero is just terrific. Marius may seem leisurely and calm, but he knows what he wants and goes after it in the smartest of ways, and he's just such a kind person at heart that no wonder Tabitha falls for him. I liked Tabby too, but I wanted to smack her upside the head a few times--what's with BN heroines who KNOW that certain people have nothing but ill will towards them and still take their word as gospel? In Tabby's case, she's endured years of her horrible stepmother and stepsister telling her that she's plain but so many other people make it clear that she's utterly charming that you'd think she would have figured it out by age 25. And even if she's not going to set the world on fire with her looks--well, you're in good company, Tabby; most other people aren't either, and with your great legs, pretty figure, and a Vogue subscription, you've got a lot going for you.
Marius does a good job of breaking the heroine out of her "Cinderella" role, partly by reminding her that she's the only one putting herself in that role. And, sure, Tabby's had a raw deal (what's with BN parents not making wills when they have substantial assets and awful second wives?), but the pity party gets old.
The sailing trip was great fun, and the secondary characters in this one--in particular, Tabby's matchmaking "peppery" boss--are pretty memorable. The stepmonsters are wonderfully pernicious and keep popping up like evil jack in the boxes--fun! And the Big Misunderstanding in this one is actually understandable, since the RDD has a good reason for keeping his motives and actions under wraps.
Good angst, great characters, and some memorable details make this one a Betty standout for me, with a point deducted for too-long-sustained heroine lack of confidence. A nicely satisfying outing from TGB.
May 28, 2018
Oh how I loved Tabitha and Marius. For Tabitha, there is an evil stepmother and stepsister, a sense of helpless down-on-herselfness, a plain girl, a stalwart good girl with no hope of love or connection. And Marius comes along: relaxed, affectionate, warm, with his impeccable slacks and neck-scarves, with his slow smiles and beautiful Dutch home, where he takes Tabby and invalid-friends for a sailing holiday. It's all pretty wonderful: Marius's patience, Tabitha's rage and unhappiness, her suppression of ever expressing what she wants, or feels. This is what Marius wants from her for the novel's duration, but she cannot think so much of herself to ask for what she wants. And she's suffered, lost her father, her home and endured being constantly gaslighted by her terrible step-relatives. But Marius does something very clever and loving: he knows if he TELLS Tabitha he loves her, she won't believe it (heck, she doesn't connect his kisses to possible feelings), so he does something meaningful and beautiful to SHOW her.
August 16, 2013
I liked this one for the fact that the hero was pretty compelling and knew that he was interested in the heroine right off the bat; this adds to the romance, makes it less dry than some of Betty Neels' books can be.
I didn't enjoy what a victim the heroine was to her incredibly awful step-mother and step-sister. More evidence of spine would have been really welcome.
On the up side, the hero lolls around shirtless in this book! I don't think I've seen that in another of her books. I didn't know Betty had that in her! High five!
Anyway - it has some good moments, and some frustrating ones.
I didn't enjoy what a victim the heroine was to her incredibly awful step-mother and step-sister. More evidence of spine would have been really welcome.
On the up side, the hero lolls around shirtless in this book! I don't think I've seen that in another of her books. I didn't know Betty had that in her! High five!
Anyway - it has some good moments, and some frustrating ones.
October 3, 2010
My second favorite book by Betty Neels. Our poor heroine is so badly done-by, by everyone! Or so it seems. Typical Neels plot-mousy British Nurse, handsome Rich Dutch Doctor. She falls for him, he seems to have fallen for her much prettier sister, and so on and so on. But the characters are vividly done in this one.
There's lots of angst and a wonderful happy ending. What's not to like?
There's lots of angst and a wonderful happy ending. What's not to like?
October 22, 2016
Just lovely. Tabitha is one of my very favorite PBN's. She is wonderfully caring. Living with her FFR Meg in a small apartment since her (very)evil stepmother and stepsister made her feel a stranger in her own home. The home Chidlake figures prominently in the plot as it was to remain in Tabitha's hands to pass it through the family. Once again a parent neglected to provide for his own child to the betterment of the evil steps. You will learn to hate her stepsister I promise you. Our RDD is Marius, friend to the recently injured irascible Orthopedic Surgeon Mr Raynard; blessed with a beautiful and loving wife. When coming to England to do Mr Raynard's surgery and take over his patients he spies an old and valued friend Knotty (Mr. Bow) a charming man recently fallen upon hard times. Marius is perhaps the most gifted manipulators in all of BettyLand. He teases Tabitha out of her shell and tries to make her see that her StepMother and StepSister's nasty comments are not worth her notice. Our Tabby falls hard and when it seems that Marius is being led into Stepsister Lilith's web we weep with her. I have never wanted to reach into the pages of a book and throttle someone like I wanted to do to this monsterly duo. Nice interlude to Holland where we get the obligatory house tour, meet Hans our Dutch FFR and get a little risque with oil stained shorts and bikinis. Marius is one of the studlier RDDs in TGB's books. I love Tabitha. I loved Marius. One of the top10 TGB books. A must read.
April 11, 2021
Unusual story about a plain Jane and handsome doctor. Not my usual fare. :) What made it unusual was the fact that the reader has to infer the hero's motivation, seeing him through her eyes and realizing she's not seeing all that's there. But are we? At the ending everything is explained and makes sense, but as I read I was impressed by the author's ability to build my curiosity. It was almost like reading a mystery novel - does he or doesn't he?
This isn't "realistic". I'd have some concerns about a marriage built on such a shaky foundation. But it made for fascinating reading. The fact that the MCs are grownups who behave like adults was nice. And - no cursing, instant lust or sex. A real bonus!
NB - This was perhaps the first book by Betty Neels that I read. I've learned since that it follows the usual pattern for Neels, something that I really enjoy. And these two characters are very likable. Betty Neels books are perfect comfort fare for me.
It turns out, this is one of Neels most popular books. If you enjoy her stories then join the conversation at the GR group Betty Neels Junkies. See you there!
This isn't "realistic". I'd have some concerns about a marriage built on such a shaky foundation. But it made for fascinating reading. The fact that the MCs are grownups who behave like adults was nice. And - no cursing, instant lust or sex. A real bonus!
NB - This was perhaps the first book by Betty Neels that I read. I've learned since that it follows the usual pattern for Neels, something that I really enjoy. And these two characters are very likable. Betty Neels books are perfect comfort fare for me.
It turns out, this is one of Neels most popular books. If you enjoy her stories then join the conversation at the GR group Betty Neels Junkies. See you there!
January 30, 2023
This was so sweet! I love the Cinderella theme with surprising and rather unusual replacements for glass slipper and fairy godmother. 😆 I like the second half of the book best when the little group goes to Marius’s home in Holland and have a (mostly) delightful time sailing and swimming and eating and laughing. It sounds idyllic. There are so many fun supporting characters in this, the Raynards, Mr Bow, Hans, Meg. And the ugly stepmother and stepsister are truly horrid, ugly in all the ways Tabitha is beautiful. I also love that Mr Bow’s cat’s name is Podger. Every time I saw it, I giggled.
December 27, 2022
This is one of my favorites by Betty Neels. Surgeon Marius van Beek is immediately taken with Nursing Sister Tabitha Crawley. But Tabby has been told so often by her stepmother and stepsister, Lilith, that she is plain and unimpressive and that she is a hard person to compliment. Marius arranges a trip to his home in Holland to oversee the recovery of two friends, and uses the time to bring Tabby over to his way of feeling. Tabitha already is in love with him, but is under the mistaken understanding that Marius is falling for her spoiled, selfish, but beautiful stepsister. Lovely scenes in Holland, sailing in a yacht on Dutch waters. A lovely book.
September 7, 2013
I gave a BN book a 5-star rating, instead of my usual 3- to 4-star. 'Nuff said.
I don't really feel like writing a review ATM, so I'm only going to state how much I loved this book and everything about it, characters and descriptions included. And also that it's my most favourite one out of all the Betty Neels books I've read so far.
Data:
Author: Betty Neels
Type: Romance, Harlequin, Vintage
Setting:
Year: 1970's
Place(s): England; Bath, Dorset, Holland; Veere
Characters:
Heroine: Tabitha 'Tabby' Crawley, Age: 25, Occupation: Nurse
Hero: Marius van Beek, Age: 38, Occupation: doctor; orthopaedic surgeon
I don't really feel like writing a review ATM, so I'm only going to state how much I loved this book and everything about it, characters and descriptions included. And also that it's my most favourite one out of all the Betty Neels books I've read so far.
Data:
Author: Betty Neels
Type: Romance, Harlequin, Vintage
Setting:
Year: 1970's
Place(s): England; Bath, Dorset, Holland; Veere
Characters:
Heroine: Tabitha 'Tabby' Crawley, Age: 25, Occupation: Nurse
Hero: Marius van Beek, Age: 38, Occupation: doctor; orthopaedic surgeon
March 11, 2021
Hero treats heroine more brotherly than anything else really. And the heroine is a doormat when it comes to the hero. She'll be his docile little wife.
March 8, 2023
Oh, dear. This one had all the typical Betty Neels characters (successful, tall, rich, Dutch surgeon, plain English nurse, pretty rival) and "conflicts," but do girls really exist who get kissed and think the guy is just being brotherly? And Marius really irked me with his mocking smiles and secretive behavior and enjoyment of Tabitha's somewhat idiotic misinterpretations of situations. I would have liked even five minutes of doubt or suffering on his part. This was more of a 3.5 stars for me.
September 14, 2021
4.5
I should have hated all Betty’s heroes for their push-pull treatment to our heroines, but not!
Almost a perfect 5 stars for a lot of angst, but I kind of disappointed because OW and evil step mother did not get their dues, I guess Betty was too nice after all.
I should have hated all Betty’s heroes for their push-pull treatment to our heroines, but not!
Almost a perfect 5 stars for a lot of angst, but I kind of disappointed because OW and evil step mother did not get their dues, I guess Betty was too nice after all.
September 27, 2017
This might have been the longest Neels ever, which gives her a lot of room to develop the plot and characters. I'm never quite sure of the real page count when reading ebooks, but it must have been 20 to 30 percent longer than usual. Sure, she hits the usual 9-chapter structure, but some chapters entail several scenes.
Unlike many others I can remember, Neels provides a far better concluding explanation for several details in the other-woman part of the plot. When she gets to the closing denouement, almost all the twists and turns come in for a satisfactory accounting. For me, that helped hold the plot together more tightly, rather than having everything hang on the heroine's (usually massive) misperception.
This book also offers a surfeit of swimming scenes, which adds to the reading pleasure. In one Uncrushable Jersey Dress review of a Neels book, the author remarked that Betty's treatment of bad nursing homes perhaps reflected her own experience. If that's true, I suspect swimming may hold a happier corollary: that Neels' usually wonderful depictions of days at the beach and in the water indicate some of her own real-life happiness at the sea. (The beach scenes in The Most Marvellous Summer put it on my personal best-of-Neels list years ago.)
Unlike many others I can remember, Neels provides a far better concluding explanation for several details in the other-woman part of the plot. When she gets to the closing denouement, almost all the twists and turns come in for a satisfactory accounting. For me, that helped hold the plot together more tightly, rather than having everything hang on the heroine's (usually massive) misperception.
This book also offers a surfeit of swimming scenes, which adds to the reading pleasure. In one Uncrushable Jersey Dress review of a Neels book, the author remarked that Betty's treatment of bad nursing homes perhaps reflected her own experience. If that's true, I suspect swimming may hold a happier corollary: that Neels' usually wonderful depictions of days at the beach and in the water indicate some of her own real-life happiness at the sea. (The beach scenes in The Most Marvellous Summer put it on my personal best-of-Neels list years ago.)
December 29, 2022
I just loved this Cinderella story! Tabitha (Tabby) is a 25 year old surgical ward sister who is kind and liked by all those around her - except for her wicked stepmother and stepsister who have taken over her family home at the death of her father. They are cruel and vicious to Tabby who tends to believe them over common sense. Enter Marius, the renowned Dutch orthopedic surgeon filling in for his injured friend. Surely he could have no interest in Tabby who is only plain and unloved (in her eyes only). Marius is patient and gentle and they become quick friends - with a long holiday in Holland thrown in. Tabby is sure he loves the wicked stepsister, but after many (unnecessary) misunderstandings, all turns out well. The glass slipper fits!!
Surface discussions 10/10. Common interests 9/10. Approval of respected friends 10/10. Meaningful discussions 2/10. Just talk honestly and openly, people!! Oh, and I’m so disappointed that there were no fish and chips as promised! 😆
Surface discussions 10/10. Common interests 9/10. Approval of respected friends 10/10. Meaningful discussions 2/10. Just talk honestly and openly, people!! Oh, and I’m so disappointed that there were no fish and chips as promised! 😆
August 30, 2021
“Cinderella Shakes Hands with Tabitha, Skilled Orthopedic Nurse, Relationship Challenged”
[Some Spoilers] What can I say about the synopsis of this book; it generally follows the BN pattern. Tabitha is a successful working orthopedic nurse, never flustered in her work environment, she is one who “was considerate and kind and didn’t shirk a hard day’s work” (p. 5). In the midst of her delimited, albeit humdrum life steps in some world class matchmakers, Chief surgeon Mr. Raynard, Knotty (Mr. Bow), and the prince, our RDD Marius van Beek. The story moves through some normal permutations on BN themes, until Marius and Tabitha reach their HEA in a very satisfying manner.
Some Likeable Items:
• The description of Veere and the RDD’s house, I felt was one of the loveliest home descriptions I have read and enjoyed from Betty Neels. “They seemed to come upon the little town quite suddenly, first over a little bridge spanning a little water, very quiet and peaceful, and then passing the great church with its massive dome…The road had become quite narrow and country like, with small cottages on either side, and she was quite unprepared for the sudden right turn into a broad cobbled street running alongside a narrow stretch of water crammed with boats of all kinds, and lined on its other tree-shaded side by lovely old houses…Here we are.” Neels goes on to tell the distinctiveness of the houses, each old house different from its neighbors, but with no space between them. Tabitha breathed out, “It’s beautiful—how can you bear to leave it?” As Muriel Raynard and Tabitha are shown the house, you get a sense of the ageless, classic furniture, history, and presence of the home, but also the hidden comfort elements that were added unobtrusively to make it a perfect home and, in this case, a perfect vacation get-away. Tabitha’s bedroom faces the harbor. I love antiques, as well as water; so the descriptions in these chapters in Holland were interesting, a travelogue of a different BN area of Holland.
• The dialogue in the hospital chapters pulled you into the life of the Men’s Orthopedic ward. Obviously, many BN books are centered in a hospital, but this book gives a more focused view of the ward as a community versus a sterile business designation for the convenience of medical personnel. We meet Nurse Betts, as well as Mrs. Jeffs, the nursing auxiliary who has worked on the ward so long, she treats everyone as family, ordering them around in a motherly fashion. We know the doctors; “Old Sawbones” as one patient calls Mr. Raynard, the chief surgeon, George Steele, Raynard’s registrar, who is always on the ready, and of course, we meet Dr. Marius van Beek, a very successful surgeon, who is one of BN’s best RDD’s she has ever written. We see how this group of employees work as a unit, carrying for patients and one another. Refreshing. It is in this environment that we find Mr. Raynard, who turns from surgeon into patient, when he takes a fall in his own garden, as well as Knotty (Mr. Bow), who together hatch up a matchmaking scheme to get Nurse Tabitha and Marius together. Raynard gives her a gift on her birthday, a one-year Vogue subscription, which she puts to good use.
• The time spent in Veere, boating and swimming are easy-going, undergirding the purpose of the Raynards (Bill & Muriel), Mr. Bow, and Tabitha’s visit to Marius lovely home, to recuperate and refresh. Of course, this gets displaced, when Tabitha’s step-mother, Mrs. Crawley and step-sister, Lilith make a surprise visit to Marius’s house.
• Betty Neels is a pro at writing about vindictive, manipulative other women, and particularly step-relatives. I did not “like” Mrs. Crawley or Lilith, but wow, their characters were pivotal. If this was a live drama, their parts would be fun to play. They were BAD. These two characters supply the necessary angst that kept the reader guessing. Contrasting to the “steps” was the ever-faithful Meg, who had been with Tabitha’s family for ages. Meg helps smooth Marius’ wooing of Tabitha. Our couple, Marius and Tabitha have some of the best developing friendships with extended conversations of any BN book. Quotes:
• On Tabitha’s birthday, Mr. Raynard, already medicated and on his way to surgery tells Tabitha “I shouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t been given the best birthday present of your life.” In the anesthetic room, Mr. van Beek comes in for a last word with his patient. Mr. Raynard opens his eyes, says clearly, “Birthday” and then he is out (p. 19-20). He wants to make sure that Marius knew it was Tabitha’s birthday. Why? Because Tabitha was to get the “best birthday present of her life [Marius]. What a matchmaker.
• Marius tells Tabitha, “Isn’t it time the prince came along with the glass slipper, my dear girl” I don’t know any princes” [Tabitha]. Marius, “What a lot of Tabithas there are…Efficient Tabitha on the ward, outdoor Tabitha on the Cobb, kind Tabitha coming to Knotty’s aid, Tabitha in moonlight and –er—cross Tabitha” (p. 67).
• Marius gives the Best ever gift, “I’ve no glass slipper for my Cinerella; perhaps you’ll settle for ( ) instead” (p. 215).
Not So Favorable:
• Mrs. Crawley has spent her life telling Tabitha that she is ugly, unworthy, and insignificant, to the point that you are in awe at how devious she was. Her daughter, learned from the best, but also added a dash of unvarnished vanity, which wasn’t at all complimentary.
• The last few BN books I have read have been some of her best; how fortuitous that I have saved the best for last.
I had seventeen Betty Neels books, which I had never seen or read. Thanks to the new acquisition of Tabetha In Moonlight, I now have only 16 BN books to find and read. This book was pleasant and relaxing; a lovely contrast from some rather intense NF reading. You just can’t beat a good Betty Neels book. 😊
[Some Spoilers] What can I say about the synopsis of this book; it generally follows the BN pattern. Tabitha is a successful working orthopedic nurse, never flustered in her work environment, she is one who “was considerate and kind and didn’t shirk a hard day’s work” (p. 5). In the midst of her delimited, albeit humdrum life steps in some world class matchmakers, Chief surgeon Mr. Raynard, Knotty (Mr. Bow), and the prince, our RDD Marius van Beek. The story moves through some normal permutations on BN themes, until Marius and Tabitha reach their HEA in a very satisfying manner.
Some Likeable Items:
• The description of Veere and the RDD’s house, I felt was one of the loveliest home descriptions I have read and enjoyed from Betty Neels. “They seemed to come upon the little town quite suddenly, first over a little bridge spanning a little water, very quiet and peaceful, and then passing the great church with its massive dome…The road had become quite narrow and country like, with small cottages on either side, and she was quite unprepared for the sudden right turn into a broad cobbled street running alongside a narrow stretch of water crammed with boats of all kinds, and lined on its other tree-shaded side by lovely old houses…Here we are.” Neels goes on to tell the distinctiveness of the houses, each old house different from its neighbors, but with no space between them. Tabitha breathed out, “It’s beautiful—how can you bear to leave it?” As Muriel Raynard and Tabitha are shown the house, you get a sense of the ageless, classic furniture, history, and presence of the home, but also the hidden comfort elements that were added unobtrusively to make it a perfect home and, in this case, a perfect vacation get-away. Tabitha’s bedroom faces the harbor. I love antiques, as well as water; so the descriptions in these chapters in Holland were interesting, a travelogue of a different BN area of Holland.
• The dialogue in the hospital chapters pulled you into the life of the Men’s Orthopedic ward. Obviously, many BN books are centered in a hospital, but this book gives a more focused view of the ward as a community versus a sterile business designation for the convenience of medical personnel. We meet Nurse Betts, as well as Mrs. Jeffs, the nursing auxiliary who has worked on the ward so long, she treats everyone as family, ordering them around in a motherly fashion. We know the doctors; “Old Sawbones” as one patient calls Mr. Raynard, the chief surgeon, George Steele, Raynard’s registrar, who is always on the ready, and of course, we meet Dr. Marius van Beek, a very successful surgeon, who is one of BN’s best RDD’s she has ever written. We see how this group of employees work as a unit, carrying for patients and one another. Refreshing. It is in this environment that we find Mr. Raynard, who turns from surgeon into patient, when he takes a fall in his own garden, as well as Knotty (Mr. Bow), who together hatch up a matchmaking scheme to get Nurse Tabitha and Marius together. Raynard gives her a gift on her birthday, a one-year Vogue subscription, which she puts to good use.
• The time spent in Veere, boating and swimming are easy-going, undergirding the purpose of the Raynards (Bill & Muriel), Mr. Bow, and Tabitha’s visit to Marius lovely home, to recuperate and refresh. Of course, this gets displaced, when Tabitha’s step-mother, Mrs. Crawley and step-sister, Lilith make a surprise visit to Marius’s house.
• Betty Neels is a pro at writing about vindictive, manipulative other women, and particularly step-relatives. I did not “like” Mrs. Crawley or Lilith, but wow, their characters were pivotal. If this was a live drama, their parts would be fun to play. They were BAD. These two characters supply the necessary angst that kept the reader guessing. Contrasting to the “steps” was the ever-faithful Meg, who had been with Tabitha’s family for ages. Meg helps smooth Marius’ wooing of Tabitha. Our couple, Marius and Tabitha have some of the best developing friendships with extended conversations of any BN book. Quotes:
• On Tabitha’s birthday, Mr. Raynard, already medicated and on his way to surgery tells Tabitha “I shouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t been given the best birthday present of your life.” In the anesthetic room, Mr. van Beek comes in for a last word with his patient. Mr. Raynard opens his eyes, says clearly, “Birthday” and then he is out (p. 19-20). He wants to make sure that Marius knew it was Tabitha’s birthday. Why? Because Tabitha was to get the “best birthday present of her life [Marius]. What a matchmaker.
• Marius tells Tabitha, “Isn’t it time the prince came along with the glass slipper, my dear girl” I don’t know any princes” [Tabitha]. Marius, “What a lot of Tabithas there are…Efficient Tabitha on the ward, outdoor Tabitha on the Cobb, kind Tabitha coming to Knotty’s aid, Tabitha in moonlight and –er—cross Tabitha” (p. 67).
• Marius gives the Best ever gift, “I’ve no glass slipper for my Cinerella; perhaps you’ll settle for ( ) instead” (p. 215).
Not So Favorable:
• Mrs. Crawley has spent her life telling Tabitha that she is ugly, unworthy, and insignificant, to the point that you are in awe at how devious she was. Her daughter, learned from the best, but also added a dash of unvarnished vanity, which wasn’t at all complimentary.
• The last few BN books I have read have been some of her best; how fortuitous that I have saved the best for last.
I had seventeen Betty Neels books, which I had never seen or read. Thanks to the new acquisition of Tabetha In Moonlight, I now have only 16 BN books to find and read. This book was pleasant and relaxing; a lovely contrast from some rather intense NF reading. You just can’t beat a good Betty Neels book. 😊
March 10, 2017
Fiat, Bentley and lots of sailboats.
I'm really torn on this one. In general, I loved Tabitha. However, I didn't like the whole Chidlake obsession. And I realize that pretty much the entire plot hinges on the place.
Having said that. major pluses included the minor characters - Knotty, the ortho surgeon with a broken leg, and poor Prosser! Do Tabby and Marius ever get their fish and chips?
I think the most shocking part of the book had to be Marius making an appearance wearing just shorts! Just shorts! And dirty, oil stained shorts at that! I had to keep re-reading to make sure there was no mention of a shirt. And there wasn't!
This was. definite winner. A great combination of RDD and plain BN who has a temper and is also extremely capable.
I'm really torn on this one. In general, I loved Tabitha. However, I didn't like the whole Chidlake obsession. And I realize that pretty much the entire plot hinges on the place.
Having said that. major pluses included the minor characters - Knotty, the ortho surgeon with a broken leg, and poor Prosser! Do Tabby and Marius ever get their fish and chips?
I think the most shocking part of the book had to be Marius making an appearance wearing just shorts! Just shorts! And dirty, oil stained shorts at that! I had to keep re-reading to make sure there was no mention of a shirt. And there wasn't!
This was. definite winner. A great combination of RDD and plain BN who has a temper and is also extremely capable.
May 4, 2020
One of her earlier books and consequently fairly readable; a ton of medical details and stories of nurse life, and for once there's kind of, sort of an actual reason why the hero is pretending he's interested in the heroine's awful stepsister, and this reason is, if you squint, one that could be possessed by a sane person. That still doesn't explain his total refusal to tell the heroine he's interested in her or to really indicate same, beyond kissing her a few times, but this level of ambiguity seems pretty standard in the romances of the era. That said, for whatever reason I didn't really love the heroine; her constant woe-is-me-for-I-am-plain got immensely irritating, and her reasons for continuing to subject herself to her awful stepmother and stepsister were kind of ridiculous.
January 6, 2013
Racy by BN standards -- the heroine wears a two-piece bathing suit. In a standard BN, there are two hundred pages of food and then a kiss on the last page. It's usually a little unclear why the two characters fall for each other, other than that they both like to eat and they are both such paragons of virtue they are capable of perceiving each other's hidden qualities. With this one we get a bit more personality. They actually seem to like each other. It's a relationship rather than a foregone conclusion. Betty was clearly having a good day.
November 26, 2022
I enjoyed this but....I am seeing things differently from when I read these books when younger. The men, who claim to have fallen in love with the young women always keep secrets and cause the woman much pain. Whatever the excuse it seems it cannot compensate for the pain. Yes, great, happy ending, the lady gets the man and is happy but his letting her twist in the wind for the entire book gets a bit much after a while. It never seems like the men ever experience any doubt or pain in these books.
September 16, 2023
I loved this story. The character development and plot were well thought out. However, I find that Marius had a little bit of a mean streak. He constantly brought up Chidwick knowing he was hurting Tabitha. He gave mixed messages as well by giving excuses for her sister and stepmother. However it is possible he was just playing a role. It’s hard to tell. Why couldn’t he just either let Tabitha know how he felt or stayed quiet? By the same token, Tabitha should have been more honest and forthcoming. One sad note, they never did get their fish and chips!
April 12, 2021
What a delightful story!
I was displeased with Marius for most of the book, mainly because of the way he acted around Tabitha, purposefully making her jealous. But at the end of this novel I found out why Marius acted the way he did, making me instantly forgive him.
It did feel very long because the 9 chapters in this book there were spread out over 235 pages.
I found this plot to be very smart, but it could have been a tad more interesting.
Overall a lovely read by the wonderful Betty Neels.
I was displeased with Marius for most of the book, mainly because of the way he acted around Tabitha, purposefully making her jealous. But at the end of this novel I found out why Marius acted the way he did, making me instantly forgive him.
It did feel very long because the 9 chapters in this book there were spread out over 235 pages.
I found this plot to be very smart, but it could have been a tad more interesting.
Overall a lovely read by the wonderful Betty Neels.
August 14, 2011
A wonderful story.
Sweet, delightful Tabitha falls for Marius. Tall and handsome, he whould be with someone beautiful like her step-sister, but he seems perfectly content the be with plain old Tabby.
Sweet, delightful Tabitha falls for Marius. Tall and handsome, he whould be with someone beautiful like her step-sister, but he seems perfectly content the be with plain old Tabby.
Want to read
October 22, 2022Perhaps my favorite Betty Neels book. The hero and heroine actually have a chance to talk to each other and get to know each other. While Tabitha misconstrues everything that's happening, there's still some hints that the two of them like each other and it's not just a surprise at the end.
August 2, 2015
I wasn't quite sure when this was set and I have to confess a complete ignorance about Betty Neels, although I know she has a devoted following.
I thought the ending was going to be a bit more dramatic than it was but, nonetheless, a good version of a cinderella story and quite pleasingly retro.
I thought the ending was going to be a bit more dramatic than it was but, nonetheless, a good version of a cinderella story and quite pleasingly retro.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews