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Fair Ellen
Love and betrayal in Regency England
May, 1814
After a five year absence, Duncan Grant returns from war to his home in Cumberland, to take up the management of the farms he has inherited from his father.
When Duncan calls on Ellen Barnes, a close friend from his childhood, Ellen soon realises that she no longer regards Duncan as just a friend, but something much more. However Duncan’s feelings for Ellen have not changed, and he falls for the charms of her beautiful cousin, Harriet.
Duncan’s love is put to the test when a man is injured at the local Harvest Ball; Duncan cannot understand why Harriet blames him. After Harriet’s father forbids Duncan from calling, he asks Ellen to help him meet Harriet and find out why she appears to have betrayed him.
Ellen is torn between loyalty to the man she loves, and her hope that Duncan will see Harriet for the spoiled, self-centred girl she is. Even if he does, will he ever see Ellen as something more than a friend?
May, 1814
After a five year absence, Duncan Grant returns from war to his home in Cumberland, to take up the management of the farms he has inherited from his father.
When Duncan calls on Ellen Barnes, a close friend from his childhood, Ellen soon realises that she no longer regards Duncan as just a friend, but something much more. However Duncan’s feelings for Ellen have not changed, and he falls for the charms of her beautiful cousin, Harriet.
Duncan’s love is put to the test when a man is injured at the local Harvest Ball; Duncan cannot understand why Harriet blames him. After Harriet’s father forbids Duncan from calling, he asks Ellen to help him meet Harriet and find out why she appears to have betrayed him.
Ellen is torn between loyalty to the man she loves, and her hope that Duncan will see Harriet for the spoiled, self-centred girl she is. Even if he does, will he ever see Ellen as something more than a friend?
140 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
102 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Davis
19 books122 followersI was born in England, near the Welsh border, and lived in several places while I was growing up, including a spell in Singapore and in Malta. Malta was where I got hooked on historical romances - my parents rented a furnished house, and the owners had left most of their books there, including a whole set of Georgette Heyer novels.
Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…
So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!
Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…
So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 18, 2024
A novella and I wish it had been a longer story. It had everything needed, a solid hero, a lovely heroine who is in dire straits, an Uncle who could do better and an absolute antidote of a female cousin. Her getting her comeuppance was the highlight of the book for me!
Well written, a fast, easy read.
Well written, a fast, easy read.
May 16, 2024
On the whole I don't like novellas as the book finishes when you are just getting into it and the stories of necessity do not have time to develop. Still, I always like Jayne Davies' books so I decided to give it a try. And yes, the atmosphere was good, the characters likeable, the horrible Harriet as nasty as one could have wished, but it was all rather superficial and the main tropes well trodden. A longer book might have developed the origins of the connection between Duncan and his army friend, or the background of Clifton who makes a remarkable recovery: less than 2 weeks after his head trauma and broken ribs, he is attending a ball! However, the way he set Harriet down is quite priceless.
So given the inherent shortcomings of a novella, it is entertaining but it left me yearning for more.
So given the inherent shortcomings of a novella, it is entertaining but it left me yearning for more.
May 9, 2024
Absolutely delicious Regency romance
This genteel English country love story has far more to delight readers than bodice ripping (none of that!) and haut ton London shenanigans. To begin, there's Ellen, a put-upon but self-possessed heroine who needs no rescue, and Duncan, an honorable, love-blinded hero who desperately does. There's a foolishly doting papa, the pawn of the beautiful spoiled and spiteful villainess, who together nearly ruin everything. There's a stellar cast of co-conspirators - an aunt with a starched spine and a sarcastic wit, an ex-military friend with a bent for unorthodox fact-finding, a mother as wise as she is loving, household servants who toe the line until the master looks away, and a local magistrate whose sense of fairness is immune to rank both rank and bullying. Author Jayne Davis sprinkles her story with charming period details and evocative descriptions, as well as clever reader-friendly references to the classic inspiration for the book's title. Romance readers who want to be enticed, charmed, delighted, and treated to a happy ending - this is your book! And this is my voluntary and independent ARC review.
This genteel English country love story has far more to delight readers than bodice ripping (none of that!) and haut ton London shenanigans. To begin, there's Ellen, a put-upon but self-possessed heroine who needs no rescue, and Duncan, an honorable, love-blinded hero who desperately does. There's a foolishly doting papa, the pawn of the beautiful spoiled and spiteful villainess, who together nearly ruin everything. There's a stellar cast of co-conspirators - an aunt with a starched spine and a sarcastic wit, an ex-military friend with a bent for unorthodox fact-finding, a mother as wise as she is loving, household servants who toe the line until the master looks away, and a local magistrate whose sense of fairness is immune to rank both rank and bullying. Author Jayne Davis sprinkles her story with charming period details and evocative descriptions, as well as clever reader-friendly references to the classic inspiration for the book's title. Romance readers who want to be enticed, charmed, delighted, and treated to a happy ending - this is your book! And this is my voluntary and independent ARC review.
May 17, 2024
Triumph of character over selfishness
Fair Ellen is a good description of Ellen Barnes' romance. She is fair to see, fair to judge, fair enough to be a thoughtful friend to a man she loves. But, he asks her shallow and self-serving cousin to marry him! The rest of the story is how he begins to see and value Ellen as a woman, not his childhood friend. Read it to see how it all comes out. Great humorous moments included.
Fair Ellen is a good description of Ellen Barnes' romance. She is fair to see, fair to judge, fair enough to be a thoughtful friend to a man she loves. But, he asks her shallow and self-serving cousin to marry him! The rest of the story is how he begins to see and value Ellen as a woman, not his childhood friend. Read it to see how it all comes out. Great humorous moments included.
May 21, 2024
2.5 stars
A disappointment. Nothing really happened in this novella except what the blurb summarized. The hero, Duncan, is smitten by Harriet's pretty face. He offers marriage. Then Harriet shows her spiteful and deceitful nature, and he is bitterly disillusioned. Consequently, he switches his affection to Harriet's not-so-pretty cousin Ellen, who has always loved him. They have their HEA. End of story.
A disappointment. Nothing really happened in this novella except what the blurb summarized. The hero, Duncan, is smitten by Harriet's pretty face. He offers marriage. Then Harriet shows her spiteful and deceitful nature, and he is bitterly disillusioned. Consequently, he switches his affection to Harriet's not-so-pretty cousin Ellen, who has always loved him. They have their HEA. End of story.
May 19, 2024
good solid story
Yes, it is a HEA regency, but there are some interesting characters. A suffering in silence heroine, a hero blinded by superficial traits, a spoiled princess and other supporting cast members. A few twists and turns but basically a well-written story. I enjoy Jayne Davis’ work and this is no exception.
Yes, it is a HEA regency, but there are some interesting characters. A suffering in silence heroine, a hero blinded by superficial traits, a spoiled princess and other supporting cast members. A few twists and turns but basically a well-written story. I enjoy Jayne Davis’ work and this is no exception.
May 16, 2024
Nothing common about common sense
Charming, quick read with surprising depth, character development and visually pleasing descriptions.
Daft Duncan immediately disappoints and, bless his heart, it takes him an entire book to redeem himself. Men!
Fair Ellen is a treasure as a person and a book. Enjoy!
Charming, quick read with surprising depth, character development and visually pleasing descriptions.
Daft Duncan immediately disappoints and, bless his heart, it takes him an entire book to redeem himself. Men!
Fair Ellen is a treasure as a person and a book. Enjoy!
May 14, 2024
This was a gorgeous, comforting hug of a book. When life is getting too frenetic and complicated, sometimes you just need to lose yourself in a gentle and heartwarming tale, and a time when life moved at a slower pace.
The characters were well drawn out, and believable. I found myself cheering on the heroine (and her astute, gently acerbic aunt), and shaking my head in disappointment at the people who had enabled her antagonist to get in the way of true love.
I had never come across the tale of Young Lochinvar, or Marmion before, but it's on my "to read" list now. Which is another really nice thing about well researched and authentic sounding period novels like this - there's a lot going on, and a lot of reading around that you can immerse yourself in.
Fair Ellen works really well as a standalone novella; you can just read, enjoy and walk away - which is what I did on the first read - or, (gotta love ebooks for this) you can look up any thing that piques your interest while you're reading, and indulge your curiosity about regency dances, or fashions, or any historical trivia mentioned in the text. I spent a really enjoyable half hour on YouTube, marvelling at the intricacy, skill and energy of the dance steps to one of the country dances mentioned in the text.
So yeah, a great read. Highly recommended.
The characters were well drawn out, and believable. I found myself cheering on the heroine (and her astute, gently acerbic aunt), and shaking my head in disappointment at the people who had enabled her antagonist to get in the way of true love.
I had never come across the tale of Young Lochinvar, or Marmion before, but it's on my "to read" list now. Which is another really nice thing about well researched and authentic sounding period novels like this - there's a lot going on, and a lot of reading around that you can immerse yourself in.
Fair Ellen works really well as a standalone novella; you can just read, enjoy and walk away - which is what I did on the first read - or, (gotta love ebooks for this) you can look up any thing that piques your interest while you're reading, and indulge your curiosity about regency dances, or fashions, or any historical trivia mentioned in the text. I spent a really enjoyable half hour on YouTube, marvelling at the intricacy, skill and energy of the dance steps to one of the country dances mentioned in the text.
So yeah, a great read. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2024
Every book by Jayne Davis is a joy to read and this is no exception. Wonderful, well-rounded characters, a plausible plot and a writing style that’s both literate and authentic; what’s not to like?
Here’s the premise: when Ellen Barnes’ childhood friend, Duncan Grant, returns from five years in the army to manage his inherited farms, Ellen realises that both she and Duncan have grown up. She sees him now in a very different way, and perhaps, in time, he’ll start to see her differently, too? But before that can happen, he meets her beautiful cousin, Harriet, and he’s smitten. He pursues Harriet determinedly, and before too long, they’re betrothed. Ellen must learn to accept the inevitability of their marriage, even though she knows Harriet to be a spoilt and wilful girl, devoted only to herself, and not at all worthy to marry a good man like Duncan.
But an incident at a ball leads to a rupture with Harriet. Duncan can’t understand why Harriet appears to have turned against him, and enlists Ellen’s help to restore him to Harriet’s favour. Poor Ellen! Against her better judgement, she does try to help, even though she hopes Duncan will finally understand how shallow Harriet is. And even if he does, will he ever turn to Ellen instead?
Of course, readers know the answer to that. Duncan is a smart cookie, and I loved his highly original method of finding out the truth about the incident at the ball, and thus the truth of Harriet’s character. After that, it’s but a small step to appreciating Ellen’s good qualities.
This is a beautifully written story, as always with this author, and really, there’s only one thing wrong with it - it’s too short. Being novella length, certain parts of the story seemed rushed. Both Duncan’s courtship of Harriet and his realisation of Ellen’s true worth were either skipped altogether or were too fast to be entirely believable. I wasn’t convinced that Duncan could be steadfastly in love with Harriet, and then switch his affections to Ellen within a week or two, and the only reason I can accept it is because they’re such good friends to start with. I would have loved this to be a full-length book, but even so, I enjoyed it so much it’s definitely a five star read.
Here’s the premise: when Ellen Barnes’ childhood friend, Duncan Grant, returns from five years in the army to manage his inherited farms, Ellen realises that both she and Duncan have grown up. She sees him now in a very different way, and perhaps, in time, he’ll start to see her differently, too? But before that can happen, he meets her beautiful cousin, Harriet, and he’s smitten. He pursues Harriet determinedly, and before too long, they’re betrothed. Ellen must learn to accept the inevitability of their marriage, even though she knows Harriet to be a spoilt and wilful girl, devoted only to herself, and not at all worthy to marry a good man like Duncan.
But an incident at a ball leads to a rupture with Harriet. Duncan can’t understand why Harriet appears to have turned against him, and enlists Ellen’s help to restore him to Harriet’s favour. Poor Ellen! Against her better judgement, she does try to help, even though she hopes Duncan will finally understand how shallow Harriet is. And even if he does, will he ever turn to Ellen instead?
Of course, readers know the answer to that. Duncan is a smart cookie, and I loved his highly original method of finding out the truth about the incident at the ball, and thus the truth of Harriet’s character. After that, it’s but a small step to appreciating Ellen’s good qualities.
This is a beautifully written story, as always with this author, and really, there’s only one thing wrong with it - it’s too short. Being novella length, certain parts of the story seemed rushed. Both Duncan’s courtship of Harriet and his realisation of Ellen’s true worth were either skipped altogether or were too fast to be entirely believable. I wasn’t convinced that Duncan could be steadfastly in love with Harriet, and then switch his affections to Ellen within a week or two, and the only reason I can accept it is because they’re such good friends to start with. I would have loved this to be a full-length book, but even so, I enjoyed it so much it’s definitely a five star read.
September 23, 2024
Title : “Fair Ellen”
Author : #JayneDavis
May 19, 2024
"Fair Ellen" is a delightful and brisk novella that surprises with its depth, character growth, and visually appealing descriptions. The story follows Ellen Barnes, a considerate and just woman, who faces heartbreak when her love interest proposes to her superficial cousin. Throughout the novella, we witness the gradual shift in his perception of Ellen from a childhood companion to something more. While I typically favor longer books for their ability to develop characters' backstories more fully, "Fair Ellen" is an entertaining read. However, it does leave me longing for more, as the story concludes rather quickly. Despite initial disappointments with the character of Duncan, he ultimately manages to redeem himself by the end. Overall, "Fair Ellen" is a gem of a novella.
Author : #JayneDavis
May 19, 2024
"Fair Ellen" is a delightful and brisk novella that surprises with its depth, character growth, and visually appealing descriptions. The story follows Ellen Barnes, a considerate and just woman, who faces heartbreak when her love interest proposes to her superficial cousin. Throughout the novella, we witness the gradual shift in his perception of Ellen from a childhood companion to something more. While I typically favor longer books for their ability to develop characters' backstories more fully, "Fair Ellen" is an entertaining read. However, it does leave me longing for more, as the story concludes rather quickly. Despite initial disappointments with the character of Duncan, he ultimately manages to redeem himself by the end. Overall, "Fair Ellen" is a gem of a novella.
May 12, 2024
I very much enjoyed reading this story. Perfect length for a pre-bedtime read with a satisfying ending.
While the shortness does limit character development within the story-telling, it is quickly clear Harriet is a spoiled and deceptive brat, Ellen is very pragmatic, and Duncan has been away too long from gently bred ladies. I especially liked the no-nonsense aunt and how she and Ellen often communicated without words.
I read an ARC; the thoughts expressed are my own.
While the shortness does limit character development within the story-telling, it is quickly clear Harriet is a spoiled and deceptive brat, Ellen is very pragmatic, and Duncan has been away too long from gently bred ladies. I especially liked the no-nonsense aunt and how she and Ellen often communicated without words.
I read an ARC; the thoughts expressed are my own.
October 28, 2024
This was a short and sweet novella. The hero wasn't the smartest, but at least he didn't make any unforgivable mistakes. And while I wish there was a slightly longer cool down period between wifely candidates, this was a novella, so I guess time was of the essence. :)
I do wish that there was a little more physical description as well as character development for the cast of characters. However, this was still a solid three star read.
I do wish that there was a little more physical description as well as character development for the cast of characters. However, this was still a solid three star read.
February 17, 2025
A short historical romance set in 1814 in England. The final love scene when he (finally) declares his love wasn't as moving as I'd expected it to be, but it's only a little complaint, widely compensated by all the good qualities of this book: delightful characters, credible setting, care for historical accuracy... This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites, a synonym for high-quality historical romance.
May 26, 2024
A short and sweet story about Ellen and how she reunites with her childhood friend Duncan and watches him as he becomes betrothed to her cousins Harriet. Meanwhile Harriet is not as kind and sweet as Ellen and soon Din an is put in a situation to realize that. Winning Ellen’s hand after the disaster with her cousin is needed before he and Ellen can have their hea
January 15, 2025
A sweet short novel
I think this falls into the Novella category, but if not, then it reads like one. The relationships are established quickly, and the conflict is resolved relatively simply. The female antagonist is well written. The inevitable set down scene is really satisfying. It is a nice, satisfying, clean read.
I think this falls into the Novella category, but if not, then it reads like one. The relationships are established quickly, and the conflict is resolved relatively simply. The female antagonist is well written. The inevitable set down scene is really satisfying. It is a nice, satisfying, clean read.
June 8, 2024
As someone else mentioned, there's really not much more here than the description but a HEA. As it's a novella the story and characters don't have enough time to really develop any depth. Well written of course, it is Jayne Davis after all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
Fun
A delightful story and I enjoyed the story line and the characters. A fun and easy read. Creative character personalities are well described easy to visualize. I look forward to more from this author.
A delightful story and I enjoyed the story line and the characters. A fun and easy read. Creative character personalities are well described easy to visualize. I look forward to more from this author.
July 30, 2024
This could’ve been a good full length book, but it was essentially a summary of a story. No details, few details of inner thoughts, just a quick version retelling it seemed. Idk why short stories exist…
September 21, 2024
a nice afternoon read
This was very good for a short story. There was good character development. I was a little disappointed in the leading man to begin with, but he dug himself out of trouble in time to repair his false steps at the beginning.
This was very good for a short story. There was good character development. I was a little disappointed in the leading man to begin with, but he dug himself out of trouble in time to repair his false steps at the beginning.
October 26, 2024
Simple, clean, short
This is a simple romance of looking for love in the wrong places initially. It's not a grandiose plot, nor is it quite a sophisticated delivery, but it hits the necessary spots like a good cup of hot chocolate.
This is a simple romance of looking for love in the wrong places initially. It's not a grandiose plot, nor is it quite a sophisticated delivery, but it hits the necessary spots like a good cup of hot chocolate.
May 19, 2025
This is a good story
As I have gotten older- I have a larger understanding of your interaction and decoding
actions and behavior of those you deal with.
This story highlights some of that concept-in a Regency setting.
As I have gotten older- I have a larger understanding of your interaction and decoding
actions and behavior of those you deal with.
This story highlights some of that concept-in a Regency setting.
May 21, 2024
This is an example of why you should not have short engagements.
May 21, 2024
Very cute novella, I wish it would have been a full-size novel
July 14, 2024
The switch from being in “love” with Harriet and then to Ellen happened too fast. I would have like more about Harriet getting her comeuppance and Grant wooing Ellen. It happened to quickly.
December 18, 2024
3.5 - good villain
June 13, 2024
3 Stars
Just going to give a quick review of this. I read this weeks ago, so need to put something down while I can still recall things. I was looking forward to this book. I was a bit disappointed. I take a bit of issue with romances that do not have any or much 'romance' in it. By that I do not mean physical intimacy. I mean special moments between the H/h. (A heated glance, a tingly touch-that kind of 'stuff'.) It did not have any that I recall.
More so, the two MCs were actually part for most of the book (something that has occurred in the last few books by this author). As the summary stated, the H falls in love with the oh so beautiful cousin. The h is supposedly average. For the bulk of the story, the H is trying to re-engage, get back with the cousin (who has dumped him) and found out what happened to her affections.
The H and h are childhood friends. When he returns, her feelings have since changed, his has not. It did not (IMHO) change until he got dumped and found out the cousin's true character. Interestingly the H's good friend isn't as slow on the uptake and pretty much immediately appreciates the h and takes somewhat of an interest in her. (The H does get jealous when this happens.) This interest doesn't go any where, either because he isn't serious or due to the H (somewhat sudden) increasingly newfound interest in the h.
I know the h was in the friend zone for years and it can be hard to switch gears. But...well I though he treated her a bit badly. Once he started courting the OW, he doesn't have much interaction with the h. Even at a ball/assembly, dancing with her is a last choice. Which I did not understand. You still dance with your friends. I do not think he even visited her during the courtship with the OW. There was no thought of her. The switch was too abrupt for me. An 180-degree turn. If he had had SOME doubts or I don't know...something (anything!) earlier...I could have believe it more. Understandingly, the h initially felt some hesitation due to this but quickly capitulated. I wasn't cool with it.
The book was well written. I have read a lot of books by this author. Some books are more hits with me than others.
CONTENT
Intimacy: Clean, kisses only. (Though it was intimated that one character was willing to have a liaison.)
Violence: There is an altercation at a ball (I think it was a ball, there was dancing).
Language: None crude language that I recall. This author doesn't usually have.
Just going to give a quick review of this. I read this weeks ago, so need to put something down while I can still recall things. I was looking forward to this book. I was a bit disappointed. I take a bit of issue with romances that do not have any or much 'romance' in it. By that I do not mean physical intimacy. I mean special moments between the H/h. (A heated glance, a tingly touch-that kind of 'stuff'.) It did not have any that I recall.
More so, the two MCs were actually part for most of the book (something that has occurred in the last few books by this author). As the summary stated, the H falls in love with the oh so beautiful cousin. The h is supposedly average. For the bulk of the story, the H is trying to re-engage, get back with the cousin (who has dumped him) and found out what happened to her affections.
The H and h are childhood friends. When he returns, her feelings have since changed, his has not. It did not (IMHO) change until he got dumped and found out the cousin's true character. Interestingly the H's good friend isn't as slow on the uptake and pretty much immediately appreciates the h and takes somewhat of an interest in her. (The H does get jealous when this happens.) This interest doesn't go any where, either because he isn't serious or due to the H (somewhat sudden) increasingly newfound interest in the h.
I know the h was in the friend zone for years and it can be hard to switch gears. But...well I though he treated her a bit badly. Once he started courting the OW, he doesn't have much interaction with the h. Even at a ball/assembly, dancing with her is a last choice. Which I did not understand. You still dance with your friends. I do not think he even visited her during the courtship with the OW. There was no thought of her. The switch was too abrupt for me. An 180-degree turn. If he had had SOME doubts or I don't know...something (anything!) earlier...I could have believe it more. Understandingly, the h initially felt some hesitation due to this but quickly capitulated. I wasn't cool with it.
The book was well written. I have read a lot of books by this author. Some books are more hits with me than others.
CONTENT
Intimacy: Clean, kisses only. (Though it was intimated that one character was willing to have a liaison.)
Violence: There is an altercation at a ball (I think it was a ball, there was dancing).
Language: None crude language that I recall. This author doesn't usually have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews