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Carpet of Snowdrops
Heavily enceinte, penniless and widowed, Eloise Wakefield travels from her native France to petition the military for assistance at Horse Guards in London. Dismissed by the officers there, she journeys to visit her husband’s grave at his family’s estate. By then almost destitute, she is turned away on a snow-driven night and faces an uncertain future.
Having narrowly avoided crushing the waif-like woman with his horse and caused her poor possessions to be ruined, Joscelin, Lord Rollaston, feels a certain responsibility for the widow and her unborn child. He escorts her to the home of his former nurse and soon finds himself embroiled with his best friend’s little family.
However, Eloise is a respectable woman. How can he provide for her without jeopardizing her reputation when her husband’s brother, the Duke of Ottley, is adamant she is not part of his family?
Having narrowly avoided crushing the waif-like woman with his horse and caused her poor possessions to be ruined, Joscelin, Lord Rollaston, feels a certain responsibility for the widow and her unborn child. He escorts her to the home of his former nurse and soon finds himself embroiled with his best friend’s little family.
However, Eloise is a respectable woman. How can he provide for her without jeopardizing her reputation when her husband’s brother, the Duke of Ottley, is adamant she is not part of his family?
- GenresHistorical Romance
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2016
15 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Heather King
13 books35 followersI am an author with a passion for history and in particular the Regency. I have my own voice, but I like to follow traditional Regency precepts and pen uplifting stories with flowing prose, witty dialogue, engaging characters and bags of emotion -- following with tiny steps in the magnificent wake of Georgette Heyer.
I live in a beautiful rural part of the UK and share my home with various life forms, including two ponies, three cats and a rescued 'Staffie' X. When I am not writing, I enjoy long walks with my dog, watching costume dramas and curling up with a good book.
From a small child, I have loved to write - and dream. In my bedroom I had a wallpaper with flower-edged squares - just perfect for writing my 'news'. I don't think my mother was very impressed, although I don't recall any major consequences.
I discovered Georgette Heyer in my early teens and in my opinion, there are few in the modern era who come close, let alone match her in the Regency genre. We can but aspire, as a friend once said!
My debut novel was 'A Sense of the Ridiculous', a traditional Regency Romance released originally by Musa Publishing and I'm excited that I will soon be re-releasing it with a new cover.
Writing as Vandalia Black, I also pen Vampire and Shape Shifter romances.
I live in a beautiful rural part of the UK and share my home with various life forms, including two ponies, three cats and a rescued 'Staffie' X. When I am not writing, I enjoy long walks with my dog, watching costume dramas and curling up with a good book.
From a small child, I have loved to write - and dream. In my bedroom I had a wallpaper with flower-edged squares - just perfect for writing my 'news'. I don't think my mother was very impressed, although I don't recall any major consequences.
I discovered Georgette Heyer in my early teens and in my opinion, there are few in the modern era who come close, let alone match her in the Regency genre. We can but aspire, as a friend once said!
My debut novel was 'A Sense of the Ridiculous', a traditional Regency Romance released originally by Musa Publishing and I'm excited that I will soon be re-releasing it with a new cover.
Writing as Vandalia Black, I also pen Vampire and Shape Shifter romances.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 16, 2017
Carpet of Snowdrops (2016, Temeford Press) by Heather King is a 106-page clean Regency romance novella. I previously enjoyed Treasure Beyond Words and wanted to try this author again!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
The heroine: Eloise Wakefield, a Frenchwoman, is the widow of an English soldier fatally injured during the Battle of Waterloo. She’s seeking assistance from her husband’s brother at his ducal residence with only seven weeks left in her pregnancy. “She knew she was on a fool’s errand… but for Silas’ child, she would petition the Prince Regent himself.”
The hero: Joscelin Areley almost tramples over Eloise with his horse in his angry departure of the Duke of Ottley’s home. He was very upset to find that Major Silas Wakefield’s brother was hosting a lavish party when he should still be in mourning for Silas, who was Joscelin’s best friend as well as his cousin.
After Jocelin and Eloise get themselves sorted out, he turns back in order to escort her to the duke’s front door. When Ottley learns that Eloise has no proof of a marriage taking place, he turns her away into the snowy cold weather three weeks before Christmas. Jocelin decides that he simply must intercede to provide shelter for the wife of his late cousin. He takes her to Miss Goodwin, fondly called Goody, a retired and lonely nurse.
Christian elements:
*Eloise prayed by the grave of her husband, “asking God in his mercy to care for Silas’ soul and to grant her a safe delivery of his child.” I always find it strange for people to pray for the souls of people already dead. Why do this? They’re either in Heaven or hell already…
*Later, Goody implies that perhaps Eloise’s husband has become an angel. Again, this doesn’t line up with the Bible… Angels are heavenly beings created by God, and never is it said that they are transformed humans.
*The characters go to church and celebrate Christ’s birth. The sermon is “stirring” which I appreciated, since they are described as dull in so many books.
Clean? Yes! Definitely clean with a just mention of her marriage bed with Silas as being gentle not passionate.
What I liked:
*Some unfamiliar vocabulary was included. I always love that! So, according to Wikipedia, a lych-gate is is “a gateway covered with a roof found at the entrance to a traditional English or English-style churchyard.” Apparently, the dead were frequently housed under its roof until the funeral. Also unfamiliar to me was the Domesday Book, which I thought was a nice touch! I’ve read so many Regency romances that I rarely learn something new.
What I didn’t like:
*Eloise was interested in Joscelin - she “felt strangely warmer” - at their first meeting, which seemed to be jumping the gun a little bit. In addition to nearly being run over, Eloise was lacking money, no doubt tired from walking, AND anxious about her reception at the duke’s residence. Also, even though her marriage was one of convenience, she WAS fond of Silas, and his death occurred only a few months prior. So it seemed just a bit strange. (I fully admit that I could be wrong about the plausibility of this situation. I can only imagine.)
Then a bit later, still upon their first meeting, Joscelin also showed symptoms of being interested in Eloise. I felt this was a bit more believable since he is a never married bachelor, but I felt the manifestation of his interest was still premature, even silly. At this point in the story, I was worried that I would feel put off from the entire book by a case of instalove. Happily, I was wrong! After that point, I felt that their relationship progressed very naturally and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. King’s stories. I have put A Sense of the Ridiculous on my to-read list. I recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy a novella-length clean Regency romance.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
The heroine: Eloise Wakefield, a Frenchwoman, is the widow of an English soldier fatally injured during the Battle of Waterloo. She’s seeking assistance from her husband’s brother at his ducal residence with only seven weeks left in her pregnancy. “She knew she was on a fool’s errand… but for Silas’ child, she would petition the Prince Regent himself.”
The hero: Joscelin Areley almost tramples over Eloise with his horse in his angry departure of the Duke of Ottley’s home. He was very upset to find that Major Silas Wakefield’s brother was hosting a lavish party when he should still be in mourning for Silas, who was Joscelin’s best friend as well as his cousin.
After Jocelin and Eloise get themselves sorted out, he turns back in order to escort her to the duke’s front door. When Ottley learns that Eloise has no proof of a marriage taking place, he turns her away into the snowy cold weather three weeks before Christmas. Jocelin decides that he simply must intercede to provide shelter for the wife of his late cousin. He takes her to Miss Goodwin, fondly called Goody, a retired and lonely nurse.
Christian elements:
*Eloise prayed by the grave of her husband, “asking God in his mercy to care for Silas’ soul and to grant her a safe delivery of his child.” I always find it strange for people to pray for the souls of people already dead. Why do this? They’re either in Heaven or hell already…
*Later, Goody implies that perhaps Eloise’s husband has become an angel. Again, this doesn’t line up with the Bible… Angels are heavenly beings created by God, and never is it said that they are transformed humans.
*The characters go to church and celebrate Christ’s birth. The sermon is “stirring” which I appreciated, since they are described as dull in so many books.
Clean? Yes! Definitely clean with a just mention of her marriage bed with Silas as being gentle not passionate.
What I liked:
*Some unfamiliar vocabulary was included. I always love that! So, according to Wikipedia, a lych-gate is is “a gateway covered with a roof found at the entrance to a traditional English or English-style churchyard.” Apparently, the dead were frequently housed under its roof until the funeral. Also unfamiliar to me was the Domesday Book, which I thought was a nice touch! I’ve read so many Regency romances that I rarely learn something new.
What I didn’t like:
*Eloise was interested in Joscelin - she “felt strangely warmer” - at their first meeting, which seemed to be jumping the gun a little bit. In addition to nearly being run over, Eloise was lacking money, no doubt tired from walking, AND anxious about her reception at the duke’s residence. Also, even though her marriage was one of convenience, she WAS fond of Silas, and his death occurred only a few months prior. So it seemed just a bit strange. (I fully admit that I could be wrong about the plausibility of this situation. I can only imagine.)
Then a bit later, still upon their first meeting, Joscelin also showed symptoms of being interested in Eloise. I felt this was a bit more believable since he is a never married bachelor, but I felt the manifestation of his interest was still premature, even silly. At this point in the story, I was worried that I would feel put off from the entire book by a case of instalove. Happily, I was wrong! After that point, I felt that their relationship progressed very naturally and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. King’s stories. I have put A Sense of the Ridiculous on my to-read list. I recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy a novella-length clean Regency romance.
December 14, 2018
After her husband’s death on the Continent, a very pregnant Eloise Wakefield travels to England to visit her husband’s tomb. It is three weeks before Christmas, her child is due within a month, and she has no home of her own. Along the way, she is nearly run down by a gentleman on horseback. Joscelin Areley, Lord Rollaston, is beside himself at what could have happened, and he accompanies her to her brother-in-law. She is crestfallen when her husband’s brother, the duke of Ottley, refuses to help her, insults her, and sends her on her way. There is no love lost between Ottley and Joscelin, so the latter will do what he can to assist Eloise.
Gentle readers, if you are looking for a Christmas Regency romance, look no further! I nearly swooned at the sumptuous prose, the elegance and vibrancy of the descriptions, the refined vocabulary, the word perfect dialogues: what a treat! CARPET OF SNOWDROPS is a sheer delight, from the exquisitely drawn and realistic characters to the sublimely etched emotions that simmer quietly under a veneer of propriety. The story progresses at a gentle pace, entirely suited to the story, and I felt completely enveloped in the atmosphere of a bygone era. Heather King was a new author to me, and I can only lament that I just discovered her. Ms. King’s sublime writing makes one entirely forget that CARPET OF SNOWDROPS was written in this century. I loved everything about this book, it is almost unbearably lovely and so romantic. Ms. King is the living proof that careful research pays off: if you love Jane Austen and traditional Regency romance be assured that you will definitely enjoy CARPET OF SNOWDROPS.
I was gifted a copy of this book, which I won in a contest, and I voluntarily read and reviewed without incentive or pressure to do so. This in no way influences my review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gentle readers, if you are looking for a Christmas Regency romance, look no further! I nearly swooned at the sumptuous prose, the elegance and vibrancy of the descriptions, the refined vocabulary, the word perfect dialogues: what a treat! CARPET OF SNOWDROPS is a sheer delight, from the exquisitely drawn and realistic characters to the sublimely etched emotions that simmer quietly under a veneer of propriety. The story progresses at a gentle pace, entirely suited to the story, and I felt completely enveloped in the atmosphere of a bygone era. Heather King was a new author to me, and I can only lament that I just discovered her. Ms. King’s sublime writing makes one entirely forget that CARPET OF SNOWDROPS was written in this century. I loved everything about this book, it is almost unbearably lovely and so romantic. Ms. King is the living proof that careful research pays off: if you love Jane Austen and traditional Regency romance be assured that you will definitely enjoy CARPET OF SNOWDROPS.
I was gifted a copy of this book, which I won in a contest, and I voluntarily read and reviewed without incentive or pressure to do so. This in no way influences my review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2017
Heather King is a new author to me, but her cover for A Carpet of Snowdrops uses the same Regency-era portrait that I use on one of my own books, so I was naturally drawn to it. The opening is very melodramatic: a heavily pregnant woman is walking through the snow pushing a small cart carrying all her possessions. She’s trying to get to the home of a Duke, the brother of her now-dead husband. A rider approaches at speed and almost runs her down.
The reader’s sympathy is instantly aroused for the widow and her unborn child, and when she is turned away by her husband’s family, her plight seems desperate indeed. But the reckless horseman is Joscelyn, Lord Rollaston, and he’s an honourable man, so he takes steps to ensure the widow, Eloise, is looked after. And thereby begins a slowly developing and gentle romance.
This is a short book (it felt like a novella to me) so there are no real sub-plots and not much scope to develop the minor characters. Nevertheless, the two main characters shine like stars, always behaving in rational ways and never stepping outside the rigid bounds of Regency propriety. The writing is excellent, the descriptions evocative and the story, mild as it is, drew me along with that just-one-more-page syndrome that is the sign of a truly enjoyable book. Five stars.
The reader’s sympathy is instantly aroused for the widow and her unborn child, and when she is turned away by her husband’s family, her plight seems desperate indeed. But the reckless horseman is Joscelyn, Lord Rollaston, and he’s an honourable man, so he takes steps to ensure the widow, Eloise, is looked after. And thereby begins a slowly developing and gentle romance.
This is a short book (it felt like a novella to me) so there are no real sub-plots and not much scope to develop the minor characters. Nevertheless, the two main characters shine like stars, always behaving in rational ways and never stepping outside the rigid bounds of Regency propriety. The writing is excellent, the descriptions evocative and the story, mild as it is, drew me along with that just-one-more-page syndrome that is the sign of a truly enjoyable book. Five stars.
August 14, 2018
Heartwarming Story
A marriage of convenience leaves Eloise a heavily pregnant widow after the Battle of Waterloo. Her husband being estranged from his family had not told them of his marriage and she is discarded into the snow by them as a camp follower. She owes her survival to an old friend of her husband who does believe her story and settles her with his old nurse. As the weeks until her confinement go by, a gentle love grows between them. A lovely and thoroughly enjoyable short story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author after I won a competition some time ago. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A marriage of convenience leaves Eloise a heavily pregnant widow after the Battle of Waterloo. Her husband being estranged from his family had not told them of his marriage and she is discarded into the snow by them as a camp follower. She owes her survival to an old friend of her husband who does believe her story and settles her with his old nurse. As the weeks until her confinement go by, a gentle love grows between them. A lovely and thoroughly enjoyable short story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author after I won a competition some time ago. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 20, 2016
I was drawn in from the very first sentences. With only words, I knew instantly what the scenery looked like and the despair that Eloise was feeling. I wanted to protect her as did the hero, Jos.
Ms. King made me care about the characters, both primary and secondary. I especially enjoyed Goody.
The attention to detail, the sweetness of Eloise and Jos and the wonderful story line made this a delightful read.
I encourage you to download it. I'm confident that you will find it as enjoyable as I did!
I received an ARC of this book. The choice to read and review it was mine.
Ms. King made me care about the characters, both primary and secondary. I especially enjoyed Goody.
The attention to detail, the sweetness of Eloise and Jos and the wonderful story line made this a delightful read.
I encourage you to download it. I'm confident that you will find it as enjoyable as I did!
I received an ARC of this book. The choice to read and review it was mine.
February 1, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was next to Christi Caldwell's on Amazon and after having read one of hers, I decided to give this author a go too. NOT disappointed. Unaware it was a novella, I was gutted that it came to an end so soon. Was really enjoying it. Beautiful writing and such a romantic story. Made me cry (winner!). Shall definitely be reading more from her. #bookhangover
December 20, 2016
This is a sweet, clean romance story. It is a quick read. I recommend it to Regency romance fans.
September 5, 2017
There are many lovely, tender moments in this book. It is the first of Heather King's books that I have read, but it shan't be the last.
August 25, 2017
Charming, Light Regency Novella – 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
The story begins with a beautifully descriptive passage of a brilliant winter’s day in the English countryside. The h, Eloise, doesn’t appreciate the beauty though as she is tired, footsore, extremely cold, and heavily pregnant. She is crossing a bridge near her destination of Ottley Park when an extremely large horse comes galloping towards her, almost crushing her against the stone parapet. Joscelin Areley, Lord Rollaston, the H, is the rider and is leaving Ottley Park in a temper because his distant cousin, the Duke of Ottley is hosting a big Christmas party when he should be in mourning for his younger brother, Silas, who was Eloise’s husband. Joscelin escorts Eloise to Ottley but the Duke refuses to believe his brother was married and turns them both out. Joscelin takes Eloise to Silas’s and his former nurse, Miss Goodwin, and is a fairly regular visitor, bringing food and clothing, not to mention chopping firewood.
It is easy to see that Joscelin is attracted to Eloise, and she is attracted to him, but as her marriage had been a fond one, rather than a grand passion, she is unsure what her feelings mean. I am happy to see the author allows the relationship to develop naturally. I am not sure a duchess would badmouth her husband to an inferior (Mrs Goodwin) and to Eloise.
There are touches of humour throughout the story, and the characters are likeable, but there is no real plot and no character development. It is a light, charming, clean Regency novella. The writing is good, apart from a wrong word used in chapter 8, “inferring” instead of “implying”, and, so far as I can tell, titles are used properly. The meaning of the book title becomes clear in the story and adds a poignant touch. A plus for me is that there are a couple of excellent descriptive passages that are a delight to read.
The story begins with a beautifully descriptive passage of a brilliant winter’s day in the English countryside. The h, Eloise, doesn’t appreciate the beauty though as she is tired, footsore, extremely cold, and heavily pregnant. She is crossing a bridge near her destination of Ottley Park when an extremely large horse comes galloping towards her, almost crushing her against the stone parapet. Joscelin Areley, Lord Rollaston, the H, is the rider and is leaving Ottley Park in a temper because his distant cousin, the Duke of Ottley is hosting a big Christmas party when he should be in mourning for his younger brother, Silas, who was Eloise’s husband. Joscelin escorts Eloise to Ottley but the Duke refuses to believe his brother was married and turns them both out. Joscelin takes Eloise to Silas’s and his former nurse, Miss Goodwin, and is a fairly regular visitor, bringing food and clothing, not to mention chopping firewood.
It is easy to see that Joscelin is attracted to Eloise, and she is attracted to him, but as her marriage had been a fond one, rather than a grand passion, she is unsure what her feelings mean. I am happy to see the author allows the relationship to develop naturally. I am not sure a duchess would badmouth her husband to an inferior (Mrs Goodwin) and to Eloise.
There are touches of humour throughout the story, and the characters are likeable, but there is no real plot and no character development. It is a light, charming, clean Regency novella. The writing is good, apart from a wrong word used in chapter 8, “inferring” instead of “implying”, and, so far as I can tell, titles are used properly. The meaning of the book title becomes clear in the story and adds a poignant touch. A plus for me is that there are a couple of excellent descriptive passages that are a delight to read.
December 19, 2019
Pregnant and alone
A pregnant widow, who lost her husband at Waterloo, seeks help from his family.
Rejected by her husband's brother she's rescued by a cousin who grew up with her husband as a brother. In his efforts to take care of Eloise, Joscelin, Lord Rollaston, becomes bewitched by this beautiful woman and her child.
A sweet, clean romance.
A pregnant widow, who lost her husband at Waterloo, seeks help from his family.
Rejected by her husband's brother she's rescued by a cousin who grew up with her husband as a brother. In his efforts to take care of Eloise, Joscelin, Lord Rollaston, becomes bewitched by this beautiful woman and her child.
A sweet, clean romance.
March 28, 2017
2.5 stars.
A pretty good novella, this one had some decent character and plot development given its short length. The plot was fairly simple but completely believable. Both MCs were admirable and compelling. The inner monologue and dialogue also flowed well and weren't terrible sappy. The angst was minimal and the resolution was sweet. However, I do wish that there was a little bit more time spent on the MCs courting instead of just fast forwarding to their honeymoon. I look forward to reading more clean historical romance by this author.
A pretty good novella, this one had some decent character and plot development given its short length. The plot was fairly simple but completely believable. Both MCs were admirable and compelling. The inner monologue and dialogue also flowed well and weren't terrible sappy. The angst was minimal and the resolution was sweet. However, I do wish that there was a little bit more time spent on the MCs courting instead of just fast forwarding to their honeymoon. I look forward to reading more clean historical romance by this author.
April 13, 2017
This was a short and perfectly pleasant little regency romance. I liked the beginning a bit better than the ending but still I would try this author again.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews