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The Legend of Nimway Hall #1
1750: Jacqueline
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens brings you the opening story in a series of romances touched by magic as old as time.
A gentleman fleeing the bonds of loveless marriage and a lady in desperate need of a champion join forces to defend an ancient legacy.
Jacqueline Tregarth, lady and guardian of Nimway Hall, is devoted to protecting her people, the Hall, the estate’s wood, and its farms. She yearns for a husband to help her meet the challenges, but all those seeking her hand are interested only in controlling her lands. With the estate’s stream running dry and summer looming, she sets men digging to reopen an old spring. Her workers discover a dirt-encrusted ornament buried at the spot; once removed, water flows and fills the old lake—and Jacqueline realizes the ornament is some kind of ancient orb.
Meanwhile, Lord Richard Devries, overly-eligible darling of the ton, fights free of kidnappers seeking to force him to offer for some lady’s hand. But on escaping into the countryside, he gets lost in Balesboro Wood and stumbles on a covert scheme to divert a stream. Later, he finds his way to Nimway Hall, where the household is celebrating a spring running again.
Richard is welcomed and meets the fascinating Miss Tregarth. That his youthful hostess is disinclined to bat her lashes at him piques his interest, yet after his recent experiences, he feels safe in her company—for him, an unusual and comforting experience. Indeed, everything about Nimway Hall is calming and soothing.
Then Richard makes the connection between what he saw in the wood and the Hall’s recent water shortage and leads Jacqueline and her men to the diversion in the wood. Subsequently, he learns of the various men pursuing Jacqueline, and recognizes the danger to her and to the Hall. Although self-protective instinct presses him to travel on, his lamed horse has yet to recover, and despite all inner warnings, Richard feels compelled to step into the role of a supportive protector.
Aided and abetted by the household, the estate community, Balesboro Wood, and the ancient orb, propinquity works its magic, seducing Richard with a role into which he and his talents fit perfectly, and tempting Jacqueline to hope that her champion has finally found his way to her side. If the tales told of those snared by Balesboro Wood and sent to the Hall are true, then…
Yet true love never runs smoothly, and both Richard and Jacqueline must search within, embrace their destinies, and find the courage to seize their heart’s one true desire—all just in time to foil a dastardly plan that would wreck all they and the Hall’s people hold dear.
First in series. A historical novel of 73,000 words interweaving romance, mystery, and magic.
A gentleman fleeing the bonds of loveless marriage and a lady in desperate need of a champion join forces to defend an ancient legacy.
Jacqueline Tregarth, lady and guardian of Nimway Hall, is devoted to protecting her people, the Hall, the estate’s wood, and its farms. She yearns for a husband to help her meet the challenges, but all those seeking her hand are interested only in controlling her lands. With the estate’s stream running dry and summer looming, she sets men digging to reopen an old spring. Her workers discover a dirt-encrusted ornament buried at the spot; once removed, water flows and fills the old lake—and Jacqueline realizes the ornament is some kind of ancient orb.
Meanwhile, Lord Richard Devries, overly-eligible darling of the ton, fights free of kidnappers seeking to force him to offer for some lady’s hand. But on escaping into the countryside, he gets lost in Balesboro Wood and stumbles on a covert scheme to divert a stream. Later, he finds his way to Nimway Hall, where the household is celebrating a spring running again.
Richard is welcomed and meets the fascinating Miss Tregarth. That his youthful hostess is disinclined to bat her lashes at him piques his interest, yet after his recent experiences, he feels safe in her company—for him, an unusual and comforting experience. Indeed, everything about Nimway Hall is calming and soothing.
Then Richard makes the connection between what he saw in the wood and the Hall’s recent water shortage and leads Jacqueline and her men to the diversion in the wood. Subsequently, he learns of the various men pursuing Jacqueline, and recognizes the danger to her and to the Hall. Although self-protective instinct presses him to travel on, his lamed horse has yet to recover, and despite all inner warnings, Richard feels compelled to step into the role of a supportive protector.
Aided and abetted by the household, the estate community, Balesboro Wood, and the ancient orb, propinquity works its magic, seducing Richard with a role into which he and his talents fit perfectly, and tempting Jacqueline to hope that her champion has finally found his way to her side. If the tales told of those snared by Balesboro Wood and sent to the Hall are true, then…
Yet true love never runs smoothly, and both Richard and Jacqueline must search within, embrace their destinies, and find the courage to seize their heart’s one true desire—all just in time to foil a dastardly plan that would wreck all they and the Hall’s people hold dear.
First in series. A historical novel of 73,000 words interweaving romance, mystery, and magic.
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2018
382 people are currently reading
1759 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
207 books5,596 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 20, 2019
I’m sad that this felt really dull and predictable :/
July 6, 2024
Was 4 stars until a unnecessary sex scene right at the end... extremely irritated by it. Guess I'm crossing this series off my list.
January 26, 2021
Not bad, but I just couldn't get into it. DNF at 50%.
June 9, 2019
Bore an extremely strong resemblance to Scandal’s book, even to the name Richard. Female guardian of a prosperous estate, traditionally passed through the maternal line, somewhat mystical happenings, various greedy suitors, one of which resorts to underhanded and violent means to be his way...
There are certain things that are a bit annoying - the over-use of the word guardian is heavy handed and seems forced. It’s a deliberate ploy to name it sound mystical, when she’d probably just come to be known as the mistress of Nimway. Also, Richard is too useful - why would the sheep farmer, who presumably has years of daily experience, need help to separate sheep? Even if Richard had experience, the farmer had much more. While I agree with the sentiment that helping her people prosper is good, sometimes that message is also heavy handed, and you wonder why her people need so much constant aid.
I’m not sure how I feel about this being a series, much less written by multiple authors. It doesn’t seem like a great idea, and the blurbs of the other books sound a little meh.
There are certain things that are a bit annoying - the over-use of the word guardian is heavy handed and seems forced. It’s a deliberate ploy to name it sound mystical, when she’d probably just come to be known as the mistress of Nimway. Also, Richard is too useful - why would the sheep farmer, who presumably has years of daily experience, need help to separate sheep? Even if Richard had experience, the farmer had much more. While I agree with the sentiment that helping her people prosper is good, sometimes that message is also heavy handed, and you wonder why her people need so much constant aid.
I’m not sure how I feel about this being a series, much less written by multiple authors. It doesn’t seem like a great idea, and the blurbs of the other books sound a little meh.
May 16, 2018
3.5 stars.
This is a multi-author series penned by some of the most well-known historical romance writers around.
This first book by Stephanie Laurens introduces Nimway Hall and one of the female guardians of the Hall, the surrounding woods and lands during the mid 1700s. The H/h are SL archetypes, unflappable, devoted to their duty and their sense of noblesse oblige. The romance and their recognition of their connection to the Hall and each other is a slow-burn one, with a bit of a push by a mysterious orb, the woods and the nasty neighbor.
All in all, a good start to the series.
This is a multi-author series penned by some of the most well-known historical romance writers around.
This first book by Stephanie Laurens introduces Nimway Hall and one of the female guardians of the Hall, the surrounding woods and lands during the mid 1700s. The H/h are SL archetypes, unflappable, devoted to their duty and their sense of noblesse oblige. The romance and their recognition of their connection to the Hall and each other is a slow-burn one, with a bit of a push by a mysterious orb, the woods and the nasty neighbor.
All in all, a good start to the series.
October 7, 2018
I found this a likeable read and could have been a bit shorter.
March 1, 2019
Good storyline and characters. Enjoyable reading. I liked the mystical parts.
4☆
4☆
July 8, 2018
Both the hero & heroine had been pursued for their wealth and/or property & both were marriage shy and untrusting. The legendary orb worked it's magic to bring them together. Although the romance happened over a short period of time, it was a believable friends to lovers romance. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
November 17, 2018
Excellent love story!
I thoroughly loved this book. It tells the story of true determination and excitement in youth and courage. It shows that love can happen between any walk of life and it could be just around the corner. A very magical read!
I thoroughly loved this book. It tells the story of true determination and excitement in youth and courage. It shows that love can happen between any walk of life and it could be just around the corner. A very magical read!
April 19, 2018
New series
I love Stephanie Laurens. That being said, she is the author of this book, but not the rest of the books in this series on Nimway Hall. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of them.
Jacqueline Tregarth is the guardian of Nimway Hall. Richard Montague is the second son of a politically and socially powerful marquis. Escaping a rumored kidnap attempt in London, Montague finds himself lost in the woods outside Nimway Hall, and his horse is lame. He is offered rest at The Hall and while his horse is cared for, Montague falls into the daily routine of the Hall and the setup for the big market days. Would be suitors for Jacqueline’s hand make themselves known, some more persistent or more dastardly ( or both) than others.
This is a Laurens love story. You know how it ends when you start the book. However, as both a stand alone book and as a setup for the future series, I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
I love Stephanie Laurens. That being said, she is the author of this book, but not the rest of the books in this series on Nimway Hall. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of them.
Jacqueline Tregarth is the guardian of Nimway Hall. Richard Montague is the second son of a politically and socially powerful marquis. Escaping a rumored kidnap attempt in London, Montague finds himself lost in the woods outside Nimway Hall, and his horse is lame. He is offered rest at The Hall and while his horse is cared for, Montague falls into the daily routine of the Hall and the setup for the big market days. Would be suitors for Jacqueline’s hand make themselves known, some more persistent or more dastardly ( or both) than others.
This is a Laurens love story. You know how it ends when you start the book. However, as both a stand alone book and as a setup for the future series, I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
March 20, 2018
Very boring, tediously, as in all the author's latest novels, there is no love or passion between the characters. Why her works are still referred to as love novels, when there is not even a hint of feelings?
Yet be there are confusing moments.
Chapter 1. "He’d (Lord Richard Edward Montague Devries) nearly been caught—trapped—long ago, but he’d learned his lesson well. Subsequently, when one of his father’s distant cousins had died and left Richard a manor house in Wiltshire along with substantial accumulated wealth, he’d foreseen the inevitable reaction and had remained alert and very much on guard."
"All had been well for several years, his life relatively peaceful, then earlier that year, his paternal great-aunt, Lady Dulcimea Caverthorne, had informed the family at large that she was naming him her heir. Dulcimea was nowhere near her deathbed, but she was an exceedingly wealthy, childless widow, and other family members had been prodding and pricking her to declare the disposition of her estate. So she had."
Chapter 10. “Wallace was correct in stating that I’m no landless gentleman wandering past. My full name is Richard Edward Montague Devries. I’m the second son of the Marquess of Harwich. I’m rich beyond reckoning and stand to inherit more—I have an estate in Lincolnshire and am like to have another in Oxfordshire soon. By all society’s standards, I’m overly eligible, but until these last days, in all my years of being on the town, in society, I’ve found no lady to love.”
There is such impression. that the beginning writes one, the end - the other. Or someone does not remember what he wrote at the beginning? Nonsense!
Yet be there are confusing moments.
Chapter 1. "He’d (Lord Richard Edward Montague Devries) nearly been caught—trapped—long ago, but he’d learned his lesson well. Subsequently, when one of his father’s distant cousins had died and left Richard a manor house in Wiltshire along with substantial accumulated wealth, he’d foreseen the inevitable reaction and had remained alert and very much on guard."
"All had been well for several years, his life relatively peaceful, then earlier that year, his paternal great-aunt, Lady Dulcimea Caverthorne, had informed the family at large that she was naming him her heir. Dulcimea was nowhere near her deathbed, but she was an exceedingly wealthy, childless widow, and other family members had been prodding and pricking her to declare the disposition of her estate. So she had."
Chapter 10. “Wallace was correct in stating that I’m no landless gentleman wandering past. My full name is Richard Edward Montague Devries. I’m the second son of the Marquess of Harwich. I’m rich beyond reckoning and stand to inherit more—I have an estate in Lincolnshire and am like to have another in Oxfordshire soon. By all society’s standards, I’m overly eligible, but until these last days, in all my years of being on the town, in society, I’ve found no lady to love.”
There is such impression. that the beginning writes one, the end - the other. Or someone does not remember what he wrote at the beginning? Nonsense!
June 17, 2019
In truth, I'd give this 2.5 stars, but rounded up to 3 stars as in general I do like a lot of aspects of this story, a retelling of some parts of the Lady of the Lake legend around Nimue and Merlin.
Nimway Hall, located in Somerset, England, is built on top of the ruins of a cottage on the edge of the lake. Yup, you guessed it - Nimue's cottage, the Lady of the Lake herself, Merlin's lover. Nimway Hall and its environs are protected by ancient magic, somehow connected to the Guardian of Nimway Hall (always the eldest daughter who has sole ownership and authority by deed and willing acceptance) and a mysterious artifact - a large moonstone set in a claw-like gold setting similar to the top of a staff. This orb has a way of appearing at times of great need and then disappearing when either it's work is done or safety demands, and is said to encompass the powerful love of Nimue and Merlin.
It's 1750, and the current Guardian is 25 yr old Jacqueline, besieged by unsuitable suitors, protected by her loyal servants and wheel-chair bound uncle, and quite averse to marriage for anything other than love but has little hope of that. The stream feeding her rich farmland has dried to a trickle, and desperate to find more water, Jacqueline brings in a dowser to locate the spring that once fed the lake behind the Hall which has been dry for over 30 years. What do they find? This mysterious orb has 'plugged' the spring, and once removed, the lake refills. As Jacqueline handles the orb, it suddenly glows briefly.
Enter Richard Montague, the younger son of a powerful family, extremely wealthy in his own right. After an attempted kidnapping in London (all part of an effort to compromise him into marriage), Richard has sneaked out of town, heading to visit his uncle, the Bishop of Wells, to hide from society while he figures out what to do with his life. He's also averse to love for any reason other than love as women only seem to want to marry him for his money. While within 20 miles of Wells, Richard becomes lost in a wood, something that is quite the conundrum given his skill as a hunter and woodsman. Cue the woo-woo music as this is no ordinary wood, but the legendary woods of Nimway Hall which have been know to direct the true loves of the Lady of the Hall who stumble in them onto the right path.
Ultimately Richard and his horse Malcolm the Great (who is one of my favorite characters in this story) ends up at the Hall, and you know exactly what happens - he ultimately saves fair maiden and wins her love and hand.
If you are into Arthurian legend, I suspect you might like this story - the first in a series all set at different times at Nimway Hall and involving the orb, and all written by different authors. It is rather slight, and not one of Laurens' better books. In fact, much of her story is just a thinner, version of her excellent Cynster book, Scandal's Bride about Richard Cynster and the Scottish Catriona, Lady of the Vale.
Nimway Hall, located in Somerset, England, is built on top of the ruins of a cottage on the edge of the lake. Yup, you guessed it - Nimue's cottage, the Lady of the Lake herself, Merlin's lover. Nimway Hall and its environs are protected by ancient magic, somehow connected to the Guardian of Nimway Hall (always the eldest daughter who has sole ownership and authority by deed and willing acceptance) and a mysterious artifact - a large moonstone set in a claw-like gold setting similar to the top of a staff. This orb has a way of appearing at times of great need and then disappearing when either it's work is done or safety demands, and is said to encompass the powerful love of Nimue and Merlin.
It's 1750, and the current Guardian is 25 yr old Jacqueline, besieged by unsuitable suitors, protected by her loyal servants and wheel-chair bound uncle, and quite averse to marriage for anything other than love but has little hope of that. The stream feeding her rich farmland has dried to a trickle, and desperate to find more water, Jacqueline brings in a dowser to locate the spring that once fed the lake behind the Hall which has been dry for over 30 years. What do they find? This mysterious orb has 'plugged' the spring, and once removed, the lake refills. As Jacqueline handles the orb, it suddenly glows briefly.
Enter Richard Montague, the younger son of a powerful family, extremely wealthy in his own right. After an attempted kidnapping in London (all part of an effort to compromise him into marriage), Richard has sneaked out of town, heading to visit his uncle, the Bishop of Wells, to hide from society while he figures out what to do with his life. He's also averse to love for any reason other than love as women only seem to want to marry him for his money. While within 20 miles of Wells, Richard becomes lost in a wood, something that is quite the conundrum given his skill as a hunter and woodsman. Cue the woo-woo music as this is no ordinary wood, but the legendary woods of Nimway Hall which have been know to direct the true loves of the Lady of the Hall who stumble in them onto the right path.
Ultimately Richard and his horse Malcolm the Great (who is one of my favorite characters in this story) ends up at the Hall, and you know exactly what happens - he ultimately saves fair maiden and wins her love and hand.
If you are into Arthurian legend, I suspect you might like this story - the first in a series all set at different times at Nimway Hall and involving the orb, and all written by different authors. It is rather slight, and not one of Laurens' better books. In fact, much of her story is just a thinner, version of her excellent Cynster book, Scandal's Bride about Richard Cynster and the Scottish Catriona, Lady of the Vale.
February 22, 2022
My rating: 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer, so I was surprised to find this book a bit boring at times. It just seemed to move slowly, and the two main characters seemed to have repetitive thoughts and behavior. I suspect the book moved slowly because the danger to Jacqueline didn't really become obvious until near the end of the book, so there wasn't a lot of action before that. There was a lot of them visiting the Nimway Hall farms and tenants, which just got boring after a while.
I liked Richard, and liked that he wasn't bothered by Jacqueline's independence and intelligence, or the fact that she had inherited Nimway Hall (instead of a man!). Most men of that time period would have been totally turned off by a strong-willed, intelligent woman like Jacqueline, but not Richard. He actually realized that her strength and intelligence made her more desirable.
I liked Jacqueline, too, but thought she and Richard needed to communicate better. He didn't trust women, because of a gold-digger in his past -- and she didn't trust men, because they only wanted to take control of her inherited lands. If they had just talked, they both would have realized they had nothing to fear from each other.
Since Laurens' books usually contain quite a bit of sex, I was surprised that this book only contained one sex scene -- and it wasn't really all that explicit.
I liked many of the secondary characters in the book, especially the others at Nimway Hall, who realized right away that Richard was perfect for Jacqueline.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer, so I was surprised to find this book a bit boring at times. It just seemed to move slowly, and the two main characters seemed to have repetitive thoughts and behavior. I suspect the book moved slowly because the danger to Jacqueline didn't really become obvious until near the end of the book, so there wasn't a lot of action before that. There was a lot of them visiting the Nimway Hall farms and tenants, which just got boring after a while.
I liked Richard, and liked that he wasn't bothered by Jacqueline's independence and intelligence, or the fact that she had inherited Nimway Hall (instead of a man!). Most men of that time period would have been totally turned off by a strong-willed, intelligent woman like Jacqueline, but not Richard. He actually realized that her strength and intelligence made her more desirable.
I liked Jacqueline, too, but thought she and Richard needed to communicate better. He didn't trust women, because of a gold-digger in his past -- and she didn't trust men, because they only wanted to take control of her inherited lands. If they had just talked, they both would have realized they had nothing to fear from each other.
Since Laurens' books usually contain quite a bit of sex, I was surprised that this book only contained one sex scene -- and it wasn't really all that explicit.
I liked many of the secondary characters in the book, especially the others at Nimway Hall, who realized right away that Richard was perfect for Jacqueline.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
March 31, 2018
really seriously?
i am so very sorry.
i really love stephanie laurens but come on.........
1. really a short book
2. if i'd known that she was not going to write the whole series, i might not have bought this.
it took just a few hours to read.
sometimes you have to wonder if it's the editors that are pressuring these writers to put things out faster?
if your a fan and you have read the cynster and bastion club series and even the black cobra series or the buccaneer series and what QUALITY those books were and then wait 20 years for the next generation cynster books, and be honest they were not the quality and substance of her original books.
this book kind of falls into that category too, being very short in length and lacking the substance of those other books
and those other books were mass markets, these latest cynsters, and lady osbalstone's and this book were large paper back. meaning you paid more for them and got less.
seriously if you have not read the original cynsters, or the bastion club or the new adventures quartet. read those, the quality, the substance, the length and then come back and read this less than 200 pages, and tell me you think this is equal in quality, substance and value as those others.
i would hope that considering she is such a good author and has a substantial amount of publish works, that her editors are not pressuring her to produce smaller books, which they are charging more.
i'm sorry, i really want to say how much i love stephanie laurens but to be honest, i am not sure i will be buying any of the other books in this series.
if i buy another it will be the cavanaugh series.
oh and another thing,
what's with the abridged version of the book, in the beginning of the book,?
a synopsis is one thing, but all those reviews and a complete book summary in the beginning?
i felt like i read the book twice. sorry........
but again, i do love stephanie laurens ......... just not as much as i used to.
i am so very sorry.
i really love stephanie laurens but come on.........
1. really a short book
2. if i'd known that she was not going to write the whole series, i might not have bought this.
it took just a few hours to read.
sometimes you have to wonder if it's the editors that are pressuring these writers to put things out faster?
if your a fan and you have read the cynster and bastion club series and even the black cobra series or the buccaneer series and what QUALITY those books were and then wait 20 years for the next generation cynster books, and be honest they were not the quality and substance of her original books.
this book kind of falls into that category too, being very short in length and lacking the substance of those other books
and those other books were mass markets, these latest cynsters, and lady osbalstone's and this book were large paper back. meaning you paid more for them and got less.
seriously if you have not read the original cynsters, or the bastion club or the new adventures quartet. read those, the quality, the substance, the length and then come back and read this less than 200 pages, and tell me you think this is equal in quality, substance and value as those others.
i would hope that considering she is such a good author and has a substantial amount of publish works, that her editors are not pressuring her to produce smaller books, which they are charging more.
i'm sorry, i really want to say how much i love stephanie laurens but to be honest, i am not sure i will be buying any of the other books in this series.
if i buy another it will be the cavanaugh series.
oh and another thing,
what's with the abridged version of the book, in the beginning of the book,?
a synopsis is one thing, but all those reviews and a complete book summary in the beginning?
i felt like i read the book twice. sorry........
but again, i do love stephanie laurens ......... just not as much as i used to.
June 3, 2018
The Legend of Nimway Hall 1750: Jacqueline by Stephanie Laurens is the first book in an unusual series. The series is about a place in Great Britain called Nimway Hall. Each book is about a different generation and written by a different author. Luckily I fell into the first one of the series first, so I can read them in order!
Jacqueline is the lady of Nimway Hall. The land and house are passed down through the female line - unusual for the time. There seems to be legends and old wives tales told about the woods and the land. The hall only prospers when the land is taken care of by the lady of the hall. Jacqueline watches her land with love, however the stream that runs through the property and is depended on by many has slowed to a trickle. They have found another source of water and found an unusual orb while digging.
Richard Devries was cutting across country heading toward his uncle’s house. He is tired of the fortune hunters mamas out to force him into marriage with their daughters. However, he managed to get lost. He runs across two men who seemed to be discussing how they diverted the stream from the neighbors. Richard follows the stream and finds Nimway Hall.
Both Jacqueline and Richard end up spending a number of day together and find they have chemistry. Richard has no problem letting Jacqueline take the lead with her people. Jacqueline had no problem with Richard helping her avoid the various suitors vying for her hand. He solves the stream problem and together they resolve the question of the orb (sort of) and the reason behind the stream blockage.
But there is more at stake. Are Jacqueline and Richard meant to be together? I enjoyed the storyline and did not mind the mystery, magic and romance all woven together. I did download the next book and look forward to continuing the series. The Legend of Nimway Hall 1750: Jacqueline was a good read.
Jacqueline is the lady of Nimway Hall. The land and house are passed down through the female line - unusual for the time. There seems to be legends and old wives tales told about the woods and the land. The hall only prospers when the land is taken care of by the lady of the hall. Jacqueline watches her land with love, however the stream that runs through the property and is depended on by many has slowed to a trickle. They have found another source of water and found an unusual orb while digging.
Richard Devries was cutting across country heading toward his uncle’s house. He is tired of the fortune hunters mamas out to force him into marriage with their daughters. However, he managed to get lost. He runs across two men who seemed to be discussing how they diverted the stream from the neighbors. Richard follows the stream and finds Nimway Hall.
Both Jacqueline and Richard end up spending a number of day together and find they have chemistry. Richard has no problem letting Jacqueline take the lead with her people. Jacqueline had no problem with Richard helping her avoid the various suitors vying for her hand. He solves the stream problem and together they resolve the question of the orb (sort of) and the reason behind the stream blockage.
But there is more at stake. Are Jacqueline and Richard meant to be together? I enjoyed the storyline and did not mind the mystery, magic and romance all woven together. I did download the next book and look forward to continuing the series. The Legend of Nimway Hall 1750: Jacqueline was a good read.
May 1, 2018
Jacqueline Tregarth is the Guardian of Nimway Hall. She is besieged by suitors but all have an eye for her property while having no understanding or interest in the special properties of her role or of Nimway Hall.
Richard Devries is handsome and rich as Croesus and the natural target of matchmaking mamas and ambitious debutantes. When a particularly unscrupulous plot nearly sees him kidnapped to the altar, his friends assist him to get out of town. On his way to safety he is waylaid by Balesboro Wood itself and finds himself accepting Jacqueline's hospitality at Nimway Hall. He immediately feels at home and develops a partnership with Jacqueline who appreciates a man who doesn't think she needs telling!
But Richard is determined to leave and Jacqueline is unaware that there are dark forces determined to take advantage of her.
I am a big fan of Stephanie Laurens but I found this disappointing. It seemed to me to be a retelling of Richard and Catriona's story without the excellent interplay of the two main characters. Maybe because Richard is a bit clueless? It was also quite short. It is the first of a series but the rest are written by other authors.
Richard Devries is handsome and rich as Croesus and the natural target of matchmaking mamas and ambitious debutantes. When a particularly unscrupulous plot nearly sees him kidnapped to the altar, his friends assist him to get out of town. On his way to safety he is waylaid by Balesboro Wood itself and finds himself accepting Jacqueline's hospitality at Nimway Hall. He immediately feels at home and develops a partnership with Jacqueline who appreciates a man who doesn't think she needs telling!
But Richard is determined to leave and Jacqueline is unaware that there are dark forces determined to take advantage of her.
I am a big fan of Stephanie Laurens but I found this disappointing. It seemed to me to be a retelling of Richard and Catriona's story without the excellent interplay of the two main characters. Maybe because Richard is a bit clueless? It was also quite short. It is the first of a series but the rest are written by other authors.
March 18, 2018
Lord Richard DeVries is fleeing the marriage-minded women of London when he stumbles into a woods on his way to Wells and is lost. Eventually, he and his lame horse make their way to Nimway Hall, the home of Jacqueline Tregarth. She is the guardian of the estate, supposedly the ancestral home of Nimue. Neither she nor Richard are looking for love; both have been chased for their wealth and are understandably wary. But the spirit of the hall has other plans.
The story mirrors one of Ms. Laurens other books, Scandal's Bride. Set in Georgian times, the language seemed a bit stilted to me, but the story was okay. The inevitable consummation of their love was somewhat purplish, but Ms. Lauren's books can sometimes flow that way. Not one of my favorites of her books, but still an okay read.
The story mirrors one of Ms. Laurens other books, Scandal's Bride. Set in Georgian times, the language seemed a bit stilted to me, but the story was okay. The inevitable consummation of their love was somewhat purplish, but Ms. Lauren's books can sometimes flow that way. Not one of my favorites of her books, but still an okay read.
March 23, 2018
Magic
I love the new series. It reminds me of Richard and Catrinia from Scandal's Bride. Where she is the guardian Lady of Vale.
Richard was determined to avoid marriage escape London. Only to end up in woods by Nimway Hall the magical woods which snared him to meet Jacqueline the guardian of hall.
Jacqueline always knew she would find her perfect partner when the time was right. Being the guardian of Hall and woods she knew her partner would have to be someone who understood she was the caretaker of Estate. She and females in line would always inherit the estate.
Any man who became their spouse would be have to accept their rule of being the defender of guardian and the lands.
I love the new series. It reminds me of Richard and Catrinia from Scandal's Bride. Where she is the guardian Lady of Vale.
Richard was determined to avoid marriage escape London. Only to end up in woods by Nimway Hall the magical woods which snared him to meet Jacqueline the guardian of hall.
Jacqueline always knew she would find her perfect partner when the time was right. Being the guardian of Hall and woods she knew her partner would have to be someone who understood she was the caretaker of Estate. She and females in line would always inherit the estate.
Any man who became their spouse would be have to accept their rule of being the defender of guardian and the lands.
April 6, 2018
This was beautifully written. A great story that introduces a little bit of the mystical.
Jacqueline is a proper lady and the guardian of Nimway Hall; a beautiful estate fabled to have been built over Nimue, Merlin’s love and powerful sorceress.
Richard is a well-to-do younger son escaping London and the eager young ladies interested in his wealth and power, but not necessarily himself.
Richard and Jaqueline cross paths as he becomes lost in her woods and thus becomes a house guest.
The storyline evolves providing intrigue, power play, and fleshing out who exactly Richard and Jaqueline are.
I enjoyed the storyline and following the growth and relationship of the hero and heroin through the story.
Jacqueline is a proper lady and the guardian of Nimway Hall; a beautiful estate fabled to have been built over Nimue, Merlin’s love and powerful sorceress.
Richard is a well-to-do younger son escaping London and the eager young ladies interested in his wealth and power, but not necessarily himself.
Richard and Jaqueline cross paths as he becomes lost in her woods and thus becomes a house guest.
The storyline evolves providing intrigue, power play, and fleshing out who exactly Richard and Jaqueline are.
I enjoyed the storyline and following the growth and relationship of the hero and heroin through the story.
March 22, 2018
Rating 7 0f 7
*sighs* Another masterpiece from Stephanie. I'm having a hard time in life and when I realise it was available I went basically running for it. And I had a great time reading it and it helped me for a while so I could recharge my energies a little. Sweet and unstoppable.
On a side note, I'm having a little trouble with accepting the other won't be written by her and to be honest I don't even know these other authors so you can say that I'm afraid I won't like it that much but I'm also looking forward to knowing them.
*sighs* Another masterpiece from Stephanie. I'm having a hard time in life and when I realise it was available I went basically running for it. And I had a great time reading it and it helped me for a while so I could recharge my energies a little. Sweet and unstoppable.
On a side note, I'm having a little trouble with accepting the other won't be written by her and to be honest I don't even know these other authors so you can say that I'm afraid I won't like it that much but I'm also looking forward to knowing them.
May 1, 2018
A little on the magic side and not her usual Regency style, this first in a series by multiple authors is endearing and well told. She prorcts the hall and herbpeople and lands A true suitor for ger hand must assist her instead of look for the usual selfish property rights of the time or merely her wealth and beauty. Enter our hero who is reluctant to get permanently involved, but he too comes under the magical spell of Nimway Hall. Delightful cast of characters and a plot with some tense moments made this a fun read.
March 24, 2018
Outstanding Beginning!
I have so looked forward to the Nimway Hall stories as told by some of my very favorite authors! Stephanie Laurens sets the stage with a strong and intelligent heroine, and a swashbuckling, compelling hero. The sense of magic lends an appropriate air to Nimway, and the various characters are all engaging, making the story flow. I was filled with a desire to know 'what happens next?' I loved it!
I have so looked forward to the Nimway Hall stories as told by some of my very favorite authors! Stephanie Laurens sets the stage with a strong and intelligent heroine, and a swashbuckling, compelling hero. The sense of magic lends an appropriate air to Nimway, and the various characters are all engaging, making the story flow. I was filled with a desire to know 'what happens next?' I loved it!
July 12, 2018
Jacqueline and Richard
1950's love story between the Guardian and her future husband and protector. They met because he was running away from scheming women and got lost in her forest and his horse was lame. He was taken to the Hall by a spokesman and begged shelter. She was cynical also because suiter's only wanted her for her land. Their romance ebbed and flowed because of this and both their suspicions, but finally became aware they were in love and married.
1950's love story between the Guardian and her future husband and protector. They met because he was running away from scheming women and got lost in her forest and his horse was lame. He was taken to the Hall by a spokesman and begged shelter. She was cynical also because suiter's only wanted her for her land. Their romance ebbed and flowed because of this and both their suspicions, but finally became aware they were in love and married.
March 15, 2018
Could not put this down
This is book is part of a six piece series with six different author. However this has the growing love of two people, the Rake and the stubborn leading lady, there is a mystery of the woods, unsuitable suitors, sixpence and thrill of a kidnapped all standard in A Stephanie Laurens book. It is fast pace and I could put it down. Brilliant 5 stars
This is book is part of a six piece series with six different author. However this has the growing love of two people, the Rake and the stubborn leading lady, there is a mystery of the woods, unsuitable suitors, sixpence and thrill of a kidnapped all standard in A Stephanie Laurens book. It is fast pace and I could put it down. Brilliant 5 stars
March 30, 2018
The start of new series
I'm Stephanie Laurens fan, I have all her books. This one is a perfect start to a timeless adventure set in 1750. You might also read Scandal of Cynster fame. I'm on to the next Karen Hawkins and then Suzanne Enoch. All in my kindle and then the next out Linda Needham. Thank you
I'm Stephanie Laurens fan, I have all her books. This one is a perfect start to a timeless adventure set in 1750. You might also read Scandal of Cynster fame. I'm on to the next Karen Hawkins and then Suzanne Enoch. All in my kindle and then the next out Linda Needham. Thank you
March 31, 2018
The Legend of Nimway Hall - 1750 Jacqueline
Excellent! I loved this story. Jacqueline and Richard's story is reminiscent of the Lady of the Vale in the Cynster series. The twists and turns, the villains and the good guys make this a great story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Excellent! I loved this story. Jacqueline and Richard's story is reminiscent of the Lady of the Vale in the Cynster series. The twists and turns, the villains and the good guys make this a great story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
April 9, 2018
Not the best...(that would be Devil's Bride!! :-) But damn good as the start to a multi-author series. That In spite of the fact that I probably could write the sensual/sex scenes myself, after all SL books I have read. Good choice to start this series! I already have bought the second. We'll see....
November 29, 2018
Read only one of you can.
When you read one of Stephanie Laurens' books you will be hooked for life. Plots are never humdrum and characters are never what you expect. The stories are so good you are always anxiously awaiting the next one. The series of books she writes can stand on their own,but you want to read very one. Then go back read every book she has ever written.
When you read one of Stephanie Laurens' books you will be hooked for life. Plots are never humdrum and characters are never what you expect. The stories are so good you are always anxiously awaiting the next one. The series of books she writes can stand on their own,but you want to read very one. Then go back read every book she has ever written.
May 12, 2019
2.5 stars
Perhaps since this is a start of a series, there were constraints and rules to the magic of Nimway Hall. As prolific as Stephanie Laurens is, there are a lot of themes and ideas that cycle through her work. This book strongly comes to mind Scandal’s Bride down to the hero’s name and several other events. Maybe if I had not read Scandal’s Bride, I’d enjoy this more.
Perhaps since this is a start of a series, there were constraints and rules to the magic of Nimway Hall. As prolific as Stephanie Laurens is, there are a lot of themes and ideas that cycle through her work. This book strongly comes to mind Scandal’s Bride down to the hero’s name and several other events. Maybe if I had not read Scandal’s Bride, I’d enjoy this more.
March 18, 2018
A very enjoyable read. The story was sweet and kept me involved. The H & H were easy to love, which is one of my measures for a good book. The story felt very much like Stephanie Laurens earlier books. I look forward to the next in the series.
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