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Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu #2
Two Paths
Strong women - dashing men; intrigue, love, and danger. Two Paths has it all!
J.G. MacLeod's historical-romance series, The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu, is sure to capture the hearts and minds of readers looking for memorable characters set in the breathtaking landscape of Ireland, as well as in Canada, in the nineteenth-century.
Two Paths, the second book in the series, tells the story of nineteen-year-old Ellen Montagu as she attempts to adjust to life in County Galway after spending several months on the Aran Islands. She is burdened by secrets, including her feelings for Grady, that haunt her every day. J.G. MacLeod tells the tale of an intelligent, beautiful, and artistically-gifted young woman who faces new challenges with courage.
Set in 1840s Ireland, Two Paths describes the impact of the potato famine on each of the characters in the story. Lady Ellen must make an enormous decision that affects not only her own life, but the lives of everyone she loves.
If you like romance, Irish travel, and history, than this is the series for you. The unforgettable characters will tug at your heart strings and leave you wanting to read the next novel in the series.
J.G. MacLeod's historical-romance series, The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu, is sure to capture the hearts and minds of readers looking for memorable characters set in the breathtaking landscape of Ireland, as well as in Canada, in the nineteenth-century.
Two Paths, the second book in the series, tells the story of nineteen-year-old Ellen Montagu as she attempts to adjust to life in County Galway after spending several months on the Aran Islands. She is burdened by secrets, including her feelings for Grady, that haunt her every day. J.G. MacLeod tells the tale of an intelligent, beautiful, and artistically-gifted young woman who faces new challenges with courage.
Set in 1840s Ireland, Two Paths describes the impact of the potato famine on each of the characters in the story. Lady Ellen must make an enormous decision that affects not only her own life, but the lives of everyone she loves.
If you like romance, Irish travel, and history, than this is the series for you. The unforgettable characters will tug at your heart strings and leave you wanting to read the next novel in the series.
Paperback
First published November 12, 2018
15 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
J.G. MacLeod
9 books164 followersJ.G. MacLeod is an award-winning, Canadian author who earned a university degree in Honors English and history with a focus on 19th-century British studies. Her novel, Lady Ellen, which is set in Ireland in the 1840s, won the 2018 Breakthrough Novel Award for Historical Fiction, and a Readers' Favorite Book Award (2019). https://mybook.to/LadyEllenBoxset The Future Bride & The Past Love were both named 'Finalist' in the Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards for 'Romance' (2020 & 2021). https://mybook.to/MacLeodTimeTravelRom
J.G. MacLeod also possesses a university degree in Education with twenty-two years of teaching experience, including creative writing, English literature, literary theory, psychology, and counselling. Her novel Abalone won the 2018 Online Book Club Book of the Year Award for 'Other Fiction', & is a gritty, psychological novel for readers who loved Gone Girl, Safe Haven, & The Lucky One. https://mybook.to/Abalone
J.G. has been writing extensively for years, everything from essays, to short fiction, novels, and biographies. She is a proud supporter of the online Writing Community and has several gigs on Fiverr, including professional book marketing for X (Twitter), proofreading, and beta reading.
J.G. has three young children and resides in southwestern Ontario where she enjoys cottage country, hiking, gardening, and photography.
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/jgmacleodauthor
Author Website
https://www.jgmacleod.com/
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-G.-M...
Blog
https://www.jgmacleod.com/blog
Fiverr
https://www.fiverr.com/jgmacleod?up_r...
J.G. MacLeod also possesses a university degree in Education with twenty-two years of teaching experience, including creative writing, English literature, literary theory, psychology, and counselling. Her novel Abalone won the 2018 Online Book Club Book of the Year Award for 'Other Fiction', & is a gritty, psychological novel for readers who loved Gone Girl, Safe Haven, & The Lucky One. https://mybook.to/Abalone
J.G. has been writing extensively for years, everything from essays, to short fiction, novels, and biographies. She is a proud supporter of the online Writing Community and has several gigs on Fiverr, including professional book marketing for X (Twitter), proofreading, and beta reading.
J.G. has three young children and resides in southwestern Ontario where she enjoys cottage country, hiking, gardening, and photography.
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/jgmacleodauthor
Author Website
https://www.jgmacleod.com/
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-G.-M...
Blog
https://www.jgmacleod.com/blog
Fiverr
https://www.fiverr.com/jgmacleod?up_r...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 4, 2019
'Lady Ellen' and 'Two Paths' are the first two books of J.G. MacLeod's historical-romance series relating the life and adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu, a young aristocratic woman whose life was turned upside down when she refused to marry a man she didn't love and fled.
Although it takes place in the 1840s, Ellen Montagu embodies the modern woman: she's both very feminine and a woman of character; she's passionate, clever, sweet and energetic. That is what makes her so endearing to the reader. I personally felt very close to her!
However, this does not prevent the reader to feel completely engulfed, enamoured and enchanted by the charm of Victorian era. This is due to the literary quality of the writing, and to the very nature of the story which is much much more than a romantic story! Indeed, the Adventures of Ellen Montagu provide a sharp analysis of the Victorian society.
Therefore, in my humble opinion, J.G. MacLeod stands comparison with classical writers such as Jane Austen or Charlotte Brontë. I loved every page, every sentence; I shared Ellen's emotions; I suffered and loved with her... and now, I'm desperately waiting for the third book in Ellen Montagu's series!
Yes! It is definitely a five star!
Although it takes place in the 1840s, Ellen Montagu embodies the modern woman: she's both very feminine and a woman of character; she's passionate, clever, sweet and energetic. That is what makes her so endearing to the reader. I personally felt very close to her!
However, this does not prevent the reader to feel completely engulfed, enamoured and enchanted by the charm of Victorian era. This is due to the literary quality of the writing, and to the very nature of the story which is much much more than a romantic story! Indeed, the Adventures of Ellen Montagu provide a sharp analysis of the Victorian society.
Therefore, in my humble opinion, J.G. MacLeod stands comparison with classical writers such as Jane Austen or Charlotte Brontë. I loved every page, every sentence; I shared Ellen's emotions; I suffered and loved with her... and now, I'm desperately waiting for the third book in Ellen Montagu's series!
Yes! It is definitely a five star!
May 11, 2020
After reading Lady Ellen: The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu by Author J.G. MacLeod, the first installment in this romantic historical trilogy, I couldn't wait to read Book 2 in this series. https://www.amazon.com/review/R3BI43H...
Two Paths is the continuation of Lady Ellen's captivating story. Thinking Cormac is dead, she marries Grady and falls madly in love with him. In this second novel when she discovers otherwise, she is torn between her first love and commitment of marriage to Cormac and her deep feelings for her husband Grady. Although, she is pregnant with Grady's child, she decides to leave him and keep her word to marry Cormac. To say the least, Grady is heartbroken and Lady Ellen continues to be torn between her two lovers. Many times, she waffles back and forth between her desire to be with both until she makes her final decision...
Two Paths is a wonderful historical romance novel that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I very much look forward to reading Book 3 in this enchanting saga.
Inspirational Author ~ Dolores Ayotte
https://www.amazon.com/Dolores-Ayotte...
Two Paths is the continuation of Lady Ellen's captivating story. Thinking Cormac is dead, she marries Grady and falls madly in love with him. In this second novel when she discovers otherwise, she is torn between her first love and commitment of marriage to Cormac and her deep feelings for her husband Grady. Although, she is pregnant with Grady's child, she decides to leave him and keep her word to marry Cormac. To say the least, Grady is heartbroken and Lady Ellen continues to be torn between her two lovers. Many times, she waffles back and forth between her desire to be with both until she makes her final decision...
Two Paths is a wonderful historical romance novel that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I very much look forward to reading Book 3 in this enchanting saga.
Inspirational Author ~ Dolores Ayotte
https://www.amazon.com/Dolores-Ayotte...
August 10, 2019
Lady Ellen has left Grady behind,but,she carries a part of him always! I found this tale of woe, tragic circumstances, hidden truths,half truths, and everything in between,along with the painful realities of what a new life during a famine ravished Ireland entails for our heroine thrilling,sad,humorous,and thought provoking! 18 and Lady Ellen has already lived a full life! Moreover, JG’s use of language, the mastery of descriptions,her knowledge of,not only the time period,but of the historical nuances,expectations/consequences of being a ‘lady’ during 19th century society is quite skillfully told.Sometimes,choices are made for us-but,be that as it may,Lady Ellen is not one who is neither weak of heart or will. Couple this with everything else that is going on around her, Grady weaving in and out of her mind,she is,by no means to be taken as a mailable teenager!No spoilers!!Another absolutely fantastic,pull at your heart strings,page turning read by this crafty,brilliant author!!
May 9, 2022
“Two Paths” is the second book of the historical romance trilogy “The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu” by J.G. MacLeod. I have read all three books, and I can say that Lady Ellen is one of those book characters that become iconic, impersonating the traits of not only one person but of the whole class.
After her adventures on Inis Mor, the remote island to where her father, Duke of Manchester sent her because she had disobeyed him, in “Two Paths” Lady Ellen is back in the environment she is used to. She lives in luxury, her every need is taken care of by numerous servants, and her fiancé Lord Ardilaun is more than willing to do anything to make her feel happy.
But Lady Ellen can’t relax and enjoy this peaceful life. She has brought secrets from Inis Mor, and at least one of them she can’t hide forever.
I liked that the author has managed to capture the ambiguity of human feelings. It might seem that we always know what we would do in different situations. But in reality, we often don’t have a clue about our own actions. After reading “Lady Ellen”, the first book of the trilogy, a reader might get the impression that Lady Ellen shouldn’t have acted as she did. Still, if you dig deeper, and consider all the circumstances – first of all, the role of women in the 19th century in society – her choices become clearer.
“Two Paths” is set during the harsh times of potato famine in Ireland. The story illuminates the universal truth: any event, no matter how vast its impact on a country in general, impacts its people differently. Those who had little, suffer the most, while money provides the rich with protection against “life storms”.
There are more steamy scenes in this book than in books one and three of the trilogy, and there is a warning about it in the foreword.
After her adventures on Inis Mor, the remote island to where her father, Duke of Manchester sent her because she had disobeyed him, in “Two Paths” Lady Ellen is back in the environment she is used to. She lives in luxury, her every need is taken care of by numerous servants, and her fiancé Lord Ardilaun is more than willing to do anything to make her feel happy.
But Lady Ellen can’t relax and enjoy this peaceful life. She has brought secrets from Inis Mor, and at least one of them she can’t hide forever.
I liked that the author has managed to capture the ambiguity of human feelings. It might seem that we always know what we would do in different situations. But in reality, we often don’t have a clue about our own actions. After reading “Lady Ellen”, the first book of the trilogy, a reader might get the impression that Lady Ellen shouldn’t have acted as she did. Still, if you dig deeper, and consider all the circumstances – first of all, the role of women in the 19th century in society – her choices become clearer.
“Two Paths” is set during the harsh times of potato famine in Ireland. The story illuminates the universal truth: any event, no matter how vast its impact on a country in general, impacts its people differently. Those who had little, suffer the most, while money provides the rich with protection against “life storms”.
There are more steamy scenes in this book than in books one and three of the trilogy, and there is a warning about it in the foreword.
September 27, 2020
Another gripping, emotional five star read!
I was interrupted midway through this mesmerizing, lovingly frustrating tale by virtual schooling of my son. However, I jumped back with gusto. I never leave spoilers in a review, but I will say I have a love/hate relationship with both Lady Ellen and Cormac. The author does an exemplary job of making both of them so real. One minute I sympathize with them, and moments later, I'm gritting my teeth in frustration. This is hands down the best love triangle trope I've ever read and has evoked so many emotions.
This is truly a rollercoaster ride you don't want to miss! I will say my heart has broken on so many occasions for Grady, and he has earned my respect. I'm rooting for him because I can't imagine the pain he feels. I say this because he has proven gracious and unselfish on many occasions.
Love makes us all foolish and selfish at times, but he loves Lady Ellen enough to let her go basically. I feel for Lady Ellen, who is in love with two men, yet I want to shake her at times. She is kindness personified, and overall a wonderful woman who was thrust into a horrible situation- several in fact.
I'm left anxiously wanting and absolutely needing to read the third book! Again, bravo, J.G. MacLeod, on another brilliantly written book. You have quickly become one of my new favorite authors!
I was interrupted midway through this mesmerizing, lovingly frustrating tale by virtual schooling of my son. However, I jumped back with gusto. I never leave spoilers in a review, but I will say I have a love/hate relationship with both Lady Ellen and Cormac. The author does an exemplary job of making both of them so real. One minute I sympathize with them, and moments later, I'm gritting my teeth in frustration. This is hands down the best love triangle trope I've ever read and has evoked so many emotions.
This is truly a rollercoaster ride you don't want to miss! I will say my heart has broken on so many occasions for Grady, and he has earned my respect. I'm rooting for him because I can't imagine the pain he feels. I say this because he has proven gracious and unselfish on many occasions.
Love makes us all foolish and selfish at times, but he loves Lady Ellen enough to let her go basically. I feel for Lady Ellen, who is in love with two men, yet I want to shake her at times. She is kindness personified, and overall a wonderful woman who was thrust into a horrible situation- several in fact.
I'm left anxiously wanting and absolutely needing to read the third book! Again, bravo, J.G. MacLeod, on another brilliantly written book. You have quickly become one of my new favorite authors!
July 17, 2020
Historical romance
This is a wonderful historical romance. Lots of intrigue and interesting twists. The history was accurate for the point in time, and I think this story is telling of the potato famine, at least the start of that famine that lasted several years. Scary times for so many. All historical pieces are top notch. I love Ireland and I love having Irish blood running through my veins. I'm not sure where the author is taking this story as far as D'Arcy kissing Lady Ellen's cheek near the end. Lady Ellen should have been written in as Lady and not miss throughout. I'm giving this book five stars for creativity, but as an FYI: the book needs a good edit job.
This is a wonderful historical romance. Lots of intrigue and interesting twists. The history was accurate for the point in time, and I think this story is telling of the potato famine, at least the start of that famine that lasted several years. Scary times for so many. All historical pieces are top notch. I love Ireland and I love having Irish blood running through my veins. I'm not sure where the author is taking this story as far as D'Arcy kissing Lady Ellen's cheek near the end. Lady Ellen should have been written in as Lady and not miss throughout. I'm giving this book five stars for creativity, but as an FYI: the book needs a good edit job.
September 15, 2024
Incredible Series!
I was unable to get any work done while reading this series! I literally read all three books in less than a week! The writing was captivating, the characters mesmerizing, and the story-line completely unpredictable! A winning combination in my humble opinion! I will definitely be reading all other books by this truly talented author!
I was unable to get any work done while reading this series! I literally read all three books in less than a week! The writing was captivating, the characters mesmerizing, and the story-line completely unpredictable! A winning combination in my humble opinion! I will definitely be reading all other books by this truly talented author!
August 24, 2020
‘Two Paths’ picks up the story of lady Ellen from the first book and takes her into the arms of her former lover and fiancé who returns after three months, almost from his grave, and is eager to marry his beloved who has been taken by another person Grady aka Lord Dunkellin; the eternal triangle refuses to melt, as Ellen is torn between two men, one with whom she is married and the other who loves her. Cormac was her first choice but after marrying Grady, why would she choose to leave her husband? Though she rejects Grady’s love yet visits him secretly, grieves for him and is terrified when questioned by Cormac. Tormented by guilt and regret, she admits her folly and promises her loyalty to her fiancé.
It is surprising that lady Ellen who was outspoken and opinionated in the first book, who could take her own decisions and refused to be pushed around by men has become so weak that she is unable to disclose the realities of her life. Like a pendulum, her emotions swing from one side to another; she allows two men to take control of her life and her indecisiveness is shocking. Cormac’s kindness and forgiving nature makes her demanding and obdurate. If you like a steamy romance, with too many explicit sex scenes, you would like this book. I had to hold one star, as the book requires another round of editing to refine some words and expressions.
It is surprising that lady Ellen who was outspoken and opinionated in the first book, who could take her own decisions and refused to be pushed around by men has become so weak that she is unable to disclose the realities of her life. Like a pendulum, her emotions swing from one side to another; she allows two men to take control of her life and her indecisiveness is shocking. Cormac’s kindness and forgiving nature makes her demanding and obdurate. If you like a steamy romance, with too many explicit sex scenes, you would like this book. I had to hold one star, as the book requires another round of editing to refine some words and expressions.
November 2, 2025
Two Paths, the second installment in The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montague by J.G. MacLeod, was an absolute joy to read. After finishing Lady Ellen, the first book in the series, I was eager to discover what would happen next to this remarkable young woman - someone who had already endured so much hardship and yet remained as true to herself as possible within the constraints of her time. Ellen, still not yet twenty, finds herself pregnant, though not by the man she has promised to marry. She must not only face the inevitable revelation of this secret but also grapple with her divided heart: she loves two men, feels bound to one, and terribly guilty about the other. Both men swing between anger and tenderness toward her, leaving her more conflicted than ever. And as a young woman living in 19th-century Ireland, Ellen is expected to conform to strict societal norms - yet she cannot help but speak her mind. Against a backdrop of famine, social constraint, and personal loss, she navigates love, trauma, adventure, and pregnancy, all while holding fast to her integrity and her kind heart.
The author has created in Ellen a complex and captivating character - at once feisty and vulnerable. Her inexperience often forces her to rely on what the men around her insist is “the right way” to live, but still she refuses to be silenced, and I love that about her. Every character in this series is crafted with remarkable depth - shaped by past experiences that clearly influence who they are, and defined by distinct traits that make them feel not like fictional creations but living, breathing people. As always, J.G. MacLeod’s scenic descriptions are breathtaking, her plot dramatic, and the historical detail woven into the narrative both fascinating and beautiful. Ellen’s inner turmoil and conflicted emotions are rendered in beautiful prose, making her journey all the more powerful. I cannot recommend this book - and this series - highly enough.
The author has created in Ellen a complex and captivating character - at once feisty and vulnerable. Her inexperience often forces her to rely on what the men around her insist is “the right way” to live, but still she refuses to be silenced, and I love that about her. Every character in this series is crafted with remarkable depth - shaped by past experiences that clearly influence who they are, and defined by distinct traits that make them feel not like fictional creations but living, breathing people. As always, J.G. MacLeod’s scenic descriptions are breathtaking, her plot dramatic, and the historical detail woven into the narrative both fascinating and beautiful. Ellen’s inner turmoil and conflicted emotions are rendered in beautiful prose, making her journey all the more powerful. I cannot recommend this book - and this series - highly enough.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews