Banished Love

Banished Saga #1

by Ramona Flightner

Free-Spirited…

Clarissa Sullivan dreams for more from life than sipping tepid tea in stifling parlors in Victorian Boston. She defies her family’s wishes, continuing to teach poor immigrant children in Boston’s West End, finding a much-needed purpose to her life.

Radical…

As a suffragette, Clarissa is considered a firebrand radical no man would desire. For why should women want the vote when men have sheltered women from the distasteful aspects of politics and law?

Determined…

When love blossoms between Clarissa and Gabriel McLeod, a struggling cabinetmaker, her family objects. Clarissa’s love and determination will be tested as she faces class prejudices, manipulative family members and social convention in order to live the life she desires with the man she loves.

Will she yield to expectations, or follow her heart on a journey of self-discovery as she learns what she cannot live without?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Ebooks, Amazon

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2014

About the author

Ramona is a historical romance author who loves to immerse herself in research as much as she loves writing. A native of Montana, every day she marvels that she gets to live in such a beautiful place. When she’s not writing, her favorite pastimes are fly fishing the cool clear streams of a Montana river, hiking in the mountains, and spending time with family and friends.

Ramona’s heroines are strong, resilient women, the type of women you’d love to have as your best friend. Her heroes are loyal and honorable, the type of men you’d love to meet or bring home to introduce to your family for Sunday dinner. She hopes her stories bring the past alive and allow you to forget the outside world for a while.


Connect with Ramona: her webpage: www.ramonaflightner.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorramonaflightner; on pinterest: www.pinterest.com/Ramonaauthor or on twitter: @ramonaflightner. She loves to hear from fans!

Reviews

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am quite pleased to recommend to my readers another clean, historical romance that is incredibly well-written and quite entertaining to read. This book is completely appropriate for every reading level (a few minor profanity instances, but hardly worth mentioning and no bedroom scenes implied or detailed). I fell in love with the bungling, maladjusted Clarissa, and who could not love Gabriel? They are the perfect couple, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the romance and the hardships along the way. The book is not overly historical, but the romance is fantastic. I was not ready for the story to end, and I am grateful that the author is working on the next tale in the saga!

What I appreciate the most (besides the clean element) is that the love is never sappy. There are real political and societal issues, and the ending will be quite disturbing since it is unresolved (no spoilers--just enough of a tease to read the sequel). It is always a treat to read about women that were non-traditional back in the day. This is my first read with Romona Flightner, and I can assure you it won't be my last!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Jola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com

"Banished Love' is a pretty good historical romance written by Ramona Flightner. I found the story very charming, a perfect novel to help you relax after a long day. The main character, Clarissa, is extremely likable and I loved reading about her adventures. I also loved her chemistry with Gabriel. I'll be anticipating book 2, especially after ending like this one!

Thanks to Ramona Flightner for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has a fondness for historical romance, this is a must read.

To write a historical romance story in this day and age has to take a lot of time and a huge amount of love for the story. The way Ms. Flightner depicts Boston in the early 1900’s was fascinating. The descriptions were amazing, almost as if I were watching a movie. The vivid details were marvelous and the characters were extremely easy to associate with.

Clarissa is our female main character. We get to follow her as she struggles to find her own voice and earn her families acceptance for who she is. What I truly appreciated about this story is how the author, Ms. Flightner, kept Clarissa’s character and personality true from beginning to end. No matter what obstacle that was presented, we as the reader knew what the right choice was, however what is right for us was wrong for Clarissa. It was truly comical watching her make some monumental mistakes, and navigates her way through societies standards. Throughout the entire read, we are able to witness a girl slowly emerge into a woman with her own thoughts and her own ideas.

Keeping firm to the history of romance and courting in the early 1900’s, there is very little smut. Kissing is chaste and very well placed. The longing that Clarissa endures keeps the reader on pins and needles. The entire read is like one huge foreplay scene with just a kiss as the reward. However, that kiss is worth a thousand words.

I simply adored all of the supporting characters. If you are not familiar with this era you really have nothing to worry about as far as being able to fully grasp the plot. Ms. Flightner does an exceptional job at detailing how personal etiquette was highly demanded in order to be socially accepted, especially as a
woman. Again, the research that had to have taken place before writing had to have been quite grueling. Even with the placement of particular words that were commonly used back then was spot on. It was quite easy to get lost within this world.

I rarely compare authors to authors and I really do not like comparing titles to other pieces of work, however if you are a Jane Austin fan then you will appreciate this novel.

There is a cliffhanger. One that will leave you in a state of shock and wanting more. The sequel will be a must read for anyone who reads Banished Love.


“I’d like to meet a woman who can think for herself and doesn’t want only what her father or husband wants.”
― Ramona Flightner, Banished Love

“Never let them take away your ability to find joy or to laugh.”
― Ramona Flightner, Banished Love

https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Jane Austen novels, this is the perfect companion to any of her amazing books.

1900s Boston was a deliciously decadent era and Ms. flightner captured it marvelously! The courteous and respectful way in which people spoke to one another is totally dimenished from our modern way of life, but it's oh so nice to go back in time and be delightfully reminded.

Clarissa and Gabriel are mismatched - her being from social opulence and him living the working class life as a cabinet maker. Their lives should never have crossed, and yet once they met, their acquaintance slowly shifted into a romance. Unfortunately, Clarissa's family would have none of it and so began their impossible journey of secrecy.

The writing was wonderful and I couldn't get over how authentic the narrative and dialogue felt. I will say that there was a slight over-abundance of descriptive pages...and looking back, most of them could have probably been omitted. Although, if that's the worst I have to say about this story, that would be it - because it was simply lovely and I enjoyed the amazing and primitive world this author showed though her gorgeous words...

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

Debut author Ramona Flightner’s Banished Love was an interesting read. Neat in writing and storytelling with interesting setting and characters, this book had it all. While I was reading, I could hardly tell that I was reading a debut author!

I would recommend this story for anyone who is looking for something different than the usual. The story is told from first person POV, of Clarissa’s. I’m generally not fond of that perspective, but I can sincerely say that the author pulled it through so well that I could connect with Clarissa, be it in her rebellions, through her distress or happiness.

Banished Love is set in the turn of the century Boston, in the midst of the industrial revolution and the raise and upheaval of the modern ideologies. The mention of modern machineries and the women’s right movement at times take the center stage in the narratives. Our heroine, Clarissa, in fact is a budding suffragette herself. She’s also more educated than what society deemed a woman should know back then, which is nothing more than housekeeping and rearing children. Clarissa is also a half-immigrant, blacksmith father Sean being an Irish immigrant. There were plenty of things that she wanted to do to change the lives of women around her, issues she wanted to be addressed and heard. But when it came down to it in the story, it was for her rights as a woman and her own happiness that Clarissa had to fight about.

Clarissa has been teaching in a poor children’s school for a while now. This, she considers not only as a source of an income, however meager it is, but also, something of an ‘identity’ for herself. He father has been supportive of her seemingly radical POVs, much to her new step-mother’s chagrin. Clarissa’s mother passed away some years ago, leaving her with her two elder brothers, Patrick and Colin. The widow, Mrs. Smythe, at first, entered their family as a helper and a well-wisher. She patiently waited for several years before fishing out a marriage proposal from Sean. Now that they’re married, her true face is becoming clearer each day. Mrs. Smythe is highly ambitious; a simpering, very shallow and super annoying woman. She’s also devious and tries her best to make Clarissa’s life hell by telling on mixed up, convenient versions of Clarissa’s daily activities.

Clarissa is considered clumsy because wherever she goes, she either breaks or fells something or someone. This felt like such an anomaly for a smart and intelligent girl like her that at times I couldn’t believe that her family members would have a good laugh on her account! Unfortunately that is how she and Gabriel, our H, meets; an ‘accident’ that leaves him injured. The story actually starts with that introduction, leaving me agape, at the same time, muttering ‘Er, what was that?!’

Gabriel comes from what is deemed to be the ‘lower echelon’ of the society. His father was an illiterate yet hardworking man who did his best to take care of his family; his three sons and his wife. Gabriel’s parents’ marriage was unequal. His mother hails from a rich family having pretty high and mighty status. It was a love match (I gathered his father was extremely handsome, if Gabriel or Richard are any indication). Even though his mother’s snooty family ignored them for a long time, Gabriel’s parents were happy to be together, even if they were poor. His mother made sure that Gabriel, Richard and the youngest, Jeremy were given education. But things changed on a fateful night when their parents died in a fire, leaving them not only orphans but also entirely destitute. His aunt Masterson, sister to his mother, takes them in ‘out of charity’, to show the society that she’s a very nice and giving woman. But the reality was anything but. Gabriel and his brothers were never shown an ounce of affection or sympathy. Though they were fed and given education, they lived rather like servants. The mean woman has never approved of her sister’s marriage and took her vengeance by treating their sons abominably.

Gabriel didn’t want this life. He was constantly looking for a way out. At the age of 14, he met a cabinet maker who filled the void of a father in his life. He also trained him in cabinet making. Gabriel worked hard to be the best so that he can work independently and move out from his aunt’s house, taking his brothers with him. This wish of his did come true, but with a price. When his mentor died, his aunt spread vile rumors about him, hinting at him murdering the man. For a long time, Gabriel suffered the brunt of a judgmental society who didn’t bother to find out the truth, rather believing in someone who is a peer to them, and majority of his clients were those wealthy peeps. So, the work order from Mr. Martin, Clarissa’s uncle, comes as a surprise and a gift. The day he was working at Mr. Martin’s clothing shop, a regular haunt for Clarissa to avoid her stepmother, is THE day they meet for the first time.

Even with the so-called disaster, I liked how Gabriel still zooms in on Clarissa and she, probably for the first time in her life, comes to sense a man in a way only a woman does. Gabriel’s intense stare, even if he was calling her “Ms. Calamity”, makes her wonder about the attraction. It was never like that with Cameron, her ex-fiancé, who jilted her at the altar, not only breaking her heart but also ruining her reputation. She never thought she’d ever feel anything for any man after how callously she was treated two years ago. Yet Clarissa finds herself entirely infatuated by Gabriel.

One thing leads to another, and Clarissa begins to feel that attraction giving way to something deeper. When she finds out Gabriel returns her affections, she can’t but give into this. Some unexpected help comes from Uncle Martin, who has already decided that a hard-working and honest man like Gabriel would be good for her. His work order was not only for a cabinet but also for a bookshelf for Clarissa’s classroom. He gives Clarissa the responsibility to check up on Gabriel’s progress. Gabriel gets the instruction to ‘consult’ with Clarissa on his orders. Gosh, that was such an obvious set-up that I began smiling to myself. Clarissa couldn’t have been happier! Her cousin, Martin’s daughter, Savannah also helps Clarissa’s meetings with Gabriel at his workplace.

Clarissa meets Richard too and is, again, taken off-guard by how good-looking the brothers are! Jeremy, at that time, was in the army and so, he was mentioned a couple of time but never makes an appearance. Regrettably, at one of Gabriel’s meeting with her at her school, a past between her good friend Florence Butler and Richard, comes into light. Florence is a poor and orphaned girl and has been teacher in the same school as Clarissa. They’re also good friends, which is why Clarissa becomes worried at Florence’s reaction to Gabriel’s visit. She seemed hurt and worn out but Florence doesn’t satisfy Clarissa’s curiosity on what took place. Neither does Gabriel. Clarissa kept guessing at it for quite a while in the story, until one day, Florence felt strong and confident enough to confide in her. I must say, that story got me intrigued.

A few kisses thereafter lead to Gabriel asking for Clarissa’s permission to start courting her. But this happiness of finding a man who cares for her no matter what doesn’t come without its own problems. And there were plenty. At first, she and Savannah begin having debates over how women should behave and the women’s rights that many, including Savannah, thought were ridiculous. This leaves Clarissa frustrated because it was all too apparent that Savannah was trying to make her pretentious fiancé happy. Before Savannah’s engagement, both cousins had a camaraderie and agreement on suffragette ideas. But things were changing. Savannah’s fiancé is as rich as he’s shallow-minded. He can’t stand Clarissa because he thinks she’s not worth his attention- one, for her ‘lowly’ social status and two, of course, her radical ideas. He hates that she ‘feeds’ her ideas to his ‘perfect’ fiancée and takes every opportunity to poke and jab at her with his barbs! Once, Savannah even engages in an almost quarrel with Gabriel, who lets her know what he thinks of such insipid women that society so likes to mold them into. Though Savannah leaves in a huff, Clarissa can’t help falling in love with Gabriel even more.

Apart from Gabriel, Richard and Colin’s support, Clarissa finds a friend in another elderly suffragette named Sophia Chickering. My review would be incomplete if I didn’t mention her. They meet rather awkwardly but come to form mutual respect for each-other, which soon turned into genuine affection. Losing her loving husband to war at a very young age, Sophia’s life became a journey of ups and downs. She had the comfort of money but that didn’t deter people for trying to weigh her down. But she survived, and she sees something in Clarissa that gives her hope for the future. There was that scene of ‘Sophia in action’, or so to speak, when one day she stops by at Clarissa’s and meets Mrs. Smythe. She already had some idea about the woman and my God, I just loved how supportive she was of Clarissa and the way she handled the whiney woman!

I admired almost every character in this book and enjoyed their interactions. Most were down to earth, nice everyday people, only if you can ignore going high up the social ladder and the arrogance that dripped down from it. I already mentioned some of the characters, there were also Clarissa’s aunts Betsy and Savannah’s mother, Matilda and brother Lucas.

Gradually, Gabriel begins opening up about his own life to Clarissa. His sad life-story seems to engulf her as well. She couldn’t help shedding tears, just as I couldn’t. I loved every single of their little meetings. Those were innocent, only comprising of a little touch, a look or a smile. It was more than apparent that Clarissa is the hope and the happiness to Gabriel’s rather dreary existence. I would’ve thought a handsome guy like him would have women at his beck and call but Gabriel was no womanizer. And after meeting Clarissa, there would never be any other woman in his life. Clarissa also understands just how much his Aunt has ruined his life, or tried her best when she couldn’t entirely. The cool and calm Gabriel becomes edgy and angry every time he sees the woman. Clarissa also takes a vehement dislike towards the woman.

At one point, Clarissa’s ex-fiancé Cameron returns to torment her. This guy begins popping up everywhere, making her life miserable. His reasoning for abandoning her was so laughable that I could see why Clarissa had no interest in him anymore. Either way, for me, his jerk-a-sh!tty behavior should’ve been enough to decide that he’s worthless, no matter how good his social standings are. When he finds out Clarissa’s interest in the town cabinetmaker, he begins forcing Clarissa. She becomes afraid that if this goes on, her father would probably forbid her from going to the school, which means she probably can’t take those chances to see Gabriel. But Clarissa’s father and brothers are angry too, and they want nothing to do with Cameron. They try to protect her but Cameron seems to find ways to have her alone and unawares. It took Gabriel’s intervention to put the guy off.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, Clarissa’s step-mother begins becoming a nerve-grating little b!tch. Good GOD! Can’t tell you how many times I went from eye rolling to STFU b!tch to I’m so gonna kill this b!tch!. This woman begins finding out ways to ‘show’ Clarissa that she’s in control and Clarissa should accede to that. According to her, a good girl of an upstanding family would never do or say the things Clarissa is doing or saying. At first, she tries to stop her from teaching. Then she tries to stop Gabriel’s courting of Clarissa, bringing up Cameron repeatedly, because to her, he’s so much the better prospect than some nobody like Gabriel. She goes as far as to invite Gabriel’s aunt in her house knowing Gabriel would be there, creating an unpleasant environment all over. This Masterson woman took sick enjoyment by casting her gloomy and mean nature everywhere she went, Mrs. Smythe being her blind (and stupid) follower.

Though most of her attempts went in vain, including demeaning Gabriel to Clarissa’s family so that the courting stops, Mrs. Smythe finally wins. After Savannah’s marriage, Gabriel and Clarissa become more serious about their relationship. He was getting more orders thanks to the gorgeous cabinet he made for Mr. Martin as a gift to Savannah. But, soon, his aunt starts circulating the old rumor of him killing his mentor once again. And that fateful visit when Gabriel was in attendance, the b!tch also, very snidely, tells everyone present, including Clarissa’s brothers and father, that she has been to Gabriel’s workplace unattended. Seems like the woman finally remembered Clarissa from her sudden meeting to torment Gabriel couple of months ago. Mrs. Smythe kept giving smug looks at her when Sean becomes really angry at this revelation, talking about the ‘reputation’ of the family.

Once Masterson is gone, Sean explicitly forbids Clarissa from seeing Gabriel ever again. It was so depressing to read Clarissa asking her father since when did he start caring about what other people think. This wasn’t an issue in her home before. Now, it pretty much suggested that no matter what, Sean IS influenced by his wife. With a new baby on the way, he probably is caring more about his ‘new’ family than his grown up children from the first marriage. At least that’s what I thought, and tried imagining what Clarissa must’ve felt. Without Colin, she’d probably be alone in her quest for acceptance and independence. I already knew she hated the kind of tasteless, flashy redecoration that Mrs. Smythe was doing throughout the house, changing the safe heaven that reminded her of her mother. I felt absolutely heartbroken for Clarissa because quite a few times, she expresses just how she dislikes this but there’s nothing she can do about it. Now it seems, her only other ‘safe heaven’ is also about to be lost to her.

Their separation was killing me, so was the letters Gabriel was writing to her. By the remaining page numbers, I knew the book would end soon, yet I saw no forthcoming resolution to this mess. Then, one day, Gabriel stops by to tell Clarissa that at last he’d decided to leave Boston and start anew somewhere else as he’d realized he can never escape the Mastersons while he’s here. Clarissa’s heart is shattered once again. She’s feeling the loss of him already, loneliness creeping back in as it did after Cameron’s desertion. But Gabriel keeps holding her and telling her he’d never forget her, that he’ll return for her ASAP. But that doesn’t calm Clarissa down, nor does it entirely soothe away her pain.

I totally hated the train scene, not because it was done badly but that the book ends right afterwards. I wasn’t expecting this cliffhanger when I started reading. I was SO looking forward to Mrs. Smythe getting the ‘b!tch-in-your-face’ and definitely, the much deserving HEA for Clarissa and Gabriel after what they had to suffer throughout their relationship. Damn, there wasn’t even any love scene. The author note tells me that “Reclaimed Love” would be the continuation of Clarissa-Gabriel’s story. Thought it certainly made me happy, I was rather bummed by the fact that the book won’t be out till this Fall. *sigh* But I guess, there’s no other way around it. 4 stars.


I received this review copy of Banished Love from Goddess Fish Promotions as a part of the Banished Love VBT (Feb 21, 2014) in exchange of an honest review. For more, visit my blog Punya Reviews...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Banished Love" is an entertaining historical romance that touches on the women suffrage movement, the conventions and prejudices of society, class distinction, and the family expectations that women were subjected to in the Victorian era.

Read full review in the 2014 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why Do So Many People Like This Book?!

This book makes me so angry I don't even know where to begin. The main character seems to have potential but then ultimately makes such poor decisions that I can do nothing but despise her. It's like the author shows her learning and thinking things through but she doesn't consider extremely obvious solutions. It's painfully frustrating. I thought the author wanted her to have a big Eureka moment at the end of the book, and she would finally see what's right in front of her, but it doesn't happen. She stays dumb till the end.

Reasons you should not read this book:

- the main character is so tstl that I absolutely hated her at the end of the book.

- the book pounds you on the face with woman suffrage. It doesn't make any good points for you to consider just annoys you because it points out even more how stupid the mc is.

- if you thought that there would be a happy ending that might make up for how dumb and annoying she is throughout the book (spoiler here) there isn't!

- the evil step mother's in the book are ridiculous. Cinderella's step mother wasn't this bad, and they have no reason to be evil incarnate. Just a couple Villains without a cause

- the romance is not believable. There is nothing fun and exciting about them being together. They do not support each other when the other one needs it.

- her brothers were fun and very supportive and protective of her, but ultimately failed to ever give her any kind of helpful advice. I couldn't even enjoy them because they let her continue to be so stupid!

- her man makes a very good point to her at one point and I thought oh good someone needed to say that, but it went no where. she just got angry with him then never even took time to really think about what he said because she's the worst!

- her dad is a weak man who lets anything slide then randomly decides to take control at the wrong time, about the wrong thing. but he goes back on it anyways because he is a pathetic excuse for a person! this book already has a cast full of people with poor character, this one was unnecessary.

- The few characters that aren't annoying and stupid fail to be helpful in anyway

What I did like about the book:

- her brothers were entertaining and fun
- her guy had good character
- she has one friend that isn't an idiot

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just going to come right out and say it has been a while since I've read a really good historical romance. I love them, I do, but there seems to be some recurring themes in which the ones I've read recently turn out to be the same barn, just with different paint. I was, as you can probably imagine, rather happy to find that Banished Love wasn't that same barn.

Clarissa Sullivan is a bit... let's just say clumsy. Leaving the school where she teaches to immigrant girls on a rainy day, she rushes to quickly get to her uncle's store. Ignoring the closed sign(her uncle is always happy to see her), she rushes straight in and runs right into the ladder that Gabriel McLeod is on top of, causing him to fall to the ground with a quite a few injuries. Meeting him sparks Clarissa's journey through social prejudice as she must learn to look past what society, and her own family, think and say and follow her heart.

I really loved this! Thanks so much to Ramona Flightner for showing us the world of 1900 Boston through Clarissa's eyes. I absolutely adored her spirit and found this story to be way more than just a romance novel. I recommend for fans of historical romance, or good quality fiction in general. Very descriptive, I always felt like I was right there in the story. It sort of reads like one of your favorite Hallmark movies(anyone who knows me knows how much I love those!). I'm curious to see what's in store for us next from this author.

*I received this book to review from the author. However, this in no way affected my review.*

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banished Love is a refreshing change to the routine customary historical romances we have come to see. Banished Love is set in Victorian Boston and features a free-spirited, determined, radical young woman, Clarissa, and her struggle to follow her heart despite her families wishes. This is a lovely historical romance dealing with such topics as the women's suffrage movement, class distinctions, conventions and prejudices of society as well as the strict family expectations young women dealt with in this time. The characters are wonderful, work well together, and exhibit the attitudes of the times. This is a brilliantly written first in the Banished Saga where Ms Flightner has kept the reader dangling on a string until the next in the series with a superb cliff hanger ending. The story is true to the historical era in its detail, there is no "smut" as this was frowned upon highly in the Victorian Era, and I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Ramona Flightner for sending me an e-copy of Banished Love in exchange for an honest review.

Historical romance has always been my favourite genre and was particularly interested in this book as I knew it touched on the suffragette movement. It made a nice change from the usual historical romance books that I have read. I rarely write a blurb as to what a book is about, as one can easily read the author’s synopsis for themselves. This book hooked me soon after Clarissa bumped into the ladder in her uncle’s store.

I loved the cover of this book and this alone would have attracted my attention, had I not received this e-copy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your everyday romance, this book left me wanting to hear more of the story and wanting to know more about Boston history. What was it like to come of age as an ordinary person with big dreams in the calm between the civil war and WWI? I'll be thinking of Clarissa next time I walk through the now-posh West or South Ends. A fine debut novel from a writer I've long admired. I can't wait to find out what happens to the hero and heroine, but I also hope we learn more about the stories behind the more minor characters in the next book.

[Kirsty Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance book. Written true to the era, this book focussed on Clarissa's life and developing love in an era of sufferance and inequality between men and woman. Clarissa fights for her beliefs while struggling internally with her own feelings. This book is written and narrated well. Definitely worth checking out.

I received a copy of this as an audiobook in exchange for a honest review.

[Bree Verity · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to give such a low rating, but for the second time I have tried to read this story, and for the second time I was pulled out of the story by the number of times the people say things they wouldn't - for example, "I hope Aunt Betsy will exert a calming influence over her sister, Aunt Matilda." Sister, OR Aunt Matilda, not both.
This may be a really good book, but it needs some serious editing.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of an easy reading historical romance. The characters are well developed, looking forward to seeing how Clarrisa can continue her hopes and dreams with the help of her suffragette friends.

[Caedy Eries · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Full review pending.

[CK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that draws you in

Our heroine, Clarissa, is a young woman (early 20's) in 1900 Boston. She's forward thinking, clumsy, & upper middle class. Clarissa & her cousin Savannah are nigh inseparable, until their well-to-do grandparents set Savannah up for an advantageous marriage that begins to change the women's relationship well before the nuptials.

Through Plot, we meet Gabriel McLeod, a master cabinetmaker/joiner. An interesting fellow with equally forward ideas, Clarissa finds she enjoys her company.

With a bizarrely awful stepmother, The quickly changing relationship with her cousin, this new gentleman, & the return of a spectre of sorts, Clarissa struggles to keep her head on straight.

Add in all of the societal expectations & we have a story that makes you want to cheer Clarissa on, as much as you want to stab some other characters in the face. I had to make do with reading segments to my friends, so we could give imaginary tongue lashings where needed!

Captivating plot, amazing editing (seriously though, that's my thing), superb pacing & brilliant depth of characters make this a really lovely read.

My few niggles: There are no obvious spelling errors, but there are a few instances where the wrong word has been used. Some secondary characters seem to fall off of the page. Patrick is a perfect example. He might as well not be there, for how little he is mentioned, present, discussed or involved. I hope these characters find a place in subsequent titles. Lastly, I really do wish this first instalment had a little more plot resolution. I understand needing to leave things open for the next book. There's a difference between a cliff-hanger & leaving this much unresolved. It's most of what knocked that last star off, for me.

I'm looking forward to reading more about Clarissa & her family.

[Ronnae Stately · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa Sullivan is a school teacher who teaches at a school on the West End of Boston in the early !900’s. Her family is considered upper middle class especially since her mother came from an upper class family. She has two brothers, a father, who is a blacksmith, and a meddling stepmother, who trying to rise herself above her means. At the beginning of the book Clarissa is hurrying from teaching to her Uncle Martin’s store to hear the latest news on her cousin’s, Savannah, wedding. But on her way into the door she knocks a young man, Gabriel McLeod, off a ladder and he seriously gets injured. The young man intrigued Clarissa to know end and when she heard that he was not getting better she had her cousin escort her to his place of living in the very poor end of North End Boston. After awhile they become friends albeit in the guise of her giving him advice on a sideboard he was making for her cousin’s wedding. This got the ire of Gabriel’s aunt, Mrs. Masterson, and she told Clarissa she would make sure they would never be happy. There’s also the ex-fiancé, Cameron, who has now returned to town after not showing up for the wedding two years ago. He is stalking Clarissa to try and get her back while she is slowly falling in love with Gabriel. This first book doesn’t end in a happy ending and is very upsetting on how people are using class to mess with other people’s lives and livelihoods.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Start

I like this book but it took quite awhile for me to get into it. As I did finally sink my teeth into it I found deep family values and brothers who love their sister beyond measure.
"Rissa" is a young woman who is interested in the sufferage movement and makes friends with like minded women. Since just a couple of years previous she was left at the alter by Cameron who comes back into her life when she least expects it and her experience with him influences her next relationship. Gabriel is everything you could want in a leading man. Handsome, talented, charming and a romantic. As in real life many tribulations can keep you from the things that make you happiest. He leaves the love of his life to follow his dreams while he wants her to remain constant in his absence. Anxious now to see what book 2 brings to this relationship. I didn't expect to have to read the next book to get to the happy ending but I'm going to hang in there and see what the future brings for this couple.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review.
All I can say is thank god I was not born a century earlier than I was, as I would not have been as subservient as the women of this time. Set in 1900 in Boston at the turn of the new century this story about a young girl who will have you thinking how easy we take for granted the choices and lifestyle we have today. Gossip was a very big issue of the time and where your reputations could be totally affected by the upper-class gossip.

This historical romance had very authentic dialogue and descriptive narrative to have you feeling you were in the era in time, with the wonderful characters of the book. There is a cliff-hanger that will just make you wanting book 2 straight away, but with so many wonderful characters involved in the story, I can see many more books to come, for the author to explore and get us all hooked on this great family drama.
Full review can be found at www.readingfortheloveofbooks.com

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book takes you to an insightful journey.

The attention to detail, the descriptions of locations and events bring you to a vivid and whirlwind adventure with Clarissa and Gabriel. Societal issues during this time is still fresh and current and anyone reading this hard to put down book can and will be able to relate to.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. It has an interesting plot and well developed characters. I find it unfortunate that the main character's story is left unresolved and I'll need to purchase the next book to see what happens. I prefer a resolved conflict and the story continuing into the next book. I don't like feeling manipulated.

[Liza · Rating 1 out of 5]

I seem to be in the minority, but I found this book so insipid and boring that I ended up not even caring what happened to the characters. I finished it yesterday and already I can't remember what happened.

ETA: Oh wait, yes, I do. It was a "cliffhanger."

[Mary Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banishment

I can’t believe you would do this to me ! I take this personally! This is such a wonderful story, completely wrapped me up in it and to have it stopped and restart in the next book , complete devastation. Just hope I can get the following book Reclaimed Love 💗

[Donna Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

A wonderful introduction to the main characters. Clarissa and Gabriel’s growing love for each other and against social norm woven around the suffragettes movement. Can’t wait to read book two.

[Melissa Ann White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endearing couple

Clarissa is an endearing young girl trying to find herself and overcome societal expectations. Gabriel is a hardworking cabinet maker who lives Clarissa's independent nature. Waiting to read the next book to see where their life journeys take them.

[Donna Malmros]

Cliffhanger!

What a disappointment, I really hate cliffhangers.It's a good thing that this was a free book. Author should be upfront about needing to buy more books to get the whole story.

[Jo-Anne Duffett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was marketed as a romance. it is not a romance. There is neither a HEA nor a HFN. It is a drama. It leaves one feeling frustated and drained. Nothing is resolved.
Perhaps if I was expecting a drama I would have enjoyed it more.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1900; the place is Boston, where high society still has a lasting impact on gossip and reputations. Clarissa is a young woman who caused quite a stir a few years prior to the novel starting, through no fault of her own whatsoever, but ugly gossip and remarks have made Clarissa out to be the one at fault, along with her continued insistence that she teach school in a poorer area of town.

Clarissa is also very clumsy, and known for it. She accidentally knocks a man from a ladder coming out of her uncle’s store, causing him serious injury. She ensures that he is well cared for, and discovers that he is a carpenter her uncle has hired – and he hires Gabriel to build Clarissa bookshelves for her school. Despite Clarissa’s clumsiness, a romance is budding between the two.

Clarissa teaches because it gives her life a sense of purpose. She enjoys it, and it grants her a certain amount of freedom, but a freedom she soon discovers is not so free at all. She is once again subjected to the rumor mill and gossips of society – including her very own stepmother, who is stirring that roiling pot, and simpering to her father when confronted with her wrongdoings. However, sometimes the damage is too great to be undone.

An unexpected and unwelcome ghost of Clarissa’s past shows back up in town and stalks her at every opportunity. Clarissa must eventually be escorted home from her school, but her stepmother is trying to play matchmaker, knowing fully how this ghost from Clarissa’s past has hurt her, and is tarnishing Gabriel’s reputation.

All the while, Clarissa is foiled against her cousin, Savannah, who is soon to marry a snobbish, well-to-do “gentleman” who at every opportunity reminds Clarissa exactly who she is and what she is in the most horrible way. Clarissa brings up a time or two the rift that is fast growing between the two cousins, especially after Savannah’s drastic retreat from The Cause.

Clarissa wants more from her life – and winds up the friend of an old, high society woman who has so much money nothing said can ruin her. Mrs. Chickering is an adamant suffragist, from the old days of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She becomes a mentor to Clarissa in so many ways.

Clarissa’s family is an obstacle in this book in so many ways. Her aunts and uncles, cousins and brothers love her, but her aunts hold to the traditional notion that a woman belongs in the home. Her brothers love and support her to no end. Her uncle adores her. Her grandparents detest her, her father and brothers because her mother “married down.” Savannah is the exalted granddaughter doing everything right. But there is one unlikely relative who surprised me in support of Clarissa’s choices and new love interest.

This book explores the deep patriarchal society structure of the time, and the vast complexities of the nature of genteel society. It gives context to a time when women as a collective were changing in their needs and wants of life. Indeed, it provided historical context from the original suffragist days through Mrs. Chickering, and the new suffragist agenda, which is vastly different and barely scratches the surface of a movement. This is a time when a person’s word could be taken at face value as truth, and many took advantage of that to manipulate situations, especially the character and reputation of others, as is made clear on more than one occasion in this novel. Clarissa is pitted against these ideas within her own family, which is a hard thing to face. She also falls in love with someone below her status in society, and again faces all of the complexities and ugliness that human nature can bring.

Clarissa experiences growth as a character, as do most of those involved. I was disappointed that her friend and fellow teaching colleague disappeared after a point in the book, and the focus was on the development of the plot and conflict regarding Clarissa and Gabriel. Mrs. Smythe, Clarissa’s stepmother, truly grows in character to the opposite end of the spectrum. Even after being chided, reprimanded and scolded by her husband, she won’t stop her personal efforts to hurt Clarissa. In fact, it seems to only serve to make her more grandiose in her efforts and schemes.

In essence, this is a Romeo and Juliet novel, with an unfinished ending in that as readers we don’t get satisfaction. The book ends on a definitive cliffhanger that has me pondering several things:

Florence Butler, Clarissa’s fellow teacher, will resurface in a subsequent book (and perhaps her love issues will be solved)
The second book will follow Gabriel instead of Clarissa
Clarissa’s ghost will reappear, and her stepmother will continue to push and push until something completely drastic and unfixable occurs
Clarissa become more involved in the suffragist movement
Secretly (knowing it won’t happen) that Clarissa’s father divorces Mrs. Smythe

I loved this book. It was a wonderful read with several historical constructs, during a time that for women was very important. I fully intend on getting my hands on Ramona’s follow-up novel, which may be released sooner than expected!

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance

Slow paced. Not a quick beach read as previously thought. Didn't care much for the first person point of view.

[DyAnne Tryon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cry me a river!

Too much angst. Between Clarissa's tears and the trying to bring in a political aspect to the story, it became tedious.