What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cavanaughs #4
The Obsessions of Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens concludes the tales of the Cavanaugh siblings with the riveting story of the youngest brother and his search for a family of his own.
The scion of a noble house brought low by a storm and the lady who nurses him back to health strive to unravel a web of deception that threatens her family and forces them to fight for what they hold most dear—family, each other, and love.
Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh has no thoughts of marrying as he drives into North Yorkshire on a plum commission for the National Gallery to authenticate a Renaissance painting the gallery wishes to purchase. Then a snow storm sweeps in, and Godfrey barely manages to haul himself, his groom, and his horses to their destination.
Elinor Hinckley, eldest daughter of Hinckley Hall, stalwart defender of the family, right arm to her invalid father, and established spinster knows full well how much her family has riding on the sale of the painting and throws herself into nursing the initially delirious gentleman who holds her family's future in his hands.
But Godfrey proves to be a far from easy patient. Through Ellie's and her siblings' efforts to keep him entertained and abed, Godfrey grows to know the family, appreciating and, ultimately, being drawn into family life of a sort he's never known.
Eventually, to everyone's relief, he recovers sufficiently to assess the painting—only to discover that nothing, but nothing, is as it seems.
Someone has plans, someone other than the Hinckleys, but who is pulling the strings is a mystery that Godfrey and Ellie find near-impossible to solve. Every suspect proves to have perfectly understandable, albeit hidden reasons for their behavior, and Godfrey and Ellie remain baffled.
Until the villain, panicked by their inquiries, strikes—directly at them—and forces them both to acknowledge what has grown to be the most important thing in their lives. Both are natural defenders of the weak, and neither will give up. Together, they battle to save not just themselves, not just her family, but their futures. Hers, his, and theirs.
A classical historical romance set in North Yorkshire. Fourth and final novel in The Cavanaughs—a full-length historical romance of 90,000 words.
The scion of a noble house brought low by a storm and the lady who nurses him back to health strive to unravel a web of deception that threatens her family and forces them to fight for what they hold most dear—family, each other, and love.
Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh has no thoughts of marrying as he drives into North Yorkshire on a plum commission for the National Gallery to authenticate a Renaissance painting the gallery wishes to purchase. Then a snow storm sweeps in, and Godfrey barely manages to haul himself, his groom, and his horses to their destination.
Elinor Hinckley, eldest daughter of Hinckley Hall, stalwart defender of the family, right arm to her invalid father, and established spinster knows full well how much her family has riding on the sale of the painting and throws herself into nursing the initially delirious gentleman who holds her family's future in his hands.
But Godfrey proves to be a far from easy patient. Through Ellie's and her siblings' efforts to keep him entertained and abed, Godfrey grows to know the family, appreciating and, ultimately, being drawn into family life of a sort he's never known.
Eventually, to everyone's relief, he recovers sufficiently to assess the painting—only to discover that nothing, but nothing, is as it seems.
Someone has plans, someone other than the Hinckleys, but who is pulling the strings is a mystery that Godfrey and Ellie find near-impossible to solve. Every suspect proves to have perfectly understandable, albeit hidden reasons for their behavior, and Godfrey and Ellie remain baffled.
Until the villain, panicked by their inquiries, strikes—directly at them—and forces them both to acknowledge what has grown to be the most important thing in their lives. Both are natural defenders of the weak, and neither will give up. Together, they battle to save not just themselves, not just her family, but their futures. Hers, his, and theirs.
A classical historical romance set in North Yorkshire. Fourth and final novel in The Cavanaughs—a full-length historical romance of 90,000 words.
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2020
404 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,586 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 3, 2025
2.5 stars
A very promising beginning: Godfrey Cavanaugh and his man servant are caught in a blizzard a few miles short of Hinckley Hall, where a masterpiece of the High Renaissance period awaits Godfrey’s evaluation and authentication before the painting’s sale to the National Gallery can proceed. It’s touch and go whether the two will survive, but they make it to the hall in time for Godfrey to collapse, exhausted and frozen.
A boring midsection: Godfrey’s brush with hypothermia causes him to be bedridden for a week with a nasty cough and recurrent fever. Godfrey whines and collapses into his pillows often, but his forced period of inactivity is enlivened by his attraction to Ellie, the oldest daughter and lady of the house. Ellie spends a great deal of time in Godfrey’s room, keeping an eye on her patient and doing a great deal of mending. Mountains of mending.
Finally, finally, Godfrey gets back on his feet and has a chance to see the painting.
A clown circus of an ending:
A very promising beginning: Godfrey Cavanaugh and his man servant are caught in a blizzard a few miles short of Hinckley Hall, where a masterpiece of the High Renaissance period awaits Godfrey’s evaluation and authentication before the painting’s sale to the National Gallery can proceed. It’s touch and go whether the two will survive, but they make it to the hall in time for Godfrey to collapse, exhausted and frozen.
A boring midsection: Godfrey’s brush with hypothermia causes him to be bedridden for a week with a nasty cough and recurrent fever. Godfrey whines and collapses into his pillows often, but his forced period of inactivity is enlivened by his attraction to Ellie, the oldest daughter and lady of the house. Ellie spends a great deal of time in Godfrey’s room, keeping an eye on her patient and doing a great deal of mending. Mountains of mending.
Finally, finally, Godfrey gets back on his feet and has a chance to see the painting.
A clown circus of an ending:
September 21, 2020
Series: The Cavanaughs #4
Publication Date: 7/16/20
Number of Pages: 332
The final book in The Cavanaughs series is finally here. I have really been looking forward to Godfrey’s book because he always seemed to be on the outside looking in. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his siblings and their families, it was just that with their horrendous upbringing, he had learned to hold himself apart. The love was there, it was just more ‘formal’. I wanted to see the woman who could get through that aloofness. I met her – I liked her – but, it was all sort of -- meh. The story was neither exciting nor steamy. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the read, it was a nice story, it just didn’t raise my pulse rate in the least. It seems I’ve been all over the place with this series – 4-stars for the first book, The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh – 5-stars for the second book, The Pursuits of Lord Kit Cavanaugh – and, 3-stars for the third book, The Beguilement of Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh. Now, I’m at 3.5-stars for this book and will round it to 3.
Given his family history, Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh learned very early in life to spot fake from real. While that applied mostly to people, he quickly learned he could do the same with art – especially paintings. He studied and honed his skills until he became the sought-after authority for authenticating paintings. The National Gallery asked him to travel to North Yorkshire, the home of Mr. Hinkley, who had offered to sell the museum a rare High Renaissance painting by Mariotto Albertinelli.
Godfrey runs afoul of a nasty winter storm and is nearly frozen when he finally arrives at Hinckley Hall – where he promptly falls over, totally unconscious. Between nearly freezing and then developing lung fever, he was confined to bed for over a week before he could begin his authentication. During that time, he got to know and became smitten with Hinckley’s daughter, Ellie.
Elinor (Ellie) Hinckley is a caregiver by nature. She always puts others first and herself last. That is why she is eight-and-twenty, unmarried, in the middle of cold Yorkshire, caring for her invalid father and her two siblings. Life has passed her by, but she is happy with her life – really, she is. She’s also contending with two suitors who want to marry her (or her family name/prestige/money) and don’t seem to want to take no for an answer.
When Godfrey can finally begin his work, he’s entranced with the documentation the family has kept over the years. Goodness – if the provenance is that good, he can’t wait to see the painting!
There is a villain afoot, and when Godfrey is attacked, it could be the end of his life. He’s shocked to learn who the villain is and when Ellie tries to save Godfrey, she’s in danger as well. The villain had panicked when he discovered the plans to sell the painting and made plans to act to thwart them. He nearly succeeded.
This is an enjoyable read and I am glad I finally got to see Godfrey’s HEA. However, it wasn’t particularly exciting nor passionate. I wouldn’t read it a second time, but I am glad I have read it.
Publication Date: 7/16/20
Number of Pages: 332
The final book in The Cavanaughs series is finally here. I have really been looking forward to Godfrey’s book because he always seemed to be on the outside looking in. It wasn’t that he didn’t love his siblings and their families, it was just that with their horrendous upbringing, he had learned to hold himself apart. The love was there, it was just more ‘formal’. I wanted to see the woman who could get through that aloofness. I met her – I liked her – but, it was all sort of -- meh. The story was neither exciting nor steamy. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the read, it was a nice story, it just didn’t raise my pulse rate in the least. It seems I’ve been all over the place with this series – 4-stars for the first book, The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh – 5-stars for the second book, The Pursuits of Lord Kit Cavanaugh – and, 3-stars for the third book, The Beguilement of Lady Eustacia Cavanaugh. Now, I’m at 3.5-stars for this book and will round it to 3.
Given his family history, Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh learned very early in life to spot fake from real. While that applied mostly to people, he quickly learned he could do the same with art – especially paintings. He studied and honed his skills until he became the sought-after authority for authenticating paintings. The National Gallery asked him to travel to North Yorkshire, the home of Mr. Hinkley, who had offered to sell the museum a rare High Renaissance painting by Mariotto Albertinelli.
Godfrey runs afoul of a nasty winter storm and is nearly frozen when he finally arrives at Hinckley Hall – where he promptly falls over, totally unconscious. Between nearly freezing and then developing lung fever, he was confined to bed for over a week before he could begin his authentication. During that time, he got to know and became smitten with Hinckley’s daughter, Ellie.
Elinor (Ellie) Hinckley is a caregiver by nature. She always puts others first and herself last. That is why she is eight-and-twenty, unmarried, in the middle of cold Yorkshire, caring for her invalid father and her two siblings. Life has passed her by, but she is happy with her life – really, she is. She’s also contending with two suitors who want to marry her (or her family name/prestige/money) and don’t seem to want to take no for an answer.
When Godfrey can finally begin his work, he’s entranced with the documentation the family has kept over the years. Goodness – if the provenance is that good, he can’t wait to see the painting!
There is a villain afoot, and when Godfrey is attacked, it could be the end of his life. He’s shocked to learn who the villain is and when Ellie tries to save Godfrey, she’s in danger as well. The villain had panicked when he discovered the plans to sell the painting and made plans to act to thwart them. He nearly succeeded.
This is an enjoyable read and I am glad I finally got to see Godfrey’s HEA. However, it wasn’t particularly exciting nor passionate. I wouldn’t read it a second time, but I am glad I have read it.
August 2, 2020
Is the author getting too old to write love scenes? The two included were not as thrilling as I recall her previous scenes. Or maybe I am becoming too old to enjoy them?
Also, how does anyone recover from “lung fever” in a week? From the description of the book, I expected Godfrey to bedridden for weeks instead of days.
Also, how does anyone recover from “lung fever” in a week? From the description of the book, I expected Godfrey to bedridden for weeks instead of days.
June 29, 2022
This was an enjoyable story about the youngest Cavanaugh brother. Godfrey and Ellie were well matched and honest about their feelings. Always refreshing to have a heroine that wasn't the 20 year old with blonde hair and blue eyes that was so beautiful, the hero falls instantly in love and is willing to make all sacrifices to have her.
These characters have lived their lives, making decisions based on the good of their family. They choose each other and form a solid foundation for what they want their future to be.
If there had been more interaction with Ryder and Mary I would have been even happier. I was glad that the epilogue included the siblings to end this series but this book is heavily focused on Godfrey, Ellie, and Ellie's family.
These characters have lived their lives, making decisions based on the good of their family. They choose each other and form a solid foundation for what they want their future to be.
If there had been more interaction with Ryder and Mary I would have been even happier. I was glad that the epilogue included the siblings to end this series but this book is heavily focused on Godfrey, Ellie, and Ellie's family.
April 8, 2021
An enjoyable slower-paced story with strong themes of family and integrity in this historical romance.
dnf
July 18, 2024DNF
I disliked the narrator and the heroine gave me the ick.
I disliked the narrator and the heroine gave me the ick.
March 31, 2022
I was able to guess who the "villain" was fairly early on but it was still a seriously fun read and I love Stephanie Laurens so much.
May 29, 2025
3.3. 🪡🖼🎨
“Which goes to show that having wealth doesn’t mean”—he gestured about them—“laughter and warmth. Ease and comfort.”
“Which goes to show that having wealth doesn’t mean”—he gestured about them—“laughter and warmth. Ease and comfort.”
October 4, 2021
My rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I've read a lot of her books, and have always enjoyed them -- so I wanted to read this series, too. I've enjoyed the series, so I'm glad I read it.
I liked Godfrey, and liked that he was immediately willing to help Ellie and her family. He realized very soon that they needed someone with his knowledge of art to help them with the sale of their painting. He was very kind to all of Ellie's family, and did his best to help them.
I liked Ellie, and liked that she was so devoted to her family. She had basically given up on her dreams of a husband and children, so that she could help her family. I also liked that she was intelligent enough to realize it would be better to be a spinster than to marry a man she didn't love.
I liked that Godfrey understood very quickly that Ellie was the woman for him -- but he didn't try to rush her, since he knew she needed time to come to the same conclusion.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This book is well-written, because Stephanie Laurens is a talented writer. I've read a lot of her books, and have always enjoyed them -- so I wanted to read this series, too. I've enjoyed the series, so I'm glad I read it.
I liked Godfrey, and liked that he was immediately willing to help Ellie and her family. He realized very soon that they needed someone with his knowledge of art to help them with the sale of their painting. He was very kind to all of Ellie's family, and did his best to help them.
I liked Ellie, and liked that she was so devoted to her family. She had basically given up on her dreams of a husband and children, so that she could help her family. I also liked that she was intelligent enough to realize it would be better to be a spinster than to marry a man she didn't love.
I liked that Godfrey understood very quickly that Ellie was the woman for him -- but he didn't try to rush her, since he knew she needed time to come to the same conclusion.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
November 2, 2021
This book was boring. I listened to the audiobook version, and it was pretty good. At times the narrator missed the mark with the audible breaths.
This book was too sappy and lovey dovey and the prose was just too much, and much of the book was cringeworthy.
This book was too sappy and lovey dovey and the prose was just too much, and much of the book was cringeworthy.
December 14, 2020
I really liked this book. I rated it 4stars mainly because of 2 reasons. I reason being is that the book ended at 90%, so 10% was pretty much ads for other books. This was quite misleading as your anticipation and expectations in the book. You think your half done at 50%. You think at 85%, “oh what else is going to happen” when bam, you end up in the epilogue. The other reason, kinda of sound stupid, but she used a lot of big words I had no clue what they meant. I’m a college educated middle age woman, who has been in the workforce, I have been no sheltered woman. It’s been a while since I have read a Stephanie Lauren’s book and I can remember if that’s her style or not, but I did ha e to stop a lot to look up words I had an idea what they could mean, but not for sure, so I would have to look it up. It could just be her style, I’m not sure...but I found it kind of annoying and interrupted my enjoyment of the book.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Will I reread this book? Most likely. Will it be a top favorite of mine for this historical era? I really don’t know, and I usually do when I finish a book. Will I buy or read other works but this author? Definitely.
It is nice to read books by this author. While I complain about the big words I have never heard of, I do enjoy this woman’s style and thoroughness in writing historical romances. I already own electronically several of her books which are usually at the $7.99+ price digitally. Her books however often go on sale, you just have to be patient and watch. That’s how come I’m reading the fourth book in the series first. It was on sale and I looked and saw I already owned it. I later saw I owned book 3 in the series also. Which will probably be the next book of Stephanie Lauren’s I will read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Will I reread this book? Most likely. Will it be a top favorite of mine for this historical era? I really don’t know, and I usually do when I finish a book. Will I buy or read other works but this author? Definitely.
It is nice to read books by this author. While I complain about the big words I have never heard of, I do enjoy this woman’s style and thoroughness in writing historical romances. I already own electronically several of her books which are usually at the $7.99+ price digitally. Her books however often go on sale, you just have to be patient and watch. That’s how come I’m reading the fourth book in the series first. It was on sale and I looked and saw I already owned it. I later saw I owned book 3 in the series also. Which will probably be the next book of Stephanie Lauren’s I will read.
November 15, 2025
This book has been sat on my shelf for a while and I’m not sure why I hadn’t read it yet, so I plucked it off my shelf in my quest to finish and keep up with series. I wasn’t disappointed as I really enjoyed Godfrey’s story, having read the stories of each of his siblings before. What I love about Stephanie Laurens is that her romances aren’t just romance, but there is always some kind of mystery to solve that brings the protagonists together.
The only negative thing I can say about this novel is that the period with Godfrey Cavanaugh in bed recovering and not pursuing the investigation that brought him there is frustrating. It felt longer than it needed to be, while the actual investigation felt frustratingly short. Basically, the balance of the story felt off. However, I did enjoy the story, and the building connections between the characters as Godfrey discovers the family that he wants in the Hinckleys, specifically in Eleanor who seems to be his match.
I guessed who the villain of the piece was, I thought it was fairly obvious from first meeting him. But the supporting characters I did enjoy – Harry and Maggie, Mr Hinckley, and his friends Morris and Pyne. It gave the kind of dynamic that Godfrey wanted for his own family. The mystery was intriguing, and I wanted to know how it had been done, which was well-explained at the end. I always enjoy the explanations of the mysteries, and this one was no exception.
This is definitely a series I’ll return to – I always love the works of Stephanie Laurens, they’re an auto-buy for me, and I can’t see that changing any time soon, to be honest. Laurens’ work, including this one, is intriguing, mysterious, romantic, and hugely engaging. When I’m struggling to read, I turn to the work of Stephanie Laurens or Julia Quinn generally.
The only negative thing I can say about this novel is that the period with Godfrey Cavanaugh in bed recovering and not pursuing the investigation that brought him there is frustrating. It felt longer than it needed to be, while the actual investigation felt frustratingly short. Basically, the balance of the story felt off. However, I did enjoy the story, and the building connections between the characters as Godfrey discovers the family that he wants in the Hinckleys, specifically in Eleanor who seems to be his match.
I guessed who the villain of the piece was, I thought it was fairly obvious from first meeting him. But the supporting characters I did enjoy – Harry and Maggie, Mr Hinckley, and his friends Morris and Pyne. It gave the kind of dynamic that Godfrey wanted for his own family. The mystery was intriguing, and I wanted to know how it had been done, which was well-explained at the end. I always enjoy the explanations of the mysteries, and this one was no exception.
This is definitely a series I’ll return to – I always love the works of Stephanie Laurens, they’re an auto-buy for me, and I can’t see that changing any time soon, to be honest. Laurens’ work, including this one, is intriguing, mysterious, romantic, and hugely engaging. When I’m struggling to read, I turn to the work of Stephanie Laurens or Julia Quinn generally.
August 20, 2021
Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh has always love art and paintings. He loves his job as an art authenticator... usually. Right now, he is slogging through a winter storm and isn't sure that he is going to make his destination. His valet has twisted an ankle and things are looking dark. Luckily, he finds a man named Masterson who is heading to the same manor house. Unluckily, being out in the cold brings out the same weakness that he used to suffer as a child, basically a really bad flu.
Elinor "Ellie" Hinckley is hopeful that selling her mother's favorite painting will help restore some of the family's money. At least enough to get them through for awhile longer. She's 28 and the daughter of minor gentry so she has no hopes of marriage when a handsome man lands in their family's lap; she's more concerned about the painting being proved to be an original masterpiece.
But all is not as it seems in the manor and Godfrey is going to be the person to help figure out what is going on.
This was really 3 1/2 stars rounded up for Goodreads. If you've enjoyed other books in the series, you know what you're going to get. It's a romance from Stephanie Laurens but a little muted since there is a looooooong stretch where Godfrey is ill so the action is a little lacking. I am curious about the side character of Mr. Jeffers (I was listening to the audio so the spelling might be wrong here) -- he was introduced as a man shrouded in mystery and, at least in my mind, ended the book in the same place.
Elinor "Ellie" Hinckley is hopeful that selling her mother's favorite painting will help restore some of the family's money. At least enough to get them through for awhile longer. She's 28 and the daughter of minor gentry so she has no hopes of marriage when a handsome man lands in their family's lap; she's more concerned about the painting being proved to be an original masterpiece.
But all is not as it seems in the manor and Godfrey is going to be the person to help figure out what is going on.
This was really 3 1/2 stars rounded up for Goodreads. If you've enjoyed other books in the series, you know what you're going to get. It's a romance from Stephanie Laurens but a little muted since there is a looooooong stretch where Godfrey is ill so the action is a little lacking. I am curious about the side character of Mr. Jeffers (I was listening to the audio so the spelling might be wrong here) -- he was introduced as a man shrouded in mystery and, at least in my mind, ended the book in the same place.
August 5, 2020
The Obsessions of Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens is the last book in the Cavanaugh series. This series focused on the Cavanaugh brothers and their searches to find the one. In this book, Godfrey is the brother who is focused on. He is sent to North Yorkshire to authenticate a Renaissance painting. His journey while started off easily ended with him struggling through a blizzard to get to Hinckley Hall.
Elinor Hinckley is the oldest daughter at Hinckley Hall. She has run the hall since her father’s accident. She has been unwilling to commit to any of the suitors who have come calling. Once Godfrey and his groom manage to get through the storm, he falls ill and Elinor and her family are quite insistent to get him well. They are needing his authentication in order to see if a painting they had could be sold for needed funds for the future. Only Godfrey is a lousy patient, constantly trying to get back to work.
Only nothing is quite as it seems. The painting, the guests, and the hall. Godfrey is determined to get to the bottom and to marry Elinor. It is here he feels at peace and everything feels right. Now to only have everything turn out correctly, but there are some issues… The Obsessions of Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh is a good read.
Elinor Hinckley is the oldest daughter at Hinckley Hall. She has run the hall since her father’s accident. She has been unwilling to commit to any of the suitors who have come calling. Once Godfrey and his groom manage to get through the storm, he falls ill and Elinor and her family are quite insistent to get him well. They are needing his authentication in order to see if a painting they had could be sold for needed funds for the future. Only Godfrey is a lousy patient, constantly trying to get back to work.
Only nothing is quite as it seems. The painting, the guests, and the hall. Godfrey is determined to get to the bottom and to marry Elinor. It is here he feels at peace and everything feels right. Now to only have everything turn out correctly, but there are some issues… The Obsessions of Lord Godfrey Cavanaugh is a good read.
January 28, 2021
Lord Godfrey is headed deep into North Yorkshire in January 1850 to assess a high renaissance painting's validity when he and his manservant are caught in a sudden blizzard just short of their destination, Hinkley Hall. While they make it to the hall alive, Godfrey collapses on arrival at the feet of Miss Eleanor Hinkley. As the blizzard rages trapping all in the manor, including 2 neighbors and a distant relative who also was caught on the road by the blizzard, Ellie and Godfrey bond while he recovers from the fever and cough that inevitably takes possession after his collapse.
Godfrey, the youngest of the Cavanaugh siblings, is passionate about art and has become an expert in detecting forgeries. In the course of his appraisal, it is found that things are not as expected in more than one way with respect to the painting and to matters at Hinkley Hall. While dodging danger and disclosing villains, all is satisfactorily resolved and true love finds its way.
This is the last of the Cavanaugh siblings series by Laurens. All of the siblings have put the ugly past behind them and sunk deep roots into the new families they have each embraced while realizing individual fulfillment in their chosen interests.
Godfrey, the youngest of the Cavanaugh siblings, is passionate about art and has become an expert in detecting forgeries. In the course of his appraisal, it is found that things are not as expected in more than one way with respect to the painting and to matters at Hinkley Hall. While dodging danger and disclosing villains, all is satisfactorily resolved and true love finds its way.
This is the last of the Cavanaugh siblings series by Laurens. All of the siblings have put the ugly past behind them and sunk deep roots into the new families they have each embraced while realizing individual fulfillment in their chosen interests.
July 23, 2020
Against the grain here but I was not a fan of this one. For the final book Lord Godfrey was such a bore. An expert in identifying fraudulent artworks he is sent to the Hinckley’s to check a Renaissance painting they want to sell. On the way he gets caught in a blizzard and ends up falling over the threshold badly ill. The result of this has him in bed for a week delaying him being able to look at the painting.
Over the course of the week Ellie the eldest Hinckley cares for him and they develop a strong bond. Also stuck in the blizzard are two of Ellie’s suitors Masterton and Morris who make their intentions clear to Godfrey. When he is finally able to view the painting Godfrey is shocked with what he finds and so ensues a mystery with dangerous consequences.
Very predictable which is fine in a historical romance if there is some heat but these two were putting me to sleep. Far too sensible for my liking and Godfrey not being able to be disturbed while concentrating, I am not about that. Pay attention to your love interest mate. A disappointing end to a solid series from Stephanie.
Over the course of the week Ellie the eldest Hinckley cares for him and they develop a strong bond. Also stuck in the blizzard are two of Ellie’s suitors Masterton and Morris who make their intentions clear to Godfrey. When he is finally able to view the painting Godfrey is shocked with what he finds and so ensues a mystery with dangerous consequences.
Very predictable which is fine in a historical romance if there is some heat but these two were putting me to sleep. Far too sensible for my liking and Godfrey not being able to be disturbed while concentrating, I am not about that. Pay attention to your love interest mate. A disappointing end to a solid series from Stephanie.
April 29, 2024
January 1850. This last book in the Cavanaugh series takes place about 8 months before the start of the Cynster's Next Generations series, and the mini trilogy, The Devil's Brood. But here, Godfrey Cavanaugh is traveling to North Yorkshire on behalf of the National Gallery to authenticate a painting for the Gallery's possible purchase. But at the last minute, a blizzard hits, and he and his coachman barely make it to Hinkley Hall. After collapsing, he's ill for a week, while the elder daughter of the house, Elinor Hinkley takes care of him. But Godfrey is itching to see the painting, reported to be a very famous one. But disappointment looms as he is immediately able to determine it's a forgery, albeit a very good one. The question is, how? and who? And while Elinor and Godfrey are growing closer, another suitor keeps pressing his suit with Elinor. But the mystery has to be solved. The money will go a long way to fixing the finances of Hinkley Hall, and helping Elinor's ill father, and her brother and sister's future.
Good story, but again, I really feel that stories have gone downhill a shade since Lauren's went to self publishing.
Good story, but again, I really feel that stories have gone downhill a shade since Lauren's went to self publishing.
July 19, 2020
Satisfying finish to a wonderful series!
This is the final book in the Cavanaughs series. Godfrey has watched all his siblings fall in love and find their way in this changing world. He is making his mark as a trusted evaluator of works of art. He is sent to check the veracity of a painting, but is caught out in a blizzard on the way there and becomes badly ill. He gets to know the family well, especially the oldest daughter Ellie. Trying to heal and then evaluating the painting leads to a mystery that someone doesn't want him to figure out. There are many possible suspects and the solution is surprising.
The pace is leisurely, the tone is hopeful and the storyline is character oriented with some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. Read these in order starting with The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh, and then going through this series in order. If you like historical romances with mystery and surprises along with endearing characters, then this is for you! Enjoy!
This is the final book in the Cavanaughs series. Godfrey has watched all his siblings fall in love and find their way in this changing world. He is making his mark as a trusted evaluator of works of art. He is sent to check the veracity of a painting, but is caught out in a blizzard on the way there and becomes badly ill. He gets to know the family well, especially the oldest daughter Ellie. Trying to heal and then evaluating the painting leads to a mystery that someone doesn't want him to figure out. There are many possible suspects and the solution is surprising.
The pace is leisurely, the tone is hopeful and the storyline is character oriented with some action and some steamy scenes. The characters are vibrant and engaging. Read these in order starting with The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh, and then going through this series in order. If you like historical romances with mystery and surprises along with endearing characters, then this is for you! Enjoy!
August 2, 2021
End of yet another chapter in this family saga.
When I first read Devil’s Bride in 1999 I honestly thought it would encompass the six cousins known about London as the ‘Bar Cynster’s’ and that would be it. Little did I know that I would be reading this very extended series, with its twisting family connections, for the next 20 years!
Godfrey’s story is very different from a lot of the books in that for a majority of the book nothing happens. It’s one man stuck in bed for 50% of the time waiting for someone to visit and keep him company as he recovers. The final third of the book is where the story actually gets going. Yet, it wasn’t a bad or boring story - these books very seldom are. So to wrap this up, the characters were personable and in line with the usual Laurens style, plus the setting and atmosphere lent itself to the plot. Not my favourite by any means, but memorable.
3.5 stars 🌟
When I first read Devil’s Bride in 1999 I honestly thought it would encompass the six cousins known about London as the ‘Bar Cynster’s’ and that would be it. Little did I know that I would be reading this very extended series, with its twisting family connections, for the next 20 years!
Godfrey’s story is very different from a lot of the books in that for a majority of the book nothing happens. It’s one man stuck in bed for 50% of the time waiting for someone to visit and keep him company as he recovers. The final third of the book is where the story actually gets going. Yet, it wasn’t a bad or boring story - these books very seldom are. So to wrap this up, the characters were personable and in line with the usual Laurens style, plus the setting and atmosphere lent itself to the plot. Not my favourite by any means, but memorable.
3.5 stars 🌟
November 8, 2020
Fourth and final installment in the series gives us the obsession and path of Godfrey. He's made himself into an art expert and an authenticater. He's called to a country estate to put his official stamp on a painting. But on the way he and his groom are caught in a blizzard.
Godfrey catches a chill and that was no laughing matter in those days. The family hosting him feel guilty. He feels affection as he gets to know the family members especially eldest daughter and contemporary, Ellie. Early in the book Godfrey decides Elie would be his perfect wife. Very little sizzle but a satisfying story and nice bow tying up all the stories.
Godfrey catches a chill and that was no laughing matter in those days. The family hosting him feel guilty. He feels affection as he gets to know the family members especially eldest daughter and contemporary, Ellie. Early in the book Godfrey decides Elie would be his perfect wife. Very little sizzle but a satisfying story and nice bow tying up all the stories.
December 2, 2022
Good book with a member of the Cavanaughs.
Ellie Hinckley lives at Hinckley Hall with her father, brother, and sister.
Godfrey gets caught in a storm. He and a man are trying to get the Hinkley Hall.
He is sick and has to recover from being in the storm.
Ellie takes care of Godfrey.
He has come to value a painting they have.
Someone is trying to get the painting for his own gain.
Once Godfrey looks over the painting he realizes that it is a forgery.
They find the ones who are stealing.
Ellie and Godfrey become friends and then they find a love this is theirs alone.
He gains a family and Ellie gets her man. The one meant for her.
I love Stephanie's books.
Ellie Hinckley lives at Hinckley Hall with her father, brother, and sister.
Godfrey gets caught in a storm. He and a man are trying to get the Hinkley Hall.
He is sick and has to recover from being in the storm.
Ellie takes care of Godfrey.
He has come to value a painting they have.
Someone is trying to get the painting for his own gain.
Once Godfrey looks over the painting he realizes that it is a forgery.
They find the ones who are stealing.
Ellie and Godfrey become friends and then they find a love this is theirs alone.
He gains a family and Ellie gets her man. The one meant for her.
I love Stephanie's books.
August 31, 2020
Godfrey Cavanaugh is an art appraiser sent to North Yorkshire to evaluate a painting. Caught in a snowstorm, he catches a fever but is nursed back to health by the daughter of the family, Elinor Hinckley. Unfortunately, the painting is a forgery, and Godfrey sets about solving the mystery as well as wooing Elinor.
I felt like I read this book before as the plot is very familiar to a few others I've read, but that's fine because Ms. Laurens always adds her own stamp to a story. The characters are great and both Godfrey and Elinor are a good match with lots of chemistry. A very good read.
I felt like I read this book before as the plot is very familiar to a few others I've read, but that's fine because Ms. Laurens always adds her own stamp to a story. The characters are great and both Godfrey and Elinor are a good match with lots of chemistry. A very good read.
July 17, 2020
Finishes the Cavanaugh series with Godfrey finding a family to make his own. Ellie is a strong adult woman keeping her birth family centered after her mother's death and father's limiting injury. When Godfrey travels to Ellie's home to authenticate a painting, he's caught by a blizzard and is half frozen when he finally arrives. From this interesting start, love proceeds to capture two wary hearts as they work though puzzling events together.
July 19, 2020
Always a auto buy
I look forward to each new novel, even when it ends a series that has kept me watching and waiting for years. This family deserves happiness. It began with heart ache and disloyalty through no fault of the children as they grew to adults. It is so good to see Godfrey become the man he was meant to be and through danger find the romance that was there lighting the darkness. Highly recommended.
I look forward to each new novel, even when it ends a series that has kept me watching and waiting for years. This family deserves happiness. It began with heart ache and disloyalty through no fault of the children as they grew to adults. It is so good to see Godfrey become the man he was meant to be and through danger find the romance that was there lighting the darkness. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2020
Final book of the series
Godfrey Cavanaugh purpose is linked to Art. He is known in Art circle as authenticator of painting especially if the painting is a forgery. He is sent to Yorkshire in Winter to view a painting. What he finds is a lady as pure as a bottcelli and a fascinating story linked to painting. There is still the usual love match, a mystery, the unexpected villain and a happy ending all set in the backdrop of a Victorian England
Godfrey Cavanaugh purpose is linked to Art. He is known in Art circle as authenticator of painting especially if the painting is a forgery. He is sent to Yorkshire in Winter to view a painting. What he finds is a lady as pure as a bottcelli and a fascinating story linked to painting. There is still the usual love match, a mystery, the unexpected villain and a happy ending all set in the backdrop of a Victorian England
November 1, 2022
So in chapter 11 of Stacie's book, Ryder and Mary's oldest son was named Julian. In this book his name is Robert. While I consider most of Laurens' books to be decent books to read and lose yourself in, because I've been paying more attention to detail so I can keep track of who and the general ages of people, I've noticed a lot of glaring mistakes. I think the author really needs to sit down and review her books and fix the issues and take better character notes.
July 17, 2020
Always a fascinating story from Ms Laurens
Her stories always draw me in and make me feel as though I am experiencing the people and environment of the story, I am there.
I rush to the end and then want the story to go on!
Her stories always draw me in and make me feel as though I am experiencing the people and environment of the story, I am there.
I rush to the end and then want the story to go on!
July 20, 2020
Love
Stephanie Laurens never fails to grab me with the first chapter and not let go until the very last. This story begins with a painting supposedly rare and worth a lot and includes robbery, attempted murder and all along a touching romance interwoven. I loved this book
Stephanie Laurens never fails to grab me with the first chapter and not let go until the very last. This story begins with a painting supposedly rare and worth a lot and includes robbery, attempted murder and all along a touching romance interwoven. I loved this book
July 21, 2020
You just can't go wrong with a tale from Laurens! I really liked these characters and the plot of this book. I don't do a synopsis for other readers but I'll tell you that you'll get swept away. Looking forward to reading the book.
July 27, 2020
Wonderful finish to the Cavanaugh series
ThiS story was sweet and had an interesting plot. All Stephanies stories being a new theme. I won't tell you the story. Reading and enjoy it on your own.
ThiS story was sweet and had an interesting plot. All Stephanies stories being a new theme. I won't tell you the story. Reading and enjoy it on your own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews