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Silver Linings Mysteries #4
The Painter
The sinking of the Brig Minerva results in many deaths, while for others, the future is suddenly brighter. But it’s not always easy to leave the past behind…
Felicia Oakes is the illegitimate daughter of… well, someone or other. A pirate, perhaps, or a spy, or a royal prince… who knows? Her vivid imagination conjures a myriad possibilities, all more exciting than her position as governess to two motherless children. But when their father is drowned aboard the Brig Minerva, Felicia must take them to their new guardian in the North of England, where her life is about to be turned upside down.
The Earl of Finlassan has turned his back on the world to pursue his art, and the prospective guardianship of two young girls horrifies him. He soon finds that it’s not his wards who unsettle his life, it’s their governess, who is irritatingly impertinent with a distractingly mischievous smile. Gradually he finds himself drawn out of seclusion by his new muse. But when danger strikes, they will have to uncover the past before they can look to the future.
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 4 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Felicia Oakes is the illegitimate daughter of… well, someone or other. A pirate, perhaps, or a spy, or a royal prince… who knows? Her vivid imagination conjures a myriad possibilities, all more exciting than her position as governess to two motherless children. But when their father is drowned aboard the Brig Minerva, Felicia must take them to their new guardian in the North of England, where her life is about to be turned upside down.
The Earl of Finlassan has turned his back on the world to pursue his art, and the prospective guardianship of two young girls horrifies him. He soon finds that it’s not his wards who unsettle his life, it’s their governess, who is irritatingly impertinent with a distractingly mischievous smile. Gradually he finds himself drawn out of seclusion by his new muse. But when danger strikes, they will have to uncover the past before they can look to the future.
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 4 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2020
883 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
62 books481 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
September 6, 2020
The mystery that should have never been. The marquise's wife and six children are burned to death in the family wing. Actually his trusted employee manages to save two of the children. Does he tell the marquis two of his children are still alive? Does he tell him he overheard the two people that planned the fire speaking about it so the authorities can be called and the people arrested? Nope. He steals 20k from the marquise's safe and disappears with the kids for 19 years . Leaving the poor man with the grief of believing his entire family is dead.
The premise is the employee is keeping the children "safe" . From who? A broken down relative who just lost a major lawsuit and a woman who lives in his home and takes care of his addlepated sister. If he called the law in the children would be safe. The marquise wasn't being targeted by political conspiracies or the mafia. Just a couple of nutso relatives. Arrest them. Problem solved.
Another issue. After the fire the marquise doesn't allow the wreckage searched so any of the bodies or parts thereof can be properly buried. The burned out wing of the house just sits there. As is.
Who does that? Its human nature to want our loved ones remains to be treated with respect and some type of memorial made to mark the occasion. Your telling me a rich member of the peerage left his family's smoldering remains .in a burned out pile of rubble with nothing to commemorate their existence. No way.
It was nothing burger mystery with a cast of odd ducks and if you can buy the coincidences in this story you still believe in the tooth fairy.
The premise is the employee is keeping the children "safe" . From who? A broken down relative who just lost a major lawsuit and a woman who lives in his home and takes care of his addlepated sister. If he called the law in the children would be safe. The marquise wasn't being targeted by political conspiracies or the mafia. Just a couple of nutso relatives. Arrest them. Problem solved.
Another issue. After the fire the marquise doesn't allow the wreckage searched so any of the bodies or parts thereof can be properly buried. The burned out wing of the house just sits there. As is.
Who does that? Its human nature to want our loved ones remains to be treated with respect and some type of memorial made to mark the occasion. Your telling me a rich member of the peerage left his family's smoldering remains .in a burned out pile of rubble with nothing to commemorate their existence. No way.
It was nothing burger mystery with a cast of odd ducks and if you can buy the coincidences in this story you still believe in the tooth fairy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
Felicia and Fin’s journey was a bit of a wild one. Felicia is unabashed to say she’s a bastard, raised secluded from society by a woman who never told Felicia anything about her parents (there’s a heartbreaking story about the end of that arrangement). Felicia has been working at a girls’ school and is hired away to tutor Fin’s illegitimate daughters. Fin is an artist, as was his late mistress. He hopes Felicia will nurture any artistic talent in the girls. Fin is clearly depressed and doesn’t go out in society or do much of anything at home.
As a governess, of sorts, Felicia’s in the “between” role in an aristocratic household. She’s got a wonderful, positive attitude, which is understandable in light of her sad past.
Felicia befriends the reclusive man in the neighboring estate, whose family died in a fire. She winds up coaxing Fin and the neighbor out of their self-imposed exile.
This one requires a little suspension of disbelief, but it’s a lovely story. The only issue: no Willerton-Forbes or Edgerton! They’re in every book but this one.
As a governess, of sorts, Felicia’s in the “between” role in an aristocratic household. She’s got a wonderful, positive attitude, which is understandable in light of her sad past.
Felicia befriends the reclusive man in the neighboring estate, whose family died in a fire. She winds up coaxing Fin and the neighbor out of their self-imposed exile.
This one requires a little suspension of disbelief, but it’s a lovely story. The only issue: no Willerton-Forbes or Edgerton! They’re in every book but this one.
August 13, 2020
Weakest of the series...
Kingswood writes well and tells well researched stories. This series started out strong but this book is the weakest one so far. It's mostly the MCs that didn't resonate very strongly with me. The h was so...Pollyanna-ish that I found I simply couldn't identify with her on any level. The H was so strange to me that I wondered if something wasn't wrong with him. I mean he was a recluse for 13 years. 13 years(!) of basically doing his own thing oblivious to everything and everyone around him. The only positive is that they were well suited to each other...
Kingswood writes well and tells well researched stories. This series started out strong but this book is the weakest one so far. It's mostly the MCs that didn't resonate very strongly with me. The h was so...Pollyanna-ish that I found I simply couldn't identify with her on any level. The H was so strange to me that I wondered if something wasn't wrong with him. I mean he was a recluse for 13 years. 13 years(!) of basically doing his own thing oblivious to everything and everyone around him. The only positive is that they were well suited to each other...
March 9, 2020
I always look forward to a new book by Mary Kingswood and The Painter exceeded my expectations. The Silver Linings Mysteries series tells the stories of the impact of a shipwreck on the lives of very different people in unusual situations. The heroine of The Painter, Felicia Oakes, won my heart from the beginning. She reminded me a little of Anne Shirley in the way she used her imagination to deal with the difficulties in her life. She is illegitimate, and as a child she was raised by a dour woman who provided a home but no affection. After the woman died she went to live at a school for girls and she eventually became an art teacher. When a wealthy merchant needed a governess for his own illegitimate daughters she joined the household and was fairly content for several years.
The story really starts when the merchant is one of the victims of the shipwreck and so Felicia takes the girls to the man who was designated their guardian—and who had been betrothed to the woman who became the merchant’s mistress. The Earl of Finlassan is a recluse and something of a curmudgeon, but he is also a gifted painter. Felicia and Fin first become close over their shared love of art but eventually the relationship blossoms into love. There are several mysteries going on, but they are all connected and told with Mary Kingswood’s gift for character and storytelling. I am not an expert but I always think her stories are true to the era and any lovemaking is behind closed doors.
The only thing I missed in this book was the appearance of Mr. Willerton-Forbes and Captain Edgerton. They are usually the people bringing news of a bequest related to the shipwreck. Based on the preview of the next book, The Orphan, they will be back. I can’t wait.
I was lucky to be chosen at random to receive an ARC from the author for my honest review.
The story really starts when the merchant is one of the victims of the shipwreck and so Felicia takes the girls to the man who was designated their guardian—and who had been betrothed to the woman who became the merchant’s mistress. The Earl of Finlassan is a recluse and something of a curmudgeon, but he is also a gifted painter. Felicia and Fin first become close over their shared love of art but eventually the relationship blossoms into love. There are several mysteries going on, but they are all connected and told with Mary Kingswood’s gift for character and storytelling. I am not an expert but I always think her stories are true to the era and any lovemaking is behind closed doors.
The only thing I missed in this book was the appearance of Mr. Willerton-Forbes and Captain Edgerton. They are usually the people bringing news of a bequest related to the shipwreck. Based on the preview of the next book, The Orphan, they will be back. I can’t wait.
I was lucky to be chosen at random to receive an ARC from the author for my honest review.
March 29, 2020
This book was in my opinion so far the best in the series. The heroine was strong, the hero a whimp in the beginng but he develloped a spine, and the mystery was solved in a suspenseful way.
The overall mystery why the brig Minerva sank is not yet revealed.
The overall mystery why the brig Minerva sank is not yet revealed.
March 16, 2020
My reaction after finishing this novel can only be described as "*sighs in delight*." I wish I could give this book more than five stars. After a string of disappointing, superficial and melodramatic Regency novels, I'm ready to give this book a hundred stars.
It has been such a pleasure to read. The novel has everything you could ever want: a slow burning romance; an intriguing mystery; a spunky, fun heroine; a broken-hearted, irascible hero on the mend; a large well-written cast of supporting characters; and a fascinating, absorbing drama that never deviates into the world of the ridiculous or maudlin. I read this novel for free via Kindle Unlimited, but I have enjoyed it so much that I hope it is eventually released in print. I will definitely be first in line to buy it.
The Silver Linings Mysteries series has been utterly fantastic. While some of Kingswood's earlier novels were pretty hit or miss--some with unrealistic, downright bizarre plots or populated with unlikable leads--this series has been without a doubt some of my favorite romance novels. Kingswood has cemented herself in my Regency-loving heart, along with the likes of Austen and Heyer. If you cannot tell, I am in raptures over this novel.
Now stop reading my review and go pick it up!
It has been such a pleasure to read. The novel has everything you could ever want: a slow burning romance; an intriguing mystery; a spunky, fun heroine; a broken-hearted, irascible hero on the mend; a large well-written cast of supporting characters; and a fascinating, absorbing drama that never deviates into the world of the ridiculous or maudlin. I read this novel for free via Kindle Unlimited, but I have enjoyed it so much that I hope it is eventually released in print. I will definitely be first in line to buy it.
The Silver Linings Mysteries series has been utterly fantastic. While some of Kingswood's earlier novels were pretty hit or miss--some with unrealistic, downright bizarre plots or populated with unlikable leads--this series has been without a doubt some of my favorite romance novels. Kingswood has cemented herself in my Regency-loving heart, along with the likes of Austen and Heyer. If you cannot tell, I am in raptures over this novel.
Now stop reading my review and go pick it up!
November 29, 2020
4 stars - I liked it a lot!! Two small complaints:
1) “I want to marry you so badly…” Badly, as an adverb, means inadequate or “poorly.” She doesn’t want to marry him *incorrectly*! She wants to marry him so *much*! Aka “bad.” Unfortunately, even if the author (who I love!) had used the correct modifier, I still would’ve complained because the phrasing is completely modern. I also noticed there was some modern language/phrasing in the love confession at the end, which kind of dimmed my enjoyment of it, to be honest.
2) Where, oh where, were Willerton-Forbes & Co. ??? Did the Miss Kearneys not receive any money from the mysterious Benefactor??? Did Mr Pierce handle it? Did I misread a scene somewhere??? I don’t know how I could’ve missed that waistcoat, though.....
1) “I want to marry you so badly…” Badly, as an adverb, means inadequate or “poorly.” She doesn’t want to marry him *incorrectly*! She wants to marry him so *much*! Aka “bad.” Unfortunately, even if the author (who I love!) had used the correct modifier, I still would’ve complained because the phrasing is completely modern. I also noticed there was some modern language/phrasing in the love confession at the end, which kind of dimmed my enjoyment of it, to be honest.
2) Where, oh where, were Willerton-Forbes & Co. ??? Did the Miss Kearneys not receive any money from the mysterious Benefactor??? Did Mr Pierce handle it? Did I misread a scene somewhere??? I don’t know how I could’ve missed that waistcoat, though.....
September 25, 2020
Didn’t connect with this one
I couldn’t connect with this 4th book of the series, the starter premise was so unlikely that the first chapters were an effort and if I hadn’t read previous books from the author I might not have persisted. The middle improved, the descriptions and writing flowed well enough, hence 3 stars but the characters and their actions didn’t convince me. The conclusion and revealed back story was just unfeasible . Fiction still has to convince the reader !
I couldn’t connect with this 4th book of the series, the starter premise was so unlikely that the first chapters were an effort and if I hadn’t read previous books from the author I might not have persisted. The middle improved, the descriptions and writing flowed well enough, hence 3 stars but the characters and their actions didn’t convince me. The conclusion and revealed back story was just unfeasible . Fiction still has to convince the reader !
March 5, 2020
I was lucky enough to be (randomly) chosen to review an advance copy of this book. It's the fourth full-length book in the Silver Linings Mystery series (there's also a novella), about people whose lives have all been touched or changed in some way by the sinking of the Brig Minerva. This one is about Felicia Oakes, who might be someone's illegitimate child, who is a gifted artist (hence the title). She has no one in the world since her guardian died when she was ten (which is a very sad story all its own). She is engaged to care for two girls, who are subsequently orphaned as a result of the Brig Minerva sinking - and the girls are given to the care of the reclusive Earl of Finlassan. If you've ever read a book by Ms. Kingswood, you know what the matching initials means.
The mystery involves who Felicia really is, who her parents may have been, who may want to harm her, and who was responsible for burning down the family wing of the Earl's neighbor (killing his entire family). That's a lot to unpack, but (again) if you know Ms. Kingswood's writing, you know she delivers a complete story with a happy ending and this book is no different.
I enjoy all of Ms. Kingswood's stories, and they are improving and becoming more intricate as she writes more books. If you haven't started this series yet, please do - it's her most enjoyable yet!
The mystery involves who Felicia really is, who her parents may have been, who may want to harm her, and who was responsible for burning down the family wing of the Earl's neighbor (killing his entire family). That's a lot to unpack, but (again) if you know Ms. Kingswood's writing, you know she delivers a complete story with a happy ending and this book is no different.
I enjoy all of Ms. Kingswood's stories, and they are improving and becoming more intricate as she writes more books. If you haven't started this series yet, please do - it's her most enjoyable yet!
May 1, 2021
This was my first book by this author and it was a really enjoyable read. I appreciated that it wasn’t as predictable as I thought it would be. When I thought I knew where the author was going and how the story would be resolved, something new would change the course of the story a little and I had to adjust some of my my predictions. I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 1, 2020
A delightful story with an intriguing mystery
I was given a copy of this book . I accepted it so I could get The Artist sooner. I could have gotten it on Kindle Unlimited, but I am really enjoying this series and wanted the new book as soon as possible. The Artist may be my favorite so far . The heroine is funny and outspoken. The descriptions of the country estates paint pictures in your mind. The explanation of different art mediums I found fascinating . The mystery of her origins kept me reading way past the cat's bedtime.
I was given a copy of this book . I accepted it so I could get The Artist sooner. I could have gotten it on Kindle Unlimited, but I am really enjoying this series and wanted the new book as soon as possible. The Artist may be my favorite so far . The heroine is funny and outspoken. The descriptions of the country estates paint pictures in your mind. The explanation of different art mediums I found fascinating . The mystery of her origins kept me reading way past the cat's bedtime.
March 11, 2020
As with all of the books that I have read by Mary Kingswood, "The Painter" was an excellent historical romance. Ms. Kingswood's research is always top-notch with very rare editing problems...I found this to be true with this book.
I loved this particular storyline, mainly because the heroine was not a cowed, reticent, proper English lady. She had fire and feistiness, the ability to think and clearly express herself, with the ability to see others for who they really are.
Ms. Kingswood's knowledge of painting was interesting and understandable, which was excellent since the storyline centered on two people who were keenly devoted to the art of painting.
All in all, I gave this book a five-star rating not just based on my feelings but because it was well-earned.
I highly recommend this book, as well as all of Ms. Kingswood's other novels.
I was fortunate to be chosen to receive an advance copy and this review is my own opinion.
I loved this particular storyline, mainly because the heroine was not a cowed, reticent, proper English lady. She had fire and feistiness, the ability to think and clearly express herself, with the ability to see others for who they really are.
Ms. Kingswood's knowledge of painting was interesting and understandable, which was excellent since the storyline centered on two people who were keenly devoted to the art of painting.
All in all, I gave this book a five-star rating not just based on my feelings but because it was well-earned.
I highly recommend this book, as well as all of Ms. Kingswood's other novels.
I was fortunate to be chosen to receive an advance copy and this review is my own opinion.
March 20, 2020
Felicia Oakes just wants to belong, but when you are the illegitimate daughter of… well, someone or other, your imagination can tend to run riot with possibilities from pirates to princes and everything in between. You can’t blame Felicia though, because, somehow the alternative, being the life of a schoolteacher or governess, does not seem to suit her mischievous smile and those sparkling eyes.
So when she is suddenly tasked with delivering two young orphans to their new guardian, who not only knew nothing of their existence but is antisocial in the extreme, one can see she has a challenge ahead. Since Felicia is no governess herself, the only skills she possesses are artistic but luckily they are enough to keep her employed ‘until someone more suitable ‘is found for the role (nice to know you’re appreciated!).
I won’t give you any more of the well-crafted many layered plot as I don’t want to reveal too much, but I can say in all honesty, this book full of charm, mystery and suspense, has been my favorite in The Silver Linings series so far and Mary Kingswood just keeps producing more and more historically accurate but refreshingly new plots with amazing characters you want to have as friends and neighbors (and some you know you would cross the street to avoid!). I swear I even recognized a dog I used to own in this story. The dialogue is sharp and witty and remains true to the class speaking it (which is rare with some authors), the clothing descriptions are spot-on for the period and the story is easy to follow, a pleasure to read and hard to put down. For me, reading The Painter was like a really good meal, I was satisfied at the end of it but could have the same again tomorrow night! It was Jane Austen meets Georgette Heyer with Miss Marple thrown in for good measure. Although part of The Silver Lining series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
So when she is suddenly tasked with delivering two young orphans to their new guardian, who not only knew nothing of their existence but is antisocial in the extreme, one can see she has a challenge ahead. Since Felicia is no governess herself, the only skills she possesses are artistic but luckily they are enough to keep her employed ‘until someone more suitable ‘is found for the role (nice to know you’re appreciated!).
I won’t give you any more of the well-crafted many layered plot as I don’t want to reveal too much, but I can say in all honesty, this book full of charm, mystery and suspense, has been my favorite in The Silver Linings series so far and Mary Kingswood just keeps producing more and more historically accurate but refreshingly new plots with amazing characters you want to have as friends and neighbors (and some you know you would cross the street to avoid!). I swear I even recognized a dog I used to own in this story. The dialogue is sharp and witty and remains true to the class speaking it (which is rare with some authors), the clothing descriptions are spot-on for the period and the story is easy to follow, a pleasure to read and hard to put down. For me, reading The Painter was like a really good meal, I was satisfied at the end of it but could have the same again tomorrow night! It was Jane Austen meets Georgette Heyer with Miss Marple thrown in for good measure. Although part of The Silver Lining series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
July 24, 2024
I think my favorite part of the whole book was when they were about to kiss for the first time.
“I have never done this before,” she said.
“Neither have I.”
I think it was the irony of two people who loved each other so and yet didn't know how to kiss. Too cute!
“I have never done this before,” she said.
“Neither have I.”
I think it was the irony of two people who loved each other so and yet didn't know how to kiss. Too cute!
February 18, 2022
Mary Kingswood is my all-time favourite modern Regency Romance writer, up there with Georgette Heyer. Here I review my latest favourite of hers – I say latest, because I thought my favourite was The Seamstress from the Sisters of Woodside series. But I’ve been re-reading all her novels for the third time, and although I don’t think Silver Linings topples Sisters of Woodside ( or, no – maybe - Sons of the Marquess – or no, wait…!) from no. 1 series, it definitely contains my new favourite book – The Painter.
All Mary Kingswood novels read well as a stand-alone, but this one surpasses itself. You can read it in the context of the series, or take it as it stands, you won’t lose out either way.
The series is held together by the sinking of the Brig Minerva. All the novels in the Silver Linings series are about people affected in some way by the loss of the passengers on board.
Miss Felicia Oakes, an orphan who suspects she is the natural child of someone, is an art teacher at a girl’s seminary, and is let go because she has become too friendly with one of the pupils, at least in the view of the girl’s ambitious mother. Fortuitously, there are two natural daughters of a well-to-do architect (Mr. Kearney) who need an artist to nurture the talent they’ve inherited from their dead Mama. Miss Oakes joins them at their home and teaches them art quite happily for a few years, until the death of Kearney aboard the Brig Minerva precipitates the girls into the guardianship of their Mother’s former fiancé Fabian, the reclusive earl of Finlassan. When there is no response from him, Miss Oakes goes with the girls to confront him, forcing her way into the house and persuading him to recognise his responsibility to the girls. Knowing she can’t stay permanently– she only teaches art and is not qualified to be a governess – Felicia agrees to stay until Fabian’s sister finds a suitable replacement for her. During that time, and to his sister’s chagrin, Finlassan and Miss Oakes bond over painting, and as he slowly abandons his reclusiveness, the mystery surrounding her past and her origins grows. Little does she realise that, both by befriending an embittered and lonely neighbour and by trying to find out about her own past, she is putting her life in danger.
I love, love, love this book. Why? Well, the balance of romance and story is perfect. I don’t feel, as I do with some writers, that I’m reading chick-lit dressed up in Regency costume; the tale itself holds the attention, leaving the reader longing for more. Nor does the sexual tension overwhelm the story; the narrative and the romance combine to make a perfect whole. There are no glaring anachronisms or sloppy modern colloquialisms to draw you out of the Regency world; and her characters are beautifully drawn. They’re imperfect, they have idiosyncrasies and they make mistakes, but you love them anyway. Felicia is my sister in food, she loves cake and fine dining just a little too much; and her Pollyanna view of life slips every so often into unashamed longing for what she has never had. This, like many of the author’s books, is one of those that you can’t put down until you’ve finished it, but when you’ve finished it you get cross with yourself for swallowing it whole. I wish I hadn’t read it, just so I could read it all over again. The slow release of the Duke from his self-imposed prison is beautifully done, and the sense of danger to Felicia is pitched just right. Superb writing, I’d give it ten stars if I could.
All Mary Kingswood novels read well as a stand-alone, but this one surpasses itself. You can read it in the context of the series, or take it as it stands, you won’t lose out either way.
The series is held together by the sinking of the Brig Minerva. All the novels in the Silver Linings series are about people affected in some way by the loss of the passengers on board.
Miss Felicia Oakes, an orphan who suspects she is the natural child of someone, is an art teacher at a girl’s seminary, and is let go because she has become too friendly with one of the pupils, at least in the view of the girl’s ambitious mother. Fortuitously, there are two natural daughters of a well-to-do architect (Mr. Kearney) who need an artist to nurture the talent they’ve inherited from their dead Mama. Miss Oakes joins them at their home and teaches them art quite happily for a few years, until the death of Kearney aboard the Brig Minerva precipitates the girls into the guardianship of their Mother’s former fiancé Fabian, the reclusive earl of Finlassan. When there is no response from him, Miss Oakes goes with the girls to confront him, forcing her way into the house and persuading him to recognise his responsibility to the girls. Knowing she can’t stay permanently– she only teaches art and is not qualified to be a governess – Felicia agrees to stay until Fabian’s sister finds a suitable replacement for her. During that time, and to his sister’s chagrin, Finlassan and Miss Oakes bond over painting, and as he slowly abandons his reclusiveness, the mystery surrounding her past and her origins grows. Little does she realise that, both by befriending an embittered and lonely neighbour and by trying to find out about her own past, she is putting her life in danger.
I love, love, love this book. Why? Well, the balance of romance and story is perfect. I don’t feel, as I do with some writers, that I’m reading chick-lit dressed up in Regency costume; the tale itself holds the attention, leaving the reader longing for more. Nor does the sexual tension overwhelm the story; the narrative and the romance combine to make a perfect whole. There are no glaring anachronisms or sloppy modern colloquialisms to draw you out of the Regency world; and her characters are beautifully drawn. They’re imperfect, they have idiosyncrasies and they make mistakes, but you love them anyway. Felicia is my sister in food, she loves cake and fine dining just a little too much; and her Pollyanna view of life slips every so often into unashamed longing for what she has never had. This, like many of the author’s books, is one of those that you can’t put down until you’ve finished it, but when you’ve finished it you get cross with yourself for swallowing it whole. I wish I hadn’t read it, just so I could read it all over again. The slow release of the Duke from his self-imposed prison is beautifully done, and the sense of danger to Felicia is pitched just right. Superb writing, I’d give it ten stars if I could.
February 6, 2021
The Painter by Mary Kingswood was a pleasant read. I thoroughly enjoyed 3/4 of the book, but felt the denouement and resolution were a bit flat. I had the feeling, as I got to that stage of the book, that I had read another book by this author and had the same reaction.
The Painter is actually the fourth book in a Regency series that depicts characters whose lives have been impacted by the sinking of the ship, Minerva. It has a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. As a romance, this would definitely be categorized as "sweet and clean". While the budding attraction and affection between the hero and heroine is pleasant, the sudden "oh let's get married" portion of the story seems rather anticlimactic. I liked the characters very much, but Kingswood definitely understands women better than men. I will admit the fact that the hero had closed himself in and refused to move on after a broken heart is possible but both the length and extremity of his depression/anger and the change in him brought on by a "good woman" and two children (who completely irrationally have been given into his guardianship) is pretty implausible. The heroine's own story is the portion of the book that actually contains the most mystery and while similarly "fantastic", the actions and reactions of those involved seem slightly more plausible and definitely more intriguing. I enjoyed the book and applaud the author for creating a story that was sufficiently distracting and engaging to fill my needs without resorting to dwelling on the darkness in human behavior. It does, indeed, find the silver linings after bad decisions, pain, and disaster.
There's a clear moral lesson here about communication, and as I was reading the book while struggling with a bad bout of depression/anxiety that could have partially been eased by better communication, it was probably a heaven sent read.
The Painter is actually the fourth book in a Regency series that depicts characters whose lives have been impacted by the sinking of the ship, Minerva. It has a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. As a romance, this would definitely be categorized as "sweet and clean". While the budding attraction and affection between the hero and heroine is pleasant, the sudden "oh let's get married" portion of the story seems rather anticlimactic. I liked the characters very much, but Kingswood definitely understands women better than men. I will admit the fact that the hero had closed himself in and refused to move on after a broken heart is possible but both the length and extremity of his depression/anger and the change in him brought on by a "good woman" and two children (who completely irrationally have been given into his guardianship) is pretty implausible. The heroine's own story is the portion of the book that actually contains the most mystery and while similarly "fantastic", the actions and reactions of those involved seem slightly more plausible and definitely more intriguing. I enjoyed the book and applaud the author for creating a story that was sufficiently distracting and engaging to fill my needs without resorting to dwelling on the darkness in human behavior. It does, indeed, find the silver linings after bad decisions, pain, and disaster.
There's a clear moral lesson here about communication, and as I was reading the book while struggling with a bad bout of depression/anxiety that could have partially been eased by better communication, it was probably a heaven sent read.
July 29, 2020
Percival Warborough, secretary to the Marquess of Arnwell, disappeared with twenty thousand pounds from the Marquess' safe during a fire that gutted the family wing where the Marquess' wife, children and their retainers were... it was believed that there were no survivors. That was almost fourteen years ago and the Marquess, grief stricken... scarred by the burns he sustained trying to save his family went in seclusion at Shotterbourne, his family seat, with his sister and her sister's companion, Edith Buckley ~ his enemy's sister... for all those years he deliberately neglected his duty to his estates and to his country until Hercules and Felicia (from Hawkewood Hall, the neighbouring estate) came upon him from the brambles. Felicia was the Earl of Finlassan's painting governess to his bastard wards as she herself was a bastard but with a cottage and a small income... her origins were a mystery. The romance and mystique of this story was a Joy to unravel. The author wove a very believable intricate 'need to know' threads that made for a Delightful light read plus Felicia was such an endearing plucky character... not at all maudlin but just right. This is what I do like most with this author, her heroines were never dull and do not behave like the usual Regency lachrymose watering pot female without being tawdry... vulgar... or improper.
March 15, 2020
I received an Advanced Readers' Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I have read a number of Mary Kingswood books so far, and this one was every bit as delightful as the previous ones I have read. The character of Felicia Oakes stands apart from any other character I have read so far, and The Painter's foray into the topics of art and family histories were refreshing and unique. I found all the characters to be well-developed with their own perspectives, back stories, and personalities, and I especially appreciate the way some of the mysteries resolved through the course of the story and wove the characters' lives together in interesting ways. If you enjoy Regency Romance and a bit of Mystery, not to mention colorful characters and the opportunity to see them develop over the course of a story, I would recommend this book!
June 16, 2020
The Painter seemed to have been written for me since our heroine and hero both are artists and spend time discussing their works. A serious Regency romance with Marquesses, Earls, Honorables, etc. A fascinating glimpse into the life of Felicia, a governess to 2 little girls at the estate of The Earl of Finlassan. Finlassen was jilted at the alter by Juliana; this was 12 years ago and he has turned his back on society spending his time painting. He is appointed guardian of the 2 little girls by the man who stole his bride away. Felicia and he become friends and it is interesting to see how Kingswood manages to bring these two friends together. There are coded messages, aliases, mysterious fires and a lot of things happening in this rather longer book--over 400 pages. I enjoyed every word.
April 6, 2020
Despite your life, did you ever just know, you were meant to be something more? Having been raised as illegitimate and with unknown parents, Felicity Oakes was the lowest of the low in society. She always dreamed she was more. She dreamed of a family. She was hired to be a governess for two illegitimate daughters whose Mother has passed away. The Mother had been a artist and the father wanted to develop their talents.
Father traveled frequently and was killed in a ship wreck. The girls were to go to the Mothers former fiancée a earl in Derbyshire. She had broken his heart when she ran away with the children’s father.
The governess went to Derbyshire to see the children safely delivered to the earl.
Father traveled frequently and was killed in a ship wreck. The girls were to go to the Mothers former fiancée a earl in Derbyshire. She had broken his heart when she ran away with the children’s father.
The governess went to Derbyshire to see the children safely delivered to the earl.
October 9, 2020
This one I have some mixed feelings about. Felicity is smart and funny, but also seems to be an unrelenting Pollyanna to everyone around her, and I found that a bit silly and shallow. Also, as the plot moves along, it seemed to go spiraling off in all directions, and I was hard pressed to keep all the characters straight. I'll have to let this one percolate a little longer in my head; there were many things to like about it -- the humor, notably -- but I was not fond of some aspects of the characterizations and plot development. Still, kept my interest, and that's something. Oh well. On to the next!
March 6, 2020
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. This was my favorite of the series so far (and the first one without the lawyers in it interestingly enough) it can be a stand alone as there are no overlapping characters. I loved the well-rounded characters, the unsolvable mystery of Felicia’s parentage, and the authentic feel of the whole thing. I like how Felicia knows her place but isn’t cowed by it and how open and accepting she is of being the natural child of unknown persons. Kisses only
March 19, 2020
So good!
As usual with our beloved author, the characters are so real and the places are so amazingly described you feel part of the story. This one you might call a mashup between Jane Eyre and Bleak House. I couldn’t give it five stars because the solution is too contrived, relies on too many coincidences, and happens so quickly it’s like she ran out of time to bring it all together. I wasn’t ready for it to end. I want a sequel! But until the last chapter it’s delightful. I love Felicia and Fin. I know you will, too.
As usual with our beloved author, the characters are so real and the places are so amazingly described you feel part of the story. This one you might call a mashup between Jane Eyre and Bleak House. I couldn’t give it five stars because the solution is too contrived, relies on too many coincidences, and happens so quickly it’s like she ran out of time to bring it all together. I wasn’t ready for it to end. I want a sequel! But until the last chapter it’s delightful. I love Felicia and Fin. I know you will, too.
December 31, 2020
Book 4 in the Silver Linings Mystery series. Each is a stand alone, HEA story, loosely tied together with a link to the shipwreck of the Brig Minerva.
The Painter is about an art teacher/ governess named Felicia who despite an unhappy childhood is surprisingly content and well-grounded.
The male lead is Lord Finlassan who has been disappointed in love and has lived for over a decade as a semi-recluse. He is the classic tortured artist.
As with all the stories in Mary Kingswood's Silver Linings series there is a mystery to unravel while a romance blooms.
Perfectly paced and beautifully written each book so far has been excellent.
This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.
The Painter is about an art teacher/ governess named Felicia who despite an unhappy childhood is surprisingly content and well-grounded.
The male lead is Lord Finlassan who has been disappointed in love and has lived for over a decade as a semi-recluse. He is the classic tortured artist.
As with all the stories in Mary Kingswood's Silver Linings series there is a mystery to unravel while a romance blooms.
Perfectly paced and beautifully written each book so far has been excellent.
This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.
May 30, 2021
I'm addicted!
I have read four of Ms Kingswood Silver Linings Mysteries books in a little more than a week. I have immensely enjoyed each and every one, especially because each is unique. I've said before that she has an amazing ability to imagine not only an intricate mystery plot which keeps you guessing until the end, but she combines it with the most wonderful cast of characters. And two of these characters meet and develop a truly romantic love. I've smiled at every ending and sometimes have happy tears in my eyes.
I have read four of Ms Kingswood Silver Linings Mysteries books in a little more than a week. I have immensely enjoyed each and every one, especially because each is unique. I've said before that she has an amazing ability to imagine not only an intricate mystery plot which keeps you guessing until the end, but she combines it with the most wonderful cast of characters. And two of these characters meet and develop a truly romantic love. I've smiled at every ending and sometimes have happy tears in my eyes.
August 30, 2021
A Pretty Portrait
The Author has penned another winner. An illegitimate young lady with no knowledge of her parents is at a school for young ladies. Although she has an inheritance she cannot access it for quite some time. She is forced to leave the school and take a job as a governess for two young orphaned girls. Their ward is an irascible recluse. Again the Author punctuates her mystery with a variety of interesting characters. Who is good? Who is evil? Add the love story to the mix (not the usual one), and you have a satisfying read.
The Author has penned another winner. An illegitimate young lady with no knowledge of her parents is at a school for young ladies. Although she has an inheritance she cannot access it for quite some time. She is forced to leave the school and take a job as a governess for two young orphaned girls. Their ward is an irascible recluse. Again the Author punctuates her mystery with a variety of interesting characters. Who is good? Who is evil? Add the love story to the mix (not the usual one), and you have a satisfying read.
September 30, 2021
Good read
This author is a rather ponderous writer. There are entire chapters that cut be cut without any damage to the story or the flow if the plot. I was about a quarter through and though that with any other novel I’d be nearly half way.
That said, unlike the previous book, I didn’t feel the need to skip forward. It’s a good story with excellent twists & turns and a great mystery at its heart. It would have been much better to have focussed a bit more on the mystery & the strange ‘goings on’ and cut out some of the ‘padding’ chapters.
Definitely recommend reading.
This author is a rather ponderous writer. There are entire chapters that cut be cut without any damage to the story or the flow if the plot. I was about a quarter through and though that with any other novel I’d be nearly half way.
That said, unlike the previous book, I didn’t feel the need to skip forward. It’s a good story with excellent twists & turns and a great mystery at its heart. It would have been much better to have focussed a bit more on the mystery & the strange ‘goings on’ and cut out some of the ‘padding’ chapters.
Definitely recommend reading.
March 16, 2020
Love this series
This was another great regency by Mrs Kingswood.
My only question was, why didn’t Mr. Kearney’s girls get the visit from the brigg Minerva solicitors who were giving the 1000 pounds to immediate relatives of anyone dying on the ship??? Other than that but missing I loved the story. I’ve loved the variety found in this series. Looking forward to the last couple books in the series.
This was another great regency by Mrs Kingswood.
My only question was, why didn’t Mr. Kearney’s girls get the visit from the brigg Minerva solicitors who were giving the 1000 pounds to immediate relatives of anyone dying on the ship??? Other than that but missing I loved the story. I’ve loved the variety found in this series. Looking forward to the last couple books in the series.
May 18, 2021
There are so many things to love about this author's writing, it is hard to number them. The one thing I absolutely adore is she always has a character the reader can identify with in one manner or another. Plus she always has a character I can perfectly want to shut in the closet and never let him or her out for the rude and/or mean behavior. A character one loves to dislike in other words! Always five stars for Mary's books.
July 16, 2024
Enthralling
Absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters … I find this writer has an amazing ability to make her characters come to life. They are so colourful, so vivid. The storyline was very original, with an amazing amount of suspense and intrigue. I love the fact that her stories are clean. And I love the fact that they’re long …because I never want them to end! The writing is excellent, as is the dialogue. Thank you for an excellent read. Highly recommend.
Absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters … I find this writer has an amazing ability to make her characters come to life. They are so colourful, so vivid. The storyline was very original, with an amazing amount of suspense and intrigue. I love the fact that her stories are clean. And I love the fact that they’re long …because I never want them to end! The writing is excellent, as is the dialogue. Thank you for an excellent read. Highly recommend.
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