The Major's Mistake

by Andrea Pickens

"...richly textured characterization for our reading pleasure." ~RT magazine

Seven years ago, a malicious lie caused Lady Miranda Grosvenor's husband, the Marquess of Sterling, to cast her off. Shunned by Society, Miranda now lives a quiet life as a recluse with her young son and husband‘s redoubtable aunt—until Sterling returns home from the Peninsular War.

Wounded in both body and spirit, and uncertain of his future, Sterling accepts the request from a friend in the Home Office to head north and learn whether an enemy operative is fomenting trouble among the local workers. But little does he know that Miranda is living in the area...and he soon discovers that he is a father.

As an uneasy truce begins for the sake of their son, Sterling and Miranda must confront their shared past—and the unexpected reawakening of their passion. But the presence of a dangerous enemy intent on creating havoc suddenly threatens all they hold dear...

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Second Chance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

Reviews

[KatieV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminded me a great deal of The Duke's Double by Anita Mills. Both were about a young man who took another person's word and divorced his wife for infidelity, cutting her from his life rather quickly and impulsively. In both cases, the wife was unknowingly pregnant at the time.

The night he believes his wife cheated on him, Lord Sterling takes off to join the Napoleonic wars. He also begins divorce proceedings. Seven years later he is back in England with battle injuries and bitterness over his failed marriage.

His ex, Miranda, was shunned by her own family and taken in by the hero's kind aunt. She and her son have been living in virtuous poverty in Scotland. Miranda refuses to allow the aunt to provide for her beyond shelter and food and spends her time nursing the townsfolk with herbs. All while staying away from men.

The aunt inherits some property in England and they return around the same time the hero returns from the war. Of course, they run into one another almost immediately. The hero soon learns he has a son and sets out to know him. In the process, he and Miranda fall in love again. However, Miranda is - understandably - quite bitter about the divorce.

There is some adventure/suspense in the form of local rabble rousers and a nice cast of supporting characters.

It was an enjoyable read, for the most part. Quite innocent compared to most romances today. There was little mention of sexual things and no sex scene as was common in the Signet Regencies.


What made this just a 'like' was the lack of grovel or a big reveal until the very end. The guilty party doesn't pay, or even make an appearance in the present.

I forgave the hero for being so impulsive. He was not presented as a bad guy or an alphhole, but rather a young nobleman who had let his questionable "friends" influence him more than they should. In the end, he decided to forgive Miranda for her indiscretion and take blame on himself since he was spending too much time at the clubs with these so-called friends instead of staying home with his wife. He wasn't smug. He didn't consider he was being magnanimous by wanting to re-marry the heroine. War and time had given him more maturity and perspective. Still..... It's grating when the wife is innocent. He believed her without question when she explained the truth and was overcome with guilt, but it was so late in the game by then. I wanted to see him work harder. I wanted to see him suffer. Yeah, yeah - he was injured in war, but it was his stupid ass decision to go to begin with. Plus, he had apparently not lacked for expensive mistresses abroad or at home while the heroine was nursing the sick in noble poverty. He even had a mistress when he first returned to England, shortly before seeing the heroine again. I require a bit more blood from the hero to balance the scales in these type of cases.

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than The Duke's Double and Once a Duchess which fail because of the OTT anachronisms regarding divorce in the Regency era. The author wisely skipped over what getting a divorce entails.

This started out gangbusters with a smart heroine with a spine of steel, a fleshed out and engaging plot moppet, a wily and supportive Aunt, and a less than hero. The one thing all three stories have in common besides divorce are what idiots the heroes are. This H is a little better than the others. He knows how to spell and feel humility.

The books starts out seven years after the divorce, and the wronged h and her nature loving son are living with the H’s aunt in Scotland. Auntie inherits a house near one of the H’s lesser estates and since they just know he won’t be there off they go. He’s there. There to check on a smuggling or something nefarious ring.

The H meets up with the fiery h and sees his son. He goes into guilt mode immediately and comes off as a nice guy if a little weak in the head from ever believing the h cheated on him.

All the deets on what happened to initiate the divorce are shoved off until the end. The h almost enters Mary Sue/Mother Teresa territory as she tends to the sick with herbs, but she’s feisty enough that it ends up adding more layers to her.

The almost crippled H bonds with his cute son, there are fistfights for the honor of the h, bad guys run amuck and all ends up with a HEA and a special license.

What was heading into a hardcore three stars gets derailed by what turns out to be a weak hero in the past, a serious lack of grovel, and ABSOLUTELY NO COMEUPPANCE to the evil doer who created this mess. He’s not even on page. And where the heck was the evil woman leering over the Marquess title if not the Marquess that always adds so much to a story? This heroine with her spine of steel would have slayed. I will say this, despite being a weak stinker in the past, the H is definitely guilt ridden over the h’s current status even before he learns all the truth. That said, his jump to get remarried without abject groveling was an author fail.

Characters are excellent done and three dimensional. Definitely will read more of this author.

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot can be deemed good, but the delivery/execution isn't particularly riveting.
After the initial setting out of storyline, nothing much happens in the middling chapters. A little more tension, angst or drama would have been welcome. But all we get is fillers and delaying tactics for page count.

Nice detailed reviews by Vintage, Cheesecake and KatieV. So I won't get into the details.
Just some notes on things that stand out.
I like the H a lot - in the present. He's a sorted, caring man matured by his years at war. But of course, he let her down badly, 7 years ago by trusting his villainous friend over his own wife. He was a young, impressionable man who so wanted to be the man and not be seen as tied to his wife's apron strings.
And she was too stiff-necked to even try and explain? Similarly, the h is a likable and straightforward character in the present.
The son is too sweet for words. As is the H's great-aunt who took in the desperate and destitute h. Nicely etched out characters.
I never like the usual action-mystery that is included to flesh up the plot. But here it serves to show his heroics as part of his redemption and grovel. (although I'd ave liked the original villain to be brought down as well. )

Lots of usual anachronisms especially the easy friendship on equal terms between the marquess H and his batman valet is simply implausible. But then, the mcs have to have a friend-ly character at hand to talk so here it's the valet, Sykes. And also grooms. Although truth be told, I really liked the characterization of Sykes, Angus and Jem.
Divorces took a long time in Regency England - a year or more at least and so the 'secret' son is not actually possible.
And she's a healer. Not sure where she learned the trade but herbal salves and tisanes are one thing and assessing war wounds, setting of ribs and surgical extracting of shrapnels quite another.
Another jarring note is that the story ends with the kid still calling him Major as no one enlightens him otherwise.

[Cheesecake · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging read that was hard to put down.

Julian is an idiot. He was an idiot but obviously he still is one as he has never asked Miranda for her side of the story. He just condemned her on the word of his 'friend'. Where is this bosom buddy? No idea. He never enters the story. That and the rather quick ending are my reasons for 3 stars.
Because I really did enjoy this author's writing style and plan to read more of her work despite the short ending.
Miranda has been barely making ends meet and only with the help of Julian's aunt, since he chucked her to the curb with no money and never looked back.
(I'm not going to get into the logistics of getting a divorce at that time in England... 'cause it's a fun plot device)
She is a strong character but not to the point of obstinacy or foolishness. She is willing to admit that her pride is more of a flaw than an admirable character trait.
Julian and Miranda wed when they were quite young. Six years later and she is only 25 and he is only a couple years older than that. So wed when they were young and foolish. Very foolish on his part.
He ran off to war after divorcing Miranda and returns with a lame leg.
Neither of them expects to see the other again and Miranda actively avoids that possibility.
But they do of course and his aunt lays into Julian but good! It was delicious!
I loved that Miranda was strong and not easily swayed and still righteously pissed at how he treated her.
Present day Julian is not a happy man. He has learned that life is hard and he feels closer to lower class people now than people of his own class.

Of course it is Justin, their 5 year old son, (with help from his aunt and valet) who brings them together and Julian begins to see that he is still very much in love with Miranda.
Throw in an evil rabble-rouser and some action towards the end and it was a fun satisfying read.

Safety is OK. there is a brief mention of an opera dancer mistress at the start and suggestion that there have been spanish 'ladies' as well while on the Peninsula. But we never meet them. Miranda of course has been celibate. So that was somewhat disappointing and I would have liked to see him apologize for it, even though I rarely get that satisfaction in historical harlequins. Miranda does not know the details except that he is much sought after by debutantes.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dramatic opening scene! God, I wish the author had drawn out the supposed adultery scene. This could have been incredibly tumultuous!
Ugh! The author seems to be content to just use surface writing. I can feel myself willing this book to be better.
Very choppy scene changes. One minute I'm with Julian then boom I'm with Miranda. I never was able to become engrossed or get to know characters because I was bounced around so much.
Julian going North to look for a French spy was totally irrelevant and tagged on. There was never any real explanation for this aspect of the story. I kept thinking "what the hell is going on?" Authors, the readers do have some intelligence and need somewhat believable reasons, which you, the author, then CONTINUE to write about for why the characters are doing the things they are doing and why they are at places they are at.
The ending was completely abrupt; Hey everyone is happy again! Whoo-hoo! No silly need to resolve the past. I mean Julian only DIVORCED Miranda (in the year 1801 mind you) thinking her a total slut, left her to be disowned by her family, thrown in the street, and to raise his child. Nope a simple "hey sweetheart I was young and lacked self-esteem" works for me!
The aspects of this story, husband thinks his wife cheated on him/divorces wife/husband spends seven years in army/wife if disowned by family/wife raises ex-husbands child, are so compelling but the author did a total whiff. There is no depth, feelings, or emotions truly expressed here in the writing. There were elements in this story to create one hell of a book but the author only managed to give us readers the surface. The two main characters, Julian and Miranda, for all their life drama are utterly forgettable because of the lack of insight, personality traits, or profundity to who these people are. Somebody please take this stories elements and do them justice. I wanted soooooo much more from this book!
This book wasn't a total fail and received a C- from me solely because there was so much promise to the actual backbone of the story and the hint, just a hint (insert disappointed sigh here) of utter complete heartbreak and redemption. Oh and it is a super fast read! So if you would like to be simultaneously hopeful and disappointed give this one a go.

C-

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewing the whole series at once (at least all but the last which are not free on Amazon prime). Decent. String female characters in interesting situations. Stories are all stand alones so there aren’t complex lists of characters to keep straight. Nice side characters—valets, servants, etc. Several of the titles include children which are very well-written and quite entertaining. I believe that several of this author’s other titles/series are bodice rippers. That wasn’t the case here, which I prefer. Still lots of chemistry between leads. Reputation here, however, in that most of the MMCs are reformed rakes. Meh. Hard to believe that actually happens.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seventh book in the Intrepid Heroes series was a heart-rending and well written clean second chance historical romance. It had a bit of drama, action, kidnapping, intrigue, a past misunderstanding, and strong emotional issues that kept me very engaged. I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout. The young boy and his love of nature were delightful. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!

[Krita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book overall. Thought she forgave him way too easily.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to rate this book better because it was engaging with generally likeable characters. However, there is a major problem with the plot premise of divorce in this book that is so ridiculous and hard to get over. Basically, our Major supposedly divorces his wife in Regency England, something that was vastly expensive, time-consuming and difficult to do. But we are supposed to believe that a relative nobody, young man at the time got a quickie divorce (so fast that his wife didn't even apparently start to show with her pregnancy before it happened!), and that he did so without any apparent regard to scandal or social effects. Then he just never once thought about his wife again and had no idea whether she lived, died or had any money or family to rely on. And this was all based on a friend telling a tale about his wife boinking someone else. And that "someone else" is not even named!! Meaning he never even seemed to have any curiosity who the mystery man was. Besides being beyond human nature to have no curiosity in that respect, you would need to name the co-respondent (i.e. the cuckolding guy) in a divorce case to get a divorce. But details, schmetails, amirite? Ugh.

This book could have been so much better if the author had simply made the Major abandon Lady Miranda instead of divorce her. It would have been more historically accurate AND it would have also made the character motivations so much more believable. Then, maybe it would make sense that Miranda was prideful and wouldn't defend herself against the lies being spread about her (that's a BIG maybe). But to allow a divorce without telling her side? To willingly allow her unborn child to become a bastard in this era without speaking up??

And there is also the big problem that the entire conflict of the book is brushed off and resolved in a couple of sentences. The Major learns the truth eventually that he wronged his wife terribly but it was NO BIG DEAL in the end. Miranda just lets the whole thing slide. No agonizing over his mistake by the Major. No intense groveling. No recriminations by Miranda for his betrayal. Nothing. I'm sorry but these characters are not real to me.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this beautifully crafted tale, pride and insecurity drive a painful separation, while maturity and life experience pave the way for reconciliation. The story of Lady Miranda Grosvenor and Julian, the Marquess of Sterling is a touching exploration of love lost and found, brimming with heartfelt emotion and richly developed characters.

Seven years prior, Miranda was unjustly cast aside by her husband, Julian, due to a vicious lie. She has since lived in seclusion with her young son and his formidable aunt. When he returns from the Peninsular War, wounded and tasked with investigating local unrest, fate brings him face-to-face with Miranda—and the shocking discovery that he is a father.

Forced to collaborate for the sake of their son, Miranda and Julian confront old wounds, rekindled passions, and a dangerous enemy threatening their fragile peace. The emotional journey they embark upon is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, as two damaged souls navigate the complexities of forgiveness and rediscovered love.

I enjoy Pickens writing style, drawing readers into the depths of Miranda and Julian’s tumultuous relationship. While some may feel there could have been more detail about their initial separation earlier in the story, and that Julian finds forgiveness too easily, these aspects did not diminish my enjoyment. Julian’s youthful pride, insecurity, and naivety led to his poor decisions, but his genuine growth and remorse make his redemption believable. His love for his son and newfound respect for Miranda highlight his transformation from a young, flawed man to someone capable of acknowledging his mistakes and striving to make amends.

The lack of communication between Miranda and Julian was evident, emphasizing the tragic consequences of unspoken truths. However, it is Julian’s sincere kindness and matured perspective that ultimately won me over. His journey from immaturity to self-awareness is both relatable and compelling.

The emotional tension between Miranda and Julian is gripping, enriched by elements of intrigue, romance, and personal redemption. Their path to healing feels authentic and heartfelt. This story touched my heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Slwd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Major and the Lady

“The Major’s Mistake”, written by Andrea Pickens, is book seven of Intrepid Heroines. Miranda, the lead female in the story does fit this description after she was scandalously divorced by her husband. She endeavors to take care of her son the best she can, she doctors neighbors, employees, and tenants with her knowledge, skill, herbs, and potions. She’s smart and likable. I like an older, strong female lead and Miranda fits this bill. Julian, her former husband, has returned, severely injured, from war to take up his mantle as a marquess. What did he have going for him? He wanted to get to know his son and promised as a gentleman not to take him away from Miranda. He did have some compassion beneath his soldier’s armor. Unfortunately, the backstory of this couple and the cause of their divorce was glossed over. The story mainly focuses on the reconnection of Julian and Miranda. I’m not sure exactly what I expected from this historical romance. Although, I did expect more heat and steam between them. Where was the fire, the passion? Julian and Miranda are older now, but at times they didn’t act like it. The bridge between them was their son, Justin, who was a cute, precocious, active six year old Julian had never met prior to this time. He wasn’t even aware of any offspring from his marriage to Miranda. What a surprise for him! Justin brought them together time and time again. They were forced to be civil for Justin’s sake. The angst in the story involved unrest in the area of Julian’s estate. This added some depth to the story. The story went along at a good pace until the end, then events moved too quickly. It seemed as though the author was in a hurry to conclude her tale instead of adding a few more chapters to conclude the story in a more meaningful, satisfying way. It was difficult for me to give this story a star rating. I have read and enjoyed so many of Ms. Pickens’ stories. Sadly, I just felt this one was lacking. There is a good premise here, but it needs a lot more work to make it a cohesive, satisfying story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating tale of Mrs. Miranda Ransford having been divorced by her husband Julian Grosvenor now the Marquess of Sterling for over seven years, and unknown to him raising his now six year old son Justin while living with his Aunt Sophia Thornton after Miranda was disowned by her parents because of the scandalous divorce. A divorce in which Miranda was claimed to have been unfaithful being accused by one of Julian’s friends. She’s struggled to live but has given all she has to make sure Justin has what he has needed in all physical, educational and especially loving aspects while she has made herself welcomed and needed in their small village as a healer. But after seven years of living secluded in Scotland, the family is moving to Lady Sophia’s family manor in the Lake District which lies next door to one of Julian’s lesser manors so surely Miranda will not have to see him there. Julian has returned from serving in the Peninsula a wounded man bearing a horrendous scar across his chest and a leg injury that resulted in a limp and horrible pain, now disenchanted with the London scene he’s taken an assignment with the Home Office which coincides with his decision to visit his manor in the Lake District. And to his surprise the first day out on a ride he encounters Miranda and the next day he learns the secret she’s withheld from him. But will he believe the truth this time, will she be able to overcome her hurt?
A lovely page-turner with many likable characters, a bit of danger and a second chance story that’s heart wrenching in the beginning but ends well. The secondary characters in the book add quite a bit to the book and you will absolutely love little Justin, a little boy all the way seeking adventure and mischief amongst the outdoors. I truly admired how Miranda handled herself in every situation in this book, she was much stronger than I believe I could have been on more than one occasion. Julian, unfortunately had been misguided years ago, but he truly redeemed himself with Miranda and his relationship with Justin was so endearing to watch play out. A delightful addition to the marvelous Intrepid Heroines series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must start this review by saying I have read 130 books so far this year. Almost all of then I enjoyed and may read again. But this book, I could not put it down, read late into the night and grabbed it first think the next morning. I had to know what was going to happen. I would give it six stars if I could. I have read four of the books in this series and they were great. But this one will have you sucked in from the start. The Marquess of Sterling, Justin was just a young man when he married, he was running around with a wild group and listened to lies about his young pretty wife made by someone he thought was a friend. Acting on his hurt he divorced her which was never done back then. Then he left for the war. Now seven years later he is about to have the shock of his life. He takes a mission to check on the unrest around one of his estates. The last person he expects to run into is his ex-wife! His Aunt Sophia who helped raised him, has inherited her childhood home which is next door to his estate. She took Miranda in after her family and society threw her out with nothing! Justin being young and hurt never thought to check to see what happened to her. He can’t believe she is dress like a servant, in old worn clothes. The biggest surprise is he has a son! Six-year-old Julian who looks just like him. He was badly wounded in the war and crippled. Oh, there is so much anger, sorrow, guilt and pain that these two must face finally. All while Justin tries to spend time with his son and working on the mission too. So much drama for this couple. There is a cast of characters that make the story even better. His valet, Sykes who was with Julian in the war and is so much more. Aunt Sophia and her household, Molly the maid, along with Angus and Jem the stable help and bodyguards for Miranda and Julian. Also, Zeus the war horse who is loved and worshiped by a young boy who loves all animals, yup even frogs! There are tons of mystery, suspense and danger too. Be sure and not miss this story. All the books in this series can be read as stand alone. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[ayiruh · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book just wasn’t the vibe, it was quick and consuming. the secondary characters were interesting to read about, especially the kids fascination with animals.

i hated the hero, he wasn’t a bad guy but how gullible would a grown married man have to be to take his friend on a single word and blindly believe him. there was not an actual compromising situation, the h was found in a disheveled state in a room which was left some time back by another gentleman. now, that is a little sus but oh my gad, like give her a chance to explain and trust her.

the bad guy that resulted in the divorce tells h here that your husband might have a mistress and the h is immediately like you are lying. BUT THE HERO JUST SHUTS UP AND IS ALL YOU BETRAYED ME, UGH, AGONY.

there were also a little hint of some problems between them which were never mentioned afterwards, it was just assumed that the hero was a slight fool who matured a lot after war. which might be true but i think people shouldn’t get married if you can’t even trust your partner in the first place.

then at the present time, H here has a mistress in the start who was mentioned once but never again. so we don’t really know if he severed ties (he prolly did but it wasn’t said so) and he was not celibate during their time apart, there were also rumors about him going to supposedly propose to another woman which wasn’t explained by the hero why so many people strongly believed that.

now, i am hating on the hero just for the sake of it but i felt very very sorry for the heroine and it just made me angry that she forgave him so quickly. it took a few weeks and very little grovel for her to forgive him. i could never.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have Julian Grosvenor, Marquess of Sterling also a Major in her majesty military! Julian is wounded and restless he has also divorced his wife and never inquired of her well-being! Yes he was young and foolish and was surrounded by Toadying other Lords!
I tried to like him but not really! His restlessness has him taking a mission for the crown! Miranda has reinvented herself as Mrs. Ransford so her child will not be branded a bastard!
Julian and Miranda were young but they were well matched socially! Julian’s actions were of a spoilt young Lord and he was but to not have faith in the woman you wed! Julian’s injures are given him difficulty but Miranda’s herbal knowledge easiest his physical pains but not his heart!
But the mission Julian was given strikes close to home and these miscreants have nothing to loose! When Miranda is kidnapped Julian swings into action to finally be the man he became on times of war! But can the pain he caused be eradicated now in the present? Julian was rash and foolish and much improved but can he ever make up for it? Can Miranda forgive all of his exploits as he was not faithful to her at all! Bravo.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really started out as a strong story.. and I thoroughly enjoyed it but the ending was a tad bit flat..

Julian and Miranda are both divorced from each other because of a big misunderstanding from his youth and she isn't just someone who is going to be charmed by him the second time around just because they have a son that he knew nothing about for years.. after all he did throw her to the wolves.. and she was cast aside by everyone including her own family the only person who didn't turn their back on her is his aunt..

Julian had no idea he would even cross paths with his ex wife much less what she had been through.. and he has no idea what to do to make it up to her and their son.. but he also has a mission to stop an uprising in the area.. and he is determined to be in his son's life..

Will they be able to set their own personal differences aside for their son? And will they find their way back to each other in the midst of danger?

The thing that fell flat for me was the ending.. I was hoping for more context into how he came about his injuries and then the suspense I'm used to from this author was just missing at the end.. other than that.. this book really was good..

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Julian Grosvenor foolishly took the word of another spoiled young lord and divorced his wife, Miranda was cast aside by family and society, and unbeknownst to him, carrying his child. He never thought to check on her well-being. The now Marquess of Sterling has left the military due to a severe injury. Restless, he takes on a mission for the crown. When he arrives at his small estate to begin the mission, he discovers that his aunt has taken up residence in her childhood home nearby. When he visits, he unexpectedly finds Miranda, and Justin, her son. She wants nothing to do with him, but she won’t keep Justin from him. The more time he spends around Miranda, the more he wonders about his actions in the past. This one tugs your heart in some places and annoys you in others. Julian doesn’t know what he wants, and Miranda knows it isn’t her. Aunt Sophia, Sykes, Angus, and Molly and an energetic six-year- old aren’t quite sure. The mission and his personal life clash when Miranda is kidnapped. Can he take down the villain and save her? Is there a happy future for their little family?
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sad story, one in which pride and stubbornness paved the way for heartbreak and the destruction of a good relationship. How is it that one can believe the lies of a friend and ignore the qualities of a person closest to you? Fortunately for Miranda, her ex-husband's aunt saw through the deception and made a place in her home for Miranda and her young son. When the Major visits his estate to investigate the unrest in the area, he is shocked to find that Miranda is living with his aunt, but he is even more surprised to see the lad who looks exactly like him at her side. Miranda is cautious about allowing the Major to get too close to her son, but realizes that she cannot prevent him from getting to know Justin. With the help of his aunt, the terms are set. When danger visits Miranda, the Major does not hesitate to go to her rescue, bringing the criminals to account, but that still does not solve the problem of Miranda's guarded heart. Finally, when the truth is revealed, the plot comes to a sweet, albeit somewhat rushed, conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Oliver Heber Books and BookSprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it too late for a second chance?
Miranda lives in the ban of society in very reduced circumstances. She only has her young son and the protection of an aunt by marriage. Her husband has divorced her based on a lie propagated by one of his ‘friends’. When he returns wounded from the Peninsular War, he retires to the country accepting a mission for the Home Office, not knowing that his aunt inherited the neighbouring estate. He soon discovers that the young boy on his aunt’s estate is his son. But then the questions begin to haunt him: how, when, why didn’t she say anything, was he too gullible to believe the lies seven years ago? Is there any chance to reconcile? Can his mission endanger his son and Miranda?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started out not liking the hero as he took his “friend’s” word for what his wife had been supposedly doing and never really confronted her. He divorced her and joined the army without any backward glances and several mistresses. His ex was left pregnant and in poverty, but helped out by his aunt. The heroine nurses the sick while she raises her son. They meet again and the hero is overcome with guilt upon meeting his son. Slowly the feelings come back. I felt that the hero got off a little too easy and nothing was said about what the penalty for his “friend” was. I liked the aunt who stood up for the heroine all through the bad and good times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Giulia Vasquez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good starting point, but the author seemed to be scared of getting into the actual plot and necessary development that would make it better
What happened to the heroine was just hinted at
Considering her circumstances this needed much more angst to be credible

The author literally preferred to write a kidnapping and almost murder scene instead of just developing what the story already had

Lots of chapters seemed to be missing or cut
Specially with the abrupt ending


The hero never really took accountability
Just repeated a couple of times that it must have been a rou time for her

The kind of book that makes me wonder where the editor was
Or why the author seems scared or lazy to actually write the plot and chooses to hide behind kidnapping tropes....

[Josee A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful love story of Miranda & Julian. I loved both characters and how Pickens created this world that made me feel like I was a part of it. I disliked Julian at first but he definitely redeemed himself. Miranda is a strong woman who has known unspeakable hardships. While they learn to find themselves and face the past head on, they learn that their love has never died. The side characters were wonderful as well and they really added a lot to the story. I would have liked to have a longer "ending" because it just felt that there wasn't enough closure and it felt rushed. However, all in all, I loved it!

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance

This is a sweet second chance romance between a young mother with a six y/o son and her former husband who fought in the Peninsula. He has just returned from war and uninterested in entering in the marriage mart of the ton. Although the characters were solid and the plot intriguing, I was annoyed not knowing the reason for their divorce, which the author explained in the final pages. This romance between Julian and Miranda in this novella is not as commanding as the other novels that I have read by this author.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Sewanee Kracalik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the storyline even though in that time period the whole thing wasn’t really plausible. The characters were well fleshed out. The Present day Hero has evolved and is very likable , but his immaturity and lack of trust originally is what started the whole situation. The heroine has to go through many trials and with great fortitude, maturity, and humility, but some of that hard earned humility could’ve also nipped the original problem in the bud. Of course, then there would not have been this enchanting story. I received this on BookSprout and I’m gladly volunteering this review and I’d gladly read this Author again.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda is so strong. Full of pride and independence. She has healing skills that are better than a doctor's of that time. Courage and determination. She's learnt from her past mistakes and is a better person for it. Julian made his share of mistakes, and then the army made him into a better person. He's got the strength of character to see his mistakes and take ownership of them, and then do his best to put things right. All the characters in this book form the story so well, I am living it with them.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical romance is set seven years after Lady Miranda Grosvenor was cast off by her husband, Julian Grosvenor, the Marquess of Sterling. Their paths cross again when he investigates a plot and discovers he has a son, Justin. The story is a compelling read, filled with drama, suspense, twists, and romance, as they navigate their past for a second chance.
The cover art and the story are captivating. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a very unusual plot. Divorced nobility who find each other again. There is also intrigue, a young boy, and lots of animals.

The Major divorced his wife after being told she had cuckoled him. She is discarded by society and finds her way to a relative to live her life. Only unexpected circumstances bring them together again.

Both are strong characters and the cast of characters surrounding them are very intriguing. I would really like a story featuring Angus!

A fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda is an amazingly strong woman who was shunned and divorced by her husband on the word of his friend. Fast forward seven years when Sterling returns from the army and encounters her.
He never realized she was impoverished and living with his aunt.
Miranda is struggling to raise their son, a son he never knew about.
Good storyline, great characterization of Miranda and her strengths with her circumstances.
Takes too long for Sterling to get on board with facts and reconcile his issues.
Did enjoy, just wished for a better man.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[BURMA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bien escrita. Nos habla su autora de un error de juventud del protagonista que duda de la inocencia de su esposa y la abandona a su suerte. Una premisa muy interesante (especialmente dado que me encantan las novelas con reencuentro) pero debo decir que las relaciones entre los tres personajes protagonistas me han parecido muy frías. O transmitidas con frialdad. Una buena historia que se deja leer bien pero que no consigue crear una emoción sostenida más que en momentos puntuales.

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to agree with the other reviewers. This book sorely lacked groveling by the hero who is fully to blame for all the hate and hurt. Miranda was beautiful inside and out and carried herself with so my dignity, and her son was proof of her character.

I loved their aunt, she offers comfort without being preachy and was respectful but supporting Miranda's wishes.

It's a decent read, but the hero was too terrible for me to like it.