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House of Oak #2
Divine
Time is a vast cosmic sea, where each life exists as rippling circles on its surface, past and future being eternally present. And occasionally, one expanding ring tangles with that of another, linking two lives together even though separated by centuries...
Georgiana Knight--born in the nineteenth century, but now living in 2013--has certain standards when it comes to mysteries: they must involve blood curdling threats, late-night rendezvous and the terror of Imminent Danger. So far, her current mystery has been a terrible disappointment. No ghosts, no dastardly villains, not even an actual murder weapon. Just a suspicious symbol, a drawing of a bloody dagger, and an old love letter. Though the centuries-old love letter is written in her own handwriting, so that's something, right? And there is a time portal in her cellar. Should she risk giving up hot showers and return to the past to discover the mysterious stranger who inspired (will inspire?) her passionate letter?
In 1813, Sebastian Carew has his own mystery to solve. As a teenager, he fell madly in love with his childhood friend, Georgiana. Ten years later, he returns from fighting abroad as an eligible man of fortune who must marry. And soon. He is determined to fend off fortune-hunting women, find Georgiana and win her affections. However, she has utterly vanished. Can he divine the truth of her disappearance and convince her to marry him before time runs out?
Georgiana Knight--born in the nineteenth century, but now living in 2013--has certain standards when it comes to mysteries: they must involve blood curdling threats, late-night rendezvous and the terror of Imminent Danger. So far, her current mystery has been a terrible disappointment. No ghosts, no dastardly villains, not even an actual murder weapon. Just a suspicious symbol, a drawing of a bloody dagger, and an old love letter. Though the centuries-old love letter is written in her own handwriting, so that's something, right? And there is a time portal in her cellar. Should she risk giving up hot showers and return to the past to discover the mysterious stranger who inspired (will inspire?) her passionate letter?
In 1813, Sebastian Carew has his own mystery to solve. As a teenager, he fell madly in love with his childhood friend, Georgiana. Ten years later, he returns from fighting abroad as an eligible man of fortune who must marry. And soon. He is determined to fend off fortune-hunting women, find Georgiana and win her affections. However, she has utterly vanished. Can he divine the truth of her disappearance and convince her to marry him before time runs out?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
351 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
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June 18, 2017
My husband and I each read
Intertwine
(the first book in the House of Oak series) and really enjoyed it. (See my review here.) I’ve been looking forward to reading the sequel, and unsurprisingly, I was sucked in once again! Note to readers wary of time travel stories: this book is light on the time travel, so it may be worth trying anyway!
Divine (2014, Fiorenza Publishing), second in the House of Oak series by Nichole Van, is a time travel romance set mostly in the years 1813 and 2013 in England. The novel is a standalone story, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping book one. There is a very clear continuity between books one and two, and if book one is skipped, some things may be confusing to the reader.
Rating: 4 stars
The heroine: Miss Georgiana Elizabeth Augusta Knight is the sister of James Knight from book one. She is known for her “wool-gathering” yet has a radiant persona. “Miss Georgianna Knight would take sunshine wherever she went. Bestowing her cheerful, unspoiled nature on any and every person who crossed her path.” Unsurprisingly, during her three seasons in London, she received several proposals of marriage. But she did not accept any of them.
The hero: Sebastain Carew is Georgie’s “oldest friend.” He “thoroughly lost his heart years ago” to her when they were both children. “When they had been Seb and Georgie. Georgie and Seb. Living in each other’s pockets, finishing each other’s sentences. When he had surrendered himself to her, heart and soul.”
Christian elements: This book is not Christian fiction, and there are very few spiritual references.
“He wasn’t sure he believed in signs, divine or otherwise. And if there were some divine angel, it would be a decidedly ironic one with a wicked sense of humor.”
“It was like God had sent me another brother.”
Is it clean/chaste? Yes… But it’s also a bit steamy with lots of kissing past a certain point in the story. A bit much for my tastes.
What I liked:
*Again, Nichole Van offers a few nods to Austen in this work.
***Georgiana’s full name is entirely made up of the names of Jane Austen characters.
***Georgiana’s character really puts me in mind of Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey. I am certain this must be intentional, and I think it was really well done.
*In the story, there are several gooseberry organizations promoting the cultivation of larger and better berries. I was flabbergasted to learn in the author’s notes that this portion of the story was absolutely grounded in truth. Wow! Parts of this book are humorous - more than I remember the first book being, but a Catherine Morland-type character probably lent itself to that - and I thought the gooseberry fanaticism was merely part of the humor.
*The best thing, though, is that I feel that the time travelling was absolutely plausible. Well done, Ms. Van!
What I didn’t like:
*There is something that occurs near the end of the book which I believe really should have been explained. Without that explanation, the plausibility of the story is weakened.
*The word filial is used incorrectly a few times, which was surprising since the writing was great. The author was using it to mean brotherly (or sisterly).
*For me this is a dislike - the language is not what is considered to be period. However, this is a deliberate choice on the part of the author, and I think it’s a legitimate one.
***********
The bottom line: This is a light time travel/Regency romance with a bit of a contemporary feel. I recommend this book to Regency fans who would find the juxtaposition to 2013 to be interesting. I look forward to reading more by this author, and plan to read book #3 - Clandestine .
Divine (2014, Fiorenza Publishing), second in the House of Oak series by Nichole Van, is a time travel romance set mostly in the years 1813 and 2013 in England. The novel is a standalone story, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping book one. There is a very clear continuity between books one and two, and if book one is skipped, some things may be confusing to the reader.
Rating: 4 stars
The heroine: Miss Georgiana Elizabeth Augusta Knight is the sister of James Knight from book one. She is known for her “wool-gathering” yet has a radiant persona. “Miss Georgianna Knight would take sunshine wherever she went. Bestowing her cheerful, unspoiled nature on any and every person who crossed her path.” Unsurprisingly, during her three seasons in London, she received several proposals of marriage. But she did not accept any of them.
The hero: Sebastain Carew is Georgie’s “oldest friend.” He “thoroughly lost his heart years ago” to her when they were both children. “When they had been Seb and Georgie. Georgie and Seb. Living in each other’s pockets, finishing each other’s sentences. When he had surrendered himself to her, heart and soul.”
Christian elements: This book is not Christian fiction, and there are very few spiritual references.
“He wasn’t sure he believed in signs, divine or otherwise. And if there were some divine angel, it would be a decidedly ironic one with a wicked sense of humor.”
“It was like God had sent me another brother.”
Is it clean/chaste? Yes… But it’s also a bit steamy with lots of kissing past a certain point in the story. A bit much for my tastes.
What I liked:
*Again, Nichole Van offers a few nods to Austen in this work.
***Georgiana’s full name is entirely made up of the names of Jane Austen characters.
***Georgiana’s character really puts me in mind of Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey. I am certain this must be intentional, and I think it was really well done.
*In the story, there are several gooseberry organizations promoting the cultivation of larger and better berries. I was flabbergasted to learn in the author’s notes that this portion of the story was absolutely grounded in truth. Wow! Parts of this book are humorous - more than I remember the first book being, but a Catherine Morland-type character probably lent itself to that - and I thought the gooseberry fanaticism was merely part of the humor.
*The best thing, though, is that I feel that the time travelling was absolutely plausible. Well done, Ms. Van!
What I didn’t like:
*There is something that occurs near the end of the book which I believe really should have been explained. Without that explanation, the plausibility of the story is weakened.
*The word filial is used incorrectly a few times, which was surprising since the writing was great. The author was using it to mean brotherly (or sisterly).
*For me this is a dislike - the language is not what is considered to be period. However, this is a deliberate choice on the part of the author, and I think it’s a legitimate one.
***********
The bottom line: This is a light time travel/Regency romance with a bit of a contemporary feel. I recommend this book to Regency fans who would find the juxtaposition to 2013 to be interesting. I look forward to reading more by this author, and plan to read book #3 - Clandestine .
January 12, 2018
Nichole Van,
I think I might just be your biggest fan...like EVER! How, oh how do you do it? You create amazing stories with characters who are perfectly imperfect and perfectly flawed. You put them through struggles and trials, you give them joy and redemption, you show their hearts to perfection. You allow them a true, deep and abiding love to build and grow from friendship to lasting, forever, perfect love. Happy and deeply contented sigh. How can I not sigh? This book was, summed up in one ward...Divine! The title fits the story perfectly. Sebastian and Georgiana, oh I love them. The humor and wit you flawlessly deliver to readers leaves them coming back for more. How can I not laugh and love these characters who know their heart's desire and don't let anything sway them away from achieving it! Long after I close the pages of this book (or turn off my ebook), these characters and their story will resonate within my heart and mind. Thank you for a wonderful time immersed in the lives of the characters of not only this book but all of your books.
Hugs,
Your biggest fan (like) EVER!!!!!! <33333333333
Content: Clean. Swoony kisses for sure! Anyone looking for great humor, beautiful and clean romance, grab these books and devour them, savor them (or do both)!!!!
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
I think I might just be your biggest fan...like EVER! How, oh how do you do it? You create amazing stories with characters who are perfectly imperfect and perfectly flawed. You put them through struggles and trials, you give them joy and redemption, you show their hearts to perfection. You allow them a true, deep and abiding love to build and grow from friendship to lasting, forever, perfect love. Happy and deeply contented sigh. How can I not sigh? This book was, summed up in one ward...Divine! The title fits the story perfectly. Sebastian and Georgiana, oh I love them. The humor and wit you flawlessly deliver to readers leaves them coming back for more. How can I not laugh and love these characters who know their heart's desire and don't let anything sway them away from achieving it! Long after I close the pages of this book (or turn off my ebook), these characters and their story will resonate within my heart and mind. Thank you for a wonderful time immersed in the lives of the characters of not only this book but all of your books.
Hugs,
Your biggest fan (like) EVER!!!!!! <33333333333
Content: Clean. Swoony kisses for sure! Anyone looking for great humor, beautiful and clean romance, grab these books and devour them, savor them (or do both)!!!!
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
December 5, 2017
1.5 stars.
This one definitely isn’t as good as the first book of the series. For one thing, now that the time portal has been revealed in this series, it's become a bit of a contrived plot device. Not enough angst? Insert some time twisty detail here. Don't know what to do? Escape through the time portal. Time travel has always been a problematic genre for me, and this book was no different. The author either tries to explain it using logical sounding arguments, or makes no attempt to defend its existence, rendering it utterly unbelievable and completely ridiculous.
Aside from my obvious issues with the premise of the series, I still decided to continue on with the series. The first book was such a pleasant surprise and I wanted to know if the trend continued on. Needless to say, this one was a big disappointment. The biggest reason that I couldn't enjoy this story was the h. She was a self absorbed ninny. Everything was about her. Her feelings, her boyfriend, her life in 2013, her life in 1813, what she wanted to do, etc. You get the idea. She never once considered what anyone was feeling until about the 70% mark. I️ wish the H were in love with someone else.
Plus she was not smart (a euphemism for something else decidedly not kind sounding).
I wish I liked this one more. I still appreciated how clean the story was and the fact that the H was a good guy, but I wasn't engaged in this story. The h ruined it for me.
This one definitely isn’t as good as the first book of the series. For one thing, now that the time portal has been revealed in this series, it's become a bit of a contrived plot device. Not enough angst? Insert some time twisty detail here. Don't know what to do? Escape through the time portal. Time travel has always been a problematic genre for me, and this book was no different. The author either tries to explain it using logical sounding arguments, or makes no attempt to defend its existence, rendering it utterly unbelievable and completely ridiculous.
Aside from my obvious issues with the premise of the series, I still decided to continue on with the series. The first book was such a pleasant surprise and I wanted to know if the trend continued on. Needless to say, this one was a big disappointment. The biggest reason that I couldn't enjoy this story was the h. She was a self absorbed ninny. Everything was about her. Her feelings, her boyfriend, her life in 2013, her life in 1813, what she wanted to do, etc. You get the idea. She never once considered what anyone was feeling until about the 70% mark. I️ wish the H were in love with someone else.
Plus she was not smart (a euphemism for something else decidedly not kind sounding).
I wish I liked this one more. I still appreciated how clean the story was and the fact that the H was a good guy, but I wasn't engaged in this story. The h ruined it for me.
July 29, 2017
Another great one in the series. I loved how Georgiana and Sebastian finally came together in the end.
February 19, 2018
These books are so much fun! I enjoy reading them so much. So many funny scenes and surprises. Van always surprises me with her different books. Everything is always new and fun. I so enjoyed this 2nd book and a continuation of this family. Georgies story was great. I love a good time travel clean romance and you add Regency England in there and I am totally sold. The ended just kept making me laugh it was so well done. These are clean with some great kisses! Lots of good emotion and passion:}
May 20, 2016
I may be a touch obsessed with Nichole Van right now. This is book two in this series and I have the next two books just waiting for me. My obsession started after I read Gladly Beyond, which comes after this series but has nothing to do with it. :)
I love the characters in these books. I feel like I'm living in their worlds with them, a part of them. It's so easy to visualize the places and people like a fantastic movie in my head. The chemistry between Seb and Georgie is yummy. I love when they start a kissin'. :) I love Seb's determination and his hope. I can't wait to dive into the next book!
This book has some steamy kissing but nothing more as far as sexual content. There is some mild swearing.
I love the characters in these books. I feel like I'm living in their worlds with them, a part of them. It's so easy to visualize the places and people like a fantastic movie in my head. The chemistry between Seb and Georgie is yummy. I love when they start a kissin'. :) I love Seb's determination and his hope. I can't wait to dive into the next book!
This book has some steamy kissing but nothing more as far as sexual content. There is some mild swearing.
September 9, 2025
This is the second book in the House of Oak series. I highly recommend reading these in order. The first one explains much about the basic premise of what unfolds in this one.
I don't know how Nichole Van does it! Her mind must be a brilliant place to reside.
This story amazed me. How does she keep all the pieces straight and then weave them together so beautifully? I'm truly speechless. I love this series.
Again the audiobook narrator is fantastic, especially at putting the exact inflection to Nichole Van's writing. I loved it!
I don't know how Nichole Van does it! Her mind must be a brilliant place to reside.
This story amazed me. How does she keep all the pieces straight and then weave them together so beautifully? I'm truly speechless. I love this series.
Again the audiobook narrator is fantastic, especially at putting the exact inflection to Nichole Van's writing. I loved it!
May 26, 2016
Not as good as the first one IMHO. Or perhaps it might be more accurate to say that it was very different from the first one, and I was mistakenly expecting it to be similar and was disappointed.
This was still a very good book, but I personally do not care for so much angst in my romances. It was too frustrating for me how the heroine did not fall in love with the hero until nearly the very end. This made the entire story irritating. Especially because the hero was just so beautiful and perfect. He never lost hope and continually persued the heroine even when things looked so bleak. I am happy to say at least we get the HEA and ILY's.
This story had a bit of a mystery in it and I did enjoy it. I personally did not find it predictable and was surprised at some of the twists. (it also could be that I'm not too swift at figuring these things out like others lol).
I lowered the two stars for the angst and for the heroine. I really didn't like her. I couldn't identify with her. She was too impulsive and acted too irrationally many times. I know this was the intention of the author, because the hero was equally annoyed with the heroine's actions but I still feel that no rational person would do some of the things she did. I just didn't buy it.
I am not sure if I will continue the series. As of now I am putting it aside for awhile to consider.
Safety Issues:
No OW
No Cheating/Straying
No violence
No cursing
No rape
Hero's past experience not mentioned at all.
No loving scenes.. just kissing
May 23, 2019
Fun. That's what this book was. And funny. The one-liners were hysterical. I really enjoy Nichole Van's writing. She's so creative. I mean, naming a character Shatner because his parents were Star Trek fans. So funny.
2013 - After being brought 200 years in the future through a basement portal to heal her tuberculosis, Georgie settled nicely in the 21st century. I mean: Showers! Electronic gadgets! Miracle working medicine! Comfortable clothing! Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes! But when a letter written in 1813 in her own writing shows up in the mail in 2013... Georgie can't ignore the challenge to return and solve a mystery that could be life altering. So, armed with as many modern conveniences she could manage (including night vision goggles), she sets off to her home in England 200 years in the past.
1813 - Having finished years of duty to the king as a soldier, Sebastian returns to an inheritance, a title, and now with something to finally offer, he has the ability to win Georgie's hand, only she seems to have disappeared. He must marry by his birthday to inherit the estate and position, and the only woman he could ever consider spending his life with is the one woman he's thought of everyday for years.
The escapades both Georgie and Sebastian go through once she's found are hysterical. Someone is sending threatening notes and Georgie lets Sebastian in on it.
But to her, Sebastian is a childhood friend, more of a brother than anything, someone to kid with, but never to love!. To him, Georgie is his heart, his very life. What can he do to convince her to marry him?
To be honest, I wondered how Ms. Van could change things up enough from the first book to make the time-travel a bit more unique in this second book, but I have to say, she did it! From the first few lines to the end I was trying to figure out how this would work out. It also ended far different from what I expected. Bravo!
4.25 for the story. Down .75 stars for language and super steamy kissing scenes... but on the whole, in the world's standards for a secular book... it was super clean.
2013 - After being brought 200 years in the future through a basement portal to heal her tuberculosis, Georgie settled nicely in the 21st century. I mean: Showers! Electronic gadgets! Miracle working medicine! Comfortable clothing! Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes! But when a letter written in 1813 in her own writing shows up in the mail in 2013... Georgie can't ignore the challenge to return and solve a mystery that could be life altering. So, armed with as many modern conveniences she could manage (including night vision goggles), she sets off to her home in England 200 years in the past.
1813 - Having finished years of duty to the king as a soldier, Sebastian returns to an inheritance, a title, and now with something to finally offer, he has the ability to win Georgie's hand, only she seems to have disappeared. He must marry by his birthday to inherit the estate and position, and the only woman he could ever consider spending his life with is the one woman he's thought of everyday for years.
The escapades both Georgie and Sebastian go through once she's found are hysterical. Someone is sending threatening notes and Georgie lets Sebastian in on it.
But to her, Sebastian is a childhood friend, more of a brother than anything, someone to kid with, but never to love!. To him, Georgie is his heart, his very life. What can he do to convince her to marry him?
To be honest, I wondered how Ms. Van could change things up enough from the first book to make the time-travel a bit more unique in this second book, but I have to say, she did it! From the first few lines to the end I was trying to figure out how this would work out. It also ended far different from what I expected. Bravo!
4.25 for the story. Down .75 stars for language and super steamy kissing scenes... but on the whole, in the world's standards for a secular book... it was super clean.
March 13, 2017
The second in the House of Oak series, this book takes on the story of Georgiana Knight, James' younger sister who almost dies of consumption in the first story. Living in 2013, and trying to navigate the modern world, Georgiana receives a letter in the mail that she wrote in 1813 - but to have written the letter, it means she needs to return to the past.
Sebastian has been in love with Georgiana Knight since he saw her for the first time when they were children, but being poor and with no real prospects for the future, he has let his dreaming of pursuing her fade. After many years in the Army, his fortunes change and he goes in search of her only to discover that no one knows where she is. That is, until she mysteriously reappears.
I really loved this book. I really liked the first one in the series, but there was something special about Sebastian's character that really drew me in. And I loved watching Georgiana's feelings toward him grow and change throughout the story. And I really loved Georgiana's character as well, how she adjusted to her new life, and balanced it with the world she had been raised with. Also, to me, the romance in this one was better than the first book, especially from Sebastian's perspective.
Sebastian has been in love with Georgiana Knight since he saw her for the first time when they were children, but being poor and with no real prospects for the future, he has let his dreaming of pursuing her fade. After many years in the Army, his fortunes change and he goes in search of her only to discover that no one knows where she is. That is, until she mysteriously reappears.
I really loved this book. I really liked the first one in the series, but there was something special about Sebastian's character that really drew me in. And I loved watching Georgiana's feelings toward him grow and change throughout the story. And I really loved Georgiana's character as well, how she adjusted to her new life, and balanced it with the world she had been raised with. Also, to me, the romance in this one was better than the first book, especially from Sebastian's perspective.
April 2, 2015
Nothing more than kisses, and yet this was one of the steamiest books I've ever read!
The passion in this book is so incredibly powerful that my heart is still racing. I didn't read Book 1 in the series, but it didn't affect my enjoyment at all. After "The End," I immediately dashed over to Amazon and purchased Book 1. If it's even half as good, it will be money well-spent.
I loved the heroine's zest for life, and love of a good mystery. Admittedly, I wanted to slap some sense into her. Not only did it take her forever to truly "see" Sebastian, but seriously, why would you take a cellphone and a tablet back to the 1800's? They'd be of little use. I would have brought back a trunk full of antibiotics. Oh, and chocolate. It's not like she didn't know what it would be like since she was originally from that era. "Obstetrics for Dummies" would have made a great addition to the trunk as well. The heroine was a bit of a ditz, but a loveable one.
Now for the hero... I can describe him in one word: Yummy! His feelings ran so deep, and were everlasting.
I did figure out who the villain was right away, but then I always do.
I'm giving this book 5 stars because Amazon won't let me go any higher.
The passion in this book is so incredibly powerful that my heart is still racing. I didn't read Book 1 in the series, but it didn't affect my enjoyment at all. After "The End," I immediately dashed over to Amazon and purchased Book 1. If it's even half as good, it will be money well-spent.
I loved the heroine's zest for life, and love of a good mystery. Admittedly, I wanted to slap some sense into her. Not only did it take her forever to truly "see" Sebastian, but seriously, why would you take a cellphone and a tablet back to the 1800's? They'd be of little use. I would have brought back a trunk full of antibiotics. Oh, and chocolate. It's not like she didn't know what it would be like since she was originally from that era. "Obstetrics for Dummies" would have made a great addition to the trunk as well. The heroine was a bit of a ditz, but a loveable one.
Now for the hero... I can describe him in one word: Yummy! His feelings ran so deep, and were everlasting.
I did figure out who the villain was right away, but then I always do.
I'm giving this book 5 stars because Amazon won't let me go any higher.
April 3, 2015
Every once in a while, you come across a book that has all the elements you love, and it's like finding a lost friend. Someone who you laugh with, cry with, and who (if you're lucky enough) makes your toes curl. This book did all that and more.
Nichole Van is an amazing story-teller. She weaves both the past and the modern into her stories in such a way that you feel right at home with the characters. Her characters are vivid, their emotions felt in such a way that you feel their aches and joys and embarrassing blunders.
Finally, I cannot remember, in the thousands of books I've read in my life-time, ever rooting for a hero more. In fact, I would cheerfully have been ready to throttle the heroine if she didn't put Sebastian out of his stark misery and fall in love with him. On a side note, it really makes you think about those you love. How MUCH do you really know them. DO you know the color their toes turn when they're cold, or the exact pitch of their laugh? The details in this story are simply incredible, and tomorrow, when I'm not so bone-tired, I intend on consuming book one in this amazing series.
Five stars for an amazing story of intrigue, romance, time-travel, and a sheer joyous reading.
Nichole Van is an amazing story-teller. She weaves both the past and the modern into her stories in such a way that you feel right at home with the characters. Her characters are vivid, their emotions felt in such a way that you feel their aches and joys and embarrassing blunders.
Finally, I cannot remember, in the thousands of books I've read in my life-time, ever rooting for a hero more. In fact, I would cheerfully have been ready to throttle the heroine if she didn't put Sebastian out of his stark misery and fall in love with him. On a side note, it really makes you think about those you love. How MUCH do you really know them. DO you know the color their toes turn when they're cold, or the exact pitch of their laugh? The details in this story are simply incredible, and tomorrow, when I'm not so bone-tired, I intend on consuming book one in this amazing series.
Five stars for an amazing story of intrigue, romance, time-travel, and a sheer joyous reading.
September 14, 2021
So much fun!
I read this book out of order and now I’m ready to read the first book and ALL the rest from this series. Not the usual regency and that’s okay! Nicole is a queen of romance and emotion. I really enjoyed this one!
I read this book out of order and now I’m ready to read the first book and ALL the rest from this series. Not the usual regency and that’s okay! Nicole is a queen of romance and emotion. I really enjoyed this one!
April 23, 2016
I love this series and I love this author!
This is a "kisses only" romance.
This is a "kisses only" romance.
May 29, 2018
I’ve raced through these books in this time-travel series. They’re so awesome. This is Georgiana’s story. She’s James’s sister from book 1. In this one, she is in modern time (2013) when she receives a letter from the past. A letter from herself to a mysterious man (whose moth-eaten name is lost to time) she must adore going by the gushy words and phrases in it. Feeling torn because she doesn’t want to leave James to go back to the past, she nevertheless goes back eventually because she is drawn to a good mystery and must solve this one. And if she finds a man she adores like the letter suggests, so much the better. Maybe. Possibly. She doesn’t know what to think…or believe.
When she returns to 1813, she runs into her old childhood friend, Sebastian, right away. He has been desperately in love with her since he first met her as a young teen, but had his social status always working against him, keeping her from seeing him as anyone other than a brotherly, good-natured figure. But his circumstances have changed, and so has his hope of winning Georgiana’s hand in marriage (which he must do in a time crunch or lose a bunch of money from his newly inherited estate.
Gah! This book! It’s incredible. Full of mysteries Georgie loves and tons of heart-tugging going on from unrequited love on Sebastian’s part. Can these two ever figure out how perfectly they match up, or will the future present and tomorrow’s reality, not to mention prize-winning gooseberries, thwart all their best efforts? I refuse to tell you. But know that this romance is both toe-curling and toe-warming. I am so excited to read the other two in this series.
When she returns to 1813, she runs into her old childhood friend, Sebastian, right away. He has been desperately in love with her since he first met her as a young teen, but had his social status always working against him, keeping her from seeing him as anyone other than a brotherly, good-natured figure. But his circumstances have changed, and so has his hope of winning Georgiana’s hand in marriage (which he must do in a time crunch or lose a bunch of money from his newly inherited estate.
Gah! This book! It’s incredible. Full of mysteries Georgie loves and tons of heart-tugging going on from unrequited love on Sebastian’s part. Can these two ever figure out how perfectly they match up, or will the future present and tomorrow’s reality, not to mention prize-winning gooseberries, thwart all their best efforts? I refuse to tell you. But know that this romance is both toe-curling and toe-warming. I am so excited to read the other two in this series.
July 24, 2022
Another delicious time travel regency romance from Nichole Van!
When a strange letter draws Georgianna back to 1813, she doesn't expect to run into her longtime friend Sebastian. Or for him to propose marriage. The longer she stays in the past, the more determined she becomes to solve a dangerous mystery and convince Sebastian they are only friends...until she has to start convincing herself of the same thing.
My favorite part of unrequited love stories is when the other person realizes their feelings and oh, my, when Georgianna finally figures out her feelings for Sebastian! He is such a patient man and definitely tops the swoony charts.
The captivating romance, crazy plot twists (I swear my jaw hit the floor more than once) and a suspenseful mystery meant that the pages practically turned themselves. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite time slip series! 4.5 stars
When a strange letter draws Georgianna back to 1813, she doesn't expect to run into her longtime friend Sebastian. Or for him to propose marriage. The longer she stays in the past, the more determined she becomes to solve a dangerous mystery and convince Sebastian they are only friends...until she has to start convincing herself of the same thing.
My favorite part of unrequited love stories is when the other person realizes their feelings and oh, my, when Georgianna finally figures out her feelings for Sebastian! He is such a patient man and definitely tops the swoony charts.
The captivating romance, crazy plot twists (I swear my jaw hit the floor more than once) and a suspenseful mystery meant that the pages practically turned themselves. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite time slip series! 4.5 stars
February 25, 2020
Loved this one!
I think I might like this book more than the first in the series, and that’s really saying something since I loved “Intertwine”. Seeing characters from the previous book and meeting new ones was great. I adored Georgiana and thought Sebastian was such a great swoony hero. The elements of time travel brought such unique situations and added some mystery and excitement, and I honestly was very surprised at the twists and turns the story took. The clean romance was toe-curling and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on.
I think I might like this book more than the first in the series, and that’s really saying something since I loved “Intertwine”. Seeing characters from the previous book and meeting new ones was great. I adored Georgiana and thought Sebastian was such a great swoony hero. The elements of time travel brought such unique situations and added some mystery and excitement, and I honestly was very surprised at the twists and turns the story took. The clean romance was toe-curling and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this book took me on.
September 8, 2025
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It was absolutely amazing. From the very beginning I could not put it down. And then the twists started hitting and suddenly I couldn’t devour it fast enough!
January 31, 2018
Lovely
A delightful, fun regency genre read. Clean, intriguing and lovely. I was unsure at first if I would like this one after reading (dashing through, really. I couldn't put it down!) the first (Intertwine) in the series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
A delightful, fun regency genre read. Clean, intriguing and lovely. I was unsure at first if I would like this one after reading (dashing through, really. I couldn't put it down!) the first (Intertwine) in the series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
April 2, 2020
As good or better than #1!
Really enjoyed this book, it was extremely well written and even had a good twist to the storyline! Loved the ending too!
Really enjoyed this book, it was extremely well written and even had a good twist to the storyline! Loved the ending too!
June 17, 2021
I love the first book and James and Emme—but now I’m torn because I love Sebastian and Georgie!!! Love this series!!!
March 4, 2018
(Insert major swoon worthy sigh here) My goodness!!! I didn’t know if anything could beat the first House of Oak book, but Divine definitely stole my heart. Sebastian was a perfectly wonderful regency hero and Georgiana was splendidly spunky. I adored their story and how it weaves in 1813 and 2013. Absolutely beautiful!
April 4, 2015
Title: Divine
Author: Nichole Van
Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Release Date: November 24, 2014
Rating: 4
HEA:
This is the second book in the House of Oak series. It is about James' sister Georgiana Knight. Georgie loves a good mystery. So when she gets a letter in 2012 written in her handwriting professing her love to someone in 1813 she has to find out why she wrote it and for who.
Sebastian fell in love with Georgie when he was a teenager. But being the poor vicar's son nothing could ever come of it. Now years later he is an earl and is determined to find Georgie and finally be with her.
I didn't like this book as much as the first but it was still really good. The mystery of the Zeus symbol was intriguing. I love the mystery of what is going to happen that is in this series. A lot of the same questions I had in the first book were in this one as well. Are they going to find out who Zeus is? Are they going to stay together? Will they live in 2013 or 1813? Is there a way for Sebastian to leave his responsibilities? Can Georgie leave her brother in another century? And so much more.
Georgie was a pretty good character but sometimes she was a little too obsessed with solving mysteries for me. I'm not sure what it was exactly but sometimes it was just a little too much. Sebastian was great also. I didn't really have any problems with him. Sometimes it was frustrating having him not just tell Georgie his feelings and that she was misunderstanding what he was saying. But it all ended up working well in the end. They were great together as a couple and I was so excited when Georgie was starting to see Sebastian as more than just in a brotherly way. Nothing ever went past kissing and yet their relationship was still powerful. It felt bigger than all of books that I have read that rely on sex for the story.
Although the first book was my favorite I am still looking forward to the next two books. I am excited to find out how the books are going to end up!
Author: Nichole Van
Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Release Date: November 24, 2014
Rating: 4
HEA:
This is the second book in the House of Oak series. It is about James' sister Georgiana Knight. Georgie loves a good mystery. So when she gets a letter in 2012 written in her handwriting professing her love to someone in 1813 she has to find out why she wrote it and for who.
Sebastian fell in love with Georgie when he was a teenager. But being the poor vicar's son nothing could ever come of it. Now years later he is an earl and is determined to find Georgie and finally be with her.
I didn't like this book as much as the first but it was still really good. The mystery of the Zeus symbol was intriguing. I love the mystery of what is going to happen that is in this series. A lot of the same questions I had in the first book were in this one as well. Are they going to find out who Zeus is? Are they going to stay together? Will they live in 2013 or 1813? Is there a way for Sebastian to leave his responsibilities? Can Georgie leave her brother in another century? And so much more.
Georgie was a pretty good character but sometimes she was a little too obsessed with solving mysteries for me. I'm not sure what it was exactly but sometimes it was just a little too much. Sebastian was great also. I didn't really have any problems with him. Sometimes it was frustrating having him not just tell Georgie his feelings and that she was misunderstanding what he was saying. But it all ended up working well in the end. They were great together as a couple and I was so excited when Georgie was starting to see Sebastian as more than just in a brotherly way. Nothing ever went past kissing and yet their relationship was still powerful. It felt bigger than all of books that I have read that rely on sex for the story.
Although the first book was my favorite I am still looking forward to the next two books. I am excited to find out how the books are going to end up!
July 16, 2025
Third reading and I am giving it 5 stars because this time I enjoyed it so much more. I love how Georgiana and Sebastian get to know each other as adults and then fall in love with their new selves…does that make sense. Sebastian fell in love with Georgiana the minute he saw her. He has held her up like a guiding star his whole life. When he suddenly inherits the an earldom he realizes now he can ask her to marry him. But the Georgiana he knew long ago is not the same Georgiana! And I love it! He was a soldier and is not the same Sebastian. So through some funny mishaps and some forced proximity they get to know each other as they are now and of course it’s even better than they expected! I didn’t see all of that on my first reads of this book! The sword fighting scene with Shatner is one of my favorite scenes! 😆
just re-read this and I enjoyed it so much more the second time! Georgiana and Sebastian are such likable characters and serious Nichole Van just cracks me up!
I Want to give this one 3.5 stars! I liked it as much as the first one! But I didn't find myself laughing as much in this one as I did the first one! Still very very enjoyable and if you love all things cheesy and regency romance then you will love this book!
just re-read this and I enjoyed it so much more the second time! Georgiana and Sebastian are such likable characters and serious Nichole Van just cracks me up!
I Want to give this one 3.5 stars! I liked it as much as the first one! But I didn't find myself laughing as much in this one as I did the first one! Still very very enjoyable and if you love all things cheesy and regency romance then you will love this book!
February 17, 2016
I was smitten with Georgiana from book 1- Intertwine. I easily adored her and how she quickly became Emme’s friend and so intrigued by her ‘sick’ situation. Once I started I was in love with Sebastian and Georgiana but as they were separated and then came back it wasn’t the same magic. This being an old world type read and being so excited for Georgiana finding her melty love I was ready to be emotionally invested but like the first there wasn’t much falling in love that I expected. I think the reason I cared more for the first was the newness of the time travel. If this was more like Sebastian and Georgiana in the beginning, easy and pure and sweet, I would have easily bonded with this book. The beginning and after the 60% mark is where I found myself smiling and relished in their fall. I only wish it would have been throughout the book more. But the tug of war Georgiana had with Sebastian and her brother, past to present how Sebastian truly loved her I LOVE THAT PART. It made me happy.
May 20, 2025
GREAT AUDIO.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I have suddenly made it a quest of mine to read Nichole Van’s backlist so here we are! I liked this one quite a bit and thought the audio production was great.
The time travel worked well for me (and I’m usually meh about it) and I loved that Sebastian fell first and that man fell hard.
Georgiana, the FMC, bugged me a bit though. She was incredibly stubborn about Sebastian. The ignorance was astounding and her odd thrill of wanting things to be “dangerous” wasn’t working well for me either. When Georgiana finally allowed things to click I enjoyed her more and I got to see the great chemistry between her and Sebastian in full.
It was a good book, definitely plan to continue the series!
Overall audience notes:
- Time Travel Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I have suddenly made it a quest of mine to read Nichole Van’s backlist so here we are! I liked this one quite a bit and thought the audio production was great.
The time travel worked well for me (and I’m usually meh about it) and I loved that Sebastian fell first and that man fell hard.
Georgiana, the FMC, bugged me a bit though. She was incredibly stubborn about Sebastian. The ignorance was astounding and her odd thrill of wanting things to be “dangerous” wasn’t working well for me either. When Georgiana finally allowed things to click I enjoyed her more and I got to see the great chemistry between her and Sebastian in full.
It was a good book, definitely plan to continue the series!
Overall audience notes:
- Time Travel Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
March 29, 2016
Georgie's a scream. It was fun sticking with her through offbeat antics like going back to 1830 with jeans, a motorcycle jacket, a watch cap, tablet, smartphone (with solar chargers) and night vision goggles. Oh, and later, mace and a taser. This one had a mystery and moved quickly from page one. Lots of fun here - and I think she made the right choice in the end.
One caveat: Shatner, the 2013 boyfriend, has on his forearm the Mark of Zeus and cries to Georgiana that "they" will kill him but that goes nowhere. In 1813 Georgiana dismantles that criminal group so why would her 2013 boyfriend have the mark of a supposedly long-dead criminal organization (from 200 years ago)? And who are "they"? This was never explained so unless it's dealt with at some point in the final two books... You feel me?
At any rate, I'm hooked. On to Clandestine...
One caveat: Shatner, the 2013 boyfriend, has on his forearm the Mark of Zeus and cries to Georgiana that "they" will kill him but that goes nowhere. In 1813 Georgiana dismantles that criminal group so why would her 2013 boyfriend have the mark of a supposedly long-dead criminal organization (from 200 years ago)? And who are "they"? This was never explained so unless it's dealt with at some point in the final two books... You feel me?
At any rate, I'm hooked. On to Clandestine...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2014
I can't say enough about this series. Georgiana was such a lovable and relatable heroine (her obsession with Benedict Cumberbatch is my favorite). Her love for Sebastian developed in such an authentic fashion I was just waiting for her to realize how she was feeling. While the time travel aspect was hard to get on board with at first, I felt like it worked really well in the overall plot development. And the mystery was a fun diversion from the romance. All in all this was the perfect way to spend my day off!
April 13, 2015
Sweet love story in two centuries
The time travel piece of this book intrigued me from the start. I'm a fan of historical romance so I wanted to see if the author could write an authentic time period piece while also making it relevant in the 21st century. Well? She did! And I respect that it wasn't over the top sweet - Georgie and Seb disagree and approach life differently - but in the end it all ties together nicely. I read this book first and now will return to read the first in the series.
The time travel piece of this book intrigued me from the start. I'm a fan of historical romance so I wanted to see if the author could write an authentic time period piece while also making it relevant in the 21st century. Well? She did! And I respect that it wasn't over the top sweet - Georgie and Seb disagree and approach life differently - but in the end it all ties together nicely. I read this book first and now will return to read the first in the series.
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