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Eleanor
Lawrence Debenham has finally escaped his dictatorial parents—even if it's only to the estate they expect him to rehabilitate and grace with a wife. But he has his own plans: inviting his friends to stay and doing as he pleases. He will do whatever it takes to show his parents he is the master of his own fate.
Eleanor Renwick has taken care of her younger brother since their mother's death two years ago. Responsible and deliberate, she is unprepared for the accident they meet as they travel to their new home. They are taken in by a handsome, amusing gentleman to his run-down estate where she finds herself relying on him in the care of her energetic young charge.
Eleanor discovers herself confronting a growing desire for companionship from a man who is anxious to avoid marriage. Lawrence, abruptly challenged by Eleanor's calm example of duty, feels a fast-increasing regard for her, forcing him to decide just how much he is willing to sacrifice to teach his parents a lesson.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 27, 2020
Absolutely delightful! I loved how they opened each other eyes- he helped remind her of the joy of creative play with her brother, and she helped him realize the satisfaction of fulfilling your duties because you want to rather than out of obligation.
June 1, 2019
This was a light and fun read! It is a retelling of the classic Peter Pan, and I enjoyed searching for the parallels ("There are the lost boys!", and, "Could that be an allusion to the crocodile, I wonder?") , all while keeping within the strict boundaries that the Regency Era demands.
The hero, while not quite like Peter Pan, who took an oath never to grow up, is lashing out at the oppression and dictatorship-like rule of his father in a most immature fashion. Then you have the heroine, Eleanor, who could choose to feel oppressed and put upon by her situation, but chooses to make the best of it. This novella is a great example of how to better your life; not by changing the circumstances and people around you, but by changing YOU, and the thoughts you have about the circumstances and people around you.
This author writes in a nice flowing style, complete with properly used "cant" terms (slang words, we would call them) which is funny and refreshing. It reads very British-like.
The hero, while not quite like Peter Pan, who took an oath never to grow up, is lashing out at the oppression and dictatorship-like rule of his father in a most immature fashion. Then you have the heroine, Eleanor, who could choose to feel oppressed and put upon by her situation, but chooses to make the best of it. This novella is a great example of how to better your life; not by changing the circumstances and people around you, but by changing YOU, and the thoughts you have about the circumstances and people around you.
This author writes in a nice flowing style, complete with properly used "cant" terms (slang words, we would call them) which is funny and refreshing. It reads very British-like.
May 16, 2022
While this didn’t really strike me as a Regency era story (it felt more modern), it was sweet. The concept of it being a Peter Pan retelling was what originally caught my attention, although after reading it, I would consider it more of a reimagining than a retelling. The romance was too quick for me, but that’s personal preference. John, the precocious little boy, and Anne, his faithful dog, were my favourite characters!
Content: a couple mild British oaths, I think?
Content: a couple mild British oaths, I think?
April 20, 2020
This is a sweet story. Very simple and enjoyable. Woman needs help, man comes to rescue, throw in a precocious child who says what he sees and you get a nice story. This is a proper romance. It is well written and has some growing learning characters.
January 20, 2023
I enjoyed this regency romance. It was a quick read and I loved all the nods to Peter Pan. Lawrence and Eleanor both had to learn to change the way they looked at their responsibilities. He towards his caring for his property and its tennants and her towards caring for her younger brother.
I won a digital copy of this book. All thoughs expressed in this review are my own.
I won a digital copy of this book. All thoughs expressed in this review are my own.
June 26, 2019
Eleanor was such a lovely Regency romance, made even more delightful considering it was a retelling of Peter Pan, and it was a wonderful one. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the creative and often subtle ways the author not only wove the classic story into a Regency setting, but developed it into her own tale.
I liked both Lawrence—a man resisting growing up by fighting his responsibilities—and Eleanor; they were such a wonderful couple. I loved Eleanor’s optimism and resilience to make the best of her circumstances, and I thoroughly enjoyed Lawrence’s fun-loving personality and all the imaginative adventures he takes Eleanor and John on. Imagination was perfectly woven throughout the romance, as was the characters' growth, making Eleanor a sweet, lighthearted, fun, and romantic story. I'm eager to read more of Martha Keyes's books in the future!
I liked both Lawrence—a man resisting growing up by fighting his responsibilities—and Eleanor; they were such a wonderful couple. I loved Eleanor’s optimism and resilience to make the best of her circumstances, and I thoroughly enjoyed Lawrence’s fun-loving personality and all the imaginative adventures he takes Eleanor and John on. Imagination was perfectly woven throughout the romance, as was the characters' growth, making Eleanor a sweet, lighthearted, fun, and romantic story. I'm eager to read more of Martha Keyes's books in the future!
July 1, 2019
This is a novella-length story as an introduction to this debut author, and it’s a pretty accomplished work for a first timer. The premise is an unusual one. Lawrence Debenham has been browbeaten by his parents for his whole life. Now they’ve bought him a modest estate so that he can assume the responsibilities of a gentleman of property, and settle down with a suitably worthy wife. He is rebelling in the only way he can, by inviting a couple of pleasure-bent friends to join him in a life of idleness, doing anything rather than accede to his parents’ wishes and accept the mantle of duty.
But into this dissolute life appears Eleanor Renwick, her young brother John and a very large dog called Anne. Finding them stranded at the local inn by a broken-down carriage, Lawrence recklessly invites them to stay at his house until the repairs have been completed, and finds himself face to face with Eleanor’s deeply-felt but lightly-borne sense of duty. John (and the dog) help Lawrence to recapture his youth and Eleanor… well, it’s not difficult to see where things are heading with Eleanor, if only Lawrence can set aside his wish to thwart his parents.
This is a straightforward little story. There are no dastardly villains, no kidnappings or shady goings-on, all the characters are pleasant, decent sorts and thank goodness for a plot which doesn’t depend on the two main characters misunderstanding each other or failing to communicate. It has to be said that very little happens rather slowly, but what does happen is enjoyable enough. There’s a tendency to describe every single piece of dialogue or gesture or smile, which slows things even more. When the author has got into her stride, I hope she’ll tighten her writing a bit and vary the pace.
On the historical accuracy front, I only have one quibble. A lady finding herself stranded at an inn with only a young brother and a dog as escort is in a bit of a bind, especially if there are no rooms to be had at said inn. What she would never, never do, however, is to go off with a single man to stay at his home. If he were married, or his mother were in residence, it would be acceptable, but a lady staying unchaperoned in a house with only young, single gentlemen and servants is a big no-no. However, it’s the whole premise of the story, so it has to be given a pass.
I liked all the characters. John and the dog are plot devices, but charming ones. Eleanor is a serious type who needed Lawrence’s childlike imagination to lighten her life, and Lawrence needed a dose of her graceful approach to duty to enable him to accept his responsibilities. Both their dilemmas felt real, and if they fell into the romance a little too easily, it was obvious that they were well suited and would be very contented together.
There were a fair few Americanisms (fall instead of autumn, passed instead of died, amongst others), and there were some expressions that felt too modern to me, but otherwise the writing was fine, and mercifully free of typos and wayward punctuation. In the end, Lawrence’s difficulties resolved themselves very easily. I would have liked to have met his parents, having heard them demonised for most of the book. It would have been fun to find out whether they really were as dreadful as Lawrence made out, although there’s a hint that it’s his own fears that made them seem so. It’s a small point, however. The focus of the story is the romance, which builds nicely to a delightful resolution. A pleasant and readable debut. I shall be looking forward to the author’s first full length book. Four stars.
But into this dissolute life appears Eleanor Renwick, her young brother John and a very large dog called Anne. Finding them stranded at the local inn by a broken-down carriage, Lawrence recklessly invites them to stay at his house until the repairs have been completed, and finds himself face to face with Eleanor’s deeply-felt but lightly-borne sense of duty. John (and the dog) help Lawrence to recapture his youth and Eleanor… well, it’s not difficult to see where things are heading with Eleanor, if only Lawrence can set aside his wish to thwart his parents.
This is a straightforward little story. There are no dastardly villains, no kidnappings or shady goings-on, all the characters are pleasant, decent sorts and thank goodness for a plot which doesn’t depend on the two main characters misunderstanding each other or failing to communicate. It has to be said that very little happens rather slowly, but what does happen is enjoyable enough. There’s a tendency to describe every single piece of dialogue or gesture or smile, which slows things even more. When the author has got into her stride, I hope she’ll tighten her writing a bit and vary the pace.
On the historical accuracy front, I only have one quibble. A lady finding herself stranded at an inn with only a young brother and a dog as escort is in a bit of a bind, especially if there are no rooms to be had at said inn. What she would never, never do, however, is to go off with a single man to stay at his home. If he were married, or his mother were in residence, it would be acceptable, but a lady staying unchaperoned in a house with only young, single gentlemen and servants is a big no-no. However, it’s the whole premise of the story, so it has to be given a pass.
I liked all the characters. John and the dog are plot devices, but charming ones. Eleanor is a serious type who needed Lawrence’s childlike imagination to lighten her life, and Lawrence needed a dose of her graceful approach to duty to enable him to accept his responsibilities. Both their dilemmas felt real, and if they fell into the romance a little too easily, it was obvious that they were well suited and would be very contented together.
There were a fair few Americanisms (fall instead of autumn, passed instead of died, amongst others), and there were some expressions that felt too modern to me, but otherwise the writing was fine, and mercifully free of typos and wayward punctuation. In the end, Lawrence’s difficulties resolved themselves very easily. I would have liked to have met his parents, having heard them demonised for most of the book. It would have been fun to find out whether they really were as dreadful as Lawrence made out, although there’s a hint that it’s his own fears that made them seem so. It’s a small point, however. The focus of the story is the romance, which builds nicely to a delightful resolution. A pleasant and readable debut. I shall be looking forward to the author’s first full length book. Four stars.
June 9, 2019
What a delightful introduction to author Martha Keyes--an enticement to wait for her future full-length Regency novels. The formula is there, and Keyes brings it off with intelligence and panache.
July 16, 2019
I don't typically see twists on peter pan. But this one was really well done!
July 22, 2025
This was a fantastic Regency Romance inspired by the fairy tale, Peter Pan. I absolutely loved the story and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a copy of this book via Readera, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own. Highly recommended!
July 9, 2024
Just a very sweet, plain, good read. Nothing racy, nothing fancy, nothing over the top. Just a simple historical fiction.
June 9, 2019
A real Regency romance that I would not be ashamed to add to my light reads... for it truly remained true to the ones I was used to reading Before Computers (BC) and before the Net. It is traditional and remained faithful to the timeline and genre and the story is really Good. For though traditional, the character of Eleanor is strong, brave, and wise not a caricature nor a wilting lachrymose fainting maiden plus her sense of humor stood her during some trying times taking care of her sick and dying mother as well as raising John then later on caring for her grief~stricken depressed father. A woman of her time yet still pragmatic and sensible (both virtues developed since her mother died) not to be fazed by the predicament she and her little bother must undoubtedly deal with given their present circumstances. This author managed to take a formulaic plot and turned it into a Gem. Carry on Martha Keyes! I think you are one of the few Keepers of the True Regency and Historical Romance... may your tribe increase! Hackneyed phrase maybe, but the wishes and prayers are heartfelt and genuine.
July 10, 2019
3.5
Cute, short, sweet romance. I enjoyed this first book by the author. Not a page turner but still enjoyable. 3.5 stars
Cute, short, sweet romance. I enjoyed this first book by the author. Not a page turner but still enjoyable. 3.5 stars
September 24, 2021
Loved this novella… A fun loose Peter Pan retelling… of a man who does the opposite of everything his father wants him to do. In so doing he is living a carefree life but when he meets Eleanor he realizes that in trying to hurt his father he might be hurting himself. He finally realizes he needs to figure out what he really wants out of life.
“You have simply forgotten how. A child's mind is always creating. It is only when we grow up that we forget how to create.”
“I realized that changing my thoughts could change how happy I was. I discovered that it served me better to think of my duties as opportunities rather than burdens. I had to do these things no matter what, true. But I could choose to do them happily or grudgingly. So I began to do things before being asked. And slowly, I found myself treasuring the moments”
“You have simply forgotten how. A child's mind is always creating. It is only when we grow up that we forget how to create.”
“I realized that changing my thoughts could change how happy I was. I discovered that it served me better to think of my duties as opportunities rather than burdens. I had to do these things no matter what, true. But I could choose to do them happily or grudgingly. So I began to do things before being asked. And slowly, I found myself treasuring the moments”
June 30, 2019
Eleanor is an interesting and enjoyable novella by debut author, Martha Keyes. In it, we meet Eleanor and her brother Jonathan (John) Renwick, both of whom, while traveling to their father's new property, and thanks to a broken wheel and lack of a proper inn, will meet the kind Mr. Lawrence Debenham. While most of the book happens during the few days they spend at Mr. Debenham's place, (and while the story may seem slow at times), it stills manages to present the reader with the development and growth of at least two, if not the three, main characters.
This is a Clean Regency Romance. 3.5 stars
This is a Clean Regency Romance. 3.5 stars
August 28, 2019
At first, I felt that Lawrence's ability to let go and play with John was over the top. It just felt out of character with the Regency period. But as the story progressed the author convinced me that it was possible. I enjoyed getting to know Lawrence, John and Eleanor. They were very likeable characters.
The story was well edited and flowed smoothly. The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and I could easily visualize them.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean Regency romances. I am looking forward to reading more books written by Martha Keyes.
The story was well edited and flowed smoothly. The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and I could easily visualize them.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean Regency romances. I am looking forward to reading more books written by Martha Keyes.
September 1, 2019
Clean refreshing story
I really enjoyed this book. I can't remember all the reviews I read prior to reading this, but it seems there were some negative ones.
This was a well written, refreshing story. I felt it was well developed and flowed well. I could see the H And h falling in love and didn't notice anything lacking in the story. I especially appreciated that there were no stupid misunderstandings between them, and it was understandable that the H needed time to process and understand his feelings for the h.
All in all a very nice story.
I really enjoyed this book. I can't remember all the reviews I read prior to reading this, but it seems there were some negative ones.
This was a well written, refreshing story. I felt it was well developed and flowed well. I could see the H And h falling in love and didn't notice anything lacking in the story. I especially appreciated that there were no stupid misunderstandings between them, and it was understandable that the H needed time to process and understand his feelings for the h.
All in all a very nice story.
July 28, 2020
I loved this book! It was short like a novelette, and that's my only drawback...that I wish it were longer! The characters are lovable and learn from each other. There is a sweetness that laces this book, and it was very refreshing to feel from a novel. I understand that this is a Peter Pan retelling, only regency style, but other than an occasional phrase, there aren't a lot of similarities. So it feels like it's own story with very few hints towards Peter Pan. And it was done beautifully! This could very easily be a book I read every so often for a sweet pick-me-up.
June 4, 2019
Sweet, quick read, clean romance. This author is new to me and I enjoyed reading her story, Eleanor. As is often the case in a novella, the romantic feelings developed quickly though weren't acted upon that fast. I liked that Eleanor was able to gain some ability to pretend and have fun through Lawrie and Lawrie was able to gain responsibility and maturity through Eleanor. They balanced each other.
John I found quite exhausting but also amusing.
No sex, language or violence
John I found quite exhausting but also amusing.
No sex, language or violence
June 4, 2019
Loved this novella, I finished it in 2.5 hours and couldn't put it down. It started a little slow, as most books do, to introduce the setting and characters. Once you get about 20 pages into the book you completely fall in love with the characters and the story. Eleanor, Lawrence and John are all delightful in different ways, I loved their contrasting personalities. I cant wait to see more from Martha!
June 8, 2019
A chance encounter, a good deed. And two people are changed forever in this Regency novel. One is swamped with responsibilities but takes it in their stride the other is fighting against responsibility with everything they’ve got. Could these two ever come to care for each other or are they just too different. This is the first time I have read anything by this author but it will. It be the last.
I received this from a bookfunnel promotion an I am giving my honest review voluntarily
I received this from a bookfunnel promotion an I am giving my honest review voluntarily
August 2, 2019
I do enjoy this author very much. I appreciate since it's a regency romance sticking close to the time period. My only caveat was at the end of the story. There was a situation where a character was brought a bachelor's home & no mention of the family being notified or propiety being kept. That threw me off. I don't want to be a total spoiler so that's all I'll say. This was a nice swoon worthy romance where I come to really like the h & H. I really liked the h's friend Mary & Hetty. I'm curious who the next book will be about & I can't wait. It'll be a nice read if it's like the last two books.
April 29, 2020
Sweet Novella
This was a nice clean romance. The character of John, the little brother was charming and it was nice to have a Regency book where the adults actually paid attention to and played with a child. That alone made it quite a bit different from most Regency books. The H was charming and it was nice to see his development. There wasn’t a lot of drama or conflict, just a sweet love story.
This was a nice clean romance. The character of John, the little brother was charming and it was nice to have a Regency book where the adults actually paid attention to and played with a child. That alone made it quite a bit different from most Regency books. The H was charming and it was nice to see his development. There wasn’t a lot of drama or conflict, just a sweet love story.
July 6, 2020
Another great read by Martha Keyes! This was such a charming story about a young man fighting growing up as a way to show his independence from his father. But Lawrence, Laurie, was charming from the very beginning...and definitely a knight in shining armor at heart. Eleanor was delightful and, of course, the impetus, along with her feisty younger brother John, of showing Lawrence a better way forward. Just a lovely romance with lots of comedy as well. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2019
Little brothers and big dogs
While traveling to a new home Eleanor's coach hazards a broken axle that requires several days to repair. Traveling with a small child and a large dog, no inn keeper is willing to let a room to the travelers. A gentleman with a nearby estate offers shelter to the lady and her brother.
While traveling to a new home Eleanor's coach hazards a broken axle that requires several days to repair. Traveling with a small child and a large dog, no inn keeper is willing to let a room to the travelers. A gentleman with a nearby estate offers shelter to the lady and her brother.
August 28, 2019
A sweet, up lifting story
This was a well written story, will likeable characters and a believable premise. I liked the addition of John and Anne; they make a lovely couple. I think that this is a definite sweet Regency and that it will be loved by many. The author reminds me of Diane Campbell, who was my favorite Regency Romance author.
This was a well written story, will likeable characters and a believable premise. I liked the addition of John and Anne; they make a lovely couple. I think that this is a definite sweet Regency and that it will be loved by many. The author reminds me of Diane Campbell, who was my favorite Regency Romance author.
May 22, 2020
This was definitely an interesting regency. Having that mixed with a Peter Pan fairy tale retelling was most unusual. However, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and playing with them in the midst of impropriety with all the trappings of their imaginations as they seek to make choices for the future.
August 11, 2020
Sweet story
This was a fun novella. John, Lawrie and Eleanor sure had a lot of adventures in the short time of their visit. I loved the many shared glances between Lawrie and Eleanor. They complement each other so well, helping to bring out the best in each other without really trying it seemed.
This was a fun novella. John, Lawrie and Eleanor sure had a lot of adventures in the short time of their visit. I loved the many shared glances between Lawrie and Eleanor. They complement each other so well, helping to bring out the best in each other without really trying it seemed.
June 21, 2021
Very sweet. A stranded woman and her brother, named Eleanor and John, are rescued from a dangerous stay at a bad Inn by a kind stranger. This stranger, named Lawrence, is a notorious slither outer. He tries to shirk his responsibilities to try to defy his parents. Meeting Eleanor makes him want to change.
June 5, 2019
This was a delightful, quick read and a clean romance. I loved that the characters helped me reflect on my attitude toward my daily tasks and the importance of keeping life full of love and imagination. Can’t wait to read more from Martha Keyes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews