The Pursuit

The English Garden #4

by Lori Wick

Edward Steele is at last on his way home and determined to be in Collingbourne before Christmas-but that was before he met Denley and Osborne. Sailing from Africa to England, Edward meets these two very different men aboard ship. Osborne chooses to ignore everyone while Denley and Edward find themselves much together. But as their journey continues, Denley begins to feel unwell. By the time the ship stops in Lisbon, Portugal, he is very sick indeed.

Not able to ignore his traveling companion's plight, Edward abandons his goal of going home and disembarks with Denley and Osborne. He never dreams that his association with them will lead to the mysterious Nicola Bettencourt, a woman who captivates and confounds him in equal measures.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical Fiction, Christian Romance, Fiction, Historical

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this book more than the others in the series. It was nice getting a break from a female perspective intent on the love and marriage aspect. I enjoyed the "change of scenery" with it following Edward on his travels back home. The ship, new and unusual characters, along with the mystery of Osborne and Denley made this a much more intriguing story to me and I felt it wrapped up the series nicely. All of the characters were well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures with Edward, "Osborne", and Denley.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Edward from the previous novels, and I came to love him even more in this one. I really liked that this novel started out so unpredictable, indeed I never saw many of the twists coming. It was lovely to watch the progression of Edward and Niki's relationship from strangers to allies to something more.
I also loved that we got to catch up with many beloved characters from the previous novels. Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Overall a delightful and satisfying conclusion to what has been another great series by Lori Wick! I know I'll be coming back often to re-read them all.

[Tracie Sampson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only finished this book because i’m not a quitter but it is soooo bad. First of all, there are WAY too many secondary characters that add nothing to the story and only muddy it up. Second, she does not develop her characters at all . Third, there is a ton of dialogue and no description. We don’t even know what the heroine looks like, except that she’s tall. Finally, the story has no real conclusion, the author goes from a proposal to 12 years later in one paragraph without even giving us the satisfaction of a wedding . AND SHE GIVES THE POOR GIRL 7 KIDS AT THE END 😳

[Loretta Marchize · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good close to the series, although I do wish Harry could have had a book. I'm not going to offer a traditional review, as it is pretty similar in standing to the previous novels in the series.
It was refreshing to have more of a man's perspective on the story, and I did like Niki. Also- the two boys were adorable! I loved that part.
Overall, a good read. The characters tend to be perfect, as does their world, so just be aware if you are looking for a realistic book with a romantic subplot this is not it.

[Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great ending for the series! I love just how Edward and Niki met and I just absolutely love Niki and Ed!!! This is just another great of her stories.

Now, my romance readers, GO READ THIS SERIES!!!!!!

[April Schwanke Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sad that this series is over, for me, though I hope to revisit Collingbourne someday, along with these wonderful characters. I'm told that Lori Wick wrote these, with similarity to Jane Austen and the flare she sparked with her fountain pen. And while Ms. Austen's work and art have stood the test of time, I find that Lori Wick's regency stories are much more appealing to me. It is just so good.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the whole English Garden series.

The Good: Solid Christian faith of the characters. Empathy with the characters. Lori Wick is wonderful at getting us into the lives of her characters. I enjoyed the plot lines immensely.

The Bad: Not enough realism.
(1) It's blind to its setting. This series was set from about 1811-1814 or so, smack dab in the middle of England's war with Napoleon and the USA (War of 1812). Not a peep was said about the wars, and several solid, healthy young men didn't even give a thought to it.
(2) The characters seemed not of their time. Were families (and couples, and women) really that open in sharing about pregnancy and childbirth? And although we saw Christian families, were they really as egalitarian as they appear in this series? This was still about 100 years before women's suffrage.
(3) Their standard of living seemed unusually high. All the couples end up in large homes with rich surroundings. This was still an age of primogeniture in England. All the men (except Edward) must have been elder sons from wealthy families. And how many estates are there to be had in the surroundings of one village?

Perhaps I'm being too picky for an escapist romance series, but these things really did lessen the enjoyment for me. Perhaps I should stick to books set in more modern times, where such things wouldn't be an issue.

[Joy Lokey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found as others did that this final book in the English Garden series was the most captivating of the four. I really enjoyed the consistent interacting between families throughout the series. I would have liked a little more description of the homes and landscapes, the characters' physical descriptions, and I'm thinking it would have been nice to see Nikki and Edward out on a horseback ride at some point. The unfolding of the love story between Edward and Nikki was off to a surprising start and then a satisfying culmination and ending. Edward seemed a little out of touch with his feelings, but then that does seem to be the way men are built without sounding too stereotyping. Yet Nikki also was slow on the uptake toward him. I also felt there could have been follow-on books in this series, yet totally get it that the author was ready to move on to other characters and stories. Always hard to say goodbye to characters that we grow fond of at the close of a series. The underlying theme throughout seemed to draw us to prompt others to share their testimony.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Better than the first in interest level, but the "danger" was not very believable. Also, again, the setting seems to be chosen without thought. The Napoleonic wars were going on at this time, but not a hint is given in these books, as single fighting-age men travel on merchant ships back and forth between Africa. Even the cheeky and equal feel in how some of the women talk to the men is more modern in feel. Also, how many wealthy, amazing estates and manors can possibly exist around a small, rural English village? And what is Edward's job? If Henry will own the family home and get the income, doesn't Edward need a profession? (Wondering from my Austen reading...) Seems Wick was running out of conflict ideas in this series. For example, how many Regency gentlemen Christian husbands can't handle their wives doing ANYthing while pregnant? Anyhow, still a nice, light, Christian read.

[Delores · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a long and drawn out storyline with way too many characters- far more than can be kept up with. I found it to be so devoid of action, drama, and engagement that I literally made myself finish it. This surprised me because I had read other Lori Wick books that I really enjoyed. I read “Wings of the Morning” and rated it a 5 star. In my opinion “The Pursuit “ was disappointing.

[Christine Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little series that finds women and men looking for love, friendship, and salvation in turn of the century England.

[𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕮. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly great! The first half of the book is VERRRRY GOOD and the plot twist on page 35...?! Oh em gee, very awesome!! The first half of the book was amazing because it was all action and about Edward taking care of some new friends he met on board the ship!
It was seriously awesome!

This Christian read wasn’t “too preachy” like some can be, so that’s awesome.

⚠️ spoilers ahead ⚠️
The rest of the book seemed slow and had too many extra characters added in; we don’t care about those extra people who were apparently mentioned in the earlier books in the series. Just continue the current Edward + Niki story!!

When Niki and Edward finally reunite at the church in collingbourne, I find it strange that she doesn’t appear to be more surprised to see him again...! Especially since he never told her what part of England he was heading back to.

I really enjoyed hearing about Edward bonding with Niki’s sons, Chris and Rich!
Edward is a true comfort character.

I’m glad Edward took charge and helped Niki confront her even step-mother.. Niki just wanted to keep running and that was foolish + tearing her family and life apart. Edward manned up and helped her; everything worked out great.

I didn’t care for the epilogue; how it’s now been 15 years since Edward and Niki’s wedding. Kinda weird hehee

I really enjoyed this book and I’m SO GLAD i found + read it 👍🏼📖💗

[Danielle]

1. Author’s Background
the author that wrote this book is Lori Wick. She was born on November 10th,1958. Lori Wick is the age 58 She has written more than 100 books and 39 novels of heart-warming romance. She writes really good books.
2. Literary Time Period
This book was about the 1800. where they had no wifi or nothing electronic. They had lanterns for the light and in the lanterns they had candles. They had to go on a ship instead of a plane to get somewhere far. So its basicly nothing like today.
3. Setting
The setting was in different places. The book goes all over to other characters and what's happening to them. At first it talks about this guy at a house with two kids and he's getting on a ship to go to lunden. Then it talks about this lady who people think is a man on the ship, then she is in lunden and in the woods. both of the main characters have been all over the world it sounds like.
4. Characters
There is a guy named Edward. Mr. Osborne who is really a young lady named Nikki. Then it talks about her friends and her twin sons who are only five. When it talks about Edward it talks about his brothers and his sister and her little family.
5. Theme
The theme at first is fun but then after some stuff happens it goes to happy. The reason why it goes happy is because they get to see their friends and family. Then it starts getting romantic when they meet each other again and they just start hanging out. I don't want to say to much because it's a really good book.
6. Plot Summary
Edward Steel has enjoyed a great adventure in Africa with his brother, Henry. But has returned to England and Edward hoping to be home for Christmas, is ready to follow him. However, Edward has always been a man of his word. When aboard the ship he tells two stranger he will help them. He stands by that promise- never dreaming that meeting these two men will a women into his life who captivates and confounds him in equal measure.
After rendering assistance to the gentlemen, which costs him valuable time, Edward continues on his way. Believing he will never see his fellow travelers again. He cannot foresee that when spring comes to Collingbourne, his life will never be the same again.
7. Literary Devices
I think the garden would be one because its a place where the couple goes and calms down to talk. They don't like being really mad at each other so they go there and talk things out.
The bible is another thing that would be a symbol. She has to trust in the bible and the person they call God. She thinks that he will save her and her twins.
8. Memorable Quotes
Edward- any verse of the bible is a quote from him.
Nikki- "I have to make sure she doesn't take my kids again". this shows that she really cares and loves her kids and doesn't want anything to happen to them again..

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is great for romantic escapist novels. Most of the characters are nauseatingly morally good people and the situations are fantastical but still the writing is fast paced enough to make the stories interesting. I mostly skip the detailed descriptions of tea parties and other such occasions to get to the story which makes it a fast and romantic read.

This book was very much inferior to the first 2 books and the mystery was a bit out there. I wasn't impressed with the slow pacing. However I was still interested enough to want to find out what happened and I liked the ending so that is why it got 3 stars instead of 2.

[Shirley Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first quarter of the book I thought this was going to be my favorite of the series. I loved the mystery and character interactions. I continued to enjoy the main characters and their plot. However some of the lessons/sermons caused my rating to drop.


Spoilers beyond:
I hated the interaction between Walker and the twins. 5-year-olds do not chatter because they have "restless hearts" as he states. And his solution of teaching them one word of a verse so they will behave as he wishes is the stuff cults are made of.

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts out with Edward Steele boarding a ship homeward from Africa. He encounters, Nicky, a female dressed in men’s attire accompanied by her ill servant, Dentley. Edward helps their situation and becomes a protector for her during the trip.
I found the story a little slow with too many characters that the narrator had to give little portion of story to accommodate the characters. I was disappointed that the ending spoke of two strangers not mentioned in the story as getting married and left out Henry, the sibling whose other siblings had gotten married.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful inspirational romance set in the early 1800’s, and a nice finish to the series. I liked that:
1) It centered on an intriguing mystery,
2) Most of the characters have strong Christian values,
3) The adult siblings have a wonderful time together,
4) The many children are not mere ornaments to the story, but have delightful personalities, and form an important part of the story,
5) The romance is clean,
6) The characters take their problems to God in prayer, and
7) The main characters are sincere and sensitive about sharing their faith.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and engaging story with a strong Christian message of salvation and trusting in God. Edward is on his way home from a trip to Africa and meets two men and one of them becomes very ill, he feels he must step in and help them. Nicky, a young widow with twin sons is constantly on the move trying to escape her former mother-in-law who has ill-will on her mind. Edward once again longs to help but Nicky is having difficulty trusting anyone. No sex or profanity.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this series of Lori Wick before, but unfortunately didn’t have the last book. Then I got the book, but never felt like I had the time or the want to read. Recently, I began this series again and I have to say the last one was probably my favorite. I do wish there was someone for Henry too, but not everyone has the desire to spend their life with someone else and have a family, etc.

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pursuit Book 4

Ed Steele; Mr. Osbourne; Denley: Nicola (Niki) has been running from a frightening past disguised as a man to protect her two boys. She encounters Edward Steele while abroad who winds up assisting her. The story line is engaging and the boys are delightful. Niki finally realizes that she must take matters into her own hands and put an end to the running.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a little more intrigue and was a little more interesting than the other books in the series. It was my favorite out of the four. I think you could read it as a stand-alone even without knowing all of the side characters' back stories. The characters from the earlier books don't even come into play until halfway through the book.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that this book was very much better than the last one. The storyline kept me fully engaged. I loved Nicki and the twins. Harry's involvement was surprising and sweet. Not sure if this is the last book in this series, but Harry deserves his own story. The story was fast paced, without one boring moment like the last book. I really enjoyed this one.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure I read the series when it first came out. I randomly chose this one being the 4th story mainly of Edward and Niki and family relationships. I liked the way the young boys heard the Jesus story and made a decision to accept the price Jesus paid for them. (fiction or not)

[Emily Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in The English Garden series. It is a little different in the beginning, seems more like a spy drama, but then settles down into a romance as the other three in the series. A lot of the it was very unrealistic. But the story points to Jesus and that is great!

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally picked this up a second time at my local used bookstore, started reading, recognized it, and enjoyed it enough to read it again. That says something.

There are flaws...too many secondary characters, not enough happening there toward the end, but still enjoyable.

[Sandy Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an enjoyable storyline and message, but too many extraneous characters for my liking. I understand that it is part of a series, and I suppose that if you had read other books in the series you might have enjoyed them.

[Gina Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book in the series brought this to a nice ending. This story had adventure, a little suspense, and a mystery at the first third. The book also finishes with a nice wrap up of all the characters from all four novels. Sweet, quick read.

[Eunice Alasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favourite in the series!

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

B. fiction, historical, 19th c, inspirational

[Charlene Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read Christian novel set in 1813 Africa/England