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When Two Rivers Meet
A Clean Romance
Almost four years after coming out into society as an accomplished young woman, Miss Lilyanna Crosgrove has become tired with her way of life at Heatherhill, the stately home she lives in right outside of Bath. Her mother decides what Lilyanna does and whom she speaks with each day. And when Lilyanna comes to discover what she wishes for most in life, as well as in a future companion, her desires remain unheard.
One evening, however, Lilyanna's life promises to change forever when Mr. Elijah Bainbridge, a man as caring as he is handsome, asks her for a dance. Through various assemblies and balls, entertaining dinner parties, and horse rides across the green countryside, their attraction to each other grows. Their relationship does not come without difficulty, however, as outside forces, including an unrelenting suitor and a secret from Elijah's past, will stop at nothing to keep the couple apart.
Will Lilyanna and Elijah waver under the pressure of cruel rumors and persistent threats? Or will they be able to join together, eventually overcoming the opposition surrounding their union?
Excerpt:
Lilyanna glanced to the left of the dancing crowd and noticed a tall, dark-haired man with his back facing her. His broad shoulders stretched a greater width than Lilyanna had seen amongst the recent onslaught of men in Bath, so she stared until he turned, revealing his profile.
"Goodness," she breathed, ripping her eyes away from the handsome gentleman only for a moment to ensure no one had heard her embarrassing exclamation.
Looking back at him between passing bodies, Lilyanna saw the faintest shadow of dark facial hair framing his strong jaw line. The crowd suddenly thickened as the dance ended, and she craned her neck to catch another glimpse. However, she frowned as she lost sight of him, biting her lip after realizing how far she had moved away from her mother in order to see him.
Shocked with her unladylike behavior, Lilyanna blushed, returning to her mother's side, relieved her short absence had gone unnoticed.
eBook available at: http://www.amazon.com/When-Rivers-Mee...
Paperback available at: www.deborahmhathaway.com
Almost four years after coming out into society as an accomplished young woman, Miss Lilyanna Crosgrove has become tired with her way of life at Heatherhill, the stately home she lives in right outside of Bath. Her mother decides what Lilyanna does and whom she speaks with each day. And when Lilyanna comes to discover what she wishes for most in life, as well as in a future companion, her desires remain unheard.
One evening, however, Lilyanna's life promises to change forever when Mr. Elijah Bainbridge, a man as caring as he is handsome, asks her for a dance. Through various assemblies and balls, entertaining dinner parties, and horse rides across the green countryside, their attraction to each other grows. Their relationship does not come without difficulty, however, as outside forces, including an unrelenting suitor and a secret from Elijah's past, will stop at nothing to keep the couple apart.
Will Lilyanna and Elijah waver under the pressure of cruel rumors and persistent threats? Or will they be able to join together, eventually overcoming the opposition surrounding their union?
Excerpt:
Lilyanna glanced to the left of the dancing crowd and noticed a tall, dark-haired man with his back facing her. His broad shoulders stretched a greater width than Lilyanna had seen amongst the recent onslaught of men in Bath, so she stared until he turned, revealing his profile.
"Goodness," she breathed, ripping her eyes away from the handsome gentleman only for a moment to ensure no one had heard her embarrassing exclamation.
Looking back at him between passing bodies, Lilyanna saw the faintest shadow of dark facial hair framing his strong jaw line. The crowd suddenly thickened as the dance ended, and she craned her neck to catch another glimpse. However, she frowned as she lost sight of him, biting her lip after realizing how far she had moved away from her mother in order to see him.
Shocked with her unladylike behavior, Lilyanna blushed, returning to her mother's side, relieved her short absence had gone unnoticed.
eBook available at: http://www.amazon.com/When-Rivers-Mee...
Paperback available at: www.deborahmhathaway.com
303 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2015
70 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Deborah M. Hathaway
27 books491 followersDeborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English and Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen's novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation of Pride & Prejudice she could, entirely captured by all things Regency and romance.
Throughout her life, she wrote many short stories, poems, and essays, but it was not until after her marriage that she was finally able to complete her first romance novel, attributing the completion to her courtship with, and love of, her charming, English husband.
Deborah finds her inspiration for her novels in her everyday experiences with her husband and children and during her travels to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall.
Throughout her life, she wrote many short stories, poems, and essays, but it was not until after her marriage that she was finally able to complete her first romance novel, attributing the completion to her courtship with, and love of, her charming, English husband.
Deborah finds her inspiration for her novels in her everyday experiences with her husband and children and during her travels to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 1, 2015
I was right to fall in love with this book :)
Lilyanna has been out in society in Bath for four years. She has a demanding mother, who criticizes her often, and tells her that the only way she'll ever get a husband is to hide her flaws. When Lilyanna meets Elijah Bainbridge, she starts questioning her mother's advice. She feels like she can really be herself with him. As a character, she reminds me of Katherine from Northanger Abbey, without the over active imagination. She's kindhearted and honest. I loved seeing her relationship with Elijah develop. In a time period where getting to know a prospective spouse would have been difficult, I felt like Deborah Hathaway did an impressive job at giving her characters the chance to get to know each other and fall in love.
The drama in the story comes from a nefarious suitor and malicious gossip that try to separate our hero and heroine. The villains were well written, the kind that you love to hate.
Well written characters, a sweet and compelling romance, and witty dialogue, made this one of my favorite books this year.
Content: clean
Lilyanna has been out in society in Bath for four years. She has a demanding mother, who criticizes her often, and tells her that the only way she'll ever get a husband is to hide her flaws. When Lilyanna meets Elijah Bainbridge, she starts questioning her mother's advice. She feels like she can really be herself with him. As a character, she reminds me of Katherine from Northanger Abbey, without the over active imagination. She's kindhearted and honest. I loved seeing her relationship with Elijah develop. In a time period where getting to know a prospective spouse would have been difficult, I felt like Deborah Hathaway did an impressive job at giving her characters the chance to get to know each other and fall in love.
The drama in the story comes from a nefarious suitor and malicious gossip that try to separate our hero and heroine. The villains were well written, the kind that you love to hate.
Well written characters, a sweet and compelling romance, and witty dialogue, made this one of my favorite books this year.
Content: clean
March 31, 2020
I always appreciate a clean historical romance, but this one was a little too boring. The rendering of the h's mother was also one-faceted. I'm sorry to say I didn't like this one.
February 20, 2015
Sweet Regency Romance
I was excited to receive a review copy of When Two Rivers Meet and couldn’t wait to get started. I enjoyed Ms. Hathaway’s first book and since Regencies are a weakness of mine, I knew I would enjoy this one as well.
I thought this was a sweet, pleasant read. Lilyanna is trying hard to be a dutiful, perfect daughter. Unfortunately, her mother has rather high, unobtainable expectations. As Lilyanna starts to receive the attention of two very different gentlemen she realizes she doesn’t want to spend her life making other people happy at the expense of her own happiness. It was nice to see Lilyanna stand up for herself and what she believed in. As time goes on, she quickly realizes she is developing real feelings for Mr. Elijah Bainbridge. Both Elijah and Lilyanna were likable characters and have a sweet relationship. Outside forces may be trying to keep them apart, but they work together to keep their connection alive and fight for a way to be together. I have to say, Lilyanna's mother drove me nuts, I wanted to shake some sense into her. She was true to the time period though. It always makes me wonder how many happy couples were broken up because of "well meaning" parents meddling in things.
I thought this was an enjoyable read and a pleasant way to pass the time. It kind of reminded me of the Proper Romance line that Shadow Mountain publishing has. Overall, an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys sweet regencies.
Content: Squeaky Clean
Source: Received advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.
I was excited to receive a review copy of When Two Rivers Meet and couldn’t wait to get started. I enjoyed Ms. Hathaway’s first book and since Regencies are a weakness of mine, I knew I would enjoy this one as well.
I thought this was a sweet, pleasant read. Lilyanna is trying hard to be a dutiful, perfect daughter. Unfortunately, her mother has rather high, unobtainable expectations. As Lilyanna starts to receive the attention of two very different gentlemen she realizes she doesn’t want to spend her life making other people happy at the expense of her own happiness. It was nice to see Lilyanna stand up for herself and what she believed in. As time goes on, she quickly realizes she is developing real feelings for Mr. Elijah Bainbridge. Both Elijah and Lilyanna were likable characters and have a sweet relationship. Outside forces may be trying to keep them apart, but they work together to keep their connection alive and fight for a way to be together. I have to say, Lilyanna's mother drove me nuts, I wanted to shake some sense into her. She was true to the time period though. It always makes me wonder how many happy couples were broken up because of "well meaning" parents meddling in things.
I thought this was an enjoyable read and a pleasant way to pass the time. It kind of reminded me of the Proper Romance line that Shadow Mountain publishing has. Overall, an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys sweet regencies.
Content: Squeaky Clean
Source: Received advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.
March 31, 2015
3.5 stars. I liked it and I thought the romance was fun and clean. I liked both our main characters, but I thought it was a little too long. I wanted a bit more suspense or another plot line, I guess. If you like romantic regencies, this would be a good one.
September 25, 2021
A bit out of the usual norm as far as the rigid rules of the characters' world we readers were used to... but again P&P comes to mind where the Bennet sisters did not even have a governess yet they were invited and accepted into society being part of the landed gentry same as the Austens. Same as in this novel.
The Bainbridges ~ Mrs. Joyce Bainbridge had no pretentious aspirations to polite gentility she talks and laughs loudly depending on her disposition which was mostly buoyantly good~natured unfazed by oppositions and/or disapprovals... she also loves her husband and children and would not hesitate to show her affections even in public. She broke all the rules of Polite Society as far as manners were concerned and shone genuine and True. She was fiercely loved by her family especially by her only son, Elijah... she was also considered an embarrassment by many of their class.
The Cosgroves ~ Mrs. Cosgrove was the typical matron of their class with genteel manners... never showing genuine emotions only affectations... she was in fact, the epitome of most of the women of her rank and the ton... she was also a Fraud masking her true feelings with polite manners and wrong concepts like 'manners maketh the man (or woman)' without exception. She constantly nags her daughter into a clone of her self... being an obedient daughter yet disliking deceptions, Lilyanna, reluctantly followed her mother's dictates until she met Elijah and his family.
A good interplay of conflict and some clear characterization... though I could not understand Captain Cosgrove's intermittently long absences from home and hearth... must be his wife's trained well~controlled and hidden affections that could be read as a lack (of). As for Mr. Quigley, I think his innuendos about Lilyanna's unmarried state to her admirers was most ungentlemanly as was obvious to Elijah but there was a more sinister and criminal aspect to it. He wanted them to withdraw their attentions from her so he could have her all to himself... but then again 'all is fair in love and war' another cliche as well as 'may the best man win' but 'this has to end somewhere' another common quote...
The Bainbridges ~ Mrs. Joyce Bainbridge had no pretentious aspirations to polite gentility she talks and laughs loudly depending on her disposition which was mostly buoyantly good~natured unfazed by oppositions and/or disapprovals... she also loves her husband and children and would not hesitate to show her affections even in public. She broke all the rules of Polite Society as far as manners were concerned and shone genuine and True. She was fiercely loved by her family especially by her only son, Elijah... she was also considered an embarrassment by many of their class.
The Cosgroves ~ Mrs. Cosgrove was the typical matron of their class with genteel manners... never showing genuine emotions only affectations... she was in fact, the epitome of most of the women of her rank and the ton... she was also a Fraud masking her true feelings with polite manners and wrong concepts like 'manners maketh the man (or woman)' without exception. She constantly nags her daughter into a clone of her self... being an obedient daughter yet disliking deceptions, Lilyanna, reluctantly followed her mother's dictates until she met Elijah and his family.
A good interplay of conflict and some clear characterization... though I could not understand Captain Cosgrove's intermittently long absences from home and hearth... must be his wife's trained well~controlled and hidden affections that could be read as a lack (of). As for Mr. Quigley, I think his innuendos about Lilyanna's unmarried state to her admirers was most ungentlemanly as was obvious to Elijah but there was a more sinister and criminal aspect to it. He wanted them to withdraw their attentions from her so he could have her all to himself... but then again 'all is fair in love and war' another cliche as well as 'may the best man win' but 'this has to end somewhere' another common quote...
April 24, 2020
Lillyanna is a great character, but too timid for words. She has apparent difficulty looking people in the eye, which is weird since she tries "so hard" to obey her mother. Only servants were known to have that issue to show respect for their employers. I can't imagine that her mother would have encouraged that trait. I believe that I would have enjoyed this story had it been a short novella. The premis of the novel truly has a goal, but the book takes a circuitous and sometimes painfully slow route to achieve.
May 26, 2020
Very enjoyable
Not at all the usual romance, but very good and worthwhile reading. The personalities, good and bad, are strongly filled out. While we quickly hate Lillyanna's mother, she gets a nod of understanding for the cause of her miserable temperament. H & h are delightful. Happy ever after assured.
Not at all the usual romance, but very good and worthwhile reading. The personalities, good and bad, are strongly filled out. While we quickly hate Lillyanna's mother, she gets a nod of understanding for the cause of her miserable temperament. H & h are delightful. Happy ever after assured.
May 15, 2021
Clean read
This had a nice storyline about Liliana and the man she comes to know and love, Elijah. They have an instant connection but it is her mother and a very obnoxious and troublesome Mr. Quigley that cause the many problems they have to deal with to get their happy ending
This had a nice storyline about Liliana and the man she comes to know and love, Elijah. They have an instant connection but it is her mother and a very obnoxious and troublesome Mr. Quigley that cause the many problems they have to deal with to get their happy ending
March 18, 2022
Wonderful story!
This book is about finding your voice & standing up for yourself. Knowing in your heart what is truly right for you. Beautiful story of making everyone equal no matter their personalities and respecting all.
This book is about finding your voice & standing up for yourself. Knowing in your heart what is truly right for you. Beautiful story of making everyone equal no matter their personalities and respecting all.
July 31, 2019
Lovely
I truly enjoyed this book and even though there were trying times it ended beautifully. I look forwards to reading more books.
I truly enjoyed this book and even though there were trying times it ended beautifully. I look forwards to reading more books.
November 21, 2019
Cute & clean romance. Well written by the author. A Regency romance but not the usual storylines.
January 31, 2020
I made it to 12% and nothing seemed to be happening. I just couldn’t say engaged. DNF.
March 28, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
This was a well written, clean, regency romance. The book centred around Lilyanna Cosgrove, an 19 year old English lady, and her relationships with her controlling mother and the man she longed to be with, Elijah Bainsbridge.
Lilyanna was raised by her mother. Her father Mr Cosgrove, since his marriage to her mother, committed most of his time to serving his country as a captain in the navy. Her mother was unhappy with her marriage. She felt unloved and unimportant. Due to her lack of attention and support from her husband, she wholly focused her attention on her daughter, but on in a good way. She took out her frustrations on Lilyanna. Mrs Cosgrove constantly belittled Lilyanna, focusing on her daughter's "faults". She kept telling her, that if she was not perfect, or at least capable of feigning perfection, then no man could love her enough to marry her. Quite sad really. Lilyanna wanted to be a dutiful daughter but was constantly upset and frustrated by her mother's criticism. She looked forward to the few days she spent with her father when he was home. His presence offered her some respite from her mother's focus on her "imperfections".
When Lilyanna met the handsome young gentleman, Elijah Bainsbridge, she was drawn to his warmth, kindness and his acceptance of her character. Around him, she could be her open and honest self. Elijah loved the fact that no pretence surrounded the beautiful Lilyanna.
Lilyanna was pleasantly surprised by his openly affectionate parents and the love and respect that his family showed each other, as well as her. Unfortunately, Lilyanna's mother did not approve of Elijah's family nor the false rumours which surrounded Elijah's character.
The couple faced many trials as they fought for their right to be together. Lilyanna's negative, bullying mother, together with a persistent, unlikeable suitor by the name of Mr Quigley, forced them to take drastic measures to secure their happiness.
I liked how Lilyanna stood up for herself and for Elijah, time and time again. She did not allow her mother's miserable attitude cloud her judgement of others, nor the decisions she made to secure her happiness.
I recommend this book to readers of regency romance. The only reason I did not give the book a 5 star rating was because I found the first half of the book a little too slow in its pace. Otherwise, it was a lovely story and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future .
This was a well written, clean, regency romance. The book centred around Lilyanna Cosgrove, an 19 year old English lady, and her relationships with her controlling mother and the man she longed to be with, Elijah Bainsbridge.
Lilyanna was raised by her mother. Her father Mr Cosgrove, since his marriage to her mother, committed most of his time to serving his country as a captain in the navy. Her mother was unhappy with her marriage. She felt unloved and unimportant. Due to her lack of attention and support from her husband, she wholly focused her attention on her daughter, but on in a good way. She took out her frustrations on Lilyanna. Mrs Cosgrove constantly belittled Lilyanna, focusing on her daughter's "faults". She kept telling her, that if she was not perfect, or at least capable of feigning perfection, then no man could love her enough to marry her. Quite sad really. Lilyanna wanted to be a dutiful daughter but was constantly upset and frustrated by her mother's criticism. She looked forward to the few days she spent with her father when he was home. His presence offered her some respite from her mother's focus on her "imperfections".
When Lilyanna met the handsome young gentleman, Elijah Bainsbridge, she was drawn to his warmth, kindness and his acceptance of her character. Around him, she could be her open and honest self. Elijah loved the fact that no pretence surrounded the beautiful Lilyanna.
Lilyanna was pleasantly surprised by his openly affectionate parents and the love and respect that his family showed each other, as well as her. Unfortunately, Lilyanna's mother did not approve of Elijah's family nor the false rumours which surrounded Elijah's character.
The couple faced many trials as they fought for their right to be together. Lilyanna's negative, bullying mother, together with a persistent, unlikeable suitor by the name of Mr Quigley, forced them to take drastic measures to secure their happiness.
I liked how Lilyanna stood up for herself and for Elijah, time and time again. She did not allow her mother's miserable attitude cloud her judgement of others, nor the decisions she made to secure her happiness.
I recommend this book to readers of regency romance. The only reason I did not give the book a 5 star rating was because I found the first half of the book a little too slow in its pace. Otherwise, it was a lovely story and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future .
June 9, 2021
I love this author, so maybe I had too high of expectations but I thought this read was a bit... boring. There really wasn’t much to the love story and nothing really exciting in the book besides the crazy possessive mother you want to punch in the face. There was nothing wrong with the story but I feel like this one might fit and be appreciated better by the young adult group.
March 19, 2015
Ugh! This book made me giggle like a little girl. I tried hiding the smile on my face so my husband wouldn't see me smiling as I read... It didn't work... I couldn't help it. Ha. It was a good, clean book, but realistic as well. It's a regency, but really unique, I've never read another one like it. I laughed out loud more than once during it. So funny! Not only is the main character lovable, but Mr. Elijah Bainbridge... Whoo doggy. He'd make any girl blush. Well done, Deborah on another one of your novels! I loved it. This book is going big places!
March 26, 2015
A clean regency romance! My favorite genre.
I love a book that pulls me in and is well written and this book was one that did that. I love regency and enjoyed this story so much. Keep writing Deborah Hathaway, I can't wait for the next book!
I love a book that pulls me in and is well written and this book was one that did that. I love regency and enjoyed this story so much. Keep writing Deborah Hathaway, I can't wait for the next book!
April 2, 2015
I loved this book. It kept my interest and intrigue. It is full of heart. It is romantic, yet clean. The main characters are full of integrity but real. I highly recommend this book. It is a page turner. Wonderful.
March 3, 2015
From the very first page it drew me in. I enjoyed that there are so many characters to love and make me cry. I couldn't stop reading it. I would certainly recommend this book.
April 13, 2015
This was such a wonderful story, i enjoyed every second of it!
May 1, 2015
A sweet romance. So frustrating how little control a young woman had over her life during this time! It's always fun to read a book by a local author.
August 25, 2015
Too slow for me
October 18, 2015
That mom is awful...its like she doesn't want her daughter to have a happy marriage since she doesn't. Love the chemistry between Elijah and Lilyanna.
unfinished
October 23, 2018This is a cute story, albeit one that's unfortunately a bit slow so far. It's one I'm enjoying enough that I'm interested in finishing it at some point, but at 30% completion I'm realizing I'm not in the mood for it at this time. I'll return to it when I am, as I do want to see how everything plays out. :)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews