A Winter's Knight

Regency Rhapsody #1

by Elizabeth Cole

An alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

A wounded British army captain tries to find love in the face of his self-doubt...

Phoebe Hartridge runs into serious danger on an icy winter evening. But her rescuer, the mysterious Anthony Sterling, immediately melts her heart and makes her dream of a life beyond her tiny, sheltered world. The more she gets to know him, the more she senses he is hiding something from her.

When Captain Anthony Sterling was wounded in battle, he lost his leg, his fiancee, and any hope for happiness. Even the revelation that he is the heir to a fortune brought him nothing but bitterness. Then his chance encounter with the charming, innocent Phoebe makes him wonder if there may be a future for him after all. But first he must escape the shadows of his past.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Christmas, Historical Fiction, Novella, Historical

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Elizabeth Cole is a romance author with a penchant for history, which is why she lives in an old house in an old city. She can be found hanging around libraries and archives, or curled in a corner reading, cat on lap. She believes in love at first sight. Then again, she also believes that mac 'n' cheese is a healthy breakfast, so don't trust her judgment on everything.

Get in touch with her at http://twitter.com/coleheartedgirl

Reviews

[Bethany Platt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could say I loved the story, but I didn't. There will be some spoilors ahead.

Being someone who loves this time frame, I found many things wrong. The characters' speeches for one, but the thing that got me the most was the two main characters' behavior. No respectable military officer would make a bet with a lady, not to mention the result of that bet, and oh yeah, being alone with her in a room... for an hour? Also a gentleman would not have kissed her that deeply until they were married. They weren't even courting at the time! This doesn't even mention the fact that Tony did not go to Phoebe's father to ask her hand in marriage. Also, they would not have been on a first name basis that quickly and there would have been a search party out looking for Phoebe as soon as her horse came back to the house alone.

This aside, I did enjoy seeing Tony and Phoebe first meet as well as Tony realizing that even though he does have battle scars, he's still the same man underneath. This would have been a beautiful story if the time frame was better researched and the plot line WAY longer.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gem!

A Winter's Knight, a simple love story about Captain Anthony Sterling and Miss Phoebe Hartridge. While strolling the countryside of Norton, a small village outside of London he hears a woman in distress. After safely delivering the lady to her family, he contemplates courting the damsel.

Miss Hartridge, an only child longing companionship, can't stop thinking about her Knight, and his act of bravery.

A short story with little history. A traditional romance primarily focused on Captain Sterling. A man with uncertainties after completion of military duties.

The setting is during the festive Christmas season. Interestingly, the holiday season felt like a "journey of despair."

I enjoyed a particular scene where Tony realized political injustice had caused Londoners to "lose heart." I appreciate his heroic actions.

I felt, Anthony cheated death. Now, with a second chance, he could believe in HOPE. When I made a comparison between his two lady loves, I understood why the Captain chose Phoebe. A beautiful wallflower with genteel manners.

I appreciate Phoebe, a vicar's daughter. Although many reviewers site the relationship as insta-love. For me, her moral beliefs and the teachings of a loving family prevented the story from resembling insta-love. I thought they were at a stage of respect and acceptance.

I recommend this romance.

4 Stars: It deserves five stars but too short.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh... This story had a lot of potential to be good, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Less than 60 pages is already a letdown, and the way-too-quick romance between the two main characters was beyond annoying. The language was surprisingly nice, but that’s about as nice as it gets. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this story, but if you’re like me and want to read an ebook such as this one when you’re on the go, then try it out.

[Joan]

Short story that had little depth and even less character development. Not rating.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Winter’s Knight was an unexpected find. I thought by the title it would be a medieval romance, instead it is set in 1815 the Christmas after the Battle of Waterloo. This is a sweet regency and a great story.

Phoebe Hartridge gets thrown from her horse and a gentleman comes to her rescue and she dubs him her “knight in shinning armor.” She is immediately attracted to him. Could Captain Sterling bring her joy and love at long last?

Captain Anthony Sterling is visiting Norton because a solicitor has contacted him. He has inherited an estate. He lost his leg during the Battle of Waterloo and is not sure what direction he wants to take his life.

When Anthony meets Phoebe, she has him wondering: Should he keep Banstoke Hall and take a risk on love, or should sell it and keep his battered heart intact?

For such a short novella, A Winter’s Knight is surprisingly well-developed. The characters are engaging and the plot is enchanting. The pacing is excellent and this story can easily be read in less than an hour, perfect when one is looking for a heart-warming love story.

If you are looking for a traditional regency, then A Winter’s Knight is exactly what you are looking for. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I highly recommend this delightful tale of a sweet romance. Happy reading!

5 Gold Crowns

[Joann Herley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Winter's Knight is a short and sweet romance just right for a lazy afternoon. Phoebe Hartridge had fallen from her horse and soon to find herself at the mercy of men ready to rob her or worse. Captain Sterling is recovering from a wound received during the Battle of Waterloo and happens upon them by chance. A second chance at romance is soon to be befuddled by rumors of a wedding. This story is very light reading, but the happy ending is delightful.

[fia · Rating 2 out of 5]

my 100th historical romance read... so disappointing. i really liked the hero but the heroine was a complete idiot. not to mention the misunderstanding at the end was the most ridiculous i have read in quite some time

[Luli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Después de leer muchos y variados romances históricos, creo que lo mínimo que se le puede pedir a este género es que se respete el marco histórico, al fin y al cabo se trata de eso, no?, histórico, en este libro esto no ocurre. Bien podría estar ambientado a mediados de los 80. Posibles spoilers: Dónde se ha visto en el 1800 que una dama juegue al billar, y que el caballero la enseñe en la típica escena de ponerse “literalmente” encima de ella? En una habitación los dos solos? Ella sentada en la mesa mientras se besan? Fin spoilers.

En alguna peli he visto esta escena y desde luego a la protagonista no le molestaba la enorme falda de su vestido… y paseos sin carabina…en fin…si cambiamos el 1800 por el 1980, los coches de caballos por una moto y la batalla de Trafalgar por una escaramuza en Afganistán…la historia podría haber sido tierna y bonita, pero sin cambiar todo eso es ciencia ficción. Yo mis romances históricos los quiero, pues eso, históricos.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A REGENCY SHORT STORY


When Captain Anthony sterling arrives home from war, his fiancée rejects him. Scarred and an amputee. He no longer is the man she wants. Traveling on business out of town he meets Phoebe Hartridge. Phoebe doesn't seem to care that the man before her is less than perfect. Anthony begins to realise that Phoebe is different from his callous ex-fiancé maybe there's still a chance for him to be happy.

This is an unsophisticated story, but very charming nonetheless with an air of innocence to it. With two likeable leads. Though this is a regency novella, it contains little about the period. But the writing is descriptive and the chemistry between Anthony and Phoebe is well done. An okay read.
ARC was provided by the author

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

What a delightful story. Phoebe and Captain Anthony Sterling meet under unusual circumstances to say the least. The town of Norton England is in for quite a surprise on the arrival of Captain Sterling home from the war. This charming story of the Vicar's daughter, Phoebe and the dashing Captain Sterling is a wonderful Enjoy.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet love story

A sweet story of a hero and a lady he rescues. A amputee war hero who doesn’t believe he deserves happiness, who was rejected by his fiancé after his injury. When he inherits from his great uncle it’s the best thing since he meets Phoebe. She accepts him for all he is. A lovely ending to a sweet story.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I thought I was going to crawl into bed and go to sleep but this sweet novella had other plans for me. :) How could I resist? Wounded hearts, wounded bodies, secrets, and rumors, and a castle. It was as good a way to end my night as it was to continue my morning. A perfect happy story in a perfect bedtime size novella.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

*happy sigh*

That was good. Probably not entirely period correct, but I needed a fluffy little novella to read. I just finished watching this super creepy movie with a terrible ending, and this is exactly what I needed to be happy again.

4 stars.

[Melba Hard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance.

A lovely clean romance in the style of my favorite childhood author Georgette Heyer. Such a sweet tale with delightful characters who care about the person and not. their handicaps!
I strongly recommend this delightful short story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was short but so sweet. Phoebe gets attacked by two highway men and Captain Sterling (tony) comes to her rescue. They can’t stop thinking about each other and one thing leads to another they keep meeting by chance and falling in love with each other. So sweet.

[Armida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

Finally a book that isn't frustrating to read!! Love the story and the characters don't play any games! So worth the read I'm glad I started reading just out of curiosity!

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Captain Sterling was her perfect hero from the beginning. He rescued her and they couldn't stop thinking of each other. Loved the scene in the library/ billard room at the dance. Good amount of tension and conflict in a sweet little story.

[Ruby Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

I enjoyed reading A Winter's Knight! I love the cover and I didn't want to put it down! I prefer the short stories over the longer one. This on is the perfect length! Happy reading!

[Leslie Lobato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this short story a true and good fairytale ! Can't wait to read another book by this Author .

I enjoyed this story it read like a fairytale as good as Cinderella would love to read more of their story .

[Angela Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable

This novella was heart warming to say the least. The story was short but sweet. A great read on a cold winters night

[ann cheeseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I was held by it, couldn't put it down, only did when I had to. A Good clean romance that is well written. Thank you Elizabeth. Blessings Ann

[Debby Settle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

Just what I needed this evening. Beautifully written and I just loved the story. The only thing that makes me sad is it is a short story.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

A Winter's Knight was a nice, sweet quick read. It put a smile on my face. I will be reading more books by this author.

[Elle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this short read!

I love everything about this story. The characters, the climax and the resolution. Captain Sterling is so dashing and I love him to bits.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful short story with very likeable characters and a enjoyable storyline . Would read this author again

[Yue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unlike the sequels, I feel like the story was rushed. And not romantic, more like "cheesy". After been together for 1 hour, both Anthony and Phoebe can't stop thinking about each other. Second hour together and they are in love. Third hour together and they are engaged (!). So not only insta-love, which I hate, but also insta-engagement.

Anthony is supposed to be a soldier, a gentleman, but he offers Phoebe to teach her how to play billiard (!) by standing on top of her and grabbing the stick above her hand (!). And this being "Regency" period, Phoebe was super comfortable riding behind a stranger's back and hugging him like the world depend on it.

The whole misunderstanding with the ex-fiance was of course, obvious, since Anthony and Phoebe have only met for a couple of hours and haven't even talked! On the whole, ridiculous.

[Dorothy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorothy Moore

I would recommend any person who liked writers such as Georgette Heyer or Barbara Cartland to read this story. The story is very well developed as well as the characters. One fascinating fact in the story is how Napoleonic veterans were viewed after the cessation of hostilities by their fellow Englishman. It is because of these points that I gave the book four stars.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick short story. A regency romance that was mostly romance, not very much regency, and minimal plot. It was a sweet story, but there were inconsistencies for the era, and the first kiss was neither sweet nor believable for the characters involved or the time period. I’m glad it didn’t take very long to read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does it end?

He is there to receive an inheritance. While riding he saves Phoebe after she is thrown from her horse. Is there a happy ending. Read to find out. I enjoyed reading this book

[Lori]

A Love Like No Other

After losing his leg in the battle of Trafalgar and his fiancee dumping him, Tony had some family business in the area of Chipping Norton and there he meets Phoebe.