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An Improper Correspondence
Can you fall in love with someone you've never met?
England, 1812
Joanna Stretton is in no hurry to marry, wanting a love match like her parents'. While staying with her mother and aunt in the country, she meets Captain Alfred Bengrove, a handsome cavalry officer on leave from Spain. Jo is smitten, and by the time Alfred returns to his duties, they are all but betrothed. Then, a few weeks later, Jo is devastated when she receives the news that Captain Bengrove is missing in action.
Captain Robert Delafield is wounded in Spain and taken prisoner. He finds himself in the company of Captain Bengrove on their journey to Verdun, where they will be kept on parole. Bengrove's wounded hand leads him to ask Rob to write letters home for him, including one to his betrothed.
Thus begins an very improper correspondence.
England, 1812
Joanna Stretton is in no hurry to marry, wanting a love match like her parents'. While staying with her mother and aunt in the country, she meets Captain Alfred Bengrove, a handsome cavalry officer on leave from Spain. Jo is smitten, and by the time Alfred returns to his duties, they are all but betrothed. Then, a few weeks later, Jo is devastated when she receives the news that Captain Bengrove is missing in action.
Captain Robert Delafield is wounded in Spain and taken prisoner. He finds himself in the company of Captain Bengrove on their journey to Verdun, where they will be kept on parole. Bengrove's wounded hand leads him to ask Rob to write letters home for him, including one to his betrothed.
Thus begins an very improper correspondence.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2024
85 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Davis
20 books123 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 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 28, 2024
Another incomparable book from Jayne Davis, an author who always seems to come up with a unique look at the Regency era, without ever stepping outside the bounds of proper behaviour.
Here’s the premise: Joanna Stretton isn’t looking for love, filling her days with caring for her sick mama and helping her papa, rather secretly, with his investment projects. But when she meets handsome and charming Captain Alfred Bengrove, the younger son of a viscount, she can’t resist. He’s only visiting for a week before returning to his regiment in Spain, but he asks Jo to wait for him to return from the war, and she agrees. It’s not a betrothal, but it is a commitment, of sorts. But his family assume it’s a definite betrothal, and then comes the devastating news that Alfred is missing in action.
Happily, he’s only injured and captured by the French, but it’s his writing hand that’s out of action, so he ropes in a fellow captured officer, Captain Robert Delafield, to write his letters home, including those to Joanna. And even when Alfred is well enough to write his own letters, somehow Rob finds a reason to continue to write to Joanna. A most improper correspondence!
And so the stage is set. The reader sees the worst of Alfred, during his time as a prisoner of war in France, and understands that he’s only chasing after Jo for her dowry and the inheritance from her father (she’s an only child and he’s very rich). His obnoxious and snobby family make it obvious, too. And Rob, of course, the hero, is everything that a hero should be - honourable, kind, thoughtful, intelligent and poor. Wait, what? But that doesn’t matter, since she’s so rich… and no, this is not that book, that founders because she’s rich and he’s poor. The only question is how long it will take Jo to switch allegiance once the prisoners return to England. Spoiler: not very long at all. In fact, it all seemed a bit sudden to me. Not the part about wanting to dump the obnoxious Alfred, but the speed with which Jo decided she wanted to marry Rob. But it was a wonderful moment, so let it stand.
If I have a quibble at all (and it’s a minor one), it’s that Jo’s mother, who’s the daughter of an earl, chooses not to use her courtesy title. She could be Lady Frances Stretton after her marriage, but she chooses to be Mrs Stretton, which of course is entirely her right. But given that she’s so conscious of rank, and so keen for Jo to move in the ‘higher society’ of the aristocracy, it seems an odd choice. And then it’s confusing for those who don’t know her. I’m a great believer in everyone being aware of the exact rank of everyone else (or how else is one to know the precise depth to which one is expected to curtsy?). I’ve read several books where the hero introduces himself as simply {Name} and he’s assumed to be Mr Name, when he’s really the Earl of Name (or similar). It’s misleading and potentially embarrassing.
Now in this case, it does lead to some glorious set-downs, such as when the obnoxious Alfred’s even more obnoxious mother patronisingly asks Jo how she would address the daughter of an earl, and she perkily replies, “The one I know, I call Mama.” Which is lovely, but I still think the obnoxious mother ought to be told this sort of thing upfront. And later, when she (a mere viscountess) says she outranks Mrs (or Lady Frances) Stretton, she’s plain wrong. They both have the rank of a viscountess. A daughter of the aristocracy married to a commoner retains her birth rank from her father, leading to the non-intuitive result that of two sisters, both daughters of earls, the one married to a commoner outranks her sister married to a baron, who takes her rank solely from her husband. But that’s a huge digression, and not really relevant.
In summary, another wonderful five-star read from the author. Highly recommended.
Here’s the premise: Joanna Stretton isn’t looking for love, filling her days with caring for her sick mama and helping her papa, rather secretly, with his investment projects. But when she meets handsome and charming Captain Alfred Bengrove, the younger son of a viscount, she can’t resist. He’s only visiting for a week before returning to his regiment in Spain, but he asks Jo to wait for him to return from the war, and she agrees. It’s not a betrothal, but it is a commitment, of sorts. But his family assume it’s a definite betrothal, and then comes the devastating news that Alfred is missing in action.
Happily, he’s only injured and captured by the French, but it’s his writing hand that’s out of action, so he ropes in a fellow captured officer, Captain Robert Delafield, to write his letters home, including those to Joanna. And even when Alfred is well enough to write his own letters, somehow Rob finds a reason to continue to write to Joanna. A most improper correspondence!
And so the stage is set. The reader sees the worst of Alfred, during his time as a prisoner of war in France, and understands that he’s only chasing after Jo for her dowry and the inheritance from her father (she’s an only child and he’s very rich). His obnoxious and snobby family make it obvious, too. And Rob, of course, the hero, is everything that a hero should be - honourable, kind, thoughtful, intelligent and poor. Wait, what? But that doesn’t matter, since she’s so rich… and no, this is not that book, that founders because she’s rich and he’s poor. The only question is how long it will take Jo to switch allegiance once the prisoners return to England. Spoiler: not very long at all. In fact, it all seemed a bit sudden to me. Not the part about wanting to dump the obnoxious Alfred, but the speed with which Jo decided she wanted to marry Rob. But it was a wonderful moment, so let it stand.
If I have a quibble at all (and it’s a minor one), it’s that Jo’s mother, who’s the daughter of an earl, chooses not to use her courtesy title. She could be Lady Frances Stretton after her marriage, but she chooses to be Mrs Stretton, which of course is entirely her right. But given that she’s so conscious of rank, and so keen for Jo to move in the ‘higher society’ of the aristocracy, it seems an odd choice. And then it’s confusing for those who don’t know her. I’m a great believer in everyone being aware of the exact rank of everyone else (or how else is one to know the precise depth to which one is expected to curtsy?). I’ve read several books where the hero introduces himself as simply {Name} and he’s assumed to be Mr Name, when he’s really the Earl of Name (or similar). It’s misleading and potentially embarrassing.
Now in this case, it does lead to some glorious set-downs, such as when the obnoxious Alfred’s even more obnoxious mother patronisingly asks Jo how she would address the daughter of an earl, and she perkily replies, “The one I know, I call Mama.” Which is lovely, but I still think the obnoxious mother ought to be told this sort of thing upfront. And later, when she (a mere viscountess) says she outranks Mrs (or Lady Frances) Stretton, she’s plain wrong. They both have the rank of a viscountess. A daughter of the aristocracy married to a commoner retains her birth rank from her father, leading to the non-intuitive result that of two sisters, both daughters of earls, the one married to a commoner outranks her sister married to a baron, who takes her rank solely from her husband. But that’s a huge digression, and not really relevant.
In summary, another wonderful five-star read from the author. Highly recommended.
November 7, 2024
I quite enjoyed this one. And though I wish the heroine was a bit quicker on the uptake all’s well that ends well. I do enjoy romance through correspondence and the humour was adorable to boot. Recommend!
June 30, 2025
All I want in life is for the romance books I read to have better covers :(
Other than that, I had a really good time with this! I really liked the protagonists and how the story unfolded. I'd love a sequel where we follow George--he was a lot of fun and I'd love to see a continuation of his story.
Other than that, I had a really good time with this! I really liked the protagonists and how the story unfolded. I'd love a sequel where we follow George--he was a lot of fun and I'd love to see a continuation of his story.
September 25, 2024
A quiet regency romance. Despite the slow pace and the lack of excitement, I enjoyed this gentle and serene story. I guess, I was in the mood for it. The protagonists haven't even met until 50% mark on my Kindle, but almost from the beginning, they embarked on a very improper correspondence, and their letters helped them deal with their separate troubles.
The hero Rob was a wonderful man, quiet, decent, and courageous. I liked him very much. The heroine Joanna was less to my taste, and frankly, less defined. She seemed too obedient, too compliant to every rule to actually do what she did: exchange clandestine letters for over a year with a man she had never met. There didn't seem to be a rebellious bone in her body, or at least the author wanted me to think so, so how come she defied all the conventions of her time and position by her secret correspondence?
Still, I liked Rob and Joanna's story and I would've given it a higher rating if the antagonists were not so blatantly evil they crossed the line from real persons to caricatures. A bit more subtlety would've benefited this novel to a large degree.
The hero Rob was a wonderful man, quiet, decent, and courageous. I liked him very much. The heroine Joanna was less to my taste, and frankly, less defined. She seemed too obedient, too compliant to every rule to actually do what she did: exchange clandestine letters for over a year with a man she had never met. There didn't seem to be a rebellious bone in her body, or at least the author wanted me to think so, so how come she defied all the conventions of her time and position by her secret correspondence?
Still, I liked Rob and Joanna's story and I would've given it a higher rating if the antagonists were not so blatantly evil they crossed the line from real persons to caricatures. A bit more subtlety would've benefited this novel to a large degree.
October 23, 2024
4.5 out of 5 stars
September 5, 2024
I liked the tool of the exchange of letters for Jo and Rob to become acquainted and to learn to value each other. It's a believable scenario.
The writing is excellent. I found the pace steady throughout. There are no endless thoughts or self-doubt too often seen. The characters' thoughts and the dialogs were well balanced and I especially liked how Jo's father handled the situation and the occasional wry, cynical humor of the characters.
The epilogue is a nice change from the usual and well reflects Jo's character.
I read a free copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
The writing is excellent. I found the pace steady throughout. There are no endless thoughts or self-doubt too often seen. The characters' thoughts and the dialogs were well balanced and I especially liked how Jo's father handled the situation and the occasional wry, cynical humor of the characters.
The epilogue is a nice change from the usual and well reflects Jo's character.
I read a free copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
November 2, 2024
Jo Stretton, the only child and heir of a wealthy businessman, is beguiled by Captain Alfred Bengrove, who arrives with her cousin. He is the son of impoverished, titled snobs, who are almost cartoonish in their condescension. Within a week she has promised to wait for him, as he marches off to fight Napoleon. Wounded and captured in Spain, his damaged hand prevents him from writing. Captain Robert Delafield, his roommate in Verdun, where his fellow prisoners are confined, agrees to write letters on his behalf, including those to Jo.
Alfred's true character quickly becomes evident to Rob and his friends. Through her letters, Delafield is increasingly intrigued by Jo, and worries that she is expected to marry Alfred. After a year, Napoleon is defeated and the men return to England, where Rob meets Jo in person and is placed in situations that give them time to talk. Most of the story involves devising ways to extricate Jo from the claws of expectations. Her father is a very clever man, who slowly finds ways to determine the right outcome, helped in no small way by Alfred's behavior.
Well-edited, with little-known facts about what happened to English prisoners of war. There is little to no heat in the story, and only one kiss for all the waiting, but I did enjoy it.
Alfred's true character quickly becomes evident to Rob and his friends. Through her letters, Delafield is increasingly intrigued by Jo, and worries that she is expected to marry Alfred. After a year, Napoleon is defeated and the men return to England, where Rob meets Jo in person and is placed in situations that give them time to talk. Most of the story involves devising ways to extricate Jo from the claws of expectations. Her father is a very clever man, who slowly finds ways to determine the right outcome, helped in no small way by Alfred's behavior.
Well-edited, with little-known facts about what happened to English prisoners of war. There is little to no heat in the story, and only one kiss for all the waiting, but I did enjoy it.
September 27, 2024
Mr. Stretton is a savvy cit. Daughter Joanna is smitten with Alfred, a handsome but worthless second son who leaves a week later for war. While he is an injured prisoner he has fellow prisoner Rob Delafield write his letters to Joanna. Jo and Rob develop a friendship via their continuing "Improper Correspondence."
When Alfred returns to England he pursues Joanna. His insincerity becomes more apparent each time they meet and his family is just horrid. The selfish and arrogant fiancée is a fortune hunter whose family has pinned their hopes of financial recovery on him. The aristocrats are so well played as extremely self important but apparently not exactly intelligent. The sarcastically sweet remarks from Joanna, her mama, and auntie go right over their heads.
Joanna's papa only wants her to be happy. He goes about helping her in a clever way. The hero Rob was a wonderful man, quiet, decent, and courageous. I liked him very much. Another enjoyable read from Jayne Davis.
When Alfred returns to England he pursues Joanna. His insincerity becomes more apparent each time they meet and his family is just horrid. The selfish and arrogant fiancée is a fortune hunter whose family has pinned their hopes of financial recovery on him. The aristocrats are so well played as extremely self important but apparently not exactly intelligent. The sarcastically sweet remarks from Joanna, her mama, and auntie go right over their heads.
Joanna's papa only wants her to be happy. He goes about helping her in a clever way. The hero Rob was a wonderful man, quiet, decent, and courageous. I liked him very much. Another enjoyable read from Jayne Davis.
September 9, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Two years to the HEA
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
Starting about two years before the end of England’s war with Napoleon and ending after the war, this is an engaging story. It is populated with characters I’d like to meet. Except the Bengrove family. Davis did an impressive job of making them outrageously rude without spoiling the story with their antics. The correspondence between Jo and Rob is charming and their first meeting is fun. Jo’s father is sly in the best way. Rob’s friends are supportive without being too pushy. Jo is involved with her father’s business interests (generally frowned on in that era) and she is strong enough to insist on respect for her intellectual pursuits. Davis added informative historical notes at the end of the book that adds a richness to the reading experience. All the characters are richly developed, the editing and proofreading are exceptional, the era is well represented. In short, this is a great read.
September 24, 2024
Why did I feel slightly dissatisfied after reading this book? I love Jayne Davis's books and perhaps was expecting a lot more. I found that the story, although unusual, was nonetheless very predictable in its unfolding. To me the main characters were so much behaving as you would expect them that there were no surprises. The good ones were faultless, the baddies horrible . I kept wondering how George could have befriended the horrible Bengrove in the first place. However, there are very good aspects, in particular, the ironic sarcasm and cold humour of Joanna. Her dealings with the snobbish Bengrove's mother were particularly entertaining. I also very much liked the Father and his loving, down to earth attitude towards his daughter. So for me, perhaps not her best but still worth 4 stars. I certainly look forward to her next novel.
January 31, 2025
Joanna is an unusual Regency era daughter in that she reads newspapers, advises her father on investments and has reached the advanced age of twenty without acquiring a fiancee. When she meets a seemingly charming young cavalry officer only weeks before he goes back to Wellington's army in Spain, she promises to wait for him so that they can see if their attraction will lead to betrothal. When he is catured outside Burgos and sent to Verdun as a prisoner-of-war, Joanna corresponds with him and also with an infantry officer she has never met but who wrote the cavalryman's letters to her while the latter's hand healed. The letters go back and forth for two years until Napoleon's defeat. Should Joanna agree to marry her cavalry officer or should she get to know the infantry officer who has written such interesting letters? Information about investments, how officers were treated when captured during the Napoleonic Wars, contemporary steam engines and farming methods all enliven the plot.
September 22, 2024
Jayne Davis has become a one click author for me. I enjoy her main characters who have depth, thoughtfulness and patience. People you’d want to know and can invest in. Her stories have good character development and interesting settings/ historical descriptions.
An Improper Correspondence is classic Davis; set during the Napoleonic wars it describes the relationship between an English office held in a French parole town and a quiet English lady chafing at social restrictions in her home. A slow burn romance between two principled people who want to do the right thing but aren’t quite sure what that is. Quiet humour and no anachronisms ( Davis does her research). I read it in one sitting.
An Improper Correspondence is classic Davis; set during the Napoleonic wars it describes the relationship between an English office held in a French parole town and a quiet English lady chafing at social restrictions in her home. A slow burn romance between two principled people who want to do the right thing but aren’t quite sure what that is. Quiet humour and no anachronisms ( Davis does her research). I read it in one sitting.
October 13, 2024
Thoughtfully written story with excellent prose and nicely drawn characters. I liked the use of letters being exchanged over a protracted period that allowed our H/h to get to know each other. Capt Delafield had a great appreciation of Jo's particular skills and they were able to come together once she was able, with the help of her terrific father, to understand her heart thus enabling the HEA. The epilogue was particularly good and added much to the story and one sees that this couple will go on to enjoy a loving, fruitful and successful marriage along with a great future in the birth of British engineering and business. I liked it a lot.
December 28, 2024
Very detailed and interesting read. As Jo struggles with the rules society has put on the acceptable behavior of young ladies. She is bright, inquisitive and due to be the sole heir to her fathers vast fortune. She has learned to read, understand and enjoy the financial system and investments that make money. Certainly nothing a "proper" lady should be doing. Rob is due to inherent a farm. It is not his passion. While getting out from under the supervision of older siblings, he joins the military and injured in the Napoleonic war. Being held prisoner, he wrote to Jo for Albert who considers himself her fiance. She agreed to wait for him.
January 30, 2025
AN IMPROPER CORRESPONDENCE, a Regency romance by Jayne Davis, is a twist on the story of Cyrano de Bergerac. When Joanna’s beau and almost-betrothed, Captain Bengrove, returns to duty in Spain, he asks a fellow officer to write replies to her letters. There are characters to love and others to hate. There is no oversized nose, and unlike Rostand’s play, it ends happily (as all romances should).
Davis is one of my favorite authors, both for her writing and her stories, which are in the tradition of Georgette Heyer.
Davis is one of my favorite authors, both for her writing and her stories, which are in the tradition of Georgette Heyer.
May 27, 2025
This book is not a romance novel, despite what the cover and blurb suggest. There is no romantic development, no emotional tension, and no love story. It's an epistolary tale with some very mild intrigue, but if you're expecting a romantic experience — as is typical in Jayne Davis's work — you're in for a big disappointment. Fortunately, I didn’t spend any money on this, because not only did I feel misled, I also ended up feeling like I wasted my time.
September 20, 2024
Really enjoyable
This book was a really delightful read. Once started I could not put it down, so no housework done today. The author gives some historical facts at the end of the book relating to occurrences within the story which were very interesting. I would definitely recommend this book a really feel good story.
This book was a really delightful read. Once started I could not put it down, so no housework done today. The author gives some historical facts at the end of the book relating to occurrences within the story which were very interesting. I would definitely recommend this book a really feel good story.
September 22, 2024
I love Regency era romance and was curious about this author! The cover is not my favorite but the storyline was intriguing. I was locked in for 60% of the book, especially as the relationship between the FMC and MMC developed (albeit a but untraditionally) - I love a slow burn. But the way the story wrapped up and the declaration of love seemed kind of lackluster. Wanted more oomph!
September 25, 2024
Another great book by Jayne Davis
I always enjoy Ms. Davis’ romances. “An Improper Correspondence” is another very entertaining romance. I really enjoyed the story of Jo and Rob, their meeting via correspondence, the selfish and arrogant fiancée and his snobbish family, and Jo’s family. It really is a great story.
I always enjoy Ms. Davis’ romances. “An Improper Correspondence” is another very entertaining romance. I really enjoyed the story of Jo and Rob, their meeting via correspondence, the selfish and arrogant fiancée and his snobbish family, and Jo’s family. It really is a great story.
December 24, 2024
Well thought out, mostly historically accurate Regency Romance
Ms. Davis is a clear, organized story teller. She is an obvious champion of equal rights for women, rights that were virtually non-existent in England in the early 19th century. She is an expert on showing the ugly side of the almost caste-like class society of that era. All in all, a satisfying read.
Ms. Davis is a clear, organized story teller. She is an obvious champion of equal rights for women, rights that were virtually non-existent in England in the early 19th century. She is an expert on showing the ugly side of the almost caste-like class society of that era. All in all, a satisfying read.
October 8, 2024
well written story
Not only well written but convincing historical social and economic details (particularly of being “on parole” in France, together with engaging characters, all contributing to an enjoyable read.
Not only well written but convincing historical social and economic details (particularly of being “on parole” in France, together with engaging characters, all contributing to an enjoyable read.
October 9, 2024
Heartwarming
One clever lady, one enlightened soldier, and one vile fortune-hunter.
The characters are cleverly drawn, especially Alfred who flips seamlessly from delightful suitor to vile, selfish, ne’er do well.
Highly recommended.
I’m off to find more of this author’s work.
One clever lady, one enlightened soldier, and one vile fortune-hunter.
The characters are cleverly drawn, especially Alfred who flips seamlessly from delightful suitor to vile, selfish, ne’er do well.
Highly recommended.
I’m off to find more of this author’s work.
December 3, 2024
A satisfying romance between two kind people. The villains are not frightening and saturnine, but attractive and plausible Interesting details about prisoners of war. The French is correct, for a change.
May 14, 2025
This is a good story
I thought this story is well crafted. I spent 32 years with the US Army. This story is well put together with excellent flow to the story.
I wrote to my young lady for 5 months
before meeting her face to face.
I thought this story is well crafted. I spent 32 years with the US Army. This story is well put together with excellent flow to the story.
I wrote to my young lady for 5 months
before meeting her face to face.
September 21, 2024
I liked the h, I guess we can forgive her for being bamboozled by an attractive face 😁, she was only 20 after all
October 3, 2024
A good solid Regency. Jayne Davis writes realistic character interaction well and this is a good example of that.
October 12, 2024
This author is almost as good as Heyer.
October 13, 2024
Read this almost in one go!
Really enjoyed reading this book, it held my attention throughout. Looking forward to moving on to more books by Jayne Davis
Really enjoyed reading this book, it held my attention throughout. Looking forward to moving on to more books by Jayne Davis
December 18, 2024
Slow in parts but definitely good. Characters that seem real, interesting plot, and a happily ever after.
January 8, 2025
So Very Good!
What a wonderful read. Jayne Davis really knows how to write and how to research, and her books shine.
She’s just always a five star read.
What a wonderful read. Jayne Davis really knows how to write and how to research, and her books shine.
She’s just always a five star read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews