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The Guardian Angel
A captivating story of love, loyalty, betrayal and sacrifice that grabs at your heartstrings and doesn’t let go until the last page. When Nell Draper leaves the workhouse to care for the five-year-old son of Lord Eversham, a wealthy landowner, she has no idea of the heartache that lies ahead of her.Robert can’t speak. He can’t tell her what makes him happy or sad. Nell has to work that out for herself.Not everyone is happy about Robert’s existence. When his father’s new wife has a son of her own she plans a desolate future for him.With everything against her, can Nell save him, secure his inheritance and ensure he takes his rightful place in society?A love story.Keep the tissues handy.
- GenresFiction
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2017
152 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Kay Seeley
26 books22 followersKay Seeley is a talented storyteller and bestselling author. Her short stories have been published in women’s magazines and short-listed in competitions. Her novels had been finalists in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. She lives in London and loves its history. Her stories are well researched, beautifully written with compelling characters where love triumphs over adversity. Kay writes stories that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. Often heart-wrenching but always satisfyingly uplifting, her books are perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs, Lesley Pearse and Josephine Cox. All her novels are available for Kindle, in paperback, audio and in Large Print.s.
She is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Women Writers and Journalists.
Visit her website www.kayseeleyauthor.com
She is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Women Writers and Journalists.
Visit her website www.kayseeleyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 16, 2018
You will cry at the injustice done to Master Robert the five-year-old son of Lord Eversham, a wealthy landowner. He is treated like a dummy by his family and largely ignored. He is a mute but his family doesn't know he's intelligent since his care is by a young woman , Nell, who has become his nursemaid. She spends time with him when no one else will and gets to know the true him. She has compassion for the underdog since she has come from the workhouse and knows how it feels to be kicked when your down. When the Lord of the manor remarries and his wife has another son, Robert is sent away to an asylum. Of course back in the day when people has a disability you couldn't let that mar your family line so you "got rid of them" and sent them to an asylum. What a disgrace! Nell has been entrusted to deliver him to the asylum but instead kidnaps him so he won't be locked away and forgotten by society. Will she get caught just trying to do what's best for this little boy and what will happen to the both of them ? I found this to have a satisfying conclusion to a fulfilling story.
Would like to read more by this author.
Pub Date 20 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Would like to read more by this author.
Pub Date 20 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 8, 2017
A story of true love and resilience at a time period in the world where anything not perfect was tossed away or hidden.
Nell is a young woman who has grown up in an orphanage, and has endured the worst.
She is determined not to allow this to happen to her charge when she becomes a nursemaid to a wealthy family's young son, Robert who is classified by family as an imbecile . The family wants him tucked away and never seen.
Nell loves, protects and nurtured him to the point where she kidnaps him , knowing the penalty for this crime is hanging.
This is a beautiful book described in such depth, that I felt all the emotions of this wonderful woman and her "best" friend.
The Guardian Angel is a heart pulling book, not to be missed.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and provide and honest review.
Nell is a young woman who has grown up in an orphanage, and has endured the worst.
She is determined not to allow this to happen to her charge when she becomes a nursemaid to a wealthy family's young son, Robert who is classified by family as an imbecile . The family wants him tucked away and never seen.
Nell loves, protects and nurtured him to the point where she kidnaps him , knowing the penalty for this crime is hanging.
This is a beautiful book described in such depth, that I felt all the emotions of this wonderful woman and her "best" friend.
The Guardian Angel is a heart pulling book, not to be missed.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and provide and honest review.
September 21, 2017
Robert Edward Henry Eversham is the oldest son of Lord Eversham. He was born mute and was diagnosed as being slow at two years old. Nell Draper was sent from the workhouse to be his nursemaid. She was to have 24 hrs a day care of him. He was six.
This is a very complicated story, so many things are going on. There is murder, stealing, supposed kidnapping and deceit. The characters are so true to life and the descriptions and dialogue are spot on. The author has spun all the threads together to make one heck of a good tale. I read it in one sitting, it kept me so enthralled. I love the interaction between the boy and his care giver. She protected him, loved and educated him, to the best of her ability. Remarkable book.
I received this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is a very complicated story, so many things are going on. There is murder, stealing, supposed kidnapping and deceit. The characters are so true to life and the descriptions and dialogue are spot on. The author has spun all the threads together to make one heck of a good tale. I read it in one sitting, it kept me so enthralled. I love the interaction between the boy and his care giver. She protected him, loved and educated him, to the best of her ability. Remarkable book.
I received this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 7, 2017
The plot was good,the bond between caretaker Nell and the kid Robert was sweet, but the way it was written failed the story completely.The narration and the tone of the book was monotonous. The story line relied entirely on how deeply Nell loved and cared for Robert but sadly the style of writing did not do justice to it.
Words did not capture the depth of emotions at all, in fact they didn't even brush the surface.
A disappointing read for me...
Words did not capture the depth of emotions at all, in fact they didn't even brush the surface.
A disappointing read for me...
September 28, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Guardian Angel
Author: Kay Seeley
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is such a sweet story. Sad in parts, but still sweet. The central premise is heartrending: a small boy in an uncaring family being helped by this girl. I just wanted to help the boy all the way through the book.’ Female reader, aged 45
‘Enjoyed this very much. I’m very glad I did not live back then.’ Female reader, aged 32
‘There’s a lot of sub-plots going on in this story which were interesting but did pull away from the part that interested me the most: the boy and his nurse. The author did a wonderful job of developing that relationship.’ Male reader, aged 38
‘Back in the days, a family would hide away any child who might destroy a family’s reputation, as they attempt to do in this story. But the hero, Nell, attempts to save the poor boy. This, I thought, was a marvelous read. The characters are interesting and well-described, and the plot is pacey and pulls at the heart strings. Even the cover looks amazing. Good job!’ Female reader, aged 37
‘An emotional story that will be understood by anybody who has the natural ability to nurture.’ Female reader, aged 59
To Sum It Up:
‘An emotional story written with great finesse. A finalist and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Guardian Angel
Author: Kay Seeley
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is such a sweet story. Sad in parts, but still sweet. The central premise is heartrending: a small boy in an uncaring family being helped by this girl. I just wanted to help the boy all the way through the book.’ Female reader, aged 45
‘Enjoyed this very much. I’m very glad I did not live back then.’ Female reader, aged 32
‘There’s a lot of sub-plots going on in this story which were interesting but did pull away from the part that interested me the most: the boy and his nurse. The author did a wonderful job of developing that relationship.’ Male reader, aged 38
‘Back in the days, a family would hide away any child who might destroy a family’s reputation, as they attempt to do in this story. But the hero, Nell, attempts to save the poor boy. This, I thought, was a marvelous read. The characters are interesting and well-described, and the plot is pacey and pulls at the heart strings. Even the cover looks amazing. Good job!’ Female reader, aged 37
‘An emotional story that will be understood by anybody who has the natural ability to nurture.’ Female reader, aged 59
To Sum It Up:
‘An emotional story written with great finesse. A finalist and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 19, 2018
The most interesting aspect of the book involved the historical view of what seems to be a type of autism. Society's upper classes apparently kept such people isolated from normal contact even with immediate family or locked away in an asylum. Our young "workhouse girl" had enough experience in her low class to realize that even the most impaired person usually has some potential to develop. Her pursuit of full potential for her young charge includes some methods we recognize today as beneficial. To protect her young charge from being committed to a hospital for the insane, she simply vanishes with him into a working class neighborhood in London. The romance is a minor part of the plot which is fine since her work and care for the young autistic boy is of primary interest. An interesting thread involves the business of funerals, proper mourning, and burial in the historic period. All together a very absorbing read.
October 11, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. I got so attached to the characters that I stayed up an extra hour to finish about one o'clock in the morning. Ms. Seeley creates bold and imaginative characters. The main character is Nell, who is taken from the workhouse at sixteen to take care of 5-year-old Robert. Robert is ignored by his family because of his lack of speech, It is assumed that he is feeble-minded. Nell becomes attached to the dear little boy, and when she is told to accompany him to "a safe place" which turns out to be an insane asylum, she takes the boy to London to a new life. Even though it is a struggle to keep them both safe, she succeeds with the help of several new friends. I liked the descriptions of London life, contrasted with the life they had led in the country manor. The ending was surprising in a happy way. All in all, a quite enjoyable read.
December 3, 2020
The idea behind the story is commendable and should be applauded as people with disabilities are rarely portrayed that well in books (or on the screen for that matter). It is a very moving story.
However, it was all a bit spoilt for me by the fact that the author keeps repeating herself over and over again. The sentence "kidnap is a hanging offence" (book is set in the 1890s) appeared 6x and the same thought was mentioned in a different way at least four times. I think the reader gets it after the third time.
It is a very descriptive book, which isn't a bad thing per se. But when the same sentiment is brought up over and over again (some paragraphs have been reused it a number of times), it does become a bit tedious.
However, it was all a bit spoilt for me by the fact that the author keeps repeating herself over and over again. The sentence "kidnap is a hanging offence" (book is set in the 1890s) appeared 6x and the same thought was mentioned in a different way at least four times. I think the reader gets it after the third time.
It is a very descriptive book, which isn't a bad thing per se. But when the same sentiment is brought up over and over again (some paragraphs have been reused it a number of times), it does become a bit tedious.
May 14, 2021
As of all Kay Seeley's books I have thoroughly enjoyed this one. Its a delightful novel and as that "unputdownable" feeling. I have read all her books up to now and are bereft as I could just do with another one.
Its a super read, as all her books are, a bit rushed at the end but that is not a criticism, most books try and give you a good ending and it has to be speeded in some cases. I really think this book could have a second book about the lives of Nelly and Ethan and of course, Robert growing up and where he goes with his paining. Kay Seeley if you are reading this, could we have a follow up please? Thank you.
Its a super read, as all her books are, a bit rushed at the end but that is not a criticism, most books try and give you a good ending and it has to be speeded in some cases. I really think this book could have a second book about the lives of Nelly and Ethan and of course, Robert growing up and where he goes with his paining. Kay Seeley if you are reading this, could we have a follow up please? Thank you.
September 28, 2020
One in a million
You could actually make a good film out of this book. At times it was Dickensian but never reached the slough of despondency as in some Victorian themed novels. This was really a book that you couldn't put down, hence my five stars. The only thing i would question was the belief of equality between servant and master that reared its head in the final chapters. The fact that a gardener and a workhouse nursemaid would join everyone for dinner in those days, though we'll leave that as poetic licence.
You could actually make a good film out of this book. At times it was Dickensian but never reached the slough of despondency as in some Victorian themed novels. This was really a book that you couldn't put down, hence my five stars. The only thing i would question was the belief of equality between servant and master that reared its head in the final chapters. The fact that a gardener and a workhouse nursemaid would join everyone for dinner in those days, though we'll leave that as poetic licence.
October 15, 2019
Risk and courage!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Lots of adventure, sense of the time period, character development and romance without feeling the need for pages of sexual detail that I often skip to get on with the story. A nice change from Regencies which have taken a distinct downturn over the years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Lots of adventure, sense of the time period, character development and romance without feeling the need for pages of sexual detail that I often skip to get on with the story. A nice change from Regencies which have taken a distinct downturn over the years.
September 30, 2020
New author to me
This is a fantastic read!! This is a new author to me.
I don't read story about the past, but came across this book by accident. I didn't put it down. The characters are well developed with a great storyline,(not your typical girl fell in love with a Lord or Lord fall for servant girl)
This is a fantastic read!! This is a new author to me.
I don't read story about the past, but came across this book by accident. I didn't put it down. The characters are well developed with a great storyline,(not your typical girl fell in love with a Lord or Lord fall for servant girl)
October 23, 2024
Beautiful story set in late 1800s about an orphaned teenage girl hired to look after the 5-year-old son of a wealthy English lord. The boy is shunned by his father because of being mute, but the young nanny takes matters into her own hands after learning what the boy’s fate is. Lovely to read a book free of gratuitous sex and vulgarity.
February 23, 2018
If you like stories set in Victorian London this book is for you. A gripping story of a mute boy, the unloved son of an earl, and his nursemaid from the workhouse. Believable characters and a great plot, but the actual reading was spoilt for me by careless proofreading and editing.
August 15, 2018
What a lovely read
The storyline was excellent my kind of reading, how nell saw what robert was able to do and even put her life on the line for robert to protect him. Totally enjoyed this read
The storyline was excellent my kind of reading, how nell saw what robert was able to do and even put her life on the line for robert to protect him. Totally enjoyed this read
January 14, 2019
Angels
This is my first Kay Seeley book and it won't be my last. I have enjoyed this story from the first page. I would recommend her stories to anyone. Going to get another one now. Thank you Kay.xx
This is my first Kay Seeley book and it won't be my last. I have enjoyed this story from the first page. I would recommend her stories to anyone. Going to get another one now. Thank you Kay.xx
November 4, 2019
Very sweet
I enjoyed this very much. Sweet Robert went through a lot to get to where he is now. His nurse fought for him.She gets him a great life with his Grandmomma on his Mothers side. Sweet read.
I enjoyed this very much. Sweet Robert went through a lot to get to where he is now. His nurse fought for him.She gets him a great life with his Grandmomma on his Mothers side. Sweet read.
February 7, 2023
The Guardian
A beautiful story of what love and caring can do to young and old. I love that Neil in spite of her life of hardship and love, found in her heart to risk so much to safe a child. I recommend this clean book to everyone!
A beautiful story of what love and caring can do to young and old. I love that Neil in spite of her life of hardship and love, found in her heart to risk so much to safe a child. I recommend this clean book to everyone!
April 17, 2018
Dieselblackcat
This is the first book I have read of Kay’s but it was a marvellous read and I can’t wait to read the rest.
This is the first book I have read of Kay’s but it was a marvellous read and I can’t wait to read the rest.
August 8, 2018
Wonderful read
Loved this book. Really relaxing read. Nothing too heavy and a perfect holiday read. Ill be buying more by Kay Wesley. Thank you Kay!
Loved this book. Really relaxing read. Nothing too heavy and a perfect holiday read. Ill be buying more by Kay Wesley. Thank you Kay!
May 25, 2019
Enjoyable book
Really enjoyed the story. Felt I was part of the story and felt so sorry for Robert and very angry with his father.
Really enjoyed the story. Felt I was part of the story and felt so sorry for Robert and very angry with his father.
July 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book..It was fast paced and kept me guessing the outcome almost to the end..Highly recommend.....Pretty cover..
October 13, 2019
An enchanting story of heartache, selflessness and love.
October 17, 2019
Wonderful inspiring story, very uplifting.
A very good read, I couldn't put it down until I had read the whole story. Would highly recommend it.
A very good read, I couldn't put it down until I had read the whole story. Would highly recommend it.
December 30, 2019
I enjoyed reading this story and liked how Nell intervened to ensure Robert had a promising future rather than end up in an asylum. I did notice a few grammatical/spelling errors.
September 4, 2020
Excellent
Warm love I enjoyed this book couldn't out it down,
The people are so real a nice book to lose your self in
Warm love I enjoyed this book couldn't out it down,
The people are so real a nice book to lose your self in
January 13, 2021
Heart warming
A lovely heart warming story. A real page turner, kept me interested from the very beginning until the very end.
A lovely heart warming story. A real page turner, kept me interested from the very beginning until the very end.
September 25, 2021
A++
This book is the first I've read by kay seeley ,and I really enjoyed it ,I will be reading more from Kay x
This book is the first I've read by kay seeley ,and I really enjoyed it ,I will be reading more from Kay x
February 27, 2022
Very good
This is one of those stories which have you hooked rightom the very first page. You won't want to put it down.
This is one of those stories which have you hooked rightom the very first page. You won't want to put it down.
December 3, 2024
A very different but wonderful read.
The Guardian Angel was beautifully written and from the first page I was hooked. I will certainly be reading more of Key Seeley’s books.
The Guardian Angel was beautifully written and from the first page I was hooked. I will certainly be reading more of Key Seeley’s books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews