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Descendants #1
Out of the Darkness
Lt John Holdsworth, an injured veteran from Waterloo, is now steward for a large estate in Scotland. Catriona Craig is the adopted daughter of Lord Craig, whose only interests lie in growing herbs and healing people. Can two unlikely friends find healing together? Can he overcome the shadows of his past and accept her love?
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
373 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
80 books360 followers 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 26, 2021
In this short romance Elizabeth Johns offers the reader more than just the love of a man and woman. The unconditional family love created through adoption, the compassionate love of veterans scarred and disabled mentally and physically by war, and the self love necessary to give love to another weave a compelling tale of friendship that ripens into a love match. The story also raises, but does not flesh out, the issue of women trained capable in the medical arts but not allowed to attend medical schools, and the issue of what happens to unwanted illegitimate children of prominent men. I enjoyed this novella especially because the herbal and medical practices of the times interest me. I recommend this to romance readers who like a short, sweet read at bedtime.
April 28, 2019
This was a quick, simple read. This was the start to a new series, however, I probably should have read Ms. Johns' previous books to understand the relationship between some of the characters mentioned in this one. It appears they are all connected. Unfortunately, I did not feel a connection to the main characters in this novella to continue the series. There are many wonderful reviews out there of those who did, so please check them out.
March 2, 2018
Short, but sweet. I really liked the story. The pacing was a little off, and I was left wondering if I had missed something several times. However the heroine and hero were both great characters.
August 12, 2017
"Out of the Darkness" is a novella, another investment in the continuing story of a family of characters created by author Elizabeth Johns. I have read them all and enjoyed each one, some more so than others. I read this quickly and am now engrossed in her newest "After the Rain".
This story follows Catriona Craig, the adopted daughter of Lord Craig. She is a young lady that has no lofty goals of society and spends her time fascinated with the garden of healing herbs and plants. Lord Craig is also Dr. Craig, a well respected practicing physician. Catriona has always been interested in medicine and has gleaned much from her father.
Their neighbor is Lt. John Holdsworth, a permanently injured veteran from Waterloo. He is productive and a steward for the estate but has mental issues because of his missing a leg and an arm. Catriona and John have an attraction, but he has written himself off as less than worthy of any female. Thus the tale is set…
It’s a sweet story. I would give it four stars but the mouthful of the name “Catriona” was an irritating stumbling block in my reading, so I gave it three instead. (Even a nickname of “Cat” would have helped!) Still, it’s a keeper in my personal library and Elizabeth Johns an author up there among my favs.
My suggestion is reading all these family connected books in order, as they will make the story fluency most enjoyable.
This story follows Catriona Craig, the adopted daughter of Lord Craig. She is a young lady that has no lofty goals of society and spends her time fascinated with the garden of healing herbs and plants. Lord Craig is also Dr. Craig, a well respected practicing physician. Catriona has always been interested in medicine and has gleaned much from her father.
Their neighbor is Lt. John Holdsworth, a permanently injured veteran from Waterloo. He is productive and a steward for the estate but has mental issues because of his missing a leg and an arm. Catriona and John have an attraction, but he has written himself off as less than worthy of any female. Thus the tale is set…
It’s a sweet story. I would give it four stars but the mouthful of the name “Catriona” was an irritating stumbling block in my reading, so I gave it three instead. (Even a nickname of “Cat” would have helped!) Still, it’s a keeper in my personal library and Elizabeth Johns an author up there among my favs.
My suggestion is reading all these family connected books in order, as they will make the story fluency most enjoyable.
January 11, 2019
Probably most men who lose limbs in war or in any other circumstance do not feel they will be able to achieve their ‘happily ever after.’ We make heroic efforts, in this day of prostheses and special therapies, to enable men and women who are injured in this way to live a normal life. But 200 years ago, there was a little of this. The prosthesis was a wooden leg, or a wooden hand. But one was still maimed and one still expected much less from life.
Enter the miraculously counter-culture Lord Craig. A medical doctor and reluctant Lord, he has the capacity to exercise compassion and vision beyond most of those of his time. This enables him to take in a couple of young ladies who have become orphaned and homeless because of a fire, and it gives him the attitude that makes it possible for those girls and for a wounded soldier to live lives that are not constrained as they normally would have been in this society.
As is the case in most novels of this sort, the man and woman whom we hope to see come together each have significant reasons why it is not likely to happen. Johns enables us to accept what will happen having gone through these serious issues. The culmination is satisfying in a number of ways, most having to do with the values of family, home, brotherly love, affection, compassion and, of course, romance.
Enter the miraculously counter-culture Lord Craig. A medical doctor and reluctant Lord, he has the capacity to exercise compassion and vision beyond most of those of his time. This enables him to take in a couple of young ladies who have become orphaned and homeless because of a fire, and it gives him the attitude that makes it possible for those girls and for a wounded soldier to live lives that are not constrained as they normally would have been in this society.
As is the case in most novels of this sort, the man and woman whom we hope to see come together each have significant reasons why it is not likely to happen. Johns enables us to accept what will happen having gone through these serious issues. The culmination is satisfying in a number of ways, most having to do with the values of family, home, brotherly love, affection, compassion and, of course, romance.
June 23, 2017
Out of the Darkness by Elizabeth Johns
Catriona Craig is the adopted daughter of the previous Doctor Craig, now Lord Craig and his wife. Gavin Craig had adopted her along with her sister and brother a few years ago. Catriona doesn't want the London Season, she's content on their land in Scotland where she can practice her healing skills alongside her father.
John Holdsworth had more than he ever thought possible. After surviving Waterloo, minus a few limbs, he not only was alive but didn't end up on the streets. And these past years he was able to be a steward for Lord Craig. He was blessed so he wouldn't feel sorry for himself that he'd never have a family and marriage.
I love how the author brings the characters to life. It's so easy to fall in love with John. And Catriona has such a big heart. Loved it.
Many of these characters were first introduced in the Loring-Abbott series. The Series of Elements series book one; Through the Fire, is the Craig's story and the adoption. I have enjoyed all of the books.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Catriona Craig is the adopted daughter of the previous Doctor Craig, now Lord Craig and his wife. Gavin Craig had adopted her along with her sister and brother a few years ago. Catriona doesn't want the London Season, she's content on their land in Scotland where she can practice her healing skills alongside her father.
John Holdsworth had more than he ever thought possible. After surviving Waterloo, minus a few limbs, he not only was alive but didn't end up on the streets. And these past years he was able to be a steward for Lord Craig. He was blessed so he wouldn't feel sorry for himself that he'd never have a family and marriage.
I love how the author brings the characters to life. It's so easy to fall in love with John. And Catriona has such a big heart. Loved it.
Many of these characters were first introduced in the Loring-Abbott series. The Series of Elements series book one; Through the Fire, is the Craig's story and the adoption. I have enjoyed all of the books.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
October 7, 2020
Wounded and battle scarred, returned from Waterloo feeling like half the man he was before the battle. Losing half a arm and half a leg made him in a full depression. How could he return home when he couldn't do anything. His mind was still good but his body was infirmed. Lt. John Holdsworth came home to even be rejected by his family.
Catriona Craig had been adopted years ago by Dr. Craig when her own parents had died in a carriage accident. She, her brother and sister all found a place with Dr. Craig and his wife the beautiful triplet, Margaux.
Lord and Lady Craig were heading to Yardley for one of Maragux's triplet sisters to give birth. Catriona begged to stay at the estates as she feared long carriage trips.
Once left behind and in John 's care, an adventure arises.
Catriona Craig had been adopted years ago by Dr. Craig when her own parents had died in a carriage accident. She, her brother and sister all found a place with Dr. Craig and his wife the beautiful triplet, Margaux.
Lord and Lady Craig were heading to Yardley for one of Maragux's triplet sisters to give birth. Catriona begged to stay at the estates as she feared long carriage trips.
Once left behind and in John 's care, an adventure arises.
February 17, 2018
I love a story that has a broken war hero find love when they feel they never would because of their external and internal scars. Most in high society treat them as monsters, and I always find that sad and demoralizing when they've sacrificed so much fighting against Napolean. This is a sweet story of 2 people fighting their own inner demons who are lucky enough to find genuine love. Catriona was orphaned when a carriage accident killed both her parents. She has had a fear of carriage rides ever since. John survived the battle of Waterloo, but was badly wounded.
CONTENT
Romance sweet and clean
Violence none
Language none
CONTENT
Romance sweet and clean
Violence none
Language none
April 4, 2021
What's not to like of a sweet and simple love story between a scarred war veteran and the adopted daughter of a local laird.
There are no antagonists in this novella, yet this book touches on several social aspects such as arranged marriages, female servants taken advantage of, sometimes with devastating consequences.
These things don't happen to our two MCs but they are affected by them in the form of supporting characters.
I think the author could have done without the 3 years earlier prologue and come in straight into 'present day' with both characters musing over their initial meeting over the pup. Aside from this, I thoroughly enjoyed the courting of these two sweet characters
There are no antagonists in this novella, yet this book touches on several social aspects such as arranged marriages, female servants taken advantage of, sometimes with devastating consequences.
These things don't happen to our two MCs but they are affected by them in the form of supporting characters.
I think the author could have done without the 3 years earlier prologue and come in straight into 'present day' with both characters musing over their initial meeting over the pup. Aside from this, I thoroughly enjoyed the courting of these two sweet characters
October 16, 2020
A very fast quick straightforward romance, light reading with no twists, conspiracies or heavy action.
If you are searching for short innocent love book, this will be a good choice.
Heroine is a strong minded Catriona who fell in love in the soul of man not his body or face .
Characters lack Development with fast pace of emotions.
I liked John characteristic, but still need more emotional development.
In general light book, but i do prefer books that came after this one ,After the Rain and Ray of Light .
If you are searching for short innocent love book, this will be a good choice.
Heroine is a strong minded Catriona who fell in love in the soul of man not his body or face .
Characters lack Development with fast pace of emotions.
I liked John characteristic, but still need more emotional development.
In general light book, but i do prefer books that came after this one ,After the Rain and Ray of Light .
September 24, 2023
Sweet Love Story
This is a sweet love story that includes both the damage that war can do and the suppressed Ambitions of women in the 1800's. The main female character is intelligent enough to be a physician, but women were not allowed to go to medical school at that time. So she has to practice as a healer with her father. She is given a personality that is okay to deal with this , but from our perspective when can appreciate the strides women have made in society. The main male character has been acting of war and dealing with his wounds Is tough yet touching to read.
This is a sweet love story that includes both the damage that war can do and the suppressed Ambitions of women in the 1800's. The main female character is intelligent enough to be a physician, but women were not allowed to go to medical school at that time. So she has to practice as a healer with her father. She is given a personality that is okay to deal with this , but from our perspective when can appreciate the strides women have made in society. The main male character has been acting of war and dealing with his wounds Is tough yet touching to read.
June 26, 2017
Sweet Novella
Although it's so brief that I know my enjoyment of it hinged on the fact that I had read all of the books of the previous generation. It felt like it was wrapping up loose ends while it was telling the short story of a daughter and one of the many veterans adopted/employed by the previous generation. Again, it was well enough written, but it's not a full-length novel, nor does it stand on its own.
Although it's so brief that I know my enjoyment of it hinged on the fact that I had read all of the books of the previous generation. It felt like it was wrapping up loose ends while it was telling the short story of a daughter and one of the many veterans adopted/employed by the previous generation. Again, it was well enough written, but it's not a full-length novel, nor does it stand on its own.
August 16, 2022
Out of the Darkness
This was a great story about Catrionia and John. John was injured seriously in the French wars. He was a overseer on the Laird’s lands. Catrioina wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. He was a doctor but she could do all he did, for he trained. Ladies were only healers. Catrionia fell in love with John, although he was crippled frontman the war. More to come, enjoy their love story.
This was a great story about Catrionia and John. John was injured seriously in the French wars. He was a overseer on the Laird’s lands. Catrioina wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. He was a doctor but she could do all he did, for he trained. Ladies were only healers. Catrionia fell in love with John, although he was crippled frontman the war. More to come, enjoy their love story.
April 6, 2018
Another good read.
Another one of Johns good books. Enjoyed the theme of humility that was portrayed as the characteristics of this family even though they are titled and wealthy. They knew what to do with the plenty they had. This is rare in most novels of this genre. Kudos.
Another one of Johns good books. Enjoyed the theme of humility that was portrayed as the characteristics of this family even though they are titled and wealthy. They knew what to do with the plenty they had. This is rare in most novels of this genre. Kudos.
June 7, 2018
This was a short one. It was nice to see what happens for Catriona, who we got to know more in "Into the Fire." As the wife of a veteran, it's nice to see members of the military depicted in books like this as real people, not just brave, hunky guys. A person with layers and depth and pain and joy. A good, quick read.
June 5, 2020
Terrible war’s scars leave deeper emotional damages.
John profoundly affected by his injuries after defending British England against Napoleon at the Waterloo battle, almost dying losing Hal an arm and half a leg met Catriona, someone he consider high to fallining in love to, they have to find a way to overcome insecurities and differences to be happy together.
John profoundly affected by his injuries after defending British England against Napoleon at the Waterloo battle, almost dying losing Hal an arm and half a leg met Catriona, someone he consider high to fallining in love to, they have to find a way to overcome insecurities and differences to be happy together.
June 19, 2021
Catronia Craig has no interest in a London season. She has her sights on Lt. Holdsworth and he is right there where she lives. She just has to convince her father and John that she has all she wants right in her own backyard. Time has passed and she has grown up. John has watched her mature never guessing she could be his. It is a lovely story.
July 10, 2022
A wounded war hero and an orphaned woman.
I cried at this one. She wants to be a doctor like her adopted father but lives in the wrong time. He is broken from people shunning him because of his injuries. Great story. There are many other things going on and overlaps with the author's other books in this series. Highly recommended for all readers.
I cried at this one. She wants to be a doctor like her adopted father but lives in the wrong time. He is broken from people shunning him because of his injuries. Great story. There are many other things going on and overlaps with the author's other books in this series. Highly recommended for all readers.
July 16, 2017
Pleasant novella length story about an injured war veteran and an innocent orphan. While there are many sweet moments in this novella, the characters were not developed enough and it was too tame for my liking.
March 1, 2018
Nice book.
This was a nice addition to the rest of the series. I somehow missed this one, when I thought I was going in order. This did seem shorter than the others, but it was nice anyway. Short and sweet.
This was a nice addition to the rest of the series. I somehow missed this one, when I thought I was going in order. This did seem shorter than the others, but it was nice anyway. Short and sweet.
March 29, 2018
Excellent period novel.
Excellent novel with historical accuracy. There is literary licence taken with the father's acceptance of a unmarried virgin daughter attending men and births. But the story, characters, and setting is wonderful.
Excellent novel with historical accuracy. There is literary licence taken with the father's acceptance of a unmarried virgin daughter attending men and births. But the story, characters, and setting is wonderful.
July 29, 2018
Solid enjoyable love story
A nice afternoon read either at the beach or by the fire in a rainy day. Nice character development. It's a clean love story that will leave you with a HEA.. Enjky!
A nice afternoon read either at the beach or by the fire in a rainy day. Nice character development. It's a clean love story that will leave you with a HEA.. Enjky!
September 4, 2019
3 1/2 stars. Short love story between a military man who Lost an arm and a leg at Waterloo and a young lady who was orphaned and adopted by a noble family. It is a short sweet love story and a very pleasant read.
May 23, 2021
I love how the author ties in characters from her other books.
This was a sweet, short story about two people that have challenges to overcome. They are good friends who grow to live one another.
This was a sweet, short story about two people that have challenges to overcome. They are good friends who grow to live one another.
June 21, 2021
A literary amuse bouché
Not much plot, almost no action, just a sweet little romance about a scarred war hero and a free-spirited healer. At fewer than 100 pages, this novella can very easily be read in one brief sitting.
Not much plot, almost no action, just a sweet little romance about a scarred war hero and a free-spirited healer. At fewer than 100 pages, this novella can very easily be read in one brief sitting.
June 21, 2017
A good read
This is a fairly simple story compared to others by Elizabeth Johns. I did enjoy it but not as much as previous stories.
This is a fairly simple story compared to others by Elizabeth Johns. I did enjoy it but not as much as previous stories.
October 6, 2019
Quick, easy read. Not the usual storyline. Clean romance.
November 29, 2019
3.5 rounded to 4. I was not enamored with this plot. It was an odd story but still okay.
April 27, 2020
Nice
A sweet, simply written, love story. Perhaps a little incredible in places, but an enjoyable read nevertheless. Great to relax & pass an afternoon with.
A sweet, simply written, love story. Perhaps a little incredible in places, but an enjoyable read nevertheless. Great to relax & pass an afternoon with.
May 1, 2020
Loving beyond scars
This book was about loving beyond scars and flaws and finding the person underneath. It was sweet and tender and a fast clean read.
This book was about loving beyond scars and flaws and finding the person underneath. It was sweet and tender and a fast clean read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews