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The Truth Seekers
At the turn of the century, the Victorian upper classes live in a vibrant but strictly ordered world that encourages gentle, intellectual pursuits. It is a life of ease and elegance that can be snatched away in an instant if the rules of polite society are not followed. Gothic novelist Geoffrey Hawes has never been willing to let such restrictions hold him back from following his principles, and he refuses to honor conventions he does not value. When he spends a social season in a community created to celebrate the Arts, music, and philosophy, he is unexpectedly befriended by the daughter of the Governor, Miranda Claridge.
Bitter and disenchanted with the privileged and wealthy, Geoffrey finds his beliefs repeatedly challenged by the intelligent and vivacious Miranda. In the midst of their heated debates on the mores of the upper class, this unlikely friendship blossoms into a passionate love. He encourages her to pursue her interest in painting and helps her to envision a life outside her gilded cage, spent with a man who considers her his equal.Meanwhile, Miranda helps him to see past his bitterness and begins to open his eyes to all that is wonderful and beautiful and good in the world.
Geoffrey at last accepts that he has fallen in love with Miranda, but misunderstandings and lies come between them. Their society and individual philosophies push them apart, but Geoffrey’s principles are not enough to make him forget her. He encounters Miranda again and soon discovers that she is not the same woman he left behind. Will the couple realize that they each must relinquish some of their prejudices and preconceived notions before it is too late? Can love really conquer all, or will the gulf that divides them keep them apart forever?
Bitter and disenchanted with the privileged and wealthy, Geoffrey finds his beliefs repeatedly challenged by the intelligent and vivacious Miranda. In the midst of their heated debates on the mores of the upper class, this unlikely friendship blossoms into a passionate love. He encourages her to pursue her interest in painting and helps her to envision a life outside her gilded cage, spent with a man who considers her his equal.Meanwhile, Miranda helps him to see past his bitterness and begins to open his eyes to all that is wonderful and beautiful and good in the world.
Geoffrey at last accepts that he has fallen in love with Miranda, but misunderstandings and lies come between them. Their society and individual philosophies push them apart, but Geoffrey’s principles are not enough to make him forget her. He encounters Miranda again and soon discovers that she is not the same woman he left behind. Will the couple realize that they each must relinquish some of their prejudices and preconceived notions before it is too late? Can love really conquer all, or will the gulf that divides them keep them apart forever?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
184 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2013
1 person is currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth M. Lawrence
7 books48 followersElizabeth M. Lawrence is the author of both contemporary and period romances. Each book incorporates its own unique blend of humor and reverence, the paranormal and the mundane. In addition to her novels, Elizabeth serves as a freelance editor for indie and self-published authors. A lifelong writer and former paralegal, Elizabeth divides her free time between her husband and two sons, her three cats, her collection of cozy murder mysteries, her slight Doctor Who obsession, and her mildly severe caffeine addiction. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Elizabeth now works from her home in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 16, 2013
I fell in love with period stories when I was younger and that love stayed with me, so when I was given the opportunity to read this novel, I jumped at the chance. I have always been somewhat wary about how well an author could pull off a period story, but that was not the case with this author.
From the first page, I was drawn into the story and at many points in the book, I felt as though I was actually with the characters. That’s a rare thing for me and it goes to show how extremely talented and hardworking this author is. Everything down to the finer details were spot on and not once did I feel as though there were any errors in the timing or language of the book.
The characters, Miranda and Geoffrey, were very easy to relate to and I think they will be the couple that will stay with me for a very long time and I will happily re-read this book over the coming years.
Thanks to this author, my love affair with period romances will continue and I can’t wait until she releases something else that I can read with so much love and passion.
From the first page, I was drawn into the story and at many points in the book, I felt as though I was actually with the characters. That’s a rare thing for me and it goes to show how extremely talented and hardworking this author is. Everything down to the finer details were spot on and not once did I feel as though there were any errors in the timing or language of the book.
The characters, Miranda and Geoffrey, were very easy to relate to and I think they will be the couple that will stay with me for a very long time and I will happily re-read this book over the coming years.
Thanks to this author, my love affair with period romances will continue and I can’t wait until she releases something else that I can read with so much love and passion.
December 14, 2013
The Truth Seekers introduces us to Geoffrey Hawes, a novelist during the turn-of-the-century England. Geoffrey is set in his ways, has amusing quirks and his beliefs are very much influenced by the background he tried to ignore. Being born to a life of luxury, he felt removed from all that he’s ever known while growing up. He disliked the pretense of high society, thus immersing himself in his writing.
In one of his travels, he met the beautiful and outspoken Miranda Claridge. At first, he is unwilling to change his opinion on the people from the upper class. But the more time he spent with the interesting woman, he finds that he was mistaken about his contempt for the life the wealthy and the privileged led. At least, where Miranda is concerned.
Miranda Claridge is the daughter of the town governor and is a breath of fresh air from the rigidity of the practices of their society. Her fascination for the novelist and his work inspired the amusing banter between them. She pushes the envelope further by citing the subtle points about the author’s belief that is sprinkled throughout his published works.
Geoffrey’s character will take you for a spin as he embarked on a journey of denying his feelings for Miranda. Realizing that he has fallen in love with a woman who embodies the very nature of what he deemed unacceptable made it difficult for Geoffrey to pursue her.
Unwilling to sacrifice his scruples, Geoffrey finds himself on the verge of losing Miranda if he does not make the first step to formally court her.
To risk sounding biased, this is where I’ll say that my associations with the author gave me a glimpse of her novel during the editing period. There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Lawrence can pull off a historical romance with flair and grace, and she delivered a wonderful period piece, surpassing my expectations.
The Truth Seekers is a mix of elegant prose, laugh out loud Victorian courtship and larger than life characters. Ms. Lawrence did not hold back on vivid descriptions, thought provoking dialogues and believable conflict. I can keep talking about the many reasons why The Truth Seekers is an excellent novel, but I urge you to read it and make your own judgment. This is not just a recommended read, it’s a must read.
In one of his travels, he met the beautiful and outspoken Miranda Claridge. At first, he is unwilling to change his opinion on the people from the upper class. But the more time he spent with the interesting woman, he finds that he was mistaken about his contempt for the life the wealthy and the privileged led. At least, where Miranda is concerned.
Miranda Claridge is the daughter of the town governor and is a breath of fresh air from the rigidity of the practices of their society. Her fascination for the novelist and his work inspired the amusing banter between them. She pushes the envelope further by citing the subtle points about the author’s belief that is sprinkled throughout his published works.
Geoffrey’s character will take you for a spin as he embarked on a journey of denying his feelings for Miranda. Realizing that he has fallen in love with a woman who embodies the very nature of what he deemed unacceptable made it difficult for Geoffrey to pursue her.
Unwilling to sacrifice his scruples, Geoffrey finds himself on the verge of losing Miranda if he does not make the first step to formally court her.
To risk sounding biased, this is where I’ll say that my associations with the author gave me a glimpse of her novel during the editing period. There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Lawrence can pull off a historical romance with flair and grace, and she delivered a wonderful period piece, surpassing my expectations.
The Truth Seekers is a mix of elegant prose, laugh out loud Victorian courtship and larger than life characters. Ms. Lawrence did not hold back on vivid descriptions, thought provoking dialogues and believable conflict. I can keep talking about the many reasons why The Truth Seekers is an excellent novel, but I urge you to read it and make your own judgment. This is not just a recommended read, it’s a must read.
December 5, 2013
Elizabeth M. Lawrence has been one of my favorite authors since her first release, My Apple Tree, just over a year ago. She has the ability to pull at my heartstrings with one book, then have me laughing so hard I can barely breath, like with Wishing Cotton. But The Truth Seekers had me in a world I've never quite been in before. I'm not generally a fan of Victorian Romances, but I found myself falling in love with her characters. Miranda and Geoffrey own a part of my soul. I can't wait to see what else Ms. Lawrence has planned.
August 6, 2016
As a self-proclaimed bibliophile, I’ve always enjoyed a variety of books. In my lifetime, I’ve read, and enjoyed mind you, many of the greats: Shakespeare, Poe, D. H. Lawrence, Austen, and Hawthorne, to name a few. Dickens was always a little tedious for me, to be honest. Of course, I’ve enjoyed the more modern writers such as King, Stephen Donaldson, Diana Gabaldon, and Anne Rice, as well. The point I’m trying to make is that I have an appreciation for the written word, and when I sat down with Elizabeth Lawrence’s The Truth Seekers, it didn’t take long to realize another great was in my hands.
How often does a reviewer find themselves having to Google information before penning their review? This is the level that Lawrence took me to with her novel. The whole time I was reading about Geoffrey Hawes and Miss Miranda Claridge, there was something that was eluding me. Victorian romances I’d read in the past were always enjoyable, but there was something . . . more . . . about The Truth Seekers. Something that resonated within and told me how unique this modern day offering of a style gone by was. Then it hit me with the power of this passage:
For one long moment, he was paralyzed by his complete astonishment. Then, in a sudden surge of activity, he was on his feet and running. He burst out onto the street, his lungs heaving in great, greedy gusts of air as he dashed past tourists and street vendors, heedless of the cries of irritation that followed his mad, careening flight. His relentless pace was that of a desperate man whose last opportunity for salvation was about to slip through his fingers as he raced up the steps of Miranda’s lodging house and beat upon the door. He was at first unable to make himself understood by the answering servant, and the delay caused by this miscommunication was agony to him. At last he ascertained Miranda’s whereabouts and charged up the stairs to her rooms without any thought for the propriety of his behavior. He flung her door open, not bothering to knock, and it crashed open with a thunderous reverberation. ~The Truth Seekers
While the hero’s point of view is common enough in modern day romances, it was not the norm for that period in history. I googled it; because I started second guessing myself! What a bold and brilliant move by Lawrence.
From the first page the reader is sucked into Geoffrey’s head; we get to experience all the turmoil of his forward thinking beliefs (always the way with eccentric novelists) and how they almost become his downfall. Through his eyes, Miranda Claridge is seen much like a morning glory: so fragile, yet so full of life and glorious as she opens to the possibilities each new day brings, then withering and closing under the extreme heat of the afternoon, i.e. Society.
I could continue to elucidate how wonderful this novel is. Allow me, instead, to suggest that if you have even the slightest fondness for a well-told romance that will leave you guessing until the end if the ‘guy gets the girl,’ then don’t wait. The Truth Seekers is a modern day masterpiece which will win you over faster than a suitor come calling, and one that I will proudly display next to my cherished copies of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Stand.
Bravo, Ms. Lawrence. Bravo.
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
How often does a reviewer find themselves having to Google information before penning their review? This is the level that Lawrence took me to with her novel. The whole time I was reading about Geoffrey Hawes and Miss Miranda Claridge, there was something that was eluding me. Victorian romances I’d read in the past were always enjoyable, but there was something . . . more . . . about The Truth Seekers. Something that resonated within and told me how unique this modern day offering of a style gone by was. Then it hit me with the power of this passage:
For one long moment, he was paralyzed by his complete astonishment. Then, in a sudden surge of activity, he was on his feet and running. He burst out onto the street, his lungs heaving in great, greedy gusts of air as he dashed past tourists and street vendors, heedless of the cries of irritation that followed his mad, careening flight. His relentless pace was that of a desperate man whose last opportunity for salvation was about to slip through his fingers as he raced up the steps of Miranda’s lodging house and beat upon the door. He was at first unable to make himself understood by the answering servant, and the delay caused by this miscommunication was agony to him. At last he ascertained Miranda’s whereabouts and charged up the stairs to her rooms without any thought for the propriety of his behavior. He flung her door open, not bothering to knock, and it crashed open with a thunderous reverberation. ~The Truth Seekers
While the hero’s point of view is common enough in modern day romances, it was not the norm for that period in history. I googled it; because I started second guessing myself! What a bold and brilliant move by Lawrence.
From the first page the reader is sucked into Geoffrey’s head; we get to experience all the turmoil of his forward thinking beliefs (always the way with eccentric novelists) and how they almost become his downfall. Through his eyes, Miranda Claridge is seen much like a morning glory: so fragile, yet so full of life and glorious as she opens to the possibilities each new day brings, then withering and closing under the extreme heat of the afternoon, i.e. Society.
I could continue to elucidate how wonderful this novel is. Allow me, instead, to suggest that if you have even the slightest fondness for a well-told romance that will leave you guessing until the end if the ‘guy gets the girl,’ then don’t wait. The Truth Seekers is a modern day masterpiece which will win you over faster than a suitor come calling, and one that I will proudly display next to my cherished copies of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Stand.
Bravo, Ms. Lawrence. Bravo.
*I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
December 31, 2013
An exquisite historical romance that encapsulates the elegance, decadence and bewitching mystery of the times!
As an avid reader of historical fiction and a lover of period pieces, I was instantly drawn to this tale set within the Victorian era. Transported back to the past, I was able to clearly envisage every single little detail including lavish clothing, setting and colourful characters that captivated me. Elizabeth Lawrence writes in a style that’s reminiscent of authors of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, such as iconic Austen for instance, with beautiful fluidity of prose that allows the words to speak to you like poetry. This is a truly touching tale that pulled at the heartstrings and spoke sincerely of truth and realism for any modern-day reader. Despite being engulfed in the overpowering atmospheric ambience of the past, I connected with the characters on such a personal level as I was moved inwardly by their journey.
‘The Truth Seekers’ is set within the turn of the century within a world that encourages gentle, intellectual pursuits such as reading or writing letters for instance. In this orderly world of such elaborate elegance and refined manners are those who seek the company of polite society without question, always striving to remain within its grasp and yet…there are those who refuse to be governed by such expectations. Darkly mysterious Gothic novelist Geoffrey delights in the arts, philosophy and music without caring about the privileged or wealthy until he encounters the enchanting Miranda.
Containing similarities from an Austen or Brontë romance yet with a darker more sinister edge to it, this is a tale of gilded cages and the customs of an era in which people were encouraged to act in accordance with social obligations and status. Life was a charade, pretence of many façade’s where society’s expectations remained so unyielding that one would risk disgrace and a downfall of such magnitude if they were not upheld. Profoundly poignant and meaningful, this tale highlights how the heart can rule the head and the strength of these two individuals love for each other ~ how it can transcend all boundaries.
I am greatly impressed by this sensational story that left me wanting more, and so I would really like to thank the author for having her book as a giveaway {first-read} on Goodreads. The Truth Seekers is a novel that is thought provoking, engaging and a really compelling tale that will entertain for many hours!
As an avid reader of historical fiction and a lover of period pieces, I was instantly drawn to this tale set within the Victorian era. Transported back to the past, I was able to clearly envisage every single little detail including lavish clothing, setting and colourful characters that captivated me. Elizabeth Lawrence writes in a style that’s reminiscent of authors of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, such as iconic Austen for instance, with beautiful fluidity of prose that allows the words to speak to you like poetry. This is a truly touching tale that pulled at the heartstrings and spoke sincerely of truth and realism for any modern-day reader. Despite being engulfed in the overpowering atmospheric ambience of the past, I connected with the characters on such a personal level as I was moved inwardly by their journey.
‘The Truth Seekers’ is set within the turn of the century within a world that encourages gentle, intellectual pursuits such as reading or writing letters for instance. In this orderly world of such elaborate elegance and refined manners are those who seek the company of polite society without question, always striving to remain within its grasp and yet…there are those who refuse to be governed by such expectations. Darkly mysterious Gothic novelist Geoffrey delights in the arts, philosophy and music without caring about the privileged or wealthy until he encounters the enchanting Miranda.
Containing similarities from an Austen or Brontë romance yet with a darker more sinister edge to it, this is a tale of gilded cages and the customs of an era in which people were encouraged to act in accordance with social obligations and status. Life was a charade, pretence of many façade’s where society’s expectations remained so unyielding that one would risk disgrace and a downfall of such magnitude if they were not upheld. Profoundly poignant and meaningful, this tale highlights how the heart can rule the head and the strength of these two individuals love for each other ~ how it can transcend all boundaries.
I am greatly impressed by this sensational story that left me wanting more, and so I would really like to thank the author for having her book as a giveaway {first-read} on Goodreads. The Truth Seekers is a novel that is thought provoking, engaging and a really compelling tale that will entertain for many hours!
July 20, 2014
A period romance of the highest order, this story is totally un-put-downable from the moment you first step foot into the twisted psyche of the enigmatic and, quite frankly, dark Mr Hawes. There are so many twists and turns and little surprises throughout this book that it truly is a wonderful read. But before I start to waffle too much in general terms, I’ll get stuck in in letting you know my thoughts.
To start, I think the characters are more than worthy of a mention. Lawrence is a master of character development, and I say this after having only read one of her books, but that is honestly how strongly I feel about it. Never, in all my many books, have I come across a character as understated yet complex as Miranda. At first sight, she appears to be a simple and quite ordinary society beauty, but how very wrong that assumption would be. As the story progresses, we see her develop into a fiesty, and then broken young woman, before she regains her spark. The journey she travels is so tangible you can almost feel the emotions pouring through the pages. And that brings me onto the strange Mr Hawes. He’s a character and a half. Awkward, rude and at times quite objectionable, yet I still felt endeared to his situation. I find him harder to describe, as he really is so different and out of the box that it’s refreshing against the standard ‘conformity’ to society norms you usually find in period novels.
Something else I think really needs mentioning is the fact that this book is hugely believable. I am a huge reader of historical books, I am a great history addict and I have to say, this book ticks every single box. It’s full of the little quirks you would expect to see in that time – the language, the traditions, the vacation spots. It’s all just sublimely weaved together to create a total immersion into this time. It is truly like reading a modern day Jane Austen, and I mean that as the highest compliment and the greatest praise for Lawrence. It is clear that there is a huge bank of knowledge behind this writing, and that makes it so much easier and enjoyable to read. Honestly, I can’t praise it highly enough!
At the risk of repeating myself, I am going to touch briefly on the plot for my final batch of comments because I am left slightly astounded and speechless with this book. The plot is amazing. Put very simply I know, but it is just exquisite in it’s development, it’s execution and it’s whole story is just perfect. I don’t say that very often about books, but this is so worthy of the mention. I’m just, well, struggling to put in to words exactly how much I loved the way the story developed. The twists and turns, sudden changes, and eventually the happiness we’ve been searching for from the start, it was all woven together with immense skill and understanding for the genre and that made it such an easy book to get lost in (in the best possible way).
In conclusion, just in case you didn’t grasp it earlier in the review – I freaking loved this book! It was fantastic from start to finish. A great pace, wonderful characters and a delightful storyline that kept me hooked from page one. The only thing I didn’t like is the fact it had to end! I cannot recommend this highly enough and I will be looking forward to devouring more of Elizabeth Lawrence’s offerings as soon as I possibly can.
ARC received with thanks and first reviewed as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=267
To start, I think the characters are more than worthy of a mention. Lawrence is a master of character development, and I say this after having only read one of her books, but that is honestly how strongly I feel about it. Never, in all my many books, have I come across a character as understated yet complex as Miranda. At first sight, she appears to be a simple and quite ordinary society beauty, but how very wrong that assumption would be. As the story progresses, we see her develop into a fiesty, and then broken young woman, before she regains her spark. The journey she travels is so tangible you can almost feel the emotions pouring through the pages. And that brings me onto the strange Mr Hawes. He’s a character and a half. Awkward, rude and at times quite objectionable, yet I still felt endeared to his situation. I find him harder to describe, as he really is so different and out of the box that it’s refreshing against the standard ‘conformity’ to society norms you usually find in period novels.
Something else I think really needs mentioning is the fact that this book is hugely believable. I am a huge reader of historical books, I am a great history addict and I have to say, this book ticks every single box. It’s full of the little quirks you would expect to see in that time – the language, the traditions, the vacation spots. It’s all just sublimely weaved together to create a total immersion into this time. It is truly like reading a modern day Jane Austen, and I mean that as the highest compliment and the greatest praise for Lawrence. It is clear that there is a huge bank of knowledge behind this writing, and that makes it so much easier and enjoyable to read. Honestly, I can’t praise it highly enough!
At the risk of repeating myself, I am going to touch briefly on the plot for my final batch of comments because I am left slightly astounded and speechless with this book. The plot is amazing. Put very simply I know, but it is just exquisite in it’s development, it’s execution and it’s whole story is just perfect. I don’t say that very often about books, but this is so worthy of the mention. I’m just, well, struggling to put in to words exactly how much I loved the way the story developed. The twists and turns, sudden changes, and eventually the happiness we’ve been searching for from the start, it was all woven together with immense skill and understanding for the genre and that made it such an easy book to get lost in (in the best possible way).
In conclusion, just in case you didn’t grasp it earlier in the review – I freaking loved this book! It was fantastic from start to finish. A great pace, wonderful characters and a delightful storyline that kept me hooked from page one. The only thing I didn’t like is the fact it had to end! I cannot recommend this highly enough and I will be looking forward to devouring more of Elizabeth Lawrence’s offerings as soon as I possibly can.
ARC received with thanks and first reviewed as part of a blog tour on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=267
December 18, 2019
I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads first reads.
First of all let me say I have never read a book quite like this before. And probably never will again, you don't mess with ingrained habits. This book I enjoyed but really it's not normally the type of thing I read. I was surprised that I actually liked it as when I started reading it, the description seem a bit to poetic and over the top for me. I got over that. Geoffrey Hawes is a writer convinced that man creates his own destruction, whilst Miranda Claridge believes that hope is available anywhere and she further opines that Geoffrey would be a greater author if he could realize that it his hatred of class that leads him to believe man is without hope and incapable of salvation. Miranda show him the joy in the world and the hope and ability for love that people possess, while he proves to her that she lives in little more than a gilded cage despite her education. They discover that although each has opened the other's eyes to a world beyond what they believed they are still to trapped in their principle to properly follow their hearts. The two must chose between their convictions and their hearts. An yes I do realize that the last bit I sounds cliché, but it really is quite a good book and the debates they have on morality, man and the upper class are brilliant debates of people with firm convictions. On a side note although the story is told from Geoffrey's perspective and he is a somewhat sympathetic character, I found myself trusting Miranda and believing her views and explanations before I consider his.
First of all let me say I have never read a book quite like this before. And probably never will again, you don't mess with ingrained habits. This book I enjoyed but really it's not normally the type of thing I read. I was surprised that I actually liked it as when I started reading it, the description seem a bit to poetic and over the top for me. I got over that. Geoffrey Hawes is a writer convinced that man creates his own destruction, whilst Miranda Claridge believes that hope is available anywhere and she further opines that Geoffrey would be a greater author if he could realize that it his hatred of class that leads him to believe man is without hope and incapable of salvation. Miranda show him the joy in the world and the hope and ability for love that people possess, while he proves to her that she lives in little more than a gilded cage despite her education. They discover that although each has opened the other's eyes to a world beyond what they believed they are still to trapped in their principle to properly follow their hearts. The two must chose between their convictions and their hearts. An yes I do realize that the last bit I sounds cliché, but it really is quite a good book and the debates they have on morality, man and the upper class are brilliant debates of people with firm convictions. On a side note although the story is told from Geoffrey's perspective and he is a somewhat sympathetic character, I found myself trusting Miranda and believing her views and explanations before I consider his.
February 27, 2014
This is a beautifully and elegantly written period love story and it reminds me of the types of books I read while growing up. The author makes it easy to like her main characters, although it took me awhile with Geoffrey. Miranda and Geoffrey were such a perfect match, so it was hard watching their relationship go through various conflicts. I am so glad that the Goodreads Giveaway made it possible for me to read this book and I commend the author for creating this literary work of art.
April 3, 2015
very pleasant romance that also looked at the constraints placed on woman in the era
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews