Through the Fire

A Series of Elements #1

by Elizabeth Johns

When two people have walked through fire, can love bring the healing and help they need?

Spurned by love, Lady Margaux Ashbury has no use for the other eligible gentlemen of London. Despite her beauty, her sharp tongue soon earns her a reputation as a dragon. Convincing her parents to let her retreat to their Scottish estate, a home for abandoned young women, Margaux feels she can do something meaningful with her life. At their wits' end, her parents believe a few months in seclusion will teach her to appreciate her privileged existence, and accept the next gentleman of worth who offers for her. Margaux has no plans to yield. But neither she nor her parents bargain for the proximity of the gorgeous, blue-eyed Scotsman on the neighbouring estate.

Gavin Craig, content with his life as a country doctor, is unexpectedly thrust into the world of aristocratic society after the accidental deaths of his brother and nephews. With all the duties his new title entails, and his adoption of three orphans, Gavin desperately needs a wife. She should preferably be a lady, trained since birth to manage a noble house, servants and family. His former disdain for a marriage of convenience has been rapidly overcome by the colossal task of learning to run a large Scottish barony. One lovely candidate is right next door … except that she's inexplicably determined to be a spinster…

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Margaux Ashbury and Gavin Craig were great characters to immerse myself into their story. The beginning did feel like I was missing something and felt like it didn't flow quite as smoothly as the rest of the book did but if you're feeling that way when you pick it up, please keep reading. It really picked up and had my full attention by the time the fire happens. I realized after reading a friend's review that Margaux and Gavin have some pre story in another series. I believe she said it was Seasons of Change. I'm not positive on that so if any of you know for sure feel free to comment so other readers who want to read it can do so.

I really liked that these two had some history together. Not necessarily the easiest history either. They were both courting other people when they met. In this story they are friends, or rather past acquaintances but are on friendly terms with each other. I really enjoyed seeing that they weren't starting brand new in meeting each other. It helped with the building of their relationship into love.

This is a marriage of convenience trope. Margaux didn't think she would ever marry so when out of necessity she finds herself married to Gavin, she is surprised to discover that maybe she will be happy in her marriage. Of course these two agree to some certain terms for their marriage because it is just in name and convenience so all will be great. Until a tragedy occurs and they come to realize that maybe they were too hasty to say their hearts were off limits and that there would be only friendship and no true growth and love between them.

I wasn't a fan of the bad guys...of course that's the point though, right? I'm not going to go into detail and give anything away just know you're in for some surprises along the way.

Lady Margaux is a triplet so the next two books in the trilogy are her two sisters' stories. I am really looking forward to reading them.

If you're looking for a great period read, if you're a stickler for accuracy some of the reasoning for Margaux to not marry/then marry might not be your favorite, then grab this one. I loved Gavin, he was a perfect gentleman and was such a great leading male character for Margaux to fall in love with.

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril. Some mild innuendo. A fade to black scene between a married couple but nothing detailed or graphic.

I received a copy from ebooks. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Trissa White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Sweet, clean, great characters, interesting turn of events and well written. I'm not a stickler for small details. There was just enough dialog with "doona and lass" to remind you where they came from but it probably wasn't completely consistent. Whatev! His eyes crinkled when he smiled at her (which was often) and that was much more important to me.

The Loring-Abbot series comes before this one and introduces you to many of the characters.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Margaux Ashbury has resigned herself to a life without marriage. She speaks her mind which is frowned upon among society, and wants to spend time at her parents estate in Scotland, where she can help with the home for abandoned young women. Bordering their property is the home of a most handsome blue-eyed gentleman.

Gavin Graig, who enjoyed his life as a country doctor, but now finds himself navigating society since the deaths of his brother and his family. He's also recently adopted three orphans, so to say he's in dire need of a wife is a bit of an understatement. His wife needs to know how to manage a household, servants, and the children. He's never wanted a marriage of convenience but he doesn't have time to find love with all his new responsibilities running a barony--he has so much to learn. There just so happens to be a beautiful woman next door--if only she wasn't determined to be a spinster.

This is a marriage-of-convenience-turns-to-true-love story, but Margaux and Gavin weren't total strangers. They had a little history, because the people they had previously courted ended up marrying each other! The term trial by fire certainly applies to this couple. They agree to a marriage of convenience with some rules that they both agreed to, but on their wedding night there's a fire at Margaux's family's estate and the home for the young women which is also on the estate grounds. Gavin saves Margaux, but she suffers from severe smoke inhalation and some burns. Gavin, being a doctor lovingly cares for Margaux and wants the culprit(s) behind the fires found.

I loved this story. The care that Gavin gives Margaux while she's recuperating, and how he will do whatever he needs to to keep her safe from any future attacks. We can tell what kind of man Gavin is at the beginning of the book when he adopts three orphans. He was happy being a country doctor and never wanted to be a part of society, but if he had not become Baron Craig he wouldn't have been there to save Margaux from the fire and care for her injuries.

Margaux was a woman before her time. She didn't fit in with London's society, and she didn't want a marriage of convenience, and her parents refused to let her live at a convent, but she because of society at that time she really couldn't live independently. She had a kind heart and truly cared about the girls at the home. I couldn't wait for these two to finally admit their feelings to each other.

I can't say much about the villian(s) in the story without giving away who it is, but I was surprised by who it was. This is my first book by this author and I loved this story, and look forward to reading the books about the other sisters, Anjou and Beaujolais (Jolie). I loved the nicknames for the triplet sisters--Fire, Wind and Ice.

I received a copy from ebooks. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance, clean; period; series, but stand alone read
This was a good read for me. I enjoyed the characters, the villians were a bit over the top, but I loved Gavin's backstory, his passion for those in need, and his gradual fall for Margaux. Margaux was an interesting young woman. I think the gossip being the reason for the marriage seemed a bit contrived particularly after her voicing so strongly that she didn't want to marry. However, that being said, it was a lovely fall between the two main characters. They were both genuine, honest, hurting hearts, and that is my favorite kind of fall. I look forward to seeing where the author goes with the other sisters.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this book was not my cup of tea. I thought the premise sounded interesting and I usually love Regency romances, but I didn't enjoy the author's writing style. Much of the narrative dealt with minutiae and I didn't connect with the characters (which is my favorite part of reading).

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth John's Through the Fire is a sweet romance involving triplet sisters who have gone 'through London's season' which the main goal is to find a husband. The book begins with the triplets discussing their views of the most recent 'Season'. One sister, Margaux wants to be independent, but that just is not done during The Regency Period in England. Thus, Margaux decides she wants to join a convent. Her parents veto that idea almost before it is verbalized by Margaux. Her parents support an orphanage in Scotland which helped young women through no fault of their own have found themselves 'in the family way'. Margaux is given permission by her parents The Marquess and The Marchioness of Ashbury to go to their estate in Scotland to assist the abandoned women. Lady Margaux Winslow wants to do something meaningful with her life. She feels helping these women will give her a true purpose to her life versus a marriage of convenience. In Scotland Dr. Gavin Craig after the accidental deaths of his brother and his three nephews becomes Lord Craig. Margaux and Lord Craig, knowing each other from before remeet, but Margaux has an enemy in Scotland, and Lord Craig takes it upon himself to protect Margaux. It is quite interesting how it all takes place!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Through the Fire, book one of the A Series of Elements series, author Elizabeth Johns has written an excellent, fun, and a little bit suspenseful historical Regency romance novel. This novel is about one of a group of triplets. Although it’s a little bit unbelievable that it takes so long to locate the villains in the story, it does not greatly detract from this fun tale. It’s an enchanting, charming, and sweet romance story that readers will read fairly quickly and thoroughly enjoy. Readers of historical Regency romance, will want to pick up this delightful novel.

Genre: historical, Regency, romance, clean romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 11, 2016
Number of pages: 295

A review copy of this book was provided by the Clean Wholesome Romance Street Team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Taylor M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted their love story to have more growth to it. I enjoyed a lot about it but I felt like they spent almost no time together.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I couldn't get completely immersed in it, although it did get more interesting halfway. This is the beginning of a series, but the characters have appeared in previous books by the same author and already knew each other and had some history. Since this is the first full length book of Elizabeth Johns that I read, I felt sad that I didn't get the pre-history of Margaux and Gavin (in Seasons of Change appearantly), although everything was well explained.
I like marriage of convenience stories and the gradual falling in love of the main characters. Gavin was especially likable with his gentleness and compassion. Margaux was kind and humble, struggling to overcome her insecurities. They were perfect for each other.
The villains were obvious right from the start and quite evil.
I'll be looking forward to reading the strories of the other two sisters, especially Jolie's whose book I had a glimpse of at the end of Through the Fire.
I would recommend reading this series in order.

Sensuality: clean romance; some innuendo; consummation of marriage described in the vaguest of terms
Narrative: 3rd person, following Margaux and Gavin, episodically Cartriona and Mallie
Religion: mentioning of Christian values

[LaRue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Problem #1

The reasoning - action reaction - on the part of the characters and storyline was flawed beyond believability. Just one example: After weeks of trying to locate the villains, the Bow Street Runners hadn't even checked the dowager house? Even worse, after weeks of searching Craig hadn't even given the runners a description of the villains? Who were they searching for?

[Dusty Shell]

Short, clean romance with an actual plot. Enjoyable for a palette cleanser. Also has a bit of intrigue/mystery. Convenience marriage trope.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Spurned by love and armed with a sharp tongue, Lady Margaux Ashbury escapes London’s marriage mart for the solace of her family’s Scottish estate, vowing to forge a meaningful life among abandoned young women. But her plans to embrace spinsterhood are upended when Gavin Craig, a reluctant new baron with piercing blue eyes and three adopted children, sets his sights on the fiery neighbor who just might be the perfect match for his chaotic life.

MY TAKE
I really enjoyed Gavin, and came to appreciate Margaux. It's interesting that they had both been previously engaged to people who ended up marry each other. There's surely a story here. Gavin was totally swoony. It was heartbreaking that he lose not only his brother but his brother's wife and children. Gavin loved being a doctor, and I can see him continuing to help in that capacity as needed. Even though it meant leaving the life he loved, he stepped up and accepted his late brother's title and responsibilities, including the need to learn things he knew nothing about like whiskey making since it was important to the local economy. Plus, he took on the guardianship of three kids (well one is old enough to have been training under Gavin as a doctor). Gavin is just a great guy.

Back in London, Margaux broke off her engagement when she discovered her fiancé was in love with someone else. She never liked the whole social life that was important to so many of the Ton and determined be an "old" spinster. She convinced her parents to let her come to their Scottish home where her father has a home for single pregnant mothers.

Now, most of these girls were preyed upon by employers or their guests, so it's especially sad the local clergyman and his wife point fingers and call the girls vile names, making the them victims all over again. And Margaux gets cast under that same shadow, even after she and Gavin get married (convenience).

Things get really crazy after the wedding. The title is literal. What follows is Gavin and Margaux's journey to catch those perpetrating the crimes against her and the school girls. Along the way they fall in love, but they both hold back saying so. It's lovely when it finally comes together.

I had a few small issues. One related to the way Margaux's aunt was in and out until the fires. Then there no mention of her until she's suddenly there to save Margaux's life.

Another had to do with the logistics of the attacks. I listened to the audiobook and at the end they made it sound like the clergyman mostly just didn't stop his wife, but that would mean that she was the one shooting arrows at them and messing with the wheel on the carriage and throwing bricks at the house with horrible notes.

The third one was the the recovery from the burns. Gavin had some but there was no mention of them after the fire. But Margaux had enough she should have been in a LOT of pain and not just when she bumped one of her wounds. I just think there was more focus on her looks than the physical pain of her burns.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up from 3.5

Sweet, clean read. Beautiful cover.

I liked this story overall but thought that the runners were a bit inept and it shouldn't have been so hard to find the villains. I liked Gavin as a kind, caring person but kept expecting him to be more adept at moving into his new role. He didn't seem to catch on to running an estate very quickly. But he was quite dashing.

I liked Margaux as a strong female but there was also something about her that I didn't like. I just don't know what it was.

As creepy as the villain is I'm a little surprised that she had so much pull on all the townspeople. Surely some would discredit the gossip.

And this is just me but I dislike when novels use foreign language that I can't read. I don't speak French so I couldn't be sure on the French pronunciation on names. And the Scottish was annoying to me as well. But like I said, that is just me.

I thought the romance was sweet though.

Sex: Subtle implications about unwed soon to be mothers, accusations of being a harlot, child asking where babies come from, a few kisses, References to consummating or not consummating a marriage. Closed door consummation.
Language: a little
Violence: murder, attempted murder, arson.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a traditional Regency Romance as are the next two in the series--yup--I have already bought and read all 3 in this series I loved this one so much! I will be reviewing the next two over the next couple of weeks. The only thing that confounded me was that the Preface is almost exactly the same in each--as are the first chapters. But once you get past that the story lines are not similar at all. Unlike the three woman who are identical triplets.

Margaux wants to join a nunnery--she really does not wish to marry. Of cour5se her parents will have none of it but they do concede to let her go to their Scottish retreat--where they hope she will become bored------She meets up with Gavin there-an MD--but has recently been informed that he is now a peer of the realm. He adopts three orphans. He wants to get married about as much as Margaux--but begins to realize he really has no choice.

The country folk don't take to Margaux--until that fateful day when fires break out--then the culprit is drawn out. You will not believe who it is!!

If you enjoy Regency Romances--you will love the novels of Elizabeth Johns.
Through the Fire

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Gavin and Margaux are characters that you instantly fall in love with and root for from the very beginning. Your heart breaks as you grieve with Gavin and you can sympathize with both Margaux and Gavin as they experience the growing pains of adjusting to a new life. I won't give any of the story away, though that is incredibly hard to do, but it is engaging and incredibly easy to read. Sometimes with regencies it's hard to relate to that time period but I did not feel that way with Through the Fire. Elizabeth Johns has a way of fleshing out her characters, making them come alive and become beautifully relatable.

The story flowed from page to page and it was an enjoyable read for me. The only thing that bothered me were several characters that appeared in the story that did nothing to add to the tale as a whole. I can see the parts with these characters being confusing to readers since they do not belong and left me a little confused myself. It is also predictable but most regencies are so that doesn't bother me that much. What can I say, I am a sucker for a happy ending.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job in coming up with a book trilogy that spans the lives of triplets. Well done!

I love to read books that have a series, so I was more than anxious to jump into this trilogy. The characters were simple and the storyline was easy to follow. As most love stories, the attraction between Lady Margaux and Lord Craig was predictable; however, how she creates he attraction was unique.

Marriages of convenience were probably more common-place than marriages of love during this time period. I'm quite certain that there were many couples who eventually fell in love, as sharing time and space often has a way of allowing the two indivuals to see more deeply and thus tenderizing te heartstrings of love.

Lady Margaux is sassy and bold. Lord Craig is in a quandry with inheriting an estate and adopting children. This set the perfect stage for what was to follow - admiration, hope and emotional tethering.

I'm excited to finish the series Melting the Ice and With the Wind. Great book series so far.

[MARIE MARUCCI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margeaux and Gavin have sort of known each other for a bit. They were both enamored of two others, who found love in the Loring-Abbot stories.

Margeaux thinks she wants to be a spinster and Gavin loves being a doctor, but circumstances change for them both.

Gavin's brother and his family are killed, so he now the Lord. He decides to adopt three children he has known from his friend's orphanage and take them with him to Scotland. Things are not what they seem to be on his lands, however.

Margeaux is at her family's home for abused women in Scotland, when she and Gavin encounter one another.

The pious clergy and his wife, as well as some of the townspeople, are not enamored of either of them, but especially Margeaux.

A fire is deliberately set to kill Margeaux, but she is saved by Gavin, and then the fun begins for them both.

They get together, but are also wary of the threat that continues to affect Margeux. A marriage of convenience soon changes, before the villain(s) are caught.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of one of the triplet daughters of Lord and Lady Ashby-Margeaux. She wants to live in Scotland, become a spinster, or enter a convent. Her parents are opposed but willing to give her a chance in Scotland.

Dr. Craig, now Lord Craig, found himself in a position he never anticipated when his brother and family died suddenly. Despite his initial unhappiness, he accepts the reality and understands that he needs much support to succeed in his new role. He also decides to take three children under his wing, realizing they need a mother or a governess figure.

The problems are compounded when the vicar and his wife insult Lord Craig in his home about his family's role in hiring locals to make Scotch whiskey and supporting young, unwed mothers to learn marketable skills.

I thought this book dragged at points. However, the characters and storyline were interesting.

[Cecily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm. It was OK. For a book that was the first in a series there was a lot of the action, and characters, that have obviously had another life in another book. That needn't be a detriment but in this case it did leave this reader feeling a little late to the party.

The plot developments feel like they come out of thin air. Children who are collected from orphanages for what feels like convenience and whim, enmity to the point of wanting to do violence, men who want to ruin your reputation lurking round every corner .... all seem to be conjured up to keep the action going in the absence of any real development of feelings between the main characters. It felt somewhat unbalanced as a result. Not completely unreadable. Just a bit .... odd.

[Heather Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Prejudice meets Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. Strong characters. Twists and turns. Suspense and mystery. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because I didn't feel like the MC's had spent enough time together before thinking they had fallen in love. There wasn't enough interaction between them to believe they were anything more than friends by the end. Clean. Also, the beginning was confusing with so many character names thrown at you all at once. And then there was the French...That made setting the stage for the story difficult for me. I would probably read this one again and am interested in the other books in the series. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited to read the sequels to this one! When it started I wasn’t sure what to expect. Whether it would be just another typical married for convenience & then find yourselves instantly in love blah blah blah. If I’m honest there was an element of this to a degree but thankfully the author kept it fresh with other contributing factors to the story line & the fact that characters from the next book have already been introduced whets the appetite so to speak.

This series follows the lives of three sisters - triplets - & this book is Margeux (Fire’s) story.
It was a sweet, clean story with an element of suspense & clean humour. I loved the characters - the hero is swoon worthy without being arrogant - & as I said, I am eager to read the next one!

[Krystal Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I did enjoy reading this story, especially several chapters in where it really starts to pick up. The beginning, however, was so rushed. One or two sentences were often all the author used to explain what was happening and why the characters chose what they did, and I felt the reasoning behind those decisions needed some depth. Much of the information that was rushed through the beginning was repeated a time or two in a sentence. Never anything more. It seemed to improve further into the book. Also, she doesn't use very much descriptive language, and it left me wanting more. The sisters' names are difficult to pronounce, but the idea of each being an element is fun.
Overall, I felt the plot was engaging but the way it was written is lacking.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never had a title been more appropriate. One of the famous Ashbury triplets has decided to become a spinster! She has returned to Scotland to a family estate where her father has established a home for unwed girls. There she will help the girls learn the skills they will need to support themselves and their children in society.
Gavin Craig is a doctor. A second son, who entered the military and specialized in medicine. Now has a private practice and a comfortable life. Until he discovers his brother and his family has died and he has inherited a title! He has not trained nor does he want to be a Baron! He must return to his home in Scotland, he must be a Baron, he must support a village, he must marry and he must produce a heir!

[Anasthasia Brache · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 3rd time reading this book. It was just as enjoyable as the previous times I read it.

I love Elizabeth Johns’ books. It is fun to see characters from her other books make appearances.

This book is about one the Ashbury triplets. She is tired of the London scene and retires to her parents’ property in Scotland. While there she encounters a neighbor and former acquaintance, Gavin. Gavin has moved recently to his family’s home after the death of his brother.

They help each other out by entering into a marriage of convenience. Tragedy strikes and they find themselves in the midst of dangerous situations.

Gavin must protect his new wife and win her heart at the same time.

It is a sweet, clean regency era romance.

[GG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaux, one of a set of identical triplets, is tired of being pursued for her face and fortune. She convinces her parents to let her move to a convent or Scotland. They settle on Scotland. Eventually she meets Dr Craig, now 11th Baron Craig. Dr Craig is introduced in a previous series and he is very endearing.

This book has a theme of sadness that must be overcome to get to a HEA. There is a malevolence that seems to prevade almost to the end. There is a lot going on, and some unforseeable events. Dr Craig's adopted children lighten things up as does Aunt Ida. Another of the triplets is introduced, Beaujolais and the set up for her own book.

I almost don't know what to think about this book, but as with any of Elizabeth Johns' book, once I am in it, I cannot put it down.

[Melody Tregear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

This author has talent. She certainly can tell an intriguing story. Unfortunately the story is marred by blasphemy. There is also some very dubious theology sprinkled in, plus some of the strangest wedding vows I've ever read, which included thoughts that lean towards reincarnation gibberish. On top of that the author chose the clergy as her over-the-top villains. I am well aware that there are wolves in sheep's clothing out there , but it didn't sit well. This was my first time reading this author. I had two of her other books in my library, which I've deleted.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second son of a Scottish laird, Dr. Gavin Craig chose to live his life as a country doctor in the rolling hills of Scotland. He served his country as a military doctor patching his countrymen when Wellington marched. Now, with the war behind him, and his life settled into a pleasant hum, he had the respect of the community and the satisfaction his job. He looked forward to good things that life could offer him. And now he holds a letter in his hands that totally upends his life. His brother and his entire family – his wife and their three sons- were all killed when their carriage slipped down the side of a cliff. His heart, his life, all shattered. He will never see his brother again, nor see his nephews grow into the fine men that he knew they would be. How had that happened? His life as a simple country doctor was at an end. He was now a Scottish laird, the laird of his family home. He has to leave this life he made for himself, the one he loves and return to Castle Craig– to a life he knows nothing about, and is unsure about. However, before he leaves, decides he wants a family. The three children at the orphanage who have come to love him – and he them – Gavin cannot leave them. He hopes that they will agree to be his family, thinking that with their love and help, the halls of Castle Craig might not be so hollow and lonely.

Lady Margaux Ashbury, one of the identical, beautiful exotic looking Ashbury triplets is done with the seasons…big or little. She is tired of the marriage mart. She felt no connection with any suitor. Years ago her heart had found love and then, too quickly lost that love. She would only marry for love, and knew love would be a rare find in her world. She wants to join a convent, but her parents staunchly refused. She fell in love with Scotland when she visited it a few years back and convinced her parents – the Marquess of Ashbury and his wife, to allow her to live with her aging aunt (as chaperone) at the Ashbury family’s Scottish estate that had been turned into a home for unwed mothers. It is located in Glasgow, near Castle Craig. The Ashburys hope a short stay there will convince their daughter to change her mind and have her returning to London.

On the way to Glasgow, both the Ashburys and the Craig party stay at a local inn. Quite unexpectedly, they meet. The Marquess and his wife are pleased to know that their daughter Margaux already knows the new laird. The Marquess asks the new Lord to please keep an eye on his daughter while she is at their family’s new orphanage.

Once settled at Castle Craig, the tasks become overwhelming. Lord Craig finds that his needs are tremendous. But his needs for both wife and governess are paramount. He feels an immediate need for a governess for his two girls, Maili and Catriona. And the need for a helpmate to handle things like the annual harvest party and other duties that had been born by his late sister in law is great, especially if he is to be able to do his duties. He gets reminded at every opportunity that a wife is needed. He decides that a logical place to ask for help might be to start with the local Vicar and his wife. The Vicar was away the day he met the Vicar’s wife, but at that meeting Lord Gavin Craig was met with a most vicious and perplexing woman who instead of being helpful, spat insults his way. He leaves feeling very unsure of how to go about finding help with the autumn celebration or finding a wife.

This book is a wonderful story of two individuals that wanted nothing more than to direct their lives, but find that life has different ideas. Nothing is easy. Lady Margaux finds that she is not needed at the orphanage, and in fact, the head mistress gives her nothing to do. She decides that she will try and help Lord Gavin out with teaching his children. Lord Gavin finds that becoming laird and learning everything and running everything is difficult, especially when you are not raised to do this. He needs all the help he can get. Instead of settling into place like they should, things become more unsettled, as Lord Gavin Craig tries to get his arms around his new responsibilities. Death threats and murder are just two of the problems that he and Lady Margaux face as they both try to adjust to their new roles and responsibilities. This story of friendship, mutual attraction, and maybe more, is also one of mystery and intrigue.

Her main characters, (including the children) are from Johns’ Loring-Abbott Series. While it is the first story of her Fire, Ice and Wind trilogy, this is not only the story of Lady Margaux; it is Gavin’s story. He has been a secondary character in several of the Loring-Abbott series books. There are two more books for the siblings of Lady Margaux. I waited a long time to see Gavin finally get his story. This did not disappoint. Elizabeth Johns writes with such depth and detail. Her characters become so real, that you almost feel you know them as you might a ‘friend.’ She creates them with so many dimensions. She writes with great detail and bring the reader into the time she of the story. The pictures energize in your mind into movie scenes, replete with fascinating details. I love her stories. When I closed this book, I found myself thinking of what another “story future” could be. It left me wondering if perhaps Seamus is destined for the life Gavin once coveted.

Definitely a five-star rollout, Elizabeth Johns! A very enjoyable story.


Karen Simpson

[Mitch Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy EJ's books. This one was especially good.
Occasionally I'll read a book by a historical fiction romance author where it's not 2/3 of the same angst being repeated. Ms. Johns is one of those authors. Fortunately!
The characters are very memorable. (I read so many books that I seldom remember to review them here and have to look up the info.) I remembered right away who the characters were in Through the Fire.
Two lonely hearts who like each other is always a good place to start. The finish is better yet.

[The Doctor's Companion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Elizabeth Johns book I ever read. I hadn't realized at the time it happens after the Loring/Abbott series. It didn't really make it difficult to understand what was going on though. I LOVE this book. The only thing I love as much as a girl falling in love with a ship's captain/pirate or being a mail order bride and falling in love with a cowboy, is when she falls in love with a Scotsman. Great googily moogily. Scotsmen in kilts.
Anyway.
This is a good one.

[Our Book Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly inheriting is a common enough plot point, but I felt it was done in a refreshingly personal way. There were one or two twists to the story that felt a little too contrived, but over all Elizabeth Johns handled the delicate subjects with grace and wit.

Her characters were written with deep emotions and personality that I loved. With adventure and the romance that held me as a captive reader to the very end.

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