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The Jonquil Brothers #5
For Love or Honor
From the moment they met, Marjie’s heart has belonged to handsome Captain Stanley Jonquil, younger brother of the Earl of Lampton. But six long months ago, when Stanley’s sense of honor required that he do as he had sworn and return to the Continent to fight in defense of King and country, neither Stanley nor Marjie could have dreamed what the cost of his service would be. It has been ages since Stanley last wrote, and Marjie and the Jonquil family are plagued by his unknown fate—until the day he unexpectedly reappears. Marjie’s joy, however, is quickly shadowed by confusion—the aloof, battle-worn soldier before her is not the man he once was. In the wake of Stanley’s blatant disinterest in renewing their acquaintance, Marjie’s devastation turns to determination as she vows to help him find peace. But his scars run far deeper than anyone realizes. Despite his feelings for her, Stanley believes Marjie deserves a man whose hands are not stained with the violence of battlefields and whose mind and heart are not haunted by the horrors he has seen. Honor requires Stanley to return once more to the life he has grown to despise, one he knows will destroy him in the end, even as his heart beckons him to stay with Marjie, the only woman he could ever love, and the promise, at last, of redemption.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
October 5, 2017
Poor Stanley! In this book we learn of the horrors of war Stanley has had to endure, and the effects on his sensitive and compassionate nature. Only four months after his severe injuries, he struggles to keep his emotions at bay so that when the time comes to return to the field, he can soldier up and get it done. Once again we see the brotherly love and camaraderie between the Jonquils, especially Phillip and Layton, and I loved the scene when they meet with Stanley in their equivalent to a secret clubhouse and through their banter, get Stanley to reveal dark secrets that need to be brought to light for him to begin healing mentally.
Marjie is as compassionate as Stanley, with a heart to serve, but feels rejected when her sister refuses her help. It seems like she's a bit lost, not really knowing where her place is or where she is needed. Her previous friendship and beginnings of romance with Stanley give her the perfect opportunity to help him as he recovers, but the emotional distance he tries to maintain is hard on her. I admired her determination and creativity in how she supports him against his will, and loves him even without a guarantee of returned affection. The tone of the book fluctuates between despondency and hopefulness as Stanley and Marjie take two steps forward and one step back in their relationship, and I couldn't help but be touched by the ending. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Marjie is as compassionate as Stanley, with a heart to serve, but feels rejected when her sister refuses her help. It seems like she's a bit lost, not really knowing where her place is or where she is needed. Her previous friendship and beginnings of romance with Stanley give her the perfect opportunity to help him as he recovers, but the emotional distance he tries to maintain is hard on her. I admired her determination and creativity in how she supports him against his will, and loves him even without a guarantee of returned affection. The tone of the book fluctuates between despondency and hopefulness as Stanley and Marjie take two steps forward and one step back in their relationship, and I couldn't help but be touched by the ending. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
October 6, 2017
I believe that love takes on all kinds of shapes and forms. Love can be desperate. Love can be gentle and sweet. Love can be sparking and fiery. Love can be patient and enduring. The very best word I can come up with for the love in this book is yearning. I felt it so strongly throughout. A strong, yearning love.
Marjie yearns for love from Stanley and she also yearns for love and validation from her sister, Sorrel. Marjie is sweetness personified. She has a gentle soul full of desire to please and care for people. Marjie is hopelessly in love with Stanley and wants nothing more than to be loved by him in return. Her love yearns for his.
Stanley also yearns for love but doesn't believe himself to be worthy of that love- not from his family and definitely not from Marji. Stanley is broken- physically, emotionally and mentally, from the horrors of war. It honestly broke my heart. Stanley loves Marji and he yearns for her love in return but doesn't feel worthy of it.
This was one of my favorite scenes from this book and I wanted to share a bit of it. It is a scene between Stanley and his young niece.
"If you stay, Stanby, your hurt will get better too." His vision blurred with the sting of tears he refused to shed. He wanted to believe it, wanted to believe there was a cure. "I can love you bigger than the biggest hurt."
"That is a great deal of love, Poppet." Stanley tightened his grip on her.
"Do you have a lot of hurts?" Caroline asked.
Stanley tried to clear his suddenly constricted throat, blinking against the pooling moisture in his eyes. "Yes, I do." The words were barely audible. Where had the soldier gone? Where was his self-control?
She lifted both her little hands to his face, touching his cheeks. "There are so very many of us," Caroline whispered, leaning in close to his face. "We can love you all better." She ran her palm along his cheek, wiping away a tear that had escaped his eye. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him.
I loved the arc of this story. There is hurt and misunderstanding but that eventually gives way to healing and love. That sense of yearning throughout the whole book really tugged at me and my heart became invested in this book. I loved it. I think this is one of my favorite books of the Jonquil Brothers series. Oh, and the ending was perfect.
Content: Some war related memories, PTSD symptoms, kissing
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Marjie yearns for love from Stanley and she also yearns for love and validation from her sister, Sorrel. Marjie is sweetness personified. She has a gentle soul full of desire to please and care for people. Marjie is hopelessly in love with Stanley and wants nothing more than to be loved by him in return. Her love yearns for his.
Stanley also yearns for love but doesn't believe himself to be worthy of that love- not from his family and definitely not from Marji. Stanley is broken- physically, emotionally and mentally, from the horrors of war. It honestly broke my heart. Stanley loves Marji and he yearns for her love in return but doesn't feel worthy of it.
This was one of my favorite scenes from this book and I wanted to share a bit of it. It is a scene between Stanley and his young niece.
"If you stay, Stanby, your hurt will get better too." His vision blurred with the sting of tears he refused to shed. He wanted to believe it, wanted to believe there was a cure. "I can love you bigger than the biggest hurt."
"That is a great deal of love, Poppet." Stanley tightened his grip on her.
"Do you have a lot of hurts?" Caroline asked.
Stanley tried to clear his suddenly constricted throat, blinking against the pooling moisture in his eyes. "Yes, I do." The words were barely audible. Where had the soldier gone? Where was his self-control?
She lifted both her little hands to his face, touching his cheeks. "There are so very many of us," Caroline whispered, leaning in close to his face. "We can love you all better." She ran her palm along his cheek, wiping away a tear that had escaped his eye. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him.
I loved the arc of this story. There is hurt and misunderstanding but that eventually gives way to healing and love. That sense of yearning throughout the whole book really tugged at me and my heart became invested in this book. I loved it. I think this is one of my favorite books of the Jonquil Brothers series. Oh, and the ending was perfect.
Content: Some war related memories, PTSD symptoms, kissing
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 5, 2017
War is hard and there's not a lot that's glorious about it. When Stanley comes home wounded and emotionally broken, he refuses to tell his family exactly how broken he is...physically and mentally. I found it interesting that he takes on the role of a martyr, in a way. He doesn't believe that he deserves to be happy or to find love; he doesn't feel perfect enough to have the woman of his dreams, yet he doesn't want to give her up; he doesn't think he can ever be whole. But the whole message of this book proves his beliefs to be wrong. And I loved that bit of hope that shines through in this sad tale.
Marjie has been in love with Stanley forever, but she doesn't want to force him to return her feelings. She is one determined woman and I love how fiercely she fights to help him, even when she's pushed away countless times.
I can always count on Eden to deliver a well-written story, full of emotion and turmoil, while ending with a satisfying conclusion. Her stories aren't pure fluff and always twinge my heart with a bit of pain, but leave me feeling like a slightly more compassionate person. It's honestly impossible to judge someone's actions when you don't know the full story.
Content: mild romance; mild violence
*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion in any way.*
Marjie has been in love with Stanley forever, but she doesn't want to force him to return her feelings. She is one determined woman and I love how fiercely she fights to help him, even when she's pushed away countless times.
I can always count on Eden to deliver a well-written story, full of emotion and turmoil, while ending with a satisfying conclusion. Her stories aren't pure fluff and always twinge my heart with a bit of pain, but leave me feeling like a slightly more compassionate person. It's honestly impossible to judge someone's actions when you don't know the full story.
Content: mild romance; mild violence
*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion in any way.*
October 10, 2017
This is the 6th story of the Jonquil brothers and it was dang good. You can tell that a lot of time and research went into this book. It was deeper and more meaningful then the others have been. It made me ache for this fictional family and so much was left up in the air with some of the other happenings with the brothers. This is more then just the story of Marjie and Stanley this one brought in more of Sorrel and Philip. This is becoming more of a family saga instead of just individual light fluffy romances and I am loving the change. This had some serious themes but I would give it to my teen to read. Very clean with some good tension.
April 22, 2022
Oh how I love Sarah Eden's characters and stories and families. This is another Jonquil brother story and I loved it! Stanley and Marjie...happy sigh!
I will admit that I shed a few tears while reading this one. It was hard not to. It's not all fluff and lighthearted and dancing in the roses. This story is about waiting and hurting and pain and healing and family and love. I loved the ending, I loved the beginning, I loved it all. I can't pinpoint a favorite moment between these two characters. Again, not all of their scenes are sweet, some are painful and awkward and causes more problems, but could be considered cathartic in a sense.
Marjie is just so good and sweet, compassionate and caring for everyone. When you read more about her childhood, there's an understanding as to why she is the way she is. Her life hasn't been easy, but one thing is for sure...Stanley brings her peace and comfort. He alone can heal her wounds. Yet Stanley has many wounds he needs to heal from, many visible and many more not visible. He returns from the Napoleonic wars, broken, ragged and utterly torn apart. What he needs to heal, he won't allow himself to get close to. He won't allow what's been taught him about honor and loyalty to let his guard down. To heal. To see the good he has done. And most importantly to acknowledge the love he has for a beautiful lady.
These two are perfect for each other. I loved the letter writing, I loved how Marjie helped Stanley, even if he refused to see it sometimes. Yes, definitely a happy sigh and tears are associated with this book for me.
You don't have to read all of Sarah's books in order, they work as stand alones. Although I would say that it's fun to read each brother's story and see how the further you get into the stories, the more of the previous brothers' stories you see. I haven't read one yet that I didn't absolutely love.
I have a bazillion quotes that I marked up and absolutely loved. These two quotes I'm sharing had me laughing and smiling at one of the Brother's wives, Mariposa. So enjoy!
"Only Harold, who had joined them for dinner spoke. He quoted and expounded upon the thirty-first Psalm until Marjie was ready to strangle him. Mariposa saved her the trouble. "We had a rooster once that was very much like Senor Harold," she said to no one in particular. "He made a great deal of noise and spoke very much, though almost no one heeded him." She lifted a forkful of fish but paused before putting it in her mouth. "He was delicious." Jason sputtered but managed to hold back a laugh. Marjie genuinely smiled for the first time in days. Harold raised an obviously disapproving eyebrow and continued eating in blessed silence.
Mariposa nodded with her characteristic conviction. "Phillip is a man." She waved a hand, dismissing and condemning all in one gesture. "These men, they do not understand anything." Again, Harold's eyebrow lifted. Jason grinned. "'Act like your heart is made of stone,' Phillip says to you.'Senor Stanley will be happier if his family treats him like a rag they will not miss at all.' I told Philip that he was, of all the men in the world, the most stupid. I threw my arms around Stanley and wept because my heart was weeping. You English, you are too afraid of emotions. You fight against your feelings." Mariposa shook her head and shrugged. "Of all things, a person ought to feel. Without feelings, what are we? We are nothing more than moving paintings."
Yeah, I love Mariposa. She is only in a couple small parts of this book but has her own book in, A Fine Gentleman. I haven't read it yet but am very excited to, especially after reading about her sass in this one.
I won't add anymore because it's too hard to choose from all the ones I have highlighted, I'd probably start adding all of them.
Content: Clean. Some talk about war and battles but nothing graphic. Nothing past kissing.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I will admit that I shed a few tears while reading this one. It was hard not to. It's not all fluff and lighthearted and dancing in the roses. This story is about waiting and hurting and pain and healing and family and love. I loved the ending, I loved the beginning, I loved it all. I can't pinpoint a favorite moment between these two characters. Again, not all of their scenes are sweet, some are painful and awkward and causes more problems, but could be considered cathartic in a sense.
Marjie is just so good and sweet, compassionate and caring for everyone. When you read more about her childhood, there's an understanding as to why she is the way she is. Her life hasn't been easy, but one thing is for sure...Stanley brings her peace and comfort. He alone can heal her wounds. Yet Stanley has many wounds he needs to heal from, many visible and many more not visible. He returns from the Napoleonic wars, broken, ragged and utterly torn apart. What he needs to heal, he won't allow himself to get close to. He won't allow what's been taught him about honor and loyalty to let his guard down. To heal. To see the good he has done. And most importantly to acknowledge the love he has for a beautiful lady.
These two are perfect for each other. I loved the letter writing, I loved how Marjie helped Stanley, even if he refused to see it sometimes. Yes, definitely a happy sigh and tears are associated with this book for me.
You don't have to read all of Sarah's books in order, they work as stand alones. Although I would say that it's fun to read each brother's story and see how the further you get into the stories, the more of the previous brothers' stories you see. I haven't read one yet that I didn't absolutely love.
I have a bazillion quotes that I marked up and absolutely loved. These two quotes I'm sharing had me laughing and smiling at one of the Brother's wives, Mariposa. So enjoy!
"Only Harold, who had joined them for dinner spoke. He quoted and expounded upon the thirty-first Psalm until Marjie was ready to strangle him. Mariposa saved her the trouble. "We had a rooster once that was very much like Senor Harold," she said to no one in particular. "He made a great deal of noise and spoke very much, though almost no one heeded him." She lifted a forkful of fish but paused before putting it in her mouth. "He was delicious." Jason sputtered but managed to hold back a laugh. Marjie genuinely smiled for the first time in days. Harold raised an obviously disapproving eyebrow and continued eating in blessed silence.
Mariposa nodded with her characteristic conviction. "Phillip is a man." She waved a hand, dismissing and condemning all in one gesture. "These men, they do not understand anything." Again, Harold's eyebrow lifted. Jason grinned. "'Act like your heart is made of stone,' Phillip says to you.'Senor Stanley will be happier if his family treats him like a rag they will not miss at all.' I told Philip that he was, of all the men in the world, the most stupid. I threw my arms around Stanley and wept because my heart was weeping. You English, you are too afraid of emotions. You fight against your feelings." Mariposa shook her head and shrugged. "Of all things, a person ought to feel. Without feelings, what are we? We are nothing more than moving paintings."
Yeah, I love Mariposa. She is only in a couple small parts of this book but has her own book in, A Fine Gentleman. I haven't read it yet but am very excited to, especially after reading about her sass in this one.
I won't add anymore because it's too hard to choose from all the ones I have highlighted, I'd probably start adding all of them.
Content: Clean. Some talk about war and battles but nothing graphic. Nothing past kissing.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
October 1, 2017
This is one of my all time favorite books now! I sobbed through the last half and couldn’t write a review for awhile because I would start up with the tears again! I read this book in one sitting and I stayed up till 3 am reading it straight through! If I could I would give it 10 stars! I don’t even know if I can give this book a review it deserves!
Marji is just one of those people who just makes the world shine! She is caring and helpful! She fusses over everyone and it terribly bothers her disabled sister. Her sister was in an accident and has had broken bones and hip issues and is in constant pain. But her sister doesn’t want to be fussed over. Marji is also deeply in love with Stanley Jonquil. She writes him while he is away at war. And although she has not received one letter from him, she has faithfully written him every week anyway. He has been away for awhile, so it is a surprise when he just shows up one day at the doorstep of Philip Jonquil’s home (also Marji’s sister’s husband), where his mother and Marji also live.
Stanley has been in the war and was at Waterloo and has seen terrible atrocities. It haunts him. He is only home to recover and then he is to be recalled. The letters from Marji is what has kept him alive all this time. He also has come back with a broken body. He will not reveal what is wrong with him to anyone. He will not talk about it. He tries to avoid everyone. But his family picks up everything and eventually the truth comes out to not only them but to the reader as well. We only can tell something is wrong at first. Marji is the first to find out what is wrong with his right hand. Her reaction is utterly sweet and caring. Then Marji takes it one step further by making sure his whole family know about it, not because she wants them to see it but because it needs to heal. She secretly removes all the gloves for his right hand and the buttons for the right side of his jacket. This makes Stanley very mad! He has no choice but to move forward for dinner that night, although he tries to keep his hand hidden. The first one to notice his hand was his innocent niece. Her reaction is so like a child and I sobbed and sobbed and went thru several kleenex before I could read again! Oh the innocence of a child! It just tears your heart wide open!
Meanwhile, the Jonquil brothers have this game and are close enough that they make an intervention on Stanley���s behalf. Oh, I was laughing here! I love those brothers and I need to go back and read the first few stories about them.
Stanley believes he can’t have Marji with his mind and body so messed up and that he is about to be called back into duty. Stanley believes in honor and his duty to serve is forever even though he despises it and his body isn��t capable of being on the front line anymore. When we get to near the end my heart was breaking for Stanley and Marji. He loves her and she him but he will not have her come with him, it is not for the “fairer sex”. Marji is heartbroken but her body and Stanley’s too find it hard not to be near each other with a touch here and a kiss there! It is torture for not only them but me as a reader as well. I can see no way for them to be together. And I was crying again over how the ending was going. They love each other darn it and they need each other and I was heartbroken for them. But you will have to read it to see how it ends yourself.
If you like wounded war heroes, kissing in the rain, loving families, terrible parents for others, selfless people, duty and honor, really really good writing, innocent children, love, this might be for you. Wait this book is for everyone, it is perfect and gives you all kind of emotions and thoughts and makes you feel good inside!!!!
Marji is just one of those people who just makes the world shine! She is caring and helpful! She fusses over everyone and it terribly bothers her disabled sister. Her sister was in an accident and has had broken bones and hip issues and is in constant pain. But her sister doesn’t want to be fussed over. Marji is also deeply in love with Stanley Jonquil. She writes him while he is away at war. And although she has not received one letter from him, she has faithfully written him every week anyway. He has been away for awhile, so it is a surprise when he just shows up one day at the doorstep of Philip Jonquil’s home (also Marji’s sister’s husband), where his mother and Marji also live.
Stanley has been in the war and was at Waterloo and has seen terrible atrocities. It haunts him. He is only home to recover and then he is to be recalled. The letters from Marji is what has kept him alive all this time. He also has come back with a broken body. He will not reveal what is wrong with him to anyone. He will not talk about it. He tries to avoid everyone. But his family picks up everything and eventually the truth comes out to not only them but to the reader as well. We only can tell something is wrong at first. Marji is the first to find out what is wrong with his right hand. Her reaction is utterly sweet and caring. Then Marji takes it one step further by making sure his whole family know about it, not because she wants them to see it but because it needs to heal. She secretly removes all the gloves for his right hand and the buttons for the right side of his jacket. This makes Stanley very mad! He has no choice but to move forward for dinner that night, although he tries to keep his hand hidden. The first one to notice his hand was his innocent niece. Her reaction is so like a child and I sobbed and sobbed and went thru several kleenex before I could read again! Oh the innocence of a child! It just tears your heart wide open!
"I am glad your hurt is better," Stanley whispered. He breathed through a sudden surge of emotion. He had made very certain that her hurt would never amount to his. "Mama loved it all better," Caroline said. "If you stay, Stanby, your hurt will get better too." His vision blurred with the sting of tears he refused to shed. He wanted to believe that there was a cure. "I can love you bigger that the biggest hurt." "That is a great deal of love, Poppet." Stanley tightened his grip on her.
She lifted both her little hands to his face, touching his cheeks. "There are so very many of us," Caroline whispered, leaning in close to his face. "We can love you all better." She ran her palm along his cheek, wiping away a tear that had escaped his eye. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him.
Meanwhile, the Jonquil brothers have this game and are close enough that they make an intervention on Stanley���s behalf. Oh, I was laughing here! I love those brothers and I need to go back and read the first few stories about them.
Stanley believes he can’t have Marji with his mind and body so messed up and that he is about to be called back into duty. Stanley believes in honor and his duty to serve is forever even though he despises it and his body isn��t capable of being on the front line anymore. When we get to near the end my heart was breaking for Stanley and Marji. He loves her and she him but he will not have her come with him, it is not for the “fairer sex”. Marji is heartbroken but her body and Stanley’s too find it hard not to be near each other with a touch here and a kiss there! It is torture for not only them but me as a reader as well. I can see no way for them to be together. And I was crying again over how the ending was going. They love each other darn it and they need each other and I was heartbroken for them. But you will have to read it to see how it ends yourself.
If you like wounded war heroes, kissing in the rain, loving families, terrible parents for others, selfless people, duty and honor, really really good writing, innocent children, love, this might be for you. Wait this book is for everyone, it is perfect and gives you all kind of emotions and thoughts and makes you feel good inside!!!!
September 18, 2018
For Love or Honor: The Shortened Version
Marjie: I LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE LOVE.
Stanley: I LOVE HER WITH ALL THE LOVE. But no one can love me because I’m missing a leg and battle scarred and killed people. Also, you are an angel.
Marjie: I LOVE HIM. But does he love me?
Stanley: I clearly love you. But I am not worthy of the love because I’m missing a leg and battle scarred and killed people. Also, you are an angel.
Marjie: *cries*
Stanley: *pushes her away because he is not worthy of the love because he’s missing a leg and battle scarred and killed people*
Marjie: *cries some more* I will help you overcome your feelings of self-loathing and apparent PTSD by invading your personal space and forcing you to come to terms with your injuries on my schedule.
Stanley: I am angry because someone invaded my personal space! Oh, that was you, Marjie? Whelp. I’m okay with it now because you are an angel.
Marjie: I LOVE YOU WITH ALL THE LOVE.
Stanley: I am not worthy of the love of an angel.
Random Side Character: Stanley was the best captain ever and saved me from dying even when everyone else ran away. Everyone loves him. Also, I will speak in the worst written rendition of a Cockney accent in the history of literature.
Marjie: Of course! As an angel, I can only love a perfect person with a love as deeply perfect as all perfection.
Stanley: I can’t tell anyone about my leg and my hand because I am not worthy of the love.
Stanley: *tells family about his leg and hand*
Family: Seriously, Stan. The idiot reader reading this book can tell that we will love you no matter what. Why is this even an issue?
Stanley: Well, I am still not worthy of the love because I killed people. And because I must always angst, I am never going to marry my angel because I keep telling myself she won’t be happy.
Marjie: *cries* I will be happy with you because I LOVE YOU. Also, I am the most compassionate person in the world.
Stanley: That’s true. I will kiss you and then ignore you.
Marjie: I have a plan.
Marjie: *plans and writes letters*
Stanley: I am randomly jealous of the letters because I think you’re writing to someone you have previously expressed no interest in and even though you’ve told me you love me.
Marjie: *executes the plan*
Marjie: Look at all the soldiers who love you.
Soldier: I am going to tell you about how you, Marjie, saved our captain’s life with your letters and how everyone he ever knew in the army ever called you an angel because you saved his life. Also, everyone loves him.
Stanley: I am angry because there are all these soldiers here. Oh, wait? You planned the gathering, Marjie? Whelp. I’m okay with it now because you are an angel.
Marjie: If only I could use my powers as an angel to keep you from going back to France!
Marjie: *cries*
Stanley: I have to go back to France. Because honor or something. I can’t really remember because I’ve only mentioned it about ninety-five billion times in the last one hundred pages.
Marjie: *pretends not to cry but then actually does*
Colonel: I am remarkably erudite. I can see that your family will only be happy if you return to them, Stanley. I will not think about the fact that other, poorer families probably depend upon their soldier loved ones as much as or more than your family depends on you. You and your angel are the only ones that matter. So I will wave my magic wand and allow you to retire so that you can keep your honor but also return to your family.
Stanley: Thank you!
Marjie: *cries*
Stanley: Let’s get married. But wait, I have no money.
Family: No need to fear! We have a convenient position lined up for you in the country where you will be blissfully happy and where your PTSD will magically disappear.
Marjie: LOVE CURES EVERYTHING. And it probably helps that I’m an angel.
THE END.
Marjie: I LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE LOVE.
Stanley: I LOVE HER WITH ALL THE LOVE. But no one can love me because I’m missing a leg and battle scarred and killed people. Also, you are an angel.
Marjie: I LOVE HIM. But does he love me?
Stanley: I clearly love you. But I am not worthy of the love because I’m missing a leg and battle scarred and killed people. Also, you are an angel.
Marjie: *cries*
Stanley: *pushes her away because he is not worthy of the love because he’s missing a leg and battle scarred and killed people*
Marjie: *cries some more* I will help you overcome your feelings of self-loathing and apparent PTSD by invading your personal space and forcing you to come to terms with your injuries on my schedule.
Stanley: I am angry because someone invaded my personal space! Oh, that was you, Marjie? Whelp. I’m okay with it now because you are an angel.
Marjie: I LOVE YOU WITH ALL THE LOVE.
Stanley: I am not worthy of the love of an angel.
Random Side Character: Stanley was the best captain ever and saved me from dying even when everyone else ran away. Everyone loves him. Also, I will speak in the worst written rendition of a Cockney accent in the history of literature.
Marjie: Of course! As an angel, I can only love a perfect person with a love as deeply perfect as all perfection.
Stanley: I can’t tell anyone about my leg and my hand because I am not worthy of the love.
Stanley: *tells family about his leg and hand*
Family: Seriously, Stan. The idiot reader reading this book can tell that we will love you no matter what. Why is this even an issue?
Stanley: Well, I am still not worthy of the love because I killed people. And because I must always angst, I am never going to marry my angel because I keep telling myself she won’t be happy.
Marjie: *cries* I will be happy with you because I LOVE YOU. Also, I am the most compassionate person in the world.
Stanley: That’s true. I will kiss you and then ignore you.
Marjie: I have a plan.
Marjie: *plans and writes letters*
Stanley: I am randomly jealous of the letters because I think you’re writing to someone you have previously expressed no interest in and even though you’ve told me you love me.
Marjie: *executes the plan*
Marjie: Look at all the soldiers who love you.
Soldier: I am going to tell you about how you, Marjie, saved our captain’s life with your letters and how everyone he ever knew in the army ever called you an angel because you saved his life. Also, everyone loves him.
Stanley: I am angry because there are all these soldiers here. Oh, wait? You planned the gathering, Marjie? Whelp. I’m okay with it now because you are an angel.
Marjie: If only I could use my powers as an angel to keep you from going back to France!
Marjie: *cries*
Stanley: I have to go back to France. Because honor or something. I can’t really remember because I’ve only mentioned it about ninety-five billion times in the last one hundred pages.
Marjie: *pretends not to cry but then actually does*
Colonel: I am remarkably erudite. I can see that your family will only be happy if you return to them, Stanley. I will not think about the fact that other, poorer families probably depend upon their soldier loved ones as much as or more than your family depends on you. You and your angel are the only ones that matter. So I will wave my magic wand and allow you to retire so that you can keep your honor but also return to your family.
Stanley: Thank you!
Marjie: *cries*
Stanley: Let’s get married. But wait, I have no money.
Family: No need to fear! We have a convenient position lined up for you in the country where you will be blissfully happy and where your PTSD will magically disappear.
Marjie: LOVE CURES EVERYTHING. And it probably helps that I’m an angel.
THE END.
October 2, 2017
4.5 stars
The toll of war is harsh. Death and destruction happen to the body and mind. Stanley Jonquil is one of the many soldiers who suffer after the battle is over.
I love reading Sarah M. Eden's regency books. She brings the book, characters, and setting to life for me. I can picture them in my head, hear their voices, and understand their circumstances. She has a way of drawing me in and empathizing with them. In this book the realities of a broken soldier suffering from PTSD became real for me. Stanley would rather push all that he loves away from him than have them realize how much he has and continues to suffer. The one that he longs for, Marjie, is the one he pushes away the hardest.
I love the theme of the book. Love is not perfect. You do not need to be whole in body or mind to be worthy of love.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The toll of war is harsh. Death and destruction happen to the body and mind. Stanley Jonquil is one of the many soldiers who suffer after the battle is over.
I love reading Sarah M. Eden's regency books. She brings the book, characters, and setting to life for me. I can picture them in my head, hear their voices, and understand their circumstances. She has a way of drawing me in and empathizing with them. In this book the realities of a broken soldier suffering from PTSD became real for me. Stanley would rather push all that he loves away from him than have them realize how much he has and continues to suffer. The one that he longs for, Marjie, is the one he pushes away the hardest.
I love the theme of the book. Love is not perfect. You do not need to be whole in body or mind to be worthy of love.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2020
From the moment they met, Marjie’s heart has belonged to handsome Captain Stanley Jonquil, younger brother of the Earl of Lampton. But six long months ago, when Stanley’s sense of honor required that he do as he had sworn and return to the Continent to fight in defense of King and country, neither Stanley nor Marjie could have dreamed what the cost of his service would be. It has been ages since Stanley last wrote, and Marjie and the Jonquil family are plagued by his unknown fate—until the day he unexpectedly reappears. Marjie’s joy, however, is quickly shadowed by confusion—the aloof, battle-worn soldier before her is not the man he once was.
3.5 stars.
I've been reading this series for several years now and I'm still really enjoying it. Of course that doesn't mean it is without its flaws. Marjie was an ok character, but she cried way too much over things. I thought she needed a little more backbone. She was in many ways the exact opposite of her sister Sorrel, who was in the first book of the series. And I found Stanley to be incredibly annoying with his overblown sense of honor. However, I could still empathize with him as he struggled to overcome both physical and psychological wounds from the war. I was a bit disappointed that Stanley didn't ultimately come to the decision that he comes to in the end on his own, but that he had to have someone else give him the 'out' he needed.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
3.5 stars.
I've been reading this series for several years now and I'm still really enjoying it. Of course that doesn't mean it is without its flaws. Marjie was an ok character, but she cried way too much over things. I thought she needed a little more backbone. She was in many ways the exact opposite of her sister Sorrel, who was in the first book of the series. And I found Stanley to be incredibly annoying with his overblown sense of honor. However, I could still empathize with him as he struggled to overcome both physical and psychological wounds from the war. I was a bit disappointed that Stanley didn't ultimately come to the decision that he comes to in the end on his own, but that he had to have someone else give him the 'out' he needed.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
June 5, 2018
Stanley is a soldier.
When he returns home--at his superior's request--he knows it is only temporary. That there is no way out. Not one in which he can maintain his honor. He did not take an oath to join Her Majesty's forces for only the length of a single campaign. He is not like others of the aristocracy who see no shame in selling their commissions. He will fight as long as he is needed.
And he cannot escape being needed. Even though Waterloo cost him his leg. And the burn he suffered at Orthez has rendered him unable to write. And his voluntary enlistment in the forlorn hope for the same battle was essentially to volunteer for a suicide mission.
There is no way out. No permanent path home.
Though the young woman waiting when he arrives there has been waiting loyally. And writing. She has written him every week, and Stanley valued nothing more than her letters. But with no way out, can he possibly tell her why he never wrote back?
For Love or Honor is the fifth book in Sarah M. Eden's wonderful Regency era saga about the Jonquil family. Stanley is definitely one of my favorite heroes in this family (along with Philip and Corbin, and Layton is really great also . . . OK, they're all pretty great). This book is probably the darkest of the series thus far, and the author has clearly done her homework about post-traumatic stress disorder. A believable hero, and--as our heroine realizes--one well worth falling in love with.
When he returns home--at his superior's request--he knows it is only temporary. That there is no way out. Not one in which he can maintain his honor. He did not take an oath to join Her Majesty's forces for only the length of a single campaign. He is not like others of the aristocracy who see no shame in selling their commissions. He will fight as long as he is needed.
And he cannot escape being needed. Even though Waterloo cost him his leg. And the burn he suffered at Orthez has rendered him unable to write. And his voluntary enlistment in the forlorn hope for the same battle was essentially to volunteer for a suicide mission.
There is no way out. No permanent path home.
Though the young woman waiting when he arrives there has been waiting loyally. And writing. She has written him every week, and Stanley valued nothing more than her letters. But with no way out, can he possibly tell her why he never wrote back?
For Love or Honor is the fifth book in Sarah M. Eden's wonderful Regency era saga about the Jonquil family. Stanley is definitely one of my favorite heroes in this family (along with Philip and Corbin, and Layton is really great also . . . OK, they're all pretty great). This book is probably the darkest of the series thus far, and the author has clearly done her homework about post-traumatic stress disorder. A believable hero, and--as our heroine realizes--one well worth falling in love with.
March 9, 2018
Poignant, and at times, heart breaking, but absolutely beautiful and filled with hope and moments of light. Even though the two characters were already in love before the book began, they had a long journey ahead of them and their romantic attachment grew along the way. They were both likeable and I rooted to them all the way through to their sweet, happily ever after.
July 9, 2021
One of the striking things about this series is the way each book is both refreshingly different and comfortably the same. The difference comes courtesy of each brother's unique personality which also drives each distinctive plot. And the sameness comes in the form of Eden's trademark banter and wit . Oh -- and cutting dialogue!
For Love or Honor is, by necessity, the most serious book so far and that's because of Stanley's circumstances as he grapples with what we now know as PTSD. The humour is still here, but it's subtler. And there's a fragile edge to the banter at times. And a heartaching tenderness in all the relationships -- romantical, brotherly, motherly. Quite a few scenes brought me to tears. And then I'd be Cheshire grinning through the next scene.
One of my favourite secondary characters ever is Stanley's scrappy young street urchin batman. Pure comic relief. I hope we get to see more of him in future novels.
And then there's Marjie. Sweet and constant, her devotion to Stanley is the backbone of their story. And sometimes I wanted to purse whomp Stanley for being so stubbornly 'noble' and shredding poor Marjie's heart to bits in the process. There's a compelling push/pull to their relationship that kept me on tenterhooks until the very end...and I do mean the very end!
I listened to the audible edition of For Love or Honor and was completely captivated by Aubrey Warner's narration. I could tell she enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed listening to her.
For Love or Honor is, by necessity, the most serious book so far and that's because of Stanley's circumstances as he grapples with what we now know as PTSD. The humour is still here, but it's subtler. And there's a fragile edge to the banter at times. And a heartaching tenderness in all the relationships -- romantical, brotherly, motherly. Quite a few scenes brought me to tears. And then I'd be Cheshire grinning through the next scene.
One of my favourite secondary characters ever is Stanley's scrappy young street urchin batman. Pure comic relief. I hope we get to see more of him in future novels.
And then there's Marjie. Sweet and constant, her devotion to Stanley is the backbone of their story. And sometimes I wanted to purse whomp Stanley for being so stubbornly 'noble' and shredding poor Marjie's heart to bits in the process. There's a compelling push/pull to their relationship that kept me on tenterhooks until the very end...and I do mean the very end!
I listened to the audible edition of For Love or Honor and was completely captivated by Aubrey Warner's narration. I could tell she enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed listening to her.
November 26, 2020
I have to admit, this was actually a lot harder to get through than the previous books in the series. I think the problem for me was that in the previous books, there was always a lot of lightheartedness and at least some sort of mischief or joy; this one was mostly angst. I was exited for more of an established relationship between Marjie and Stanley as opposed to having just met as the previous brothers but it almost made it worse. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the book, it was just not as good as the others. Also, this book is a perfect example of how different characters' point of views can change a story. In Friends or Foes, Marjie comes off as overbearing and overprotective as is Sorrel's view of her but in this book she is shown as just being worried and feeling helpless, while Sorrel comes of as plain mean.
July 26, 2019
All Sarah M. Eden make me emotional, but this one was truly heartbreaking! (that scenes with Stanley and Caroline gave me so many FEELS!!) I swear I wanted to cry along our heroine everytime Stanley pushed her away, cause he was been a noble idiot. And he was one, until the very end, but it all worked out and he got his deserved HEA.
October 5, 2017
For Love or Honor is another masterpiece by Sarah Eden. Sarah is one of my favorite authors. I can always count on a well developed, lovely story from her. Her writing is perfect. This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. I ached for Stanley and his hardships. He is so brave, but needed to learn to forgive himself for the battlefield. Accepting his wounds was his toughest battle. I loved Marjie, she had her own hardships to overcome as well, but I loved how strong she was. Pluck was a delight. He brought humor and help wherever he was. There is a great scene with Pluck and Marjie, that is very touching. Sorrel had her struggles, but I admire her character and the amazing women she is. Phillip was wonderfully Phillip. I love all the Jonquil brothers, but he holds a special place in my heart.
5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book. It makes me want to read all the Jonquil books again and again.
5 out of 5 stars. I loved this book. It makes me want to read all the Jonquil books again and again.
January 18, 2021
Oh my goodness, this was another winner from Sarah Eden! She did a fabulous job bringing this story to life. My heart was absolutely breaking for Stanley!
June 20, 2023
As I listen my way through the audio books of the Jonquil Brothers series and Lancaster Family series, I love the way we get to connect with previous characters from the other stories. The strong bond between the Jonquil brothers is something that I really enjoy seeing come through in these books. I also appreciated that Mater, Philip, Sorrel, and even Layton, among others, appeared quite a bit in the book.
For Love or Honor was an amazing novel and one of my favorites from this series. The author did a wonderful job of conveying exactly how horrible a toll Stanley's military service had taken on him. The utter helplessness that he felt in knowing that he would be required to return to service was hard to read about. His injuries that he felt he needed to hide from his family and the guilt he carried over his decisions and actions during wartime further weighed upon him.
I loved the depth that Marjie and Stanley loved each other. Even though it seemed hopeless and they tried to be strong for each other, they truly loved each other. I thought the author did a great job with this story. It really pulled at my heart.
For Love or Honor was an amazing novel and one of my favorites from this series. The author did a wonderful job of conveying exactly how horrible a toll Stanley's military service had taken on him. The utter helplessness that he felt in knowing that he would be required to return to service was hard to read about. His injuries that he felt he needed to hide from his family and the guilt he carried over his decisions and actions during wartime further weighed upon him.
I loved the depth that Marjie and Stanley loved each other. Even though it seemed hopeless and they tried to be strong for each other, they truly loved each other. I thought the author did a great job with this story. It really pulled at my heart.
December 23, 2017
4.5 stars...
Wonderfully lovely clean romance set in Regency England! I immediately bonded with our characters of Marjie and Captain Jonquil. I have read other books by Sarah Eden, but none in the Jonquil Brothers series (don't worry I will now be checking them out!) but that caused me no issues in reading this novel. It deals with a few serious issues, but isn't written with a heavy hand that causes the reader to lose enjoyment. In fact, it probably has the opposite effect. I smiled, I cried, and I even laughed through this book, and I always say if you can give me all those emotions in one book, you are truly successful. Highly Recommended!!
*Many thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Eden, and Covenant Publishers for an ARC to read and honestly review!*
Wonderfully lovely clean romance set in Regency England! I immediately bonded with our characters of Marjie and Captain Jonquil. I have read other books by Sarah Eden, but none in the Jonquil Brothers series (don't worry I will now be checking them out!) but that caused me no issues in reading this novel. It deals with a few serious issues, but isn't written with a heavy hand that causes the reader to lose enjoyment. In fact, it probably has the opposite effect. I smiled, I cried, and I even laughed through this book, and I always say if you can give me all those emotions in one book, you are truly successful. Highly Recommended!!
*Many thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Eden, and Covenant Publishers for an ARC to read and honestly review!*
October 10, 2017
I really enjoyed getting to know Stanley Jonquil. Throughout the other Jonquil books, we only learn about him second-hand. Stanley is a very loyal army captain and he is broken in more ways than 1. A lot of this book was peeling back the layers and helping us, as well as the woman who loves Stanley, understand why Stanley is so unhappy. Marjie was inspiring. I felt for her, and admired her own form of loyalty.
Overall, this Jonquil book dealt with heavier subjects than others in the series. There wasn't a lot of witty banter that I've come to love in Sarah Eden's writings. But I loved seeing the Jonquil family come together to strengthen Stanley and help him heal.
Overall, this Jonquil book dealt with heavier subjects than others in the series. There wasn't a lot of witty banter that I've come to love in Sarah Eden's writings. But I loved seeing the Jonquil family come together to strengthen Stanley and help him heal.
March 7, 2025
I loved the added depth and devotion of this story. I also adored the brotherly antics and particular their poems. 😂 This was such a fun addition to the series.
May 12, 2018
I love this family! May have said it before but will say it again....I love this family! Stanley had been through and seen some things being a soldier. I loved him with Marjie though. I love that she always loved him ever since she met him and stayed by his side even when it was hard and tearing her apart.
December 1, 2025
I really was quite happy to pick up this book. And you could honestly say that it was because of this book that I even found the Jonquil brothers' series at all, as I couldn't very well read this one when I hadn't read any of the previous novels. XD So you could say that it was worth waiting for. ;-)
Anyway! I really enjoyed this one specifically because we get to see Stanley for a short time in Layton's book, and he is mentioned extensively by Mariposa in Jason's book. But I wanted to see for myself the man that is kind and gentle and torn by war.
Stanley was brilliantly written, to be honest. His conflicted nature as a man who has seen and dealt death while only wanting to make the world a better place made my heart clench more than a few times. The addition of his wounds, some of which are life-changing (brownie points to Eden for having the courage to cut off her main character's leg. Then again she's covered death, suicide, mental illness, disfigurement, abuse, society's view on those who have disabilities, trust issues, the inequality of men and women in the eyes of the law, rape, murder, and general trauma) immerses the reader in his concerns and the reality of all of Europe at that time. Often, even in Austen's novels, war and the results of it are often glossed over; mentioned but not delved into. So the fact that Eden sat down and wrote down what it was REALLY LIKE (and what it continues to be like for Stanley and many others) was impressive.
What was also impressive was her ability to make Marjie his match. At first glance it seems like she's 'The Innocent,' and while she loves Stanley it seems like breaking through his wall is going to be an upward battle for her. In many ways it still is, but her mix of experience with verbal abuse and neglect (as well as maternal abandonment, in a sense) as well as her concern and care for her injured sister allow her to empathize with him in his pain, knowing when to help and when to step back, while also giving her the hope to fight for a future together. That, despite everything, there is some happiness to the world and even if she can't do much to change their situation, she can at least work at what's within her means.
You have to really admire a person for that kind of optimism and determination, whether real or fictional. Especially when the person is trying their best in a situation where they have little to no power.
It was a real contrast to the clash and wit of Mariposa and Jason's story in the novel before, but in a way it was a very refreshing change that I enjoyed. :)
The appearance of Lord Devereux from "Glimmer of Hope" (the sad story. You know the one. That ended with them hoping for many years together but knowing that it wasn't to be) and confirmation regarding Miranda's loss was a bittersweet reference. At 32-ish he seems like he's different than he was in his twenties, and his arrival makes me wonder if he'll be one of the few characters in literature to actually get to -two- books written about him, and both of them romances. In any case, I feel that Miranda would be proud of the man he has become and his brotherly kindness towards Marjie. So seeing him in this was in many ways a kind of closure, allowing us to know how many years they had together, and I appreciate it.
Also, I can already tell that Eden is gearing up to write Harry's story. So I can't wait to meet the American girl who shoved him in the river. XD
What else is there to say? Um...the details about war were amazing, as was the handling of PTSD and the loss of physical ability. All the side-characters were lovely and interesting, and my favorite scene (seriously, FAVORITE SCENE) was where the boys decided to have a scar-showing competition. Those Jonquils. *shakes head* Idiots, all of them. XD
Anyway! I really enjoyed this one specifically because we get to see Stanley for a short time in Layton's book, and he is mentioned extensively by Mariposa in Jason's book. But I wanted to see for myself the man that is kind and gentle and torn by war.
Stanley was brilliantly written, to be honest. His conflicted nature as a man who has seen and dealt death while only wanting to make the world a better place made my heart clench more than a few times. The addition of his wounds, some of which are life-changing (brownie points to Eden for having the courage to cut off her main character's leg. Then again she's covered death, suicide, mental illness, disfigurement, abuse, society's view on those who have disabilities, trust issues, the inequality of men and women in the eyes of the law, rape, murder, and general trauma) immerses the reader in his concerns and the reality of all of Europe at that time. Often, even in Austen's novels, war and the results of it are often glossed over; mentioned but not delved into. So the fact that Eden sat down and wrote down what it was REALLY LIKE (and what it continues to be like for Stanley and many others) was impressive.
What was also impressive was her ability to make Marjie his match. At first glance it seems like she's 'The Innocent,' and while she loves Stanley it seems like breaking through his wall is going to be an upward battle for her. In many ways it still is, but her mix of experience with verbal abuse and neglect (as well as maternal abandonment, in a sense) as well as her concern and care for her injured sister allow her to empathize with him in his pain, knowing when to help and when to step back, while also giving her the hope to fight for a future together. That, despite everything, there is some happiness to the world and even if she can't do much to change their situation, she can at least work at what's within her means.
You have to really admire a person for that kind of optimism and determination, whether real or fictional. Especially when the person is trying their best in a situation where they have little to no power.
It was a real contrast to the clash and wit of Mariposa and Jason's story in the novel before, but in a way it was a very refreshing change that I enjoyed. :)
The appearance of Lord Devereux from "Glimmer of Hope" (the sad story. You know the one. That ended with them hoping for many years together but knowing that it wasn't to be) and confirmation regarding Miranda's loss was a bittersweet reference. At 32-ish he seems like he's different than he was in his twenties, and his arrival makes me wonder if he'll be one of the few characters in literature to actually get to -two- books written about him, and both of them romances. In any case, I feel that Miranda would be proud of the man he has become and his brotherly kindness towards Marjie. So seeing him in this was in many ways a kind of closure, allowing us to know how many years they had together, and I appreciate it.
Also, I can already tell that Eden is gearing up to write Harry's story. So I can't wait to meet the American girl who shoved him in the river. XD
What else is there to say? Um...the details about war were amazing, as was the handling of PTSD and the loss of physical ability. All the side-characters were lovely and interesting, and my favorite scene (seriously, FAVORITE SCENE) was where the boys decided to have a scar-showing competition. Those Jonquils. *shakes head* Idiots, all of them. XD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2018
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this one. Definitely my second favorite Jonquil book. (Friends and Foes is my top favorite.) Loved the characters and the storyline. However......so help me, if Mrs. Eden does not give Phillip and Sorrel a happy ending in the next book I will probably throw a beautiful temper tantrum. Screaming and crying could potentially be involved. Especially if something happens to both Sorrel AND the baby. She better not do that to Flip. I mean seriously. They are my favorite Jonquils. They need to be happy. Also, Lord Devereaux. I read Glimmer of Hope a while back and because the end of the book leaves it very open to interpretation, in my head I had decided the sweet, sad couple had a happy ending ( I am an optimist.) Could I not be left in my ignorant bliss?? NO! I was crushed to say the least. Although at this point, I am hoping Lord Devereaux gets a new book and finds some happiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2017
An overall good read and a sweet story. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the war with Napoleon, and I appreciated the issues that this book delved into concerning the very real ravages of war.
I did get tired of the "I'm ignoring you to protect us both" attitude. And I would have enjoyed seeing the characters actually fall in love instead of having that be only backstory.
I did get tired of the "I'm ignoring you to protect us both" attitude. And I would have enjoyed seeing the characters actually fall in love instead of having that be only backstory.
November 28, 2017
For Love or Honor was such an incredible book. I just loved it. It was so well written and such an endearing story.
Marji is in love with a man, Captain Stanley Jonquil, who fights in for the King in the military. She writes to him faithfully but has not heard from him for six long months. She fears for his safety yet she remains loyal to him. Marji lives with Stanley's brother who is married to her sister. Marji is a very caring person but not everyone appreciates how much she cares for them. She often feels misunderstood by everyone except Stanley. The family is surprised one day when Stanley and his batman suddenly appear. The military has sent him home to recover. But Stanley has many secrets he does not intend to tell anyone. He deeply loves Marji but he must keep her at bay so she does not discover how broken he feels he is.
Stanley sustained injuries from the battlefront that took the lower part of his leg. He wears a prosthetic leg but does have a limp and depends on a cane for balance. His right hand was also badly burned and he keeps it covered with a glove. Despite Stanley pushing Marji away, she determines to get close to him and to help him heal. As they spend time together she slowly helps him heal both emotionally and physically. But Stanley knows that despite how much he loves Marji, he cannot marry her because he has promised to remain in the military as long as he is needed. He simply cannot take her with him and expose her to the harsh realities of war and he won't leave her behind for years at a time. When Stanley has a heart to heart conversation with his brother, he begins to question who he is loyal to and if he can be loyal to his family like he has been loyal to the military.
This book is right up there with Eden's previous books. She is such a great author and this book is such a hit. It draws you in and keeps you right up until the end. I cannot say enough good things about it!
Marji is in love with a man, Captain Stanley Jonquil, who fights in for the King in the military. She writes to him faithfully but has not heard from him for six long months. She fears for his safety yet she remains loyal to him. Marji lives with Stanley's brother who is married to her sister. Marji is a very caring person but not everyone appreciates how much she cares for them. She often feels misunderstood by everyone except Stanley. The family is surprised one day when Stanley and his batman suddenly appear. The military has sent him home to recover. But Stanley has many secrets he does not intend to tell anyone. He deeply loves Marji but he must keep her at bay so she does not discover how broken he feels he is.
Stanley sustained injuries from the battlefront that took the lower part of his leg. He wears a prosthetic leg but does have a limp and depends on a cane for balance. His right hand was also badly burned and he keeps it covered with a glove. Despite Stanley pushing Marji away, she determines to get close to him and to help him heal. As they spend time together she slowly helps him heal both emotionally and physically. But Stanley knows that despite how much he loves Marji, he cannot marry her because he has promised to remain in the military as long as he is needed. He simply cannot take her with him and expose her to the harsh realities of war and he won't leave her behind for years at a time. When Stanley has a heart to heart conversation with his brother, he begins to question who he is loyal to and if he can be loyal to his family like he has been loyal to the military.
This book is right up there with Eden's previous books. She is such a great author and this book is such a hit. It draws you in and keeps you right up until the end. I cannot say enough good things about it!
April 4, 2023
I wish I could rate this one higher. Much of it is well written. The bonds between the soldiers is well written. The sibling dynamics are great. But the romance skates closer to being codependent than I'm entirely comfortable with, and also tends towards woman will save and fix man trope. I liked the close Platonic friendship between a man and a woman. We didn't need the percieved but nonexistent love triangle misunderstanding. When we got Sorrel's story there was discussion of how society saw her disability. I was surprised that didn't factor into Stanley's story. He is well written as a soldier. Overall a good book. I just think the romance needed some work. I think she was trying to critique those tropes on occasion but didn't quite hit the mark. Perhaps if she didn't always feel bound to using romance novel cliche language it would work better.
January 16, 2021
Grab the tissues
I was surprised at how emotional this book made me. I cried quite a few times. Sometimes I get bugged when the girl cries too much, but since I was crying also, it didn’t bother me this time! I love the Jonquils and was so happy to be back with them. One thing that is fun and different about this story is that both characters already love each other and know it!! It made for some sweet moments throughout.
I was surprised at how emotional this book made me. I cried quite a few times. Sometimes I get bugged when the girl cries too much, but since I was crying also, it didn’t bother me this time! I love the Jonquils and was so happy to be back with them. One thing that is fun and different about this story is that both characters already love each other and know it!! It made for some sweet moments throughout.
January 11, 2018
I have liked some of the Jonquil Brothers stories more than others, and I thought this was one of the better ones. It has more depth and substance to it as it deals with the physical, mental, and emotional wounds of a soldier (Stanley) who has experienced the horrors of war. It isn’t a tremendously deep novel, but still effective in portraying the struggles of a soldier and the family members who love and care for him.
November 7, 2017
I didn't want this book to end! I love the Jonquil brothers! This is Stanley's story, with a little bit of the other brothers joining in. I might just have to read all the Jonquil brothers books again. Keep writing Sarah, I love your books!
March 3, 2025
I. Am. Sobbing.
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