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The Hourglass
Coryn, Earl of Ardeth, has spent an eternity in Hell. Fed up, he gambles with the Devil and wins a second if he can find his heart, his soul, and his hourglass in six months, he can return to life.Then he meets Genie, a disgraced water-girl at the Battle of Waterloo. Now, her only hope is this crazy stranger-and she's half-terrified of and half-in-love with the eccentric earl. Together they have to find his humanity, her social acceptance, and overcome someone bent on destroying their lives.
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 6, 2007
11 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
103 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 6, 2008
Barbara Metzger's books are such a delight to read. "The Hourglass" is a book filled with love and humor, faintly in the style of Heyer with a bit of extra passion.
Imogene is pregnant, widowed, stranded, and disgraced. When she is rescued by a beautiful, but very strange peer, she's not sure if he's quite right in the head but really has no other choice than to agree to his rash and hurried proposal.
Coryn is really Ar, a minion of the Grim Reaper, and after all his planning he's finally managed to become human again. His deal with the Devil states he has 6 months to find his humanity. If he cannot, he will become the Devil's plaything forever.
What an interesting concept. I think the imp/crow Olive was one of the funniest 'pets' I've ever read about in any book. With Coryn trying to redeem himself and Imogene trying to understand her sometimes insane husband, it takes these two a while to realize that they are falling in love. There are plenty of 'sidebars' to occupy the couple as they both try to help the other with sometimes humorous outcomes!
If you like a humorous historical romance, with not much danger, and mostly sexual tension until towards the end of the book, then you should check out Ms Metzger's novels. It's a great way to spend an afternoon and will leave you with a smile on your face.
Imogene is pregnant, widowed, stranded, and disgraced. When she is rescued by a beautiful, but very strange peer, she's not sure if he's quite right in the head but really has no other choice than to agree to his rash and hurried proposal.
Coryn is really Ar, a minion of the Grim Reaper, and after all his planning he's finally managed to become human again. His deal with the Devil states he has 6 months to find his humanity. If he cannot, he will become the Devil's plaything forever.
What an interesting concept. I think the imp/crow Olive was one of the funniest 'pets' I've ever read about in any book. With Coryn trying to redeem himself and Imogene trying to understand her sometimes insane husband, it takes these two a while to realize that they are falling in love. There are plenty of 'sidebars' to occupy the couple as they both try to help the other with sometimes humorous outcomes!
If you like a humorous historical romance, with not much danger, and mostly sexual tension until towards the end of the book, then you should check out Ms Metzger's novels. It's a great way to spend an afternoon and will leave you with a smile on your face.
February 14, 2014
*Book source ~ Many thanks to Untreed Reads for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Coryn, Earl of Ardeth is really Ar Death and a reaper, a minion of the Devil. After centuries of reaping souls he wants a chance to be mortal and takes steps to that end in case he wins his gamble with the Devil. Win he does and the Devil has to put up or shut up. Making Ardeath mortal and then adding the caveat that Ardeath has to find his humanity and his hourglass (the brooch symbolizing his office) in six months or he will serve the Devil for all eternity. Ardeath is put down in the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo and immediately sets to work easing the pain and suffering of the soldiers. While there he comes across a penniless widow, Imogene Hopewell Macklin, who has been cast off from polite society. His solution to both of their situations is for them to marry before heading to London. The problems before them seem insurmountable, but Ardeath has been a reaper in Hell for centuries. He’s not about to give up now especially when his mortal future is beginning to look so bright.
Well, this is the second historical romance with a paranormal twist by Barbara Metzger that I’ve read and I have to say I loved it. Her stories are always so entertaining and light-hearted even when the characters seem as if they will never rise from their problems and despairs. The romance part takes a bit of a back seat in this until towards the end while the paranormal part is the majority of the story. However, it all comes together beautifully. The writing carried me along and I didn’t want to put it down. Ardeath is one interesting dude and Genie has some spunk. I quite enjoyed how she tried to ignore her new husband’s *cough* eccentric behavior. And Olive the crow is hilarious. I would not have been so forgiving of her family as Genie is, but other than that I love how she’s trying to go with Ardeath’s flow. A sigh-worthy romance that also entertains is a rare treat and this one fits the bill nicely.
Coryn, Earl of Ardeth is really Ar Death and a reaper, a minion of the Devil. After centuries of reaping souls he wants a chance to be mortal and takes steps to that end in case he wins his gamble with the Devil. Win he does and the Devil has to put up or shut up. Making Ardeath mortal and then adding the caveat that Ardeath has to find his humanity and his hourglass (the brooch symbolizing his office) in six months or he will serve the Devil for all eternity. Ardeath is put down in the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo and immediately sets to work easing the pain and suffering of the soldiers. While there he comes across a penniless widow, Imogene Hopewell Macklin, who has been cast off from polite society. His solution to both of their situations is for them to marry before heading to London. The problems before them seem insurmountable, but Ardeath has been a reaper in Hell for centuries. He’s not about to give up now especially when his mortal future is beginning to look so bright.
Well, this is the second historical romance with a paranormal twist by Barbara Metzger that I’ve read and I have to say I loved it. Her stories are always so entertaining and light-hearted even when the characters seem as if they will never rise from their problems and despairs. The romance part takes a bit of a back seat in this until towards the end while the paranormal part is the majority of the story. However, it all comes together beautifully. The writing carried me along and I didn’t want to put it down. Ardeath is one interesting dude and Genie has some spunk. I quite enjoyed how she tried to ignore her new husband’s *cough* eccentric behavior. And Olive the crow is hilarious. I would not have been so forgiving of her family as Genie is, but other than that I love how she’s trying to go with Ardeath’s flow. A sigh-worthy romance that also entertains is a rare treat and this one fits the bill nicely.
February 18, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars
November 4, 2018
When I decided to read this book it was only for a challenge and I had no idea what to expect. What I got was a pleasant surprise.
Imogene (Genie) finds herself in quite a predicament for a young lady, especially in her day and time. Although there would be no disgrace to her situation today as she is pregnant without a husband; however, her husband died and left her with child.
Coryn (or Ar), the Earl of Ardeth, is in a rather odd situation too...he has made a deal with the devil so he has to find his humanity within 6 months or the devil will have him forever. It's hard to fathom that anyone would make a deal with such a being, because how can anyone win against someone like the devil? When Ar meets Genie he offers to marry her and yet to stay out of her bed unless/until she wants to be with him. He's different in many ways than most men. He tells her that no woman should ever make love to a man unless she loves him, so even though he wants to be with her he denies himself and her because of their "contract" to marry. The offer he gives her is actually not well-taken and others are very judgmental of Ar's and Genie's marriage, but specifically of Genie.
Another romance is on the rise, however, as these two live their daily routine and get to know and (I believe) respect each other and even admire each other. They have in their midst Ar's pet crow, Olive. Olive is a character in the story. He talks, he is talked to, and the reader begins to think this bird can actually think or something. Olive is so lovable! He makes the story so much fun by his funny, inappropriate at times, comments.
Recommendation: I think this book is really fun and I'd recommend it to everyone.
Imogene (Genie) finds herself in quite a predicament for a young lady, especially in her day and time. Although there would be no disgrace to her situation today as she is pregnant without a husband; however, her husband died and left her with child.
Coryn (or Ar), the Earl of Ardeth, is in a rather odd situation too...he has made a deal with the devil so he has to find his humanity within 6 months or the devil will have him forever. It's hard to fathom that anyone would make a deal with such a being, because how can anyone win against someone like the devil? When Ar meets Genie he offers to marry her and yet to stay out of her bed unless/until she wants to be with him. He's different in many ways than most men. He tells her that no woman should ever make love to a man unless she loves him, so even though he wants to be with her he denies himself and her because of their "contract" to marry. The offer he gives her is actually not well-taken and others are very judgmental of Ar's and Genie's marriage, but specifically of Genie.
Another romance is on the rise, however, as these two live their daily routine and get to know and (I believe) respect each other and even admire each other. They have in their midst Ar's pet crow, Olive. Olive is a character in the story. He talks, he is talked to, and the reader begins to think this bird can actually think or something. Olive is so lovable! He makes the story so much fun by his funny, inappropriate at times, comments.
Recommendation: I think this book is really fun and I'd recommend it to everyone.
May 5, 2015
I often enjoy an historical romance as an escape from the books I read and review. So when I spotted this one on a bargain table I picked it up. This is the story of Sir Coryn - a long-dead Crusader who now works for Satan as a soul collector. He is one of many who attend the dying and bring those slated for Hell back to Satan. He's been doing this job for centuries. And during his collections he has been able to store away real-world trinkets and treasures - enough to line the pockets of a sultan. When the time is right, Coryn (known among the underworld as Ar) makes a gambling deal with the Devil - and wins! He is allowed to return to the world of the living but Satan gives him only six months in which to find his soul. Coryn's soul is contained in an hourglass brooch which Satan throws into the world and which Coryn must find in order to remain a man. On his journey back to this life, Coryn is accompanied by a gremlin who manages to tag along. After trying various forms the gremlin settles on being a talking crow who likes to say "Alive". But Coryn tells folks the bird is a bit dim-witted and is trying to say its name - "Olive". In order to redeem his soul, Coryn sets about doing good deeds - saving the lives of wounded soldiers at first. He then meets Imogene, the widow of a soldier who has been ostracized from the society of military wives and who is penniless and pregnant. Coryn convinces her to marry him. In due course, Coryn claims his ancient title and lands, Genie (his wife) is now a countess and he feels that together they can do good works for women and children. But the path to redemption is blocked by those who would do them ill. Can Coryn redeem himself in the time allotted? Will Genie learn to accept the eccentricities that make up her husband? Will Olive ever learn to speak the King's English?
A gripping tale of Life and Death, this one will have the reader turning the pages far into the night. The characters are multi-layered and slowly expose their layers to the reader. A welcome counterpoint is the crow and his antics and the hourglass room.
I enjoyed this book as it deviates from the historical romance boilerplate novel of two erstwhile lovers who find each other. I'll admit I read this book in two days. As this is my first Barbara Metzger book, I'll be anxious to look at her other works.
A gripping tale of Life and Death, this one will have the reader turning the pages far into the night. The characters are multi-layered and slowly expose their layers to the reader. A welcome counterpoint is the crow and his antics and the hourglass room.
I enjoyed this book as it deviates from the historical romance boilerplate novel of two erstwhile lovers who find each other. I'll admit I read this book in two days. As this is my first Barbara Metzger book, I'll be anxious to look at her other works.
August 7, 2014
This is not the normal Barbara Metzger book.
I am a big fan of Ms Metzger’s writing. Her humor and characters are two of the reasons I enjoy her books.
This book has very little humor. The two main characters are interesting, and that is what kept me focused.
Sir Coryn of Ardsley was a Medieval knight. He was killed and he became a worker for Death. He was a collector – when someone was nearing death he came to collect them. Through some effort on his part he is to be put back into life. He appears on the battlefield after the Battle of Waterloo.
Imogene Macklin is a widow. She is helping in the hospital area trying to ease some of the pain. Her husband was recently killed by a jealous husband. He had been introducing her as his sister, so respectable women no longer believe a word that comes out of her mouth. It is evident she is a woman of ill repute.
Coryn is on earth dedicated to doing good. He decides that he must marry Genie in order to provide for her and save her from the terrible treatment she is receiving.
Coryn is a very heroic figure. He is working very hard to provide aid to those in need. His sense of generosity and kindness is amazing. Interestingly his goodness is looked upon as being a sign that he is some sort of warlock. Evidently being kind was not a common occurrence in those times.
Genie is not sure what to make of her new husband. But, before long she is participating in the saving of bodies and souls in need. In fact she easily becomes a willing accomplice in the doing of good.
I liked both Coryn and Genie. And all during the book, I had hopes that they would become a happy couple.
I do wish there had been a little more light and much less dark to the story. But, Ms Metzger is such a talented writer that even the darkness in the story did not deter me.
If you like a romance with a much different perspective, this is a book that will hold your interest until the final page.
I am a big fan of Ms Metzger’s writing. Her humor and characters are two of the reasons I enjoy her books.
This book has very little humor. The two main characters are interesting, and that is what kept me focused.
Sir Coryn of Ardsley was a Medieval knight. He was killed and he became a worker for Death. He was a collector – when someone was nearing death he came to collect them. Through some effort on his part he is to be put back into life. He appears on the battlefield after the Battle of Waterloo.
Imogene Macklin is a widow. She is helping in the hospital area trying to ease some of the pain. Her husband was recently killed by a jealous husband. He had been introducing her as his sister, so respectable women no longer believe a word that comes out of her mouth. It is evident she is a woman of ill repute.
Coryn is on earth dedicated to doing good. He decides that he must marry Genie in order to provide for her and save her from the terrible treatment she is receiving.
Coryn is a very heroic figure. He is working very hard to provide aid to those in need. His sense of generosity and kindness is amazing. Interestingly his goodness is looked upon as being a sign that he is some sort of warlock. Evidently being kind was not a common occurrence in those times.
Genie is not sure what to make of her new husband. But, before long she is participating in the saving of bodies and souls in need. In fact she easily becomes a willing accomplice in the doing of good.
I liked both Coryn and Genie. And all during the book, I had hopes that they would become a happy couple.
I do wish there had been a little more light and much less dark to the story. But, Ms Metzger is such a talented writer that even the darkness in the story did not deter me.
If you like a romance with a much different perspective, this is a book that will hold your interest until the final page.
May 25, 2012
Nicely done--historical with a few paranormal elements.
Imogene Macklin's a soldier's widow--without a penny to her name since her cheating spouse had the indignity of being killed by his lover's jealous husband. And she's pregnant.
Sir Coryn of Ardsley wins a second chance for himself from Satan himself--if he can atone for his previous life, he may have a chance to rejoin the living.
Ms. Metzger does a lovely job with the characters and story--good balance of plot and character development. Genie's no wimpy green girl, and I do love that she makes up her mind to go after what she wants. Ardeth's a tortured soul, and it's sweet to see him come around too.
I'll definitely be looking for other stories by Barbara Metzger.
Imogene Macklin's a soldier's widow--without a penny to her name since her cheating spouse had the indignity of being killed by his lover's jealous husband. And she's pregnant.
Sir Coryn of Ardsley wins a second chance for himself from Satan himself--if he can atone for his previous life, he may have a chance to rejoin the living.
Ms. Metzger does a lovely job with the characters and story--good balance of plot and character development. Genie's no wimpy green girl, and I do love that she makes up her mind to go after what she wants. Ardeth's a tortured soul, and it's sweet to see him come around too.
I'll definitely be looking for other stories by Barbara Metzger.
March 8, 2014
Well, I didn´t like this book very much I have to admit. It had an interesting plot and when I read the first pages I was intrigued by the story but then the whole book got very boring. I didn´t like the heroine Genie and the hero Lord Ardeth seemed just to be good to be true and even when there was a dangerous situation it always went smoothly and without real excitement. I never feared for our couple. And Ardeth´s money seemed to get him everywhere too. Boring, as I said before..
By the way this isn´t a book for readers who like their books a bit spicy, the sex scene is short, far from graphic and very unexciting and is no help either not to doze off..
By the way this isn´t a book for readers who like their books a bit spicy, the sex scene is short, far from graphic and very unexciting and is no help either not to doze off..
August 25, 2009
What a weird book! It's classified as a 'regency paranormal" and I guess I haven't encountered too many of these. I thought of the film "Death Takes a Holiday" when I was reading it. Someone said it was "Regency meets Meet Joe Black", and I agree--Meet Joe Black is a modern take on Death Takes a Holiday. The first part of the novel is pretty funny in the spirit of Georgette Heyer; the rest goes downhill but still ends well.
August 17, 2009
I wasn't sure I was going to like it even though I've loved everything I've read so far by Barbara Metzger. The storyline is not one I like - the whole coming back from the dead, bargaining with the Devil just isn't my cup of tea. But, it was cleverly done with Barbara's usual addition of comic relief. I did enjoy it immensely. Once again, she hasn't failed me.
November 11, 2018
It's a pleasant enough story. It was just alright. I suppose one could like it for a feel good story. It just lacked that something to make it good. There wasn't much conflict. I felt like there was no sense of urgency in the story. For a man who believed he would disappear in months, he was pretty blase about it.
Also, the characters lacked personality. I don't think they could help it either. The characters were just on the verge of ruination that when they were saved, they couldn't be anything other than thankful. I feel like that was their whole personality. Genie did act bratty that one instance, when he blamed her miscarriage on Ardeth. I thought that was dumb.
The story revolves around Ardeth and Genie. Ardeth was death. He managed to finagle his way back to life. He had a plan and executed it. He did his research about the age he was about to enter and bet the devil. He won. He was dropped after the English won the Napoleonic war. He posed as a lord. He healed people. He met Genie, who was a pregnant widow. She had been helping the wounded soldiers as well. She was outcasted because her husband didn't claim her in public. She wasn't regarded well by people. Ardeth's decision to marry her instantly rose her rank.
desp
Her story was that her sister arranged matters so she would marry Elgin. The sister had her eye on Elgin's brother and made it so that the brother would feel obligated to correct Elgin's scandal. Elgin was originally the sister's betrothed. Genie was left hanging and was outcasted despite being innocent.
Anyways, Ardeth and Genie set out for London. They were charitable and sought to make people's lives better. They helped people who were really down on their luck. They posed their help as lottery winnings and gathered around them a rag tag of people who had a second chance at life.
The book ended with Death exchanging the hourglass for the devil's charm. Ardeth forgot his life as death and became a real man.
Also, the characters lacked personality. I don't think they could help it either. The characters were just on the verge of ruination that when they were saved, they couldn't be anything other than thankful. I feel like that was their whole personality. Genie did act bratty that one instance, when he blamed her miscarriage on Ardeth. I thought that was dumb.
The story revolves around Ardeth and Genie. Ardeth was death. He managed to finagle his way back to life. He had a plan and executed it. He did his research about the age he was about to enter and bet the devil. He won. He was dropped after the English won the Napoleonic war. He posed as a lord. He healed people. He met Genie, who was a pregnant widow. She had been helping the wounded soldiers as well. She was outcasted because her husband didn't claim her in public. She wasn't regarded well by people. Ardeth's decision to marry her instantly rose her rank.
desp
Her story was that her sister arranged matters so she would marry Elgin. The sister had her eye on Elgin's brother and made it so that the brother would feel obligated to correct Elgin's scandal. Elgin was originally the sister's betrothed. Genie was left hanging and was outcasted despite being innocent.
Anyways, Ardeth and Genie set out for London. They were charitable and sought to make people's lives better. They helped people who were really down on their luck. They posed their help as lottery winnings and gathered around them a rag tag of people who had a second chance at life.
The book ended with Death exchanging the hourglass for the devil's charm. Ardeth forgot his life as death and became a real man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
Rather different than your typical Metzger book. More serious, a little dark, at times sad. It had some funny moments as well (mostly thanks to Olive) and an usual array of secondary characters.
Genie was not the typical cheeky and feisty Metzger heroine, she was nervous and dull at first, so I couldn't quite like her till later in the book, especially since she was so distrustful of Ardeth when he was trying hard to help her. Ardeth was more likeable, his struggles with his fate interesting. Olive was a fine addition to the pair of them.
Overall I was quite content with the book, mostly with Ardeth though. 3,5 stars.
Genie was not the typical cheeky and feisty Metzger heroine, she was nervous and dull at first, so I couldn't quite like her till later in the book, especially since she was so distrustful of Ardeth when he was trying hard to help her. Ardeth was more likeable, his struggles with his fate interesting. Olive was a fine addition to the pair of them.
Overall I was quite content with the book, mostly with Ardeth though. 3,5 stars.
September 16, 2021
Charming
Metzger is at her best in her romances with a supernaturalio twist. She wastes no time trying to explain the mechanism,but goes directly to the human story. This one deals with some pretty serious issues like depression, impotence, miscarriage,and death, not that social ostracism and a unfair society making life harder to negotiate is light,but that might be something some readers want to avoid,even knowing there is a guaranteed happy ending in these books.
Metzger is at her best in her romances with a supernaturalio twist. She wastes no time trying to explain the mechanism,but goes directly to the human story. This one deals with some pretty serious issues like depression, impotence, miscarriage,and death, not that social ostracism and a unfair society making life harder to negotiate is light,but that might be something some readers want to avoid,even knowing there is a guaranteed happy ending in these books.
November 21, 2023
Beautifully fantastical!
If you are looking for a standard Regency Romance, this is not it. It is, rather, a beautiful fantasy love story which can sweep the reader away. You have to be willing to join in the lovely dance of fantasy the author weaves. And, if you do, you will be transported. I absolutely adored this book, and I highly recommend it.
If you are looking for a standard Regency Romance, this is not it. It is, rather, a beautiful fantasy love story which can sweep the reader away. You have to be willing to join in the lovely dance of fantasy the author weaves. And, if you do, you will be transported. I absolutely adored this book, and I highly recommend it.
May 31, 2020
Quirky
Way different then the average Metzger. Slightly different the the average paranormal. In the beginning I wasn't sure I'd like it . It had a lot if interesting moments if not much of the trademark Metzger humor. Still I finished it so a soft 4.
Way different then the average Metzger. Slightly different the the average paranormal. In the beginning I wasn't sure I'd like it . It had a lot if interesting moments if not much of the trademark Metzger humor. Still I finished it so a soft 4.
December 11, 2018
Interesting.
February 9, 2019
The......
It was actually a three and a half. Strange, but still interesting. Plot held together more than most hocus-pocus books.
It was actually a three and a half. Strange, but still interesting. Plot held together more than most hocus-pocus books.
May 29, 2020
Barbara Metzger comes through again with a light, entertaining Regency romance. Really bad theology, but a fun fantasy.
September 10, 2021
I would love to see this as a movie
Love the heroine and her hero and his dark, dark past. The witty dialogue and the twists and turns of the plot. Another Metzger marvel.
Love the heroine and her hero and his dark, dark past. The witty dialogue and the twists and turns of the plot. Another Metzger marvel.
December 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Another one of Metzger’s unusual plots
June 14, 2019
If you are looking for a different spin on a Regency novel, this is it. Barbara Metzger combines fantasy, an after-life with Satan and a Regency romance into one story. Our hero, Sir Coryn of Ardsley starts out as a knight of the Crusades. Upon his death, Coryn becomes one of Satan's Grim Reapers -- collecting earthlings for Satan's work. He's been about his work for about 500 years when Coryn wagers with the Devil and wins -- six months back on earth to try to atone for his past sins. Satan makes the wager more interesting by offering to let Coryn live a full (term) life -- if he can find the unique hourglass the Devil has hidden on earth.
Imogene Macklin meets Coryn just after the Battle of Waterloo. She is a destitute widow, pregnant and shunned by the other British soldiers' wives. Genie's husband did not die in battle, he was shot by the husband of his paramour (in her bed).
Admiring Genie's courage and kindness, Coryn quickly offers her marriage. Knowing she is not Coryn's equal, Genie hesitates. She is afraid she will bring shame to the earl's fine family. Genie is in awe of Coryn's almost magical abilities and his ability to converse in a whole host of languages. She is confused by this man who exudes kindness and generosity, but who is unaware of some basic social conventions. Since Coryn seems to be an honest fellow, in spite of his strange behaviors and attitudes, Genie decides to marry him. What choice does she really have?
The love story between this couple is told with loving attention. They grow together through their attention to the crosses they must bear - individually and as a couple. Genie is shocked and gratified when Coryn calls her unborn baby -- their baby.
I personally felt the book slowed to a crawl while Genie made peace with her sister and then her family. There wasn't anything wrong with the book -- it just didn't speak to me. I've never been a fan of fantasy but I felt Barbara Metzger handled it well. The author had a unique way of maintaining the quest for the hourglass before the reader; I thought that was cleverly done. 3.5 stars
Imogene Macklin meets Coryn just after the Battle of Waterloo. She is a destitute widow, pregnant and shunned by the other British soldiers' wives. Genie's husband did not die in battle, he was shot by the husband of his paramour (in her bed).
Admiring Genie's courage and kindness, Coryn quickly offers her marriage. Knowing she is not Coryn's equal, Genie hesitates. She is afraid she will bring shame to the earl's fine family. Genie is in awe of Coryn's almost magical abilities and his ability to converse in a whole host of languages. She is confused by this man who exudes kindness and generosity, but who is unaware of some basic social conventions. Since Coryn seems to be an honest fellow, in spite of his strange behaviors and attitudes, Genie decides to marry him. What choice does she really have?
The love story between this couple is told with loving attention. They grow together through their attention to the crosses they must bear - individually and as a couple. Genie is shocked and gratified when Coryn calls her unborn baby -- their baby.
I personally felt the book slowed to a crawl while Genie made peace with her sister and then her family. There wasn't anything wrong with the book -- it just didn't speak to me. I've never been a fan of fantasy but I felt Barbara Metzger handled it well. The author had a unique way of maintaining the quest for the hourglass before the reader; I thought that was cleverly done. 3.5 stars
July 17, 2014
Even with paranormal aspects thrown in, Metzger weaved a fine tale, although her signature humour is almost nonexistent here. The big mystery, or the threat, was quite anticlimatic but it fit with the overall tone of the book. At times I felt Genie is not a worthy match for a guy who lived through centuries, but I guess Coryn could not have produced a better result in the aftermath of waterloo. As for Coryn Coryn.. who wouldn't love a guy like him, who wagered his eternal existence against the Devil himself for a chance of fleeting,though humane life? And this time, Metzger's choice of a pet is a talking gremlin-turned-crow, even His Grimness contributed for a touching ending, I had to close the book with a contented sigh. If only Genie was more likable - I mean, she is likable, admirable enough, but just not enough for Coryn. Since most of Metzger's novels are more plot driven than character driven, I guess she finds it difficult to flesh out both characters equally.
May 17, 2016
I loved the concept and wit in the book; he’s a reaper who tricks the devil into regaining his mortality for 6 months. the idea of having a character with so much knowledge of human nature was very alluring. The story was funny and unusual. so many absurd moments and the crow/demon was priceless. Unfortunately the ending wasn't the best-- I disliked the climax and the "villain".
Metzger writes very well--she’s clever and has great character development and great secondary characters, but there is always a distance from the characters in her books. perhaps it’s from too many interior monologues. still, i love reading them and the details and historical fact and setting are usually great.
Metzger writes very well--she’s clever and has great character development and great secondary characters, but there is always a distance from the characters in her books. perhaps it’s from too many interior monologues. still, i love reading them and the details and historical fact and setting are usually great.
May 17, 2013
Interesting paranormal premise. The male protagonist is preoccupied with "good works" and doing better with his second chance the entire time. I would have liked the book better if it spent more time on the mystery of the hourglass and less on the question of when this couple was finally going to consummate their marriage. I prefer that intimacy be related in a more "fade-to-black" manner than was handled here, though it was not extremely graphic. Because of my reservations above, I probably will not read anything else by this author.
October 21, 2013
Another moving tale by Barbara Metzger. Some supernatural elements for a twist on the typical romance.
Genie, widowed, friendless, penniless, is at the end of the road, in Belgium after the Battle of Waterloo, but then she meeets
Sir Coryn of Ardsley, former minion for St. Nick, given six months to redeem himself. He sees Genie as a way to show his change of heart.
Assorted dastardly relatives, not-so-minor complications, but Coryn and his ladylove manage to find true love despite the long odds against them.
Genie, widowed, friendless, penniless, is at the end of the road, in Belgium after the Battle of Waterloo, but then she meeets
Sir Coryn of Ardsley, former minion for St. Nick, given six months to redeem himself. He sees Genie as a way to show his change of heart.
Assorted dastardly relatives, not-so-minor complications, but Coryn and his ladylove manage to find true love despite the long odds against them.
January 13, 2015
As reviews have stated, this is darker than Metzger's norm, though there is still a comic element in the form of a gremlin.
I can see why RT chose it as a TOP PICK, though, and agree with the Booklist review: this book does have "memorable characters, a compelling plot," and "lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned."
My heart went out to both main characters.
I can see why RT chose it as a TOP PICK, though, and agree with the Booklist review: this book does have "memorable characters, a compelling plot," and "lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned."
My heart went out to both main characters.
August 23, 2017
Interesting story with a touch of paranormal and a marriage-of-convenience.
I love the characters and the first 1/2 of the book. The last half went in a direction I did not enjoy quite as much -- the twists seemed a little far-fetched for me...or something.
I love the characters and the first 1/2 of the book. The last half went in a direction I did not enjoy quite as much -- the twists seemed a little far-fetched for me...or something.
December 12, 2009
"Oh, what shall I do? Can I trust him/her? What's going on? I just don't know. I don't want to hurt him/her. I am awash in horrible indeci--BOOBS-N-BULGE. nvmd"
Silly. Chaste, but silly. I liked the crow.
Silly. Chaste, but silly. I liked the crow.
December 26, 2007
I really enjoyed the plotline of this book-- I plan to read more Barbara Metzger in the future. Any romance author able to make me wonder how the book will end has my allegiance.
August 16, 2009
A light read, kind of sweet and moderately entertaining. I enjoyed the crow's antics the most.
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