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Graceling Hall #1
Larken
The sole survivor of a train accident, young Larken Burke is dubbed the Miracle Orphan. Four years later, however, her life is far from fortunate. Because of her emotional and physical scars, she believes she’s not marriageable. With little hope for the future, she agrees to wed a gentleman she’s never met. Unfortunately, his aloof manner proves difficult to bear.
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First published October 14, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
December 4, 2017
Kindle freebie Victorian era romance, sweet and clean and so very, very fluffy. Pretty much it's the literary equivalent of this cute little pup:
Larken was orphaned in a terrible train accident at age 14, sent to an awful orphanage in London, and taken in by a foster family that beat her and worked her to the bone and stole the few remaining possessions she had from her parents. This is all told in a rush in the first ten pages or so. Her foster parents force her to marry some random gentleman advertising for a mail order bride. Not to worry, though, he's only looking for a MOC (Marriage of Convenience) and is probably mean and ugly to boot.
HAHAHAHAHA!
The plot had some potential for something deeper, but every possible bit of drama was smoothed over and resolved (or set aside without comment) before it could gain any substance, sometimes so quickly my head was spinning. (Wait! what about that incipient laudanum addiction?) Everybody's good-looking and kindhearted, except for the obligatory villains. Plus there's a delightful 5 year old boy, the reason for the MOC.
Anyway, it's fine for Kindle freebie romance brain candy if that's what you're looking for. I whipped through it in about an hour and a half. :)
Larken was orphaned in a terrible train accident at age 14, sent to an awful orphanage in London, and taken in by a foster family that beat her and worked her to the bone and stole the few remaining possessions she had from her parents. This is all told in a rush in the first ten pages or so. Her foster parents force her to marry some random gentleman advertising for a mail order bride. Not to worry, though, he's only looking for a MOC (Marriage of Convenience) and is probably mean and ugly to boot.
HAHAHAHAHA!
The plot had some potential for something deeper, but every possible bit of drama was smoothed over and resolved (or set aside without comment) before it could gain any substance, sometimes so quickly my head was spinning. (Wait! what about that incipient laudanum addiction?) Everybody's good-looking and kindhearted, except for the obligatory villains. Plus there's a delightful 5 year old boy, the reason for the MOC.
Anyway, it's fine for Kindle freebie romance brain candy if that's what you're looking for. I whipped through it in about an hour and a half. :)
February 24, 2016
Larken lost her parents in a train accident when she was 14 years old. She was the sole survivor and was dubbed the Miracle Orphan. Once released from the hospital, she was placed in an orphanage for a short period of time before she was sent to live with the Howleys who were an evil, abusive couple. They filled her head with horrible things and made her think that she was ugly and disfigured. After living with them for 4 years, they signed her up to be a mail-order bride and shipped her off the next day to be married.
Brandon has been jilted by love and has sworn off women for good. When he is forced to take in young Myles and become his guardian, he is in need of a wife. He advertises for a mail-order bride and makes it perfectly clear that the marriage will be in name only. Her soul responsibility would be to take care of Myles. He really does not want to have anything to do with either one of them.
Once Larken and Myles meet, they become instant friends. Larken was such a sweet, fun person! I loved her! Her life had been filled with so much tragedy but she did not let it get her down. She looked for happiness no matter what was thrown in her path. And let's not forget about Myles! He is adorable! And quite the little matchmaker! ;) Brandon never stood a chance against these two.
Take Larken, Brandon and Myles, throw in a secret or two and a little adventure and you have a very enjoyable afternoon read! This was my very first book by Ms. Rogers and I will definitely be picking up more by her. Starting with Lord Apollo and the Colleen... ;)
And of course I can't forget my casting... ;) Enjoy!
Brandon has been jilted by love and has sworn off women for good. When he is forced to take in young Myles and become his guardian, he is in need of a wife. He advertises for a mail-order bride and makes it perfectly clear that the marriage will be in name only. Her soul responsibility would be to take care of Myles. He really does not want to have anything to do with either one of them.
Once Larken and Myles meet, they become instant friends. Larken was such a sweet, fun person! I loved her! Her life had been filled with so much tragedy but she did not let it get her down. She looked for happiness no matter what was thrown in her path. And let's not forget about Myles! He is adorable! And quite the little matchmaker! ;) Brandon never stood a chance against these two.
Take Larken, Brandon and Myles, throw in a secret or two and a little adventure and you have a very enjoyable afternoon read! This was my very first book by Ms. Rogers and I will definitely be picking up more by her. Starting with Lord Apollo and the Colleen... ;)
And of course I can't forget my casting... ;) Enjoy!
December 23, 2018
A "Miracle Orphan" is married off. She is so beautiful, whimsical, and solves all problems.
February 22, 2016
I love Larken! It seems like everything is against her and she never gives up hope! Up until 14 years old she had an ideal life... then she was the only survivor of a train crash that left her an orphan. She was in the orphanage briefly and then went to live with the Howleys, who were cruel, insulting thieves, who in the end shipped her off to be a mail-order bride so they could make more money off her. When she marries Brandon King, he barely looks at her and then leaves to go to America to pick up his ward -- 5-year-old Myles. Myles is such a great kid (and a pretty good matchmaker, too)! Because of Myles, Brandon and Larken are forced to spend more time with each other, and they discover that they may have more in common than they realized.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
May 11, 2016
Didn't like this one. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't good either, There was nothing memorable about it. Things happened too randomly and all loose ends were wrapped up so nicely at the end, with no fanfare.
I never really cared for either Larken or Brandon. Myles was the only bright spot in the story. For a child and a minor secondary character, he was engaging, entertaining and more developed then the MCs.
I never really cared for either Larken or Brandon. Myles was the only bright spot in the story. For a child and a minor secondary character, he was engaging, entertaining and more developed then the MCs.
September 2, 2015
2.5 stars
Larken has an implausible plot, but a sweet heroine and love story. All problems are miraculously and instantly solved in the last 10 percent of the story.
Larken has an implausible plot, but a sweet heroine and love story. All problems are miraculously and instantly solved in the last 10 percent of the story.
September 20, 2015
Larken is a sweet girl who had the misfortune of being an orphan. Her parents were killed in a train wreck when she was 14 and she ended up in an orphanage and then fostered by a money grasping couple. She is forced into marriage when the couple responds to an advertisement for a mail order bride. She either accept the marriage, or she can find herself living on the streets.
The bonus about the marriage is that the marriage of convenience happens so that Brandon, the groom, can bring home his ward. A young boy who is also an orphan. Larken knows what it is like to loose parents and wants to protect the boy, Myles.
The book mostly focuses on Brandon and Larken trying to find a way to avoid their growing feelings for each other. They both have been hurt in the past and have a hard time trusting another with their affections. Both are hurt and need to heal from the broken hearts they have endured.
The book has some drama, which took away from the sweet romance part for me. Overall, it was a cute book to read. It is also clean, but does contain a little bit of violence.
The bonus about the marriage is that the marriage of convenience happens so that Brandon, the groom, can bring home his ward. A young boy who is also an orphan. Larken knows what it is like to loose parents and wants to protect the boy, Myles.
The book mostly focuses on Brandon and Larken trying to find a way to avoid their growing feelings for each other. They both have been hurt in the past and have a hard time trusting another with their affections. Both are hurt and need to heal from the broken hearts they have endured.
The book has some drama, which took away from the sweet romance part for me. Overall, it was a cute book to read. It is also clean, but does contain a little bit of violence.
February 11, 2017
This is a simple story of an orphaned girl who ends up in a marriage of convenience. There is a cute child, some imaginary friends and a wee adventure. Most loose ends are magically tied up and we get the HEA. I was not expecting great depth when I chose this book for an evening read but still it was a bit flat. Myles was adorable but it simply was not enough to carry the story. My feelings may have been influenced by the expository writing which is not a style I generally enjoy.
December 5, 2017
Sweet story.
The story starts out well with Larsen keeping her spunky attitude despite horrible treatment from her foster parents. And Mr. King wasn’t one of those brooding heroes that takes forever to see his good fortune. However there were two very big coincidences that were over the top.
The story starts out well with Larsen keeping her spunky attitude despite horrible treatment from her foster parents. And Mr. King wasn’t one of those brooding heroes that takes forever to see his good fortune. However there were two very big coincidences that were over the top.
May 23, 2019
Love this author!
November 14, 2023
Ein furchtbarer Eisenbahnunfall machte aus Larken eine kleine Berühmtheit. Als einzige Überlebende wird sie als „Miracle Orphan“ bekannt. Doch ihre Eltern haben ihr nichts hinterlassen und so führt ihr Weg von einem behüteten Leben ins Waisenhaus und zu einer skrupellosen Pflegefamilie, die sie an den nächsten Mann verschachert, der um ihr Hand anhält. Brandon King benötigt eine Frau, die sich um seinen verwaisten Neffen kümmert, dafür gibt er der bestellten Braut seinen Namen und seinen Schutz. Nie hätte er jedoch mit Larkens Liebreiz und ihrem einnehmenden Wesen gerechnet. Als Larken dann auch noch seinen totgeglaubten Bruder in sein Leben zurückbringt ist es um sein Herz geschehen. Doch schon bald gerät seine junge Geliebte in Gefahr, aus der es sie zu retten gilt.
Eine nette Liebesgeschichte für dunkle Wintertage. Die Story ist mehr als vorhersehbar und an einigen Stellen etwas uninspiriert. Zumal sich Brandon und Larken schon nach der Hälfte unsterblich ineinander verlieben, aber ich habe auch ehrlich nicht viel erwartet. Manchmal machen Klischees auch einfach nur Spaß. Gekrönt wird der ganze Schnulz mit dem Wiederfinden des Bruders und der Entführung Larkens. Eine Jungfrau in Nöten, die von den beiden attraktiven Brüdern aus den Händen der brutalen Kidnapper befreit wird. Eine seichte Komödie, bei der die Guten und die Bösen ihre klar definierten Rollen einnehmen und die mit einem wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, leben sie noch heute glücklich bis an ihr Lebensende abschließt.
Leicht Kost, sozusagen Lesefastfood, aber ich habe schon schlimmeres gelesen. Fans von MyLady-Romanen werden sich bei dieser Story gut aufgehoben fühlen.
Eine nette Liebesgeschichte für dunkle Wintertage. Die Story ist mehr als vorhersehbar und an einigen Stellen etwas uninspiriert. Zumal sich Brandon und Larken schon nach der Hälfte unsterblich ineinander verlieben, aber ich habe auch ehrlich nicht viel erwartet. Manchmal machen Klischees auch einfach nur Spaß. Gekrönt wird der ganze Schnulz mit dem Wiederfinden des Bruders und der Entführung Larkens. Eine Jungfrau in Nöten, die von den beiden attraktiven Brüdern aus den Händen der brutalen Kidnapper befreit wird. Eine seichte Komödie, bei der die Guten und die Bösen ihre klar definierten Rollen einnehmen und die mit einem wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, leben sie noch heute glücklich bis an ihr Lebensende abschließt.
Leicht Kost, sozusagen Lesefastfood, aber ich habe schon schlimmeres gelesen. Fans von MyLady-Romanen werden sich bei dieser Story gut aufgehoben fühlen.
June 22, 2015
Sweet Story
This was a very sweet, straight forward story. I loved Larken. She was a well developed character, and I also liked that she wasn't perfectly adjusted and was still dealing with emotional scars. However, those scars didn't prevent her from being a caring person. I really loved Brandon, too. He was awesome.
The story is pretty simple: mail order bride marries stranger and they fall in love. I liked that their relationship grew naturally, and I also liked that it didn't have them keeping secrets from each other or doing things to prevent the growth of a relationship. I always hate that in romance novels. I also hate when characters spend 75% of the book pretending they don't care about each other. Brandon and Larken put effort into developing a relationship, and the result was very sweet. I do wish it had been a little bit longer just because I really liked watching their relationship grow.
All the issues were resolved in this book for the main characters. However, it does set up for future books about characters introduced in this one.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet, light romance. There was no sex and no bad language.
This was a very sweet, straight forward story. I loved Larken. She was a well developed character, and I also liked that she wasn't perfectly adjusted and was still dealing with emotional scars. However, those scars didn't prevent her from being a caring person. I really loved Brandon, too. He was awesome.
The story is pretty simple: mail order bride marries stranger and they fall in love. I liked that their relationship grew naturally, and I also liked that it didn't have them keeping secrets from each other or doing things to prevent the growth of a relationship. I always hate that in romance novels. I also hate when characters spend 75% of the book pretending they don't care about each other. Brandon and Larken put effort into developing a relationship, and the result was very sweet. I do wish it had been a little bit longer just because I really liked watching their relationship grow.
All the issues were resolved in this book for the main characters. However, it does set up for future books about characters introduced in this one.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet, light romance. There was no sex and no bad language.
May 6, 2016
This regency romance casts Larken, the miracle train wreck orphan, as the heroine. Though she’s had a hard life, she is deep down good and just wants to be loved. But when her foster parents force her to answer a mailorder bride ad to be a man’s wife in name only to raise his ward, life seems bleak and hopeless. But with her horrendous scars from the train wreck, she has been told her marriage prospects are even more dismal. No one will ever love her. Making the best of a horrid situation with the despicably cold Mr. King, she determines to make her own happiness. This short, cute romance was a pleasure to read. I empathized with the characters and thought the plot had some lively twists that made the reading all the more fun. I’ve liked a lot of Suzanne Roger’s books. She writes likable characters. Larken was extremely lovable.
October 31, 2015
Larken
This was. a throughly enjoyable romp with tension and mystery and. excitement. It does not have bad language, explicit sex or gratuitous violence, and would be enjoyed by young girls as well as mature readers. Larken is a well rounded character with appealing traits. Her prince
charming changes character rather quickly, but it is a short book.
This was. a throughly enjoyable romp with tension and mystery and. excitement. It does not have bad language, explicit sex or gratuitous violence, and would be enjoyed by young girls as well as mature readers. Larken is a well rounded character with appealing traits. Her prince
charming changes character rather quickly, but it is a short book.
May 3, 2016
If you're into period romance, then this is a must read for you. Ms Rogers develops characters who are easy to embrace, become irritated with, feel compassion for, and want to shake. The range of emotion she can create in the reader is powerful. And the tale itself, don't think you know what's going to happen until it does. Great stuff this and I can't wait to read more.
July 6, 2015
Sweet quick read
March 27, 2017
In 1867, fourteen-year-old Larken Burke was the only survivor of a horrendous train accident. Everyone was killed in this accident, including Larken’s father and step-mother, leaving Larken as the sole survivor. She was soon labeled the Miracle Orphan by the London press. As an orphan, Larken soon found herself in a local orphanage without any outside financial means. She is eventually adopted by a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Howley, which supplied her with the basic necessities. Her next four years are far from pleasant.
When she was eighteen, Larken was sold into marriage to a man she had never met. Her intended needed a nanny to look after his orphaned American ward, Myles. He wanted to marry but insists on a purely platonic relationship. Given the choice of marrying Mr. Brandon King or a trip to the nearest brothel, Larken wisely chooses the former.
The ceremony was short and impersonal. The groom didn’t even spare a glance at his bride and she couldn’t even clearly see his face. She is soon whisked off to Newcastle and Graceling Hall, a humongous manner house in the country. This story is in a time that nobility is forced aside by pioneers of industry and trade, transforming the British Empire forever.
As I read this book, flashes of Elizabeth Gaskell, Louisa May Alcott and later Georgette Heyer came to mind. This Victorian novel portrays upper-middle-class British society in both a unique and surprising way. Halfway through, the tale takes a new twist, bringing this nineteenth-century look alike to a twenty-first-century standout. If you are looking for a gripping Victorian romance, look no further. This book will fill the bill. Drama, intrigue, romance, and passion are all rolled into a classical mold, creating a new and refreshing story.
When she was eighteen, Larken was sold into marriage to a man she had never met. Her intended needed a nanny to look after his orphaned American ward, Myles. He wanted to marry but insists on a purely platonic relationship. Given the choice of marrying Mr. Brandon King or a trip to the nearest brothel, Larken wisely chooses the former.
The ceremony was short and impersonal. The groom didn’t even spare a glance at his bride and she couldn’t even clearly see his face. She is soon whisked off to Newcastle and Graceling Hall, a humongous manner house in the country. This story is in a time that nobility is forced aside by pioneers of industry and trade, transforming the British Empire forever.
As I read this book, flashes of Elizabeth Gaskell, Louisa May Alcott and later Georgette Heyer came to mind. This Victorian novel portrays upper-middle-class British society in both a unique and surprising way. Halfway through, the tale takes a new twist, bringing this nineteenth-century look alike to a twenty-first-century standout. If you are looking for a gripping Victorian romance, look no further. This book will fill the bill. Drama, intrigue, romance, and passion are all rolled into a classical mold, creating a new and refreshing story.
July 20, 2017
Reviewed at Romantic Historicals
Up until her 14th year, Larken had lived a charmed, happy life with loving parents and a happy home. That ended the day of the train accident when she lost her parents and the life she”d known. She will eventually end up in the care of a nasty couple who do nothing good for the young girl except berate, abuse and belittle her. As she approaches her 18th birthday she discovers she is to be sent off for an arranged, advertised marriage. In truth, she’s more thankful than scandalized for anything would be better than how she’s living now. She’s been beaten down, believing herself to be useless and scarred beyond anyone finding favor with her in any way. Nothing could be further from the truth but when you’ve been told the same lie over and over eventually you come to believe it as truth.
Brandon is in actuality looking for a governess-companion for his ward, Myles, more than a wife for himself. Yet this marriage in name only will provide the young boy with a solid family unit, one that Brandon intends to take no part in His heart was cold as ice and he didn’t intend to move close to the fire ever again.
With one adorable little boy, a few secrets and a lovely young woman to bring happiness into his home once again – Brandon will find that keeping his heart locked away will prove more difficult than he ever believed.
I enjoyed Larken very much. One little boy proves himself to be quite the matchmaker for two lonely people who could be perfect for each other… if they should be willing to take the risk. I had fun with this story and came away with a smile … and searching for more stories by this author.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Up until her 14th year, Larken had lived a charmed, happy life with loving parents and a happy home. That ended the day of the train accident when she lost her parents and the life she”d known. She will eventually end up in the care of a nasty couple who do nothing good for the young girl except berate, abuse and belittle her. As she approaches her 18th birthday she discovers she is to be sent off for an arranged, advertised marriage. In truth, she’s more thankful than scandalized for anything would be better than how she’s living now. She’s been beaten down, believing herself to be useless and scarred beyond anyone finding favor with her in any way. Nothing could be further from the truth but when you’ve been told the same lie over and over eventually you come to believe it as truth.
Brandon is in actuality looking for a governess-companion for his ward, Myles, more than a wife for himself. Yet this marriage in name only will provide the young boy with a solid family unit, one that Brandon intends to take no part in His heart was cold as ice and he didn’t intend to move close to the fire ever again.
With one adorable little boy, a few secrets and a lovely young woman to bring happiness into his home once again – Brandon will find that keeping his heart locked away will prove more difficult than he ever believed.
I enjoyed Larken very much. One little boy proves himself to be quite the matchmaker for two lonely people who could be perfect for each other… if they should be willing to take the risk. I had fun with this story and came away with a smile … and searching for more stories by this author.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
October 8, 2019
For the first half of this book, I would have happily given it five stars. I really felt for Larken as she faced life after the train crash, her terrible foster family and then her marriage to Brandon. She was a wonderful character and I could see why Brandon started falling for her. His change of heart and actions were lovely to read as well. I do like a book where the two people gradually fall in love (rather than the instant lightning bolt and need to jump into bed together) and this fit the bill well.
Then we hit the half-way mark, and it was as if someone else started writing the book. The writing deteriorated considerably, everything was so rushed as if the writer just wanted to get the damn thing over with, and the book lost all the emotion in an effort to get through all the drama and wrap things up.
And speaking of wrapping things up, it was all just got a little bit unbelievable at the end. Too many "just so happened" kind of scenarios (e.g. the letter), a five year debilitating fear of trains suddenly (and I mean suddenly) disappears, Larken's nightmares get a happy ending where the train makes it across the bridge... It was like Rogers handed the book to someone's teenage daughter to finish for her.
By the end, I was ready to give it 2 stars but I took both halves into consideration and came up with 3.
I don't think I will look at the sequel.
Then we hit the half-way mark, and it was as if someone else started writing the book. The writing deteriorated considerably, everything was so rushed as if the writer just wanted to get the damn thing over with, and the book lost all the emotion in an effort to get through all the drama and wrap things up.
And speaking of wrapping things up, it was all just got a little bit unbelievable at the end. Too many "just so happened" kind of scenarios (e.g. the letter), a five year debilitating fear of trains suddenly (and I mean suddenly) disappears, Larken's nightmares get a happy ending where the train makes it across the bridge... It was like Rogers handed the book to someone's teenage daughter to finish for her.
By the end, I was ready to give it 2 stars but I took both halves into consideration and came up with 3.
I don't think I will look at the sequel.
January 5, 2025
This was a sweet romance, which I did enjoy, but I can’t give it more than 2/2.5 stars because it was filled with convenience, the main character was too good to be true, and the whole action sequence felt tacked on to make sure there was something to overcome.
I wish she’d actually had some kind of serious scarring - whilst yes, having them be small means the foster parents are doubly awful, it would have been more meaningful if she’d actually had scarring etc and learned to find herself beautiful, and be confident regardless.
The whimsy was lovely but made her feel like a manic pixie dream girl, but again, she’s very young. THEY’RE ALL SO YOUNG. He should have been older, how can you vow off love ever in your 20’s?? I would have loved him to be in his 30’s, at least.
The convenience in this was astounding. I try and avoid spoilers but spoilers for this bit - the moment she wonders about the friend, she finds her. The fact she’d met the brother was somewhat believable, but to somehow find the missing friend by chance, in London, amongst alllll those people, I was rolling my eyes.
I wish she’d actually had some kind of serious scarring - whilst yes, having them be small means the foster parents are doubly awful, it would have been more meaningful if she’d actually had scarring etc and learned to find herself beautiful, and be confident regardless.
The whimsy was lovely but made her feel like a manic pixie dream girl, but again, she’s very young. THEY’RE ALL SO YOUNG. He should have been older, how can you vow off love ever in your 20’s?? I would have loved him to be in his 30’s, at least.
The convenience in this was astounding. I try and avoid spoilers but spoilers for this bit - the moment she wonders about the friend, she finds her. The fact she’d met the brother was somewhat believable, but to somehow find the missing friend by chance, in London, amongst alllll those people, I was rolling my eyes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2019
Larken was orphaned when a train wreck killed her parents and everyone else on the train. Called "The Miracle Orphan" by the media. Larken is taken in by the Howsleys and lives a miserable, lonely life until they answer an advertisement for a wife from a wealthy man looking for someone to care for his 5-year-old ward. Brandon King wants a wife because nannies can quit, but he stipulates that the marriage will be of convenience only.
Larken meets her husband at their wedding and he ignores her, leaving on trip immediately after the ceremony. When he arrives home six weeks later, he has his ward, Myles, with him and Larken immediately wins the young boy over with her charm and whimsy. She's determined to ignore Brandon who she sees as a cold, arrogant man whom she is sure is Myles' father.
Of course, Brandon soon realizes that Larken is a prize of a woman and starts to woo her. There are plot twists - Larken's long-lost friend; Brandon's dead older brother; kidnapping; sword fights - but all is resolved with a HEA in the end.
Larken meets her husband at their wedding and he ignores her, leaving on trip immediately after the ceremony. When he arrives home six weeks later, he has his ward, Myles, with him and Larken immediately wins the young boy over with her charm and whimsy. She's determined to ignore Brandon who she sees as a cold, arrogant man whom she is sure is Myles' father.
Of course, Brandon soon realizes that Larken is a prize of a woman and starts to woo her. There are plot twists - Larken's long-lost friend; Brandon's dead older brother; kidnapping; sword fights - but all is resolved with a HEA in the end.
February 18, 2018
The Miracle Orphan
On Larkin's fourteenth birthday her parents and she were on a train that careened off a bridge killing her parents. She was the lone survivor and was known as the Miracle Orphan. She was in the orphanage for a short time when she was fostered out to a couple that only wanted her money. When she was eighteen they found her a husband and she became a mail order bride. She was given no choice, either she marry or they would put her out on the street. Her husband, Brandon King, wanted a wife in name only to take care of his ward, Myles. Brandon had a darkness that had hardened his heart but Larken began to break down his walls. What happened to him to make him this way and would Larken be able to help him? This is a very nice story but there are a few things that were left hanging.
On Larkin's fourteenth birthday her parents and she were on a train that careened off a bridge killing her parents. She was the lone survivor and was known as the Miracle Orphan. She was in the orphanage for a short time when she was fostered out to a couple that only wanted her money. When she was eighteen they found her a husband and she became a mail order bride. She was given no choice, either she marry or they would put her out on the street. Her husband, Brandon King, wanted a wife in name only to take care of his ward, Myles. Brandon had a darkness that had hardened his heart but Larken began to break down his walls. What happened to him to make him this way and would Larken be able to help him? This is a very nice story but there are a few things that were left hanging.
October 6, 2019
Sugary sweet
Larken lost her parents in a devastating train crash in which all passengers except herself were killed. Sent to an orphanage she was later raised by the Howleys who cheated her of some of her inheritance. Forced to marry a man she did not know, she travels to Newcastle to meet her new husband Brandon.
Brandon has arranged a mail order bride to take care of Myles, his young ward. He expects nothing from her, except for her to look after the boy.
It sounds like the making of a decent story, but after the initial few chapters when everything is established, it is too sugary sweet. The plot is exceptionally thin. Would an heiress be sent to an orphanage? Would a man not even look upon his bride's face after marrying her? Brandon's character was reversed so quickly it was ridiculous.
Larken lost her parents in a devastating train crash in which all passengers except herself were killed. Sent to an orphanage she was later raised by the Howleys who cheated her of some of her inheritance. Forced to marry a man she did not know, she travels to Newcastle to meet her new husband Brandon.
Brandon has arranged a mail order bride to take care of Myles, his young ward. He expects nothing from her, except for her to look after the boy.
It sounds like the making of a decent story, but after the initial few chapters when everything is established, it is too sugary sweet. The plot is exceptionally thin. Would an heiress be sent to an orphanage? Would a man not even look upon his bride's face after marrying her? Brandon's character was reversed so quickly it was ridiculous.
December 4, 2017
this had all the elements of a typical historical romance but with more depth. Larken is scarred, physically and emotionally, giving her a depth many heroines lack. I like that she tries to stay strong and is not always successful. She seems more real than many other women in these types of books. Brandon is emotionally traumatized as well, racked by guilt over the death of his brother. they handle it so differently. She is cheerful and sunny and tries to help others where as he shuts himself away freezing his heart so it can no longer feel the pain. they are opposites but by the end they compliment each other by helping one another heal and move on from the past to look forward to the future.
January 5, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Rogers
A captivating tale of romance, betrayal, and redemption unfolds in this dramatic story. One brother is betrayed by both his older sibling and his fiancée, leading to a series of events that culminate in a kidnapping and a thrilling sword fight, where the protagonist, Brandon, is injured.
Despite the challenges, Brandon and Larken, the mail-order bride, find solace and healing in each other's company. The story takes an unexpected turn when Brandon's presumed-dead older brother, Theo, i,s reunited with the couple, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
This well-crafted novel is suitable for readers aged 17 and above, and it is free from inappropriate language, making it an engaging and family-friendly read.
A captivating tale of romance, betrayal, and redemption unfolds in this dramatic story. One brother is betrayed by both his older sibling and his fiancée, leading to a series of events that culminate in a kidnapping and a thrilling sword fight, where the protagonist, Brandon, is injured.
Despite the challenges, Brandon and Larken, the mail-order bride, find solace and healing in each other's company. The story takes an unexpected turn when Brandon's presumed-dead older brother, Theo, i,s reunited with the couple, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
This well-crafted novel is suitable for readers aged 17 and above, and it is free from inappropriate language, making it an engaging and family-friendly read.
May 29, 2017
Though this was a sweet love story set in the 19th century, it just moved along too quickly for me. Larken went from an orphan who had been taken in by a greedy couple only wanted to profit from funds given for the "Miracle Orphan" to her being forced to marry a man looking for a mother for his new young ward. Her new husband is handsome and nice enough but aloof. Things move along so quickly that they are soon in a comfortable and romantic relationship. There was not enough building of that relationship. Also, it seemed too convenient for her to discover a couple of important people from their pasts. That said, it was an enjoyable read.
November 8, 2018
Larken (Graceling Hall 1) - PG
Violence: kidnapping, sword play
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: a few kisses; there was loads more innuendo than there usually is in a Suzanne Rogers book, so that was super weird.
This was a good and interesting story, but there was one part that was WAY out of character for what we were to believe about a secondary character and his relationships. It was a little like "Oops! Forgot to tie this up" and then the head-scratch inducing moment happened. I'm going to read the second book anyway. This is the lowest I think I've ever rated a SR book; I normally really enjoy them.
Violence: kidnapping, sword play
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: a few kisses; there was loads more innuendo than there usually is in a Suzanne Rogers book, so that was super weird.
This was a good and interesting story, but there was one part that was WAY out of character for what we were to believe about a secondary character and his relationships. It was a little like "Oops! Forgot to tie this up" and then the head-scratch inducing moment happened. I'm going to read the second book anyway. This is the lowest I think I've ever rated a SR book; I normally really enjoy them.
March 4, 2018
An enjoyable romance
A fairly quick read, I enjoyed the characters. Well, most of them! There were the requisite bad guys to hate! Little Myles was a sweetheart. Much of the story was based on a whole series of unlikely coincidences, but enjoyable nonetheless. And a happy ending is never a bad thing. I generally dislike “series” books, but I have already picked up the sequel to this book. I hope it is as good as this book was. (It IS quite a bit longer than this book though!)
A fairly quick read, I enjoyed the characters. Well, most of them! There were the requisite bad guys to hate! Little Myles was a sweetheart. Much of the story was based on a whole series of unlikely coincidences, but enjoyable nonetheless. And a happy ending is never a bad thing. I generally dislike “series” books, but I have already picked up the sequel to this book. I hope it is as good as this book was. (It IS quite a bit longer than this book though!)
August 28, 2019
This book, although a simple delight, was just a tad bit too predictable. It is filled with too many coincidences. I did however enjoy the story immensely. To me it's just the kind of book you read when you need a break from more intense series or genre. Larken, the "miracle orphan" is forced to accept an offer of marriage as a mail order bride or be tossed out on the streets by her nefarious guardians. Upon arriving at Graceling Hall, her life slides into a fairytale story, filled with amazing coincidences with an HEA at the end. This book was a refreshing break for me.
September 21, 2019
Larken (Graceling Hall Book 1)
The love story of Larken and Brundon. Larken Burk is call the "Miracle Orphan" after she was the only survivor of a train accident at fourteen. Now four years later, her foster parents have arranged a merry for her to Brundon King.
Brundon King wants to find a person to take of his ward, Myles. So h advertise for a lady bride. Mr. Now let answer the ad for Larken. Can Larken find happiness? Great story.
The love story of Larken and Brundon. Larken Burk is call the "Miracle Orphan" after she was the only survivor of a train accident at fourteen. Now four years later, her foster parents have arranged a merry for her to Brundon King.
Brundon King wants to find a person to take of his ward, Myles. So h advertise for a lady bride. Mr. Now let answer the ad for Larken. Can Larken find happiness? Great story.
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