Cry of the Peacock

The Metamorphosis Series #2

by V.R. Christensen, B. Lloyd (Illustrator)

An illustrious marriage, a fortune, a position of wealth and influence. These are the dreams and ambitions of any Victorian woman of sense. Or are they? Perhaps not for Arabella Gray. The death of Abbie’s father, the overseer of a large country estate, leaves her without means or resources, without, even, a place to live. Her landlords, in an extraordinary display of charity, invite her to live at Holdaway Hall. But the invitation is as puzzling as it is generous. Why are the Crawfords, who have never paid her any notice before, so concerned with her wellbeing now? It’s a question the younger Crawford brothers would like to have answered as well. Certainly Miss Gray is a mercenary upstart. Certainly their brother is mad for fancying himself in love with her. Such a union would make them a laughing stock. They mean to put a stop to it, but when they learn that her past is closely—even disturbingly—connected with their own, they are brought up short, forced to ask themselves some very hard questions. As Abbie herself soon learns, there is a great mystery at the heart of her landlords’ extraordinary offer. Everything she has ever dreamt of might be hers for the taking, but is the price worth it? More than her happiness alone rests upon her decision. If she refuses Ruskin Crawford’s offer of marriage, will she be able to live with the consequences? If she does, will she be able to live with herself? In the end, all must ask themselves some very hard questions. What does it mean to be a man or woman of honor and integrity? What does it mean, after all, to be a gentleman? And what, exactly, is the price of a woman’s heart?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Ebooks, Victorian

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2013

About the author

V.R. Christensen writes classically inspired romantic historical fiction and steampunk dystopian novels of depth and sensitivity. V.R.’s historical romances have been multiple-time bestsellers and have been compared to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens (a literary lovechild, perhaps?) V.R. is half English and resides in the United States, though she spends a majority of her time immersed in late-Victorian classic literature and costume dramas. Her work has been described as “masterful for its genre” and “gorgeous”—“like a river flowing through a beautiful landscape that is sometimes light, sometimes dark and threatening.”

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was about twice as long as it needed to be. Not much happened, and yet it needed four hundred pages to (not) happen in. The plodding pace made it difficult for me to stay interested. The ending was clear a mile off.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

According to Kindle, I got 65% of the way through "Cry of the Peacock" before I finally admitted defeat. "No. I just CAN'T. Life is too short." It felt like I had been reading it forever and NOTHING happened. I have since read many reviews where people stated that the book could have benefitted from editing, a kind way of saying it was unbelievably boring. I don't think any amount of editing could have saved this - situations that were uninteresting the first time certainly didn't benefit from being rehashed and repeated time and time again - but if it was half as long I might at least have finished it.

Sometimes, bad books make me angry. This one did not - in fact, I really wanted to like it and despite my harsh review I think this author has some promise. (I didn't do any research, I'm hoping this was her first book.) There was some good material about the opening of the Underground in London; and about "Magdalena societies" that helped unwed mothers at the time, which I assume was factual and showed that substantial research went into creating this novel. Unfortunately, the characters and the story built around these elements were just not remotely interesting.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised at how much I liked this book. It was a great story, with lots of depth and good flow and development. I enjoyed the characters even tho the leading lady would normally would have driven me crazy because she didn't stick up for herself but the way that is shown is well done and the time period and position she is in. She really wants this kind of life that they offer, but she realizes in the end how shallow it all is, and at 18 wouldn't I have been just as confused and easily lead. I just loved James and David, what great strong leading men! I liked how this really brought me back in time, it felt like I was reading a novel written a hundred years ago. This is a story that is not all about the romance but about characters finding themselves and what they stand for. I thought it was great. I will be reading more of V.R's books.Very clean content with talk of unwed mothers and rape, but again is is talked about and handled very well.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book.

It was what I like to refer to as a polite romance.

Done slowly, and through many intricate steps, with respect and kindness.

This was a book about family, a book about love, a book about developing oneself and a book I truly enjoyed reading.

I recommend for anyone who needs a quiet read, nothing that will have them racing to read it through, but for enjoyment at their own pace.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns abound in this beautifully told, complex story that takes place in the later years of the nineteenth century. The Crawfords of Holdaway Hall make an offer to a young lady, Abbie, an offer that is more than simple courtesy and care: they have something in mind, something that concerns her. This is the secret of "Cry of the Peacock." What is Ruskin's motive when he asks for Abbie's hand in marriage? A marriage, which, if it takes place, would be well beneath his station? Why does Abbie's Aunt Newhaven despise the Crawfords so much? Into this strange tableau of Ruskin asking for the overseer's daughter's hand comes the two younger Crawford brothers, David and James. Their father has not confided in them: neither understands why their brother is trying to win the heart of this common lowborn woman and they don't believe love has won him over.

Both set out to discover the truth, and both are inclined to think Abbie a gold digger. For her own part, Abbie doesn't understand Ruskin's motives either, but the pressure put upon her to accept his offer is tremendous, from everyone except her aunt. Her instincts warn her that something isn't right and she hardly knows Ruskin, but cold hard commonsense fails her when it comes to another young man.

From page one, "Cry of the Peacock" is a mystery, a journey of discovery, a peeling of the onion down to its core of truth. I found it deeply compelling, a character-driven story with a flavor reminiscent of "Pride and Prejudice." Having read the author's debut novel, "Of Moths and Butterflies," I was looking forward to a new set of well-drawn protagonists and first-rate dialogue, and I wasn't disappointed. Christensen's selfish, sometimes cruel men, especially, are so well done that one wants to throttle them. Lighthearted scenes are juxtaposed with dark drama, and carry the reader through to a satisfying end. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Dava Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning I had that niggling feeling that I'd read this story before, and was afraid that it would all come rushing back a few chapters in. But, I hadn't read it...it just has a very familiar feeling. Marriages to save estates, balls that require gowns, the Season in London - there are so many books with those elements. I will admit to liking the, though it's not necessarily my favorite genre.

I read this during the drive on a short, weekend get away. It's well written, and not at all a bad story. If you like Jane Austen you will probably like this one (though it is not the same level; this book is good, but not GREAT).

[Lisa C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

After trying to read this for several days I looked down to see I was only at 19% and decided to skip to the end to see the outcome. I thought it was only me that found it incredibly boring, slow moving and dull. It felt like I jumped into the middle of something without knowing the details. The characters were not defined very well and Abbie was way too wishy washy for a main character.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review of Cry of the Peacock by V. R. Christensen.

From goodreads.com
"An illustrious marriage, a fortune, a position of wealth and influence. These are the dreams and ambitions of any Victorian woman of sense. Or are they? Perhaps not for Arabella Gray. The death of Abbie’s father, the overseer of a large country estate, leaves her without means or resources, without, even, a place to live. Her landlords, in an extraordinary display of charity, invite her to live at Holdaway Hall. But the invitation is as puzzling as it is generous. Why are the Crawfords, who have never paid her any notice before, so concerned with her wellbeing now?

It’s a question the younger Crawford brothers would like to have answered as well. Certainly Miss Gray is a mercenary upstart. Certainly their brother is mad for fancying himself in love with her. Such a union would make them a laughing stock. They mean to put a stop to it, but when they learn that her past is closely—even disturbingly—connected with their own, they are brought up short, forced to ask themselves some very hard questions. As Abbie herself soon learns, there is a great mystery at the heart of her landlords’ extraordinary offer. Everything she has ever dreamt of might be hers for the taking, but is the price worth it? More than her happiness alone rests upon her decision. If she refuses Ruskin Crawford’s offer of marriage, will she be able to live with the consequences? If she does, will she be able to live with herself?

In the end, all must ask themselves some very hard questions. What does it mean to be a man or woman of honor and integrity? What does it mean, after all, to be a gentleman? And what, exactly, is the price of a woman’s heart?"


Leona's Review:

I liked this book. I had just finished reading two dark books and needed something different. I have always liked the Victorian age books and this fit the bill and it was not as dark.

It begins September 1890 in London. There is the death of a child just delivered and Abbie is quite upset We are introduced a little to Abbie, her sister, Mariana, the lawyer, William Meridith, Aunt Newhaven's home and one of the Crawford brothers.

Chapter One begins with two Crawford brothers at their London club where David and James are talking about David seeing Abbie outside of Abbie's aunt's home.

The Crawford family has plans for Abbie, Arabella, to marry the eldest son, Ruskin. There is a secret from the past about the Crawford and Gray families. The book is based on this secret. Even some in the family are unaware, as well as Abbie, of the reasons for the intentions of the marriage to Ruskin. The parents of Abbie and Miranda are dead.

The book deals with electricity, gas, the London tube, hydraulic lifts and cable. Names such as Emile Rogers

(1888: Start of Benz sales in Germany and abroad | Daimler Global Media Site > Classic > Daimler AG )
and the Benz engines are also mentioned (http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles...). David had an interest in these projects and Abbie also found it interesting. I have included two sites to read for those who would like to know more on the subjects. I personally like to learn when I read and I find this information very much part of the book.

The book also mentions needlework, sewing, dresses, cabs, hair styles, mourning clothing, the library of books, dark woods of the old homes, politics, workers, unwed mothers, arranged marriages and the proper conduct of the women for society. Many English words are used also (or at least I find them so): salver, a tray for serving food is one.

There were drawings at each chapter which added to the book.

The main characters are:

Abbie, Arabella, Gray.

Miranda Gray, Abbie's sister.

Mr. William Meridith, lawyer and friend of the Gray family and the Aunt.

Sir Nicholas and Mrs. Crawford, parents of the three sons.

David, James and Ruskin Crawford.

Katherine Barnwell, whose has a presumed arranged marriage with David.

Aunt Newhaven who runs the Magdalen home for unwed women in need of care and understanding.

Hetty Summerson who is having a child and is at the home.

I liked this book but did find some typos. Kathryn in used one time for the name Katherine (Kindle page 185) and another is Becky and no 's for the word (Kindle page 247). A couple of others I also saw. It did not stop me from enjoying this book and giving it a strong 4 Star.

Read some reviews about the book on goodreads:

www.goodreads.com/book/show/17874099-...

Site of the author, V. R Christensen. You may also sign up for her newsletter.www.vrchristensen.com

I downloaded a free book from amazon.com to get this book. The opinions are my own.

Leona Olson

www.mnleona.blogspot.com

[Sherrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

V.R. Christensen wastes not time nor words in engaging her reader with Cry of the Peacock. The action is palpable from the first paragraph of the prologue and never diminishes.

The theme in Cry of the Peacock focuses on Christensen's main character, Arabella Gray, preferably according to Miss Gray, Abbie. Abbie's father has died and left her without a cent. Mr. Gray had for years been the overseer of the rather large estate belonging to the Crawfords.

The Crawfords extend a mysterious invitation to Abbie to come and live with them. Intriguing and promising as it may be, Abbie is uncertain why the Crawfords should care enough to bestow such a large gift upon her. The invitation is equally mysterious and somewhat disturbing to the Crawfords' two younger sons. And so the story and the mystery begin.

Christensen has a knack for creating interesting characters, such as the oldest Crawford son, Ruskin. Ruskin's abilities to woo and romance are lacking in the extreme. Today Ruskin would likely be accused of harassment and perhaps rough treatment of a woman. Then there is the sweet Katherine, engaged hopefully soon to Ruskin's younger brother, David. But who loves whom?

With just the right amount of tension, magnificent scene building and a cast with dialogue to bring her story to life, Christensen reaches the climax of the story. What will Abbie's answer be to the Crawfords' invitation to her? Just what impact will Abbie's decision to do to the Crawford family. Will David Crawford assume the role selected for him in Lord Barnwell's cabinet and confirm his intention to marry Katherine Barnwell? The reader's mind is replete with questions, and the author answers each of them in a meticulously tidy ending.

I enjoyed reading Cry of the Peacock, not only because it is historical fiction but also because V.R. Christensen did everything within her creative power to bring a well-paced, intriguing story to the pages found between the book's beautiful cover.

My Recommendation: If you have enjoyed previous V.R. Christensen works and you love historical novels, this book is for you. There is not one thing I can say against it, unless it would be that my household chores suffered over a period of a day or so.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

After her father's death, Arabella Gray is invited to stay with the landed gentlemen who were his bosses. The Crawford family has clearly marked her out as the intended bride of the eldest son and heir, Ruskin, but Arabella can't understand why. She's lower class, has no money, and has nothing to recommend her save her beauty. Still, she knows this is her best chance at a comfortable life and feels obligated to the family, and so gamely does her best to fit in with the upper class and become comfortable with the idea of marrying Ruskin.

I respected the measured tone in which this was told; it felt a good deal like Trollope, with fewer tortured sentences. But like Trollope, it is way too long. This book could have been half the length without losing anything. Also, the Crawford's plan is just stupid. Years ago the Crawfords called in a debt that ruined Arabella's mother's family. Arabella's mother refused any help, so instead the Crawford grandfather left her daughter (Arabella) stocks in a railway. According to the will, Arabella will only get them if she marries well according to the will's trustee, Mr. Crawford himself. And to ensure his family--themselves on the brink of ruination--gets access to the stocks, he insists Arabella marry Ruskin Crawford. But why Ruskin? Why their heir? If they'd just fixed on either of his younger, more personable, less high flying brothers, they'd probably have gotten away with the scheme undetected. And why didn't they just affiance Ruskin to Katherine Barnwell (who is rich, gets on very well with Ruskin, and would give him a political career through her father, which he clearly would do well in) instead of his younger brother Steven? He's so clearly not suited to a political career, but even more so, offering him instead of Ruskin insults the Barnwells. Why?

[Mirella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following her resounding success with Of Moths and Butterflies, V. R. Christensen has created another engrossing family saga set in 19th century Victorian England. The Cry of the Peacock is about a young woman named Abigail whose family lands and inheritance was lost. She and her sister now live with an aunt who runs a home for unwed mothers; a very scandalous profession in society’s eyes, and one they must keep secret at all costs lest it shatter their reputations. When Abigail receives an invitation from her old neighbours, a family with three sons, who are determined to bring her into their home and treat her like their own daughter, she willingly accepts their benevolence. Of the three sons, the eldest, Ruskin Crawford, courts her with much enthusiasm. The other two, also soon grow to admire her greatly. As secrets begin to unravel, Abigail is left to make a choice that will profoundly affect the lives of everyone in their two families.

Graced with a touch of mystery, the scent of scandal, the taste of love, The Cry of the Peacock is wonderfully engrossing historical fiction. Page by page, secrets are revealed, and characters grow and develop, either blooming or shattering as the story progresses. The author is knowledgeable about the Victorian era with all its expectations and restrictions. This intricate tale is revealed at a tantalizingly steady pace. Its rich, multi-dimensional characters and their individual motivations is a testament to the authors strength as a wonderful storyteller. I highly recommend both of V.R. Christensen’s novels, especially for readers who love family sagas written in the classic style. Truly a joy to read!

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book by VR Christensen. Her stories are definitely great epics that remind me of the great authors of the 1800's like Hardy and Gaskell.

The story revolves around Arabella (Abbie) who with her sister has had to go live with her crotchety aunt after the death of her parents. She receives notice that the family for whom her father was a steward has asked her to come back. Abbie is confused as to why the family would bestow this honor on her. She thinks perhaps it is to be a liaison between the family and the estate workers. From the first though, it is clear that the family wants more from her, namely Ruskin the eldest son. The two younger sons David and James can't understand what their parents and eldest brother are thinking. They think Abbie is a mercenary upstart and try to come up with a way to get rid of her. The trouble is, she isn't the cold hearted beauty they think she is and both, especially David can't get her out of his mind. As Ruskin's pursuit becomes more and more stifling, she must decide if becoming his wife is worth the sacrifice.

This story was so filled with angst and tension. I wondered how it would resolve. Just when you think everything is going to have a happily ever after ending, another wrench is thrown into the story. I stayed up way too late reading this book. I would really love to see the story continued.

[M. Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cry of the Peacock is a beautifully written tale of romantic intrigue set in Victorian England. Arabella and Mariana Gray, newly orphaned sisters, find themselves entangled in a web of family lies and family loyalties spun by the fascinating Crawford brothers. Arabella is offered what seems like a dream come true––marriage into a family of wealth and respectability––but at what cost? Her sister Mariana faces a future saving other young girls from ruin––but is losing her heart to a man who seems to embody the immorality that has caused that ruin. As in her earlier work, Of Moths and Butterflies, Christensen skillfully illuminates both the beauty and barbarity of a society in transition, while creating characters whose flawed humanity haunt me still.

[☆Ruth☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well worn and rather thin plot, however the writing was mainly acceptable (although it needed much better editing) and it did hold my interest until the end. The characters are fairly standard Victorian proto-types and there is rather too much fruitless soul searching with little real action. On the plus side I found it easy to pick up and put down and it made no demands on my emotions or intellect. Sometimes it's a relief to read a book like that, which is why I have given it a generous three stars.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was excruciatingly long. Every time I looked at the percentage read I thought, "You've got to be kidding!" It took forever to get anywhere in it. When I felt like it should be about half way through the plot, the percentage was something like 20%. I liked the basic story but it was just too slow moving and long. Ruskin and his parents were pretty awful and it seemed like the decision about how to answer his proposal should have been clear long before her answer was given. If you want to read something quick and romantic, this probably isn't the book for you. If you like slow paced, angst and lengthy with delayed gratification at getting to the romantic part, then it is a good read. Like I said, I liked the basic story. It was just too long.

[Piyushi Dhir · Rating 4 out of 5]

If historical fiction or Jane Austen appeal to you, you will enjoy the twists and turns of this Victorian age romance. Orphaned Arabella Gray, daughter of a large estate’s overseer, finds herself adopted by the landlords of the estate. Their three sons each, have a mysterious pull over her. When she receives a marriage proposal from one of them, her choice should seem obvious, but what is the price of accepting a lifetime of luxury and comfort?

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Victorian Era romance. I've read terms such as "elegant" and "delightful for the books by this author. It is a good way to sum them up.
I read this on my Kindle and I was around 60% when I found it dragging and thought it should finish up. The story line picked up and was more interesting again though. There are areas of the book, especially at the end, that dragged and I flipped pages. I knew what was going to happen at the end but it was taking forever.
Nice read.

[Hanna Bair · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. The main character had a tough decision to make and the entire book kept asking over and over again, "What is she going to do?", seemingly obsessively. It was also fairly obvious from the beginning what the right thing to do was; therefore, it made the outcome pretty predictable.

[Megan Eickhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ummm...

I'm really not sure. I liked the book in the last few chapters but it felt like an uphill struggle to get to "the good part". I cared more about the story line of some of the secondary characters before the main ones. There are some interesting points in the story but it is very complicated to follow for most of the book.

[Joanne Spark Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questions, questions, question and then repeat all the questions again. This book could have been halved. There is the same endless questions to help unfold a mystery. The love story was lacking.
I kept reading because I wanted to see how everyone ended up even though some relations where predictable.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all the books I have chosen from this era, I enjoyed this one as much as the others. The ending was a little lacking in my opinion, there should have been more development between David and Abbie, but was complete.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Victorian romance - Arabella Gray is invited by her family's ex-landlords to live with them at Holdaway Hall. But why have the Crawfords done so and what price must Arabella pay.
It is a slow moving tale, at times I wished it was quicker.

[Nahnita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Lots of twists and turns and kept me guessing to the very end!

[Darsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical romantic fiction: and one should always remember when reading a Victorian romance that it's like watching a pot on a low simmer.. everything happens so s l o w l y, and yet, you do finally get there in the end.

I'll admit the title and cover art of this book enticed me, surely it would be a little different from the typical offerings of this genre, I hoped. There were elements that intrigued and interested me and those that irritated me to no end.

The good: Set in an interesting slice of history, right at the very birth of the industrial age, when machines for farming were a new fangled and fearful thing! Trains, the very first one is introduced in these pages and provides a significant moment, a turning point of the story, for the main characters. The Suffragettes were featured briefly, yet interestingly too, their efforts to gain women's rights at an almost forgotten time when women were still obedient to husbands and fathers. Their fight for those precious rights is a stark contrast to the daily lives of the women in this story and of that era...with no vote, no job, no money and no independence whatsoever, whilst being repressed from all sides by ridiculously stringent etiquette, society and morality rules. It is hard to imagine living that way now.

The irritations: How does one arrive at a nickname of Abbie from the given name of Arabella? A moment of research informed me that Abby or Abbie would be diminutives for Abigail. Surely Bella or Belle would have been a more natural choice as a nickname for Arabella. Unfortunately, Abbie sounded too modern for me (and wrong) and threw me off balance whenever she insisted on it.

The secret: it bugged me to no end that the *most important* part of the secret was left out when the main character was told about it. Even though the circumstances at the time didn't allow for further elucidation.. a multitude of opportunities arose later.

I enjoy a feisty female heroine and was disappointed to find Arabella a little lackluster in this department (though mentally cheered when she occasionally showed some determination and spirit).

At least half of the plot points and character motivations were fairly standard Victorian romance fare, the few interesting points mentioned above rescued the story.

Bad editing: at one point in the story, a main character suddenly had her name changed and then switched back within a few pages. Also, WAY too long and without the excuse of being published in actual Victorian times. One hundred less pages would have given the story a better pace.

Overall, the good outweighed the bad and I enjoyed the tale.

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cry of the Peacock is the second book in the Metamorphosis Series although I believe it was actually written before Moths and Butterflies, nominally the first book. It is not a continuation of Moths and Butterflies and does not seem to share any characters with the other book. As they are historical fiction they do not have a common fantasy or science fictional world to tie them together. The main thing the books of the series have to tie them together appears to be a common theme.

Whereas Moths and Butterflies is the story of a young woman who has been left a lot of money by an uncle who has used her for his own disreputable purposes – money she doesn’t want to claim feeling it to be tainted somehow – Cry of the Peacock is about a young woman, Abbie, whose family has fallen on hard times due to some underhanded actions by their neighbors. Her mother’s decision to marry for love rather than money also contributed to the problem. Her father wound up working as the overseer for these wealthier neighbors. But her parents are now dead, and she and her sister have come into the care of an elderly aunt who runs a ‘lying-in house’ (i.e. home for unwed mothers).

The family of Abbie’s father’s former employer had invited her to come live with them for a while. It soon becomes apparent that they are trying to get her married to the oldest of their three sons. Abbie tries to like him. She really does. But he is just too arrogant for her. Having lived on the estate for most of her life, she is concerned about the tenants and is anxious to do something to improve their lot. But the way he goes about it, Ruskin, her designated suitor, manages to anger them more than help.

The more time passes, the more Abbie is drawn to Ruskin’s younger brothers, David and James, who are much nicer people. David, unfortunately, is engaged to somebody else, and James is a bit of an outcast in his own family. But they eventually uncover the reason why their parents are so anxious to have Abbie marry Ruskin.

Curiously, the thing Cry of the Peacock has most in common with Moths and Butterflies is that it is the family lawyer who is most able to bring about a satisfactory resolution to all the problems.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illustrious marriage, a fortune, a position of wealth and influence. These are the dreams and ambitions of any Victorian woman of sense. Or are they? Perhaps not for Arabella Gray. The death of Abbie’s father, the overseer of a large country estate, leaves her without means or resources, without, even, a place to live. Her landlords, in an extraordinary display of charity, invite her to live at Holdaway Hall. But the invitation is as puzzling as it is generous. Why are the Crawfords, who have never paid her any notice before, so concerned with her wellbeing now? It’s a question the younger Crawford brothers would like to have answered as well. Certainly Miss Gray is a mercenary upstart. Certainly their brother is mad for fancying himself in love with her. Such a union would make them a laughing stock. They mean to put a stop to it, but when they learn that her past is closely—even disturbingly—connected with their own, they are brought up short, forced to ask themselves some very hard questions. As Abbie herself soon learns, there is a great mystery at the heart of her landlords’ extraordinary offer. Everything she has ever dreamt of might be hers for the taking, but is the price worth it? More than her happiness alone rests upon her decision. If she refuses Ruskin Crawford’s offer of marriage, will she be able to live with the consequences? If she does, will she be able to live with herself?

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not an easy read because it has ventured into some sensitive subject matters specially in that timeline. It also involves a will and an inheritance that must be obtained thru subterfuge and the burden of gratitude which is in turn is a product of said subterfuge. There is also the issue on abandoned women that the peerage do not like to address and further aggravated by wild speculations of the scurrilous kind. The hypocrisy of a certain class is deeply underlined as well as the inadequacies of Rushkin as an empathtic and wise landowner is very much in question here much less his qualifications as Abbie's husband. I find it a bit depressing in some parts; that is why I do admire the author for boldly writing a romance layered with other plotlines of a controversial nature intricately woven into the main story. I am also aware of the work she has put into this piece. This is a work she can truly be proud of.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this digitally from Amazon. I was attracted to it by the comparison made to Jane Austen, and by how articulate the author's premise was. Though it is a regency novel, that's where the similarity to Jane Austen ends. This novel is much darker, with mysteries and complex secrets. I wondered how Abbie could trust after so much was kept from her.

I did enjoy the book. Sometimes it was just a bit repetitive but I love the way Christensen develops her characters. There are some wonderful scenes, and I also liked the layered, more complex plot (something rather rare in self-published E books.

[Dr Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't write a lot of reviews and I am pretty stingy with my stars.

So, although I would have rated this book a 3 as a light, enjoyable read, I had to bump it up to make up for Those Other Reviews that complained about it being too slow, too long, etc.

I think VR Christensen did a great job of simulating a period piece of fiction. It moved at a lovely stately pace that allowed her to develop the context -- the mores of the time, the difficulties in how a woman can move around (literally and figuratively), the Society expectations and double-standards... really well done.

Especially for those who have read their Austin too many times - try this one. ;-)

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through this one. Not really sure what it was suppose to be. Not any flirting, passion or sexual tension to be a romance. The mystery that they author keeps trying to hide and expose is so dull that it falls flat at being a mystery (I kept thinking come on already tell us what it is instead of making the characters ask and then not purse when they are thwarted) As a historical story there really isn't much about the time other than a very brief mention of the London underground being built. Which is probably my problem with the story, there is too much and not enough happening to make it interesting. Pick a lane and delve more deeply into it.