A prodigal son hoping for redemption. A virtuous lady with a tattered reputation. Both fear the future, but together, they might find the peace they crave.
When Hazel Potts received a large inheritance from a friend, she knew her life would change—though she thought it would be for the better. But as people begin to whisper concerning the nature of her relationship with that gentleman, Hazel’s reputation quickly begins to tatter. Longing for freedom, she dreams of a life away from gossip and judgment, but between her fears and her duty to her family, she is trapped and unable to find a way forward.
Lucas Ashbrook knows a thing or two about shattered reputations.
When he ruined a young lady nine years ago, it was his younger brother who agreed to marry her. Ostracized from his family, Lucas escaped to America and found nothing but heartache. Now a changed man, he returns home in hopes that he can heal the damage he’s done, but when his brother only sees betrayal and deceit and the rest of the town sees only the cavalier wastrel he once was, Lucas struggles with balancing the man he was with the man he is now.
The prodigal son can change, can’t he?
Two souls not looking for love, but when they stumble upon one another, they discover a new possibility they never considered. In each other, they find solace, understanding, and perhaps, a chance to rewrite their narratives—but only if Hazel and Lucas dare to defy expectations and dare to dream of something better.
Will fear dictate their futures? Or will they find the love and acceptance they seek?
Born and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
It's here! I've been thinking about this story for a very long time, and I didn't know if I would ever write it. Lucas was such a horrible person in "The Honorable Choice," and I knew that writing him a redemption book would be a difficult sell to my fans. But with a TON of work, it's finally ready to venture out into the world.
Lucas is the Prodigal Son, returning home to find work and support for his ward. Lucas was an awful human being last time we saw him, but he's really trying to be better. He has regrets, he has weaknesses, but he's really trying to change. I cried many times as he fought his way into being a better man. Miss Potts is suffering the brunt of nasty rumors. Her friend, who was like a grandfather to her, left her money and the rumors about why the money went to her are both repellant and causing problems left and right. Being a spinster is tough without rumors! They find each other in the midst of their troubles and find comfort in each other. And, of course, they find love.
I do love a true redemption story and this one did not disappoint. M.A. Nichols novels always draw out every emotion which is why I love her books. And you cannot help but fall in love with her main characters. I could not put the book down.
Mmm I think Nichols definitely succeeded in somehow redeeming Lucas, one of the biggest cads I've ever seen [read]. But even with that I didn't find the story being told here to be super compelling for me. For me it was one of those stories that starts in one place, stays there the entire duration of the novel until the very end where the predictable choices are made. I don't always find this boring if I connect with the characters and find enjoyment in the journey, but unfortunately this one didn't click with me. Also, I felt ripped off that there was all this setup with Hazel and her family with no payoff. I would have loved to have actually read her last conversation with her grandparents/parents, but instead that was kind of skipped over which felt soo unsatisfying to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well written story of the difficulties of getting/staying sober and forgiving yourself. The self-flagellation was almost too much but necessary for the healing that comes when you are able to see strengths as well as the weaknesses that you are trying so hard to overcome. That was Lucas’ story. Hazel’s story was one of false accusation and ruination as well as being captured by family obligations that were stunting her life and causing resentment. These two souls found a friendship and love that helped them break out of the bounds of their life. Very thoughtful book.
I love a good redemption story and this was one. Bothe main characters struggled with their own lives but i loved how they both found strength and support in each other. Their growth was beautiful to watch. I wished it was longer but it was enough me to give 5 stars.
My reading experience with M.A. Nichols books is akin to a rollercoaster ride, and a long one at that. After "To Have and To Hold", her tales were no longer an auto-buy for me, although I would try them if they were free. However, I wanted to see how Lucas Ashbrook redeems himself, so I bought "A Light in the Dark".
This novel was a dissatisfying read for me. Is Lucas Ashbrook convincingly changed for the better? The author does the reader a disservice by not actually showing how Lucas transforms from unrepentant reprobate to worthy gentleman. His initial appearance has him stealing from a child (this is not a spoiler.) Next, he's responsible for a ward, and he's a devoted guardian. Hazel Potts is perhaps more tolerable, yet her backstory is somewhat lacking. The reader is not privy to the amount of her unusual inheritance, and this detail might have explained others' antipathy toward her.
While there are a few exceptions on both sides, the characters are best described as this: if they are beautiful or handsome, they are arrogant and shallow (Rosanna Leigh, Simon Kingsley, Lucas Ashbrook). Conversely, if they're plain or overweight, they're good people (everyone else).
M.A. Nichols has a legion of devoted fans, and that's great. Sadly, I am no longer one of them.
The things that do not get resolved perfectly are the main point.
In this work of MA Nichols, not everything's gets wrapped up neat, clean and pretty, with the "bad guys" getting their comeuppance and Lucas and Hazel finally enjoying an abundance of love from all the "good guys". While I would have liked that too, it is a more valuable story without the perfectly happy ending (though no worries - it is plenty happy enough!)
Ruby's speech on what forgiveness means is stellar - that paragraph deserves five stars in and of itself. It's not all sugar and spice, but it is incredibly wise.
A great read for anyone trying to make good for a past they wish they could change or dealing with unfair criticism they cannot fix.
My only complaint is the "swoony" stuff detracts from the depth of the book, making it part of a less respected category than it deserves. But, that is my complaint about nearly all new, clean, historical novels. I do enjoy romance, but swooney stuff makes me roll my eyes. I know it's expected and desired by many readers though, so I am finally making peace with "swoony" moments and am grateful that there are at least still clean historical novels that don't drag me into the bedroom. That is just too intrusive on the privacy of my fictional friends!
Because the previous book, THE HONORABLE CHOICE, was such a powerful book, I could not attempt this book until I could forget some of the awful aspects of Lucas Ashbrook. Briefly, as a wager, he faked a marriage to Ruby. When she became pregnant, he rebuked her and told her it was a false marriage. Her parents were horrified and went to the Ashbrook parents for some action. Conrad, a younger son, married Ruby, and Lucas left for America.
In this story, we learn that life in America was not easy, and after eight and a half years, Lucas returned to England with a ward in tow. He only asked his parents for a menial job at the mill. Although Conrad would not talk to him (Conrad is now the mill's manager), Lucas kept working. Other workers were unaware of Lucas's true identity. Lucas was acutely aware that his presence in the Ashbrook home was creating tension among the other siblings.
I did not think M A Nichols could create such a powerful story on the heels of the last one. However, this book had me crying repeatedly (books do not make me cry). Now that I have finished all of this author's Regency novels, I'm unsure what to do. This author has ruined me for the simplistic Regency novels of "boy chases girl until the girl catches the guy." Her stories are so emotionally laden and complex. Beautiful writing.
The Ashbrooks Series -- Total of 5 1. A True Gentleman (2018) 2. The Shameless Flirt (2019) 3. A Twist of Fate (2023) 4. The Honorable Choice (2020) ** 5. A Light in the Dark (May 24, 2024)
i cried my eyes out and then some more, firstly thank you for writing a character in late thirties as it raised my hopes to meet my perfect man in couple years(you cannot believe how much it alleviate my heart as i was desperate to live my own love story), secondly i was was and still heartbroken even with the happy ending it just so anguish to feel their miserable lives separately they both have their own misery that hit my core, i imagined to be in their place in many occasions and just go to the cliff and jump to the abyss to get rid of this cruel life yet they kept going and going even though the heartaches each of them felt made me wonder how they could not have heart attack especially his anguish is so overwhelming, i finished the story just now and I'm in love with the author and to be honest she's the only one i memorize her name even though im a reader for above 1000 books yet i dont bother knowing the author name except hers and keep reading her novels, she has her own way in writing into my own misery i felt soo relate to many of her characters in her books, especially True Gentleman and Flame and Ember even though my happy ending still waiting for me (hopefully it will manifest soon), thank for this emotional experience and i hope you are preparing another fantastic read to come
I’ve read a number of Nicols’ books and enjoyed them all, but this may be my favorite. The writing has always been good, but this is better and then wasn’t surprised to see just published in 2024.
I read Conrad & Ruby’s story and Lucas, this book’s reformed degenerate is such a marvelous character. Lucas’s struggles with his addiction to his former ways comes across so real. Addiction isn’t always to a substance, but often to selfishness and easy ways versus the harder, but more honest roads. The humility that Lucas owns, but still struggles with is perfectly written.
Then there’s sweet Hazel and a community so willing with glee to believe the worst and attack all who would befriend and care for her. I wish this wasn’t realistic, but the poison of gossip is also so well written & the effect on people.
Read it! Just utterly fantastic. I hated it to end really.
I struggled with this novel right up until the final few chapters. What Lucas did was so appallingly wicked that I couldn’t see how he could gain forgiveness or a decent and good character. Hazel was so badly used as an unpaid nurse and minder by her family, I was angry on her behalf. Worse, that they refused to stand up for her anywhere, not at church or even with their own employees, I couldn’t understand why she didn’t just pack up and move out. The light came at the end of the tunnel. The final chapters were both a revelation and a catalyst for Hazel, and separately for Lucas and Milo. While I still find the author’s works very ‘wordy’, I do love her stories. Highly recommended
Lucas who caused so many problems in his family return to England after spending years in America. He is now a man who has not only changed and has many regrets but he also has a young ward, Milo, a child od the man who finally helped him be the man he now is. Unfortunately life back in England has family challenges, some of which he cannot overcome. He also meets another downtrodden spinster, Hazel, whom he comes to value very much. Together they come together for their hea. I would have given this a five star but as this is the end of the series I feel an epilogue of the future covering all the family would have ended it on a more upbeat feel, although this did have somewhat of a happy ending c
What a tremendously satisfying book! As much as I despised Lucas Ashbrook in the previous novel, I view him now as the mother of a returned prodigal would- hoping to see his new life flourish on a fresh foundation, encouraging him (and Milo) on. And dear Hazel, whose only flaw is being too good a friend, and drudge for her unappreciative family- she certainly deserves her happy ending, too. That Milo should bring these two misunderstood, middle-aged loners together is just perfect. Each is stripped of every confidence and security until they are left to realize that life for them in Greater Edgerton is over. And yet that is when life truly begins! A wonderful story that had me tearing and cheering by halves (but could I expect any less reading the work of M. A. Nichols?!).
I liked a lot about this book. I liked seeing Lucas’ redemption arc and all the bits about forgiveness. I don’t believe that Hazel was a mean kid. I really wanted some resolution with her family situation. Her grandparents were mentioned a lot in the book and then she just leaves them. I would have liked it if she blew up to her mom or anyone and said how she was a prisoner in a home that wasn’t going to be hers or how she had no support. I would have liked to know that others were stepping in. Instead there is more about how everyone thinks she’s a “fallen woman” including her family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have read almost all of Ms Nichols novels and this is her best yet. The storyline was clever and the characters were deeply developed. The writing was wiry and complex. I felt like I was watching a movie more than reading a book. I just could not put it down. I read about 60-100 books a year so there are many that are skimmed over during what I call the boring parts, like long bits of description or repetitive phrases. This novel brought about no skimming, every word, phrase and sentence was read and absorbed. There were even great moments of prose and quotation that deserve memorizing. This author only improves with each work!
Had this bookmarked so I could snag it the second it was available.
I wasn’t sold on Lucas getting redemption and this is where the book succeeded because he took full ownership of some downright abysmal behavior.
I like Hazel but I honestly didn’t get a good feel for who she was at her core.
The chemistry was ALMOST there.
I found myself skimming here and there because I got bored. There was a lot to explore and I just didn’t care as much as I should about these characters. I cared more for the snippets of previous characters, which isn’t a great thing to admit.
Lucas Ashbrook was of the vilest of rakes & he knew it - could he truly change? Was there any hope for him or would he always fall in to old, familiar habits? Hazel Potts was seemingly a spinster nearing 40 - taken advantage of by her family & scandalized by a relationship with an elderly gentleman. Could she ever supersede the horrible gossip of the ton? Would her family always take advantage of her? Lucas & Hazel’s worlds collide - could they help one another? A wonderful tale of hope and redemption.
From a fellow Alaskan, Ms Nichols is a great story writer. The dialog flows so smoothly I don't notice it. Her characters show so much personality and life, I can feel their emotions. The plots are well developed and don't leave you hanging. They are more about the plot than the romance itself, which is a sign of a great writer. Weaving plots together with a side note of romance makes a perfect story in my opinion.
It's definitely not easy to read the redemption stories of the hero and heroine but man is it necessary! M.A. does a great job at writing their journeys and at redeeming these two. Her writing makes you think about your own flaws and faults, and makes you reflect on your own darkness.. But then she's right there reminding you that everyone is worthy of love and redemption given a proper change of heart. Wow. What a journey!
Lucas's story did not disappoint as many anticipated books of major characters in a series. The deep development of his character as well as Hazel's made for an intense read. This was not a fluffy "I've changed" story.
What a tricky premise and yet Ms Nichols did it. How could Lucas redeem himself? How do you include the Ambrose, Mary, Ruth and Conrad faithfully? Read this book and find out.
Who knew someday I would want to start a Lucas Ashbrook fan club? This book absolutely wrecked me. What a raw and authentic story of redemption. And that very last paragraph? Perfection.