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The Metamorphosis Series #3
Gods and Monsters
As a widower, Nathanial Durham has the monumental responsibility of finding suitable husbands for his two daughters. Flirtatious and changeable Bethany might have nearly anyone, but she seems determined to toss her suitors away almost the moment they arrive. Laynie, on the other hand, far behind her sister in looks and charm, is of especial concern to her father. And so, when Harold Vaughn returns home to inherit, it seems the problem, at least for one of his daughters, is solved. Only which daughter will it be?
Even his girls cannot quite decide, and so, to cool the rivalry, the sisters are sent to an aunt’s, where they are thrown into the path of other young and eligible gentlemen—and a new rivalry begins.
Meanwhile, Mr. Durham, lonely for intelligent companionship, hires a gentleman to read to him several nights a week, but Mr. Holbrook is off limits to his coquettish girls. With varying degrees of reluctance, they honor the agreement. At least Beth does for herself, but if its possible Mr. Holbrook might provide a distraction for her sister while she decides which gentleman she prefers for herself, well...what harm can there be?
Some, it seems. When Laynie, accident prone and determined to get herself into any fix that comes her way, falls from a horse, it sets in motion a series of events that expose Mr. Holbrook as a man of questionable integrity. Is it possible Mr. Durham’s hired companion is capable of the wrongs laid at his door? Is it possible Laynie has been mistaken in esteeming him as a man of character?
Is it possible to know anyone truly?
Between the manufactured innocence of a young woman and the championed exploits of every man, what happens when the two opposing doctrines collide?
Even his girls cannot quite decide, and so, to cool the rivalry, the sisters are sent to an aunt’s, where they are thrown into the path of other young and eligible gentlemen—and a new rivalry begins.
Meanwhile, Mr. Durham, lonely for intelligent companionship, hires a gentleman to read to him several nights a week, but Mr. Holbrook is off limits to his coquettish girls. With varying degrees of reluctance, they honor the agreement. At least Beth does for herself, but if its possible Mr. Holbrook might provide a distraction for her sister while she decides which gentleman she prefers for herself, well...what harm can there be?
Some, it seems. When Laynie, accident prone and determined to get herself into any fix that comes her way, falls from a horse, it sets in motion a series of events that expose Mr. Holbrook as a man of questionable integrity. Is it possible Mr. Durham’s hired companion is capable of the wrongs laid at his door? Is it possible Laynie has been mistaken in esteeming him as a man of character?
Is it possible to know anyone truly?
Between the manufactured innocence of a young woman and the championed exploits of every man, what happens when the two opposing doctrines collide?
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
578 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
V.R. Christensen
34 books81 followersV.R. Christensen writes classically inspired romantic historical fiction and steampunk dystopian novels of depth and sensitivity. V.R.’s historical romances have been multiple-time bestsellers and have been compared to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens (a literary lovechild, perhaps?) V.R. is half English and resides in the United States, though she spends a majority of her time immersed in late-Victorian classic literature and costume dramas. Her work has been described as “masterful for its genre” and “gorgeous”—“like a river flowing through a beautiful landscape that is sometimes light, sometimes dark and threatening.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 18, 2018
I wrote a great review and then it got deleted! SO I'll sum up. This was a bit on the long side like a true Jane Austen book a bit wordy but I wanted every word. It was a good story. It got a little sad and I really wanted to smack these two self sacrificing people upside the head but in the end it all worked out. Well written, well developed complex characters. Very well done.
August 12, 2015
Don't bypass this book...
Christensen has done it again. I have yet to meet a book by this author that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. Intelligent romance with complex characters that captivate the reader. Definitely recommended.
Christensen has done it again. I have yet to meet a book by this author that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. Intelligent romance with complex characters that captivate the reader. Definitely recommended.
June 20, 2017
It was long which usually allows for some depth, witty banter lush scenery & great characters. However, this is not one of those novels.
The men either lacked spines or character & 2 try to throw over the women they love to 'save' a woman who chose another. The women cruel or naively headstrong
The men either lacked spines or character & 2 try to throw over the women they love to 'save' a woman who chose another. The women cruel or naively headstrong
November 14, 2017
A book that reminded me of 19th century novels like those written by Jane Austen. Two girls are of marriageable age and live with an elderly father. Dad has a candidate in mind for his younger one but the young man rather likes the older daughter. At first we get to know them as a very serious naive girl and a jealous flirty one. It is obvious that in those days girls of a good background could only wait for a good candidate to come and ask for their hand in marriage. Gossips could destroy one's prospects altogether. So we see the two girls grow up and deal with challenges. A father who is sinking into Alzheimer's, blackmail, poverty. Some things are spelled out, some things you have to read between the lines with our own more worldly knowledge.
It was amusing to read that in those days you were regarded old when a man was past 30. Or that when a man became a widower he was expected to marry soon again to keep his urges at bay.
No sexscenes and things only hinted at. Somehow that enhances the story.
Can really recommend buying it. A 6 stars out of 5 when you like a complicated story that displays real feelings and that needs intellect. The Gods and Monsters must be the men in the women's lives.
It was amusing to read that in those days you were regarded old when a man was past 30. Or that when a man became a widower he was expected to marry soon again to keep his urges at bay.
No sexscenes and things only hinted at. Somehow that enhances the story.
Can really recommend buying it. A 6 stars out of 5 when you like a complicated story that displays real feelings and that needs intellect. The Gods and Monsters must be the men in the women's lives.
December 1, 2022
The first two books in the Metamorphoses series deal with men looking to marry young women for their money (even if the women in question consider the money to be tainted or don’t know about their connection to it). Gods and Monsters, on the other hand, deals with young women who are looking to marry wealthy heirs or are being urged to do so by their families. Except for these slight similarities in theme, the three books of the series are completely unrelated.
Nathaniel Durham is the father of two young daughters of marriageable age. He is coming to the end of his life and his money. He is trying to get the girls married to young men who can take care of them before it is too late. He complains that they refuse to do the sensible thing and settle down.
The first suitor we are introduced to is Mr. Harold Vaughn, who really is a worthy young man. He is, in a way, almost the hero of the story, although for much of it he comes across as almost a side character. He has known the Durham girls, Bethany (Beth) and Alayna (Laynie) since they were little kids. His mother is convinced he should marry Laynie because she is kind and good-hearted. Her father tends to agree. Harold is in love with Beth, but at first, she discounts him because she has known him as an awkward, gangly youth and because he is a younger son who seems to be destined for a career in the church. While this does not mean absolute poverty, it does not offer the financial security to which Beth would like to become accustomed. Laynie, on the other hand, admits to loving Harold very much – but as a friend. They have been so close for so long that she regards him almost as a brother. But then Beth finds out that circumstances have changed, and Harold is now likely to inherit after all.
Half the book is devoted to what seem to be the girls’ fairly tame relationships with Harold, and with each other because of it. Beth suddenly becomes jealous of Laynie because she sees everything Laynie does as trying to get Harold away from her. Meanwhile, Laynie, knowing that Harold likes Beth best, is trying to get them together.
Then other complications arise. Mr. Durham meets a young man in London whom he hires to come read with him two or three evenings a week. For some inexplicable reason, Mr. Durham is convinced that women in general are intellectually incompetent, so his daughters are not suitable for this activity. The hired reader, Daniel Holbrook, becomes interested in Laynie, and she in him. But they can’t be very open about it with each other because Mr. Durham has decreed that the girls are supposed to leave Mr. Holbrook alone. They all regard him as a hired servant. Actually, he too has an inheritance that he has not yet claimed.
Mr. Durham sends the girls to visit his sister in the country hoping she can convince Laynie to marry Harold Vaughn. While they are there, the girls meet another man who presents himself as an eligible widower, Frederick Emerson. There is a major kerfluffle at the aunt’s house involving Mr. Emerson and a couple of their cousins. Mr. Emerson is engaged to their cousin, Grace. But it turns out that she must wait until she is twenty-one to receive her inheritance. If she marries before then, she will receive nothing. Mr. Emerson finds he can’t wait and breaks up with her. Both Beth and Laynie take an interest in him, especially Beth, and she invites him to visit them after they return home.
This goes horribly wrong. Frederick Emerson has some kind of grudge against Daniel Holbrook – we never find out the exact nature of this – and although he is initially interested in Beth, when he finds Laynie talking to Daniel Holbrook, he begins to try to charm her instead. He also makes terrible accusations about Daniel Holbrook to Mr. Durham causing Mr. Holbrook to be fired from his position and banned from the house. Somehow, Laynie winds up engaged to Mr. Emerson, and only then begins to discover, little by little, that he is not a very nice person. But he has also managed to call her character into question and convinced everyone that nobody but him will have her after that.
Beth begins to understand what a bad thing she has set going and manages to convince Harold to investigate Frederick Emerson. He meets with Daniel Holbrook’s friend, Charles Hamilton, and together they find much of the unsavory truth about him. How they manage, with the help of Harold’s mother, Lady Vaughn, and Daniel Holbrook’s dog, Jupiter, to discredit Frederick Emerson at the party where his engagement to Laynie was to have been announced, is a masterful scene.
Nathaniel Durham is the father of two young daughters of marriageable age. He is coming to the end of his life and his money. He is trying to get the girls married to young men who can take care of them before it is too late. He complains that they refuse to do the sensible thing and settle down.
The first suitor we are introduced to is Mr. Harold Vaughn, who really is a worthy young man. He is, in a way, almost the hero of the story, although for much of it he comes across as almost a side character. He has known the Durham girls, Bethany (Beth) and Alayna (Laynie) since they were little kids. His mother is convinced he should marry Laynie because she is kind and good-hearted. Her father tends to agree. Harold is in love with Beth, but at first, she discounts him because she has known him as an awkward, gangly youth and because he is a younger son who seems to be destined for a career in the church. While this does not mean absolute poverty, it does not offer the financial security to which Beth would like to become accustomed. Laynie, on the other hand, admits to loving Harold very much – but as a friend. They have been so close for so long that she regards him almost as a brother. But then Beth finds out that circumstances have changed, and Harold is now likely to inherit after all.
Half the book is devoted to what seem to be the girls’ fairly tame relationships with Harold, and with each other because of it. Beth suddenly becomes jealous of Laynie because she sees everything Laynie does as trying to get Harold away from her. Meanwhile, Laynie, knowing that Harold likes Beth best, is trying to get them together.
Then other complications arise. Mr. Durham meets a young man in London whom he hires to come read with him two or three evenings a week. For some inexplicable reason, Mr. Durham is convinced that women in general are intellectually incompetent, so his daughters are not suitable for this activity. The hired reader, Daniel Holbrook, becomes interested in Laynie, and she in him. But they can’t be very open about it with each other because Mr. Durham has decreed that the girls are supposed to leave Mr. Holbrook alone. They all regard him as a hired servant. Actually, he too has an inheritance that he has not yet claimed.
Mr. Durham sends the girls to visit his sister in the country hoping she can convince Laynie to marry Harold Vaughn. While they are there, the girls meet another man who presents himself as an eligible widower, Frederick Emerson. There is a major kerfluffle at the aunt’s house involving Mr. Emerson and a couple of their cousins. Mr. Emerson is engaged to their cousin, Grace. But it turns out that she must wait until she is twenty-one to receive her inheritance. If she marries before then, she will receive nothing. Mr. Emerson finds he can’t wait and breaks up with her. Both Beth and Laynie take an interest in him, especially Beth, and she invites him to visit them after they return home.
This goes horribly wrong. Frederick Emerson has some kind of grudge against Daniel Holbrook – we never find out the exact nature of this – and although he is initially interested in Beth, when he finds Laynie talking to Daniel Holbrook, he begins to try to charm her instead. He also makes terrible accusations about Daniel Holbrook to Mr. Durham causing Mr. Holbrook to be fired from his position and banned from the house. Somehow, Laynie winds up engaged to Mr. Emerson, and only then begins to discover, little by little, that he is not a very nice person. But he has also managed to call her character into question and convinced everyone that nobody but him will have her after that.
Beth begins to understand what a bad thing she has set going and manages to convince Harold to investigate Frederick Emerson. He meets with Daniel Holbrook’s friend, Charles Hamilton, and together they find much of the unsavory truth about him. How they manage, with the help of Harold’s mother, Lady Vaughn, and Daniel Holbrook’s dog, Jupiter, to discredit Frederick Emerson at the party where his engagement to Laynie was to have been announced, is a masterful scene.
August 16, 2018
A slow story of women needing to be rescued...
I’ve read and enjoyed both previous books on V.R. Christiansen’s Metamorphosis series. This one while not terrible, was unfortunately, not as enjoyable.
Two things stood out for me as attributes that really decreased my enjoyment. First, was the metamorphosis of the main character, Lainie (aka Alayna). She is the younger, quieter, kinder and more thoughtful sister to Beth who is throughout most likely of the book, flirty, self-centered, narcissistic, entitled and avaricious. Second, I dislike slow pacing and repetition.
Beth’s and Lainie’s respective metamorphoses are decidedly different and it was Lainie’s transformation that soured me on this book. Without going into much detail, Lainie morphs into the textbook description of a personality ripe for abuse. She becomes a totally self-sacrificing, self-deprecating, excuse making target for Emerson’s abuse. She transforms from a reasonably spunky Victorian woman into a flinching, cowering mop praying for someone to “rescue” her. If it were not for her sister and a good friend who step up to help her, Lainie would have had a long, unhappy life ahead of her.
Apart from a main character that I came to dislike, I also felt that the pacing was very slow and leant itself to repetition. There was an awful of lot of questioning whether the characters meant what they said and a lot of wondering “what does it all mean?” There was also a bit too much angst ridden handwringing on the part of Holbrook, the male protagonist. Finally, as with many period romance novels, all of the main characters could have medaled in Olympic-level conclusion jumping which only served to complicate relationships and slow the story down.
Bottom line: Women were beginning to flex their political and social voices by 1897, the time period in which this book was set. That’s one reason, I suppose, that I came to have issues with how Lainie’s character devolved. I have issues with women who need to be rescued.
I’ve read and enjoyed both previous books on V.R. Christiansen’s Metamorphosis series. This one while not terrible, was unfortunately, not as enjoyable.
Two things stood out for me as attributes that really decreased my enjoyment. First, was the metamorphosis of the main character, Lainie (aka Alayna). She is the younger, quieter, kinder and more thoughtful sister to Beth who is throughout most likely of the book, flirty, self-centered, narcissistic, entitled and avaricious. Second, I dislike slow pacing and repetition.
Beth’s and Lainie’s respective metamorphoses are decidedly different and it was Lainie’s transformation that soured me on this book. Without going into much detail, Lainie morphs into the textbook description of a personality ripe for abuse. She becomes a totally self-sacrificing, self-deprecating, excuse making target for Emerson’s abuse. She transforms from a reasonably spunky Victorian woman into a flinching, cowering mop praying for someone to “rescue” her. If it were not for her sister and a good friend who step up to help her, Lainie would have had a long, unhappy life ahead of her.
Apart from a main character that I came to dislike, I also felt that the pacing was very slow and leant itself to repetition. There was an awful of lot of questioning whether the characters meant what they said and a lot of wondering “what does it all mean?” There was also a bit too much angst ridden handwringing on the part of Holbrook, the male protagonist. Finally, as with many period romance novels, all of the main characters could have medaled in Olympic-level conclusion jumping which only served to complicate relationships and slow the story down.
Bottom line: Women were beginning to flex their political and social voices by 1897, the time period in which this book was set. That’s one reason, I suppose, that I came to have issues with how Lainie’s character devolved. I have issues with women who need to be rescued.
June 20, 2017
This was a really, really good book--up until the ending. It was a lot of buildup for a very poor reward, and I'm not satisfied with the comeuppance that the villains received.
June 22, 2017
This is one very dry and long~winding read but despite its sometimes convoluted storytelling style it managed to hold my interest till I reached The End. We have a truly devious villain in Emerson. One who really knows how to manipulate people and reputations and even character (innate integrity and the appearance of respectability). I have an issue about Grace's hole~in~corner~like marriage (to the extent of forsaking even her inheritance), why did the Phillipses not reveal to the Durhams the reason for the hasty marriage (if Emerson has indeed compromised Grace) thus preventing yet another victim in Laynie and why should Mr. Durham readily believe Emerson's lies about Holbrook when he just met the man rather than wait for Holbrook's version before making a final judgement? It rather looks like Wickham and Mr. Darcy in P&P and to think that Holbrook was never ever been as "prideful" as the misunderstood Mr. Darcy. And yet being unscrupulous always wins over being honorable, probably because of the lack of ethics and fair play involved. A sad yet tragic reality.
March 18, 2020
Overall competent, and mildly better than adequate. The narrative is well structured, and the characters are interesting. One undergoes good personal development. On the negative side, the story is typical of this genre, and contains several fairly familiar and predictable elements. We know more or less from the beginning who is going to end up with whom. Sometimes it is hard to guess a person's motivation. The English is normally competent, but far too often the reader is brought up with a shock at something ungrammatical and incoherent. Examples include things like, "as many a woman do," or the repeated preposition in "with whom she was friends with", or the grammatically incompetent "between she and her sister". What educated author could ever write "between she"?
Overall, a pleasant romp, interrupted at times by misuse of the english language.
Overall, a pleasant romp, interrupted at times by misuse of the english language.
June 18, 2018
Metamorphosis Series
The three books in this series are a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Each is a stand alone novel rich in its Victorian England setting. The prose is reminiscent of that used in books of the late nineteenth century, but instead of being difficult to read, the writing puts the reader right there in the British countryside. The characters fairly represent both the good and bad of that period.
Although I am not normally a fan of this genre, I found myself completely captivated by each one of these novels. I just wish the author had written a fourth one.
The three books in this series are a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Each is a stand alone novel rich in its Victorian England setting. The prose is reminiscent of that used in books of the late nineteenth century, but instead of being difficult to read, the writing puts the reader right there in the British countryside. The characters fairly represent both the good and bad of that period.
Although I am not normally a fan of this genre, I found myself completely captivated by each one of these novels. I just wish the author had written a fourth one.
March 15, 2017
I typically enjoy reading books that take place in this time and place, and while I understand that this type of literature moves more slowly, I must admit that there were parts of this book that felt like a real chore to get through.
I am starting to agree somewhat with previous reviewers that the author tends to make her stories overly long just for the sake of writing long stories.
This book focused once again on women and their lack of personhood in Victorian England. Two sisters, Beth and Laynie, need husbands according to their widowed father. He just doesn't have much of a clue about how to make that happen.
There is some interesting dynamic between the two sisters--with the older sister, Beth, being the one who most folks think is the more attractive of the two. So, it becomes a little interesting when Laynie becomes the pursued sister by a couple of the male characters. But is it because she is naive and somewhat easily manipulated...or is it something more than that?
Being the younger of two sisters myself, and in a similar situation, it was easy to find myself rooting for the younger sister, Laynie. Of course, it all works out in the end, and each sister ends up with the right man. There is also a thread connecting this book to Cry of the Peacock, so it will be interesting to see if the author continues in that same vein going forward into another novel, or if she decides to do something altogether different.
I am starting to agree somewhat with previous reviewers that the author tends to make her stories overly long just for the sake of writing long stories.
This book focused once again on women and their lack of personhood in Victorian England. Two sisters, Beth and Laynie, need husbands according to their widowed father. He just doesn't have much of a clue about how to make that happen.
There is some interesting dynamic between the two sisters--with the older sister, Beth, being the one who most folks think is the more attractive of the two. So, it becomes a little interesting when Laynie becomes the pursued sister by a couple of the male characters. But is it because she is naive and somewhat easily manipulated...or is it something more than that?
Being the younger of two sisters myself, and in a similar situation, it was easy to find myself rooting for the younger sister, Laynie. Of course, it all works out in the end, and each sister ends up with the right man. There is also a thread connecting this book to Cry of the Peacock, so it will be interesting to see if the author continues in that same vein going forward into another novel, or if she decides to do something altogether different.
August 14, 2018
For fans of this genre, Gods & Monsters is a must add to you bookshelf. If you have read any of the previous books in the series, Gods and Monsters does not fail to delight. The attention to detail is exquisite, the characters well developed, and I found myself feeling as if I was standing in the corner of a room. a mute observer, watching as the action unfolded - and counting my lucky stars I did not live in this era!
A great read!
A great read!
February 13, 2022
I am pleased I persisted but there were moments when I could have thrown the book in absolute frustration. All was forgiven in the end. From the outset I enjoyed the two main characters, Mr Holbrook and Laynie. Beth on the other hand drove me nuts. I can understand other reviewers thinking the book long winded but I have to be honest, upon finishing, I cannot think what could have been left out without taking away from the story? I did enjoy the series overall.
July 10, 2017
This is the second book by this author which I have really enjoyed. The historical settings are beautiful and the characters beautifully put-together. I'm sure some will hate me to compare this to Austen, but I really felt the similarities in style and content. Although basically a romance, there is a lot more involved.
October 27, 2017
Not my favorite of Christensen's work but interesting study of petty, jealous sibling rivalry. Good writing of under toned feelings. Made me feel like some of the old "rules of society" might still be good to be adhered to today! Yeah, I know, I'm a prude, deal with it.
I'll be on the look out for the next work by this very capable author.
I'll be on the look out for the next work by this very capable author.
August 14, 2018
OMG !! I love this book
The characters are do well developed that you feel like you know them personally. Two sisters ready for marriage, can't stop fighting and backbiting. A young man known to them both, returns from school to inherit the family title. Then the games begin. You won't regret reading this one.
The characters are do well developed that you feel like you know them personally. Two sisters ready for marriage, can't stop fighting and backbiting. A young man known to them both, returns from school to inherit the family title. Then the games begin. You won't regret reading this one.
July 13, 2020
Good read
Good read with some suspense and tenderness. I was disappointed that more wasn’t mentioned or done for Emerson’s child. I know this is a work of fiction, but it leads me to feel that children were valued less then women at this time and lord knows women had few legal or societal rights.
Good read with some suspense and tenderness. I was disappointed that more wasn’t mentioned or done for Emerson’s child. I know this is a work of fiction, but it leads me to feel that children were valued less then women at this time and lord knows women had few legal or societal rights.
March 26, 2021
A Complicated Romance
This book presents as a traditional historical romance, but the plot is more complex and nuanced than most of the genre. My only regret about the book is that we never learn why the sisters have such a strange dynamic with each other and with their father. I will read more by this author.
This book presents as a traditional historical romance, but the plot is more complex and nuanced than most of the genre. My only regret about the book is that we never learn why the sisters have such a strange dynamic with each other and with their father. I will read more by this author.
December 17, 2017
3 i guess
I seem incapable of deciding what I think of this book at present. Not sure why. Nothing wrong with it beyond a wrong word error. I liked the MC. Perhaps the fact that I am sick is making me feel blah about everything.
I seem incapable of deciding what I think of this book at present. Not sure why. Nothing wrong with it beyond a wrong word error. I liked the MC. Perhaps the fact that I am sick is making me feel blah about everything.
January 15, 2018
This was a 4-5 star book for me until... SPOILER- when Daniel left Lainie to propose marriage to the undeserving Sophie, that ruined the entire book for me. I personally would be highly offended if someone did that to me, and I certainly wouldn't have said YES to his proposal.
January 15, 2018
Wonderful
This was a delight to read. It is well thought out, the characters are fun and well developed, and there is a gentle humor throughout. If you love Jane Austin, you will love reading this.
This was a delight to read. It is well thought out, the characters are fun and well developed, and there is a gentle humor throughout. If you love Jane Austin, you will love reading this.
February 4, 2018
Really four and a half star
This book is truly a treasure to read. Two sisters and their widowed father, a push to get the daughters married and out of the house make for a good story. Various setbacks, problems, villains, make it a good story.
This book is truly a treasure to read. Two sisters and their widowed father, a push to get the daughters married and out of the house make for a good story. Various setbacks, problems, villains, make it a good story.
April 9, 2018
I couldn’t put it down...
This is the third book in this series and I think it was my favorite! I enjoyed getting lost in this series. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the authors writing style. I hope to read more from this author!
This is the third book in this series and I think it was my favorite! I enjoyed getting lost in this series. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the authors writing style. I hope to read more from this author!
August 14, 2018
The characters are do well developed that you feel like you know them personally. Two sisters ready for marriage, can't stop fighting and backbiting. A young man known to them both, returns from school to inherit the family title. Then the games begin. You won't regret reading this one.
August 25, 2018
Absolutely wonderful
I'm a nut for historical romance, but many tend to be more of exotic stories than anything else. But this is truly written as if the author was in the times, starts slow but if stay you'll enjoy it.
I'm a nut for historical romance, but many tend to be more of exotic stories than anything else. But this is truly written as if the author was in the times, starts slow but if stay you'll enjoy it.
October 2, 2018
Exceptionally good book
I love the books in this series. This is the third I read and each one is better than the other. Characters and dialogue are so representative of the era. I love the happy ever after in these books.
I love the books in this series. This is the third I read and each one is better than the other. Characters and dialogue are so representative of the era. I love the happy ever after in these books.
June 6, 2020
Kept my interest the whole time, which was many hours. So nice to read a book that actually has a plot and doesn't waste dozens of pages on explicit sexual descriptions, most of which are rather unbelieveable.
July 8, 2020
It gets better as you go
I found this book easy to read and more involving as I read! It was a nice love story without speaking about the intimacy. I enjoyed reading this author for the first time!
I found this book easy to read and more involving as I read! It was a nice love story without speaking about the intimacy. I enjoyed reading this author for the first time!
May 28, 2017
Kindle-Free. Have read three books by this author and enjoyed them.31/2stars
July 26, 2017
Extremely good
Very well written reminiscent of Thomas Hardy prose and story lines except with a happy ending. Depth, tension, intense characterization.
Very well written reminiscent of Thomas Hardy prose and story lines except with a happy ending. Depth, tension, intense characterization.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews