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The Gemel Ring
She thought he was too big for his boots!
Sister Charity Dawson loved her job, but there was one problem. Like the other members of St. Simon's nursing staff, she had to put up with the arrogant Dr. Everard van Tijlen.
When Charity discovered that the distinguished doctor's exorbitant fees funded a playboy lifestyle, she hit the roof. Everard might have an engagingly boyish smile, but he needed to be taken down a peg or two. And Charity knew just how to do it!
Sister Charity Dawson loved her job, but there was one problem. Like the other members of St. Simon's nursing staff, she had to put up with the arrogant Dr. Everard van Tijlen.
When Charity discovered that the distinguished doctor's exorbitant fees funded a playboy lifestyle, she hit the roof. Everard might have an engagingly boyish smile, but he needed to be taken down a peg or two. And Charity knew just how to do it!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1974
46 people are currently reading
126 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 16, 2015
When I think of my favorite Betty Neels novels, this one seldom comes to mind. Which is really inaccurate and a shame, because there are many really special, unique details and some lovely moments in this book.
First of all, the RDD is not the typical large, placid, easy-going, lint-haired fellow. Nope, Everard has dark hair, grey at the temples, and although Charity finds that he is a good doctor to work for, he is not at all easy-going. He is snarky, forceful and has a nasty temper. Oh, and he drives a Lamborghini (although his second car is the more stately Daimler Sovereign).
Charity is an Olivia: tall and well-built with auburn hair and green eyes. She has a loving family, and in fact, first meets Everard briefly when she is on holiday with them in Holland.
There is an American couple in the book (the husband is Charity's patient) that TGB treats quite sympathetically. Usually, Americans in her books are limited to tycoons who sweep away the inconvenient Veronicas. In this one, however, the Boekercheks are a nice couple, albeit the wife is portrayed as rather shallow and vain and they both persistently call Charity "honey." LOL
Everard's grandmother is also one of the important characters in this book in that she does her best to get Everard and Charity together, finally resorting to feigning illness to get Charity back from England. She is sarcastic about Everard's other women and loves Charity, because Charity is that old-fashioned thing, a lady.
There is some delightfully snappy dialogue between Everard and Charity. There are sudden forceful kisses. There is pitiful resistance on Everard's part until we actually see when he has his Dawning Realisation.
This one deserves the 5 star rating. It's really lovely.
First of all, the RDD is not the typical large, placid, easy-going, lint-haired fellow. Nope, Everard has dark hair, grey at the temples, and although Charity finds that he is a good doctor to work for, he is not at all easy-going. He is snarky, forceful and has a nasty temper. Oh, and he drives a Lamborghini (although his second car is the more stately Daimler Sovereign).
Charity is an Olivia: tall and well-built with auburn hair and green eyes. She has a loving family, and in fact, first meets Everard briefly when she is on holiday with them in Holland.
There is an American couple in the book (the husband is Charity's patient) that TGB treats quite sympathetically. Usually, Americans in her books are limited to tycoons who sweep away the inconvenient Veronicas. In this one, however, the Boekercheks are a nice couple, albeit the wife is portrayed as rather shallow and vain and they both persistently call Charity "honey." LOL
Everard's grandmother is also one of the important characters in this book in that she does her best to get Everard and Charity together, finally resorting to feigning illness to get Charity back from England. She is sarcastic about Everard's other women and loves Charity, because Charity is that old-fashioned thing, a lady.
There is some delightfully snappy dialogue between Everard and Charity. There are sudden forceful kisses. There is pitiful resistance on Everard's part until we actually see when he has his Dawning Realisation.
This one deserves the 5 star rating. It's really lovely.
January 25, 2021
Should I be concerned about my Betty Neels obsession? I have now lost count of the number of back-to-back BN books I've read (and have not nearly begun to review here on GR). I can't seem to get enough, and when I try to read other vintage authors, even usual faves, they just don't satisfy. Which is really odd, considering how clean and tame and anachronistic BN's novels are! Oh well, I'm going with it--whatever gets you through the pandemic, it's alright, it's alright...
What a wonderful and largely unsung BN novel this one was, with a fiesty, pretty heroine (no plain-Jane mouse here!), the usual (but in some ways not) hot-and-cold RDD, a matchmaking granny, and interesting secondary characters. Bonus: another sighting of Abby and Dominic from Saturday's Child--one of my very favorite Neels couples and apparently a fave of The Great Betty's as well, given how often they seem to pop up in other books! Max and Sophy from Betty's 3rd book (Visiting Consultant, among other titles), get a shoutout too.
Car porn in this one:
Hero drives a Lamborghini Espada:
and a Daimler Sovereign:
Heroine drives an MG Midget:
and also gets to drive the hero's Lambo! ;-)
What a wonderful and largely unsung BN novel this one was, with a fiesty, pretty heroine (no plain-Jane mouse here!), the usual (but in some ways not) hot-and-cold RDD, a matchmaking granny, and interesting secondary characters. Bonus: another sighting of Abby and Dominic from Saturday's Child--one of my very favorite Neels couples and apparently a fave of The Great Betty's as well, given how often they seem to pop up in other books! Max and Sophy from Betty's 3rd book (Visiting Consultant, among other titles), get a shoutout too.
Car porn in this one:
Hero drives a Lamborghini Espada:
and a Daimler Sovereign:
Heroine drives an MG Midget:
and also gets to drive the hero's Lambo! ;-)
February 26, 2019
One of the Neelses of sheer delight. In what I've come to realize is a typical Neels opening, hero and heroine meet thanks to an accident, in this case, a car pile-up entering a ferry and a sick passenger holding everyone up. Charity and Everard see to his well-being and things transpire to bring them together again and again. Charity and Everard are Pride and Prejudice characters: she is judgy-judgy about Everard's ways and he remains aloof and in denial of his feelings. But her discovery of his seekret love for the elderly and the homes he runs for them proves his worth and warmth and a deliciously conniving grandmother, HIS!, disavails him of his guarded heart. We never learn why Everard is so cautious and the Other Woman is an indistinct figure. But in the novel's most wonderful moment, Charity laces into Everard with a wish that he marry the "doormat" and have many "bespectacled children", none too bright either. She rages and he gets smoother and calmer. It ends with a sigh-worthy HEA, sadly not involving kitchen utensils.
March 21, 2021
Betty Neels delivers a quality read effortlessly and always leaves a reader with a smile. Her old school leads are charming, with a hint of Alpha in them. Nothing like the book boyfriends you read today, Bettys stories are filled to brim with details. Engaging stories and wonderful characters. It’s a yes from me.
November 28, 2025
A delightful romance!
April 5, 2022
My fist Betty Neels, and an engaging read with a determined heroine, an understated but swoon-worthy hero, and a lot of medical work.
May 6, 2012
Charity Dawson might like her nursing career, but Dr. Everard can Tijlen seems to always need her to nurse someone for him. Everard finds charity to be a distraction. A pretty, intelligent, but irritating distraction. He fights to push her away, at the same time, keeping her close.
A very lovely story.
A very lovely story.
June 6, 2020
Hero was a bit of a jerk, not sure what drew her to him.
November 3, 2016
4 1/2 Stars ~ Returning to England from holidays via Holland, Charity's family is detained while boarding their vehicle on the ferry. To ease her father's exasperation, Charity decides to go see what's the problem and finds a crowd of people circling a car where an older gentleman is slumped over his steering wheel. Announcing that she is a nurse, she begins to check the man over. Finding no obvious problems, she yells out for someone to find a doctor. Very quickly a tall, handsome man jumps into the other side of the car and takes over. The man has mysteriously fainted, and when he comes around he's convinced that Charity has been his good luck charm, and insists on knowing where she works.
When she returns to her London hospital, she's surprised to be told she's been called to work in Holland. The gentleman she helped is an American diplomat and has requested she be his private nurse while he has surgery for a complicated illness. When she arrives, Charity is surprised to find that the doctor from the ferry happens to be her patient's surgeon. Charity had never forgotten him, remembering how rude he'd seemed. Everard is all business, and in a cool manner explains to her what is expected of her. Charity is a good nurse; proving to be smart, resourceful, and generous of heart. When Charity learns the exorbitant fee Everard charged her patient, she accuses him of being frivolous with his fast cars and beautiful women. Everard isn't easily offended but he acknowledges that Charity dislikes him and he steers clear.
When Charity returns to England, she finds her job in London dissatisfying and she decides it's time to move on and she gives her notice. She stays with her family while she decides what to do, and this is where Everard finds her. Seems their patient has had a relapse and is asking for her to return to be his private nurse. With no reason to refuse, Charity goes. On her off duty she wanders about town and finds herself outside a beautiful home that turns out to belong to Everard. He invites her in to have tea and she meets his grandmother. Allowed to look about the beautiful sitting room she spies a tiny red box in the glass display cabinet, and ask Everard what's in it. He tells her it holds a gemel ring, but doesn't elaborate. Later his grandmother tells her it's the family betrothal ring, and that Everard will not take it from the cabinet until he decides to marry. Charity assumes that one day he may give the ring to the pretty blonde she's often seen him with.
With her patient recovering once more, Charity is about to leave Holland when she's asked to help another American family for a few weeks. Completing that case, she returns to the diplomat's home to have a few days holiday before going home. She takes a day trip to see the sites and wanders off into the lived in areas, coming across an elderly couple. The woman has fallen and gashed her head, so Charity and the elderly husband take her into what appears to be a nursing home and day clinic. To Charity surprise she's greeted by Everard. She learns from Everard's staff that he runs the clinic and nursing home with his own money, helping many elderly couples live a more comfortable life and that he keeps this a secret.
When Charity bids him a final farewell, and promises to keep his secret about the home, he tells her that he is indeed a selfish man. He admits that though he has been attracted to her right from the moment he met her, he has refused to let her disturb him too much and that when he marries he will look for a suitable wife to run his home and have his children, but that his career will always be more important. And to make his point, he kisses her very hard, declaring, "there now maybe I can get you out of my system!" Charity shaking with rage and misery tells him, "I hope you will find some girl to be your doormat. Professor, someone who can't say go to a goose and who will always agree with you and tell you how splendid you are and have dozens of simply horrid little doormats who have to wear glasses and won't know how to be naughty..."
Again, just as Charity is about to return to England, Everard appears in an urgent need. The woman who runs his nursing home and clinic has fallen and injured her ankle, and he asks Charity to come and take her place until she's back on her feet. And on an off afternoon she visits his grandmother to wish her a final goodbye, and she notices that the red velvet box that holds the gemel ring is no longer in the display cabinet.
This is now one of my favourite stories by Betty Neels. Neither Charity or Everard fall in love right away but both are deeply attracted. Unlike her normally calm demeanor, Charity finds herself quick to be riled whenever Everard attempts to talk to her. Everard doesn't hide the fact that he likes pretty women and enjoys taking them out. Charity disturbs his routine and he either treats her teasingly or remotely. Charity is the first to fall in love, and successfully hides it except from his grandmother who plays the clever matchmaker. Everard fights his growing feelings all the way, but finds Charity's little barbs are sinking in. However, it's not until she points out "Each time I pack to go home, you come along with some--some reason why I can't go." that he wakes up. This was a real pleasure to read. and I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it again and again. It was also lovely to be reaquainted with Dominic and Abigail from an earlier book.
When she returns to her London hospital, she's surprised to be told she's been called to work in Holland. The gentleman she helped is an American diplomat and has requested she be his private nurse while he has surgery for a complicated illness. When she arrives, Charity is surprised to find that the doctor from the ferry happens to be her patient's surgeon. Charity had never forgotten him, remembering how rude he'd seemed. Everard is all business, and in a cool manner explains to her what is expected of her. Charity is a good nurse; proving to be smart, resourceful, and generous of heart. When Charity learns the exorbitant fee Everard charged her patient, she accuses him of being frivolous with his fast cars and beautiful women. Everard isn't easily offended but he acknowledges that Charity dislikes him and he steers clear.
When Charity returns to England, she finds her job in London dissatisfying and she decides it's time to move on and she gives her notice. She stays with her family while she decides what to do, and this is where Everard finds her. Seems their patient has had a relapse and is asking for her to return to be his private nurse. With no reason to refuse, Charity goes. On her off duty she wanders about town and finds herself outside a beautiful home that turns out to belong to Everard. He invites her in to have tea and she meets his grandmother. Allowed to look about the beautiful sitting room she spies a tiny red box in the glass display cabinet, and ask Everard what's in it. He tells her it holds a gemel ring, but doesn't elaborate. Later his grandmother tells her it's the family betrothal ring, and that Everard will not take it from the cabinet until he decides to marry. Charity assumes that one day he may give the ring to the pretty blonde she's often seen him with.
With her patient recovering once more, Charity is about to leave Holland when she's asked to help another American family for a few weeks. Completing that case, she returns to the diplomat's home to have a few days holiday before going home. She takes a day trip to see the sites and wanders off into the lived in areas, coming across an elderly couple. The woman has fallen and gashed her head, so Charity and the elderly husband take her into what appears to be a nursing home and day clinic. To Charity surprise she's greeted by Everard. She learns from Everard's staff that he runs the clinic and nursing home with his own money, helping many elderly couples live a more comfortable life and that he keeps this a secret.
When Charity bids him a final farewell, and promises to keep his secret about the home, he tells her that he is indeed a selfish man. He admits that though he has been attracted to her right from the moment he met her, he has refused to let her disturb him too much and that when he marries he will look for a suitable wife to run his home and have his children, but that his career will always be more important. And to make his point, he kisses her very hard, declaring, "there now maybe I can get you out of my system!" Charity shaking with rage and misery tells him, "I hope you will find some girl to be your doormat. Professor, someone who can't say go to a goose and who will always agree with you and tell you how splendid you are and have dozens of simply horrid little doormats who have to wear glasses and won't know how to be naughty..."
Again, just as Charity is about to return to England, Everard appears in an urgent need. The woman who runs his nursing home and clinic has fallen and injured her ankle, and he asks Charity to come and take her place until she's back on her feet. And on an off afternoon she visits his grandmother to wish her a final goodbye, and she notices that the red velvet box that holds the gemel ring is no longer in the display cabinet.
This is now one of my favourite stories by Betty Neels. Neither Charity or Everard fall in love right away but both are deeply attracted. Unlike her normally calm demeanor, Charity finds herself quick to be riled whenever Everard attempts to talk to her. Everard doesn't hide the fact that he likes pretty women and enjoys taking them out. Charity disturbs his routine and he either treats her teasingly or remotely. Charity is the first to fall in love, and successfully hides it except from his grandmother who plays the clever matchmaker. Everard fights his growing feelings all the way, but finds Charity's little barbs are sinking in. However, it's not until she points out "Each time I pack to go home, you come along with some--some reason why I can't go." that he wakes up. This was a real pleasure to read. and I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it again and again. It was also lovely to be reaquainted with Dominic and Abigail from an earlier book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
I have to warn you that even if you are a rabid fan of Betty, if you are older, this book might try your patience! There are many and I mean many! References to old people, elderly people, very old people and I think that means everyone over 60. If you are over 80 you are likely to die any moment.
This couple the doctor and nurse, are the most obtuse pairing Betty had come up with yet. I did enjoy the large Ms Blum though, and her new non-tent nightgown.
This couple the doctor and nurse, are the most obtuse pairing Betty had come up with yet. I did enjoy the large Ms Blum though, and her new non-tent nightgown.
February 25, 2014
Charity Dawson was a disturbing influence in Everard van Tijlen's life from the moment they met. Yet somehow she seemed to be always around, nursing his patients and even his family.
At first she doesn't like this arrogant Dutch doctor very much and thinks him a playboy spending his exhorbitant fees on fast cars and loose women...so to speak. Of course as time goes on she finds out so much more about him. She meets his grandmother and learns about the Gemel Ring.
The Gemel Ring is a family heirloom that is given to the chosen bride of the van Tijlen family and as long as it remains in the cabinet, Charity has hope that perhaps Everard might one day give it to her. Yes all that animosity was hiding deeper feelings.
Everard is very slow in the uptake, not quite realising why he keeps making opportunities for Charity to stay in Holland. There is the standard Other Woman, a blonde Everard takes out, but he is fairly clear that he takes Charity's dark predictions about his future should he marry the blonde very seriously. But in the end it all works out of course.
At first she doesn't like this arrogant Dutch doctor very much and thinks him a playboy spending his exhorbitant fees on fast cars and loose women...so to speak. Of course as time goes on she finds out so much more about him. She meets his grandmother and learns about the Gemel Ring.
The Gemel Ring is a family heirloom that is given to the chosen bride of the van Tijlen family and as long as it remains in the cabinet, Charity has hope that perhaps Everard might one day give it to her. Yes all that animosity was hiding deeper feelings.
Everard is very slow in the uptake, not quite realising why he keeps making opportunities for Charity to stay in Holland. There is the standard Other Woman, a blonde Everard takes out, but he is fairly clear that he takes Charity's dark predictions about his future should he marry the blonde very seriously. But in the end it all works out of course.
March 28, 2018
As I may have mentioned in other book reviews for this author. She's my favorite and I don't often find disfavor with her stories, however The Gemel Ring is an exception. I disliked the story premise and the hero.
The heroine, Sister Charity Dawson, is a British nurse on vacation with her family in Holland when she comes to the aid of an ailing American Diplomat. Joining her in her effort is the very attractive Everard van Tijlen, a prominent medical doctor, that appears to her to be an extravagant Lamborghini driving playboy. The two get off on the wrong foot immediately and it only gets worse as the two partner to take care of the American through two very serious surgeries.
The hero, in my opinion, is just not a redeemable character and this reader never saw him as lovable. I so looked forward to reading this story because it has been in my TBR pile for a while. It just did not deliver. Not even the myth of the "Gemel Ring" itself made a difference. This one will reside in my take it or leave it pile.
The heroine, Sister Charity Dawson, is a British nurse on vacation with her family in Holland when she comes to the aid of an ailing American Diplomat. Joining her in her effort is the very attractive Everard van Tijlen, a prominent medical doctor, that appears to her to be an extravagant Lamborghini driving playboy. The two get off on the wrong foot immediately and it only gets worse as the two partner to take care of the American through two very serious surgeries.
The hero, in my opinion, is just not a redeemable character and this reader never saw him as lovable. I so looked forward to reading this story because it has been in my TBR pile for a while. It just did not deliver. Not even the myth of the "Gemel Ring" itself made a difference. This one will reside in my take it or leave it pile.
March 16, 2015
3.5 stars - I read this years ago but didn't remember much about it; Charity is one of Betty's good-looking heroines and a bit too much of a drama queen for my taste - I prefer her more laid-back heroines with a bit of dry British humor to match their stiff upper lip...Everard is the typical handsome, rich Dutch doctor and there is a bit more romantic passion and spark between the two, which was a nice touch, made them seem more human. Took forever for our hero to come around and realize he was in love, and Charity was making herself miserable, which got a little old, but all comes right in the end - fun, fluffy, satisfying read for a lazy Sunday!
September 20, 2015
To say that nothing much happened in this book would really be to summarize all the novels I've read by this author. lol However,it's true, nothing much happens here. I even managed to finish reading it without remembering an hour later that I'd finished.
I think the problem was that the heroine just floats along in life without making any decisions about anything and the hero truly doesn't realize he loves her till the last minute, so there's no conflict or driving force, just some people doing some doctor/nurse stuff. Until they realize they love each other and the story runs out. So, though the characters are likable enough, there just wasn't anything special about this book.
I think the problem was that the heroine just floats along in life without making any decisions about anything and the hero truly doesn't realize he loves her till the last minute, so there's no conflict or driving force, just some people doing some doctor/nurse stuff. Until they realize they love each other and the story runs out. So, though the characters are likable enough, there just wasn't anything special about this book.
Read
October 28, 2020The story began the way I liked it. But he refused to acknowledge his feelings for her and did not woo her at all made it quite tiresome to see her miserable because she loved him. The book ended with grandma pretended to be ill to trick her back to holland that gave him the chance to confess. He did almost nothing!
March 15, 2013
I loved this book. I enjoyed the nursing and medical details which took me back to my own training and the love story was wonderful. I cried quite happily at some of the most moving parts.
Want to read
May 2, 2013My Mom is reading this and it was not in the system. I've added it for her.
September 18, 2016
I''ve been a fan of Betty Neels for over 30 yrs anything she writes is fantastic and I read all of her books. over and over again
January 8, 2015
Insulting to both thin girls and people who wear glasses. Same plot as all her others. I have no excuses.
April 13, 2016
The typical Betty Neels. I like how forthright the heroine is, but wouldn't a nurse be able to not be suckered in?
May 2, 2021
Ridiculously hostile and rude hero.
July 16, 2020
Synopsis (could be spoilers):
Yes, this book is a typical Neels in that the female lead, is a nurse. Charity Dawson is the head nurse of Men’s Surgical at St. Simon’s Hospital. The story opens with her and her family on their way home to England after their Holland vacation. But their progress comes to a halt near the ferry crossing at the River Schelde, with a huge impatient queue of backed up cars. Charity’s father, retired Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, known for his peppery disposition was not happy. Charity in a move to keep his blood pressure down, offers to go see what the holdup is. Of course, Charity is tall, well-built, has red-brown hair, an attractive face, and a beautiful pair of green eyes and in her case, considered brainy, which she found to be both a blessing as well as a curse. She finds a man, lying back in his driver’s seat with the police bending over him. She offers her help. She also suggests they look for a doctor. It is here in the queue that Charity meets the male lead, a Dutch Doctor. Dr. Everard van Tijlen has very large, grey eyes, a brisk manner that she terms arrogant. The sick man is Arthur C. Boekerchek, an American working at The Hague and attached to the Trades Mission. Mr. Boekerchek and his wife are key supportive characters.
Back at St. Simon’s, Charity is called to the office and told she’s been requested to nurse a member of the trade delegation in The Hague, of course it is Mr. Arthur C. Boekerchek! Miss Evans is rather snarky about this special request and Charity is put out that they did not approach her directly and immediately decides to refuse the request. She shortly gets a special visitor to her ward, who apologizes for the misunderstanding in the request for her services. She is apprised of the urgency of the situation. Mr. Boekercheck has a rare and serious condition. He’s specifically requested her to nurse him; he sees her as his “good luck” because of her help at the ferry. Charity is off to nurse Mr. Boekercheck, where she is surprised to find that Everard is the surgeon.
Charity nurses Mr. B through two surgeries and a couple of setbacks. The Boekercheck’s love Charity and let her stay at their home for R & R in between each private nursing job she takes in Holland. Mrs. Boekercheck trys to set Charity up with Dr. van Tijlen, seemingly unsuccessfully. Truly, for much of the book, Charity and the doc are an irritant to each other. Once Charity realizes that she is really in love with the good doctor, she continues to dig at him, in an endeavor to protect herself. Charity is invited a number of times to visit Everard’s grandmother to take tea. The grandmother is quite taken with her, she knows this is the right future wife for the doctor. Everard finally realizes he has feelings for Charity, but he still equivocates, as he feels “real love” will be an inconvenient distraction he doesn’t want from his work. Charity finally comprehends that she cannot keep punishing herself by being around Everard, who doesn’t share her same feelings. She decides her only answer is to escape back to England, and she does. Less than 24 hours later, Everard’s grandmother, contrives a scheme to pull her and Everard back together. Boom, the impasse is breached and the Gemel Ring finds its destined recipient.
Review:
It is hard for me to rate any BN book low, for me this book is a 4.8 and I place it in the top tier of the English nurse/Dutch doctor BN books. One distinction of this book is there are more “chance opportunity meetings” before the nurse runs away to lick her wounds and the path of true love is reached. Another comfortable Betty Neels book, which I can read and read again, enjoying each time.
Yes, this book is a typical Neels in that the female lead, is a nurse. Charity Dawson is the head nurse of Men’s Surgical at St. Simon’s Hospital. The story opens with her and her family on their way home to England after their Holland vacation. But their progress comes to a halt near the ferry crossing at the River Schelde, with a huge impatient queue of backed up cars. Charity’s father, retired Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, known for his peppery disposition was not happy. Charity in a move to keep his blood pressure down, offers to go see what the holdup is. Of course, Charity is tall, well-built, has red-brown hair, an attractive face, and a beautiful pair of green eyes and in her case, considered brainy, which she found to be both a blessing as well as a curse. She finds a man, lying back in his driver’s seat with the police bending over him. She offers her help. She also suggests they look for a doctor. It is here in the queue that Charity meets the male lead, a Dutch Doctor. Dr. Everard van Tijlen has very large, grey eyes, a brisk manner that she terms arrogant. The sick man is Arthur C. Boekerchek, an American working at The Hague and attached to the Trades Mission. Mr. Boekerchek and his wife are key supportive characters.
Back at St. Simon’s, Charity is called to the office and told she’s been requested to nurse a member of the trade delegation in The Hague, of course it is Mr. Arthur C. Boekerchek! Miss Evans is rather snarky about this special request and Charity is put out that they did not approach her directly and immediately decides to refuse the request. She shortly gets a special visitor to her ward, who apologizes for the misunderstanding in the request for her services. She is apprised of the urgency of the situation. Mr. Boekercheck has a rare and serious condition. He’s specifically requested her to nurse him; he sees her as his “good luck” because of her help at the ferry. Charity is off to nurse Mr. Boekercheck, where she is surprised to find that Everard is the surgeon.
Charity nurses Mr. B through two surgeries and a couple of setbacks. The Boekercheck’s love Charity and let her stay at their home for R & R in between each private nursing job she takes in Holland. Mrs. Boekercheck trys to set Charity up with Dr. van Tijlen, seemingly unsuccessfully. Truly, for much of the book, Charity and the doc are an irritant to each other. Once Charity realizes that she is really in love with the good doctor, she continues to dig at him, in an endeavor to protect herself. Charity is invited a number of times to visit Everard’s grandmother to take tea. The grandmother is quite taken with her, she knows this is the right future wife for the doctor. Everard finally realizes he has feelings for Charity, but he still equivocates, as he feels “real love” will be an inconvenient distraction he doesn’t want from his work. Charity finally comprehends that she cannot keep punishing herself by being around Everard, who doesn’t share her same feelings. She decides her only answer is to escape back to England, and she does. Less than 24 hours later, Everard’s grandmother, contrives a scheme to pull her and Everard back together. Boom, the impasse is breached and the Gemel Ring finds its destined recipient.
Review:
It is hard for me to rate any BN book low, for me this book is a 4.8 and I place it in the top tier of the English nurse/Dutch doctor BN books. One distinction of this book is there are more “chance opportunity meetings” before the nurse runs away to lick her wounds and the path of true love is reached. Another comfortable Betty Neels book, which I can read and read again, enjoying each time.
April 15, 2018
This book had such great potential to be one of my favourite Betty Neels books but somewhere in between Charity/Cherry's nursing jobs in Holland, the story lost it.
There are many lovely elements in the story; like the previous book Enchanting Samantha, the Rich Dutch Doctor just rubbed the heroine the wrong way in the beginning . Though that in no way prevented her from being deeply attracted to him, without even knowing his name!
I really don't get the mocking/sardonic attitude these RDDs had for the heroines. Could it be a defence mechanism against gold digger? Or when they met an attractive woman...Could it be they instinctively sensed these females are risky to their male independence and bachelorhood?! I couldn't stand Everard constantly mocking Charity's German!
I liked Charity though, her grouchiness seemed justified and she was really sweet to the people around her especially her patients. It's so funny how after the pompous speech from Everard about her disturbing him greatly, so he'd find a wife who would NOT interfere with his job, she wished him luck in finding himself a doormat and having a dozen bespectacled little doormats who wouldn't know how to be naughty! Haha! I love the things they said to each other! "I think there will be no need of that, Professor, for my Dutch would probably turn out to be as bad as your manners." SCORE!
Her telling him she thought his fees were exhorbitant was golden! Everard seemed to enjoy getting a rise out of her! To watch her turn pink and her green eyes sparkle maybe! I like that he's never angered by her honestly blunt statements.
Grandmother had the best line! "She's only half alive and the live half isn't at all to my liking." LOL
I hated that he really dated (a) doormat(s) after "declaring" himself but it only served to make him see clearly that it's only Charity he wanted.
The Title gemel ring was a family heirloom and played an important role in the story. I wished she hadn't needed to go back to England and shortly back to
Holland. I'm tired reading about the journeys!
Dominic and Abigail from Saturday's Child made a cameo appearance, with a new baby to boot!
I enjoyed this book, but could have loved it if it had not lost steam halfway.
PS. I totally forgot about the spineless Clive LOL!
There are many lovely elements in the story; like the previous book Enchanting Samantha, the Rich Dutch Doctor just rubbed the heroine the wrong way in the beginning . Though that in no way prevented her from being deeply attracted to him, without even knowing his name!
I really don't get the mocking/sardonic attitude these RDDs had for the heroines. Could it be a defence mechanism against gold digger? Or when they met an attractive woman...Could it be they instinctively sensed these females are risky to their male independence and bachelorhood?! I couldn't stand Everard constantly mocking Charity's German!
I liked Charity though, her grouchiness seemed justified and she was really sweet to the people around her especially her patients. It's so funny how after the pompous speech from Everard about her disturbing him greatly, so he'd find a wife who would NOT interfere with his job, she wished him luck in finding himself a doormat and having a dozen bespectacled little doormats who wouldn't know how to be naughty! Haha! I love the things they said to each other! "I think there will be no need of that, Professor, for my Dutch would probably turn out to be as bad as your manners." SCORE!
Her telling him she thought his fees were exhorbitant was golden! Everard seemed to enjoy getting a rise out of her! To watch her turn pink and her green eyes sparkle maybe! I like that he's never angered by her honestly blunt statements.
Grandmother had the best line! "She's only half alive and the live half isn't at all to my liking." LOL
I hated that he really dated (a) doormat(s) after "declaring" himself but it only served to make him see clearly that it's only Charity he wanted.
The Title gemel ring was a family heirloom and played an important role in the story. I wished she hadn't needed to go back to England and shortly back to
Holland. I'm tired reading about the journeys!
Dominic and Abigail from Saturday's Child made a cameo appearance, with a new baby to boot!
I enjoyed this book, but could have loved it if it had not lost steam halfway.
PS. I totally forgot about the spineless Clive LOL!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2019
The Gemel Ring by Betty Neels; (3*)
Not the best Neels I have read, yet enjoyable enough.
A British nurse working private cases for a Dutch doctor; love with all of its prickly asides takes center stage. All comes out nicely in the end.
I have to say that I really liked all of the characters in this little story. I would really have liked to get to know a Corrie, the resident nurse and manager of the good doctor's senior home. She seemed such a 'real' person.
Not the best Neels I have read, yet enjoyable enough.
A British nurse working private cases for a Dutch doctor; love with all of its prickly asides takes center stage. All comes out nicely in the end.
I have to say that I really liked all of the characters in this little story. I would really have liked to get to know a Corrie, the resident nurse and manager of the good doctor's senior home. She seemed such a 'real' person.
October 1, 2017
I might have to add this to my top five Neels. A bright, capable heroine -- who even reads the Lancet for her patient; a charismatic doctor who masks generosity with a playboy facade; and combustible dialogue that keeps up till to the very end. We even get not one but multiple conversations about why they won't become a couple. So great.
Read
June 2, 2024I don’t know why I’m on such a BN roll as they are so similar yet I’ve read at least 10 in a row. Some of the things people say they love like the food/furniture/house/scenery descriptions I just skip over as I find it all a bit dull. However I always google the doctor’s car and hoot laughing. I know nothing about cars but always find them highly amusing.
February 21, 2023
Dr. Everard van Tijlen is arrogant and Sister Charity figures knows how to take him down a peg....he is not interested in her but can't stop thinking of her....tells her she is disturbing him.
A good story as Charity is determined that even though she loves him, he will not over rule her.
A good story as Charity is determined that even though she loves him, he will not over rule her.
October 5, 2025
Even though I know how each Betty Neels novel will end, I still love the story! This one was especially enjoyable because much of it is set In Utrecht, a beautiful Dutch city I visited in 2024, and could picture several locations mentioned in the book.
August 14, 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
October 29, 2018
Great story
One of her earlier works, delightful as usual. Simple, clean, old fashioned, just as I remember growing up in the Netherlands!
One of her earlier works, delightful as usual. Simple, clean, old fashioned, just as I remember growing up in the Netherlands!
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