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An Untitled Lady
Shocking family news forces Madeline Wetherby to abandon her plans to marry an earl and settle for upstart Manchester merchant Nash Quinn. When she discovers that her birth father is one of the weavers her husband is putting out of work—and a radical leader—Maddie must decide which family she truly desires, the man of her heart or the people of her blood.
An earl’s second son, Nash chose a life of Trade over Society. When protest marches spread across Lancashire, the pressure on him grows. If he can’t make both workers and manufacturers see reason he stands to lose everything: his business, his town, and his marriage.
As Manchester simmers under the summer sun, the choices grow more stark for Maddie and Nash: Family or justice. Love or money. Life or death.
Historical fiction with strong romantic elements. Includes scenes of violence and loss.
An earl’s second son, Nash chose a life of Trade over Society. When protest marches spread across Lancashire, the pressure on him grows. If he can’t make both workers and manufacturers see reason he stands to lose everything: his business, his town, and his marriage.
As Manchester simmers under the summer sun, the choices grow more stark for Maddie and Nash: Family or justice. Love or money. Life or death.
Historical fiction with strong romantic elements. Includes scenes of violence and loss.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2013
6 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Penttila
56 books33 followersMy stories explore the human heart amidst the stars. I delve into themes of identity, love, and family through characters like disillusioned robots and future families. If you're seeking emotionally rich narratives, you'll find a home in my tales.
From my journalism days across the country to quiet Maryland life with my book-loving spouse and rescue cats, storytelling has been my constant. I aim to connect readers with stories that explore human emotions in extraordinary circumstances.
I'd love to hear about your favorite characters or chat about what makes a story resonate. Feel free to connect with me here or join my newsletter for more insights and cosmic adventures. Your story matters to me, too.
From my journalism days across the country to quiet Maryland life with my book-loving spouse and rescue cats, storytelling has been my constant. I aim to connect readers with stories that explore human emotions in extraordinary circumstances.
I'd love to hear about your favorite characters or chat about what makes a story resonate. Feel free to connect with me here or join my newsletter for more insights and cosmic adventures. Your story matters to me, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 30, 2013
Very, very occasionally I stumble across a book which simply takes my breath away. I'm pretty careful about the books I choose. I don't have a whole lot of time to devote to reading and reviewing, so I don't like wasting the time I do have. I guess I'm usually happy with most I pick up, but even so, there's only a small number of books which I really treasure. This one, provided by netgalley, is absolutely one of the best historical romances I've read in a long time.
To start with, it doesn't read like even a really good historical romance. It's thick with the political and social undercurrents which lead up to the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester in 1819, one of the most clearly defining moments in British industrial history, women's rights and British democracy. And yet, the plot, the setting and the characters are so carefully woven together, it doesn't lecture you, isn't dry, but grabs you and sucks you in until you can't put it down. I love both history and romance (can you tell?..) but I often feel there is just not enough real history in historical romances. There's too many fancy-schmanzy clothes, or silly manners, and not enough of the richness of real events. I find it incredibly frustrating that there aren't enough books out there that satisfy both my romance and history urges at the same time. This one does just that.
Where to start?..
- The setting feels completely unique. How many historicals (romances or other) are set in Manchester at the time when the Industrial Revolution began to really pick up steam? It doesn't have the shiny luster of London, which means it's not as easy for an author to research at a distance, and some readers would't have a clue where it is, nor its importance to industrial history, but it has a grittiness as a setting that is absolutely compelling.
- The characters are all multi-dimensional and develop at totally different rates. At times, it honestly felt a bit like reading a Thomas Hardy novel instead of a historical romance, but an altogether easier read! While I couldn't describe any of the characters as likeable, most of them have redeeming features, and they are all just incredibly interesting. It really is a cast of many characters, including one dead one orchestrating events from the past, and one purely evil one, who are both somewhat enigmatic. The heroine is essentially a tragic figure and her story is heart-wrenchingly sad, and yet she has backbone, and determination, without coming across as fake. Watching her story evolve is the main thread in the book. The hero is also a fascinating figure. He has to confront his own issues, but unlike so many historical romances, he doesn't become perfect as a result of his mistakes. He's human and real, and as for most characters in the book, nothing comes easily to either of them.
- Both the hero and the heroine make mistakes, but they are not the usual TSTL mistakes which pass for plot devices in a lot of historical romances. The plot for this one is really well planned and it doesn't need that rubbish.
- The writing is wonderful. Great descriptions, great dialogue and a lot of real people and places sprinkled in to bring it alive.
The only negative thing I can honestly think of is the cover, which doesn't do the book justice IMO, but quite frankly, who cares when something is this damned good?
5 stars. Absolutely amazing. I'm never deleting this one from my kindle. Ever.
To start with, it doesn't read like even a really good historical romance. It's thick with the political and social undercurrents which lead up to the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester in 1819, one of the most clearly defining moments in British industrial history, women's rights and British democracy. And yet, the plot, the setting and the characters are so carefully woven together, it doesn't lecture you, isn't dry, but grabs you and sucks you in until you can't put it down. I love both history and romance (can you tell?..) but I often feel there is just not enough real history in historical romances. There's too many fancy-schmanzy clothes, or silly manners, and not enough of the richness of real events. I find it incredibly frustrating that there aren't enough books out there that satisfy both my romance and history urges at the same time. This one does just that.
Where to start?..
- The setting feels completely unique. How many historicals (romances or other) are set in Manchester at the time when the Industrial Revolution began to really pick up steam? It doesn't have the shiny luster of London, which means it's not as easy for an author to research at a distance, and some readers would't have a clue where it is, nor its importance to industrial history, but it has a grittiness as a setting that is absolutely compelling.
- The characters are all multi-dimensional and develop at totally different rates. At times, it honestly felt a bit like reading a Thomas Hardy novel instead of a historical romance, but an altogether easier read! While I couldn't describe any of the characters as likeable, most of them have redeeming features, and they are all just incredibly interesting. It really is a cast of many characters, including one dead one orchestrating events from the past, and one purely evil one, who are both somewhat enigmatic. The heroine is essentially a tragic figure and her story is heart-wrenchingly sad, and yet she has backbone, and determination, without coming across as fake. Watching her story evolve is the main thread in the book. The hero is also a fascinating figure. He has to confront his own issues, but unlike so many historical romances, he doesn't become perfect as a result of his mistakes. He's human and real, and as for most characters in the book, nothing comes easily to either of them.
- Both the hero and the heroine make mistakes, but they are not the usual TSTL mistakes which pass for plot devices in a lot of historical romances. The plot for this one is really well planned and it doesn't need that rubbish.
- The writing is wonderful. Great descriptions, great dialogue and a lot of real people and places sprinkled in to bring it alive.
The only negative thing I can honestly think of is the cover, which doesn't do the book justice IMO, but quite frankly, who cares when something is this damned good?
5 stars. Absolutely amazing. I'm never deleting this one from my kindle. Ever.
March 23, 2016
Penttila wrote this book to mirror the actions and give the reader a taste of the things that lead up to the Peterloo Massacre. The book takes place during the Industrial Revolution and the setting is Manchester, England.
I for on, am not an expert on British history and found myself lost in the politics of the book. Not until the end of the book, where the author included a note, did I understand what this book was about.
So, I might be a little dense but I don't remember ever hearing about the Peterloo Massacre. After reading this book, of course, I think it was a terrible tragedy. But I gained no further knowledge of it.
After reading about half of the book, did I lose interest. When the characters were spending time at the factory and talking with owners about their workers and the two main characters ignoring each other, did I loose interest in this book. I skimmed to the end.
If you are looking for a light, fluffy read that is feels Regency then you have the wrong book. If you want something more political, less romantic, and based on true accounts, then this book is for you.
Overall, I wasn't prepared for the theme of this book. I ended up not liking it because the title and cover of the book are misleading. I would not recommend this book to romance readers. I found the characters to be bland and dull. I wanted to understand them but they made strange choices and I wasn't able to connect with them. The history of the book and the chosen theme was boring to me. While it would be educational in some ways, I was just bored and uninterested in the history. Great idea but not delivered in an interesting enough way.
I received a copy of the book from Netgalley.
I for on, am not an expert on British history and found myself lost in the politics of the book. Not until the end of the book, where the author included a note, did I understand what this book was about.
So, I might be a little dense but I don't remember ever hearing about the Peterloo Massacre. After reading this book, of course, I think it was a terrible tragedy. But I gained no further knowledge of it.
After reading about half of the book, did I lose interest. When the characters were spending time at the factory and talking with owners about their workers and the two main characters ignoring each other, did I loose interest in this book. I skimmed to the end.
If you are looking for a light, fluffy read that is feels Regency then you have the wrong book. If you want something more political, less romantic, and based on true accounts, then this book is for you.
Overall, I wasn't prepared for the theme of this book. I ended up not liking it because the title and cover of the book are misleading. I would not recommend this book to romance readers. I found the characters to be bland and dull. I wanted to understand them but they made strange choices and I wasn't able to connect with them. The history of the book and the chosen theme was boring to me. While it would be educational in some ways, I was just bored and uninterested in the history. Great idea but not delivered in an interesting enough way.
I received a copy of the book from Netgalley.
December 14, 2013
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm wavering between 2 and three stars on this one, but I'm going with 3 stars because of the romance aspect of the story.
The gist: Maddie was raised in boarding school, paid for by her godfather, an Earl. She was the lone survivor of the carriage accident that killed her parents and baby brother when she was merely three years old. Now she's around twenty and the Earl has summoned her from boarding school to marry his son, Deacon, the next Earl. Her schooling has been training her for this marriage all her life. She's a proper lady who knows everything there is to know about running a large estate. Just before her arrival, however, the elder Earl died without telling his son of this betrothal. Deacon is really an overgrown child, not yet ready to take over as Earl and he basically throws a temper tantrum at the news of this betrothal. It's revealed that Maddie isn't really of pure peerage blood, she'd been adopted by the peers she thought of as her parents, but her biological parents were working folks from the nearest city. After this news is revealed, Maddie will have no marriage prospects among the peers. Nash, Deacon's younger brother, is a merchant and he agrees to marry Maddie in an attempt to hold true his father's promise to her. Their marriage begins to grow into a true love match after the fact, but then Maddie meets her biological family. In the midst of all this, calls for reform are sweeping through the country and the factories. Nash's family is on the side against reform, while Maddie's biological family is on the side for it. Maddie has to make a decision about whose side to choose. When a peaceful meeting of reform supporters goes awry, Maddie's world is once again torn upside down and the decision she made may just completely destroy any hope she has a happiness.
Okay. So let's first talk about the parts I liked. Nash is just so damn sweet and kind-hearted that you can't help but love him. He does have a somewhat hard shell, though, so he's sort of like a big teddy bear filled with wood chips as opposed to fluff. Just like most men, he's not very good with words, but he's just so full of love for Maddie. Maddie was damaged as a child after the death of her adoptive family and before the Earl sent her away to school. As she tries to cope with her feelings of unworthiness, she's not sure how to show her true love and appreciation for Nash. You see where this is going? Two people who love each other beyond words, but just don't know how to show or speak it. I ached for them and cheered them on.
Now to what I didn't like. First of all, I received an ARC and there's a disclaimer on these ARCs that says these aren't the final copy and whatnot. I'm not sure if the formatting issues are resolved in the final copy or not, but the formatting is dreadful in the ARC. I wanted to give up on several occasions because it was SO bothersome. I often didn't know which character was speaking since there weren't always paragraph breaks in dialogue and the paragraphs weren't indented, so things tended to run together. This is a moot complaint if all that is corrected in the final version...
Now, the whole bit about the reform issue and the melee that is the public meeting is based on actual events. The characters and the romance part were fiction, but that bit of the story was based on fact. I am totally fine with authors taking a factual event and weaving a fictional story around it. Nelson DeMille does it fabulously. What irritated me about that aspect of the story is that it almost overshadowed the romance part of the book. I didn't need as many details about reform. The pros and cons and all that hullabaloo. I get that it was necessary to tell this story since the characters were SO entwined in the debate and events, but it was just beyond boring at times. It was almost, at times, like reading a history textbook. THAT part of this story is a big part of why I'm wavering between 2 and 3 stars.
If it wasn't for Nash and Maddie, this story would have been a solid 2 stars. Since I liked them and their budding romance and their struggles, I decided to give it an extra star. It's really not my cup o tea, however, when it comes to historical romances. Yeah, give me some truth about the times and the social norms and whatnot, but I don't need so much political propaganda in my romance novels... ;)
I'm wavering between 2 and three stars on this one, but I'm going with 3 stars because of the romance aspect of the story.
The gist: Maddie was raised in boarding school, paid for by her godfather, an Earl. She was the lone survivor of the carriage accident that killed her parents and baby brother when she was merely three years old. Now she's around twenty and the Earl has summoned her from boarding school to marry his son, Deacon, the next Earl. Her schooling has been training her for this marriage all her life. She's a proper lady who knows everything there is to know about running a large estate. Just before her arrival, however, the elder Earl died without telling his son of this betrothal. Deacon is really an overgrown child, not yet ready to take over as Earl and he basically throws a temper tantrum at the news of this betrothal. It's revealed that Maddie isn't really of pure peerage blood, she'd been adopted by the peers she thought of as her parents, but her biological parents were working folks from the nearest city. After this news is revealed, Maddie will have no marriage prospects among the peers. Nash, Deacon's younger brother, is a merchant and he agrees to marry Maddie in an attempt to hold true his father's promise to her. Their marriage begins to grow into a true love match after the fact, but then Maddie meets her biological family. In the midst of all this, calls for reform are sweeping through the country and the factories. Nash's family is on the side against reform, while Maddie's biological family is on the side for it. Maddie has to make a decision about whose side to choose. When a peaceful meeting of reform supporters goes awry, Maddie's world is once again torn upside down and the decision she made may just completely destroy any hope she has a happiness.
Okay. So let's first talk about the parts I liked. Nash is just so damn sweet and kind-hearted that you can't help but love him. He does have a somewhat hard shell, though, so he's sort of like a big teddy bear filled with wood chips as opposed to fluff. Just like most men, he's not very good with words, but he's just so full of love for Maddie. Maddie was damaged as a child after the death of her adoptive family and before the Earl sent her away to school. As she tries to cope with her feelings of unworthiness, she's not sure how to show her true love and appreciation for Nash. You see where this is going? Two people who love each other beyond words, but just don't know how to show or speak it. I ached for them and cheered them on.
Now to what I didn't like. First of all, I received an ARC and there's a disclaimer on these ARCs that says these aren't the final copy and whatnot. I'm not sure if the formatting issues are resolved in the final copy or not, but the formatting is dreadful in the ARC. I wanted to give up on several occasions because it was SO bothersome. I often didn't know which character was speaking since there weren't always paragraph breaks in dialogue and the paragraphs weren't indented, so things tended to run together. This is a moot complaint if all that is corrected in the final version...
Now, the whole bit about the reform issue and the melee that is the public meeting is based on actual events. The characters and the romance part were fiction, but that bit of the story was based on fact. I am totally fine with authors taking a factual event and weaving a fictional story around it. Nelson DeMille does it fabulously. What irritated me about that aspect of the story is that it almost overshadowed the romance part of the book. I didn't need as many details about reform. The pros and cons and all that hullabaloo. I get that it was necessary to tell this story since the characters were SO entwined in the debate and events, but it was just beyond boring at times. It was almost, at times, like reading a history textbook. THAT part of this story is a big part of why I'm wavering between 2 and 3 stars.
If it wasn't for Nash and Maddie, this story would have been a solid 2 stars. Since I liked them and their budding romance and their struggles, I decided to give it an extra star. It's really not my cup o tea, however, when it comes to historical romances. Yeah, give me some truth about the times and the social norms and whatnot, but I don't need so much political propaganda in my romance novels... ;)
Read
October 23, 2013Shocking family news forces Madeline Wetherby to abandon her plans to marry an earl and settle for upstart Manchester merchant Nash Quinn. When she discovers that her birth father is one of the weavers her husband is putting out of work—and a radical leader—Maddie must decide which family she truly desires, the man of her heart or the people of her blood.
An earl’s second son, Nash chose a life of Trade over Society. When protest marches spread across Lancashire, the pressure on him grows. If he can’t make both workers and manufacturers see reason he stands to lose everything: his business, his town, and his marriage.
As Manchester simmers under the summer sun, the choices grow more stark for Maddie and Nash: Family or justice. Love or money. Life or death
Obtained in ebook format from www.netgalley.com, read on an ipad using kindle software.
I went into reading this book thinking it was a “classic” (Mills and Boon) romance story but soon realised that it was much more than that – and for the better.
Maddie has been brought up to marry the 1st son (Deacon) of her godfather, only to find herself rejected not only as the wife of an Earl, but as a Weatherby (she finds out she was adopted as a child). With no money, family or prospects, she agrees to marry Deacon’s younger brother Nash, who works in Trade in Manchester. It’s only when she arrives at her new home does she realise what it means to live in a manufacturing city house, rather than a country side estate – and what it means to be a wife.
Nash meanwhile has to deal with a wife who appears to not love him, and unwilling to perform her wifely duties in the bedroom (and acts oddly when she does). He also has to deal with the fact that there is discontent in the workers, where there are rumours of strike action and sedition to protest over lost wages and poverty (whilst the business men are living in palatial houses on the hill).
The rest of the story deals with the run up to Peterloo, the massacre of members of the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Field, Manchester to protest the need for reform and suffrage for all. Nash tries to balance between being a magistrate, a man of business, and trying to do the right thing for his workers. It doesnt help that his wife is seeking out a sense of belonging with her newly found family – and whose father is one of the men leading the protesters. Their marriage is at an all time low just before the final meeting, which splits the two apart, Maddie making the only choice she thinks available to her.
I did pick up on a couple of words which were a little jarring. Thankfully the author didnt attempt a Mancunian dialect, which can be very hard to both write and read BUT….I was almost prepared to ignore the use of the word “biscuit” when Quinn was in the kitchen to talk about supper. (Was this the *proper* use of the word biscuit – American “Cookie”- or the American usage as in “biscuits and gravy” – i.e. something akin to a scone or bap?). It did pull me up on it enough to check where the author is from (yes, she’s American). It was a small thing, not necessarily relevant to the progression of the story, but the author had done well to this point and it would be a shame to let it spoil the story. However, then came the use of “Fall” instead of “Autumn”. Sharp intake of breath! Time for a quick glance over the MS by the Europe editor?
Anyway, yes, these bits were small in the grand scheme of things, and shouldn’t spoil the story, which certainly was no standard M&B romp – in a good way! It took me several days to read, and required me to pay attention all way, which I gladly did.
An earl’s second son, Nash chose a life of Trade over Society. When protest marches spread across Lancashire, the pressure on him grows. If he can’t make both workers and manufacturers see reason he stands to lose everything: his business, his town, and his marriage.
As Manchester simmers under the summer sun, the choices grow more stark for Maddie and Nash: Family or justice. Love or money. Life or death
Obtained in ebook format from www.netgalley.com, read on an ipad using kindle software.
I went into reading this book thinking it was a “classic” (Mills and Boon) romance story but soon realised that it was much more than that – and for the better.
Maddie has been brought up to marry the 1st son (Deacon) of her godfather, only to find herself rejected not only as the wife of an Earl, but as a Weatherby (she finds out she was adopted as a child). With no money, family or prospects, she agrees to marry Deacon’s younger brother Nash, who works in Trade in Manchester. It’s only when she arrives at her new home does she realise what it means to live in a manufacturing city house, rather than a country side estate – and what it means to be a wife.
Nash meanwhile has to deal with a wife who appears to not love him, and unwilling to perform her wifely duties in the bedroom (and acts oddly when she does). He also has to deal with the fact that there is discontent in the workers, where there are rumours of strike action and sedition to protest over lost wages and poverty (whilst the business men are living in palatial houses on the hill).
The rest of the story deals with the run up to Peterloo, the massacre of members of the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Field, Manchester to protest the need for reform and suffrage for all. Nash tries to balance between being a magistrate, a man of business, and trying to do the right thing for his workers. It doesnt help that his wife is seeking out a sense of belonging with her newly found family – and whose father is one of the men leading the protesters. Their marriage is at an all time low just before the final meeting, which splits the two apart, Maddie making the only choice she thinks available to her.
I did pick up on a couple of words which were a little jarring. Thankfully the author didnt attempt a Mancunian dialect, which can be very hard to both write and read BUT….I was almost prepared to ignore the use of the word “biscuit” when Quinn was in the kitchen to talk about supper. (Was this the *proper* use of the word biscuit – American “Cookie”- or the American usage as in “biscuits and gravy” – i.e. something akin to a scone or bap?). It did pull me up on it enough to check where the author is from (yes, she’s American). It was a small thing, not necessarily relevant to the progression of the story, but the author had done well to this point and it would be a shame to let it spoil the story. However, then came the use of “Fall” instead of “Autumn”. Sharp intake of breath! Time for a quick glance over the MS by the Europe editor?
Anyway, yes, these bits were small in the grand scheme of things, and shouldn’t spoil the story, which certainly was no standard M&B romp – in a good way! It took me several days to read, and required me to pay attention all way, which I gladly did.
December 17, 2013
A lovely historical piece about two people lost in their own way finding their place in the world and with each other. In Manchester the political temperatures rise as their is talk of equal rights for the workers man and woman alike. The workers want a peaceful gathering and our meeting together legally, following the order of the law. But the factory owners are scared and seeing visions of the uprising in France years before. Nash Quinn the second son left for the Navy and when her returned he didn't go home he went to Manchester to make something of himself. Now years later he is a successful merchant who can see both side of the argument and want what's fair for his workers and understands they want a peaceful gathering even thought all the other owners don't believe it and are fighting him.
Madeline Wetherby has been an orphan since her families death when she was four. Since then she has been at a girls school being trained to be the wife of the Earl. But upon the death of the Old Earl who paid for her schooling and treated her lie a daughter, she finds herself alone and without a Earl to marry since the new Earl who has been her intended for most of her life rejected her and burned her proof to her claim. Her only living relative an Uncle who would rather teat her as a whore then a Niece who then drops the bomb that she is not the true daughter of the only parents she knew, but to working class people she may never meet.
Nash is instantly taken with Maddy and feels for her plinth and does the only right thing he can think of, he marries her. Marring her instead of his brother he claims that still fulfills the terms met with their father. Maddy goes from being the intended wife of an Earl to the wife of a Merchant, from castle to small structured and compartmentalized bachelor house. Maddy needs to work she feel useless and unneeded if she's not. Nash has her work the books for his company and for a while things are happy even though they have not been physically intimate Nash is will to wait until his wife is comfortable. Trouble with the happy couple starts when Nash can't understand why Maddy has to bath everyday (despite being in the Navy he's scared of water, or because of it) After finally making love the first time Nash is upset because Maddy went to bath her self right after. Little does he know at this point the truama Maddy went threw as a child with her uncle until the old Earl took her away.
On top of Maddy and Nash's uncertain feeling for each other the trouble with the workers is growing and gaining momentum. When Maddy discovers her birth father and a sister still live in Manchester and are part of the Workers Reform it drives a wedge deeper between her and Nash. It all seems over when Nash gives her the ultimatum me or the reformers.
A wonderful and emotionally charged story written by a talented author. Nicky Penttila works magic with works as she takes you from The magistrates and the factory owners to the workers reform and the peaceful march that turned into Peterloo. A Romance tied in with history beautifully.
January 29, 2014
Powerful. Disturbing. Heartbreaking. Smart. Occasionally gentle, often brutal. And always enthralling. An atypical setting, an actual historical event, masterfully layered characters and a sophisticated, seamless narrative — An Untitled Lady is a standout, gripping historical romance, unlike any Regency you've ever read.
Heedless of her hem, she sank onto her knees. The view out the window was the familiar green of the meadow beyond the walls, but it failed to soothe her. She rested her fists on the bottom edge of the frame. It was still loose. She pushed it aside to reveal a leather necklace, and the key. It fit easily inside her hand now. Before, she'd had to wear it under her dress to hide it.
Penttila's latest is rich with passion and intrigue. Secrets, spies, past cruelties, fresh transgressions and a city on the edge of insurrection — the tension remains high, the story's pace unwavering. The city of Manchester and the Peterloo Massacre, a vicious pivot point in the contention between the industrial elite and their workers, provide a fascinating and little-known backdrop to the drama enveloping Maddie and Nash.
The sun shone blindly on an array of caps and bonnets, shawls and coats, misshapen, bloody. Shoes and clogs their owners' feet had run directly out of in their flight. So many, as if a hurricane had whisked the people up, and everyone had dropped whatever they held in their hands. To their right, near the corner house, the cavalry had dismounted, seeing to their horses and cleaning their swords. Laughing and slapping one another on the back, they evidently thought their work well done.
Maddie believes she has no one, is no one, until Nash offers for her. Even then he isn't the man she was promised, and this strengthens her sense of separateness and inadequacy. When she finally accepts the status quo, I admire her courage and resolution, though there were times I wish she showed more pride. Then again, considering what she's suffered… Her struggle to be a good wife to Nash is nothing less than wrenching.
Nash battles his own set of insecurities, and it takes him far too long to realize he's treating his workers with more respect than he treats his own wife. For all his somberness and self-flagellation, Nash shows unexpected flashes of humor that are all the more effective because of their unpredictability. In fact, though the book's subject matter may be heavy, the tone is often lightened by the author's subtly humorous hand:
"You'll return to the bosom of your family, none the worse for wear. We'll find you a chaperone somewhere. No one will be the wiser."
"The bosom of my family is a crypt." Maddie sagged, leaning back on the table for support.
"Unfortunate. We'll send some blankets along."
Neither the romance nor the historical aspect takes precedence — An Untitled Lady offers a skilled and vibrant blend of heart and history. Thank you for the riveting read, Nicky. I look forward to losing myself in your debut historical, A Note of Scandal.
Heedless of her hem, she sank onto her knees. The view out the window was the familiar green of the meadow beyond the walls, but it failed to soothe her. She rested her fists on the bottom edge of the frame. It was still loose. She pushed it aside to reveal a leather necklace, and the key. It fit easily inside her hand now. Before, she'd had to wear it under her dress to hide it.
Penttila's latest is rich with passion and intrigue. Secrets, spies, past cruelties, fresh transgressions and a city on the edge of insurrection — the tension remains high, the story's pace unwavering. The city of Manchester and the Peterloo Massacre, a vicious pivot point in the contention between the industrial elite and their workers, provide a fascinating and little-known backdrop to the drama enveloping Maddie and Nash.
The sun shone blindly on an array of caps and bonnets, shawls and coats, misshapen, bloody. Shoes and clogs their owners' feet had run directly out of in their flight. So many, as if a hurricane had whisked the people up, and everyone had dropped whatever they held in their hands. To their right, near the corner house, the cavalry had dismounted, seeing to their horses and cleaning their swords. Laughing and slapping one another on the back, they evidently thought their work well done.
Maddie believes she has no one, is no one, until Nash offers for her. Even then he isn't the man she was promised, and this strengthens her sense of separateness and inadequacy. When she finally accepts the status quo, I admire her courage and resolution, though there were times I wish she showed more pride. Then again, considering what she's suffered… Her struggle to be a good wife to Nash is nothing less than wrenching.
Nash battles his own set of insecurities, and it takes him far too long to realize he's treating his workers with more respect than he treats his own wife. For all his somberness and self-flagellation, Nash shows unexpected flashes of humor that are all the more effective because of their unpredictability. In fact, though the book's subject matter may be heavy, the tone is often lightened by the author's subtly humorous hand:
"You'll return to the bosom of your family, none the worse for wear. We'll find you a chaperone somewhere. No one will be the wiser."
"The bosom of my family is a crypt." Maddie sagged, leaning back on the table for support.
"Unfortunate. We'll send some blankets along."
Neither the romance nor the historical aspect takes precedence — An Untitled Lady offers a skilled and vibrant blend of heart and history. Thank you for the riveting read, Nicky. I look forward to losing myself in your debut historical, A Note of Scandal.
January 29, 2014
Received from http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/ for an honest review.
also posted on http://booknerdloleotodo.blogspot.com/
I really enjoy Regency Romances so “An Untitled Lady” by Nicky Penttila was an easy win for me. Having said that I thought Ms. Penttila really presented an amazing story. She blended romance, history and intrigue perfectly not giving too much attention to any one of these elements and making them all work well together. Most of the novels that I have read have taken place in London or around it was refreshing to read about Manchester. It was heart-breaking to read about Madeline Wetherby or Maddie as she is known. Nash Quinn was also very interesting. As the second born son he basically is not of any use unless something happens to his brother. He was industrious enough to join the navy and become a very successful merchant. Although I don’t know much about the Industrial Revolution in England I thought that the author provided enough information to give the readers insight to what a struggle it was for the working class and what it meant to them! I thought that the author really provided emotional integrity to the struggles of the mill workers. The author also portrayed the reality that most women faced if they were not born into high society and did not marry well. On the emotional side, Deacon (the earl and Maddie’s original intended husband) was not the most likeable character and seemed to reflect many of the stereotypes of the higher class. Nash and Maddie have a lot to come up against. They have to learn to be married and when they finally come to terms with their feelings their love for each other is once again tested.
The twist that followed Maddie was very clever and I thought the author was very brilliant for mixing the “secret” into the story. It was heartbreaking to see how Nash and Maddie’s relationship became impacted by the social movements of the time. I thought this was very clever of the author as well. I highly recommend this story, it is an emotional ride throughout history with two very strong characters and an equally strong historical background. This was the first novel I have read by Nicky Penttila but it won’t be the last.
January 7, 2014
Madeline Wetherby is called back to the town where she grew up by the Earl of Shaftsbury but he has died before he can put his plans into place. He has been paying for Madeline's education - he is her godfather - and he has had her trained to help run the estate so she can marry his son. But his son, the new Earl wants nothing to do with her. Madeline also learns some unsettling things about her family and now finds herself adrift as she is no longer to be a countess but she has no other skills. A solution is found but will it be the answer to her prayers?
It is a time of great unrest in Manchester, England, as machines start to take over the jobs men had been performing for years. The business owners are firing workers and depressing wagers and the workers just want an honest wage for their day's work. The city is a powder keg and Madeline finds herself in the middle.
I could tell while reading An Untitled Lady that the novel was well researched and Ms. Penttila does an excellent job of immersing her reader into the boiling pot that was Manchester in the time of the industrial revolution. The characters are drawn from all aspects of society of the time; the aristocracy, the merchant class and the working poor. The class system in England was rigid and women especially were held to very strict standards. By using her characters Ms. Pentilla really shows just how hard it was for the women of the time to simply exist. One small error and a woman could be "ruined" forever - even by something not of her control.
I did feel at times that the political aspects of the book overtook all other story lines to the point where I was a bit annoyed. I understood what the fight was about. I understood who was fighting it. I didn't need to hear it umpteen times. Madeline was also one of the more maddening heroines I've read in a while. But I suppose that given her circumstances and the times (I'm not spoiling any plot points) she felt she needed to do what she did. But at times I wanted to shake her!
An Untitled Lady was an enjoyable read covering important events in the history of labor with a satisfying romance woven throughout.
3.5
It is a time of great unrest in Manchester, England, as machines start to take over the jobs men had been performing for years. The business owners are firing workers and depressing wagers and the workers just want an honest wage for their day's work. The city is a powder keg and Madeline finds herself in the middle.
I could tell while reading An Untitled Lady that the novel was well researched and Ms. Penttila does an excellent job of immersing her reader into the boiling pot that was Manchester in the time of the industrial revolution. The characters are drawn from all aspects of society of the time; the aristocracy, the merchant class and the working poor. The class system in England was rigid and women especially were held to very strict standards. By using her characters Ms. Pentilla really shows just how hard it was for the women of the time to simply exist. One small error and a woman could be "ruined" forever - even by something not of her control.
I did feel at times that the political aspects of the book overtook all other story lines to the point where I was a bit annoyed. I understood what the fight was about. I understood who was fighting it. I didn't need to hear it umpteen times. Madeline was also one of the more maddening heroines I've read in a while. But I suppose that given her circumstances and the times (I'm not spoiling any plot points) she felt she needed to do what she did. But at times I wanted to shake her!
An Untitled Lady was an enjoyable read covering important events in the history of labor with a satisfying romance woven throughout.
3.5
April 12, 2015
Apart from the obvious plot line; a typical female trying to fight her station in life; this novel does have a decent plot line setting much of the action during the historical period of the Peterloo massacre which enhances the underlying tones of change and turmoil that each of the main characters is experiencing. (At the time of reading I did not realise this was a real event). Interestingly we see what happens to the second born son of nobility. How they have to forge their way in life, and the prejudices they have to deal with.
The tale is, by its very nature, formulaic; and, of course there is a villain (as there always is in these novels). But the setting, the characters and plot all mesh together creating an intriguing read.
Although the main characters are well developed, this reader had difficulty liking either of them. For most of the book these two were not even conversing with each other! Indeed there are so many minor characters this it was a bit confusing. What I did enjoy was her participation in the ‘massacre’ itself which was nail bitingly good.
That said though, this reader did feel that the political aspects of the book took over from the romance aspect. If you want an historical book about the political aspects of the industrial revolution write one. If you want an historical romance write one; but putting both in the same book means each aspect is not written to its full potential and thereby gives for a poorer read.
Some of the language used in the book clearly shows that the author is American. For instance when the hero was in the kitchen talking about supper there was a mention of biscuits; now is that a cookie biscuit or a roll/scone biscuit? The author also states that the season was fall; in the UK we call that season autumn. While these errors don’t really detract from the story if you are going to use the UK as your base please, please, please ensure that you use the correct terminology.
Overall the book is an intriguing read but if you are looking for a fluffy historical romance this is not the book for you.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
The tale is, by its very nature, formulaic; and, of course there is a villain (as there always is in these novels). But the setting, the characters and plot all mesh together creating an intriguing read.
Although the main characters are well developed, this reader had difficulty liking either of them. For most of the book these two were not even conversing with each other! Indeed there are so many minor characters this it was a bit confusing. What I did enjoy was her participation in the ‘massacre’ itself which was nail bitingly good.
That said though, this reader did feel that the political aspects of the book took over from the romance aspect. If you want an historical book about the political aspects of the industrial revolution write one. If you want an historical romance write one; but putting both in the same book means each aspect is not written to its full potential and thereby gives for a poorer read.
Some of the language used in the book clearly shows that the author is American. For instance when the hero was in the kitchen talking about supper there was a mention of biscuits; now is that a cookie biscuit or a roll/scone biscuit? The author also states that the season was fall; in the UK we call that season autumn. While these errors don’t really detract from the story if you are going to use the UK as your base please, please, please ensure that you use the correct terminology.
Overall the book is an intriguing read but if you are looking for a fluffy historical romance this is not the book for you.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
January 20, 2014
Although the cover indicates "historical romance" and then goes on to distinguish "Georgian & Regency," it is highly nontraditional in that regard. An Untitled Lady is, in my humble opinion, quite the opposite falling totally into the historical fiction genre with a touch of romance.
The opening line to this book
"Nash first saw her as an apparition, a gilt London trinket set down by mistake at a dusty crossroads three miles north of town ..."
draws the reader in with a hint of possibility of romance, but as the chapters unfold and pages turn, the reader begins to understand that there is more to this novel than romance.
Pentilla develops characters who each have their own issues to deal with and yet as they intersect the fire and heat surging between them defines their strength and courage and the final outcome of their relationships.
Setting plays a large role in the historical aspect of Pentilla's writing. Finding the plot unfolding in Manchester at the cutting edge of the Industrial Revolution, the writer takes an important historical fact, the Peterloo Massacre, and makes it core to our heroine's story. The Peterloo Massacre represents the boiling point in a series of conflicts between industry owners and their workers. Pentilla uses this factual bit of English history to meld together the conflicts found in her heroine.
The mesh between characters, setting and fact is seamless, and none of the three detracts from the others. Pentilla is a master in her writing style and her use of words is first-class. Not once was I bored by this work.
My Recommendation:
Historical fiction lovers, my recommendation is buy or borrow this book, but certainly do not miss the chance to read it. Historical romance lovers, I'm not sure you will be caught up in this one unless you also have a love of the history of the time period and setting.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The opening line to this book
"Nash first saw her as an apparition, a gilt London trinket set down by mistake at a dusty crossroads three miles north of town ..."
draws the reader in with a hint of possibility of romance, but as the chapters unfold and pages turn, the reader begins to understand that there is more to this novel than romance.
Pentilla develops characters who each have their own issues to deal with and yet as they intersect the fire and heat surging between them defines their strength and courage and the final outcome of their relationships.
Setting plays a large role in the historical aspect of Pentilla's writing. Finding the plot unfolding in Manchester at the cutting edge of the Industrial Revolution, the writer takes an important historical fact, the Peterloo Massacre, and makes it core to our heroine's story. The Peterloo Massacre represents the boiling point in a series of conflicts between industry owners and their workers. Pentilla uses this factual bit of English history to meld together the conflicts found in her heroine.
The mesh between characters, setting and fact is seamless, and none of the three detracts from the others. Pentilla is a master in her writing style and her use of words is first-class. Not once was I bored by this work.
My Recommendation:
Historical fiction lovers, my recommendation is buy or borrow this book, but certainly do not miss the chance to read it. Historical romance lovers, I'm not sure you will be caught up in this one unless you also have a love of the history of the time period and setting.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 8, 2014
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite.
An Untitled Lady takes a real life political event, the Peterloo Massacre, and gives it life and voice in the form of fictional characters. Madeline has grown up alone, but her godfather has been grooming her to be his son's bride. Too bad he forgot to tell his son about this development. When Madeline arrives at Shaftsbury, nothing is what she was lead to believe it would be and her world is turned upside down. The younger brother of the Earl of Shaftsbury marries Madeline, and as he is a merchant takes her to town. The plight of workers and the factory owners becomes the main focus as Nicky Penttila tells the story leading up to what would be later called the Peterloo Massacre when the workers rose up in passive protest to the treatment by the factory owners. As Nash and Madeline strive to learn to live together, they are in the middle of the arguments, he as a factory owner but one who understands the workers. Madeline is pulled in as she searches for her family of birth.
An Untitled Lady may take place in 1822, but the ideals are progressive, and as we watch Nash and Madeline together, we see them learning that the rules of the past will not fit the new order of the world. Nash is a merchant, but he is more understanding to his workers and wants a peaceful resolution. Madeline is drug into the conflict as she search for her birth family, only to find them high in the reform movement. Does she follow her family of birth or the rules she was raised under? Throw in an evil Uncle that has clouded Madeline's judgment and you find a wonderful story of the time period. Nicky Penttila mixes history and fiction to give life to a moment in time that deserves more understanding.
An Untitled Lady takes a real life political event, the Peterloo Massacre, and gives it life and voice in the form of fictional characters. Madeline has grown up alone, but her godfather has been grooming her to be his son's bride. Too bad he forgot to tell his son about this development. When Madeline arrives at Shaftsbury, nothing is what she was lead to believe it would be and her world is turned upside down. The younger brother of the Earl of Shaftsbury marries Madeline, and as he is a merchant takes her to town. The plight of workers and the factory owners becomes the main focus as Nicky Penttila tells the story leading up to what would be later called the Peterloo Massacre when the workers rose up in passive protest to the treatment by the factory owners. As Nash and Madeline strive to learn to live together, they are in the middle of the arguments, he as a factory owner but one who understands the workers. Madeline is pulled in as she searches for her family of birth.
An Untitled Lady may take place in 1822, but the ideals are progressive, and as we watch Nash and Madeline together, we see them learning that the rules of the past will not fit the new order of the world. Nash is a merchant, but he is more understanding to his workers and wants a peaceful resolution. Madeline is drug into the conflict as she search for her birth family, only to find them high in the reform movement. Does she follow her family of birth or the rules she was raised under? Throw in an evil Uncle that has clouded Madeline's judgment and you find a wonderful story of the time period. Nicky Penttila mixes history and fiction to give life to a moment in time that deserves more understanding.
January 25, 2014
In this summary the author tell you it's "not a traditional regency." And it's true, it's not. This book in many ways reminded me a bit of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. It takes place in a northern town where factory and mills are run. The characters are surrounded by workers on whom their lives depend. However there are problems between the masters and their workers.
The two main characters are Nash and Madeline. Nash is the second son of an earl. He chose a life of trade over any other occupation. He's a true bachelor and lives to work. Madeline is an orphan who learns a pretty shocking truth that leaves her reeling. She has few options to her, and they're not what she expected her life to be. She chooses to marry Nash and be a helpmate to him.
Many of the truths that Madeline learns in this story is that she was adopted and that her birth father still lives. But he's a radical. Her father and her husband are on different political sides. Madeline feels torn between these two worlds. She lives in a time when women had little say over their lives.
I found this book to be a fascinating read. While it focuses on the lives of Madeline and Nash there is a heavy dose of realism for the time period they live. The author deals with the women's suffrage movement, politics, and fair labor. The author doesn't gloss over these trials and tribulations of the time. She puts her characters through the wringer. Some things end happily while others don't. This is an enjoyable story to read. It's not your traditional Regency, but it's definitely worth reading!
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2014/0...
The two main characters are Nash and Madeline. Nash is the second son of an earl. He chose a life of trade over any other occupation. He's a true bachelor and lives to work. Madeline is an orphan who learns a pretty shocking truth that leaves her reeling. She has few options to her, and they're not what she expected her life to be. She chooses to marry Nash and be a helpmate to him.
Many of the truths that Madeline learns in this story is that she was adopted and that her birth father still lives. But he's a radical. Her father and her husband are on different political sides. Madeline feels torn between these two worlds. She lives in a time when women had little say over their lives.
I found this book to be a fascinating read. While it focuses on the lives of Madeline and Nash there is a heavy dose of realism for the time period they live. The author deals with the women's suffrage movement, politics, and fair labor. The author doesn't gloss over these trials and tribulations of the time. She puts her characters through the wringer. Some things end happily while others don't. This is an enjoyable story to read. It's not your traditional Regency, but it's definitely worth reading!
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2014/0...
February 7, 2014
*3.5 stars*
Orphaned Madeline Wetherby has spent nearly the whole of her life readying herself to become an Earl’s wife—specifically, the wife of the eldest son of her godfather, the Earl of Shaftsbury. When he dies and she travels to Manchester expecting marriage to the new Earl, she is stunned to discover that the old Earl had not made that provision for her—in fact, no one in the family even knew that was the old Earl’s intention. When the new Earl refuses to marry Maddie, the younger brother, Nash Quinn, decides that he will uphold the family honor by doing so. Nash is something of a black sheep, having gone into a less-than-respectable occupation in Trade—at least, by upper class standards.
While being a merchant’s wife is a far cry from that of an Earl’s, Maddie is determined to make it work with Nash. The two struggle to make a life together, frequently making mistakes, and misunderstanding abounds. All the while, Maddie is confronting demons from her past, the shocking discovery of her real parentage, and whether following her heart will lead her to lasting happiness.
Set right before what came to be known as the “Peterloo Massacre” in 1819 Manchester, this novel explores the political and social turmoil that led up to that bloody tragedy and weaves in an engaging tale of love, heartbreak, and hope. Penttila has created believable, flawed characters struggling to do what they believe is right in a landscape that is radically becoming industrialized.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Orphaned Madeline Wetherby has spent nearly the whole of her life readying herself to become an Earl’s wife—specifically, the wife of the eldest son of her godfather, the Earl of Shaftsbury. When he dies and she travels to Manchester expecting marriage to the new Earl, she is stunned to discover that the old Earl had not made that provision for her—in fact, no one in the family even knew that was the old Earl’s intention. When the new Earl refuses to marry Maddie, the younger brother, Nash Quinn, decides that he will uphold the family honor by doing so. Nash is something of a black sheep, having gone into a less-than-respectable occupation in Trade—at least, by upper class standards.
While being a merchant’s wife is a far cry from that of an Earl’s, Maddie is determined to make it work with Nash. The two struggle to make a life together, frequently making mistakes, and misunderstanding abounds. All the while, Maddie is confronting demons from her past, the shocking discovery of her real parentage, and whether following her heart will lead her to lasting happiness.
Set right before what came to be known as the “Peterloo Massacre” in 1819 Manchester, this novel explores the political and social turmoil that led up to that bloody tragedy and weaves in an engaging tale of love, heartbreak, and hope. Penttila has created believable, flawed characters struggling to do what they believe is right in a landscape that is radically becoming industrialized.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2014
An Untitled Lady is so much different from any Regency Romance that I have read before.
This is not a romance built on fainting ladies and simpering dandys. This is truly a working man's romance. This is a book fraught with issues of classism, sexism, worker's rights, women's rights, lies, deceit, and hosts of other issues that most books of its elk try to pretend do not exist.
I later came to understand that the historical events included in this novel were based on a very important event for Manchester, the Peterloo Massacre.
Where many novels would have made the significance of this factual bit of history an issue; this was not the case for this read. Here is a case where the factual and the fictional blend in seamless grace.
There is also a lot to be said for both the hero and heroine of this story. Yes, you did see that there is indeed an actual heroine here.
That does not mean however that she is not without her flaws, and true to the genre, she is allowed to cut a rather tragic figure at times. She does prove herself to be resourceful and up to the many challenges that are thrown her way...when the chips are down.
The only detraction that comes to mind, has nothing to do with the story at all.
I feel that the cover does this book a great disservice.
This is an awesome look at Regency done differently!
This is not a romance built on fainting ladies and simpering dandys. This is truly a working man's romance. This is a book fraught with issues of classism, sexism, worker's rights, women's rights, lies, deceit, and hosts of other issues that most books of its elk try to pretend do not exist.
I later came to understand that the historical events included in this novel were based on a very important event for Manchester, the Peterloo Massacre.
Where many novels would have made the significance of this factual bit of history an issue; this was not the case for this read. Here is a case where the factual and the fictional blend in seamless grace.
There is also a lot to be said for both the hero and heroine of this story. Yes, you did see that there is indeed an actual heroine here.
That does not mean however that she is not without her flaws, and true to the genre, she is allowed to cut a rather tragic figure at times. She does prove herself to be resourceful and up to the many challenges that are thrown her way...when the chips are down.
The only detraction that comes to mind, has nothing to do with the story at all.
I feel that the cover does this book a great disservice.
This is an awesome look at Regency done differently!
December 3, 2013
I was given the opportunity to read An Untitled Lady through the Netgalley site in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book.
It is definitely not your typical Regency romance. This starts out feeling like it will be a typical romance but soon becomes more. Madeline Wetherby has been groomed her entire life to marry an Earl. Someone forgot to tell the earl and she finds herself married to the younger brother, Nash. He is a successful merchant who is trying to keep his warehouse open. This is a tumultuous time in history. The common worker is trying to find his voice in government. The wealthy and the nobility are trying to keep the worker out of government. Nash is trying to keep the peace in the middle ground. Madeline is making that difficult.
Madeline finds out some terrible things about her past. She has endured much in her young life. She and Nash must try to figure out how to build a future together. This is a romance set during a rough historical period. The author does a great job at keeping the story moving forward and drawing out the suspense. The reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that it does a little time to draw the reader in. But once you are there, the story couldn't be better!
It is definitely not your typical Regency romance. This starts out feeling like it will be a typical romance but soon becomes more. Madeline Wetherby has been groomed her entire life to marry an Earl. Someone forgot to tell the earl and she finds herself married to the younger brother, Nash. He is a successful merchant who is trying to keep his warehouse open. This is a tumultuous time in history. The common worker is trying to find his voice in government. The wealthy and the nobility are trying to keep the worker out of government. Nash is trying to keep the peace in the middle ground. Madeline is making that difficult.
Madeline finds out some terrible things about her past. She has endured much in her young life. She and Nash must try to figure out how to build a future together. This is a romance set during a rough historical period. The author does a great job at keeping the story moving forward and drawing out the suspense. The reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that it does a little time to draw the reader in. But once you are there, the story couldn't be better!
January 16, 2014
"Nash first saw her as an apparition, a gilt London trinket set down by mistake at a dusty crossroads three miles north of town."
I'm not a romance kind of girl. It's mushy gushy and not my style. But I do like the regency era so thought I'd give An Untitled Lady a try. It was so much more than that. While the quote above had me questioning I soon realized this was not a book to be associated with Fabio. I was reminded of North & South or Elizabeth Gaskell's writing in general. An Untitled Lady was a fantastic read.
Nicky Penttila writing is so descriptive that I felt like I was there and could feel the buttons , fabric and all things that belong in a mill.
What I feel is at the heart of this novel is a marriage out of convince that slowly kindles to love. I could go on to describe the reasons why but I fear it would be most of the book. I will simple say this gradual affection for one another is a treat to see.
An Untitled Lady was a pleasure to read and knocked me out of my addiction to Candy Crush -- and that's saying a lot.
I received this book for review via the Historical Fiction Virtual Tour
I'm not a romance kind of girl. It's mushy gushy and not my style. But I do like the regency era so thought I'd give An Untitled Lady a try. It was so much more than that. While the quote above had me questioning I soon realized this was not a book to be associated with Fabio. I was reminded of North & South or Elizabeth Gaskell's writing in general. An Untitled Lady was a fantastic read.
Nicky Penttila writing is so descriptive that I felt like I was there and could feel the buttons , fabric and all things that belong in a mill.
What I feel is at the heart of this novel is a marriage out of convince that slowly kindles to love. I could go on to describe the reasons why but I fear it would be most of the book. I will simple say this gradual affection for one another is a treat to see.
An Untitled Lady was a pleasure to read and knocked me out of my addiction to Candy Crush -- and that's saying a lot.
I received this book for review via the Historical Fiction Virtual Tour
December 20, 2013
This book blew my mind. I was expecting the usual tame Regency story. While it started out that way it soon grew into something much bigger. Madeline finds out she is nowhere near who she thinks she is. Nash is out of the Navy and now owns and runs a fabric/mill business. He isn't happy as a second son and is on the outs with his family. Deacon, as the oldest brother, is to marry Madeline but doesn't want her. Nash likes her but doesn't want to marry yet takes her as his wife. That's the tame stuff so now here comes the deep stuff. This is the time that mill owners want to make more money by cutting weavers wages. They in turn want more for their families and are fired. It was a heavy time as the match is set to blow the whole scene into a gigantic explosion. This was the Peterloo Riot when unarmed men with their families held a meeting and hot headed owners turned the army on them and mowed them down. This is a very hard read at the end. The government ignored them and on it went. This book literally took my breath away. I liked it a lot. Characters were well developed and I won't go into descriptions. By that point in the book I could only read a couple of pages at a time. You read it if only for the realization of how good we have it now.
May 28, 2014
An untitled Lady is a bit challenging for me to review. As a historical fiction, it's 4.5 stars. As a historical romance it's 3.5 stars. As I love both genres, I found myself both pleased and a tad disappointed. The book was definitely well researched and true to the era. I appreciate an author who does her homework! I loved Nash! Maddie was a difficult character to love but given the circumstances of her life, she had to be complex and grew to love and understand her.
I really want to praise the author for her detail to an era that is difficult for modern day folks to comprehend. Most authors raised in liberal colleges take the one step approach, rich people are evil, aristocracy was evil, business people.... The author showed the complexity on both sides! Yes, there are evil rich people who take advantage of their power but also there are those who are human and use it to better the world for everyone. Power always breeds self interests when there is no moral compass but as Nash, Deacon and highly recommend this book but caution those looking for a fluff and love regency romance, this may not be your cup of tea.
I really want to praise the author for her detail to an era that is difficult for modern day folks to comprehend. Most authors raised in liberal colleges take the one step approach, rich people are evil, aristocracy was evil, business people.... The author showed the complexity on both sides! Yes, there are evil rich people who take advantage of their power but also there are those who are human and use it to better the world for everyone. Power always breeds self interests when there is no moral compass but as Nash, Deacon and highly recommend this book but caution those looking for a fluff and love regency romance, this may not be your cup of tea.
April 20, 2014
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Under the guise of a regency romance this book tells of the instance leading up to the Peterloo Massacre.
The book was unlike normal romances considering the historical relevance and upheaval which lead up to and resulted from the events.
I will admit I had never heard of the massacre until this book. I was curious enough to actually look it up and learn a little about it. I found the story dealing with the build up to be very repetitive, this lead me to be frustrated with the story a couple of times.
I did enjoy the characters. They were thought out and well rounded. A couple of times I felt as if Maddie, the main character, just needed to really get a brake. By the time I reached half way I thought okay she has been through enough now. Unlike a lot of other romance books where I think seriously the problem the characters are facing are just made up and corny, get over it already. The problems the characters faced were real problems that potentially real people faced.
Under the guise of a regency romance this book tells of the instance leading up to the Peterloo Massacre.
The book was unlike normal romances considering the historical relevance and upheaval which lead up to and resulted from the events.
I will admit I had never heard of the massacre until this book. I was curious enough to actually look it up and learn a little about it. I found the story dealing with the build up to be very repetitive, this lead me to be frustrated with the story a couple of times.
I did enjoy the characters. They were thought out and well rounded. A couple of times I felt as if Maddie, the main character, just needed to really get a brake. By the time I reached half way I thought okay she has been through enough now. Unlike a lot of other romance books where I think seriously the problem the characters are facing are just made up and corny, get over it already. The problems the characters faced were real problems that potentially real people faced.
January 27, 2014
As posted at http://www.justonemorechapter.com/
This is a book that I was surprised with, pleasantly surprised. I am not really sure why I even agreed to review this book because romance is really not my thing, so I am really glad that I did. Yes there is romance but not in an over powering, mushy, unrealistic way, there is also the historical aspect (which I love). Real life events take place which I think the author did a nice job portraying the situation in a real and honest way. Her characters are believable, they struggle with so many emotions, love, fear, anxiety, relationships and loyalty (just to name a few) They make mistakes and are not perfect, they are human. Again this is another part of history that I did not know about, the author wrote about the conflicts with enough emotion and accuracy to make this book very convincing.
This is a book that I was surprised with, pleasantly surprised. I am not really sure why I even agreed to review this book because romance is really not my thing, so I am really glad that I did. Yes there is romance but not in an over powering, mushy, unrealistic way, there is also the historical aspect (which I love). Real life events take place which I think the author did a nice job portraying the situation in a real and honest way. Her characters are believable, they struggle with so many emotions, love, fear, anxiety, relationships and loyalty (just to name a few) They make mistakes and are not perfect, they are human. Again this is another part of history that I did not know about, the author wrote about the conflicts with enough emotion and accuracy to make this book very convincing.
December 17, 2013
Penttila's novel is entirely luminous and will take readers' breath away. It's a story about a quest for love under extreme circumstances and the author paints this picture with ease. The animated characters come to life with each flick of the page and many will find themselves lost within the unique setting of Manchester. The history aspect is on point and never falters, and the romance unfolds at a perfect pace as it promises to gradually take one's breath away. London is described to a tee which will make Regency fans almost feel like they're watching a movie rather than reading a book. A wonderful work of art from start to finish!
January 10, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley and I feel privileged to have done so. An Untitled Lady is at times heart wrenching though I found it a compelling book to read. In many ways this book reminded me of Catherine Cookson's writing and if you enjoy her books then you will also enjoy this book too. It is certainly a page turner! What it is not is a warm, fluffy romance. Both Maddie and Nash have baggage which not only nearly destroys their marriage but also nearly kills them. The book is intelligently constructed and left me thinking I'd like to read more by this author. Well worth reading!
January 7, 2015
Wow! This book was amazing. It was like reading North & South by Gaskell all over again. The characters, the ambience, the fear, it all has that wonderful feeling that I thought I'd never experience again outside of Gaskell's work, but Nicky Penttila has just blown me away. It moved me to tears, and frustrated me, and scared me. And I loved every minute of it!
December 8, 2013
An Untitled Lady by Nicky Penttila is much more than a romance novel. It is the story of how a young woman who has always been taken advantage of tries to find love in an unexpected marriage, against a backdrop of economic turmoil.
Have written a detailed review on my site.
Have written a detailed review on my site.
January 11, 2014
4 stars, although not my genre, and a tiny bit too much of a romance, the characters were vivid and the storyline energetic.
It definitely worked for me.
Saving the rest for the HF Virtual Book Tours Blog Tour on January 13th
HF Virtual Book Tours http://myainbookblog.blogspot.com/
It definitely worked for me.
Saving the rest for the HF Virtual Book Tours Blog Tour on January 13th
HF Virtual Book Tours http://myainbookblog.blogspot.com/
November 10, 2013
An Untitled Lady is unlike any book I have read. It is somewhere between a traditional romance and a tale of millworker/millowner conflict, and does not always successfully navigate between the two. Our heroine, Madeline, has complicated family backgrounds and marries aristocrat-merchant-with-a-heart-of-gold Nash early on in the book.
I enjoy books where love grows after marriage, as it typically allows an author space for unhurried character exploration. I also love a good Industrial Revolution reform novel (Gaskell's North and South and Dickens's Hard Times being the gold standards in the genre). But the pacing in this book was confusing, and the beginnings of the Manchester troubles plot served as a distraction in the first half before blossoming in the second. I am glad that I stuck with the book, as Maddie's growth in confidence, sense of self, and political awareness was particularly well done. This novel rewards a patient reader, but I confess: if I had not had an advanced reader's copy awaiting review, I would have stopped reading too early to appreciate it.
I enjoy books where love grows after marriage, as it typically allows an author space for unhurried character exploration. I also love a good Industrial Revolution reform novel (Gaskell's North and South and Dickens's Hard Times being the gold standards in the genre). But the pacing in this book was confusing, and the beginnings of the Manchester troubles plot served as a distraction in the first half before blossoming in the second. I am glad that I stuck with the book, as Maddie's growth in confidence, sense of self, and political awareness was particularly well done. This novel rewards a patient reader, but I confess: if I had not had an advanced reader's copy awaiting review, I would have stopped reading too early to appreciate it.
September 24, 2014
h: Madeline Wetherby
H: Nash Quinn
So Maddy finds out some shocking news of who her real father truly was? So she has to settle and marry a common man a merchant.
Yes the merchant nash, but being radical leader for the people being put out by her new husband she must make a him see what he is doing is wrong or he will lose her. This is book has lots of real life facts woven it to it. I really liked that i got my romance fixed but I felt like i was also learning something about history without feeling like i was i school. I also felt that book the H and h were real characters that i could really understand and "feel". I love when you can read a book and really get into it and rout for the characters...i did with this book. This is a refreshing change from my "usual" Historical romance novels.
H: Nash Quinn
So Maddy finds out some shocking news of who her real father truly was? So she has to settle and marry a common man a merchant.
Yes the merchant nash, but being radical leader for the people being put out by her new husband she must make a him see what he is doing is wrong or he will lose her. This is book has lots of real life facts woven it to it. I really liked that i got my romance fixed but I felt like i was also learning something about history without feeling like i was i school. I also felt that book the H and h were real characters that i could really understand and "feel". I love when you can read a book and really get into it and rout for the characters...i did with this book. This is a refreshing change from my "usual" Historical romance novels.
May 16, 2016
I bought this book on a whim from the now-defunct Musa Publishing, because I saw that it came recommended and was categorized as an "Aurora" romance, which by their measure was a clean historical romance. I was therefore expecting that there would be no sex scenes--or if anything was mentioned, it would be a fade-to-black. That was not the case. If I had known that, I don't think I would have read it.
But overall, the writing was nice, and the story drew me in from the first page. I still often felt like Maddie was passive to the point of incredulity, but I like that there was a solid arc of growth within the romance. The historical details were also fun. I think the story resolves about the way I'd expect it to.
A good read, and I'd probably read future works by Penttila, but I was definitely thrown off a bit from my expectations.
But overall, the writing was nice, and the story drew me in from the first page. I still often felt like Maddie was passive to the point of incredulity, but I like that there was a solid arc of growth within the romance. The historical details were also fun. I think the story resolves about the way I'd expect it to.
A good read, and I'd probably read future works by Penttila, but I was definitely thrown off a bit from my expectations.
March 2, 2015
Actually 3.5 stars. I am not much of a romance book reader, but I did enjoy An Untitled Lady. The author, Nicky Penttila, weaves the history of the early 1820s England into the story well. She blends the characters' individual struggles with real life events (Peterloo Massacre) and comes up with a story worth reading. One of the things I was pleased about is that the story is set in Manchester, and doesn't revolve around the larger, typical "society" that is typically found in stories set in London. Definitely a good choice for someone who likes romance with a little more heft.
****I received this book from the author, Nicky Penttila, in exchange for an honest review.****
****I received this book from the author, Nicky Penttila, in exchange for an honest review.****
January 14, 2014
An interesting and unique novel. NIcky Penttila has done her homework. She has combined history, mainly the Peterloo Massacre, with the aristocracy, working class and poor class. I felt too much attention was paid to the historical aspects of the day and not enough on the characters of this story.
I did not like many of the characters. Of course, as a reader, I was interested in Maddie and Nash, but that's about it...the rest of the bunch were less than stellar. I had a difficult time finishing this book. I had to keep putting it down and going back to it.
The end of the book includes an author's note explaining the Peterloo Massacre.
I did not like many of the characters. Of course, as a reader, I was interested in Maddie and Nash, but that's about it...the rest of the bunch were less than stellar. I had a difficult time finishing this book. I had to keep putting it down and going back to it.
The end of the book includes an author's note explaining the Peterloo Massacre.
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