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Silver Linings Mysteries #5
The Orphan
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…
Evie Parfitt is almost thirty, penniless and with no prospect of ever marrying. She has her hands full helping turn a jewel merchant’s wilful heiress into a lady able to move in good society. When the sinking of the Minerva leaves her charge an orphan and she selects a notorious rake as her guardian, Evie is determined to protect both of them from his attentions. But faced with the most charming man she’s ever known, can she protect her own heart?
Eliot Armitage is rich, idle and spoilt, whiling away his life with a succession of mistresses. He’s not tempted by his eighteen-year-old ward, but it would be an amusing game to seduce her cool and oh-so-ladylike companion. When Evie disdains his approach and challenges him to find the jewel merchant’s missing diamonds, he sets out to prove that he’s not the worthless rogue she thinks him. But will he ever be able to convince Evie that a rake can change his ways?
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 5 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Evie Parfitt is almost thirty, penniless and with no prospect of ever marrying. She has her hands full helping turn a jewel merchant’s wilful heiress into a lady able to move in good society. When the sinking of the Minerva leaves her charge an orphan and she selects a notorious rake as her guardian, Evie is determined to protect both of them from his attentions. But faced with the most charming man she’s ever known, can she protect her own heart?
Eliot Armitage is rich, idle and spoilt, whiling away his life with a succession of mistresses. He’s not tempted by his eighteen-year-old ward, but it would be an amusing game to seduce her cool and oh-so-ladylike companion. When Evie disdains his approach and challenges him to find the jewel merchant’s missing diamonds, he sets out to prove that he’s not the worthless rogue she thinks him. But will he ever be able to convince Evie that a rake can change his ways?
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 5 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2020
About the author
Mary Kingswood
64 books486 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 75 reviews
February 7, 2025
Mary Kingswood had me for a second! I’m used to the couple sharing a first initial and we have two men interested in Evie - Eliot and Edward.
Evie is the companion for a jeweler’s daughter. The jeweler dies on the Brig Minerva, leaving the daughter very rich (we think) and Evie prepares her for society. The daughter’s guardian is Eliot, a rake who sets his sights on seducing Evie. She’s got her defenses up and we find out why quite late in the book.
This one is a little similar to the last, with women who don’t know their past finding themselves in society. It works.
While we don’t see Willerton-Forbes or Edgerton in this one, we do see their assistant. I’ll take it!
Evie is the companion for a jeweler’s daughter. The jeweler dies on the Brig Minerva, leaving the daughter very rich (we think) and Evie prepares her for society. The daughter’s guardian is Eliot, a rake who sets his sights on seducing Evie. She’s got her defenses up and we find out why quite late in the book.
This one is a little similar to the last, with women who don’t know their past finding themselves in society. It works.
While we don’t see Willerton-Forbes or Edgerton in this one, we do see their assistant. I’ll take it!
October 17, 2022
I just finished this book and have not truly sorted my thoughts out yet. It is a very thought-provoking book.
With historical novels, there is always a question of morality - how do you depict and discuss behaviours and values that have changed since that time? For novels written during that time, there is no question but that any discussion of morals should be taken with a pinch of salt. For modern novels, I feel that some framing is needed. There undoubtedly is some framing here - but I cannot help but think that there should have been more.
Two things in particular:
A discussion of sexual assault, where the assault is described as a wicked thing that happens among the best of people Importance is placed more upon what is done to the eventual offspring. ("No wonder the family tried to keep it quiet, and it would have been better to maintain that silence indefinitely")
The black footman who was a slave and is a servant to this book's Orphan, who was mistreated by his employer but stays on, loyal and obedient. He elicits some jealousy from other families who want a servant just like him.
I am very glad that these scenes are a part of this book and not romanticised away, but I don't know if there shouldn't have been more acknowledgment of the way this should not be taken as an example.
Maybe we are meant to think about it ourselves, and hooray for that. But as sexual abuse and racism are still contentious topics, having them in here as side notes without explicit critical reflection makes me uncomfortable.
The whole novel is dedicated to whether rakes can be "reformed" and whether it's all that bad if they aren't (Is it moral to keep mistresses? What is the role of marriage in this question?) I liked that, even if this wasn't something I had expected and I am not 100% happy with the resolution, though I understand what lead to it. All the more strange that we didn't get any lengthy discussion for other parts, and are unlikely to get that discussion in The Duke.
All in all as well-written, interesting book that I will re-read in the future to update my thoughts - but I think the social issues mentioned here should be taken up again in the series.
With historical novels, there is always a question of morality - how do you depict and discuss behaviours and values that have changed since that time? For novels written during that time, there is no question but that any discussion of morals should be taken with a pinch of salt. For modern novels, I feel that some framing is needed. There undoubtedly is some framing here - but I cannot help but think that there should have been more.
Two things in particular:
A discussion of sexual assault, where the assault is described as a wicked thing that happens among the best of people Importance is placed more upon what is done to the eventual offspring. ("No wonder the family tried to keep it quiet, and it would have been better to maintain that silence indefinitely")
The black footman who was a slave and is a servant to this book's Orphan, who was mistreated by his employer but stays on, loyal and obedient. He elicits some jealousy from other families who want a servant just like him.
I am very glad that these scenes are a part of this book and not romanticised away, but I don't know if there shouldn't have been more acknowledgment of the way this should not be taken as an example.
Maybe we are meant to think about it ourselves, and hooray for that. But as sexual abuse and racism are still contentious topics, having them in here as side notes without explicit critical reflection makes me uncomfortable.
The whole novel is dedicated to whether rakes can be "reformed" and whether it's all that bad if they aren't (Is it moral to keep mistresses? What is the role of marriage in this question?) I liked that, even if this wasn't something I had expected and I am not 100% happy with the resolution, though I understand what lead to it. All the more strange that we didn't get any lengthy discussion for other parts, and are unlikely to get that discussion in The Duke.
All in all as well-written, interesting book that I will re-read in the future to update my thoughts - but I think the social issues mentioned here should be taken up again in the series.
June 12, 2020
Evie Parfitt is almost thirty, penniless and with no prospect of ever marrying. She has her hands full helping turn a jewel merchant’s wilful eighteen year old heiress into a lady able to move in good society. When the sinking of the Minerva leaves her charge an orphan and she selects a notorious rake as her guardian. Eliot Armitage is rich, idle and spoilt, whiling away his life with a succession of mistresses. He’s not tempted by his eighteen-year-old ward, but it would be an amusing game to seduce her cool and oh-so-ladylike companion. When Evie disdains his approach and challenges him to find the jewel merchant’s missing diamonds, he sets out to prove that he’s not the worthless rogue she thinks him.
This is the fifth book in the series & it could easily be read on its own as the reader is brought up to speed with events in a such way that if you've read the previous books you're not bored This is a well written book that is well paced but that pace is more a gentle walk but it never lags. The characters are very well portrayed & have depth, I loved both Evie & Eliot & how their relationship developed. A gentle read which was heart warming
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fifth book in the series & it could easily be read on its own as the reader is brought up to speed with events in a such way that if you've read the previous books you're not bored This is a well written book that is well paced but that pace is more a gentle walk but it never lags. The characters are very well portrayed & have depth, I loved both Evie & Eliot & how their relationship developed. A gentle read which was heart warming
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 16, 2020
Before I begin, I want to tell you that though I did receive a pre-release copy of the book to review, I had already pre-ordered The Orphan because I've been reading the series. If you are looking for a clean, thoroughly enjoyable series to read, you are in for a treat with this series by Mary Kingswood. Although The Orphan could be read on its own, I would recommend reading the series in order because several characters from the previous books do make an appearance. I won't spend the words giving a synopsis because you can read that in the description. What I will tell you is that Mary Kingswood does her homework when it comes to the language and settings of the regency period. I found the characters in this book just as enjoyable as the previous characters in the series, although I will say that Eliot (the hero) didn't have many redeeming qualities in the beginning. Evie (the heroine) wouldn't put up with his nonsense at all. Eliot did change his attitudes and ways and I wound up liking him very much in the end. I especially love the way the author weaves a little mystery into each story. I also enjoy the side characters as well.
Suffice it to say that you won't be disappointed in the least with The Orphan or any of Mary Kingwood's other books if you like a clean (chase kisses only) regency that will allow you a pleasant escape.
Suffice it to say that you won't be disappointed in the least with The Orphan or any of Mary Kingwood's other books if you like a clean (chase kisses only) regency that will allow you a pleasant escape.
August 26, 2022
A lot of people will be uncomfortable with how Kingswood handles sexual mores and racial prejudices of the period, but they ARE of the period. This isn't "Bridgerton," folks, and thank heavens for it.
July 13, 2022
I thought I had read the entire Silver Linings series. I’m doing a reread of al MK’s books because the audiobooks are out and I’m loving Joanna Stephen’s Reading so much! But this one seemed unfamiliar from the start, and I never marked it “read” so I must have skipped it somehow. Anyway, I really think this story is my favorite. The Silver Linings series is her best, and this book really shines. ( I highly recommend you read “The Clerk” before you read this book. You will enjoy it more. ) The characters are so alive, the story is so well written, and the depth of feeling very moving. I laughed, I cried, and I thought about what I just heard. The mark of a good book, in my opinion. It deals with some very delicate topics, such as infidelity, illegitimacy, rape, lying, gambling, and the consequences of such behavior with a delicate touch while refusing to excuse or whitewash the fallout. One thing I really love about Mary Kingswood is her books are so Christian yet not at all preachy or sanctimonious. Her characters simply live their lives in the presence of a Higher Power, with a conscience, and by doing so she is able to allow them to grow and change, or fail utterly as the story demands, with love, grace, and forgiveness. It’s also just a really good read. I am impatient with Christian Romance authors for many reasons. Mostly because their books are so “clean” and inoffensive they are boring, but also because they tend towards language and opinions that a non religious reader wouldn’t understand. There are very few that I read regularly. Not so with MK. I don’t even know if she considers her books “Christian Romance”. I would not put her in that category. Her books are filled with faith and light and love and beauty and forgiveness. Also mystery and intrigue! I’ve said it many times in my other reviews but it bears repeating: When a Mary Kingswood shows up in my feed I drop everything to read it. They are even better as audiobooks.
September 1, 2020
A true period romance
For me, this gave a real feel of the times and the social customs and restraints. It’s a slow burn story, building over time and featuring both funny and sad moments. I liked and respected Evie, despite being terribly proper she had backbone and I grew to almost like her loved Eliot - he had an uphill climb to redeeem himself from his early introduction! The story had unexpected twists and turns and the writing style is excellent.
Thank the stars for the education and freedom that women now have 😊
Well worth a read.
For me, this gave a real feel of the times and the social customs and restraints. It’s a slow burn story, building over time and featuring both funny and sad moments. I liked and respected Evie, despite being terribly proper she had backbone and I grew to almost like her loved Eliot - he had an uphill climb to redeeem himself from his early introduction! The story had unexpected twists and turns and the writing style is excellent.
Thank the stars for the education and freedom that women now have 😊
Well worth a read.
June 19, 2020
More twists than a cork screw (and no spoilers)
I have loved this series from the beginning, but this one made me grind my teeth, in a good way. Violet, spoiled little rich girl; Evie, sanctimonious companion; Eliot, typical rich playboy and Edward, soon to be a barrister and sometime friend of Eliot. As always, finely crafted characters and situations, though I must admit at moments I could have cheerfully slapped ever one of these people. And then the twisting began! And good golly people, I was gobsmacked! Then another twist and I was outraged and could now understand the reasons behind the attitudes. Lost and then found fortunes. Love, hope, understanding and some truly wonderful moments of heartfelt joy, as well as snarky laughter. I am happy with this HEA. Just so right. Looking forward to " The Duke.". Thank you Mary Kingswood!
I have loved this series from the beginning, but this one made me grind my teeth, in a good way. Violet, spoiled little rich girl; Evie, sanctimonious companion; Eliot, typical rich playboy and Edward, soon to be a barrister and sometime friend of Eliot. As always, finely crafted characters and situations, though I must admit at moments I could have cheerfully slapped ever one of these people. And then the twisting began! And good golly people, I was gobsmacked! Then another twist and I was outraged and could now understand the reasons behind the attitudes. Lost and then found fortunes. Love, hope, understanding and some truly wonderful moments of heartfelt joy, as well as snarky laughter. I am happy with this HEA. Just so right. Looking forward to " The Duke.". Thank you Mary Kingswood!
June 15, 2020
Like all of Mary Kingswood's books, this one should be savored. I could have read it in one day, but I chose to read it over two days. As the fifth book in the Silver Linings series, it was wonderful. It gave us more hints about the mysteries introduced in the previous volumes while entertaining us with wonderful new characters. One of the more enjoyable features of Kingswood's novels is her creation of truly human, less than perfect, heroines and heros. In the beginning I was intrigued by the hero yet I wondered if I could ever admire him, but I fell in love with him just as our heroine did. Brava, Ms Kingswood. I cannot wait for you next volume, "The Duke."
September 4, 2024
I like how the women in this series stick to their guns.
December 22, 2024
Another installment detailing those left behind after the sinking of the Brig Minerva. Many were affected some for the better, others for the worse. In some cases mysteries we unveiled and in others a chance for redemption is given.
Evie Parfitt is almost thirty, penniless and with no prospect of ever marrying. She has her hands full helping turn a jewel merchant's wilful heiress into a lady able to move in good society. When the sinking of the Minerva leaves her charge an orphan and she selects a notorious rake as her guardian, Evie is determined to protect both of them from his attentions. But faced with the most charming man she's ever known, can she protect her own heart?
Eliot Armitage is rich, idle and spoilt, whiling away his life with a succession of mistresses. He's not tempted by his eighteen-year-old ward, but it would be an amusing game to seduce her cool and oh-so-ladylike companion. When Evie disdains his approach and challenges him to find the jewel merchant's missing diamonds, he sets out to prove that he's not the worthless rogue she thinks him. But will he ever be able to convince Evie that a rake can change his ways?
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 5 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
This read can stand on its own.
Evie Parfitt is almost thirty, penniless and with no prospect of ever marrying. She has her hands full helping turn a jewel merchant's wilful heiress into a lady able to move in good society. When the sinking of the Minerva leaves her charge an orphan and she selects a notorious rake as her guardian, Evie is determined to protect both of them from his attentions. But faced with the most charming man she's ever known, can she protect her own heart?
Eliot Armitage is rich, idle and spoilt, whiling away his life with a succession of mistresses. He's not tempted by his eighteen-year-old ward, but it would be an amusing game to seduce her cool and oh-so-ladylike companion. When Evie disdains his approach and challenges him to find the jewel merchant's missing diamonds, he sets out to prove that he's not the worthless rogue she thinks him. But will he ever be able to convince Evie that a rake can change his ways?
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 5 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
This read can stand on its own.
November 6, 2025
The fifth book in The Silver Linings Mysteries series delivers another beautifully crafted historical romance with some mystery on the side, concerning people affected by the sinking of a ship.
Regarding the romance, the premise of this book reminds me of that of "The Chaperone", by the same author: a handsome and rich rake meets an impoverished spinster, who is somehow accompanying a younger and richer lady in her come out, and decides to have some fun and kill boredom by flirting with her... but the spinster proves to be a challenge and, in the process, he falls in love and reforms his ways. However, I find that the relationship development in this case is much more satisfying and coherent.
There's also a mystery and family secrets that come to light after many years. The mystery, almost a quest, partly answers a question that remained open since the prequel to the series. The family secrets, although perhaps unpleasant for the modern reader, aren't outlandish. Plus, I fully appreciate how the male protagonist "evolves", so he remains true to his time but, at the same time, adopts views much more in line with modern sensibilities.
And this is perhaps one of the features that I like most with this author, that she contrives to create characters and stories likeable for us 21st-century readers, but with mentalities and behaviours befitting the historical period. This, together with the care for historical accuracy and good writing, really contribute to the enjoyment of all books in the series.
Regarding the romance, the premise of this book reminds me of that of "The Chaperone", by the same author: a handsome and rich rake meets an impoverished spinster, who is somehow accompanying a younger and richer lady in her come out, and decides to have some fun and kill boredom by flirting with her... but the spinster proves to be a challenge and, in the process, he falls in love and reforms his ways. However, I find that the relationship development in this case is much more satisfying and coherent.
There's also a mystery and family secrets that come to light after many years. The mystery, almost a quest, partly answers a question that remained open since the prequel to the series. The family secrets, although perhaps unpleasant for the modern reader, aren't outlandish. Plus, I fully appreciate how the male protagonist "evolves", so he remains true to his time but, at the same time, adopts views much more in line with modern sensibilities.
And this is perhaps one of the features that I like most with this author, that she contrives to create characters and stories likeable for us 21st-century readers, but with mentalities and behaviours befitting the historical period. This, together with the care for historical accuracy and good writing, really contribute to the enjoyment of all books in the series.
June 18, 2020
Although it was a delightful story, I was slightly disappointed that the orphan in the story one Violet Barantine was unresolved. Her chaperone became the main character Evie Parfitt. At 29 years of age the daughter of a parson, unmarried and working to make pocket money to supplement the modest income she and her elderly aunt lived on.
Violet was spoiled, pampered, and rich. Her father had recently passed away on a ship coming to England from Ireland where he had been on a business trip. He ran a profitable jewelry business and wanted his daughter to marry well and move up in society. It was difficult to do when your money was made in trade.
Violet had met Eliot Armitage once and he was a rake. She flirted with him and thought she could persuade him to marry her with her dowry of 100,000 pounds. So she decided to name him as her guardian and protector. What she failed to realize is that it was highly irregular to marry one own ward.
He did find her chaperone to be delightful but set about it all wrong. Offering to make her his mistress right away. Having high moral standards she promptly refused and thought very poorly of him.
The book ends with Violet's fate unresolved.
Violet was spoiled, pampered, and rich. Her father had recently passed away on a ship coming to England from Ireland where he had been on a business trip. He ran a profitable jewelry business and wanted his daughter to marry well and move up in society. It was difficult to do when your money was made in trade.
Violet had met Eliot Armitage once and he was a rake. She flirted with him and thought she could persuade him to marry her with her dowry of 100,000 pounds. So she decided to name him as her guardian and protector. What she failed to realize is that it was highly irregular to marry one own ward.
He did find her chaperone to be delightful but set about it all wrong. Offering to make her his mistress right away. Having high moral standards she promptly refused and thought very poorly of him.
The book ends with Violet's fate unresolved.
April 16, 2021
I thought this book was really wonderful. I have read all of the previous books in the series and each one is unique in how the story unfolds. The common theme is that a character in the book - not always the main character- has had a relative who drowned on a boat in the crossing from Ireland to England. Each of these characters has been gifted one thousand pounds from an anonymous donor.
This book was particularly delightful. I thought the main characters were very well written and I couldn't help but care about them. There were several side characters. The author also did a great job of describing them is such a way that the reader can picture them in their mind.
One of the features of each of the books in the series is that there is some sort of mystery that is solved during the book. These are mostly in addition to the main plot of the book.
These books remind me of Pride & Prejudice in that the manners and language of the characters are like that of the book.
These books have happy endings but there are a bunch of plot twists throughout the book that make you wonder if there will indeed be a happy ending. These are hard books to put down. Love the series!
This book was particularly delightful. I thought the main characters were very well written and I couldn't help but care about them. There were several side characters. The author also did a great job of describing them is such a way that the reader can picture them in their mind.
One of the features of each of the books in the series is that there is some sort of mystery that is solved during the book. These are mostly in addition to the main plot of the book.
These books remind me of Pride & Prejudice in that the manners and language of the characters are like that of the book.
These books have happy endings but there are a bunch of plot twists throughout the book that make you wonder if there will indeed be a happy ending. These are hard books to put down. Love the series!
June 14, 2020
An enchanting tale of Evie Parfitt, companion to eighteen year old Violet, whose father had perished with the sinking of the Brig Minerva. Violet found that she was able to name a person she wanted as her guardian, since she had no living relatives to take that place. Of all people she named Eliot Armitage, a known rake and libertine, but from a good family. Violet had taken a tendre' for him when she had met him earlier in the season.
Surprisingly he agreed to take on the responsibility but proceeded to take her to the country to spend time with his mother and father.
Eliot became aware of Evie, who considered herself on the shelf at nine and twenty with no prospects for marriage. But she intrigued Eliot and he was going to seduce her.
"One day, sooner or later, Evie Parfitt would be his."
A determined rake, an equally determined woman, an infatuated rich eighteen year old and a mystery of some missing diamonds make this a perfect story not to be missed!
Surprisingly he agreed to take on the responsibility but proceeded to take her to the country to spend time with his mother and father.
Eliot became aware of Evie, who considered herself on the shelf at nine and twenty with no prospects for marriage. But she intrigued Eliot and he was going to seduce her.
"One day, sooner or later, Evie Parfitt would be his."
A determined rake, an equally determined woman, an infatuated rich eighteen year old and a mystery of some missing diamonds make this a perfect story not to be missed!
February 22, 2023
Evie Parfitt has been companion to Violet, daughter of a wealthy jeweler, for some time. He perishes on the Brig Minerva, along with his diamonds and will. Violet chooses Eliot Armitage, a known rake, as her guardian. He must change his wild ways and set out on a quest to find Violet's missing fortune in order to convince Evie that he has reformed. Very entertaining, as with all the books in this series. We are briefly introduced to Lady Ruth Grenaby, the future love interest of the Duke of Falconbury, and are promised the revelation of Mr. Ellsworthy's mysterious past, as well as the name of the benefactor who has given money to all the victims of the Brig Minerva. This is a wonderful series, so well-written. It will definitely keep housework from getting done, shorten dinner prep, and erase any idea of exercise. Be forewarned.
June 18, 2020
For the time being this is the 5th in this series and a very well written one it was. Evie knows nothing about her real mother and father and is forced to be employed as a chaperone and governess teaching Violet, the rich, spoiled daughter of a jeweller, a cit, how to act in proper society. Evie meets Mr. Armitage who offers to make her his mistress. She gives him to understand that she is not having any of it, so he decides to make her fall in love with him. Meanwhile there is the mystery of her birth and the mystery of what happened to Violet's father and his diamonds when the Brig Minerva foundered. An interesting and satisfying if serious story. Strange that this series of books has so many illegitimate children in their plots. For Regency fans, this is highly recommended.
June 5, 2020
I found this to be very well spun tale. I felt l was set back in time. The writing is what I call sedate, for want of a better word. It carries on at a gentle, unrushed pace, without boring this reader. Miss Evie is unafraid to speak her mind, but politely. Her charge, the orphaned miss, is a bit flighty and a bit unchecked, but not excessively so she is not annoying.
And Eliot discovers he's not quite so jaded as he thought.
This installment can be read as a stand alone as sufficient background information is provided, yet avoiding unduly repetition for readers, who have been following the series.
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
And Eliot discovers he's not quite so jaded as he thought.
This installment can be read as a stand alone as sufficient background information is provided, yet avoiding unduly repetition for readers, who have been following the series.
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
August 15, 2020
Another good one
This is such a beautifully crafted series. Even if Evie got on my nerves from time to time, her character development along with all the others is beautifully done. As with so few Regency romances, the love story is developed slowly rather that the love-at-first-sight tendencies of most. So much so in fact, that book in particular, is an excellent example of how you write passion without sex.
It’s not necessary to read the books in the Silver Linings Mystery series in any order. There are some secondary characters that show up in each of them but they are explained. I recommend this series.
This is such a beautifully crafted series. Even if Evie got on my nerves from time to time, her character development along with all the others is beautifully done. As with so few Regency romances, the love story is developed slowly rather that the love-at-first-sight tendencies of most. So much so in fact, that book in particular, is an excellent example of how you write passion without sex.
It’s not necessary to read the books in the Silver Linings Mystery series in any order. There are some secondary characters that show up in each of them but they are explained. I recommend this series.
July 12, 2024
Delightful
I very much enjoyed this book. Although the storyline was not completely original, the story surrounding it was innovative. The story is comprised of many scenarios, some distressingly heartbreaking and some delightfully heartwarming. The main female character was well depicted and endearing; I couldn’t help but be saddened by her heartbreak, her fears and anguish as she fights not only to survive but to find peace and contentment. The characters are vivid and relatable. The dialogue is entertaining and the writing was very well done, notwithstanding a few phrases and expressions not regency-appropriate. I found it a gripping and captivating story.
I very much enjoyed this book. Although the storyline was not completely original, the story surrounding it was innovative. The story is comprised of many scenarios, some distressingly heartbreaking and some delightfully heartwarming. The main female character was well depicted and endearing; I couldn’t help but be saddened by her heartbreak, her fears and anguish as she fights not only to survive but to find peace and contentment. The characters are vivid and relatable. The dialogue is entertaining and the writing was very well done, notwithstanding a few phrases and expressions not regency-appropriate. I found it a gripping and captivating story.
June 13, 2020
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book.
Although it was not my favourite in this series, the quality of writing was high and the story was up to Mary Kingswood's usual high moral standards.
It took me a while to get into the story as some of the characterisation was contradictory, but I hung in and finished the book with my usual sense of having read something "feel good" when I pick up a Mary Kingswood book.
Although it was not my favourite in this series, the quality of writing was high and the story was up to Mary Kingswood's usual high moral standards.
It took me a while to get into the story as some of the characterisation was contradictory, but I hung in and finished the book with my usual sense of having read something "feel good" when I pick up a Mary Kingswood book.
June 14, 2020
Patience
The way this book started out I thought I would be fortunate to finish it. I took Eliot in great disfavor and thought him to be the worst of men. I didn't think I would be able to stomach him throughout the book. However, Miss Evie came into his life and changed him for the good. I even enjoyed Violet as she progressed in her life. I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to all. I await the final book in the series.
The way this book started out I thought I would be fortunate to finish it. I took Eliot in great disfavor and thought him to be the worst of men. I didn't think I would be able to stomach him throughout the book. However, Miss Evie came into his life and changed him for the good. I even enjoyed Violet as she progressed in her life. I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to all. I await the final book in the series.
June 15, 2020
Fantastic Love Story
I want this series to continue. Mary Kingswood is such a talented writer and tHe Orphan did not disappoint. The characters were so well developed I daresay I felt like they were my own acquaintances. The plot was intriguing. The romance exquisitely tender and heartfelt such that you could feel the ache and wanting so acutely. Can't wait to see the next series to be written. Looking forward to The Duke.
I want this series to continue. Mary Kingswood is such a talented writer and tHe Orphan did not disappoint. The characters were so well developed I daresay I felt like they were my own acquaintances. The plot was intriguing. The romance exquisitely tender and heartfelt such that you could feel the ache and wanting so acutely. Can't wait to see the next series to be written. Looking forward to The Duke.
June 18, 2020
This a rather unusual Regency romance involving a thirty-year-old spinster with a painful back story, a young orphan and a missing cache of diamonds. The author takes time to develop the characters of all the central figures and makes the reader care about the fate of all of them. There is a satisfying romance, of course, but also significant emotional growth in all four main characters. The sinking if the Brig Minerva again plays a part in the fate of relatives of the lost passengers.
July 5, 2020
I found the Orphan less than satisfying than Mary Kingswood's other novels. Perhaps after reading all the other books, the direction seemed predictable and the ending forced. I usually appreciate the character development in many of her other novels; in this one, sensibilities control most of the personas (The exception is the orphan, Violet, who is lovely). Fluid and self-interested principles trouble me...perhaps I am not so much a "romantic."
January 26, 2021
Not my type of book.
I’m not a fan of any type of violence against women or children. If guys want to beat each other it’s their choice. The first book of the series was a woman whose husband beat her. In this particular book the man has decided that he will “take” her. I’m not a fan of any male that actively stalks a woman as if she’s prey. This is supposed to be a HEA but I’m not sticking around.
I’m not a fan of any type of violence against women or children. If guys want to beat each other it’s their choice. The first book of the series was a woman whose husband beat her. In this particular book the man has decided that he will “take” her. I’m not a fan of any male that actively stalks a woman as if she’s prey. This is supposed to be a HEA but I’m not sticking around.
April 29, 2024
Loved the plot and really liked Evie but I don't understand why no one is talking about the H. Why authors romanticise rakes is wild to me. This guy was so unlikable and had the morals of a 21st century porn star. Another reviewer talked about whether or not rakes can reform and if its moral to have mistresses--not only is that the dumbest comment I have ever seen in my entire life, but all you have to do is use your brain and be a little ethical.
June 12, 2024
The ending of a book MAKES the book. I really enjoyed this book until the ending. Went from 5 ⭐️ to 4 because the ending wasn’t well done. Through the whole book the main female says she won’t marry and slowly people give her reasons to marry but she still stays steadfast to “I will never marry” then all the sudden she’s like jk. Wanna get married? Then everything is rushed after this point. I just kept waiting for something more and was disappointed 😢
September 15, 2024
Is she Rich? Is she Poor?
One of my favorites in the series so far. A young heiress chaperoned by a lovely daughter of a Vicker who is imparting the etiquette and manners of a Lady are thrown into chaos when the girl's Father is a victim of the Ship sinking. The young girl needs to pick a guardian and immediately fixes on a wealthy, handsome, well known Rake and he accepts the position! There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns before a very satisfying ending.
One of my favorites in the series so far. A young heiress chaperoned by a lovely daughter of a Vicker who is imparting the etiquette and manners of a Lady are thrown into chaos when the girl's Father is a victim of the Ship sinking. The young girl needs to pick a guardian and immediately fixes on a wealthy, handsome, well known Rake and he accepts the position! There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns before a very satisfying ending.
June 18, 2020
Mary Kingswood has again produced a good read with this book. The main characters Evie and Eliot are described well. As for her other books there is a mystery that is solved at the end. Though its part of a series, it can be read on its own. I enjoyed the book and recommend it highly. I received a pre-release copy of the book to review.
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