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A Star Looks Down
BETH HAD BOTH A HELPING HAND AND A KIND HEART, BUT WOULD THEY WIN HER LOVE?
Professor Alexander van Zeust's sister was ill, and her four young children needed someone to care for them. He asked Beth Partridgekind, capable, sensible Bethto watch them for a week. She did a fantastic job, so one week extended to two, and then longer . The professor was happythe children loved Beth and their mother knew they were in good hands. Everyone was happy, except Beth. She had fallen in love with her aloof employer, but he wasn't likely to be interested in her. Beth wanted to return to her hospital job and escape all the emotional turmoil, but how could she when the children needed her?
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1975
64 people are currently reading
159 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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February 24, 20244 stars - so far this has been the BN book I liked the most. The first where I could actually feel a quite convincing attraction and connection between the 2 very likeable MCs and despite that very silly, fake-as-hell conflict at the end where the author made the hero-heroine act totally out of character to drive the plot forward.
August 25, 2024
Enjoyed this one very much! Beth and Alexander are great leads and there is a unique situation at the end of the book. I could see something like it coming but how it played out was tense! As usual, I wish the ending was just a bit longer!
March 26, 2022
4 Stars ~ Beth is a nurse in the prep and surgical recovery of a busy London hospital. She lives with her brother who in the same hospital is completing his training to be a doctor. Rushed one morning, Beth literally runs into a tall, large man with her bicycle. She meets him again later and learns that he's a Dutch surgeon lecturing and performing surgeries for a few weeks. Her brother William is quite impressed with him and is shocked when he hears how familiar she speaks to the esteemed Professor. Alexander is quite impressed himself with Beth who is an exceptional nurse in her skill, calmness under pressure and her soothing nature with the patients. When his sister undergoes emergency surgery for appendicitis, Beth is there in recovery to care for her. Due for her week's holiday, the Professor asks her to act as caretaker for his four young nieces and nephews while their mother is in hospital. Always cash starved, Beth agrees with the thoughts of new shoes and a waistcoat for her brother and perhaps a new dress for herself.
As in many Betty Neels love stories, the Professor has taken an instant liking to Beth, and he uses his sister's illness as a means to ease Beth's burdens. One week becomes two more and then two more again but in Holland. There are some lovely moments after Beth realizes she's fallen in love with Alexander and she tries to convince him that she's the one who is unsuitable. No evil other woman, but one of the nephews got it in his head that Beth deserved some payback, and she was heart sick when Alexander believed the boy's lies. Of course, Alexander proves to Beth just how suitable he finds her.
As in many Betty Neels love stories, the Professor has taken an instant liking to Beth, and he uses his sister's illness as a means to ease Beth's burdens. One week becomes two more and then two more again but in Holland. There are some lovely moments after Beth realizes she's fallen in love with Alexander and she tries to convince him that she's the one who is unsuitable. No evil other woman, but one of the nephews got it in his head that Beth deserved some payback, and she was heart sick when Alexander believed the boy's lies. Of course, Alexander proves to Beth just how suitable he finds her.
September 10, 2019
After the magnificence of Henrietta’s Own Castle (the cat alone sent me into paroxysms of reader-joy … Henry in his tea cosy), I was ready for a gentler, quieter Neels and found it in A Star Looks Down. It’s so quiet and gentle, there’s an absence of OW (Other Woman, for those not used to rom-lingo) and the villain is a hardly-villainous ten-year-old. But there is really something quite lovely about the story of heroine Beth Partridge of the plain face and violet eyes and the laconically mild-mannered, patient Dr. Alexander van Zeust. Indeed, if there’s a nasty, it’s Beth’s brother, who takes advantage of her good nature, impeccable house-keeping, generous heart and hand, as he’s constantly asking for a fiver. He’s in medical training and Beth is paying his and her way on her nurse’s pay. But a generous offer comes from Alexander, who recognizes Beth’s nursing and personal worth and offers her a great sum to nurse his sister while she recuperates from an appendectomy and to care for her four young ones (while their father is away).
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You may read the remainder on my blog:
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November 9, 2015
Elizabeth Partridge is a recovery room nurse in London. She comes from Somerset, once the daughter of the manor; after her father and then her mother died, her elder stepbrother inherited and made it clear that Beth and her younger brother, William, were no longer welcome. So they moved to London, she to train and then work as a nurse and William to study to become a physician.
Beth, on her bicycle, runs into a large man one day. He turns out to be a Dutch professor of surgery, Alexander van Zeust. His sister is later brought in with acute appendicitis; she has 4 children who are in need of a temporary nanny. Since Beth has a holiday due, William volunteers her services to Professor van Zeust.
So in her temporary role, Beth accompanies them to the Professor's home in London, then to his home in Somerset. While there, Alexander takes her to Chifney, her old home, and buys her elderly mate and pony, Beauty and Sugar, for the children. Just in time, for her stepbrother intended on selling them to the knacker the very next day.
Then Alexander and his sister ask her to go to Holland with them for a couple more weeks. By this time, Beth knows she is in love with the Professor and so she agrees. She knows he is attracted to her, but since she doesn't think she is pretty, thinks he can't be serious.
A misunderstanding arises with the children and Beth is forced to go back to England, but Alexander is determined to not lose her. He follows her, finds her at the train station, declares himself and proposes.
There are some lovely bits in this one, particularly when Alexander quotes part of a poem from which the book is titled. Not much angst, outside the dust-up with Dirk -no OW in this one.
Not in the top 10, certainly, but probably in the top half. 3 1/2 stars.
Beth, on her bicycle, runs into a large man one day. He turns out to be a Dutch professor of surgery, Alexander van Zeust. His sister is later brought in with acute appendicitis; she has 4 children who are in need of a temporary nanny. Since Beth has a holiday due, William volunteers her services to Professor van Zeust.
So in her temporary role, Beth accompanies them to the Professor's home in London, then to his home in Somerset. While there, Alexander takes her to Chifney, her old home, and buys her elderly mate and pony, Beauty and Sugar, for the children. Just in time, for her stepbrother intended on selling them to the knacker the very next day.
Then Alexander and his sister ask her to go to Holland with them for a couple more weeks. By this time, Beth knows she is in love with the Professor and so she agrees. She knows he is attracted to her, but since she doesn't think she is pretty, thinks he can't be serious.
A misunderstanding arises with the children and Beth is forced to go back to England, but Alexander is determined to not lose her. He follows her, finds her at the train station, declares himself and proposes.
There are some lovely bits in this one, particularly when Alexander quotes part of a poem from which the book is titled. Not much angst, outside the dust-up with Dirk -no OW in this one.
Not in the top 10, certainly, but probably in the top half. 3 1/2 stars.
December 21, 2021
Tough one to rate. I loved it until the very end, when the heroine does something so stupid I couldn't believe it. Her actions ruined all of the rest of the book for me. Except, I refuse to let the rest of it be ruined, it was so fun. So, 4 stars for the first 8 chapters, 1 for chapter 9. LOL
September 21, 2023
an oldie but a goodie.
This was good because it’s one of those rare ones where the RDD (in this case, Alexander) and the plain/homely English nurse (in this case, Beth) actually discuss their feelings for each other and their relationship several times and it’s clear they both care about each other. Yes, there’s still gaslighting as there wasn’t any reason for ambiguity, Alexander could have told Beth immediately that her feelings were reciprocated. The premise is that Alexander wants nurse, Beth, to use her holidays and beyond to nanny his sister’s children and she agrees and falls in love. It’s nice but several moments to side-eye the hero abound.
This was good because it’s one of those rare ones where the RDD (in this case, Alexander) and the plain/homely English nurse (in this case, Beth) actually discuss their feelings for each other and their relationship several times and it’s clear they both care about each other. Yes, there’s still gaslighting as there wasn’t any reason for ambiguity, Alexander could have told Beth immediately that her feelings were reciprocated. The premise is that Alexander wants nurse, Beth, to use her holidays and beyond to nanny his sister’s children and she agrees and falls in love. It’s nice but several moments to side-eye the hero abound.
June 9, 2016
Tender romance!
I am, and it seems, always, have been a fan of Ms. Neels' books. She has a way of drawing one into the scenes without boredom. The characters are distinctive, and charming. The relationships are tender, and sweet. I recommend all her works to those who enjoy old fashioned boy meets girl romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
I am, and it seems, always, have been a fan of Ms. Neels' books. She has a way of drawing one into the scenes without boredom. The characters are distinctive, and charming. The relationships are tender, and sweet. I recommend all her works to those who enjoy old fashioned boy meets girl romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
January 28, 2016
TGB spins a good tale here. Beth and Alexander make wonderful leads and he is a little more forthcoming in his feelings than your typical RDD. Great supporting characters. The children are nicely imaged; impish and mischievous. A fun read.
March 15, 2017
B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars We’ve had a pretty mild winter here, but I could still use a few afternoons to curl up with a comfort read. This time around, I sought the comfort of a favorite author. I read a fair amount of category romance, but I’ve never found another author quite like Betty Neels. She wrote for Harlequin for decades, but somehow her books always have a fairytale feeling to them as the setting of her books seems anything but real or modern. If you like her world of fabulously rich – and probably Dutch – doctors and the practical women who sweep them off their feet, curl up in something comfortable (perhaps a jersey dress?) and read along.
I have a lot of Neels in the TBR pile, and this time around I chose a 1976 novel called A Star Looks Down. As with many of Neels’ heroines, Elizabeth Partridge is a nurse – a very efficient and well-liked one at that. Beth had a privileged upbringing at Chifney House in the country but after the death of her parents, we learn that a hateful stepbrother inherited Chifney and Beth was exiled from her kingdom, along with her moderately feckless brother.
Beth and her brother now live in London. The brother, William, is constantly sponging money off of Beth, but since he is bright and gainfully employed as a medical student, he seems more immature than truly awful. The two are fond of each other, and one gets the feeling that William may someday get his act together. In the meantime, Beth seems to do the lion’s share of supporting the two of them on a rather meager nursing salary.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/comfort-re...
I have a lot of Neels in the TBR pile, and this time around I chose a 1976 novel called A Star Looks Down. As with many of Neels’ heroines, Elizabeth Partridge is a nurse – a very efficient and well-liked one at that. Beth had a privileged upbringing at Chifney House in the country but after the death of her parents, we learn that a hateful stepbrother inherited Chifney and Beth was exiled from her kingdom, along with her moderately feckless brother.
Beth and her brother now live in London. The brother, William, is constantly sponging money off of Beth, but since he is bright and gainfully employed as a medical student, he seems more immature than truly awful. The two are fond of each other, and one gets the feeling that William may someday get his act together. In the meantime, Beth seems to do the lion’s share of supporting the two of them on a rather meager nursing salary.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/comfort-re...
March 29, 2025
“A Star Looks Down” is the story of Beth and Alexander.
Silly tale of love in which the hero, a surgeon convinces this fully trained nurse to be the nanny to his four niece/nephews. After some coercion she agrees. Then there are schemes that keep her in his house while he tries to woo her and she is content to stay in as a babysitter. Lot of drama letter, she realizes he really does love her (btw he tells her many times he does but she considers herself “plain” so keeps dismissing him). Made me lol.
Safe
3/5
Silly tale of love in which the hero, a surgeon convinces this fully trained nurse to be the nanny to his four niece/nephews. After some coercion she agrees. Then there are schemes that keep her in his house while he tries to woo her and she is content to stay in as a babysitter. Lot of drama letter, she realizes he really does love her (btw he tells her many times he does but she considers herself “plain” so keeps dismissing him). Made me lol.
Safe
3/5
March 6, 2021
At first Glance
A feel good read that Betty Neels excelled at effortlessly. Swoon Worthy leading hero’s that see the beauty in the girl that others would miss.
It’s a yes from me.
A feel good read that Betty Neels excelled at effortlessly. Swoon Worthy leading hero’s that see the beauty in the girl that others would miss.
It’s a yes from me.
March 22, 2013
Again a read by a comfort author. Not one of my favorites by her.
June 7, 2013
Well am pleased at last professor asked her 2 marry him
September 15, 2014
love her books! hard to believe this was written in 1975. feels older than that. tot ziens means goodbye, as in see you later.
April 18, 2018
3.5* "I want fun, fights and a love to toss me to the skies." - Alexander (who weighed 18 stones, 114kg! Vast RDD!)
Beth literally ran into Alexander at the hospital with her bicycle! According to him it was love at first sight, and we did see little signs from him that he had his hand in every event that led to Beth extending her stay looking after his nephews and nieces. First it was a week in London while his sister was in hospital, then two weeks resting in the country, and finally two weeks in Holland.
Beth was the second heroine who was a Recovery Room nurse. The first I read was. Letitia from A Small Slice of Summer. I get angry reading about yet another spendthrift brother and self sacrificing sister! But her evil elder stepbrother was even worse! I'm so glad Alexander was perceptive enough to see how much Beth did for her bro, "giving up how many dresses so her brother could buy another waistcoat?"
But other than the first couple of chapters Beth was all nanny and the occasional nursemaid for the mevrouw! There's hardly any romantic interludes; Alexander was always away at work, or visiting and worse, dating other women! Albeit those were dates and social engagements he'd committed to before he even met Beth
I dare say.
Pleasantly, we did not need to wait till the final pages before both parties revealed they had deeper feelings for each other. That sweet scene sitting on the stairs at night...Beth kind of admitted she loved him, but told him to forget the convo because she was being silly. But Alexander claimed meekly he'd a retentive memory...LOL However Alexander did not exactly reciprocate with a love declaration, so it was a let down.
I really wanted to see more of them together...there WAS a house tour of love in Holland, the only that mattered because in this story we saw THREE of RDD's houses! Won't be surprised if he's got a country retreat in the Netherlands too!
A very dramatic plot involving children right at the end! Not very realistic portrayal of a vindictive ten-year old boy, but perhaps he was just very young and proud, and knowing how deep in sh!t he could be, he told all the lies to make Beth the scapegoat. It didn't help that Alexander had a patient in critical condition and he'd had to delay the operation!
This is the most memorable part of the book. Alexander and his sister just took young Dirk's words, they had no reason to believe he'd lie. And Beth carried the British "do not sneak/tell tale" principle TOO FAR. She should have explained!
This is setting the record straight because the kids and Beth could all have died! In this case silence was like enabling bad behaviour, no?!
But I could see where Beth was coming from. Alexander and sister wanted her to explain why SHE DID IT. The key being they ALREADY BELIEVED SHE DID IT. They just needed her reasons to explain the inexplicable...and scarily, Alexander was angry with Beth the moment the police called home. BUT the policeman probably gave Alexander Dirk's version in Dutch!
When Dirk finally owned up, his account of Beth floundering at sea and them all laughing at her made my heart ache for Beth. The worst of it all...even when Alexander chased up to Beth, he never said sorry instead asking Beth WHY she did not explain! And she told him why!
I think Alexander was the MCP of the era, when men did not grovel or apologise in words. Instead he offered to marry her and buy her whatever she needed if her luggage got stolen...
Sigh, not a very satisfying ending.
Beth literally ran into Alexander at the hospital with her bicycle! According to him it was love at first sight, and we did see little signs from him that he had his hand in every event that led to Beth extending her stay looking after his nephews and nieces. First it was a week in London while his sister was in hospital, then two weeks resting in the country, and finally two weeks in Holland.
Beth was the second heroine who was a Recovery Room nurse. The first I read was. Letitia from A Small Slice of Summer. I get angry reading about yet another spendthrift brother and self sacrificing sister! But her evil elder stepbrother was even worse! I'm so glad Alexander was perceptive enough to see how much Beth did for her bro, "giving up how many dresses so her brother could buy another waistcoat?"
But other than the first couple of chapters Beth was all nanny and the occasional nursemaid for the mevrouw! There's hardly any romantic interludes; Alexander was always away at work, or visiting and worse, dating other women! Albeit those were dates and social engagements he'd committed to before he even met Beth
I dare say.
Pleasantly, we did not need to wait till the final pages before both parties revealed they had deeper feelings for each other. That sweet scene sitting on the stairs at night...Beth kind of admitted she loved him, but told him to forget the convo because she was being silly. But Alexander claimed meekly he'd a retentive memory...LOL However Alexander did not exactly reciprocate with a love declaration, so it was a let down.
I really wanted to see more of them together...there WAS a house tour of love in Holland, the only that mattered because in this story we saw THREE of RDD's houses! Won't be surprised if he's got a country retreat in the Netherlands too!
A very dramatic plot involving children right at the end! Not very realistic portrayal of a vindictive ten-year old boy, but perhaps he was just very young and proud, and knowing how deep in sh!t he could be, he told all the lies to make Beth the scapegoat. It didn't help that Alexander had a patient in critical condition and he'd had to delay the operation!
This is the most memorable part of the book. Alexander and his sister just took young Dirk's words, they had no reason to believe he'd lie. And Beth carried the British "do not sneak/tell tale" principle TOO FAR. She should have explained!
This is setting the record straight because the kids and Beth could all have died! In this case silence was like enabling bad behaviour, no?!
But I could see where Beth was coming from. Alexander and sister wanted her to explain why SHE DID IT. The key being they ALREADY BELIEVED SHE DID IT. They just needed her reasons to explain the inexplicable...and scarily, Alexander was angry with Beth the moment the police called home. BUT the policeman probably gave Alexander Dirk's version in Dutch!
When Dirk finally owned up, his account of Beth floundering at sea and them all laughing at her made my heart ache for Beth. The worst of it all...even when Alexander chased up to Beth, he never said sorry instead asking Beth WHY she did not explain! And she told him why!
I think Alexander was the MCP of the era, when men did not grovel or apologise in words. Instead he offered to marry her and buy her whatever she needed if her luggage got stolen...
Sigh, not a very satisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
3.8 stars. could be more in the right mood. this is a gentle read in which this pair know they love each other and even speak about it, but they don't immediately get together. the romantic tension comes from her thinking she is not good enough for him (too plain, too poor for his lifestyle, too much of an underachiever, and that he will surely be distracted by other women, she thinks), and him giving her time to come to terms with it and to realise herself she wants him. (wth dude?)
and yet this scenario was nice in a way because it was sweet to see them interact together and he was always there for her. but for me, an angst lover, I would have preferred a more concrete and focused romantic conflict. I love OW drama or Hs to have beliefs that refuse to let them fall in love, or for them to hate each other on sight for whatever reason. and this book had none of that.
even so, it ambled along nicely and gently, keeping me thoroughly engaged and never once bored, and it had a nice bit of tension in the climax, caused by his nephew blaming her for nearly getting the kids killed. thus H had to chase her down to win her over in the end. which was wonderful. (the incident was contrived a bit because it was such an out of character thing for them to accuse her of. it was mad for any adult to believe it. but I decided not to overthink it.)
PET PEEVES
useless relatives really peeve me off. and this book had the younger(?) brother of the h in his early twenties, who she lives with and slaves for, despite being a full time worker herself, and who she even gives money to so he can take out girls and buy fancy waistcoats at the cost of never having a new dress herself, despite the fact that he earns his own salary! this peeved me off no end but I guess you have to just ignore it since this book was written in an era where self sacrificing good little domestic slave behaviour was seen as a virtue in women. but it really peeved me off. fortunately it didn't play too large a role in this book.
another thing that peeves me off is when the h goes on about herself being plain and actually says this to the H. so cringeworthy. the lack of pride makes me shudder every time. way to make herself look pathetic. there are a couple of Betty books I've read where this happens, and this is one of them. the other was worse because at least the h only says it one time in this book. phew.
overall, it's a middle of the pack read for a Betty book.
and yet this scenario was nice in a way because it was sweet to see them interact together and he was always there for her. but for me, an angst lover, I would have preferred a more concrete and focused romantic conflict. I love OW drama or Hs to have beliefs that refuse to let them fall in love, or for them to hate each other on sight for whatever reason. and this book had none of that.
even so, it ambled along nicely and gently, keeping me thoroughly engaged and never once bored, and it had a nice bit of tension in the climax, caused by his nephew blaming her for nearly getting the kids killed. thus H had to chase her down to win her over in the end. which was wonderful. (the incident was contrived a bit because it was such an out of character thing for them to accuse her of. it was mad for any adult to believe it. but I decided not to overthink it.)
PET PEEVES
useless relatives really peeve me off. and this book had the younger(?) brother of the h in his early twenties, who she lives with and slaves for, despite being a full time worker herself, and who she even gives money to so he can take out girls and buy fancy waistcoats at the cost of never having a new dress herself, despite the fact that he earns his own salary! this peeved me off no end but I guess you have to just ignore it since this book was written in an era where self sacrificing good little domestic slave behaviour was seen as a virtue in women. but it really peeved me off. fortunately it didn't play too large a role in this book.
another thing that peeves me off is when the h goes on about herself being plain and actually says this to the H. so cringeworthy. the lack of pride makes me shudder every time. way to make herself look pathetic. there are a couple of Betty books I've read where this happens, and this is one of them. the other was worse because at least the h only says it one time in this book. phew.
overall, it's a middle of the pack read for a Betty book.
February 19, 2024
Another nice story by Betty Neels....
Beth Partridge and her younger brother, William had to leave the family home after their father died leaving the house to his stepson, Philip ....by that time Beth was a ward head in the hospital and William was working on his medical degree....but he always needed money which Beth gave him meaning that she never had any money to buy new clothes.
The consultant, Professor Alexander van Zeust worked with Beth at times so when his spoiled sister needed surgery, he asked Beth to look after the sister's 4 children ranging from 5 - 10 years old. She did a great job and the one week job turned to several weeks while the sister was in hospital and later when she came home.
10 year old Dirk turned against her and led her into some dangerous situations which could have cost her life and Dirk's but finally she found out the reason after a death-defying sailing threat. She has realized she loved Alexander so the story has a happy ending, as usual.
Such relaxing stories!
Beth Partridge and her younger brother, William had to leave the family home after their father died leaving the house to his stepson, Philip ....by that time Beth was a ward head in the hospital and William was working on his medical degree....but he always needed money which Beth gave him meaning that she never had any money to buy new clothes.
The consultant, Professor Alexander van Zeust worked with Beth at times so when his spoiled sister needed surgery, he asked Beth to look after the sister's 4 children ranging from 5 - 10 years old. She did a great job and the one week job turned to several weeks while the sister was in hospital and later when she came home.
10 year old Dirk turned against her and led her into some dangerous situations which could have cost her life and Dirk's but finally she found out the reason after a death-defying sailing threat. She has realized she loved Alexander so the story has a happy ending, as usual.
Such relaxing stories!
March 17, 2021
"...torn between relief at not having to talk to him and disappointment at not seeing him..."
I always find it amazing when what I feel are put into words that I myself can't even bring to describe.
My 7th read from Betty Neels, and by far my most favorite! Professor Alexander is a typical hero of Betty, but what made me love him above all the other six heroes I've read is the fact that he wasn't hesitant to show his affection and interest towards Beth, he deliberately makes effort to spend time with her and is somehow more obvious than most of Betty's heroes. I don't know if that makes any sense, I just feel like that because he was quite frank, especially during their conversation on the stairs and on his house in Holland. Beth was a bit dense though, it was obvious the professor likes her, she's just so sensible that she refuses to feed her hopes. I love the plot with the children, even though I wanted to strangle Dirk along with his Uncle in the last parts (they were harsh). As usual, the ending was too crammed - the end part will always be the one thing that I wish Betty Neels had elaborated a bit, a single chapter would do, we all deserve a good, well elaborated ending. I also didn't like how Alexander didn't ask Elizabeth's hand for marriage in a proper way, he just assumed that she would! Seriously, Beth deserves so much more than that. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading this, I love the swoony moments and how relaxing the whole plot is. Cheers to the first of my soon to be many favorites from Betty Neels!
I always find it amazing when what I feel are put into words that I myself can't even bring to describe.
My 7th read from Betty Neels, and by far my most favorite! Professor Alexander is a typical hero of Betty, but what made me love him above all the other six heroes I've read is the fact that he wasn't hesitant to show his affection and interest towards Beth, he deliberately makes effort to spend time with her and is somehow more obvious than most of Betty's heroes. I don't know if that makes any sense, I just feel like that because he was quite frank, especially during their conversation on the stairs and on his house in Holland. Beth was a bit dense though, it was obvious the professor likes her, she's just so sensible that she refuses to feed her hopes. I love the plot with the children, even though I wanted to strangle Dirk along with his Uncle in the last parts (they were harsh). As usual, the ending was too crammed - the end part will always be the one thing that I wish Betty Neels had elaborated a bit, a single chapter would do, we all deserve a good, well elaborated ending. I also didn't like how Alexander didn't ask Elizabeth's hand for marriage in a proper way, he just assumed that she would! Seriously, Beth deserves so much more than that. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading this, I love the swoony moments and how relaxing the whole plot is. Cheers to the first of my soon to be many favorites from Betty Neels!
February 26, 2018
A STAR LOOKS DOWN, is one of the hard-to-find Betty Neels that I very recently acquired.
The Rich Dutch Doctor has a sister that needs an emergency appendectomy. She has four children and one of his British trainees has a sister that is perfect with kids. Nurse Elizabeth Partridge agrees to take on the job of caring for these kids while, Professor Alexander van Zeust's sister is recuperating.
The kids are easy to deal with except for the oldest, ten year old Dirk who turns out to be the rotten apple in the barrel. Alexander and Beth do not wait until the end of the book to start cementing a lasting relationship but young Dirk has silly schemes that foil and spoil a lot of the story. Still, there is a romance happening and the fun is in finding out how Professor van Zeust's and Beth solve their problems.
The Rich Dutch Doctor has a sister that needs an emergency appendectomy. She has four children and one of his British trainees has a sister that is perfect with kids. Nurse Elizabeth Partridge agrees to take on the job of caring for these kids while, Professor Alexander van Zeust's sister is recuperating.
The kids are easy to deal with except for the oldest, ten year old Dirk who turns out to be the rotten apple in the barrel. Alexander and Beth do not wait until the end of the book to start cementing a lasting relationship but young Dirk has silly schemes that foil and spoil a lot of the story. Still, there is a romance happening and the fun is in finding out how Professor van Zeust's and Beth solve their problems.
November 2, 2023
Very nice!
This was a great story! Beth plows into Alexander at the beginning of the story and that's how they meet. Then Beth's brother tries his best to get on the professor's good side and that's how Beth ends up working for Alexander. The rest of the story is pretty great because Beth really gets along with His family they all love her! There are a lot of other free grade things about this book and I think you'll love it! There is one part of the story that was left hanging and I hate that but overall it's a good book.
This was a great story! Beth plows into Alexander at the beginning of the story and that's how they meet. Then Beth's brother tries his best to get on the professor's good side and that's how Beth ends up working for Alexander. The rest of the story is pretty great because Beth really gets along with His family they all love her! There are a lot of other free grade things about this book and I think you'll love it! There is one part of the story that was left hanging and I hate that but overall it's a good book.
April 26, 2019
Another winner for Betty Neels
This is my favourite story of Betty Neel's book. Because unusually , the Dutch Surgeon hero loves the English nurse on sight, when she literally bumps into him on her bicycle. It is her gentle voice and efficient nursing abilities why he wants her to take care of his brothers sickly wife and four children in Holland. A happy ending? If course. Just one thing would enhance the book? I wish It was on Audible!
This is my favourite story of Betty Neel's book. Because unusually , the Dutch Surgeon hero loves the English nurse on sight, when she literally bumps into him on her bicycle. It is her gentle voice and efficient nursing abilities why he wants her to take care of his brothers sickly wife and four children in Holland. A happy ending? If course. Just one thing would enhance the book? I wish It was on Audible!
February 20, 2024
One of the good Betty's. The usual plain English nurse meets rich Dutch doctor - though how plain could a woman with thick, honey-colored hair, violet eyes, and a charming smile really be? From the beginning, we know he's interested and most of the book is spent watching them get to know each other, with plenty of meaningful interactions. She's delightfully open with him, and he's kind and generous. The visit to her wicked stepbrother's home is particularly fun.
November 9, 2019
A gentle story between Elizabeth and professor Van Zeust. There are some lovely moments between them and the professor's so sweet towards Elizabeth. I love how he called her name. And Elizabeth's so cute because trying to avoid the professor but can't do that.What i dislike about this book is the little boy behaved so abominable and cruel and get away so easily.
September 14, 2022
4.5 stars
I love this one! Elizabeth & Alexander are sweet. No OW drama. No OM drama. It's Love at first sight for Alexander. He doesn't play games; he's sweet and kind and protective of Elizabeth from the beginning. Elizabeth is a bit of a doormat when dealing with her younger brother, but otherwise she is capable and intelligent and caring. I also like the fact that she isn't a watering pot.
I love this one! Elizabeth & Alexander are sweet. No OW drama. No OM drama. It's Love at first sight for Alexander. He doesn't play games; he's sweet and kind and protective of Elizabeth from the beginning. Elizabeth is a bit of a doormat when dealing with her younger brother, but otherwise she is capable and intelligent and caring. I also like the fact that she isn't a watering pot.
February 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐ For the romance. Typical omniscient Dutch Doctor and timid English nurse who doesn't know how special she is. He's a bit too bossy and she has an inferiority complex.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ For the food. Everyone is always well fed in a Betty Neels romance.
⭐⭐⭐ For the childrearing technique. Sure, the heroine wasn't the kid's mom, but she should have swatted his butt! He was being a brat!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ For the food. Everyone is always well fed in a Betty Neels romance.
⭐⭐⭐ For the childrearing technique. Sure, the heroine wasn't the kid's mom, but she should have swatted his butt! He was being a brat!
October 12, 2018
Enjoyed it very much
I haven't read one story by Betty Neels that I haven't liked. Some more than others but I liked them all. This one is a bit above the middle. Great story!
I haven't read one story by Betty Neels that I haven't liked. Some more than others but I liked them all. This one is a bit above the middle. Great story!
March 12, 2022
Another clean escape book!
Read
October 13, 2024The one with the sailing incident
March 9, 2025
Her lovely usual.
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