What do you think?
Rate this book
The Virtues #3
The Gift of Patience: A Romantic Suspense
When a headstrong lady sets out for adventure, she meets resistance at every turn by none other than the man she secretly admires.
Patience Whitford spent the last two seasons watching her elder sisters make grand matches. She is thoroughly apprehensive with the notion of being limited by marriage. But that seems like an inconsequential concern with no prospects on the horizon to follow in her sisters’ footsteps. And to make matters worse, she is uncommonly jealous of all of the military officers she’s befriended and their grand adventures.
When Major Ashley Stuart is assigned to investigate some petty crimes near his brother’s estate in Greenwich, it soon becomes apparent that there is something much larger going on. One of his brother’s wards is always meddling where she doesn’t belong, and he finds her eavesdropping and attempting to help at every turn. The most infuriating part is that he’s enamoured with the obstinate beauty!
When at last he concedes to her involvement, they both get more than either bargained for!
Patience Whitford spent the last two seasons watching her elder sisters make grand matches. She is thoroughly apprehensive with the notion of being limited by marriage. But that seems like an inconsequential concern with no prospects on the horizon to follow in her sisters’ footsteps. And to make matters worse, she is uncommonly jealous of all of the military officers she’s befriended and their grand adventures.
When Major Ashley Stuart is assigned to investigate some petty crimes near his brother’s estate in Greenwich, it soon becomes apparent that there is something much larger going on. One of his brother’s wards is always meddling where she doesn’t belong, and he finds her eavesdropping and attempting to help at every turn. The most infuriating part is that he’s enamoured with the obstinate beauty!
When at last he concedes to her involvement, they both get more than either bargained for!
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2024
306 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
63 books363 followers Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 28, 2025
This story was a little slower to draw me in as opposed to the first two books in the series. I feel that the narrative tried to talk about too many characters and therefore the main characters did not get enough time spent on developing who they were and their driving motivation. Still enjoyable but a bit tedious to finish reading. I will probable read the next books but I hope they will be more engaging.
April 7, 2025
I am enjoying this series! G of P is book is about sister, Patience Whitford. She is the curious and adventurous sister of the family. Patience cleverly finagles her way into a secret mission that Major Ashley Stuart is involved with. Shockingly, just so happens there is an unspoken attraction between the two.
Major Ashley Stuart is one of a selection of men that is part of the British Army's Household Guards, basically an official military ruse that investigates and acts on unusual secret missions. One such unique mission is discovering petty thefts at his brother's estate (who happens to be married to Patience's sister) that seem to have connections to something much bigger and more serious. This is the mission that Patience finagles her way into 'helping'. Her insistence is considered meddling, but soon proves to be more of a clever investigator role. The romance is secondary in the story but it is definitely an important factor.
I wished I had made notes as to the characters names & associations as there are a whole bunch. It would have kept them straight in my mind, especially when it comes to someone having a title, and a familiar name, and a nickname, it can become a mind-blowing jumble! (Even the bad guys have names, nicknames, and code names!) I took this book on two separate vacations and had to re-start it twice, then finally a third time when I got home and could concentrate on who was who! (All that was my problem, not the author's!)
I will begin the 4th book, sister Grace's story on this rainy day...
Major Ashley Stuart is one of a selection of men that is part of the British Army's Household Guards, basically an official military ruse that investigates and acts on unusual secret missions. One such unique mission is discovering petty thefts at his brother's estate (who happens to be married to Patience's sister) that seem to have connections to something much bigger and more serious. This is the mission that Patience finagles her way into 'helping'. Her insistence is considered meddling, but soon proves to be more of a clever investigator role. The romance is secondary in the story but it is definitely an important factor.
I wished I had made notes as to the characters names & associations as there are a whole bunch. It would have kept them straight in my mind, especially when it comes to someone having a title, and a familiar name, and a nickname, it can become a mind-blowing jumble! (Even the bad guys have names, nicknames, and code names!) I took this book on two separate vacations and had to re-start it twice, then finally a third time when I got home and could concentrate on who was who! (All that was my problem, not the author's!)
I will begin the 4th book, sister Grace's story on this rainy day...
August 16, 2024
This has been a fun series and have enjoyed getting to know each sister. Patience was not anything I expected (in a good way) and loved her personality and determination to be herself. I just wished I connected more to the story.
What I liked:
**Patience, I adored her and felt like she was my spirit animal and probably how I would be If I lived in Regency times, lol
**I loved the mystery in the series and it was fun unraveling it along with the characters
**The animal sidekicks, they get me every time
**Ashley Stuart, a great MMC, who was strong and respected Patience's thoughts and intellect
What didn't work for me:
**I wanted more from the story. It had all the bones of an amazing mystery against the backdrop of a woman trying to find her place in a world that doesn't want her to. But it just stays on the surface level and just never goes deeper or fleshes this out
**The Romance is non-existent. The FMC/MMC have hardly shared any pages and there is no real development in their characters and how they fall in love. It just happens with no build-up. I just wasn't invested in their romances
It is a quick read and think many can get some great enjoyment out of it despite its faults.
What I liked:
**Patience, I adored her and felt like she was my spirit animal and probably how I would be If I lived in Regency times, lol
**I loved the mystery in the series and it was fun unraveling it along with the characters
**The animal sidekicks, they get me every time
**Ashley Stuart, a great MMC, who was strong and respected Patience's thoughts and intellect
What didn't work for me:
**I wanted more from the story. It had all the bones of an amazing mystery against the backdrop of a woman trying to find her place in a world that doesn't want her to. But it just stays on the surface level and just never goes deeper or fleshes this out
**The Romance is non-existent. The FMC/MMC have hardly shared any pages and there is no real development in their characters and how they fall in love. It just happens with no build-up. I just wasn't invested in their romances
It is a quick read and think many can get some great enjoyment out of it despite its faults.
August 14, 2024
The Gift of Patience by Elizabeth Johns
The Virtues Series Book Three
Patience Whitford is the middle sister. Hope and Faith have married, and Patience and her two younger sisters, Grace and Joy, live with Faith and Dominic Westwood at Taywards. Patience is quite bored at the country home. She wants adventure. When Major Ashley Stuart, Westwood’s brother, and his six colleagues come, she finds the adventure she was searching for…if only they’d let her help.
Major Ashley Stuart prefers to stay away from Taywards while all the Whitford sisters are there. Especially the meddlesome yet beautiful Patience. And yet, she has some good thoughts when his troop comes to find out about some break-ins and vandalism.
Their job becomes much more complicated than Ashley thought; it’s much more than some vagrants or miscreants, and they need to find the leader before it’s too late.
This is a delightful series about five beautiful orphaned sisters who had to search for their guardian. I love the characters, both two-legged and four-legged.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
The Virtues Series Book Three
Patience Whitford is the middle sister. Hope and Faith have married, and Patience and her two younger sisters, Grace and Joy, live with Faith and Dominic Westwood at Taywards. Patience is quite bored at the country home. She wants adventure. When Major Ashley Stuart, Westwood’s brother, and his six colleagues come, she finds the adventure she was searching for…if only they’d let her help.
Major Ashley Stuart prefers to stay away from Taywards while all the Whitford sisters are there. Especially the meddlesome yet beautiful Patience. And yet, she has some good thoughts when his troop comes to find out about some break-ins and vandalism.
Their job becomes much more complicated than Ashley thought; it’s much more than some vagrants or miscreants, and they need to find the leader before it’s too late.
This is a delightful series about five beautiful orphaned sisters who had to search for their guardian. I love the characters, both two-legged and four-legged.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
October 8, 2024
A clean story. This third in a series have liked so far, and this is no exception. The plot had a couple of twists that were unexpected, but as in the previous book it became
obvious, at least to me, who the main mastermind was. Should Chum have recognised his brothers came from the first description? Possibly, and it might have been nice to have heard what happened to the two likely sources of the information. I was also slightly confused by the yacht. They knew its name and later Chum knew that was his family’s, so did they not ask all the unit if they knew of it? And the yacht seemed to be opposite Taywards or in its vicinity, yet they had no idea where it was earlier on. A little odd. But I liked the story, which was amusing in places although I felt the ending was a little obvious, given Patience’s skill, and slightly rushed. So 4 stars and I look forward to book 4
obvious, at least to me, who the main mastermind was. Should Chum have recognised his brothers came from the first description? Possibly, and it might have been nice to have heard what happened to the two likely sources of the information. I was also slightly confused by the yacht. They knew its name and later Chum knew that was his family’s, so did they not ask all the unit if they knew of it? And the yacht seemed to be opposite Taywards or in its vicinity, yet they had no idea where it was earlier on. A little odd. But I liked the story, which was amusing in places although I felt the ending was a little obvious, given Patience’s skill, and slightly rushed. So 4 stars and I look forward to book 4
August 13, 2024
I am loving the characters in this series. Patience and Ashley liked to poke and prod one another for amusement. Their energy keeps the book flowing at a good pace.
Ashley Stuart has his work with his troop that sends him to his brother's estate and that has him spending more time with Patience. They feel a connection, but not one either of them have thought to pursue.
Solving a mystery and a murder has them working together and becoming closer and sharing kisses. This book has it all. Intrigue, witty remarks, passionate kisses, and a wonderful cast of characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.
While this book can be read alone, I highly recommend The Virtues series and other book by Elizabeth Johns.
Ashley Stuart has his work with his troop that sends him to his brother's estate and that has him spending more time with Patience. They feel a connection, but not one either of them have thought to pursue.
Solving a mystery and a murder has them working together and becoming closer and sharing kisses. This book has it all. Intrigue, witty remarks, passionate kisses, and a wonderful cast of characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.
While this book can be read alone, I highly recommend The Virtues series and other book by Elizabeth Johns.
September 10, 2024
clean romance
Mystery,spies, danger and romance wrapped up with a believable plot and strong characters.
This standalone book within a series is just as good as the previous books. Each can add to the previous ones if read in sequence, but it is not necessary.
I enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books continue with their stories within this book.
Loved how the hero and heroine interact and work together within the mystery and solve their own story.
I look forward to reading the next in the series!
Mystery,spies, danger and romance wrapped up with a believable plot and strong characters.
This standalone book within a series is just as good as the previous books. Each can add to the previous ones if read in sequence, but it is not necessary.
I enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books continue with their stories within this book.
Loved how the hero and heroine interact and work together within the mystery and solve their own story.
I look forward to reading the next in the series!
October 2, 2024
There's a pretty good tale about smuggling and gun running in here amongst life in the upper class in Regency England. Patience is one of a group of sisters wwho are wards of a young earl. When it seems that she has accidentally uncovered a gang of thieves operating on the Greenwich wharves across the Thames from her guardians estate, a troop of Horse Guards are stationed at the house to investigate. The romance embedded in the story is not terribly well drawn, but the adventure of unmasking the gang and identifying the aristocrat behind the thefts of military guns meant for India is just unusual enough in a Regency setting to keep the story going.
November 17, 2024
give yourself a gift by reading this novel
This is the third installment in the series that follows 5 sisters. So, of course, all the wonderful characters you’ve met appear here again. However, it is a chance for Patience, the third sister, and Ashley, a second son and a spy, to shine.
Full of witty banter, twists and turns, secrets and mysteries, romance (only non-descriptive if passionate kisses), and wonderful Regency atmosphere are sure to make you turn “just one more page”.
This is the third installment in the series that follows 5 sisters. So, of course, all the wonderful characters you’ve met appear here again. However, it is a chance for Patience, the third sister, and Ashley, a second son and a spy, to shine.
Full of witty banter, twists and turns, secrets and mysteries, romance (only non-descriptive if passionate kisses), and wonderful Regency atmosphere are sure to make you turn “just one more page”.
August 18, 2024
I'm rather disappointed in this series. I've read the first 2 and each one seems to lose its romantic luster. Of all the many books I've read from this author, I find these last few to be lacking in every aspect that I enjoyed in the others. Although, this one had potential, the relationship of Patience and Ashley was almost like an afterthought. I'm thinking there will be 2 more entries into the series for the other 2 sisters and I'm hoping they'll be much better compared to this one.
January 24, 2025
The Masquerading Miss
Patience seems to deny her name and defy convention. Seeking adventure and intrigue, she desires a life outside the parlors of decorous ladies. Will Ashley Stuart recognize her talents and unique skills or will he relegate her to the role of helpless female? “She could ride as well as any man and throw a knife with deadly accuracy.” She only wants the chance to prove her worth.
Patience seems to deny her name and defy convention. Seeking adventure and intrigue, she desires a life outside the parlors of decorous ladies. Will Ashley Stuart recognize her talents and unique skills or will he relegate her to the role of helpless female? “She could ride as well as any man and throw a knife with deadly accuracy.” She only wants the chance to prove her worth.
October 6, 2024
What fun!
Third book in the series- read in order for full enjoyment. All three including this one have many edge-of-seat moments along with sweet ones. These sisters are a riot and the author has done a great job painting each one’s individuality and differences. Beautifully written with lovely descriptions of the countryside.
Can’t wait to read the fourth!
Third book in the series- read in order for full enjoyment. All three including this one have many edge-of-seat moments along with sweet ones. These sisters are a riot and the author has done a great job painting each one’s individuality and differences. Beautifully written with lovely descriptions of the countryside.
Can’t wait to read the fourth!
August 23, 2024
A wonderful addition to The Virtues
Another fabulous series from Elizabeth Johns. I have loved every single book from The Virtues and cannot wait to read Grace’s and Joy’s stories! Each book has been a page turner, and entirely captivating.
Another fabulous series from Elizabeth Johns. I have loved every single book from The Virtues and cannot wait to read Grace’s and Joy’s stories! Each book has been a page turner, and entirely captivating.
August 29, 2024
LOVED THIS BOOK!
The mystery was so exciting and fun with the sweet clean romance in the background, my favorite type of story! The characters were fun and believable and the mystery was very fun
The mystery was so exciting and fun with the sweet clean romance in the background, my favorite type of story! The characters were fun and believable and the mystery was very fun
August 30, 2024
Intrigue and Mischievous
The characters are well formed and continue to parade about the pages of this well written book. The pace was perfect as we continue the storyline of these beautiful sisters. You won't be disappointed to read this novel.
The characters are well formed and continue to parade about the pages of this well written book. The pace was perfect as we continue the storyline of these beautiful sisters. You won't be disappointed to read this novel.
June 10, 2025
Book of Virtures
These books of Faith, Hope and Patience have been delightful! Each young lady is matched perfectly with the best groom possible for them. Can’t wait to read all of them.
These books of Faith, Hope and Patience have been delightful! Each young lady is matched perfectly with the best groom possible for them. Can’t wait to read all of them.
August 20, 2025
Patience and Ashley work together with Josh band of military men as they go about finding who the leader of smugglers on Westwood’s property. Once the main man is identified and the matter cared for they find their hea together
September 16, 2025
Hey, I'm Elaine, an editor at Novelsnack. This book is truly captivating! We’d love to introduce your books to our readers with competitive royalties and solid performance bonuses. Would you be open to a quick chat? 😊
September 2, 2024
This goes on rather a lot and the plot meanders, plot the main characters don't really seem to feel much for each other.. but the mystery aspect was nice.
September 28, 2024
This is a very good series
A fun and interesting story. I am enjoying this series. I do believe it is best to read in order but can be read alone.
A fun and interesting story. I am enjoying this series. I do believe it is best to read in order but can be read alone.
October 31, 2024
Very little romance. An adventure at heart. The different titles, ranks, and names were confusing. I kept looking back to remember who was who.
And now for Grace's story.
And now for Grace's story.
April 15, 2025
Too much unrealistic for the period
I liked the first one and let some implausible things go, the second had more, this one had far more.
I liked the first one and let some implausible things go, the second had more, this one had far more.
July 20, 2025
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for narration.
December 16, 2025
STORY: 2
PERFORMANCE: 4
OVERALL: 3
February 17, 2026
Loved it. There was romance, mystery and some humor. Such a great read.
I listened to this one on audio and loved the narrator.
I listened to this one on audio and loved the narrator.
February 6, 2026
Enjoyed the dynamic between Patience and Ashley, particularly how they antagonise each other. The mystery was a fun storyline, if a little drawn out.
October 27, 2025
This book, the third in its series, tells the story of the third sister, Patience. As the two previous books, it's a regency romance with a touch of adventure or action. And, again, the author regales us with a change of style. If the first book was more traditional, with a London season and a villain, and the second book was set at a house party and had a gothic touch, this book has some Government secret agents trying to unmask a plot to steal and smuggle weapons. So kudos for the author for trying to touch different styles and tropes. Of course, there's plenty of action and as a whole the book is very entertaining, even if the romance is not its strongest point.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews